The Cooke's Range WSA is located in southern New Mexico about 60 miles from
Las Cruces. The central feature in the WSA is Cooke's Peak, which rises over
3,600 feet above the surrounding plains. The northern portion is extremely
rugged while the southern portion is rolling and includes open hills cut by
deep canyons. Vegetation consists of piсon and juniper woodlands as well as
mixed desert shrubs. The cliffs in the higher elevations provide nesting sites
for birds of prey. Mogollon style petroglyphs are found at Frying Pan Spring.

The Cooke's Range WSA is located in southern New Mexico about 60 miles from Las Cruces. The central feature in the WSA is Cooke's Peak, which rises over 3,600 feet above the surrounding plains. The northern portion is extremely rugged while the southern portion is rolling and includes open hills cut by deep canyons. Vegetation consists of piсon and juniper woodlands as well as mixed desert shrubs. The cliffs in the higher elevations provide nesting sites for birds of prey. Mogollon style petroglyphs are found at Frying Pan Spring.

Bird's eye view of the park

Cooke's Range Wilderness Study Area

City of Rocks gets its name from the incredible volcanic rock formations found
here. The park encompasses a one square mile area in the scenic Chihuahuan
desert region of southwestern New Mexico at an elevation of 5,200 feet. The
“city” is a geologic formation made up of large, sculptured rock columns, or
pinnacles, rising as high as 40 feet and separated by paths or lanes
resembling city streets. These rocks were formed about 34.9 million years ago
when a very large volcano erupted. Then, erosion over millions of years slowly
formed the sculptured columns seen today, creating a stunning, otherworldly
landscape.  
  
Evidence has been found around the park indicated that people have lived in
this area for thousands of years. In the Mid 1800s the Butterfield Trail
stagecoach line passed near the park. Hispanic and Euro-American settlers have
farmed the Mimbres valley since that time.  
  
Located about halfway between Silver City and Deming, City of Rocks offers
camp sites, hiking trails, excellent mountain biking, wildlife viewing,
birding, stargazing, picnic areas and a desert botanical garden. The uniquely
designed visitor center includes a large display area and modern restrooms
with hot showers. Numerous trail systems are available at the park including
the brand new trail up to the top of Table Mountain and the new trail to the
Cienega.  
  
Park Elevation is 5,259 ft  
Make a reservation on the New Mexico State Parks reservation website.

City of Rocks gets its name from the incredible volcanic rock formations found here. The park encompasses a one square mile area in the scenic Chihuahuan desert region of southwestern New Mexico at an elevation of 5,200 feet. The “city” is a geologic formation made up of large, sculptured rock columns, or pinnacles, rising as high as 40 feet and separated by paths or lanes resembling city streets. These rocks were formed about 34.9 million years ago when a very large volcano erupted. Then, erosion over millions of years slowly formed the sculptured columns seen today, creating a stunning, otherworldly landscape. 

Evidence has been found around the park indicated that people have lived in this area for thousands of years. In the Mid 1800s the Butterfield Trail stagecoach line passed near the park. Hispanic and Euro-American settlers have farmed the Mimbres valley since that time. 

Located about halfway between Silver City and Deming, City of Rocks offers camp sites, hiking trails, excellent mountain biking, wildlife viewing, birding, stargazing, picnic areas and a desert botanical garden. The uniquely designed visitor center includes a large display area and modern restrooms with hot showers. Numerous trail systems are available at the park including the brand new trail up to the top of Table Mountain and the new trail to the Cienega. 

Park Elevation is 5,259 ft 
<a href="http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SPD/cityofrocksstatepark.html" rel="nofollow">Make a reservation on the New Mexico State Parks reservation website</a>.

City of Rocks State Park

The mining town of Lake Valley was founded in 1878 after silver was
discovered. Almost overnight, the small frontier town blossomed into a major
settlement with a population of 4,000 people. Today, silver mining has played
out and all that remains is a ghost town. BLM has restored the schoolhouse and
chapel. The restored schoolhouse provides a glimpse of what schooling in a
rural area was like in the early 20th century. Other buildings in the town
site have been stabilized to slow further deterioration. There also is a self-
guided, interpretive walking tour.

The mining town of Lake Valley was founded in 1878 after silver was discovered. Almost overnight, the small frontier town blossomed into a major settlement with a population of 4,000 people. Today, silver mining has played out and all that remains is a ghost town. BLM has restored the schoolhouse and chapel. The restored schoolhouse provides a glimpse of what schooling in a rural area was like in the early 20th century. Other buildings in the town site have been stabilized to slow further deterioration. There also is a self-guided, interpretive walking tour.

Cooke's Range Wilderness Study Area

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Nearby Parks

City of Rocks State Park

Lake Valley Historic Townsite