Mockingbird Gap: Jasper Rockhounding in Socorro County, New Mexico

Updated July 2026

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

Quick details

Access: Permission required
County: Socorro County
State: New Mexico
Nearest road: Wsmr P Route 7
Coordinates: 33.54583, -106.45268

Geology at Mockingbird Gap

This spot sits on Upper Santa Fe Group, mapped as conglomerate sandstone, coarse alluvium, and fine alluvium that formed roughly 7 to 0 million years ago. Gravels like these concentrate whatever survives the river: agate, jasper, and other tough silica typically show up as rounded, waxy stones.

Mapped unit: Upper Santa Fe Group
Age: 7–0 Ma (Late Miocene to Middle Pleistocene)
Rock types: conglomerate sandstone, coarse alluvium, and fine alluvium
Elevation: 5,390 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 Mockingbird Gap

Best months: August to May. Typical highs run 91°F in midsummer and 52°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 24°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, BINGHAM 2 NE station (26 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

Land & collecting status

Permission required before collecting

Requires landowner or agency permission before any collecting. Do not enter without explicit authorization.

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 Mockingbird Gap

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 Mockingbird Gap.

Mockingbird Gap FAQ

Where is Mockingbird Gap?+

Mockingbird Gap is in Socorro County, New Mexico, at 33.54583, -106.45268. Nearest road: Wsmr P Route 7.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Mockingbird Gap?+

Mockingbird Gap is reported to produce Jasper.

Is collecting allowed at Mockingbird Gap?+

Permission required before collecting. Requires landowner or agency permission before any collecting. Do not enter without explicit authorization. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.

What tools should I bring to Mockingbird Gap?+

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 Mockingbird Gap?+

The most comfortable months at Mockingbird Gap are August to May.

How do I get to Mockingbird Gap?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 33.54583, -106.45268 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Wsmr P Route 7.

More rockhounding in New Mexico

See all 119 New Mexico spots →

Open Mockingbird Gap on the map

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