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Rockhound State Park facts for kids

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Rockhound State Park
Rockhound State Park is located in New Mexico
Rockhound State Park
Rockhound State Park
Location in New Mexico
Location Luna, New Mexico, United States
Area 1,100 acres (4.5 km2)
Elevation 4,500 ft (1,400 m)
Established 1965
Governing body New Mexico State Parks Division

Rockhound State Park is a special place in New Mexico, United States. It is located about 7 miles (11 km) southeast of Deming. This park is famous because visitors can search for cool rocks and minerals! It is like a treasure hunt in nature. The park was opened in 1965.

Panorama of most of the park, looking north in late afternoon

Discovering Rockhound State Park

The park gets its name from "rockhounds." A rockhound is someone who loves to look for, collect, and study rocks and minerals. Here, you can find many different kinds of minerals. Some popular finds include shiny quartz crystals, round geodes (which are hollow rocks with crystals inside), colorful jasper, and light perlite.

Exploring the Little Florida Mountains

Rockhound State Park is nestled in a small mountain range called the Little Florida Mountains. These mountains are unique. They are like "sky islands." Imagine tall mountains surrounded by a flat, dry desert. The mountains are much wetter and cooler than the desert below. This allows different plants and animals to live there.

What Can You Find?

When you visit Rockhound State Park, you can search for many interesting rocks.

  • Quartz crystals: These are clear or milky white crystals. They often have pointed ends.
  • Geodes: These look like ordinary rocks on the outside. But if you break them open, you might find beautiful crystals inside!
  • Jasper: This is a type of quartz that comes in many colors. You might find red, brown, or yellow jasper.
  • Perlite: This is a light, glassy volcanic rock. It is often used in gardening.

The park allows visitors to collect up to 15 pounds (6.8 kg) of rocks and minerals per person each day. This makes it a great place for a rock-collecting adventure!


More Park Pictures

  • Looking out over the non-electric site camping area, day use area, and visitors center at Rockhound State Park in Deming, New Mexico. Dragon Ridge is visible in the background

    Looking out over the non-electric site camping area, day use area, and visitors center. Dragon Ridge is visible in the background

  • Kallstroemia grandiflora spreads out across a hillside at Rockhound State Park in Deming, New Mexico

    Kallstroemia grandiflora spreads out across a hillside at Rockhound State Park

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