On the fifth day of my wildlife photography adventure at Black Mesa State Park, I decided to take a break from my usual routine. With New Mexico only about 15–20 miles away, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to revisit a spot I had stumbled upon over a decade ago: Wedding Cake Butte.
Rediscovering Wedding Cake Butte
About 10 or 15 years ago, while driving along NM Highway 456, I accidentally discovered Wedding Cake Butte. Located on the north side of the highway, approximately 12 miles west of the Oklahoma state line, this butte left a lasting impression on me. At that time, I only had my phone to take a few quick photos, but the distinctive shape of the butte, resembling a layered wedding cake, stuck with me. This trip felt like the right moment to return and capture it with my camera.
Back then, I didn’t know much about the butte and only figured out its name because of the nearby ranch called “Wedding Cake Ranch.” This time around, I was better prepared to appreciate its history and geographical significance.
A Closer Look at Wedding Cake Butte
Wedding Cake Butte is located in Union County, near the town of Folsom, New Mexico. With an elevation of approximately 4,890 feet, the butte stands proudly within the Great Plains region, at coordinates 36.9749°N latitude and 103.1974°W longitude. Its unique, tiered shape gives the butte its name, making it a notable landmark in this remote part of New Mexico.
As I sat in my truck, moving to a different spot to capture the butte from a better angle, a truck pulled up beside me. Inside was a ranch employee who noticed I was photographing the butte.
A Chance Encounter
The ranch employee and I exchanged greetings. He was curious about what I was doing and mentioned that many people stop to photograph the butte. As we talked, I learned that he was originally from Paris, Arkansas, which is just a short drive from where I live. It’s always interesting to realize how small the world can be!
Wrapping Up the Day
After spending some time capturing photos and enjoying the scenic drive, I headed back to Black Mesa State Park. The short trip to New Mexico was a great change of pace and reminded me of how much there is to explore, even in places I’ve visited before. Revisiting Wedding Cake Butte felt like reconnecting with an old friend—familiar yet full of new details to appreciate.
This detour added an unexpected yet delightful twist to my camping trip, and I’m glad I took the time to venture out and explore beyond the park’s borders. I’m looking forward to what tomorrow will bring as I continue my journey back at Black Mesa.