New Mexico is recognized as America's most cultural state and it's no wonder that "The Land of Enchantment" beckoned over 40 million tourists in 2023, resulting in a record-breaking spending of almost $9 billion. Located in Southwestern New Mexico's Luna County, near the border with Mexico, Deming is a small village well-known among outdoorsy globetrotters for its challenging rock climbing, scenic desert mountain hikes, and adventurous camping sites. The easiest way to Deming is to fly to the El
Paso International Airport (ELP) in Texas, and from there it's less than a two-hour drive to the town.
Sun-drenched landscapes and wild vegetation frame an intrepid road or hiking experience where excitement feels ceaseless. Deming lies along Interstate 10 — a stop along a remarkable east-west Interstate Highway that spans from Florida to California — and was the setting for a movie in which Indiana Jones battled Soviet agents in "Kingdom of the Crystal Skull." If your life needs a bit of a shake-up, take a chance on Deming and set off for a place that offers a bustle of activities. So pack your essentials and head to New Mexico's Luna County where Camel Mountain awaits you at an elevation of over 4,600 feet. If you're a first-timer, you should know that Windmill Canyon and Florida Peak are considered challenging due to even, unmarked areas, so climbing experience is key.
Little Florida mountain range is a thrilling climbing adventure inside the Rockhound State Park. Opened in 1965, it was the first park in the United States to allow mineral and stone collecting. A treasure-hunt-like experience that, every March, entices people from around the world to attend the three-day RockHound RoundUp event, where you can join fossil enthusiasts, jewelry-designers, and crystal traders in guided tours to choose your rocks or admire some finds at the seller's market.
Read more: The 5 Best Hidden Hot Spring Hikes In California
Enjoy A Desert Hiking In Deming
New Mexico offers desert hikes through scenic trails and historic ruins. Desert trekking can be a demanding outdoor activity due to the land's harsh conditions. However, it can still feel rewarding and offer mesmerizing vistas. For those who camp overnight, the night sky around Deming offers light-pollution-free views of the stars. The Thunder Egg Trail is a top choice among locals for birdwatching and hiking, and it's rated moderately challenging to complete. Spring and fall (or even winter) are the best times to make your hiking a pleasant experience (thus avoiding the scorching sun). The Thunder Egg Trail stretches for 1.6 miles and is scattered by cacti, bear grass, and fragrant wildflowers. Look closely to spot beautiful stones like the spherical geodes (or thunder eggs), which are formed by agate and other minerals concentrated inside small, egg-shaped rocks. You might be curious to know that the name of these geological treasures derives from a Native American legend, which tells the story of legendary thunderbirds that nested these eggs and were capable of creating electrical and lightning storms.
Located in Rockhound State Park, the Jasper Trail is an even shorter hike (0.7 miles) that is considered moderately demanding and it takes about an hour to finish. Geodes are also what make the hiking especially rewarding: small-scale, hollow, globe-shaped rock formations with colorful crystals inside hidden in plain sight, making the searching feel like an Easter egg hunt. Besides marvelous discoveries, pay attention to the local wildlife inhabiting the area. Keep an eye out for energetic rabbits, chubby prairie dogs, badgers, rattlesnakes, or coyotes.
Camping In The Wilderness Of Deming's Rockhound State Park
Feeling at one with nature is a soul-soothing experience that can make us feel more recharged after a long work week. Grab your friends for a wild, outdoor adventure or find solace in a solo camping escapade, which can be a powerful antidote to loneliness. Either way, be sure to throw in what you need for an action-packed camping trip.
New Mexico's Rockhound State Park provides 29 campsites, 23 electric sites, an RV dump station along with standard, useful amenities like showers and bathrooms. After a physically challenging hike, refresh yourself with a tasty glass of wine at D.H. Lescombes Winery, located 7.3 miles from the state park, or visit the Deming Luna Mimbres Museum to dive into Deming's history.
For those seeking a wilder adventure where the horizon seems to stretch farther along, pitch your tent or park your RV at other private campsites in the area on Hipcamp such as One Particular Harbour or Turquiose Skies. Be aware that available amenities may vary depending on which site you book, so assemble your backpack accordingly. Only a 10-minute drive from Deming, EmTee Homestead is a camping ground in Ventura situated at the foothills of the dramatic Florida Mountains. Try out the newly added Rockhound Basecamp, which is just 2 miles away from Rockhound State Park. You will feel completely in sync with nature, surrounded by yucca and other greenery, when you set out for an adventure here –– whether it be hiking, birdwatching, crystal hunting, or a well-deserved wine tasting.
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