About this Event
Date & Time: Sunday, Oct 18, 2026 | 9:00 AM
Location: Oro Grande, NM
Meet up location: Lowes Transmountain, 4531 Woodrow Bean TransMountain, El Paso
Join us for an exploration of the Oro Grande Mining District where we will look at the geology, mining history, desert botany, while rockhounding for colorful mineral specimens. Participants will see abandoned mining features that are remnants of the operations and mineral resources that drew early prospectors to the area. Along the route, we will also focus on native desert plants, discussing the unique plant species and hybridization in this area.
Rockhounding is a key component of this trip, and participants will have opportunities to collect colorful mineral specimens (where allowed), including hematite, magnetite, quartz, garnet, chrysocolla and malachite.
Distance: 2 miles
Duration: ~6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Children 10 and over
IMPORTANT: 4x4 is required a portion of the trip requires travel on dirt roads, making high-clearance vehicles necessary. Carpooling will be coordinated as needed at the meeting point.
Requirements & What to Bring
- 3-4 liters of water
- Healthy snacks or energy bars
- Hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers
- Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses
- Light jacket and small backpack
Trip Lead: Lance Robert
Co-Lead: Daniel Fox
For more info email [email protected]
Event venue & nearby stays
Lowe's Home Improvement, 4531 Woodrow Bean Transmountain, El Paso, United States
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