free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
New Mexico was a favourite haunt of mine so when I was seeking some 'dark night-sky viewing' I looked around to see what it could offer. Trawling the internet I came across this strange little place which suited my needs exactly so another road trip was hastily planned.
Approaching the park from a distance it is another beautiful day in the desert and the strange monoliths are visible way toward the horizon.
After a quick look in the visitor centre I picked up a map for the trails and set off for a wander
The rocks seemed strange, almost sculpted at times and afforded some beautiful views across the desert
The rocks were created by a volcanic eruption about 35 million years ago erosion over time has done the rest
This tree is probably only here because of protection from the rocks, otherwise it would probably have been cut off by wind blown sand long before it became a sapling
The rocks seem staged at times leaving windows through to the other side and unlikely looking balancing acts
It is a strange place............quiet and isolated, it draws you in as you walk
Shaped passes between the rocks provide perfect frames for photo's
Curved waves frozen in time provide shelter if required
Smaller spaces let you feel as if you have 'stolen' a view of something beyond
there are some interesting picnic areas.....if you dare use them....
Out into the desert now on a short trail to a higher point
around the perimeter there are no signs of other rocks, just desert grasses and the odd shrub
at the end of the trail a stone sign tells you all there is to know...so its back the way I came then.
Another of the more unusual places across the pond but a great place to visit, get there early, walk the park, pitch a tent and wait for the night sky. I assure you, if you haven't seen the night sky from the desert before you will be awestruck to see the milky way rise on the horizon and climb into the darkness casting a cloak of diamonds across the entire sky, that is a memory that will stay with me forever.
