Where to Find Petrified Wood in New Mexico: 15 Mapped Sites
New Mexico has 15 documented sites where petrified wood have been reported, and the best-known are Jornada Valley, Los Lunas, and NW San Juan County. Every site is mapped below with GPS coordinates and links to a full report of access and what's been found there. 15 of the 15 sites are on public-access land.
Last updated: — data compiled by the Rockhounding.org Research Team · methodology
Petrified Wood Map: New Mexico
All 15 petrified wood sites in New Mexico. Click a pin for the full site report.
Where Petrified Wood Are Found in New Mexico
Whole forests were buried in volcanic ash and river sediment, silicified, and are now eroding out of badlands, bluffs, and gravel beds. Walk wash bottoms and eroding slopes in sedimentary country.
The richest reported sites in New Mexico: Jornada Valley, Los Lunas, NW San Juan County, Rio Puerco Valley, Mount Chalchihuitl.
Local reporting distinguishes Agatized Wood (7 sites), Petrified Palm (2 sites), Silicified Wood (1 site), Petrified Cycad (1 site).
Of the 15 sites, 15 are public access. Check each site report for current land status before you go.
All Petrified Wood Sites in New Mexico
- Jornada Valley — Public Access
- Los Lunas — Public Access
- NW San Juan County — Public Access
- Rio Puerco Valley — Public Access
- Mount Chalchihuitl — Public Access
- Mud Springs Mountains — Public Access
- Quemado — Public Access
- Zuni Mountains — Public Access
- Isleta Pueblo — Public Access
- Pajarito Mesa — Public Access
- Red Rock Spring — Public Access
- Union County — Public Access
- Albuquerque — Public Access
- Horse Camp Canyon — Public Access
- Las Vegas — Public Access
How to Identify Petrified Wood
Petrified wood keeps the anatomy of wood in stone: growth rings on the ends, grain lines along the sides, knots and bark texture — but at hardness ~7 and several times the weight of wood. Weathered ends often show the ring structure best. Agatized pieces glow translucent at thin edges; palm wood shows rod-like dots instead of rings.
Not sure what you found? Try our identification guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find petrified wood in New Mexico?
New Mexico has 15 mapped sites where petrified wood have been reported. The best-known are Jornada Valley, Los Lunas, and NW San Juan County. Each listing on the map above includes GPS coordinates, access type, and what has been found there.
How many petrified wood sites are mapped in New Mexico?
We have 15 documented petrified wood sites in New Mexico, compiled from community submissions and published locality records and reviewed by the Rockhounding.org Research Team.
Is it legal to collect petrified wood in New Mexico?
Casual collecting is generally allowed on BLM and National Forest land for personal, non-commercial use — the standard BLM limit is 25 lbs per day plus one specimen. National parks, monuments, and many state parks prohibit collecting, and private land always requires the owner's permission. Check the site report for each location and verify current land status before you dig.
How do I identify petrified wood?
Petrified wood keeps the anatomy of wood in stone: growth rings on the ends, grain lines along the sides, knots and bark texture — but at hardness ~7 and several times the weight of wood. Weathered ends often show the ring structure best. Agatized pieces glow translucent at thin edges; palm wood shows rod-like dots instead of rings.
What kinds of petrified wood are found in New Mexico?
Reports from New Mexico distinguish Agatized Wood (7 sites), Petrified Palm (2 sites), Silicified Wood (1 site), Petrified Cycad (1 site).
What should I bring to collect petrified wood?
The basics: a rock hammer, safety glasses, gloves, a bucket or padded bag for specimens, and a GPS app with the coordinates from this page. Add a spray bottle — wetting a stone makes color and banding far easier to judge in the field.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations, weather conditions, and access requirements before visiting any location. Information provided is based on community submissions and may not be current or accurate.
Data: community submissions — reviewed and approved by the Rockhounding.org Research Team. Always verify current land status, regulations, and access before visiting any site.