City of Rocks State Park and Rockhound State Park

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: Category: Local News Releases; Aug 26, 2025

City of Rocks State Park and Rockhound State Park in conjunction with the Astronomy Friends of The Parks announce the '25 fall/winter and '26 Spring astronomy program schedule.

Weather permitting, about 45 minutes after sunset, a laser guided tour is given on the highlights of that evening sky. Followed by visual observations with telescopes with assistance from members of the park friends, lasting approximately 2 hours. Please try to arrive around sunset to 15 minutes after sunset to become familiar with the program layout. Chairs are limited, so if not an inconvenience, bring your own would-be good advice. When the planets are out, we can view them until it is dark enough to begin the presentation.

City of Rocks programs are given at the Orion group campsite. The Gene & Elizabeth Simon Observatory located at the campsite further compliments the setting.

Rockhound programs are given at the viewing patio, just west of the Visitors' Center.

Both parks have uniqueness and wonder.

These are New Mexico State Park venues (www.emnrd.nm.gov). Please follow and adhere to their rules and regulations. Please check for status/weather and alerts before attending. Pass fees will apply.

City of Rocks State Park (575) 536-2800

Rockhound State Park (575) 546-6182

Astronomy Friends of The Parks assist the parks' staff in presenting these programs.

Please bring your favorite and familiar red colored small light to preserve your night vision as you move around. Don't worry if you don't have one, we have loaners.

2025

September 19, 2025, Rockhound

September 20, 2025, City of Rocks, sunset around 7:10 pm

October 17, 2025, Rockhound

October 18, 2025, City of Rocks, sunset around 6:35 pm

*Daylight Savings Time ends on November 2, 2025*

November 21, 2025, Rockhound

November 22, 2025, City of Rocks, sunset around 5:10 pm

December 19, 2025, Rockhound

December 20, 2025, City of Rocks, sunset around 5:10 pm

2026

January 16, 2026, Rockhound

January 17, 2026, City of Rocks, sunset around 5:30 pm

February 13, 2026, Rockhound

February 14, 2026, City of Rocks, sunset around 5:55 pm

*Daylight Savings Time begins on March 8, 2026*

March 20, 2026, Rockhound

March 21, 2026, City of Rocks, sunset around 7:20 pm

April 17, 2026, Rockhound

April 18, 2026, City of Rocks, sunset around 7:40 pm

May 15, 2026, Rockhound

May 16, 2026, City of Rocks, sunset around 8:00 pm

Astronomy Friends of The Parks are local area advanced amateur astronomers that like sharing and observing with new and old friends.

Carrying on a tradition passed on by Sally Allen, John Gilkison and Michael Coulson.

Facebook: Astronomy Friends of The Parks page

Some of us are also members of the Astronomical Society of Las Cruces (aslc-nm.org)

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City of Rocks State Park and Rockhound State Park

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Editor's Notes

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