Coyote: Azurite & Malachite Rockhounding in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico

Updated June 2026

Coyote is a mapped rockhounding spot in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico. Reported finds include azurite, malachite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Rio Arriba County
State: New Mexico
Nearest road: NM 96
Postcode: 87012
Coordinates: 36.16572, -106.61623

Geology at Coyote

This spot sits on Cutler Formation, mapped as sandstone and conglomerate that formed roughly 305 to 285 million years ago. Sedimentary rock like this erodes unevenly, so the most productive collecting is typically along fresh cuts, badland slopes, and active drainages.

Mapped unit: Cutler Formation
Age: 305–285 Ma (Late Pennsylvanian to Cisuralian)
Rock types: sandstone and conglomerate
Elevation: 6,740 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 Coyote

Best months: February to November. Typical highs run 86°F in midsummer and 41°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 16°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, ABIQUIU DAM station (12 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 Coyote

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 Coyote.

Coyote FAQ

Where is Coyote?+

Coyote is in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, at 36.16572, -106.61623. Nearest road: NM 96.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Coyote?+

Coyote is reported to produce Azurite, Malachite.

Is collecting allowed at Coyote?+

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 Coyote?+

A rock hammer, gloves, and safety glasses are enough for oxidized copper ground. Look for green and blue staining on weathered rock and in old dump piles.

When is the best time to visit Coyote?+

The most comfortable months at Coyote are February to November.

How do I get to Coyote?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 36.16572, -106.61623 in Google Maps. The nearest road is NM 96.

More rockhounding in New Mexico

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