From the category archives:

New Mexico

Socorro Fossils (NM Site 16)

by JerryApril 3, 2011 Gem Trails by State

Directions: The map in the book is fine. Follow the signs to the Quebrada Back Country Byway. The book photo is in error; the road is not paved. Also the hiking directions are a little confusing as the fossil bearing limestone strata are in the hills on the left side of the wash as you [...]

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Kilbourne Hole Peridot (NM Site 81)

by JerryMarch 20, 2011 Gem Trails by State

Directions: Some of the area roads seem to have new numbers. Head for Santa Teresa airport via NM 136 and look for the railroad tracks. You should find county road A17 on the far side, paralleling the racks. From there the directions are good. The turn toward the hole is unmarked, but just past a [...]

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Geronimo Trail Geodes (NM Site 60, AZ Site 75)

by JerryMarch 8, 2011 Arizona

Directions: We came in from Animas on the NM side and had no problems finding the locale. We had directions to a dig site that were not listed in the book. At 8 miles from the start of Geronimo Trail, turn left (south) on a side road marked by a sign “Black CCC Dam.” Bear [...]

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Negrito Springs Agate (NM Site 7)

by JerryMarch 26, 2009 Gem Trails by State

Directions: The Gem Trails map will get you there; the turn is between Middle and Lower Frisco.
Google Map
Date: March 2009
Notes: Downstream from the crossing is now fenced and no longer accessible. We searched upstream for some way, finding next to nothing. We would not recommend this site.

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Highway 12 Agate (NM Site 9)

by JerryMarch 25, 2009 Gem Trails by State

Directions: You will have no trouble locating the highway nor the Apache Creek junction and store. The site runs east from the store 7 miles to the village of Aragon.
Google Map
Date: March 2009
Notes: The better road cuts are closer to the Apache Creek store. They are higher and the soil is softer and still shedding [...]

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Sand Canyon Agate (NM Site 10)

by JerryMarch 25, 2009 Gem Trails by State

Directions: The Gem Trails map will get you there, though FS 289 is now signed county road B017.
Google Map
Date: March 2009
Notes: We searched the wash both ways from the road crossing, finding next to nothing. We would not recommend this site. There’s more agate in the leaver piles at the nearby Apache Creek FS campground.

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Bear Mountain Fossils (NM Site 74)

by JerryMarch 21, 2009 Gem Trails by State

Directions: The Gem Trails map and directions are accurate, at least as far as Site C, though the ‘ruts’ are actually FS Rd 838. We did not go to Site A or B. GPS: N 32 49 30, W 108 20 03.
Google Map
Date: March 2009
Notes: We found fossils on both sides of the road by [...]

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Pinos Altos Cutting Materials & Fossils (NM Site 75)

by JerryMarch 17, 2009 Gem Trails by State

Directions: The Gem Trails directions are accurate. The turnout on NM SR 15 is exactly 2 miles past the junction with SR 35. Beware NM 15 north of Pinos Altos; it is very steep and winding and has no median stripe. It’s safer to go around through Mimbres via NM 35.
Google Map

Date: March 2009
Notes: We [...]

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Deming Agate (NM Site 57)

by JerryMarch 13, 2009 Gem Trails by State

Directions: In Gem Trails Deming Agate is identified with the “Big Dig” site 25 miles southwest of Deming proper. This area has been producing amazing agate for over 50 years. It is a private claim and only accessible through the Deming Gem and Mineral Society in conjunction with their annual Rockhound Roundup held each year [...]

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Cooks Peak Carnelian (NM Site 68)

by JerryMarch 11, 2009 Gem Trails by State

Directions: The directions in Gem Trails are good with the following updates: County Road A016 is now signed Green Leaf Mine Rd and at 18 miles from NM SR 26 it enters private property with no trespassing signs posted. Also, the mountain is actually spelled Cookes Peak.
Google Map
Date: March 2009
Notes: We searched various locations all [...]

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