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Carrizozo Creek: Rose Agate & Agatized Algae Rockhounding in Cimarron County, Oklahoma

Updated July 2026

The Black Mesa country at the far tip of the Oklahoma panhandle produces the state's most distinctive agate, including rose-colored agate, agatized algae, and agatized wood eroded from Tertiary gravels. The dry creeks and washes of Cimarron County, such as Carrizozo Creek near the tri-state corner, concentrate this material. It is the westernmost and geologically most unusual rockhounding ground in Oklahoma. Reported finds include rose agate, agatized algae, agatized cyad wood. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Carrizozo Creek photos

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

1 photo

Black Mesa rising above the plains near Kenton in Cimarron County, Oklahoma, the state's agate country

Quick details

Access: Permission required
County: Cimarron County
State: Oklahoma
Coordinates: 36.99646, -102.97353

Geology at Carrizozo Creek

This spot sits on Dockum Group, mapped as siltstone, conglomerate, and sandstone that formed roughly 235 to 200 million years ago. Sedimentary beds like these are the typical host for petrified and silicified wood, which weathers out as durable float on slopes and in washes.

Mapped unit: Dockum Group
Age: 235–200 Ma (Late Triassic)
Rock types: siltstone, conglomerate, and sandstone
Elevation: 4,350 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 Carrizozo Creek

Best months: August to June. Typical highs run 93°F in midsummer and 51°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 19°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, KENTON station (6 mi away).

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.

Sources: RockHoundR public spot dataset, app land overlays, and local agency review before each trip.

Found at Carrizozo Creek

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 Carrizozo Creek.

Tri-State MarkerCimarron County, Oklahoma · 2 mi awayRose Agate

Across the state line from Carrizozo Creek

Carrizozo Creek is close enough to the Oklahoma border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Carrizozo Creek FAQ

Where is Carrizozo Creek?+

Carrizozo Creek is in Cimarron County, Oklahoma, at 36.99646, -102.97353.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Carrizozo Creek?+

Carrizozo Creek is reported to produce Rose Agate, Agatized Algae, Agatized Cyad Wood.

Is collecting allowed at Carrizozo Creek?+

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 Carrizozo Creek?+

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 Carrizozo Creek?+

The most comfortable months at Carrizozo Creek are August to June.

How do I get to Carrizozo Creek?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 36.99646, -102.97353 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Oklahoma

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Open Carrizozo Creek on the map

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