Geological Oddities in New Mexico

Discover 13 geological oddities in New Mexico.

Jemez Springs, New Mexico

Teakettle Rock

A strange sandstone formation in the middle of nowhere presents an interesting climbing opportunity.

Jemez Springs, New Mexico

Jemez Springs Soda Dam

The 7,000-year-old calcium carbonate formation creates a magnificent natural bridge.

Ramah, New Mexico

Woodpecker Arch

This bird-shaped rock formation defies gravity, time, and classification.

Cabezon Peak

This towering volcanic plug stands out among the dramatic formations that dot this otherworldly desert valley.

Bloomfield, New Mexico

Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness Study Area

The land is full of geologic eye candy like otherworldly spires, mushroom-shaped hoodoos, and prehistoric fossils.

Lordsburg, New Mexico

Fraggle Rock

The outcropping is graffitied with the name of the beloved musical Muppet television series.

Shiprock, New Mexico

Shiprock

Legends surround this jagged rock formation in the New Mexico desert.

Farmington, New Mexico

Bisti Badlands

Seemingly grown on some other world, these New Mexico rock formations look like a disused science fiction set.

Abiquiu, New Mexico

Echo Amphitheater

Natural sonic phenomenon comes with a grisly legend of murder and blood.

Las Cruces, New Mexico

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument

Wee (and not so wee) footprints that insects and reptiles of the Paleozoic Era left behind.

Jemez Springs, New Mexico

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

A unique geological area spiked with wind-carved rocks that resemble teepees.

Alamogordo, New Mexico

White Sands National Park

Explore the largest pure gypsum deposit in the world, and go dune sledding while you're at it.

Carlsbad, New Mexico

Lechuguilla Cave

A cave's rare beauty held a cavernous secret hidden underground.

Are we missing something unusual in New Mexico?