New Mexico Rockhounding - Parson's Mine - Nogal Mining District

Day one of travels.  We were headed to Ruidoso NM for a reunion, so we decided to take a trip through history and headed up CO15 Road to Forest Service Road 400 to FS Road 108 outside of Nogal (Nogal Canyon Road), which cuts through the mountains and comes out near Bonito Lake.  This whole area is pockmarked with mines and history.  For an interesting read about this area check out this NM Archaeology Report of the area.  It is full of murder, thievery and mayhem!

The best mine site we checked out was the site of the Parson's mine and mill site.  It was wonderful.  The drive was cool, beautiful and fairly uneventful.   Contrary to what the description of Parson on Ghostowns.com says, the mines have not been dynamited as far as I can see.

Unknown Foundation

Road into Canyon with Mine

Parson's Mine - Getting Close

Parson's Mine - Getting Closer

View Inside Mine - Looks Pretty Stable

Parson's Mine Boilers

Parson's Mine Mill Site

Parson's Mine Separator

We didn't really find much here, but my husband did find what appeared to be a nice green fluorite crystal specimen.  I think the area has been fairly well picked over.  If you dig enough, or get away from the main areas, you may find something nice though.  It was getting late, so we called it a day and headed on to Ruidoso.  We will have to come back some day and check out some of the other well-known mine sites in the area.