Cave Loop Trail

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Of the two main trails at this trailhead for Kasha-Katuwe Tent Tocks National Monument, the Cave Loop Trail is the more difficult, but is also the more picturesque. You’ll start off running among the Monument’s unique tent-shaped hoodoos along a sandy trail.

From the trailhead, the trail heads to the northeast and is well-marked as it winds through the park’s namesake tent rock hoodoos. These formed from erosion after the Jemez volcanic field erupted 6-7 million years ago. The formations are still forming and pumice and tuff are quite fragile so please remain on the trail.

A half-mile into the run, you’ll arrive at the intersection with the Slot Canyon Trail which heads to the right. Stay to the left here to continue on the Cave Loop Trail. After a short, gradual climb, the trail loops back to the south, returning runners to the trailhead where they started.