Mule Creek: Apache Tear Rockhounding in Grant County, New Mexico

Updated June 2026

Mule Creek is a mapped rockhounding spot in Grant County, New Mexico. Reported finds include apache tear. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Grant County
State: New Mexico
Nearest road: Harden Cienega
Coordinates: 33.13807, -109.03362

Geology at Mule Creek

This spot sits on Silicic to intermediate volcanic rocks, mapped as dacite and rhyolite that formed roughly 23 to 5 million years ago. Volcanic ground like this weathers into rocky slopes and float, and fresh exposures in cuts and drainages are usually the most productive places to look.

Mapped unit: Silicic to intermediate volcanic rocks
Age: 23–5 Ma (Miocene)
Rock types: dacite and rhyolite
Elevation: 5,710 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 Mule Creek

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 54°F in winter to 87°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, GLENWOOD station (16 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 Mule Creek

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

Apache Tear

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Mule Creek.

Across the state line from Mule Creek

Mule Creek 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.

Mule Creek FAQ

Where is Mule Creek?+

Mule Creek is in Grant County, New Mexico, at 33.13807, -109.03362. Nearest road: Harden Cienega.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Mule Creek?+

Mule Creek is reported to produce Apache Tear.

Is collecting allowed at Mule Creek?+

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 Mule Creek?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, safety glasses, and a collecting bag cover the basics here. Add a spray bottle: wet rock shows color and pattern that dry rock hides.

When is the best time to visit Mule Creek?+

Mule Creek is workable year-round.

How do I get to Mule Creek?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 33.13807, -109.03362 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Harden Cienega.

More rockhounding in New Mexico

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Open Mule Creek on the map

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