Cutter: Jasper Rockhounding in Sierra County, New Mexico

Updated June 2026

Cutter is a mapped rockhounding spot in Sierra County, New Mexico. Reported finds include jasper. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Sierra County
State: New Mexico
Coordinates: 33.06434, -107.00271

Geology at Cutter

This spot sits on Alluvium, mapped as unconsolidated alluvium that formed within roughly the last 129,000 years. Gravels like these concentrate whatever survives the river: agate, jasper, and other tough silica typically show up as rounded, waxy stones.

Mapped unit: Alluvium
Age: < 1 Ma (Late Pleistocene to Holocene)
Rock types: unconsolidated alluvium
Elevation: 4,660 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 Cutter

Best months: September to May. Typical highs run 95°F in midsummer and 56°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 30°F. Summer heat here is intense, so carry more water than you think you need and work the early morning.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, ELEPHANT BUTTE DAM station (12 mi away).

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 Cutter

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

Jasper Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Cutter.

Cutter FAQ

Where is Cutter?+

Cutter is in Sierra County, New Mexico, at 33.06434, -107.00271.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Cutter?+

Cutter is reported to produce Jasper.

Is collecting allowed at Cutter?+

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 Cutter?+

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 Cutter?+

The most comfortable months at Cutter are September to May. Summer heat here is intense, so carry more water than you think you need and work the early morning.

How do I get to Cutter?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 33.06434, -107.00271 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 Cutter on the map

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