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Cosima and I love the Jemez Mountains snow that comes with winter.
However, we start to wish for warm weather and wildflowers by early April each year.
This year as part of our third wedding anniversary, we left the last remnants of
winter and headed for southern New Mexico to find warm water, warm air, and
spring wildflowers. In the process we visited New Mexico's beautiful
"Rockhound State Park".
One view of
Rockhound State Park.
In
addition to great rocks, we found nice hot springs at Truth or
Consequences (Riverbend Hot Springs) and another just north of Deming (Faywood
Hot Springs), as well as warm weather and lots of spring wildflowers.
Rockhound was ablaze in natural beauty during our trip in April.
Located on the rugged west
slope of the Little Florida Mountains, Rockhound State Park is a favorite for "rockhounds"
because of the abundant agates and quartz crystals found there. Hiking trails
provide spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
Rocks and Minerals:
Scattered throughout the park are rock and mineral specimens of
volcanic origin. These treasures range from varieties of silica minerals,
quartz crystals, chalcedony, Agate, and common opal. Turquoise is mined in the
Burro Mountains to the northeast.
Rock Hunting Encouraged:
Visitors are allowed to take up to 15 pounds of rock for their
personal collections. Shovels, picks, bags, etc are permitted.
Some prospectors fill their holes, while others leave holes in the middle of
trails....some people. Most prospecting is done on the sides of the
mountains.
Other Activities:
The hiking trails at the park provide visitors with climbs of
varying degrees of difficulty and breathtaking views. Reaching the top, visitors
survey the 7,000 foot peaks of the Florida Mountains. Camping is available
within the park as well, RV's are welcome, and picnic tables are available for
picnickers.
Getting There:
From Deming, take NM 11 south 5
miles and head east on NM 141, follow the signs.
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Click
HERE
to view our Rockhound Gallery. |
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Photo File & Hard Copy Availability
I can e-mail limited numbers
of files, mail files on a CD, or mail hard copies to you. I charge
$5.00 per full size file, $2.00 per 4X6 snapshot, $5.00 per 8X10 photo,
and $8.00 for both file and 8X10. Shipping charges are $3.00 total
per order for ground. Full rights of use come with all
pictures. Free to
close friends and family.
I accept
via PayPal.
No account with PayPal is necessary. E-mail me to request
photos and I will send you an itemized e-mail bill with a link to pay me.
Photos will ship after payment.
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Contact us:
Jan Studebaker or
Cosima Leedom
All Photos and Text Copyright © 2000-2006 Jan Studebaker
All rights reserved
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