How to see the Shiprock Rock Formation – New Mexico
The Shiprock rock formation in the Navajo Nation/Four Corners area of New Mexico is one of the Southwest’s most iconic landmarks. You’ve likely seen it on TV, you’ve seen it in movies – and now you want to see it in person. In this guide, I’ll tell you how to visit the famous Shiprock rock formation in New Mexico.
The Shiprock rock formation is not to be confused with the nearby town of the same name, “Shiprock, New Mexico.” While it’s nearby (15 miles Southwest of the town), you’ll want to photograph it from another area to get better photos.
What is Shiprock?
Out of the flat desert, this volcanic rock formation rises a whopping 1,800 feet into the air. 30 million years ago, volcanic eruption happened in the area, and in its wake, left what we know as “Shiprock” behind. The name “Shiprock” was coined by 19th century settlers who, upon seeing the rock formation in the desert, called it “Shiprock” as it reminded them of, well, a ship. Whereas, the Navajo call the formation Tse Bit’ a’i, meaning “Bird with wings.”
It looks mysterious and strangely out-of-place – after all, the surrounding land is a flat desert. Shiprock is huge and can be seen from up to 60 miles away. My sister and I caught our first glimpse of Shiprock as we were coming down Lukachukai Pass (Indian Service Route 13) while we were still in Arizona.
How to see Shiprock in New Mexico
Shiprock is considered sacred by the Najavo people. Because it’s sacred, no climbing, camping, hiking is allowed at the site. Not to mention, there are no trespassing signs posted on every dirt road that appears to lead you closer to Shiprock.
Ok, so you cannot get close to Shiprock. So how do you see and photograph Shiprock? Navajo Nation asks visitors to photograph the rock formation from pullouts along the surrounding highways – Indian Service Route 13, Highway 64 and Highway 491.
We photographed Shiprock from Indian Service Route 13 and were very happy with our photos. Indian Service Route 13 is the thicker white line on the map below:
We drove along Highway 491, and I felt the photos I got from Indian Service Rte 13 were better, as we were closer to the rock. I haven’t been down highway 64, so I cannot speak to that experience.
If you want the best photos, Shiprock is ideally photographed at sunset. We were here in the late afternoon, and couldn’t stick around.
Other area attractions and nearby lodging
My sister and I visited Shiprock as we were coming from Canyon De Chelle National Monument, and en route to Cortez, Colorado for the night. There’s not much else to see in the immediate area, but here are some other somewhat nearby attractions to Shiprock:
Four Corners Monument – 40 minutes
Canyon De Chelle National Monument – 1hr 40 min
Bisti Badlands – 1 hr 20 minutes
Mesa Verde National Park – 1 hour
The town of Farmington, New Mexico would your best choice for lodging near Shiprock.
Ship Rock formation in New Mexico – Final Thoughts
Pros:
If you love photographing rock formations, Ship Rock is iconic!
Gravel roads are off-limits but you do not need to get close to get good images. Just bring a telephoto lens.
Very quick stop
Cons:
Located in a remote spot – for many, you’ll have to go out of your way to see Shiprock. But I think it’s worth it.
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