Albuquerque: Agatized Wood Rockhounding in Sandoval County, New Mexico

Updated June 2026

Albuquerque is a mapped rockhounding spot in Sandoval County, New Mexico. Reported finds include agatized wood. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Sandoval County
State: New Mexico
Coordinates: 35.21209, -106.86229

Geology at Albuquerque

This spot sits on ground mapped as Ceja Formation that formed roughly 5 to 3 million years ago. Petrified wood typically shows up as durable float on slopes and in washes cut into ground like this.

Mapped unit: Ceja Formation
Age: 5–3 Ma (Pliocene)
Elevation: 6,070 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 Albuquerque

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 47°F in winter to 90°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, PETROGLYPH NATL MON station (10 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 Albuquerque

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Agatized Wood Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Albuquerque.

Albuquerque FAQ

Where is Albuquerque?+

Albuquerque is in Sandoval County, New Mexico, at 35.21209, -106.86229.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Albuquerque?+

Albuquerque is reported to produce Agatized Wood.

Is collecting allowed at Albuquerque?+

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 Albuquerque?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, and a padded bag cover petrified wood hunting. Most pieces are surface float, so walking slopes and washes beats digging.

When is the best time to visit Albuquerque?+

Albuquerque is workable year-round.

How do I get to Albuquerque?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 35.21209, -106.86229 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in New Mexico

See all 119 New Mexico spots →

Open Albuquerque on the map

Use the RockHoundR app for live land overlays, weather, geology, directions, and saved finds.