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Jemez National Recreation Area: Obsidian & Opalized Wood Rockhounding in Sandoval County, New Mexico

Updated June 2026

The Jemez National Recreation Area sits in one of New Mexico's most visible volcanic landscapes, within the Santa Fe National Forest's Jemez Ranger District. Forest Service materials document the managed public recreation area, and the National Park Service notes obsidian deposits on the edge of Bandelier and elsewhere in the Jemez Mountains, making this a strong northern New Mexico volcanic-glass entry. Reported finds include obsidian, opalized wood. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Jemez National Recreation Area photos

Public image records connected to this spot or its reported material.

2 photos

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Sandoval County
State: New Mexico
Nearest road: East Fork Trail (137)
Postcode: 87025
Coordinates: 35.82832, -106.64160

Geology at Jemez National Recreation Area

This spot sits on Madera Group, mapped as limestone, sandstone, and shale that formed roughly 325 to 300 million years ago. Carbonate rock like this dissolves and weathers readily, so fresh road cuts, quarries, and creek exposures are typically the most productive ground.

Mapped unit: Madera Group
Age: 325–300 Ma (Pennsylvanian)
Rock types: limestone, sandstone, and shale
Elevation: 7,020 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 Jemez National Recreation Area

Best months: January to November. Typical highs run 86°F in midsummer and 45°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 16°F. At about 7,020 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, JEMEZ SPRINGS station (4 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 Jemez National Recreation Area

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 Jemez National Recreation Area.

Jemez National Recreation Area FAQ

Where is Jemez National Recreation Area?+

Jemez National Recreation Area is in Sandoval County, New Mexico, at 35.82832, -106.64160. Nearest road: East Fork Trail (137).

What rocks and minerals can you find at Jemez National Recreation Area?+

Jemez National Recreation Area is reported to produce Obsidian, Opalized Wood.

Is collecting allowed at Jemez National Recreation Area?+

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 Jemez National Recreation Area?+

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 Jemez National Recreation Area?+

The most comfortable months at Jemez National Recreation Area are January to November. At about 7,020 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

How do I get to Jemez National Recreation Area?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 35.82832, -106.64160 in Google Maps. The nearest road is East Fork Trail (137).

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