Angel Peak Scenic Area

Angel Peak is a protected area in New Mexico that reaches 6,988 feet and features multicolored rock formations across about 10,000 acres of desert landscape. The site displays layers of sandstone, siltstone, and mudstone that reflect different geological time periods.

The formations in the area developed millions of years ago when this region was covered by seas. Fossil remains of early mammals in the layers show how life on Earth changed over long periods of time.

The area holds significance for local tribal communities connected to this land and its natural formations. Visitors can experience the striking colors and shapes of the landscape as they walk through the terrain.

The area offers three picnic zones with shelters, tables, and restroom facilities, plus nine camping spots along the canyon rim. A walking trail leads to an overlook where visitors can observe the layered colors and canyon formations.

The area contains fossils from the Nacimiento Formation that reveal rare finds of early mammal species from a lesser-studied geological period. These fossils help scientists understand a gap in evolution between major ages of Earth's history.