IT TOOK JUST ONE gem and mineral show for Megan Holden to catch the rockhounding bug. “I loved it and wanted to find some on my own,” says Holden, who is a member of the Sierra County Rock and Gem Society (SCRAGS), Albuquerque Gem & Mineral Club, and Grant County Rolling Stones Gem & Mineral Society. “New Mexico has an incredible wealth of minerals, rocks, and fossils, and a wealth of collecting opportunities.” This month brings four chances to experience the Land of Enchantment’s geological bounty with gem and mineral shows featuring vendors, hands-on workshops, and field trips in Albuquerque, Deming, Santa Fe, and Truth or Consequences. Holden enjoys the supportive community and mentorship in the rockhounding clubs she’s joined. “I like to call rockhounding an individual sport you do in groups,” she says. Plus, it’s always better to share the joy of discovery. “There’s this sense of accomplishment when you find something cool.” Here’s how to get started.
Join a club. In addition to gathering like-minded individuals, clubs provide all kinds of benefits, from access to geologists and other experts to regular field trips and workshops. “I love being in clubs. One of our SCRAGS members has been at it for over 70 years,” Holden says. “Most clubs can get permission to go places the average citizen can’t or shouldn’t go.”
Be safe. Start your rockhounding journey with an organized field trip or club outing. “You can go out and do your own thing, but there is safety in numbers,” she says. “Especially when you’re around old mines, you need to be aware of your surroundings.”
Mind your manners. Although New Mexico has an abundance of public land for rockhounding, it’s important that you understand regulations and boundaries and respect private property. “There is etiquette involved,” adds Holden. “You don’t steal the spot of someone who is working an area.”
Charles Ross created Solar Spectrum at the Dwan Light Sanctuary.
Photograph by Jeremy Frechette.
Charles Ross: Mansions of the Zodiac
March 15
A vanguard of the land art movement, Charles Ross has been creating artworks inspired by the cosmos, time, and starlight since the 1960s. In the decades since, he’s crafted 25 permanent Solar Spectrum works—including at the Dwan Light Sanctuary on the United World College campus in Montezuma—and has pieces in the permanent collections of museums around the world. Opening March 15 at the Harwood Museum of Art in Taos, the new exhibition Charles Ross: Mansions of the Zodiac shows never-before-exhibited works from critical points throughout his career, star maps, a film co-edited with Peter Campus, and works related to equinoxes.
Gary Burr and Georgia Middleman play Bishop’s Lodge.
Photograph courtesy of Gary Burr.
Mardi Gras in the Mountains, Red River
February 27–March 4
Partygoers adorned in colorful beads celebrate with a street parade, live music, and an all-out grand ball.
Carnaval 2025, Albuquerque
March 1
The National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque presents performances by Frank Leto, the Odara Dance Ensemble, and Pandemonium that borrow from traditions around the world.
Cowboy Days, Las Cruces
March 7–8
Ropin’, ridin’, music, and food trucks are part of the 25th annual event hosted by the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces. Don’t miss the Parade of Breeds cattle program.
Catch jousting at the New Mexico Renaissance Celtic Festival.
Photograph courtesy of the New Mexico Renaissance Celtic Festival.
