City of Rocks State Park - New Mexico
Date Walked: 18th February 2009
Distance: 4.3 miles (7 km)
Actual Ascent: 69ft (21m)
Time Taken: 2 hour
New Mexico was a favourite haunt of mine so when I was seeking some 'dark night-sky viewing' I looked around to see what it could offer. Trawling the internet I came across this strange little place which suited my needs exactly so another road trip was hastily planned.
Approaching the park from a distance it is another beautiful day in the desert and the strange monoliths are visible way toward the horizon.
The visitor centre is the first stop and has some interesting artefacts and information about the location
After a quick look in the visitor centre I picked up a map for the trails and set off for a wander
The rocks seemed strange, almost sculpted at times and afforded some beautiful views across the desert
The rocks were created by a volcanic eruption about 35 million years ago erosion over time has done the rest
This tree is probably only here because of protection from the rocks, otherwise it would probably have been cut off by wind blown sand long before it became a sapling
The rocks seem staged at times leaving windows through to the other side and unlikely looking balancing acts
It is a strange place............quiet and isolated, it draws you in as you walk
Shaped passes between the rocks provide perfect frames for photo's
Curved waves frozen in time provide shelter if required
seems some of the best shaded areas are already taken
there are some interesting picnic areas.....if you dare use them....
Out into the desert now on a short trail to a higher point
around the perimeter there are no signs of other rocks, just desert grasses and the odd shrub
at the end of the trail a stone sign tells you all there is to know...so its back the way I came then.
looking back across the park from this high point really shows the strange isolated position of the rocks
This is another unusual little treasure tucked away in New Mexico.