Pecos River Area: Barite Rockhounding in Val Verde County, Texas

Updated June 2026

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

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Val Verde County
State: Texas
Coordinates: 30.17361, -101.57519

Geology at Pecos River Area

This spot sits on Edwards Limestone, mapped as limestone that formed roughly 115 to 100 million years ago. Carbonate rock like this is the classic host for lead, zinc, and fluorite mineralization, which typically follows old cavities and replacement zones.

Mapped unit: Edwards Limestone
Age: 115–100 Ma (Early Cretaceous)
Rock types: limestone
Elevation: 1,840 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: September to May. Typical highs run 97°F in midsummer and 61°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 31°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, PANDALE 1 N station (2 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 Pecos River Area

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

Barite 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 30.17361, -101.57519.

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

Pecos River Area is reported to produce Barite.

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, gloves, and safety glasses cover old mining-district ground. Stay out of shafts and adits; the best specimens typically come from dump piles.

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

The most comfortable months at Pecos River Area 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 Pecos River Area?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 30.17361, -101.57519 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Texas

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Open Pecos River Area on the map

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