San Pedro Mountains: Chalcopyrite & Chalcocite Rockhounding in Santa Fe County, New Mexico

Updated June 2026

San Pedro Mountains is a mapped rockhounding spot in Santa Fe County, New Mexico. Reported finds include chalcopyrite, chalcocite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Santa Fe County
State: New Mexico
Nearest road: County Road 7B
Coordinates: 35.25555, -106.18801

Geology at San Pedro Mountains

This spot sits on ground mapped as Yeso and Abo Formations, undivided that formed roughly 300 to 275 million years ago. Copper minerals typically show as green and blue staining where mineralized rock has weathered and oxidized.

Mapped unit: Yeso and Abo Formations, undivided
Age: 300–275 Ma (Early Permian)
Elevation: 7,610 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 San Pedro Mountains

Best months: February to November. Typical highs run 81°F in midsummer and 42°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 17°F. At about 7,610 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, SANDIA PARK 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 San Pedro Mountains

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 San Pedro Mountains.

San Pedro Mountains FAQ

Where is San Pedro Mountains?+

San Pedro Mountains is in Santa Fe County, New Mexico, at 35.25555, -106.18801. Nearest road: County Road 7B.

What rocks and minerals can you find at San Pedro Mountains?+

San Pedro Mountains is reported to produce Chalcopyrite, Chalcocite.

Is collecting allowed at San Pedro Mountains?+

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 San Pedro Mountains?+

A rock hammer, gloves, and safety glasses are enough for oxidized copper ground. Look for green and blue staining on weathered rock and in old dump piles.

When is the best time to visit San Pedro Mountains?+

The most comfortable months at San Pedro Mountains are February to November. At about 7,610 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

How do I get to San Pedro Mountains?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 35.25555, -106.18801 in Google Maps. The nearest road is County Road 7B.

More rockhounding in New Mexico

See all 143 New Mexico spots →

Open San Pedro Mountains on the map

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