Toadstool Hoodoo





Recently on various social media pages I had been reading and seeing photos of people going to see the Hoodoo rocks. Also, after seeing these photos, I instantly became fascinated and wanted to see them for myself. To my surprise they were located nearby so the dog went in the car, and we were off to find these very unique rock formations. But getting there was not as easy as the map made it out to be.

But before I could find them, I first had to figure out what a hoodoo was. A hoodoo itself is a set of spiritual practices, traditions, and beliefs that dates back hundreds of years. A hoodoo is a spire made of various rocks and minerals that are tall and thin with a larger rock on top. The majority of the drive there is on a very bumpy dirt road, and there were a few times I almost turned back. There is nothing quite like being greeted by No Trespassing signs to make you question if you should go, but I figured if this many people are going it must be ok. The second time I almost turned around was the multiple times I kept missing the turn to actually find them, but patience paid off and eventually I discovered the hoodoo.

After finally coming across them and finding a place to park it was worth the rough drive, getting lost a couple times to see these in person. It almost feels that you are on a different planet when walking amongst these rock formations. The tall spires range in size with varying heights and widths. They are a vibrant light color, and the rocks on top are a browner color that creates a striking contrast making them very eye catching. The texture of the rocks are also unique with some being very smooth, and other with these symmetrical lines showing years of erosion to create the final formation.

The only thing I wish was different was that I was prepared for a hike. This is not a hike, but instead a historical site, and scenic view. There was some area to walk around, but it’s the road that you drive in on, and away from the toadstool rocks there is good scenery off in the distance, but not what the drive there was for. Did that take away from the experience though? Absolutely not. Would I go again? Probably not only because the terrain of the road gets so rough, and it was a decent drive to turn around shortly after arriving.

The last question is am I glad I went? Yes, the geological landscape in New Mexico is something I have never experienced before. Constantly being surrounded by living history is something I am not used to, but something I have really come to enjoy. These are rock formations I had never heard of before, never seen before, and will probably never see again anywhere else. Visits to places like the Toadstool Hoodoo is a reminder of why I moved here. To get to enjoy nature, and the beauty of where I live again.

To see photos of my adventures follow me on Instagram @the_nm_tx or tag me using #thenmtx


 

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