New Mexico State Parks

Rockhound / City of Rocks

Astronomy Events at City of Rocks & Rockhound State Parks

City of Rocks State Park and Rockhound State Park in conjunction with the Astronomy Friends of The Parks will be having their astronomy program for Campers and Visitors.

Weather permitting, about 45 minutes after sunset, a laser guided tour is given on the highlights of that evening sky.  Followed by visual observations with telescopes with assistance from members of the park friends, lasting approximately 2 hours.  Please try to arrive around sunset to 15 minutes after sunset to become familiar with the program layout.  Chairs are limited, so bring your own if you can.

City of Rocks programs are given at the Orion group campsite.  Rockhound programs are given at the viewing patio, just west of the Visitors' Center.  Please bring a red colored flashlight to preserve your night vision as you move around.  If you don't have red light, there will be loaners.

These are New Mexico State Park venues.  Please follow and adhere to their rules and regulations.  Please check for status/weather and alerts before attending.

For info you can call:                 City of Rocks State Park at (575) 536-2800,
                                                     Rockhound State Park at (575) 546-6182,

May 15^th, 2026 Rockhound  May 16^th, 2026,    City of Rocks, sunset 8:00 pm

Here are the dates from Sept 2026 to May 2027.  The first date is Rockhound (Fridays) and the second is City of Rocks (Saturday)

September 11^th and 12^{th -} Sunset 7:25 pm

October 9^th and 10^{th  -} Sunset 6:45 pm

November 6^th and 7^{th  -} Sunset 5:15 pm

December 4^th and 5^{th  -} Sunset 5:05 pm

January 8^th and 9^{th  -} Sunset 5:25 pm

February 5^th and 6^{th  -} Sunset 5:50 pm

March 5^th and 6^{th  -} Sunset 6:15 pm

April 2^nd and 3^{rd  -} Sunset 7:35 pm

May 7^th and 8^{th  -} Sunset 8:00 pm

Mimbres Heritage Cultural Site

12 Sage Road, Mimbres NM

The dates for future Mimbres astronomy events are still in the works.

I will update as dates are added.