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Redrock: Ricolite & Banded Serpentine Rockhounding in Grant County, New Mexico

Updated June 2026

Redrock stands out for ricolite, the banded nonfibrous serpentine associated with the Ricolite district in the Burro Mountains. Mindat ties the Ash Creek Canyon quarry to the Ricolite district, and New Mexico Bureau of Geology industrial-minerals notes distinguish decorative ricolite from the state's minor asbestos occurrences. Reported finds include ricolite, banded serpentine. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Redrock photos

Public image records connected to this spot or its reported material.

1 photo

Map showing Redrock in Grant County, New Mexico

Quick details

Access
Public area

Geology at Redrock

This spot sits on granitic plutonic rocks, mapped as granite that formed roughly 1600 to 1200 million years ago. Plutonic rock like this weathers slowly into grus and boulders, and the most productive collecting is typically in weathered zones and drainages.

Mapped unit
granitic plutonic rocks
Age
1600–1200 Ma (Mesoproterozoic)
Rock types
granite
Elevation
4,470 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 Redrock

Best months: September to May. Typical highs run 94°F in midsummer and 58°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 23°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, REDROCK 1 NNE station (5 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:

Found at Redrock

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 Redrock.

Across the state line from Redrock

Redrock 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.

Redrock FAQ

Where is Redrock?+
Redrock is in Grant County, New Mexico, at 32.73566, -108.65265.
What rocks and minerals can you find at Redrock?+
Redrock is reported to produce Ricolite, Banded Serpentine.
Is collecting allowed at Redrock?+
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 Redrock?+
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 Redrock?+
The most comfortable months at Redrock are September to May.
How do I get to Redrock?+
Open the directions link to navigate to 32.73566, -108.65265 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

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