Natural rainbow citrine side by side with smoky quartz. It is difficult, however, to find a complete, unbroken fossil. The Rock Corral Recreation Area is a popular starting point for collectors, who often find spectacular pieces of smoky quartz in abundance around the picnic grounds. You might even get lucky enough to find pyritohedrons, pentagonal dodecahedron-shaped pieces, although many have claimed that no such thing exists at this site. The best known areas to find topaz are in the Topaz Mountains of Juab County, a very popular area for rock hounds and prospectors due to being situated on public lands. Would like to see you again. Before you decide to take a trip to Riley Canyon be prepared for a hike. Here are 11 mini-adventures to check off your list next time youre road-tripping through Utah. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. We have a Jeep but my memory is that it's pretty accessible. It has gone from a low of 950 square miles in 1963 and expanded in 1988 to a historic high of 3,300 square miles. There are services and facilities in Park City, Brighton, and Midway, but none along the route. From what I understand, the majority of the clay filled piles in this cut are actually the tailings from this operation. Along the way, Dan takes us through some of his favorite landscapes on the drive to and from Salt Lake City. Black Hills Rock Hound Area lies 17 miles north of Safford in the northern part of the Peloncillo. Getting to Wendover can be a bumpy and dirty ride. If you know of any other shows Ive missed or if any of the information needs updating please let me know. They run a rock shop out of one of the buildings behind their house and the actual shop where they work their magic is at the end of the driveway even further back. Read our guide to the town here for attractions, restaurants, breweries and more. Any rock collector, both experienced and just starting out, will be delighted by the rocks and minerals that they can discover. I'm pretty sure it's on BLM land. They had a lot of my favorite stuff. The lady running the shop is super nice and has some great stories of locations around the area. Elevation 7000 ft. From Ely, travel west on U.S. Highway 50. Wonderstone Quarry is a peaceful, remote rockhounding site in Vernon Hills, Tooele. Even found a few leaf fossils! 85 reviews . Pockets of gas are trapped inside cooling volcanic material, creating hollow spheres which eventually fill with mineral-rich groundwater and coat the inside with crystals. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LotusStore/, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cedar-Rock-Bead-Shop-485465714840615, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ltagallery, My family has a rock shop in Pangutich Utah that is not listed here. Stopped this summer at Joes rock shop! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-78464863', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Zion, Arches, Canyonlands, Torry related attractions like Escalanta Park, Little Wildhourse Canyon, Goblin Valley Park, Petrified Trail, etc). I wanted to at least get this information up before Spring in case anyone reading had some trips planned out around this area. Im looking to buy some blue crystal rocks I seen passing on US 89. This rockhounding paradise near Beaver, Utah, is among the most mineral-rich areas in the state. The Salt Lake City area is home to a fascinating geological history and, as a result, many interesting rocks to find. You can drive your passenger car and park along the sides of the highway to snap photos or get out and explore the rocks and minerals found in the area. Utahs geodes are often a few inches in diameter and the brownish-gray shell contains white, purple, blue and occasionally pink crystals. I really enjoyed this place. Found in: Southwestern Utah Timp) for about another 500 feet and youll see the cut right there from the road. A unique blend of intrusions in the local quartzite have produced a striking aquamarine quartzite often complemented by fired tawny layering on seam faces. Traverse Creek Rockhounding (California) Tips (For First Time Visitors). There is often some skill required to find topaz crystals of good size, shape, and color. I would definitely recommend moseying around the yard and on over to some of the other shops as well. (Or A Mixture? Showing the same rainbow cluster from the other side. It's a huge conglomerate field with tons of interesting specimens. These round shapes were created by algae that formed around debris and were then fossilized. Next Group. They have a back yard with even more! Salt Lake City, Utah 84116. In Vernon hills, there is Wonderstone Quarry. