Brian & Patty's Awesome Adventure!: Cochiti Lake, NM

We left Albuquerque and headed about 60 miles up Interstate 25 to an Army Core of Engineers campground at Cochiti Lake.

Cochiti Lake

For only $10.00 a night it had 50 amp electricity and water but no sewer, but an incredible view of the lake! We were very careful with our water and sewer and we were able to last 5 nights. we were in site # 63. We would really like to come back to this GREAT campground!

Campsite #63

Tuesday we drove to the Tent Rocks National Monument. Tent Rocks is only about 6 miles from Cochiti lake.

Tent Rocks National Monument

There are two hikes at Tent Rocks. The easy one is the Cave Loop Trail and runs right through the Tent Rocks. The harder Canyon Trail runs through a slot canyon and eventually makes you do some rock climbing to get to an overview. The best part of the Canyon Trail though is through the slot canyon.

Two Trails

The Canyon Trail is in and out. When you are about half a mile from being out you can take a right turn and complete the Cave loop.

Canyon Trail

We started on the Canyon Loop. We passed the intersection of the Cave loop and continued towards the slot canyon.

Start of the slot canyon

Several places in the canyon the canyon narrows to where only one person at a time can pass.There are even some places that you have to 'tightrope' walk, one foot in front of another.

Slot Canyon Narrows

The trail started getting tougher with rocks and boulders, but the canyon is really beautiful with its smooth and flowing walls.

rough trail

Not only did you have to climb over rocks, but there were boulders that you had to go under. This is really a neat trail!

Big Boulders

We made it out of the slot canyon and continued up the trail.

Out of the canyon

We just had climbed a very tough area that was about a 20 foot rock climb. At this point we had seen the best of the Canyon Trail hike. As we looked up the hill it was single track and most people were getting on all fours in many spots. We decided we had completed our trail segment!

Trail really got rough

It is reported that after visiting Tent Rocks Dr. Seuss was inspired to model Whoville after it. It doesn't take much imagination to see it!

Whoville?

If ever you are in the Santa Fe or even Albuquerque area you MUST hike the Tent Rocks area. It is an amazing hike!

Tent Rocks Selfie

We headed back down the Canyon Trail and the Slot Canyon was just as wonderful in reverse! When we got to the Cave Trail intersection we opted to take the Cave Trail back to the parking area. Here is the Cave.