Cookes Peak: Anglesite & Cerussite Rockhounding in Luna County, New Mexico

Updated June 2026

Cookes Peak is a mapped rockhounding spot in Luna County, New Mexico. Reported finds include anglesite, cerussite, galena. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Luna County
State: New Mexico
Nearest road: Cookes Peak Trail
Coordinates: 32.55698, -107.72501

Geology at Cookes Peak

This spot sits on ground mapped as shale, limestone, and dolostone that formed roughly 420 to 360 million years ago. Carbonate rock like this is the classic host for lead, zinc, and fluorite mineralization, which typically follows old cavities and replacement zones.

Age: 420–360 Ma (Devonian)
Rock types: shale, limestone, and dolostone
Elevation: 6,430 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 Cookes Peak

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 52°F in winter to 87°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, FAYWOOD station (10 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 Cookes Peak

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 Cookes Peak.

Cookes Peak FAQ

Where is Cookes Peak?+

Cookes Peak is in Luna County, New Mexico, at 32.55698, -107.72501. Nearest road: Cookes Peak Trail.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Cookes Peak?+

Cookes Peak is reported to produce Anglesite, Cerussite, Galena.

Is collecting allowed at Cookes Peak?+

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 Cookes Peak?+

A rock hammer, gloves, and safety glasses cover old mining-district ground. Stay out of shafts and adits; the best specimens typically come from dump piles.

When is the best time to visit Cookes Peak?+

Cookes Peak is workable year-round.

How do I get to Cookes Peak?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 32.55698, -107.72501 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Cookes Peak Trail.

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