The rock with the wings: Shiprock, New Mexico

To the Navajo people this rock is known as “Tsé Bitʼaʼí” which means “rock with wings” or “winged rock”. You probably have seen this unique bird-like volcanic rock formation of New Mexico in movies like Transformers (2007) or Jumanji: The Next Level (2019). Well, this is Shiprock, one of the most iconic formations of New Mexico. This huge bird like volcanic rock formation is situated 15 miles southwest of the town name Shiprock. One of the amazing features of this place is that it can be seen for miles from any direction. While we were driving towards Shiprock, from a far distance there was a rock formation standing alone in the middle of nowhere. From a close distance, we were really amazed by the hugeness of the rock. If viewed from certain angles, the rock formation resembles to a large bird sitting with both wings folded and the south and north summits mimic the tops of the wings.

This rock formation has been standing alone for quite some time. This thirty-million-year-old (approximate) rock formation is located at the center of three volcanic pressure ridges. The main components of this unique rock formation are fractured volcanic breccia, black dikes of igneous rock known as minette or lamprophyre. This volcanic plug may have formed initially when cooling lava plugged a vent on a volcano that erupted around thirty million years ago. After million years of erosion of the surrounding layers of sandstones, the harder erosion resistant volcanic neck or the plug became exposed. As of now, this rock formation is standing tall over 1500 feet from the surrounding flat ground. The peak elevation from the sea level is 7178 feet. There are numerous volcanic dykes or dikes radiated out from Shiprock. When lave enters a crack in the surrounding rock and solidifies, a volcanic dyke is formed. With time, the dikes become exposed due to the erosion of the surrounding rocks. There are three main dikes: west, southeast and northeast that radiate out from the main formation of Shiprock.

When I read about this place, I found a number of different stories described in the myths and legends of Navajo nation. According to myth, shiprock was a piece of land which became a bird and carried the ancestral navajo people from one place to another. After being transported from another place at sundown, the enormous creature settled in its current desert location and turned back to stone. The newly arrived people settled on the rock’s peak, they came down only to collect food and water. One day the peak was struck by lightning unexpectedly, destroying the trail and left only a sheer cliff and also, stranding the members (women and children) of the tribe among its shards. Since then, the presence of the people on the rock has been forbidden. They fear the presence of people might disturb the chį́įdii (ghosts) or may be people might rob their corpses. There are also many other myths about Shiprock.

Another story portrays Shiprock as a medicine bag or bow carried by a mythical, giant, man-like creature whose body is made up of various mountain peaks and ranges. According to another legend, there were flesh-eating bird monsters lived at the top of the Shiprock. One of the two warrior twins killed two of the bird monsters, turned one into an eagle and another into an owl. There are several other stories or legends about this unique enormous rock. Each are unique and fascinating. Even in some chants and ceremonies, the mention of this rock means that this rock is scared and significant.

Once upon a time, this enormous rock had drawn a huge interest to the rock climbers. In 1939, the rock was climbed for the first time. It is technically difficult and challenging climb. In late March 1970, there was a tragic accident that resulted in a death. Since then, human ascents have been outlawed to honor the Navajo custom.

Though hiking and climbing are not allowed, still the view is quite breathtaking. Specially, if you want to take the rock formation with dyke radiating to the south as a leading line, sunrise time is the best. You may get a colorful view of the huge rock during sunset, but the dyke will probably not be visible for photographic purpose. Now a days many people use drone to get the full ariel shot of the Shiprock including the dyke. Either way, the view is beautiful. During winter month you can get a different snowy perspective (if it snows). On the contrary, during early summer (throughout June) you can get wildflowers as a good foreground with the Shiprock.

More than 7000 feet tall this giant rock is really an eye treat as because you will not see any other formation nearby. The vastness of this place transcends the imagination of human mind. It may not be a place for hiking or any kind of adventure, but to enjoy the vast beauty visit to this place is a must.

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