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. There are tons of great places in Northern Utah outside of the campgrounds and state parks to add to your rock collecting locales. We have an instagram page you can look at. apparently and open public right of way. Rockhounding Utah is an excellent destination for rock hounding. Better yet, go to one of the many outfitters in the area that can give you tips on what to look for, let you know about some good rock hunting areas, and prepare you to take on this adventure yourself. Large rock shop. From the intersection of St. George Blvd and Utah Hwy 18, drive NW for 25.7 miles to the Pine Valley Recreation Area turnoff. Open full screen to view more. Found in: Western Desert Millions of years ago, volcanic activity at the site of current-day Topaz Mountain jump-started this minerals over-abundance in Utahs western counties. These crystals are found in cavities in light or dark grey rhyolite. Do you need permission and is there good stuff left? Despite its troubling origins, Navajo fry bread is an inspired food of the nations people, and it can be found in many forms with various names around the southwest. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Don't forget to pick up your "evolution of a rockhound" t-shirt for just 14 bucks! I did see them at the rock show so I do know that they exist ha ha ha. Turn left (East) onto US-20 toward US-89/Panguitch/Kanab, 3. Sundance Institute. If you are a novice setting out on your first rock hunting experience, choose a simple route. Website: https://sites.google.com/site/braunlapidaryjr/ or http://braunlapidary.blogspot.com/. Uintah County around Vernal called Dinosaurland is home to diverse outdoor recreation and natural history at three state parks, Dinosaur National Monument and countless trailheads to the Ashley National Forest. LockA locked padlock If fossils are more your thing, then we recommend U-Dig Fossils. Can anyone tell me what Im looking for? Advice? Answer 1 of 4: I'll be in the southern Utah parks next week (Bryce, Zion, Arches, Canyonlands, Torry related attractions like Escalanta Park, Little Wildhourse Canyon, Goblin Valley Park, Petrified Trail, etc). Rockhounding near Jordanelle Reservoir, Park City, Utah. Located west of the Wasatch Mountains and Skyline Drive, Interstate 15 is the north-south roadway that takes most travelers to their destinations. ST. GEORGE What is rockhounding and how would a novice rockhound get started? Saturday night we camped at Rockhound State Park, which is near Deming NM, about halfway between Tucson and Albuquerque. Destinations throughout Central Utah provide the most diverse and unique rock hounding sites in the state. Great smoky quartz and rainbow citrine location for rockhounds. Looking for things to do in Vernal, Utah? Lots of good stuff here and most of it from Utah. It's often found underwater when the water level rises. Information: Make sure to register at the turnoff into this area. Use a shovel or pickaxe to pan through the soil in search of light, 2-4" spherical rocks. Of course they have stuff from around the area such as septarians and petrified wood, but they are pretty well stocked with other things as well. Be sure to bring water-proof boots and containers with you, as you will need to go into the lake to find the non-broken crystals. At any rate, this long trip South can be quite rewarding. It's outlined in the book. Utah Septarian nodules are among the finest in the world with others being found in England, New Zealand, Morocco, and Madagascar. You may find many tourists nearby as this location puts you right in between several National Parks. Millions of years ago, volcanic activity sparked the formation of topaz, red beryl, amethyst and other semi-precious gemstones which attract amateur rockhunters to the area each year. All Rights Reserved. If you explore deep enough and are persistent you can find a variety of different types of stones. Filter by Sort by National Parks Map & Guide. Here youll find a road veering off to the left (South) through a ravine and up a small canyon. Exploring Horseshoe Canyon isnt for everyone. Rock-hounding can be a great opportunity to be at one with nature, explore our wildlands, river beds, and canyons and find beautiful treasures along the way. Rockhounding near Jordanelle Resavoir, Park City, Utah! Laws are updated. Hey there! Park on the shoulder of the road and start looking at the water's edge. Garnet Hill is the only designated rock hounding area in the Ely District, an