The formation rests on Precambrian basement rock in the Sandia Mountains, but is underlain by Osha Canyon Formation in the southern Jemez Mountains or by formations of the Arroyo Penasco Group in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and elsewhere. It transitions to the Madera Group in most locations, with the base of the Madera Group typically placed at the first massive limestone bed above the shales and sandstones of the Sandia Formation.