Ancho: Jasper Rockhounding in Lincoln County, New Mexico

Updated June 2026

Ancho is a mapped rockhounding spot in Lincoln County, New Mexico. Reported finds include jasper. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Lincoln County
State: New Mexico
Nearest road: A036
Coordinates: 33.93749, -105.73051

Geology at Ancho

This spot sits on Artesia Group, mapped as mixed clastic, anhydrite, and dolostone that formed roughly 275 to 260 million years ago. Chert and agate nodules typically form inside carbonate rock like this and weather out as tough, waxy lumps in soils and creek beds.

Mapped unit: Artesia Group
Age: 275–260 Ma (Guadalupian)
Rock types: mixed clastic, anhydrite, and dolostone
Elevation: 6,270 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 Ancho

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 48°F in winter to 86°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, CORONA 10SW station (15 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 Ancho

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

Jasper Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Ancho.

Ancho FAQ

Where is Ancho?+

Ancho is in Lincoln County, New Mexico, at 33.93749, -105.73051. Nearest road: A036.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Ancho?+

Ancho is reported to produce Jasper.

Is collecting allowed at Ancho?+

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 Ancho?+

Most agate and jasper is surface float: bring a spray bottle, a pick or small shovel, and a sturdy bag. Wet stones show their banding and translucence.

When is the best time to visit Ancho?+

Ancho is workable year-round.

How do I get to Ancho?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 33.93749, -105.73051 in Google Maps. The nearest road is A036.

More rockhounding in New Mexico

See all 119 New Mexico spots →

Open Ancho on the map

Use the RockHoundR app for live land overlays, weather, geology, directions, and saved finds.