City of Rocks State Park, Faywood, NM

March 2-4, 2016

Only half an hour South of Silver City, NM is a geological wonder of a state park.  In the middle of the Chihuahua desert, City of Rocks gets its name from the incredible volcanic rock formations found here. The park encompasses a one square mile area  at an elevation of 5,200 feet. The “city” is a geologic formation made up of large, sculptured rock columns, or pinnacles, rising as high as 40 feet and separated by paths or lanes resembling city streets. These rocks were formed about 34.9 million years ago when a very large volcano erupted. Then, erosion over millions of years slowly formed the sculptured columns seen today, creating a stunning, otherworldly landscape.

We spent two nights camped in the shadow of such a rock formation.

 Facilities are minimal at most of the 50 or so campsites, with no hookups.  However, at $10/night, and only 3/4 mile walk to washrooms and showers, and very clean pit toilets nearby, who could complain?  There are 10 sites with electrical hookups but they are all close together and in a rather exposed, less scenic location.  
 

Sunset ahead of us

Sunrise behind us

 
Our sunset view onto the desert.  Windmills are used to pump water into campground cisterns.

We enjoyed two days of hiking the rock formations and  deciding what they each most resembled!

 A raven landing on the dog's nose?

A family with mother holding the baby?

 

 Twins or kissing sweethearts ?

Well, that one speaks for itself?

A panther leaning on its catch ?

A most remarkable place indeed!

And dozens and dozens of desert bunnies!