New Mexico has more than its share of bizarre rock formations. Some of the strangest and most fascinating can be found at City of Rocks State Park. Wandering between the giant boulders here creates the illusion that you are surrounded by skyscrapers – hence the park's name. You haven’t lived until you’ve experienced this incredible state park for yourself.
So why is there a metropolis of boulders between Deming and Silver City, in the Chihuahuan Desert?
To answer, you must travel back in time approximately 34.9 million years, when a volcano erupted in New Mexico, spewing rock, ash, and magma over the landscape. In some places, these condensed into a substance known as tuff.
Since then, erosion has sculpted the boulders into a mock city, complete with high rises and paths that weave between them like streets.
Some of the boulders stand 40 feet tall!
It’s no surprise that this unique place was made into an official New Mexico state park in 1956.
There’s more to do at City of Rocks than admire tuff formations, although that is obviously the main draw. The park may only be one square mile in size, but it boasts 5.5 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. There’s also a desert botanical garden.
Stargazing opportunities here are incredible.
These skies just can’t be beat.
Fortunately, this state park offers 52 developed campsites so that you can see for yourself.
City of Rocks State Park is located at 327 Highway 61, Faywood.
There are many gorgeous state parks scattered throughout New Mexico. But there's no other one quite like City of Rocks State Park.
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