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Tres Hermanas Mts: Dumortierite & Hydrozincite Rockhounding in Luna County, New Mexico

Public access6 mineralsLuna County, New MexicoUpdated October 2026
Minerals reported
6
Elevation
4,650 ft
Best months
September to May

Tres Hermanas Mts is a mapped rockhounding spot in Luna County, New Mexico. Reported finds include dumortierite, hydrozincite, pyrolusite, quartz, smithsonite, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Plan your visit

Generally open to casual rockhounding

Nearest road
cdt

Coordinates are approximate. Confirm the exact ground in the RockHoundR app, where land overlays show which agency manages the area.

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.

Access note: BLM records active mining claims in this area. Collecting from inside an active claim needs the claim holder's permission.

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.

Best time to visit Tres Hermanas Mts

Comfortable months (45 to 90°F highs)

Best months: September to May. Typical highs run 94°F in midsummer and 57°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 29°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, COLUMBUS station (9 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

Geology at Tres Hermanas Mts

This spot sits on Hueco Formation or Group, mapped as limestone and shale that formed roughly 300 to 285 million years ago. Carbonate rock like this dissolves and weathers readily, so fresh road cuts, quarries, and creek exposures are typically the most productive ground.

Mapped unit
Hueco Formation or Group
Age
300–285 Ma (Cisuralian)
Rock types
limestone and shale
Elevation
4,650 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.

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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 Tres Hermanas Mts

Each name 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 Tres Hermanas Mts.

  • ColumbusLuna County, New Mexico · 7 mi awayOnyx
  • Big Diggins MineLuna County, New Mexico · 15 mi awayAgate
  • Carrizalillo Mining DistrictLuna County, New Mexico · 16 mi awayThunderegg
  • Agate Point prospectLuna County, New Mexico · 18 mi awayAgate, Thunderegg
  • Little Florida MountainsLuna County, New Mexico · 19 mi awayThunderegg, Agate
  • Rockhound State ParkLuna County, New Mexico · 19 mi awayAgate, Blue Chalcedony, Jasper
  • General Area (Luna County)Luna County, New Mexico · 28 mi awayAgate, Chalcedony, Chert
  • Queen's Taste MineGrant County, New Mexico · 31 mi awayCopper

Across the state line from Tres Hermanas Mts

Tres Hermanas Mts 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.

  • General AreaEl Paso County, Texas · 71 mi awayGarnet, Mica, Pink Serpentine

Tres Hermanas Mts FAQ

Where is Tres Hermanas Mts?+
Tres Hermanas Mts is in Luna County, New Mexico, at 31.93075, -107.72552. Nearest road: cdt.
What rocks and minerals can you find at Tres Hermanas Mts?+
Tres Hermanas Mts is reported to produce Dumortierite, Hydrozincite, Pyrolusite, Quartz, Smithsonite, Willemite.
Is collecting allowed at Tres Hermanas Mts?+
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 Tres Hermanas Mts?+
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 Tres Hermanas Mts?+
The most comfortable months at Tres Hermanas Mts 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 Tres Hermanas Mts?+
Open the directions link to navigate to 31.93075, -107.72552 in Google Maps. The nearest road is cdt.

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