San Francisco River: Agate & Banded Agate Rockhounding in Catron County, New Mexico

Updated June 2026

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

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Catron County
State: New Mexico
Nearest road: Old Highway Road
Coordinates: 33.82841, -109.02135

Geology at San Francisco River

This spot sits on volcaniclastic sedimentary units, mapped as unconsolidated siliciclastic that formed roughly 38 to 23 million years ago. Gravels like these concentrate whatever survives the river: agate, jasper, and other tough silica typically show up as rounded, waxy stones.

Mapped unit: volcaniclastic sedimentary units
Age: 38–23 Ma (Late Eocene to Oligocene)
Rock types: unconsolidated siliciclastic
Elevation: 7,420 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 San Francisco River

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 51°F in winter to 84°F in summer. At about 7,420 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, LUNA RS station (5 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 San Francisco River

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 San Francisco River.

Across the state line from San Francisco River

San Francisco River 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.

San Francisco River FAQ

Where is San Francisco River?+

San Francisco River is in Catron County, New Mexico, at 33.82841, -109.02135. Nearest road: Old Highway Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at San Francisco River?+

San Francisco River is reported to produce Agate, Banded Agate.

Is collecting allowed at San Francisco River?+

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 San Francisco River?+

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 San Francisco River?+

San Francisco River is workable year-round. At about 7,420 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

How do I get to San Francisco River?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 33.82841, -109.02135 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Old Highway Road.

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Open San Francisco River on the map

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