Planning a trip to the unique geological wonder of Tent Rocks National Monument in New Mexico? It’s essential to organize your visit in advance to fully appreciate this breathtaking landscape. This guide provides all the necessary information regarding hours, fees, reservations, and important details for your trip to Tent Rocks.
Operating Hours and Check-in Procedures
To begin your exploration of Tent Rocks, all visitors must first check in at the Cochiti Visitor Center. Check-in opens at 7:45 a.m. Mountain Time, with guided vehicle convoys commencing at 8:00 a.m. These pilot vehicles will lead visitors into the Monument. Please note that the last convoy departs from the Cochiti Visitor Center at 1:00 p.m., and all visitors are required to exit the Monument by 4:00 p.m.
Tent Rocks National Monument welcomes visitors from Thursday through Monday each week. However, please be aware of the following closure dates:
- Friday before Easter
- Saturday before Easter
- Easter Sunday
- Monday after Easter
- May 3rd
- July 13th and 14th
- July 25th
- November 1st
- Thanksgiving Day
- December 15th – January 31st (seasonal closure)
Additionally, the Monument may be closed for up to three more days annually for Pueblo cultural observances. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) kindly requests that visitors respect the traditions of the local communities during these significant times. It’s also important to be aware that much of the land surrounding the Monument is Cochiti Pueblo Tribal property. Law enforcement will be patrolling the area to ensure no unauthorized access occurs.
Reservation Requirements for Tent Rocks
Currently, visitation to Tent Rocks National Monument operates on a reservation-only basis. Visitors must secure reservations through the official Recreation.gov website prior to their visit. A limited number of BLM Ticket Reservations are released daily, and it is highly recommended to book well in advance to secure your spot.
A BLM Ticket Reservation costs $5 per person for visitors aged 16 and older. Visitors aged 16 and under are free, but a reservation is still required for them. The America the Beautiful Pass is accepted and will waive the BLM Ticket Reservation fee for the pass holder and up to three additional guests.
Cochiti Pueblo Tribal Access Pass
In addition to the BLM Ticket Reservation, all visitors are required to obtain a Cochiti Pueblo Tribal Access Pass directly from the Cochiti Pueblo before entering the Monument. The cost for this pass is $20 per person for visitors over the age of 16, $10 per person for visitors aged 2-16 years old, and free for children under 2 years old. A direct link to purchase the Cochiti Pueblo Tribal Access Pass will be provided during your transaction on Recreation.gov.
It is crucial to understand that the Cochiti Pueblo Tribal Access Pass and the BLM Ticket Reservation are separate permits, and visitors must possess both to gain entry to the Monument. The America the Beautiful Pass cannot be used to cover the fees associated with the Cochiti Pueblo Tribal Access Pass.
Contact Information
For further details or inquiries, please contact the BLM Rio Puerco Field Office front desk at 505-761-8700 or reach out to the Cochiti Pueblo directly at 505-624-4284 or 505-584-9652.
By planning ahead and securing the necessary reservations and passes, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to the remarkable Tent Rocks National Monument in New Mexico.
