Cochiti Lake in New Mexico

Trip Overview

Painted cave of Bandelier National monument is a back country wilderness feature, usually accessible by backpacking. The pictographs and surrounding petroglyphs are spectacular.

During the spring run-offs (this trip is best from April - May), the cave is accessible by day trip by paddling up-river from Cochiti Lake to Capulin Canyon. From there, a short hike is required.

Southerly canyon winds are common in the late mornings and early afternoons so plan accordingly...

Cochiti Lake is a reservoir on the Rio Grande managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Its perimeter lands are a combination of private Cochiti Pueblo owned and public lands. Most of the Pueblos lands are considered private.

Accommodations:

Public composting toilet at the Tetilla Peak launch site.

Fees:

not generally...

Directions:

The lake is located off I-25 between Santa Fe and Albuquerque. The suggested put-in is on the east side of the lake and called Tetilla Peak.

Resources:

Area Topo map