The objective of this expedition was to drive through this northeastern part of the Zuni mountains, destination a mine from many years ago that produced flourite. These mountains are quite different from the Sandia, Manzano, and Jemez ranges – they consist of many ridges and valleys, and an open forest of pinon and juniper with some ponderosa. (I was pleasantly surprised as we approached NM 53 to recognize the south end of Bonita Canyon, were I came to gather firewood 30+ years ago – this is a beautiful canyon.)
The Drive In
Rock Hunting, Flourite Mine drive in from Grants, via Bonita Canyon; Pat, Linda, & Lanny, 06/13/2016. Also showing other possible mine sites.
Turn of NM 53 onto a dirt road (high clearance advised); 1.2 miles ahead will be an area to park. Then head east about .4 miles where the small mine sits just over a rise. It was easy to find scraps of rock with flourite embedded.
The Hunt
Rock Hunting, Flourite Mine; Pat, Linda, & Lanny, 06/13/2016.
I found through further online research that there are close to 20 mines or prospects in this section of the Zuni Mountains – see the Interactive Map in the References below.
Statistics
Total Distance: 0.93 miles
Elevation: 7,681 start, 7,681 maximum, 7,511 minimum
Gross gain: 170 ft. Aggregate ascending 349 ft, descending: 349 ft
Maximum slope: 38% ascending, 43% descending, 13% average
Duration: 1:36
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