Red Rock Park

Red Rock Park sits in a natural amphitheater of sandstone cliffs east of Gallup. The park combines hiking trails, a campground, a rodeo and powwow arena, and a small museum, but the main draw is two short trails with incredible views. Each December, a large hot air balloon rally adds another burst of color to the cliffs.

What to Do

Hike

Red Rock Park features 6 miles of hiking trails and two major rock formations, Pyramid Rock and Church Rock. Pyramid Rock Trail can be reached by a 3-mile out-and-back trail climbing about 600 feet to a 7,487-foot summit with excellent views over Gallup and the Zuni Mountains.

Church Rock Trail on the other hand is 0.8 mile stem that leads through a canyon up to the mesa where Church Rock stands against the sky. From there you can circle the 0.8 mile Church Rock loop before returning to the trailhead for a total of 2.4 miles.

If you would like to do both, you can string them together with a 1.3 miles connector path for a total of about 6 miles. It’s a great hike that offers superior views to many of New Mexico’s state parks!

See an Event

Red Rock Park’s arena hosts rodeos, Native dances, and other events throughout the year. The biggest event is the Red Rock Balloon Rally, held each December when more than 150 hot air balloons launch around the park’s sandstone cliffs. Mass ascensions, balloon glows, Native dances, and other events make December a great time to visit. Check the Gallup events calendar for specific dates and details.

Tour the Museum

The Red Rock Museum is a small museum next to the convention center covering the archaeology, art, and Native cultures of the Gallup region. Exhibits discuss the Ancestral Puebloans who lived in the area centuries ago as well as the modern Zuni, Hopi, and Navajo peoples. Displays include pottery, rugs, silver, turquoise jewelry, kachinas, and rotating art exhibits.

Camp

Red Rock Park has two campgrounds surrounded by the same sandstone scenery as the hiking trails. Sites are available for tents and RVs, with electric and water hookups, picnic areas, bathrooms, and showers. Reservations are required and can be made through Red Rock Park.

How Much Time to Spend

A quick stop can cover the museum and a short walk in about an hour. Budget a half day to do both trails properly and see the main sights.

Getting There

Red Rock Park is about 6 miles east of downtown Gallup off NM 566, just off I-40. It’s well signed and easy to find, no high-clearance vehicle needed. Trailheads sit behind the arena and convention center that any passenger car can handle. There’s no fee to enter the park or use the trails. Summers are hot with little shade on the trails, so start early.

For those not from Western New Mexico, Red Rock Park is somewhat of a hidden gem! It offers stunning scenery, awesome hiking, and a nice variety of activities with few crowds.