Whites City: Onyx Rockhounding in Eddy County, New Mexico

Updated June 2026

Whites City is a mapped rockhounding spot in Eddy County, New Mexico. Reported finds include onyx. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Eddy County
State: New Mexico
Nearest road: Carlsbad Cavern Highway
Postcode: 88268
Coordinates: 32.17585, -104.37695

Geology at Whites City

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: 3,670 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 Whites City

Best months: September to May. Typical highs run 94°F in midsummer and 59°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 36°F. Summer heat here is intense, so carry more water than you think you need and work the early morning.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, CARLSBAD CAVERNS 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 Whites City

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

Onyx

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Whites City.

Across the state line from Whites City

Whites City is close enough to the New Mexico border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Whites City FAQ

Where is Whites City?+

Whites City is in Eddy County, New Mexico, at 32.17585, -104.37695. Nearest road: Carlsbad Cavern Highway.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Whites City?+

Whites City is reported to produce Onyx.

Is collecting allowed at Whites City?+

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 Whites City?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, safety glasses, and a collecting bag cover the basics here. Add a spray bottle: wet rock shows color and pattern that dry rock hides.

When is the best time to visit Whites City?+

The most comfortable months at Whites City are September to May. Summer heat here is intense, so carry more water than you think you need and work the early morning.

How do I get to Whites City?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 32.17585, -104.37695 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Carlsbad Cavern Highway.

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Open Whites City on the map

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