Red Rock Park

Above, a view of Church Rock from the post office parking lot. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since today was a nice warm day, I decided to take a little drive to Red Rock Park, that is situated a few miles east of Gallup, New Mexico and is in the community of Church Rock. The Church Rock U.S. Post Office is inside the park.

I took Interstate 40 east to Exit 33 and exited. From there, I took Historic Route 66 east about 3-4 miles to the Red Rock Park road. Along the way, I saw a sign that said "Army Depot". It is part of Fort Wingate. The road to the depot goes under I-40. I decided to make a stop there on the way home.

Red Rock Park

Above, the Red Rock Park entrance sign. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The drive to Red Rock Park is about a half mile from Route 66. At the entrance, there are signs stating that there are campgrounds, convention center, park office, trails, post office, amphitheater and post office.

Above, the Red Rock Park Main Campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I first headed to the Main Campground. There were a few RVs in different campsites, which include hook-ups. The sites are mostly shady and it is surrounded by red rocks.

Above, the post office (left), stables and Church Rock (background). Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Next to the Main Campground is a large parking lot for the Church Rock Hiking Trail. There are also stables at the trailhead. Next to the parking lot is the Church Rock Post Office.

Due north of the parking lot, is a nice view of Church Rock. I took some photos of it.

There are actually two campgrounds at Red Rock Park. The Main Campground and the West Campground.


Red Rock Park Office, Museum and Convention Center

After perusing the stables and post office I then headed over to where the convention center and park office, convention center and museum are located.

Above, the main entrance to the convention center. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I arrived at the entrance to the convention center, a nice gentleman greeted me and told me about the museum. We walked to the office and museum. The museum is free, but they do have a donation box at the entrance.

Above, the hallway leading into the museum from the park office. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

At the office he gave me some literature about Red Rock Park, including the campground and maps. He mentioned that there will be a rodeo this weekend, starting Friday through Sunday. It looks like I'll be heading back to Red Rock Park for the rodeo. Admission is free and it is the state finals for high school and junior high school contestants. I've been to rodeos before and always had a good time, so I am looking forward to this one.

Above, a nice collection of Zuni kachina dolls. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I left the office and wandered through the museum. If anyone is even remotely interested in Indian artifacts and history, this is one excellent museum! It is even better than what is in the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. or on a par with other major museums of Native American history.

Above, there were several wood sculptures in the
museum. This one was my favorite. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since the summer season is only a month away (and it is Memorial Day weekend in a few days), there will be plenty of things to do in the Gallup area and in New Mexico in general. I am looking forward to it.

If one is coming through Gallup, New Mexico and has time to spare, I highly recommend a visit to the Red Rock Park Museum.


U.S. Army Depot

After leaving Red Rock Park, I headed east on Route 66. As I mentioned earlier, I decided to make a stop at the entrance to the Fort Wingate U.S. Army Depot.

Above, the Fort Wingate U.S. Army Deport gateway arch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The gate to the depot is a few yards from the Interstate 40 (the interstate runs parallel to Route 66) overpass. I stopped and took some photos. As there was a vehicle parked at the gate (I presume it was a security person, I did not drive into the depot.

More Photos

Above, the Church Rock, New Mexico Post Office. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, horse stables near the Church Rock trailhead. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the Red Rock Park Main Campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a display of Indian rugs. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Zuni kachina dolls. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, another display of Indian rugs. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a wood sculpture. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, decorations on the walls outside of the office and convention center.

Above, Church Rock from the trailhead. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, pottery display. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, some of the red rocks that surround the park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.