Probably the most fun I had in my few days exploring the little bit of NM I could was my trip to Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument.   I had been anticipating this for over a week after finding photos of it on the internet before I left home.   My plan....hike as much as I could and take tons of pictures.  I hiked ALL of it and took tons of pictures (try not to be too shocked).   In truth I was in NM right after they had the monsoons that caused so much flooding and I was worried I wouldn't be able to hike the canyon trail due to the risk (slot canyons are very dangerous when it rains that hard).    When I entered the park gate the ranger told me that they were advising caution on the canyon trail because indeed they had just had some rain that morning and there was a "chance" of more during the day.   However, the loop trail was fine.

Tent Rocks actually is on a reservation but I can say, all blacktop road to a remote natural wonder is something I didn't expect!   Driving through much sage brush and rolling hills and plateaus it is pretty shocking to come around the corner and see this in the morning light.   I was glad I got there when I did (would have been there earlier if I'd realized that they opened at 7:30 not 9) but then likely would have gotten rained on.  Still this morning light was fabulous!

You all will forgive me if yes indeed I have some HDR in these photos of this amazing place, which I'll spread out into a few posts.   Suffice it to say this little park (and there aren't many parking spots) is one of the nicest, cleanest parks ever and the loop trail is absolutely fabulous!   HIGHLY recommended!

Here are a couple more shots and I'll save the history and description of the area for the next post.