New Mexico’s diverse landscapes offer a journey through Earth’s ancient past, preserving a wealth of fossilized life forms. From ancient marine organisms to towering dinosaurs, the state’s rocks hold an extensive record of biological evolution.
Legal Framework for Fossil Collection
Collecting fossils in New Mexico requires understanding specific regulations that vary based on land ownership. On federal lands, such as those managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), collecting vertebrate fossils (dinosaurs, mammals, fish, reptiles) is generally prohibited without a scientific permit. These finds remain public property, destined for museums or research institutions. Casual collectors may gather up to 25 pounds of common non-vertebrate fossils (shells, plant imprints, petrified wood) per day for personal use, with an annual limit of 250 pounds; these cannot be sold or traded.
New Mexico state lands also have specific rules. Rockhound State Park uniquely allows visitors to collect up to 15 pounds of rocks and minerals, including some fossils, for personal use. Most other state parks restrict or prohibit collection to preserve natural resources. On private lands, explicit permission from the landowner is always required. Always determine land ownership before fossil hunting to ensure compliance with relevant laws.
New Mexico’s Rich Geological Past
New Mexico’s geological formations span hundreds of millions of years, providing a diverse array of fossil types. During the Permian Period (approximately 280 million years ago), vast shallow seas covered much of the state, leaving abundant marine invertebrate fossils like brachiopods, crinoids, and bryozoans. These ancient sea beds are well-represented in southern New Mexico. The Triassic Period (roughly 250 to 200 million years ago) saw the emergence of early dinosaurs and diverse plant life in a more terrestrial environment, with fossil discoveries in central and northern regions.
The Jurassic Period (around 200 to 145 million years ago) is known for its large dinosaurs and petrified forests, reflecting a landscape of rivers and floodplains. Cretaceous Period rocks (from about 145 to 66 million years ago) record a time when a vast inland seaway once again submerged parts of the state, followed by terrestrial environments that supported diverse dinosaur faunas leading up to their extinction. More recent Paleogene and Neogene deposits contain fossils of early mammals and other Cenozoic life. This layered history makes New Mexico a location for paleontological exploration, revealing successive ancient ecosystems.
Prime Fossil Hunting Destinations
New Mexico offers several locations where the public can engage with the state’s fossil heritage, either through observation or regulated collection. The Ojito Wilderness, managed by the BLM, is known for its Jurassic-age Morrison Formation, yielding dinosaur, plant, and marine invertebrate fossils, including Seismosaurus remnants. While collecting these fossils is prohibited for scientific preservation, visitors can observe exposed petrified wood and other remains.
The Prehistoric Trackways National Monument in the Robledo Mountains features Paleozoic Era fossilized footprint megatrackways, dating back approximately 280 million years. These tracks provide insights into the behaviors of ancient amphibians, reptiles, and insects. While direct collection is restricted, many trackways are preserved and displayed at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science in Albuquerque and the Las Cruces Museum of Nature and Science.
For those interested in collecting, Apache Hill, north of Lake Valley in southern New Mexico, is a notable site for finding intact marine fossils such as brachiopods, bryozoans, and crinoid plates. The Rincon Hills, another BLM-managed area, offers opportunities to discover Pleistocene-age plant fossils, including chalcedony and opalized specimens. The Lybrook Fossil Area and areas west of Los Lunas are known for abundant petrified wood, which can be collected within BLM guidelines for personal use. Clayton Lake State Park offers well-preserved dinosaur tracks near the lake spillway.
Ethical and Safe Collection Practices
Fossil hunting requires ethical practices to preserve these natural resources. Collectors should adhere to “Leave No Trace” principles, collecting only what is permitted and leaving the environment undisturbed. Digging should be minimal, focusing on surface finds, using only small hand tools like brushes or trowels. Avoid mechanical or motorized equipment, which can cause significant damage.
Safety is important when exploring remote or rugged areas. Inform someone of your whereabouts and estimated return time before venturing out. Carry sufficient water, especially in New Mexico’s arid climate, and be aware of terrain hazards, weather changes, and local wildlife. If a potentially significant or unusual fossil is discovered, leave it in place, document its location with photos and GPS coordinates, and report the find to a local museum or paleontological society. This ensures scientific discoveries can be properly excavated and studied by professionals.