Ultimate Guide to Red Rock Park in Gallup, NM

Park Activities

Directions

FAQ

Gallup’s Red Rock Park is a 640-acre park featuring red sandstone cliffs formed 280 million years ago, during the Mesozoic Era (sometimes referred to as the Age of Dinosaurs). The park has two hiking trails, a rodeo arena, convention center, museum, and well-equipped campgrounds for visitors to enjoy. The trails are ideal for a variety of outdoor activities and offer impressive views of Pyramid Rock and Church Rock. Visitors looking to spend more time at the park are invited to reserve space at one of the two campgrounds available at Red Rock Park. The campgrounds feature electric and water hookups, picnic areas, and on-site bathrooms and showers. Red Rock Park also feature the Red Rock Park Museum, a unique place where guests can experience exhibits full of incredible Anasazi and Navajo artifacts while taking in the picturesque scenery. Artifacts on display include Native American art, jewelry, rugs, and pottery.

Park Activities

Explore the Trails

Put on your hiking boots and hit the trails at Red Rock Park. The two trailheads afford stunning views of Pyramid Rock and Church Rock without ever climbing up to the top. These are Gallup’s most popular hiking routes and when you see the views, you’ll know why!

two people hiking the trail toward Church Rock in Red Rock Park, New Mexico

Credit: Credit: New Mexico Tourism Department

Church Rock Trail

Trail Type: Out-and-Back
Duration: 2.2 Miles
Uses: Hiking

Church Rock Trail is a round-trip hiking experience that ascends to the majestic sandstone spires after reaching an elevation of 7,240 feet. Venture closer to these remarkable formations by navigating through a bit of scrambling, and follow the trail as it contours along deep, vertical canyons at the spires' base. This hike begins with Church Rock Trail's stem which is 0.7 miles and continues on to the loop at the end of the stem that is 0.8 miles long.

Note: Follow the cairns to stay on the trail. There are sheep paths in the area that depart from the Church Rock Trail.

Pyramid Rock Trail

Trail Type: Out-and-Back
Duration: 3.4 Miles
Uses: Birding, Hiking, and Mountain Biking

Pyramid Rock Trail at Red Rock Park beckons adventurers to conquer the park's highest point, Pyramid Rock, at an elevation of 7,487 feet. Follow the trail along a scenic ridge with sweeping views of the red rock canyons as you navigate through switchbacks. Reaching the summit rewards you with a breathtaking panorama, showcasing Gallup, the historic bunkers of Fort Wingate, the Zuni Mountains, and, on clear days, the distant silhouette of Mount Taylor.

For those looking to customize their hike, the Pyramid Rock Trail is 1.7 miles one way and has a connector to the Church Rock Trail that is 1.3 miles long.

Clay pottery decorated with intricate patterns and designs on display at Red Rock Park Museum

Anasazi pottery on display at Red Rock Park Museum.

Red Rock Museum

Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Next to the Red Rock Park Convention Center

Step back in time and learn about the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans while exploring the living history of the present day Hopi, Navajo, and Zuni at Red Rock Museum. Deepen your understanding of Native American culture and heritage through interpretive exhibits, permanent displays of Kachinas, pottery, rugs, silver, and turquoise, and traveling art exhibits.

Annual Events at Red Rock Park

Experience the vibrant cultural tapestry of Gallup through annual events held in the Red Rock Park and Red Rock Park Arena. The events held at the park promise an unforgettable blend of cultural traditions and lively celebrations against the scenic backdrop of Red Rock Park. Check out the most popular annual events below:

Rodeos

Spring and summer at Red Rock Park is filled with family-friendly rodeos featuring cowgirls and cowboys completing a wide array of challenges.

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Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial

Held every August, the Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial is a celebration of Native American arts and culture drawing visitors from across the nation.

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Red Rock Balloon Rally

Grab a camera and capture mesmerizing landscapes as colorful hot air balloons fill the sky in Red Rock Park every December.

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Camping

Discover the charm of Red Rock Park Campground, featuring two well-appointed campgrounds with electric and water hookups, picturesque picnic areas, and essential on-site facilities, including bathrooms and showers. The addition of a post office ensures a seamless stay. Positioned within the heart of nature, the campground is the perfect base for outdoor enthusiasts, providing easy access to Red Rock Park's renowned hiking trails and museum.

Reservations are required. Book your campsite on the reservation website.

Host Your Next Convention

Elevate your next event at the Red Rock Park Convention Center. With 5 distinct rooms for events and meetings, the Convention Center is the ideal place to host your next event. Host intimate gatherings in the dining room or the two conference rooms. For larger gatherings, the spacious auditorium, complete with a stage, is available. Whether it's a corporate meeting, seminar, or conference, the Red Rock Park Convention Center offers a range of versatile spaces to suit your specific event requirements.

Directions & Park Details

Address: 5757 Red Rock Park Dr., Church Rock, NM 87311

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 10, Church Rock, NM 87311

Parking: There is FREE parking available for visitors.

Directions:

From I-40 East - Take Exit 33 and proceed west on the frontage road for 4.5 miles.
From I-40 West - Take Exit 26 and proceed east on NM 118 for 2 miles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does New Mexico have Red Rocks?

Yes, New Mexico is home to Red Rocks just a short drive from Gallup at Red Rock Park.

Where is Red Rock Park?

Red Rock Park is located at 825 Outlaw Rd, Church Rock, NM 87311.

Can you camp out at Red Rocks?

Yes, Red Rock Park has two campgrounds featuring electric and water hookups, picnic areas, and on-site bathrooms and showers. Reservations are required.

Is there a fee to enter the park?

No, Red Rock Park does not charge an admission fee.

Are there any events happening at Red Rock Park?

Red Rock Park is home to numerous annual events, including rodeos, the Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial, and Red Rock Balloon Rally, as well as other exciting events.