There are ammonites and other marine fossils all over New Mexico! Here I show you how to use geologic maps to find outcrops of Cretaceous marine formations such as the Mancos Shale so you can find marine fossils near you.
Many species of ammonites are found in various locations in New Mexico - Fence Lake, Galisteo Dam, Cabezon, La Ventana and many other areas of the San Juan Basin in northwestern New Mexico. I use maps and published paleontologic scientific papers to help me find places where I can look for these beautiful fossils, and you can too! I look for outcrops of the Mancos Shale and its various fossiliferous members such as the Carlile Shale, the Juana Lopez Member and the Blue Hill Shale to help me find promising locations for hunting.
Please remember to check the land ownership records on the county websites before you hound to make sure you are on BLM or Forest Service locations where marine fossil collection is allowed, or get permission from private land owners if possible.
Happy rockhounding!
Useful Links:
Geologic Quadrangle Maps Available from the NMBGMR:
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Interactive Map of New Mexico:
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Ammonites in Fence Lake Area:
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USGS paper on ammonites of the Western Interior Seaway:
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USGS paper on ammonites in the Mancos Shale and Dakota Sandstone of West-Central NM:
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