Small Fry Prospect Geology Outing

This outing is now full.  Please register to be put on the waiting list.

Patrick Rowe's trips for PEEC are extremely popular, and this visit to the Small Fry Prospect Mine, north of Española, should be no exception. You can expect to find fluorescent deep purple fluorite. Some fluorite is clear with a beautiful fluorescent iron patina, and some fluorite specimens may also be covered with small but very gemmy Barite crystals. Quartz and agate specimens are also abundant in the area. Advance registration is required, and space is limited. This is a kid friendly site, so bring the whole family!

Participants are suggested to bring a small shovel, hat, gloves, and a plenty of water. 

The group will meet at PEEC at 8:30 a.m. to caravan, or it is possible to meet at the site at 10:00 a.m. We plan to leave the site by 1:00 p.m.

Directions:
From Santa Fe go north on Hwy 285/84 to Espanola. At Espanola, cross over the river and continue north on Hwy 84 to NM 554, a distance of approximately 18.5 miles. Go north on NM 554 toward El Rito.

From Los Alamos, go down NM 502 and exit toward Espanola on NM 30. NM 30 turns into NM 285/84 in Espanola. Continue north on Hwy 84 to NM 554, a distance of approximately 18.5 miles. Go north on NM 554 toward El Rito.

The pull off for this location is approximately 4 miles once you cross over the Chama River bridge. Pull off on the right side of the road. A Santa Fe Forest Service sign will be visible about a ¼ mile up the road. The collecting area is on the north side of the road along both sides of the hills approximately 1/10 of a mile up an arroyo (soft sand) from the pull-off location. The slopes on each side of the arroyo are fairly steep but include soft clay, making traction easy. Nice samples can be found toward the base of the hills. On a Hike Difficulty Rating scale this outing would be easy. There is a fence opening (gate) adjacent to the arroyo.