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

New Mexico is legendary for its hanging 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 straightforward to see why it’s probably the most visited locations within the state. However enterprise a bit farther southwest, and also you’ll uncover a smaller, quieter park that simply is likely to be even higher.

City of Rocks State Park, situated 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 appears like stepping onto one other planet.

Whereas White Sands Nationwide Park glistens with brightness and wave-like dunes of gypsum, Metropolis of Rocks presents 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 the perfect time to plan your go to.

Is Metropolis Of Rocks State Park Higher Than White Sands?

Metropolis of Rocks is likely to be just one sq. mile in dimension, however what it lacks in dimension, it makes up for in character. The park incorporates a surreal maze of volcanic rock pinnacles, some as tall as 40 toes, created by a cataclysmic eruption almost 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 not like anything in New Mexico.

In comparison with White Sands, Metropolis of Rocks presents the same sense of surprise in a extra concentrated, hands-on setting. Each parks supply minimalist, virtually monochrome visuals—White Sands with its countless 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.

• Deal with: 327 Freeway 61, Faywood, NM, 88034
• Customer Middle Hours: Summer time 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every 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 effectively value bringing a telescope—or making the most of 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 dimension. The park’s path system contains three foremost routes: the Hydra Trail (3.3 miles), Table Mountain Trail (5.2 miles), and the shorter La Cienega Trail (2 miles). Every presents 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 all the pieces from roadrunners and deer to lizards and coyotes. The park can also be recognized for its unimaginable birding alternatives, with over 35 species documented, together with owls, hawks, and the state fowl—the larger roadrunner.

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

And do not miss the customer heart, situated one mile south of the park entrance. Designed to mix into the encircling rocks, the middle options murals painted by native youth, instructional reveals, and tenting provides. It is an important cease for first-timers or households desirous to study extra in regards to the space’s geology and ecology.

High Actions at Metropolis of Rocks:

• Tenting (electrical and non-electric websites out there)
• Climbing and mountain biking
• Stargazing on the observatory
• Wildlife and birdwatching
• Picnicking and pictures
• Desert botanical backyard and customer heart

A Metropolis Thousands and thousands Of Years In The Making

Metropolis of Rocks was fashioned 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 grew to become a park, this space was residence 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. In addition they used pure rock basins to gather water, recognized in the present day as “Indian wells.”

Look carefully whereas climbing—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 grew to become an official state park, making certain 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 the perfect 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 will be scorching, with highs typically within the 90s, however the park’s elevation of over 5,200 toes helps maintain it a bit cooler than the encircling lowlands.

Winter visits are potential, however be ready for cold nights. Clear skies and crisp air make for glorious stargazing and pictures, with fewer guests sharing the park. In the event you’re planning to camp, spring and fall supply probably the most comfy climate for in a single day stays.

Whereas White Sands might get the New Mexico highlight, Metropolis of Rocks quietly presents 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 onerous to search out elsewhere. It’s inexpensive, accessible, and full of journey, from climbing and tenting to stargazing and geology. In the event you’re searching for a vacation spot that delivers nationwide park magnificence with out nationwide park crowds, Metropolis of Rocks State Park is it.