From the monthly archives:

March 2009

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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Opal Hill Mine (S CA Site 13)

by JerryMarch 14, 2009 California - Southern

Directions: 4th Street is at the south end of Palo Verde next to the gas station. You will go through a ranch just outside of town. Just follow the signs to the Opal Hill mine out past the power line as the Gem  Trails map indicates. If coming from Wiley Well Rd, you will probably [...]

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Pebble Terrace (S CA Site 12)

by JerryMarch 14, 2009 California - Southern

Directions: 4th Street is at the south end of Palo Verde next to the gas station. You will go through a ranch just outside of town. Just follow the signs for the Opal Hill mine 3 or 4 miles out past the power line as the Gem  Trails map indicates.
Dates: January 2008, January 2009
Notes: The [...]

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Anza-Borrego (S CA Site 2)

by JerryMarch 14, 2009 California - Southern

Directions: We had a little trouble finding Shell Canyon as Shell Canyon Rd leads directly into a large rock and gravel quarry. The road into the canyon is a left turn before entering the quarry, but it is unmarked. We parked outside the canyon and hiked in, but with a Jeep or quad you can [...]

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Biggs (OR R1 Site 15)

by JerryMarch 13, 2009 Gem Trails by State

Verified 2007: This is an obsolete listing. Digging for Biggs Jasper is no longer available at any of the claims in the area.

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Maury Mountain (OR R1 Site 13)

by JerryMarch 13, 2009 Gem Trails by State

Directions: The Gem Trails map and directions are good enough to get you to the site. The area is within a national forest and there are a few good camp sites near the digs.
Google Map
Date: August 2007
Notes: We were not prepared to do extensive digging and did have much to show for the trip. There [...]

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