Gravel pits near Rio Grande: Agate & Jasper Rockhounding in Hidalgo County, Texas

Updated June 2026

Gravel pits near Rio Grande is a mapped rockhounding spot in Hidalgo County, Texas. Reported finds include agate, jasper, agatized wood. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Hidalgo County
State: Texas
Nearest road: Flores Street
Postcode: 78595
Coordinates: 26.24079, -98.56350

Geology at Gravel pits near Rio Grande

This spot sits on ground mapped as Terrace deposits that formed within roughly the last 3 million years. Petrified wood typically travels as tough float, and worked gravels like these are exactly where weathered pieces tend to collect.

Mapped unit: Terrace deposits
Age: 3 Ma to present (Pleistocene)
Elevation: 140 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 Gravel pits near Rio Grande

Best months: October to May. Typical highs run 95°F in midsummer and 69°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 47°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, LA JOYA station (16 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

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Bureau of Economic Geology — Texas geology
Big Bend National Park — Rules
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Gravel pits near Rio Grande

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 Gravel pits near Rio Grande.

Gravel pits near Rio Grande FAQ

Where is Gravel pits near Rio Grande?+

Gravel pits near Rio Grande is in Hidalgo County, Texas, at 26.24079, -98.56350. Nearest road: Flores Street.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Gravel pits near Rio Grande?+

Gravel pits near Rio Grande is reported to produce Agate, Jasper, Agatized Wood.

Is collecting allowed at Gravel pits near Rio Grande?+

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 Gravel pits near Rio Grande?+

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 Gravel pits near Rio Grande?+

The most comfortable months at Gravel pits near Rio Grande are October 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 Gravel pits near Rio Grande?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 26.24079, -98.56350 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Flores Street.

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