Falls Trail Stop 5

Tent rocks can be formed through a variety of geological processes

photos by Sally King

Stop 5: A unique series of events creates remnants of tuff called tent rocks. Tent rocks form when a more durable material or coating shields portions of the softer rock from erosion. Tent rocks in tuff are created a variety of ways and several of these types can be seen in Frijoles Canyon. Gases can contain minerals that, when precipitated, form cement between the particles or escaping vapor may heat the rocks causing some particles to weld together more firmly. Groundwater may deposit minerals that form a resistant covering that protects the eroding rock. In some places, a cap of more resistant stone protects the softer rock beneath from the ravages of erosion creating the tent shaped remnants.

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This different form of tent rocks is found further up Frijoles Canyon.

Photo by Sally King