We literally flipped a coin to decide whether we would visit City of Rocks State Park, or another local attraction. Lucky for us, the flip landed us in this awesome volcanic playground.
What is it?
City of Rocks is a New Mexico State Park that gets its name from the incredible volcanic rock formations found there. The park encompasses a one square mile area in the scenic Chihuahuan desert region of southwestern New Mexico. It offers camp sites, hiking trails, great mountain biking, wildlife viewing, bird watching, stargazing, picnic areas and a desert botanical garden. This geographic monument formed by large sculpted rock columns rising as high as 40 feet, separated by paths resembling lanes on city streets. The formation was formed by volcanic eruptions 35 million years ago, with erosion over millions of years slowly forming the sculptured columns.
Good to know:
*29 miles north of I-10 near Deming New Mexico, halfway between Silver City and Deming.
*Elevation is 5200 feet.
*Entrance fee is $5 per vehicle per day, or you can purchase an annual pass for $40 if you plan to visit New Mexico State parks more often.
*5 and half miles of hiking or biking trails, including interpretive trails.
*Camping available for RVs or tents, prices vary.
*Restrooms with water located in various sites around the park, including showers.
*They offer a Jr Ranger program for the kids to earn a patch or badge.
*Parking areas and picnic tables are available throughout the park.
*Visitors center has interactive exhibits and great information on how the “city” was formed through volcanic activity.
*Is home to the New Mexico Skies Observatory, a 12’ x 16’ building with a roll-off roof equipped with a 14″ Meade LX-200 telescope.
New Mexico is packed with amazing landmarks and attractions, but rest assured, City of Rocks State Park does not disappoint. If you’re traveling across I-10 through southern New Mexico, make sure to take the short trip off of the Interstate for this great state park. Whether you spend an afternoon (which we did) or a week at this amazing park, you will not be disappointed. Do plan to spend an evening there, the New Mexico skies are spectacular for star gazing.
Check it out: http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SPD/cityofrocksstatepark.html
