Fort Sumner (Pecos diamonds): Quartz & Pecos Diamonds Rockhounding in De Baca County, New Mexico

Updated June 2026

Fort Sumner (Pecos diamonds) is a mapped rockhounding spot in De Baca County, New Mexico. Reported finds include quartz, pecos diamonds. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: De Baca County
State: New Mexico
Nearest road: US 60
Postcode: 88136
Coordinates: 34.47315, -104.72301

Geology at Fort Sumner (Pecos diamonds)

This spot sits on Piedmont alluvial deposits, mapped as unconsolidated alluvium that formed within roughly the last 3 million years. Loose deposits like these are float-collecting ground: erosion keeps moving durable rocks and minerals into gravel bars, cutbanks, and washes.

Mapped unit: Piedmont alluvial deposits
Age: 3 Ma to present (Pleistocene to Holocene)
Rock types: unconsolidated alluvium
Elevation: 4,990 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 Fort Sumner (Pecos diamonds)

Best months: August to June. Typical highs run 91°F in midsummer and 53°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 25°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, YESO 2 S station (8 mi away).

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 Fort Sumner (Pecos diamonds)

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 Fort Sumner (Pecos diamonds).

Fort Sumner (Pecos diamonds) FAQ

Where is Fort Sumner (Pecos diamonds)?+

Fort Sumner (Pecos diamonds) is in De Baca County, New Mexico, at 34.47315, -104.72301. Nearest road: US 60.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Fort Sumner (Pecos diamonds)?+

Fort Sumner (Pecos diamonds) is reported to produce Quartz, Pecos Diamonds.

Is collecting allowed at Fort Sumner (Pecos diamonds)?+

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 Fort Sumner (Pecos diamonds)?+

A rock hammer, a small pry bar, gloves, and safety glasses cover most crystal ground. A screen helps in loose pocket soil, and newspaper protects points on the way out.

When is the best time to visit Fort Sumner (Pecos diamonds)?+

The most comfortable months at Fort Sumner (Pecos diamonds) are August to June.

How do I get to Fort Sumner (Pecos diamonds)?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 34.47315, -104.72301 in Google Maps. The nearest road is US 60.

More rockhounding in New Mexico

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Open Fort Sumner (Pecos diamonds) on the map

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