Falls Trail Tour - Stop 5

Tent rocks along the Falls Trail.

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Here you can see tuff formations called tent rocks. These form when a more durable material shields portions of the softer rock from erosion. This coating can form in a variety of ways, and several of these types can be seen in Frijoles Canyon. Escaping vapor can heat the rocks, causing some particles to weld together more firmly. Alternatively, gases may contain minerals that, when precipitated, form cement between particles. Groundwater can also deposit minerals that form a resistant covering. In some places, a cap of more resistant stone protects the softer rock, creating the tent-shaped remnants.