Attraction of the Week: City of Rocks
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City of Rocks, an otherworldly geologic wonder in Southwestern New Mexico, is one to add to your bucket list of oddball roadside attractions. This is a really cool place that I recommend taking some time out for if you are road tripping through New Mexico. I recently took a weekend getaway to Silver City from Tucson and this was one of the unique places I visited.
From this high altitude desert town, you can enjoy easy daytrips to many natural wonders. This is not a surprise in a state nicknamed “The Land of Enchantment.” City of Rocks is definitely worth checking out if you are vacationing or driving anywhere in the vicinity. You may never get around to it again, so take advantage while you can!
History of The Rocks
The interesting rocks we see today are the result of a volcanic eruption millions of years ago. Some of the rocks stand as high as 40 feet tall, towering above the surrounding flat desert lands. As the rocks tended to form in isolated groups resembling a city, the name arose naturally.
The park is home to a scenic drive and several short trails, thus giving you an opportunity to get up close and personal. Camping and stargazing are also popular here due to the absolute desolateness of the area. The park frequently hosts special events such as stargazing nights, so check the lineup while you are in the region.
While I wouldn’t say it’s worth planning a trip to especially, it is a great roadside detour and an easy daytrip from cities like Silver City and Las Cruces. Anyone into oddball attractions & the unusual will want to plan for a stop here. If anything, you will get an opportunity to stretch your legs and walk around a bit after endless hours driving through the barren desert.
This is just one of many unusual places to visit on any roadtrip through the great state of New Mexico. This state (and most of the Southwest) is loaded with amazing natural wonders and weird roadside attractions! I also loved exploring Pistachioland (home to the world’s largest pistachio), beautiful White Sands (home to ancient gypsum sand dunes that you can walk on), Catwalk National Recreation area, and the quirky UFO Museum in Roswell.
So many exotic looking formations! Take a look!
What an enchanting place to visit! Pictures really do no justice. When you are walking or driving around looking up at these massive rocks with the big desert sky in the background, it truly feels like an otherworldly experience. There are so many weird places to visit out west. Ever since moving to Arizona, we have been taking as many trips to these unique sites while we can. Silver City & Las Cruces are both great bases for exploring all these incredible places in the state. Albuquerque is a quick drive from many interesting attractions as well.
Learn more about this unique geologic wonder
Faywood Hot Springs – a worthwhile side trip
As an added bonus, the wonderful Faywood Hot Springs is just a few miles down the road. If you have never soaked in a natural hot springs, you are in for a real treat. Faywood is home to several mineral enriched springs. People have been soaking in these springs for centuries as a way to cure natural ailments. The springs are especially beneficial for joint and muscle related problems.
I visited my first hot springs years ago – a little free roadstop in Wyoming known as the Hobo Springs. Since then, I’ve visited various others including the top notch Pagosa Springs, home to the deepest in the world.
New Mexico is also home to numerous public resorts including a well known mineral springs resort in Truth or Consequences called Riverbend. Faywood Hot Springs is a nice budget friendly choice and super low-key. We didn’t see many other people around thanks to the secluded location. As touristy attractions are so crowded today, this alone makes it worthy of a visit.
The healing power of hot springs arises from a combination of warm soothing waters and a rich supply of minerals, including magnesium, which many of us lack today. Here is a full analysis of the mineral content. Whether or not you enjoy any health benefits, soaking in the springs is a real treat after a long day of driving, hiking, or exploring natural wonders!
Faywood offers 3 clothing required and 3 clothing option pools, in addition to a few private pools. Temps range from 102 to 107 degrees. Fortunately, all the pools are shaded by trees so you can enjoy them even during the intensely hot summer season. Rates are charged hourly. Check the Faywood Hot Springs website for details on the various pools available and rates for each.
City of Rocks Location: 327 New Mexico 61, Faywood. Entrance fee: $5 per car. Hours: 7am-9pm. Pricing and hours current as of 2026 and subject to change.
Faywood Hot Springs location: 165 Highway 61 Faywood. Hot tubs reservations required. Hours: 11am-8pm.
