Fluorite Ridge Rock Hounding, plus Mimbres Culture Petroglyphs

Fluorite Ridge & Pony Hills Petroglyphs Excursion

📅 Date: March 29
⏰ Departure Time: 9:00 AM

Join us for an exciting journey to Fluorite Ridge, a historic mining district located about 10 miles north of Deming, New Mexico. This trip offers a fascinating look at the area's rich mining history, opportunities to collect stunning fluorite specimens, and a chance to view the Pony Hills Petroglyphs, which date back to the Mimbres culture (1200–600 AD).

🔹 Mining History: Explore abandoned mine sites and learn about the fluorspar (fluorite) deposits that played a crucial role in WWII, when the mineral was classified as a strategic resource.
🔹 Fluorite Collecting: Hunt for well-formed fluorite specimens in an area known for its high-quality mineral deposits.
🔹 Pony Hills Petroglyphs: Discover ancient rock art attributed to the Mimbres people, providing a glimpse into their cultural and artistic expressions.
🔹 Historic Landscape: Traverse an area historically occupied by indigenous groups, the Butterfield stagecoach route, and mining operations that shaped the region.

🥾 Difficulty: The trip accommodates individuals with limited mobility and
involves minimal hiking, primarily around park areas. Visiting the petroglyph site
requires 10 to 15 minutes of walking on rocky terrain. A moderate two-mile hike
is available for those interested. The drive lasts about 2 hours, mostly on paved
roads, with 8 to 10 miles on rough roads; four-wheel drive is not necessary.
🚗 Drive Time: ~2 hours (mostly paved roads, with 8–10 miles of rough roads).
🥤 What to Bring: Pack a lunch, bring plenty of water, wear sturdy hiking shoes, and bring any rock-collecting gear you may need.

📍 Meet at: Dairy Queen parking lot (corner of Transmountain & I-10)
⏰ Time: Meet at 8:30 AM for an 9:00 AM departure
🚗 Carpooling: Arranged on-site to minimize vehicles.
⏳ Duration: Flexible, but expect a return after 5:00 PM.

For those interested, there’s an optional stop for dinner at Adobe Deli, a unique and rustic eatery housed in an old school gym.

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore geology, history, and archaeology in one of New Mexico’s most fascinating landscapes! 💎⛰

Host or Publisher Celebration of Our Mountains