Camel Rock

Sitting just north of Santa Fe is one of New Mexico’s most recognizable roadside landmarks. Camel Rock earned its name because it resembles a camel resting on the desert floor, and for generations it has been a familiar sight for travelers heading north along US 84/285. The formation sits on Tesuque Pueblo land and has become an enduring symbol of the Pueblo and the surrounding region.

Although Camel Rock is visible from the highway, there is also a small parking area nearby where you can stop for a closer look. A portion of the rock’s nose collapsed in 2017, but the formation still clearly resembles a camel as seen above. If you’re driving by, Camel Rock is an easy and worthwhile five-minute stop. It’s especially photogenic in the morning and late afternoon when the sandstone glows in warm shades of pink and orange!