Quitman Mountains (South): Agate & Amethyst Rockhounding in Hudspeth County, Texas

Updated June 2026

Quitman Mountains (South) is a mapped rockhounding spot in Hudspeth County, Texas. Reported finds include agate, amethyst, carnelian, chalcedony, jasper, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Hudspeth County
State: Texas
Coordinates: 31.10055, -105.50803

Geology at Quitman Mountains (South)

This spot sits on Bluff Mesa Formation, mapped as limestone that formed roughly 145 to 100 million years ago. Carbonate rock like this dissolves and weathers readily, so fresh road cuts, quarries, and creek exposures are typically the most productive ground.

Mapped unit: Bluff Mesa Formation
Age: 145–100 Ma (Early Cretaceous)
Rock types: limestone
Elevation: 4,540 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 Quitman Mountains (South)

Best months: September to May. Typical highs run 93°F in midsummer and 58°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 23°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, FT HANCOCK 8SSE 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

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 Quitman Mountains (South)

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 Quitman Mountains (South).

Quitman Mountains (South) FAQ

Where is Quitman Mountains (South)?+

Quitman Mountains (South) is in Hudspeth County, Texas, at 31.10055, -105.50803.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Quitman Mountains (South)?+

Quitman Mountains (South) is reported to produce Agate, Amethyst, Carnelian, Chalcedony, Jasper, Petrified Wood.

Is collecting allowed at Quitman Mountains (South)?+

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 Quitman Mountains (South)?+

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 Quitman Mountains (South)?+

The most comfortable months at Quitman Mountains (South) 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 Quitman Mountains (South)?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 31.10055, -105.50803 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

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