A Paradise of Outdoor Parks

The great outdoors doesn’t get much greater than this. With three spectacular state parks where you can hike, mountain bike and picnic to your heart’s content, and a fantastic fishing lake in town, Deming is your New Mexico destination for thrilling outdoor adventures.

ROCK CITY

There’s nothing in the world like the otherworldly City of Rocks State Park. This geological wonder of towers, temples and other rock sculptures was formed in the wake of a volcanic eruption some 30 million years ago. Wander the wind-sculpted, rain-worn formations—some towering 40 feet high— and you’ll see why this park is one of New Mexico’s most visited sites. Located 30 miles from Deming, this is a prime spot for bouldering and rock climbing, as well as hiking and mountain biking. Wildlife roams here, so you may see antelope, javelinas, deer and jackrabbits. Birdwatchers have some 35 species to spot, including golden eagles. Mimbres Indians once dwelled in the area and Spanish conquistadors came later, carving crosses on rocks that some say point the way to ancient buried treasure. Spend a night in one of the park’s campsites beneath a canopy of stars, and you may never want to leave.

A ROCK-HUNTER’S DELIGHT

Get ready to rock it at Rockhound State Park, a prospector’s paradise with 1,100 acres of stunning scenery on the slopes of the Little Florida Mountains. Established in 1966, Rockhound was the first park in the country to let visitors take home the natural treasures they unearthed. And what treasures they are—opals, geodes, jasper, quartz crystal, onyx, agate and many other minerals and semi-precious gems. You don’t have to be a rockhound, though, to enjoy this park. You can hike and bike the rugged mountain slopes and relax with a picnic amid panoramic views. Even the campground rocks it, with spacious sites, sweet scenery and a kids’ playground. Located 12 miles southeast of Deming, the park appeals to wildlife lovers, too, who might see antelope, deer, badgers, prairie dogs and plenty of birds.

PRESERVING AMERICAN HISTORY

Step back into a turbulent time at Pancho Villa State Park. Situated at the border of Mexico, 30 minutes from Deming, the park commemorates the famous raid of Columbus and Camp Furlong by Pancho Villa and his soldiers on March 9, 1916. This first, and last, armed invasion of the continental U.S. since the War of 1812 drew a fiery response from General “Black Jack” Pershing. Despite an 11-month 400-mile pursuit into Mexico with 10,000 U.S. soldiers, Pershing never captured the Mexican revolutionary. His U.S. military expedition was the first to employ airplanes and other mechanized transportation. Inside the historic buildings and exhibition hall, you’ll see the Curtiss JN-3 “Jenny” 1916 aircraft and a 1916 Dodge touring car, like the one Pershing used as his field office. The park also houses ruins of the historic military camp, Camp Furlong. A U.S. Customs House built in 1902 serves as the Visitor Center. When you’re ready to leave history behind, the park offers hiking, picnicking, camping, wildlife viewing and a native plant garden.