Located about halfway between Silver City and Deming, City of Rocks offers camp sites, hiking trails, excellent mountain biking, wildlife viewing, birding, stargazing, picnic areas and a desert botanical garden. The park encompasses a one square mile area in the scenic Chihuahuan desert region of southwestern New Mexico at an elevation of 5,200 feet. Formed of volcanic ash 30 million years ago and sculpted by wind and water into rows of monolithic blocks, City of Rocks State Park takes its name from these incredible rock formations rising as high as 40 feet and separated by paths or lanes resembling city streets. The eruption was from the Emory Caldera, centered near Hillsboro Peak at the southern end of the Black Range.
City of Rocks from Observation Point which can be reached by hiking or up a short dirt road that leads up from the entrance to the park.Desert Botanical Gardens – Visitors can see a sampling of southwestern plants and animals. The park’s desert botanical garden is home to cow’s tongue and bunny ear cacti, Yucca, and towering Century plants. Deer, antelope, javelinas, and jackrabbits are frequently seen in the area, along with over 35 species of birds, ranging from Golden Eagles to finches.Starting our journey into the City of RocksAnna trying (unsuccessfully) to push over a rockPausing to take in the viewTable Mountain – looking northeast from the City of RocksNice view of distant mountains beyond the City of RocksA windmill and water tank supplying water for campersLooking across the City of Rocks from a high pointNice “couch” made of rock. I wonder if Indians used this? The Mimbreno Indians settled in the area from 750 to 1250 AD. Pottery, arrowheads, and other artifacts show evidence of prehistoric Indians in the area. Indian wells, or conical holes, are found in the rocks where water would be allowed to collect.A selfie among the rock monoliths
While a few camp sites have electricity, most are primitive. The primitive sites are situated just adjacent to the rock formations for an up close and personal experience. We only visited for the day so we didn’t experience camping in the park. I bet the view of the stars at night is spectacular! In fact there is a small observatory on site.
Campsites with electricityOne of many dry campsites in the rocks. Note the round boulder above the site. I hope it never falls!
3 thoughts on “City of Rocks State Park, New Mexico”
We, my wife , her daughter, and I, worked there, July 1999 to Feb 2000, in the Visitor Center. Cratie and his wife Gail Sandlin were there. He was the first ranger. Brian and Jeanne Pendley were there as the second Ranger living in those house near the front. Rayna Bennett was a Ranger also during our time. John Ralston was there with us as a Visitor Center Volunteer also.
Silver City, Deming, Columbus, entry walking into Mexico, etc. I enjoyed walking in those rocks. Fun Stuff.
It’s weird how often one of your posts is so timely. We are planning a spring 2024 trip west to the same areas. Had planned to take I 10 out of Texas so we could get started earlier during winter then cut up to I 40 via somewhere around the Colorado River, back east on I 40. Friends are pulling into the RV park here in Missouri (near Carthage) having just come east on I 40. They said I 40 East in Arizona was a terrible road full of potholes. They noticed 7 vehicles pulled over with tire issues and the 5th wheel traveling with them had a wet bolt broken from the bouncing. He suggested we start the trip westbound on I 40 then down to I 10. I switched out to Morryde heavy duty bolts and shackles but not sure I want to put the rig through it. Independent suspension would be a payoff if you happen to be heading up to I 40 eastbound. Safe travels
3 thoughts on “City of Rocks State Park, New Mexico”
We, my wife , her daughter, and I, worked there, July 1999 to Feb 2000, in the Visitor Center. Cratie and his wife Gail Sandlin were there. He was the first ranger.
Brian and Jeanne Pendley were there as the second Ranger living in those house near the front.
Rayna Bennett was a Ranger also during our time.
John Ralston was there with us as a Visitor Center Volunteer also.
Silver City, Deming, Columbus, entry walking into Mexico, etc.
I enjoyed walking in those rocks. Fun Stuff.
It’s weird how often one of your posts is so timely. We are planning a spring 2024 trip west to the same areas. Had planned to take I 10 out of Texas so we could get started earlier during winter then cut up to I 40 via somewhere around the Colorado River, back east on I 40. Friends are pulling into the RV park here in Missouri (near Carthage) having just come east on I 40. They said I 40 East in Arizona was a terrible road full of potholes. They noticed 7 vehicles pulled over with tire issues and the 5th wheel traveling with them had a wet bolt broken from the bouncing. He suggested we start the trip westbound on I 40 then down to I 10. I switched out to Morryde heavy duty bolts and shackles but not sure I want to put the rig through it. Independent suspension would be a payoff if you happen to be heading up to I 40 eastbound. Safe travels
Another cool place added to your many adventures! Keep these posts coming- its fun to learn all about your journey across the states!