Plains of San Agustin: Moss Agate & Jasper Rockhounding in Catron County, New Mexico

Updated July 2026

Plains of San Agustin is a mapped rockhounding spot in Catron County, New Mexico. Reported finds include moss agate, jasper. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Permission required
County: Catron County
State: New Mexico
Coordinates: 33.88397, -108.25858

Geology at Plains of San Agustin

This spot sits on ground mapped as Colluvium and alluvium that formed within roughly the last 3 million years. Gravels like these concentrate whatever survives the river: agate, jasper, and other tough silica typically show up as rounded, waxy stones.

Mapped unit: Colluvium and alluvium
Age: 3 Ma to present (Pleistocene to Holocene)
Elevation: 6,970 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 Plains of San Agustin

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 53°F in winter to 88°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, RESERVE RS station (32 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

Land & collecting status

Permission required before collecting

Requires landowner or agency permission before any collecting. Do not enter without explicit authorization.

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 Plains of San Agustin

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 Plains of San Agustin.

Across the state line from Plains of San Agustin

Plains of San Agustin 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.

Plains of San Agustin FAQ

Where is Plains of San Agustin?+

Plains of San Agustin is in Catron County, New Mexico, at 33.88397, -108.25858.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Plains of San Agustin?+

Plains of San Agustin is reported to produce Moss Agate, Jasper.

Is collecting allowed at Plains of San Agustin?+

Permission required before collecting. Requires landowner or agency permission before any collecting. Do not enter without explicit authorization. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.

What tools should I bring to Plains of San Agustin?+

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 Plains of San Agustin?+

Plains of San Agustin is workable year-round.

How do I get to Plains of San Agustin?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 33.88397, -108.25858 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in New Mexico

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Open Plains of San Agustin on the map

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