City of Rock SP, New Mexico

May 1, 2022

Sunrise

I didn’t make many stops in New Mexico. It was dry, dusty, sandy and extremely windy.

My campsite for the next two nights at the City of Rocks State Park. Sunset view.

There are numerous dry camping spots among the rocks.

The park is located in the Chihuahuan desert region of southwestern New Mexico at an elevation of 5,200 feet.

The “city” is a geologic formation made up of large, sculptured rock columns 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.

Looking down on the City of Rocks.

The early morning hours are frigid!

Another view of my campsite in the early morning sunshine.

We hiked to the summit of this mountain to view the city from above.

I have to admit I was a little surprised by the botanical garden located here, but it was a desert garden.

It was in this garden that Berkley got bite by an ant on his foot. It was traumatic. He couldn’t put any pressure on the foot and when he did walk he was walking on his toes. It took about 36 hours for him to start walking normally. When it happened I rushed right to a ranger and he assured me that Berkley would be fine. He said it is like getting a bee sting.

This one looks like it might want some water.

We did a lot of hiking here. It did a number on Berkley’s pads. I’m not sure but I don’t think they shouldn’t look so worn. The hair has also been broken off. When I’m trimming his toes nails I always marvel at how long the hair is and always wonder if it should be trimmed. Well walking on all these rocks has sure trimmed it. After all the hiking and the ant bite he is getting a few days of rest.

My last dispersed camping spot in New Mexico.

It was a large site with two humongous picnic tables. I don’t think I have ever seen picnic tables so large before.