Elk Horn Park: Agate Rockhounding in Catron County, New Mexico

Updated June 2026

Elk Horn Park is a mapped rockhounding spot in Catron County, New Mexico. Reported finds include agate. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Catron County
State: New Mexico
Coordinates: 33.88535, -108.68774

Geology at Elk Horn Park

This spot sits on ground mapped as Andesite of Dry Leggett Canyon (Ratté, 1989) that formed roughly 56 to 34 million years ago. Volcanic ground like this is where agate, jasper, and other chalcedony typically form, filling old gas pockets and fracture seams in the flow rock.

Mapped unit: Andesite of Dry Leggett Canyon (Ratté, 1989)
Age: 56–34 Ma (Eocene)
Elevation: 7,710 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 Elk Horn Park

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 50°F in winter to 85°F in summer. At about 7,710 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, RESERVE RS station (13 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

Rockhound State Park, Collection rules
BLM New Mexico
New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Elk Horn Park

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

Agate Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Elk Horn Park.

Across the state line from Elk Horn Park

Elk Horn Park is close enough to the New Mexico border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Elk Horn Park FAQ

Where is Elk Horn Park?+

Elk Horn Park is in Catron County, New Mexico, at 33.88535, -108.68774.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Elk Horn Park?+

Elk Horn Park is reported to produce Agate.

Is collecting allowed at Elk Horn Park?+

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 Elk Horn Park?+

Most agate and jasper is surface float: bring a spray bottle, a pick or small shovel, and a sturdy bag. Wet stones show their banding and translucence.

When is the best time to visit Elk Horn Park?+

Elk Horn Park is workable year-round. At about 7,710 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

How do I get to Elk Horn Park?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 33.88535, -108.68774 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in New Mexico

See all 143 New Mexico spots →

Open Elk Horn Park on the map

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