Red Rock Spring: Agatized Picture Wood & Petrified Cycad Rockhounding in Socorro County, New Mexico

Updated June 2026

Red Rock Spring is a mapped rockhounding spot in Socorro County, New Mexico. Reported finds include agatized picture wood, petrified cycad, petrified palm. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Socorro County
State: New Mexico
Coordinates: 34.35061, -107.29887

Geology at Red Rock Spring

This spot sits on Lower middle Tertiary volcanic rocks, mapped as felsic volcanic, clastic, and andesite that formed roughly 38 to 28 million years ago. Petrified wood typically comes from volcanic ash beds like the ones associated with this ground, where buried forests were slowly replaced by silica.

Mapped unit: Lower middle Tertiary volcanic rocks
Age: 38–28 Ma (Late Eocene to Early Oligocene)
Rock types: felsic volcanic, clastic, and andesite
Elevation: 6,350 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 Red Rock Spring

Best months: January to November. Typical highs run 89°F in midsummer and 46°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 17°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, SOCORRO 20 N station (24 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 Red Rock Spring

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 Red Rock Spring.

Red Rock Spring FAQ

Where is Red Rock Spring?+

Red Rock Spring is in Socorro County, New Mexico, at 34.35061, -107.29887.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Red Rock Spring?+

Red Rock Spring is reported to produce Agatized Picture Wood, Petrified Cycad, Petrified Palm.

Is collecting allowed at Red Rock Spring?+

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 Red Rock Spring?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, and a padded bag cover petrified wood hunting. Most pieces are surface float, so walking slopes and washes beats digging.

When is the best time to visit Red Rock Spring?+

The most comfortable months at Red Rock Spring are January to November.

How do I get to Red Rock Spring?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 34.35061, -107.29887 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

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