City of Rocks State Park

The legislature created the park on March 20, 1953. It holds the Gene and Elisabeth Simon Observatory, the first observatory built in a New Mexico state park, named for the ranching couple whose gift paid for it, with a 14-inch telescope, and the park is an International Dark Sky Park. The cactus garden the panel mentions grows cow's tongue, bunny ears and yuccas. Three main trails, the Hydra, the Table Mountain and the newer Cienega, lead out among the rocks.

What the plaque says

Official Scenic Historic Marker City of Rocks State Park Wind and water gradually sculp- ted the volcanic tuff at City of Rocks, creating the rows of mono- lithic blocks that gave this park its name. Camping/picnicking sites are tucked away among these Stonehenge-like formations and the park also features a cactus garden, hiking trails and a play- ground.

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• City of Rocks State Park — 0.4 mi
  Pinnacles of volcanic tuff up to forty feet high standing in the grassland between Deming and Silver City, worn out of an eruption 34.9 million years ago.
• Santa Rita Copper Mine — 15 mi
  The copper pit east of Silver City that swallowed the town it was named for, beneath a spire of volcanic rock long said to look like a nun at prayer.

More markers nearby

• Carlotta Thompkins Thurmond — 6.3 mi
• The Death of Mangas Coloradas — 8.9 mi
• Bayard — 14 mi
• Mimbres Valley — 15 mi