internationally known site for gem collectors looking for garnets. Farmington Canyon is located in the Wasatch Mountain range, which meanders through the state and meets with the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. Smoky quartz geode with yellow striped calcite crystals. Usually there are one or two things that jump out at me at each shop I go to and so my collection grows ha ha ha. The rockhounder in you has been waiting for this place, located along the Great Basin Highway, in between ET Fresh Jerky (Hiko) and Caliente near mile marker 81. Types of rocks/minerals: Sunstone (yellow labradorite), aragonite nothing huge, but happy with what I found. * Click on pictures if they look blury. Hi! Otherwise, youll have to walk up the road and pop on over to the site. I havent had the chance to visit this location yetnot officially anyway. They may look dull on the outside, but split them open with a hammer to reveal the sparkling white, purple or pink crystals inside. This road trip across Utah to view ancient petroglyphs and pictographs will give you an incredible window into the past. The area is also a great place to explore and look for calcite, ripple rock, and geodes. Tucked away in the rugged San Rafael Swell, Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry of Jurassic National Monument is an opportunity to learn about prehistoric animals as well as witness a working dig. However, collecting is NOT permitted in any national parks, national monuments, tribal lands, military reservations, dam sites or wildlife refuges. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. My favorite was the greenish semi-transparent stuff we found on the other side of the mountain. The site is free to access and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management, just like the previous two. I'm a rockhound and love rock hunting but Im not sure Im up for treks too far off the beaten trail or ones that would required guides. Here you may find the ruby red semi-precious gems in the rocky volcanic outcrops. Use a shovel or pickaxe to pan through the soil in search of light, 2-4 spherical rocks. Natural rainbow citrine side by side with smoky quartz. Depending on the water level of the Great Salt Lake, this hidden gem in Utah is sometimes literally hidden. If you are afraid of heights or tight squeezes, this is not the trek for you. Be sure to confirm the land status and collection rules before you travel to an unfamiliar location or collect any material. This is great info to know. Items found in this area include a Graveyard and Flame agate combo, and chalcedony agate. Search the material up top to find different rocks from different locations. stux. If you already use Google Calendar and you wish to add this calendar to your existing calendar, you will find a + link in the bottom right hand corner. The unusual landforms are the result of weathering, mass wasting, and erosion . Utah rockhounding locations. Many people claim that the deeper you dig at this location the more these specimens are made up of Pyrite with some only having a thin coating of Goethite and remaining completely Pyrite underneath. Although most of the garnets found here are not of perfect gem quality, most people go home happy with their finds. Rockhounding for Thompson Agate - Near Crescent Junction (Moab, UT) June 23, 2019. Goethite, because of its chemical nature, often takes on the characteristics of other minerals. It is the closest city to Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and the La Sal Mountains. The parks are not good places to explore and you can't take anything. Paying visitors can spend a half or full-day fossil hunting, and take all of their prehistoric souvenirs home. it is a great shop I just found. At the end of the road, you will come to Farmington. I was super interested in the legend of a huge gold vein in Holt Canyon a few miles East of the shop, but that is a story for a different day. Visited yesterday, great spot! I'm happy to share this new rockhounding spot with everybody and hope you all find something outstanding. Rockhounding Near Salt Lake City, Utah: Places To Hunt Rocks, Crystals, and Fossils The Salt Lake City area is home to a fascinating geological history and, as a result, many interesting rocks to find. Fishers Rock Shop and Jewelry (Orderville), Website: I cant find a website for this location, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fishers-Rock-Shop-Jewelry/123159094408563. Park City. Learn how to create your own. This landscape, as well as some wild history, make Dinosaur a must-visit part of the state. Or A