New Mexico’s Most Underrated State Park Is Better Than White Sands National Park

New Mexico is known for its putting landscapes, and none is extra iconic than White Sands Nationwide Park, one of many most unique places to visit in New Mexico. With its huge gypsum dunes stretching for miles, it’s simple to see why it’s some of the visited locations within the state. However enterprise a bit farther southwest, and also you’ll uncover a smaller, quieter park that simply could be even higher.

City of Rocks State Park, positioned close to the small city of Faywood between Silver Metropolis and Deming, is an underrated gem that includes towering volcanic rock formations, crystal-clear desert skies, and an otherworldly panorama that seems like stepping onto one other planet.

Whereas White Sands Nationwide Park glistens with brightness and wave-like dunes of gypsum, Metropolis of Rocks gives a extra intimate, hands-on expertise. Its sculpted 40-foot rock columns invite you to discover, climb, and camp amongst them—all with out the crowds. Right here’s how these rock formations got here to be, what you may see and do there, and one of the best time to plan your go to.

Is Metropolis Of Rocks State Park Higher Than White Sands?

Metropolis of Rocks could be just one sq. mile in measurement, however what it lacks in measurement, it makes up for in character. The park includes a surreal maze of volcanic rock pinnacles, some as tall as 40 ft, created by a cataclysmic eruption practically 35 million years in the past. Over time, erosion carved the ash-flow tuff into sculptural towers and corridors, forming a pure “metropolis” within the desert. The result’s a rugged, climbable playground in contrast to the rest in New Mexico.

In comparison with White Sands, Metropolis of Rocks gives an analogous sense of marvel in a extra concentrated, hands-on setting. Each parks provide minimalist, nearly monochrome visuals—White Sands with its infinite white dunes, and Metropolis of Rocks with its darkish, towering stone monuments rising from the desert flooring. However at Metropolis of Rocks, guests can camp immediately inside the formations, hike or bike amongst them, and discover with out obstacles or boardwalks.

• Tackle: 327 Freeway 61, Faywood, NM, 88034
• Customer Heart Hours: Summer time 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day (Fall and Winter closed Sunday and Monday)

Whereas Utah may boast the highest number of dark sky parks in the world, stargazing at Metropolis of Rocks in New Mexico is really world-class. As an authorized Worldwide Darkish Sky Park, it’s properly price bringing a telescope—or benefiting from the on-site Gene and Elisabeth Simon Observatory—to get pleasure from crystal-clear views of stars, planets, and distant galaxies.

Issues To See And Do At Metropolis of Rocks State Park

Whether or not you are a hiker, biker, birder, or night-sky gazer, Metropolis of Rocks packs a punch for its measurement. The park’s path system consists of three most important routes: the Hydra Trail (3.3 miles), Table Mountain Trail (5.2 miles), and the shorter La Cienega Trail (2 miles). Every gives panoramic desert views and shut encounters with the park’s signature rock formations.

Guests can discover a desert botanical backyard stuffed with native species like yucca, bunny ear cacti, and the distinctive Fishhook Barrel Cactus. Wildlife watchers may spot every part from roadrunners and deer to lizards and coyotes. The park can also be recognized for its unbelievable birding alternatives, with over 35 species documented, together with owls, hawks, and the state chicken—the higher roadrunner.

The Gene and Elisabeth Simon Observatory inside the park lets guests view distant stars and galaxies by a 14-inch telescope—a uncommon characteristic for a state park. And perhaps one of the best half is that Metropolis of Rocks gives nationwide park-quality surroundings at state park costs. A day cross is simply $5, and in a single day tenting ranges from $15 to $20. You received’t must struggle crowds or wait in line for a photograph op, making it supreme for these craving journey with solitude and serenity. Campers can select from 43 sites available, some with water and electrical hookups, sizzling showers, and picnic shelters.

And do not miss the customer middle, positioned one mile south of the park entrance. Designed to mix into the encompassing rocks, the middle options murals painted by native youth, academic displays, and tenting provides. It is an excellent cease for first-timers or households desirous to be taught extra in regards to the space’s geology and ecology.

Prime Actions at Metropolis of Rocks:

• Tenting (electrical and non-electric websites out there)
• Mountain climbing and mountain biking
• Stargazing on the observatory
• Wildlife and birdwatching
• Picnicking and images
• Desert botanical backyard and customer middle

A Metropolis Thousands and thousands Of Years In The Making

Metropolis of Rocks was shaped 34.9 million years in the past when a colossal volcanic eruption from the Emory Caldera blanketed this area with molten ash. Over time, that ash cooled and hardened right into a layer of tuff. Wind, rain, plant roots, and freeze-thaw cycles did the remainder, sculpting in the present day’s distinctive panorama of towering spires and stone alleyways.

Lengthy earlier than it turned a park, this space was house to the Mimbreno Indians, who lived right here from roughly 750 to 1250 AD. Archaeologists have discovered pottery, arrowheads, and petroglyphs left behind by these early inhabitants. Additionally they used pure rock basins to gather water, recognized in the present day as “Indian wells.”

Look intently whereas mountaineering—some rocks nonetheless bear carvings from early vacationers and Spanish explorers.

Within the 1800s, pioneers and stagecoaches on the Butterfield Overland Mail Route used the rock formations as a landmark whereas touring throughout the American Southwest. Quick-forward to 1953, and Metropolis of Rocks turned an official state park, guaranteeing its safety and accessibility for future generations.

Greatest Time To Go to Metropolis Of Rocks State Park

Metropolis of Rocks is open year-round, however one of the best instances to go to are spring (March–Might) and fall (September–November), when temperatures are milder and the desert flora is at its most colourful. Summers could be sizzling, with highs usually within the 90s, however the park’s elevation of over 5,200 ft helps hold it a bit cooler than the encompassing lowlands.

Winter visits are doable, however be ready for cold nights. Clear skies and crisp air make for wonderful stargazing and images, with fewer guests sharing the park. In case you’re planning to camp, spring and fall provide probably the most snug climate for in a single day stays.

Whereas White Sands could get the New Mexico highlight, Metropolis of Rocks quietly gives one thing equally magical, the place you’ll discover a mysterious maze of historical rocks, dramatic desert skies, and a way of solitude that’s laborious to search out elsewhere. It’s inexpensive, accessible, and full of journey, from mountaineering and tenting to stargazing and geology. In case you’re searching for a vacation spot that delivers nationwide park magnificence with out nationwide park crowds, Metropolis of Rocks State Park is it.