City of Rocks

(Faywood NM)
Situated in the desert, about 33 miles southeast of Silver City NM, sets the pile of amazing rocks that is City of Rocks State Park. Intermingled amongst the huge boulders are campsites. I found one that was tucked into the middle of the rock formations.

RV tucked into huge rocks

Tardis at City of Rocks

This was dry camping; meaning no electric or water hook-ups. I relied on my batteries for power and on propane for the stove and furnace. Just me and Tardis against the elements. Well, sort of; there were restrooms and a visitor center at the park. While I did visit the displays, I didn’t use any facilities. Making my e-devices last for the duration meant rationing my usage, since I was not able to recharge them with the inverter.

Large boulders as far as you can see

Over view of rock formations

Access to lots of trails up into the rocks, right from my campsite, made hiking easy; and I took full advantage. The formation of rocks extends for about a mile. But, the variety of ways to hike it, in and around the rocks, can add up to much more. Plus there are other trails out into the surrounding desert.

Slot between boulders to cloudy sky

Looking through a gap in the boulders

Two gardens of desert plants also got my attention. One highlighted different types of trees, which was different. But, they seemed to be less developed than ones at the other parks. Water is provided from two old style windmills on the property, so I suspect it is a limited supply.

Tall rocks overlooking valley

Tall boulders

On the last night, I was going to attend the stargazers event at the on site observatory. An astronomer comes down from Silver City to give a presentation on the stars. And, campers get to look through the powerful telescope. However, it was canceled due to cloud cover; which is a rare occurrence I was told.

Looking down on rock cluster

View from atop Observation Point

The adventure lasted for four and a half days. Temperatures were about to get much colder. Plus, I had some business to attend to in the big city. So, I decided to move along. On the way out, I visited their Observation Point atop an adjacent hill. Another cluster of rocks was passed on the way up. It was great fun in a really unique setting.

Camp: City of Rocks SP
Scene: Desert, rocks, trails

Also see: Balancing Rocks, Rocky Camp and City of Rocks Again

9 Responses to City of Rocks

  1. Sara February 6, 2014 at 2:02 am #

    Hey I stayed there last year. Thought it was fun and unusual.

    • Pleinguy February 6, 2014 at 2:19 am #

      Agreed! Expect I’ll spend more time there once I get solar panels installed.

    • Barney (The Old Fat Man) February 6, 2014 at 2:27 am #

      I bought my 400 watt msw inverters at Wal-Mart in the auto section. First one is still working after 6 years of use.

    • Pleinguy February 6, 2014 at 2:31 am #

      Thanks for the tip Barney. Planning to get another inverter before the upgrade to solar. Hope you’re feeling better.

  2. jonthebru February 9, 2014 at 5:51 am #

    Sorry I deleted the comment I made in an attempt to place a photo on my blogger ID. Yes, solar is good. I probably won’t end up with a LD Rv but the one I buy will definitely have solar installed soon after picking it up! Still not sure if the picture will get through.

    • jonthebru February 9, 2014 at 5:54 am #

      It did! A picture of a blue planet centered on my house!

    • Pleinguy February 9, 2014 at 5:55 am #

      Your icon is showing up now. Thanks for commenting.

  3. Gypsy February 12, 2014 at 5:07 pm #

    I! love your pictures. Great composition, especially the “Looking through the Gap”.

    • Pleinguy February 12, 2014 at 5:29 pm #

      Thank you Gypsy. I appreciate you letting me know you like them.

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