Pecos River Area: Fossil Hunting in Val Verde County, Texas

Updated June 2026

Pecos River Area is a mapped rockhounding spot in Val Verde County, Texas. Reported finds include fossils. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Val Verde County
State: Texas
Nearest road: US Highway 90 West
Coordinates: 29.70837, -101.35095

Geology at Pecos River Area

This spot sits on ground mapped as Devils River Limestone that formed roughly 145 to 100 million years ago. Limestone like this typically forms in ancient seas, so marine fossils such as brachiopods, corals, and crinoids tend to weather out of fresh exposures.

Mapped unit: Devils River Limestone
Age: 145–100 Ma (Early Cretaceous)
Elevation: 1,220 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 Pecos River Area

Best months: October to April. Typical highs run 99°F in midsummer and 65°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 36°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, LANGTRY station (14 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 Pecos River Area

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

Fossils Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Pecos River Area.

Pecos River Area FAQ

Where is Pecos River Area?+

Pecos River Area is in Val Verde County, Texas, at 29.70837, -101.35095. Nearest road: US Highway 90 West.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Pecos River Area?+

Pecos River Area is reported to produce Fossils.

Is collecting allowed at Pecos River Area?+

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 Pecos River Area?+

A rock hammer, a cold chisel, safety glasses, and newspaper or foam for wrapping finds cover most fossil ground. A trowel and a sieve help in soft exposures.

When is the best time to visit Pecos River Area?+

The most comfortable months at Pecos River Area are October to April. Summer heat here is intense, so carry more water than you think you need and work the early morning.

How do I get to Pecos River Area?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 29.70837, -101.35095 in Google Maps. The nearest road is US Highway 90 West.

More rockhounding in Texas

See all 94 Texas spots →

Open Pecos River Area on the map

Use the RockHoundR app for live land overlays, weather, geology, directions, and saved finds.