Palisades Sill

The route from Cimarron to Eagle Nest, New Mexico, has long been known for its beauty. The western half of the route is preserved as Cimarron Canyon State Park, and the crown jewel of the park is the Palisades Sill. 

The canyon was created by the Cimarron River, and this particular section of it is an intrusive area known as a sill. In particular, the rock seen here is monzonite, a form of igneous dacite rock created 40 million years ago during the formation of the Southern Rocky Mountains.  

Today, the Palisades Sill forms a stunning backdrop for the peaceful run of the Cimarron River. Visitors can park alongside the road for easy river access and there is a picnic area across the highway. It provides a nice spot for drivers to stop in the long and winding canyon and stretch their legs.