Cosima and I love the Jemez Mountains snow that comes with winter.  However, we start to wish for warm weather and wildflowers by early April each year.  This year as part of our third wedding anniversary, we left the last remnants of winter and headed for southern New Mexico to find warm water, warm air, and spring wildflowers.  In the process we visited New Mexico's unusual "City of Rocks State Park" on April 16, 2005.

City of Rocks is ideal for desert hide & seek, picnicking, and camping.

In addition to great rocks, we found  nice hot springs at Truth or Consequences (Riverbend Hot Springs) and another just north of Deming (Faywood Hot Springs), as well as warm weather and lots of spring wildflowers.  Although City of Rocks had few flowers in early April, it certainly had rocks.

The "City" was formed of volcanic ash 30 million years ago and sculpted by wind and water into rows of monolithic blocks.  City of Rocks State Park takes its name from these incredible rock formations.  Cactus gardens and hiking trails add to this unique destination.

Activities:

The "city" is wonderfully suitable for adventurous kids of all ages (younger children may need parental guidence).  Scrambling around, between, through, and up these rocks is great fun!  Picnic tables are situated amongst the rocks, as are wonderful car camping areas.  RV's are segregated near the visitor center.  I suspect that spring and fall are the best times to visit due to desert temperatures during summer.  Rock climbing other than bouldering and 4th class scrambles would be inappropriate.

Human History:

Until 1200 A.D., Mimbres Indians roamed this area and left arrowheads and pottery shards as evidence of their culture.  Spanish conquistadors also spent time in the area, carving crosses into the rocks.

Plants and Animals:

The park's is home to many interesting desert plants, including cow's tongue and bunny ear cacti, Yucca, and towering Century plants. Deer, antelope, javelinas, and jackrabbits are frequently seen in the area, along with over 35 species of birds, ranging from Golden Eagles to finches.

Getting There:

To get to City of Rocks State Park from Deming, take US 180 northwest 24 miles, and then go northeast on NM 61 for four miles to the park access road.