Petaca: Pink Feldspar & Mica Rockhounding in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico

Updated June 2026

Petaca is a mapped rockhounding spot in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico. Reported finds include pink feldspar, mica, quartz. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Rio Arriba County
State: New Mexico
Nearest road: Forest Road 45
Postcode: 87554
Coordinates: 36.50335, -106.02346

Geology at Petaca

This spot sits on Basaltic to andesitic lava flows, mapped as basalt and andesite that formed roughly 23 to 3 million years ago. Cavities and seams in volcanic rock like this are the kind of setting where quartz and amethyst crystals tend to grow.

Mapped unit: Basaltic to andesitic lava flows
Age: 23–3 Ma (Neogene)
Rock types: basalt and andesite
Elevation: 7,560 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 Petaca

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 83°F in midsummer and 40°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 10°F. At about 7,560 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, TRES PIEDRAS station (11 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 Petaca

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 Petaca.

Petaca FAQ

Where is Petaca?+

Petaca is in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, at 36.50335, -106.02346. Nearest road: Forest Road 45.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Petaca?+

Petaca is reported to produce Pink Feldspar, Mica, Quartz.

Is collecting allowed at Petaca?+

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 Petaca?+

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 Petaca?+

The most comfortable months at Petaca are March to November. At about 7,560 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

How do I get to Petaca?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 36.50335, -106.02346 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Forest Road 45.

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