La Madera: Geode Digging in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico

Updated June 2026

La Madera is a mapped rockhounding spot in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico. Reported finds include calcite, limonite, geode. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Rio Arriba County
State: New Mexico
Postcode: 87539
Coordinates: 36.39784, -106.02116

Geology at La Madera

This spot sits on Los Pinos Formation of Lower Santa Fe Group, mapped as coarse alluvium and conglomerate that formed roughly 28 to 5 million years ago. Geodes weather out of their host rock and collect in gravels like these, where their round shape and light heft help them stand out.

Mapped unit: Los Pinos Formation of Lower Santa Fe Group
Age: 28–5 Ma (Late Oligocene to Miocene)
Rock types: coarse alluvium and conglomerate
Elevation: 6,750 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 La Madera

Best months: February to November. Typical highs run 85°F in midsummer and 42°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 18°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, EL RITO station (10 mi away).

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 La Madera

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 La Madera.

La Madera FAQ

Where is La Madera?+

La Madera is in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, at 36.39784, -106.02116.

What rocks and minerals can you find at La Madera?+

La Madera is reported to produce Calcite, Limonite, Geode.

Is collecting allowed at La Madera?+

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 La Madera?+

Bring a crack hammer, a chisel, safety glasses, and a bucket. Candidates are rounder and lighter than solid rock; a soil pipe cutter opens them cleaner than a flat smash.

When is the best time to visit La Madera?+

The most comfortable months at La Madera are February to November.

How do I get to La Madera?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 36.39784, -106.02116 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in New Mexico

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Open La Madera on the map

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