City of Rocks State Park and Rockhound State Park astronomy program schedule

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: Category: Local News Releases; Aug 25, 2026

City of Rocks State Park and Rockhound State Park in conjunction with the Astronomy Friends of The Parks announce the '26 fall/winter and '27 Spring astronomy program schedule.

Weather permitting, about 20 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.

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. 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

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

Bring your favorite 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.

2026

September 11, Friday Rockhound State Park, sunset- 7:15 pm

September 12, Saturday City of Rocks State Park, sunset- 7:15 pm

October 9, Friday Rockhound State Park, sunset- 6:40 pm

October 10, Saturday City of Rocks State Park, sunset- 6:40 pm

November 6, Friday Rockhound State Park, sunset- 5:10 pm

November 7, Saturday City of Rocks State Park, sunset- 5:10 pm

December 4, Friday Rockhound State Park, sunset- 5:10 pm

December 5, Saturday City of Rocks State Park, sunset- 5:10 pm

2027

January 8, Friday Rockhound State Park, sunset- 5:30 pm

January 9, Saturday City of Rocks State Park, sunset- 5:30 pm

2027 continued

February 5, Friday Rockhound State Park, sunset- 6:00 pm

February 6, Saturday City of Rocks State Park, sunset- 6:00 pm

March 5, Friday Rockhound State Park, sunset- 7:20 pm

March 6, Saturday City of Rocks State Park, sunset- 7:20 pm

April 2, Friday Rockhound State Park, sunset- 7:40 pm

April 3, Saturday City of Rocks State Park, sunset- 7:40 pm

May 7, Friday Rockhound State Park, sunset- 8:00 pm

May 8, Saturday City of Rocks State Park, sunset- 8:00 pm

Due to heat and monsoon season, we do not give presentations June through August.

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 Charles Turner.

Facebook: Astronomy Friends of The Parks page

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

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Advanced Airlines flies out of Silver City to Phoenix and Albuquerque

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City of Rocks State Park and Rockhound State Park astronomy program schedule

Content on the Beat

Editor's Notes

Submitting to the Beat