Rockhound State Park, New Mexico

Rockhound State Park

Located on the rugged west slope of the Little Florida Mountains, Rockhound State Park is a favorite for "rockhounds" because of the abundant agates and quartz crystals found there. Scattered throughout the park are rock and mineral specimens of volcanic origin. These treasures range from varieties of silica minerals, quartz crystals, chalcedony, agate and common opal. Visitors are allowed to take up to 15 pounds of rock for their personal collections.

Hiking trails provide spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. The hiking trails at the park provide visitors with climbs of varying degrees of difficulty and breathtaking views. Reaching the top, visitors survey the 7,000-foot peaks of the Florida Mountains. Turquoise is mined in the Burro Mountains to the northeast.

Another Description

The remote southwest corner of New Mexico, south of I-10, is one of the least-visited parts of the state - there are few roads or villages, just lifeless mountain ranges separated by desert basins, dry lake beds and lava deposits. Several ghost towns are hidden in remote places up in the mountains, relics from mining activity early this century. Silver and to a lesser extent gold were mined quite extensively, and the geological richness is evidenced by various minerals and semi-precious gems that may be found across the region. One such location is the Little Florida Mountains, 11 miles southeast of Deming which is an easily reached site, close to the interstate.

Rockhound State Park
P.O. Box 1064
Deming, NM 88030
Phone: (575) 546-6182
www.emnrd.state.nm.us/PRD/Rockhound.htm


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