Teakettle Rock

In the middle of the Jemez mountain range in New Mexico, stands a huge rock that is roughly in the shape of a teapot. Virtually alone in a grassy clearing, Teakettle Rock looks a bit out of place, like it was flown in by helicopter and dropped there on purpose.

Of course, there is a logical explanation for its existence. Teakettle Rock is made of Cutler sandstone, laid down around 300 million years ago when the area was the bed of an inland sea. Over the eons, the rock around it was gradually worn down by erosion, molding it into the interesting shape it is today.

Local legend has it that Pecos Bill himself used to brew green tea with the giant teapot. Green stains on one side of the rock lend some credence to this theory, though mineral staining is the far more likely explanation. In addition to the “spout” of the teakettle, there are additional arches in the rock, and a small cave. With care, it is even possible to scale the rock without equipment.