Pilar (thulite): Thulite Rockhounding in Taos County, New Mexico

Updated June 2026

Pilar (thulite) is a mapped rockhounding spot in Taos County, New Mexico. Reported finds include thulite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Taos County
State: New Mexico
Nearest road: NM 68
Coordinates: 36.26315, -105.79454

Geology at Pilar (thulite)

This spot sits on rhyolite and felsic volcanic schist, mapped as schist and metarhyolite that formed roughly 1800 to 1600 million years ago. Volcanic ground like this weathers into rocky slopes and float, and fresh exposures in cuts and drainages are usually the most productive places to look.

Mapped unit: rhyolite and felsic volcanic schist
Age: 1800–1600 Ma (Paleoproterozoic)
Rock types: schist and metarhyolite
Elevation: 6,550 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 Pilar (thulite)

Best months: February to November. Typical highs run 88°F in midsummer and 44°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 14°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, TAOS station (15 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 Pilar (thulite)

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

Thulite

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Pilar (thulite).

Pilar (thulite) FAQ

Where is Pilar (thulite)?+

Pilar (thulite) is in Taos County, New Mexico, at 36.26315, -105.79454. Nearest road: NM 68.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Pilar (thulite)?+

Pilar (thulite) is reported to produce Thulite.

Is collecting allowed at Pilar (thulite)?+

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 Pilar (thulite)?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, safety glasses, and a collecting bag cover the basics here. Add a spray bottle: wet rock shows color and pattern that dry rock hides.

When is the best time to visit Pilar (thulite)?+

The most comfortable months at Pilar (thulite) are February to November.

How do I get to Pilar (thulite)?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 36.26315, -105.79454 in Google Maps. The nearest road is NM 68.

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Open Pilar (thulite) on the map

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