City of Rocks State Park Travel Guide

  Hiking Trail Through the Center of the...
by Basaic
 
  • Hiking Trail Through the Center of the Park
      Hiking Trail Through the Center of the...
    by Basaic
  • Camping Area
      Camping Area
    by Basaic
  • Central Trail
      Central Trail
    by Basaic
  • Central Trail
      Central Trail
    by Basaic
  • Central Trail
      Central Trail
    by Basaic
 

Explore City of Rocks State Park

Things to Do  

Group Campfire Area
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Group Campfire Area

They also have a group campfire area where you can (conditions permitting) have a campfire. I'll bring the hot dogs.

Written Apr 8, 2009

Address: P.O. Box 54, Faywood, New Mexico 88034

Phone: (505) 536-2800

Website: www.emnrd.state.nm.us/PRD/cityrocks.htm

Related to:
 Family Travel
 Desert
 National/State Park

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See the Botanical Garden
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Botanical Garden

The City of Rocks State Park has a small botanical garden at the trailhead for the Main Trail that leads through the center of the rocks and the Hydra Trail which circles around the park. Take some time to walk through it before your hike.

Written Apr 8, 2009

Address: P.O. Box 54, Faywood, New Mexico 88034

Phone: (505) 536-2800

Website: www.emnrd.state.nm.us/PRD/cityrocks.htm

Related to:
 Desert
 Road Trip
 Family Travel

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Visitors Center
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Visitors Center

Your first stop at the park should be the Visitors Center. Here you will pay your fee and you can collect brochures and information to help make your stay here more enjoyable. There are a few displays in the center.

Written Apr 7, 2009

Address: P.O. Box 54, Faywood, New Mexico 88034

Phone: (505) 536-2800

Website: www.emnrd.state.nm.us/PRD/cityrocks.htm

Related to:
 National/State Park
 Historical Travel
 Family Travel

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Picnic Areas
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Picnic Area
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There are several picnic areas throughout the park. The picnic areas are named after stars, galaxies, and other space phenomena. Each site has an informative sign about that particular item in space.

Written Apr 7, 2009

Address: P.O. Box 54, Faywood, New Mexico 88034

Phone: (505) 536-2800

Website: www.emnrd.state.nm.us/PRD/cityrocks.htm

Related to:
 Family Travel
 National/State Park
 Adventure Travel

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City of Rocks State Park
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City of Rocks
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About 30 million years ago a large volcano erupted and spewed ash and rocks over the countryside of what would become Southern New Mexico. This ash and rocks was sculpted by wind and water into the rows of monolithic blocks from which the City of Rocks State Park takes its name. Attractions include the fantastic rocks themselves, nice cactus gardens, hiking trails, campsites, and the star observatory. Admission is $4 per day per vehicle. The park is open daily from 7 AM to 9 PM.

Updated Apr 7, 2009

Address: P.O. Box 54, Faywood, New Mexico 88034

Phone: (505) 536-2800

Website: www.emnrd.state.nm.us/PRD/cityrocks.htm

Related to:
 Road Trip
 National/State Park
 Family Travel

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Hotels  

City of Rocks State Park Campground: Camp Amongst the Rocks

City of Rocks State Park Campground: Camp Amongst the Rocks, City of Rocks State Park

 Basaic Says:  They have a number of campsites in a campground and right next to the rocks. Prices are $8 for primitive sites and $10 to $18 for developed sites. I did not camp here but wanted to let you know it's available. If you want to stay at a hotel you will probably have to go to... 

Sports & Outdoors  

The Hydra Trail
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Hydra Trail Trailhead

The third trail through the park is the Hydra Trail. The Hydra Trail circles around the rock formations and is about 3.3 miles long. It is a loop trail so it returns to the point of origin. I did not hike this trail because I felt the other two gave me a feel for the park and because I had already hiked over 6 miles that day.

Equipment: Good walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, weather appropriate clothing, plenty of water.

Written Apr 8, 2009

Address: P.O. Box 54, Faywood, New Mexico 88034

Phone: (505) 536-2800

Website: www.emnrd.state.nm.us/PRD/cityrocks.htm

Related to:
 National/State Park
 Family Travel
 Hiking and Walking

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Solar System Trail
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Solar System Trail
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The Solar System Trail is designed to represent the solar system. There are interpretive signs along the trail representing the sun and the planets. I don't know why they didn't include the asteroid belt. The signs are nice and informative and the trail winds through the rocks and is pretty. It is not very long. The trail is one way so you will have to walk back the way you came.

Equipment: Good walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, weather appropriate clothing, and plenty of water.

Written Apr 8, 2009

Address: P.O. Box 54, Faywood, New Mexico 88034

Phone: (505) 536-2800

Website: www.emnrd.state.nm.us/PRD/cityrocks.htm

Related to:
 Hiking and Walking
 National/State Park
 Family Travel

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The Main Trail
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Central Trail
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The Main Train through the park takes you through the center of the rock formations. It is about 1.5 miles long and is not well marked.

Equipment: Good walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, weather appropriate clothing, plenty of water.

Written Apr 8, 2009

Address: P.O. Box 54, Faywood, New Mexico 88034

Phone: (505) 536-2800

Website: www.emnrd.state.nm.us/PRD/cityrocks.htm

Related to:
 Hiking and Walking
 Family Travel
 National/State Park

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Map of City of Rocks State Park