City of Rocks

Since the weather had finally warmed up east of Arizona, I headed into New Mexico to visit my friend Bri.  On my way there, via the State Route back roads, I knew that I'd be passing by several National Forest Campgrounds in which I could spend the night.  But, as fate would have it, I saw a sign to turn right for the City of Rocks State Park.  I made the turn.

Friends Jerry and Nelda spoke highly of this park; and they were right!  It has an other-worldly feel about it.  The campsites are hidden among monolithic boulders.  It reminds me a lot of the rock formations at Joshua Tree National Park.



The road to the park, looking away from the rocks. 
Gently rolling hills, grassland with yucca and ocotillo.  2/18/14

This is from that same road, looking toward the City of Rocks.  2/18/14. 



Sign placed near where the two pictures above were taken.
It reads, in part, "Wind and water gradually sculpted the volcanic
 tuff  ... creating the rows of monolithic blocks ... sites are
tucked away among these Stonehenge-like formations ..."  2/18/14



My Prius in the campsite, dwarfed by the super large rocks.  2/16/14



My Prius and campsite to the left,
and my nearest neighbor hidden among the rocks to the right.  2/16/14

My first night at this campground I kept hearing a loud squeaking noise every now and again, echoing among the rocks.  The next morning I realized that it was a windmill creaking every time it began to turn.  It pumps water.  Somehow knowing that the noise came from a windmill made it less annoying.

 

What did become a bit annoying was the constant wind.  It was most windy in the afternoons.

 

When this windmill starts to turn in the wind, it creaks loudly.  2/16/14

Such a pleasant surprise to find this park.  I would return again, despite the wind and the squeaking windmill.