Pecos: Actinolite & Garnet Rockhounding in San Miguel County, New Mexico

Updated June 2026

Pecos is a mapped rockhounding spot in San Miguel County, New Mexico. Reported finds include actinolite, garnet, lepidolite, mica, bornite, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: San Miguel County
State: New Mexico
Nearest road: Davis Willow T.S. Road
Postcode: 87573
Coordinates: 35.75723, -105.66600

Geology at Pecos

This spot sits on mafic metavolcanic rocks with subordinate felsic metavolcanic rocks, mapped as metavolcanic, metaclastic, and gneiss that formed roughly 1800 to 1600 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: mafic metavolcanic rocks with subordinate felsic metavolcanic rocks
Age: 1800–1600 Ma (Paleoproterozoic)
Rock types: metavolcanic, metaclastic, and gneiss
Elevation: 8,160 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

Best months: February to November. Typical highs run 81°F in midsummer and 42°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 13°F. At about 8,160 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, PECOS NM station (14 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 Pecos

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 Pecos.

Pecos FAQ

Where is Pecos?+

Pecos is in San Miguel County, New Mexico, at 35.75723, -105.66600. Nearest road: Davis Willow T.S. Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Pecos?+

Pecos is reported to produce Actinolite, Garnet, Lepidolite, Mica, Bornite, Pyrite, Tourmaline.

Is collecting allowed at Pecos?+

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?+

A rock hammer, a pry bar, gloves, and safety glasses suit pegmatite ground. Work weathered zones and check dump piles; coarse crystals often sit in decomposed rock.

When is the best time to visit Pecos?+

The most comfortable months at Pecos are February to November. At about 8,160 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

How do I get to Pecos?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 35.75723, -105.66600 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Davis Willow T.S. Road.

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