Pedernal Park: Agate & Chalcedony Rockhounding in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico

Updated June 2026

Pedernal Park is a mapped rockhounding spot in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico. Reported finds include agate, chalcedony, chert, jasper. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Rio Arriba County
State: New Mexico
Coordinates: 36.19201, -106.48976

Geology at Pedernal Park

This spot sits on Morrison Formation, mapped as sandstone and shale that formed roughly 160 to 145 million years ago. Tough silica like agate, jasper, and chert typically weathers out of beds like these and collects as float in drainages and on deflation surfaces.

Mapped unit: Morrison Formation
Age: 160–145 Ma (Late Jurassic)
Rock types: sandstone and shale
Elevation: 7,050 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 Pedernal Park

Best months: February to November. Typical highs run 85°F in midsummer and 40°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 15°F. At about 7,050 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, ABIQUIU DAM station (5 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 Pedernal Park

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 Pedernal Park.

Pedernal Park FAQ

Where is Pedernal Park?+

Pedernal Park is in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, at 36.19201, -106.48976.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Pedernal Park?+

Pedernal Park is reported to produce Agate, Chalcedony, Chert, Jasper.

Is collecting allowed at Pedernal Park?+

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 Pedernal Park?+

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 Pedernal Park?+

The most comfortable months at Pedernal Park are February to November. At about 7,050 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

How do I get to Pedernal Park?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 36.19201, -106.48976 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

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