City Of Rocks State Park Is The Single Best State Park In New Mexico And It's Just Waiting To Be Explored
By Courtnie Erickson|Published July 12, 2021
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Courtnie Erickson
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From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
There are some pretty incredible state parks in New Mexico. However, according to Travel + Leisure, one state park stands above the rest and is waiting to be explored — City of Rocks State Park. Located in the Southwest corner of the state near Deming and Silver City, this state park is filled with the most unique and remarkable landscapes, camping opportunities, and hiking trails.
City of Rocks is home to some enormous rock columns, also known as pinnacles. These rock columns can reach up to 40-feet high.
These columns are made from volcanic rock and date back 34 million years ago. It is believed a volcano erupted in the area and erosion has created the remarkable landscape that we enjoy today.
One of the best ways to explore this fascinating state park in New Mexico is with your own two feet. There are two hiking trails in this state park (Hydra Trail and Table Mountain) that will take you to some awesome views.
The Hydra Trail is an easy 3.6-mile loop that will take you around City of Rocks State Park in New Mexico. It is a kid-friendly hike that will give you some pretty magnificent views of the park and the surrounding area.
Make sure you bring your tent or RV and stay in the campground at the City of Rocks State Park. You will sleep right next to the large rock columns and you may even hear the coyotes howling in the night.
To learn more about the campground in this state park, click here.
During the night, make sure you step outside of your tent or stop by the state park’s observatory. Due to the dark sky, this is a popular destination for stargazers.