BLM conducts repairs in Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

In New Mexico, this time of year comes with many monsoon rains. Normally, the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is mildly impacted by the storms, but this year we were in for a surprise. The main trail leads through a narrow canyon, and is also a potential flash flood area.

On the evening of August 10, torrential downpours, like we haven't seen in years, hit the Monument. Luckily, no one was on the trails at this time as the storms lingered over the canyon, just barely after closing hours. Park Rangers came upon the damage early Saturday morning to find the road impassible and the trails nearly wiped out. The damages were so extensive, management made the hard call to close the Monument for the safety of visitors and employees while clean-up efforts began.

Thanks to the Monument Park Rangers, Albuquerque District Labor Crew, and many helping hands from the Albuquerque District Office, Rio Puerco Field Office, and New Mexico State Office, for all of the hard work in to preparing the Monument for reopening. After 11 days of hard work on the roads and trails, the Monument was able to reopen!