Explore a Geologist’s Paradise in Farmington, New Mexico

The rocky terrain of Farmington, New Mexico is every geologist’s dream come true. Farmington is home to fantastical sandstone and shale rock formations, ancient petroglyphs, and a bed and breakfast that is located in a cave. Farmington is considered by many people to be the one of the Land of Enchantment’s most scenic stretches of desert. If you have always dreamt of exploring the red rocks of the West, Farmington is the ideal place to start.

The Bisti Badlands are home to surreal rock formations that look like warped tortoise and oyster shells, stone tables with slightly tilted surfaces, and mushrooms. The rugged Bisti Badlands are excellent for stargazing. Viewing the Milky Way with Bisti’s rocky spires in the distance is an experience that you will not soon forget.

The Wings, bizarre rock formations in Bisti Badlands, New Mexico, USA
Photo by depositphotos.com

The Crow Canyon Petroglyphs never fail to captivate visitors. The Crow Canyon Archaeological District features Navajo rock art that dates back to the 17th century. Visitors can view murals that feature horses, farmers, and a variety of shapes whose true meaning is known only to the Navajo people who carved them. The Crow Canyon Archeological District is located in Dinetah, which is the sacred ancestral home of the Navajo people.

Crow Canyon Petroglyphs
Photo by Flickr

If wandering among the rock formations in the Bisti Badlands and viewing the Crow Canyon Petroglyphs still doesn’t quell your rock fever, you can always book a stay at Kokopelli’s Cave. Kokpelli’s Cave is a bed and breakfast that was literally blasted out of solid rock. Geologist Bruce Black initially planned to use Kokopelli’s Cave as an office space, but ultimately decided that the cave dwelling would make an excellent bed and breakfast.

Kokopelli’s Cave
Looking into the living area and the bedroom from the dining area.
Photo by Flickr

Kokopelli’s Cave offers a panoramic view of the La Plata River. Visitors can also view the four corners region in the distance. On a clear day, you can see Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona. The interior of the cave features a red rock shower, a replica of a Native American kiva that features a ladder and a fireplace, and a plush bed and couches for maximum relaxation.

Kokopelli’s Cave
This was taken from the living room area…