| ormed
of volcanic ash welded together 30 million years ago, then sculpted by
wind and water into rows of monolithic blocks, these incredible rock
formations give City of Rocks its name. New hiking trails and a new
public night sky observatory add to this unique destination.
Gate Hours
7 am - 9 pm
Park Manager
Ken Abalos
(505) 536-2800
ken.abalos@state.nm.us
Address
P.O. Box 50
Faywood, NM 88034
Land
1230 acres |
Rock Residence
Rock formations like those at the park exist in only 6 other places in the
world. Imaginative visitors may see the rock formations as a small city with
houses, chimneys, courtyards and streets.
Ancient Paths
Until 1200 A.D., Mimbres Indians roamed this area, leaving arrowheads and
pottery shards as evidence of their culture. Spanish conquistadors carved
crosses into the rocks.
Sample the Southwest
The park's landscape harbors ungrazed and recovered Chihuahuan grassland. Mule
deer, antelope, javelinas and jackrabbits can be seen here.
First State Parks
Observatory
City of Rocks was first to
receive an observatory in the Division. The observatory consists of a 12’ x 16’
building with a roll-off roof and is permanently equipped with a 14" Meade
LX-200. The entire facility is solar-powered and will include a 20-inch
monitor, which will enable many visitors to simultaneously view the jewels in
the night sky, as images are transmitted through the telescope.
Getting There
To get to City of Rocks State Park from Deming, take US 180 northwest 24 miles;
then go northeast on NM 61 for 4 miles to the park access road.
| Facilities |
Activities |
|
Visitor Center |
Camping |
|
Group Shelter |
Picnicking |
|
Developed Sites (52) |
Star gazing |
|
Electric Sites (10) |
Relaxing |
|
Interpretive Exhibits |
Wildlife Watching |
|
Restrooms |
Hiking |
|
Showers |
|
|
