City of Rocks State Park

The City of Rocks State Park is a 1,230-acre piece of land occupying the Chihuahuan deserts of southern New Mexico. This beautiful park was named after the multitude of geological formations that pop up through the sand here. 

These formations are almost 35 million years old and stem from a massive volcano eruption in the area's ancient past. The park's rock columns sometimes reach as high as 40 feet into the air and resemble a miniature cityscape from above.

Camping tends to be what makes the City of Rocks State Park a hotspot for both visitors and locals alike. With 70 campsites available for reservation, there is usually a spot or two still open on the weekend for those spur of the moment travelers. If you are the more adventurous type, there are also 41 sites available for instant setup.

These sites are available to all park visitors, provided you pay a small extra fee at the gates. Both campsites are incredibly canine-friendly, provided your dog stays on leash throughout your stay. Keep in mind that canines are barred from entering any indoor facilities inside of park grounds.

If you are looking to get a bit of exercise, there are five and a half miles of hiking trails available for exploration. While most of these are relatively stripped down, a few are interactive, combining outdoor activities and displays with small play environments for little ones. 

Canines are entirely welcome on these trails provided they're kept on a 6-foot leash or shorter. Dog bags are available at refuse stations throughout most of these paths. Before entering the park itself, make sure to check out the newly built visitor's center. 

This building houses the park's information booths, as well as an interactive museum exhibit outlining the rich history of the surrounding landscapes. Make sure to steer clear of these building if you've brought your dog along, to avoid disturbing guests.