Kashe Katuwe / Rent Rocks

The BLM manages this National Monument. Kashe Katuwe, means white cliffs, in the language of the Cochiti Pueblo. When I moved to Cochiti Lake, I was so happy to find slot canyons nearby, which you can see I've hiked and photographed others in the Southwest. "The cone shaped formations are the product of volcanic eruptions that occurred 6 or 7 million years ago and left pumice, ash and tuff deposits over 1000 feet thick. Tremendous explosions from the Jemez volcano field spewed pyroclasts (rock formations), while searing hot gases blasted down slopes in an incandescent avalanche called "pyroclastic flow".Over time,wind,water cut into these deposits creating canyons and arroyos, scooping holes in the rocks and contouring the ends of small, inward ravines into smooth semi circles." (taken from the Trail Guide, given at entry) The slot canyon trial is a beautiful hike,of about a mile leading to steeper climbs to the mesa tops, with more beautiful views. I've done a few model shoots (also on this site), as well, all in appreciation of natural beauty, which I feel NM has so much of, in diverse forms everywhere. First images show much of looking up at the rock formations and nearing the end, one can see them from above. The paved road beyond the Park entrance leads to a Veteran's Memorial scenic overlook.