Pajarito Mesa: Agatized Wood & Agate Rockhounding in Bernalillo County, New Mexico

Updated June 2026

Pajarito Mesa is a mapped rockhounding spot in Bernalillo County, New Mexico. Reported finds include agatized wood, agate, jasper. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Bernalillo County
State: New Mexico
Nearest road: Old Pajarito Road
Coordinates: 34.99476, -106.76560

Geology at Pajarito Mesa

This spot sits on Piedmont alluvial deposits, mapped as unconsolidated alluvium that formed within roughly the last 3 million years. Petrified wood typically travels as tough float, and worked gravels like these are exactly where weathered pieces tend to collect.

Mapped unit: Piedmont alluvial deposits
Age: 3 Ma to present (Pleistocene to Holocene)
Rock types: unconsolidated alluvium
Elevation: 5,420 ft

Geologic mapping via Macrostrat and the underlying state geological survey maps (CC BY 4.0). Bedrock at the surface can vary within a mapped unit.

Best time to visit Pajarito Mesa

Best months: August to June. Typical highs run 91°F in midsummer and 49°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 21°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, ALBUQUERQUE VALLEY station (4 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

Land & collecting status

Generally open to casual rockhounding

Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig.

Public-land rules vary by agency, season, and field office. The RockHoundR app pulls live BLM, USFS, NPS, and tribal overlays so you can see exactly which agency manages the ground at this spot.

Sources & verification

Spot details combine the public RockHoundR location dataset, normalized mineral labels, agency land-status checks in the app, and community submissions. Coordinates are approximate until verified in the field.

State guidance last verified: April 1, 2026

Rockhound State Park — Collection rules
BLM New Mexico
New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Pajarito Mesa

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Pajarito Mesa.

Pajarito Mesa FAQ

Where is Pajarito Mesa?+

Pajarito Mesa is in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, at 34.99476, -106.76560. Nearest road: Old Pajarito Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Pajarito Mesa?+

Pajarito Mesa is reported to produce Agatized Wood, Agate, Jasper.

Is collecting allowed at Pajarito Mesa?+

Generally open to casual rockhounding. Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.

What tools should I bring to Pajarito Mesa?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, and a padded bag cover petrified wood hunting. Most pieces are surface float, so walking slopes and washes beats digging.

When is the best time to visit Pajarito Mesa?+

The most comfortable months at Pajarito Mesa are August to June.

How do I get to Pajarito Mesa?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 34.99476, -106.76560 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Old Pajarito Road.

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Open Pajarito Mesa on the map

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