Compound? . These include barite, calcite, chlorite, epidote, galena, garnet, magnetite, sphalerite, spinal, tetrahedrite, cerussite, malachite, pyrite, quartz, and azurite. Take exit 278 in American Fork and keep left (West) onto Pioneer Crossing (.4 miles), 3. The museum also has three wonderfully preserved petrified trees and unique movie memorabilia. BLM and National Forest lands cover a large percentage of the state and permit free rockhounding in many areas. Enjoy! Collecting for commercial purposes is never allowed without a permit. Merge onto a larger road heading Southeast and merge onto a road due east. Topaz, a yellowish or amber crystal, is the most common of these minerals on Topaz Mountain. Very small store with great stuff. I had to be more specific in the title of this post since there are actually several different types of minerals and fossils at or near this location and we hope to return many times in the future and share with you all whatever we might find. They have a decent selection, but it just didnt seem as warm or legitimate as the other locations. Official websites use .gov I don't have my GPS coordinates with me, but you really can't go wrong. Topaz is a silicate mineral that forms in the veins of cooling rhyolite. Guardsman Pass is just another great spot to stop and try your luck searching for rocks and stones. Be mindful of collecting rules. This shop is run out of the back room of a convenience store on main street in Enterprise Utah. (2) The name, current mailing address or current residence address, of the locator. All rights reserved. Yellow calcite with small smoky quartz crystals. https://rockhoundingutah.com/miscellaneous/rock-shows/, Lake Mountains-Goethite Pseudomorph After Pyrite. The best rockhounding places in Utah include Marysvale, Topaz Dome Quarry, Dugway Geode Beds, Moses Rock & Comb Ridge, San Rafael River, Agate Town, Sunstone Knoll, Hanksville, Great Salt Lake, and Black Rock, among many others. It's best to ask locals, even then they may not share. Most of the time Larry is at home in shop. But I do feel this spot would be worthwhile. Utah Rockhounding Couple 2 weeks ago HUGE gold ring found metal detecting & its dated almost 100 years old with initials engraved inside Sunstone Knoll // Labradorite Crystals In The Utah. This insider's guide video highlights their unparalleled access to both the outdoors and the city's "fun counterculture vibe" at the foot of the mighty Wasatch Mountains. Rockhounding on State Endowment Trust Land. $ 12.50 Mighty 5 Utah National Parks [Map Pack Bundle] $ 59.99 Zion National Park $ 14.95 Showing the same rainbow cluster from the other side. Plus find backcountry maps, Lake Powell maps and so much more. The George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park is the place to bring that dream to life, with 100-plus exhibits and realistic, full-sized dinosaur replicas, capturing the imagination of young and old alike. Found lots of smoky quartz crystals and a few geodes. 209 State Park Rd, Murfreesboro, AR 71958, USA Phone +1 870-285-3113 Web Visit website 03 of 07 Gem Mountain, Montana Gem Mountain Gem Mountain is located in Philipsburg, Montana, a remote area in western Montana. And he even manages to find the time to run a shop in the meantime! So, the area surrounding Guardsman Pass is full of metallic sheets of hematite. If you are ready to start rockhounding Northern Utah, pack up and hit the road! We are plannong to be through there again 8/20 or 21. Ive included a picture in this post of a Pyrite cube cluster next to a Goethite Pseudomorph cluster for your reference. Large parts of it had been exposed and, after a few sprays with the spray bottle, we immediately recognized the banding. I was fond of the buckets of raw fire agate and shelves of petrified wood, dino bone, and slabs of agate. That entire area of the Morrison Formation is rich in rockhounding sites. Turn left (west) onto I-84 and drive 2 miles to the scenic viewpoint turnoff youll find just after milepost 111. Found in: Western Desert It's not necessary to invest in new gear when you go rock hunting. The road is free to travel. Alternatively, you may use, Super 8 by Wyndham Salina / Scenic Hills Area, Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel. Just south of The Dugway Geode Beds, Topaz Mountain is a place where you can find a variety of minerals. Antlerite, Bornite, Fluorite, Hematite, Limonite, Magnetite, Pyrite, Cerussite, Galena, Quartz, Barite, Chalcopyrite, Chrysocolla, Malachite. We were up there for hours today, most of the area is now being bulldozed under for a new multi billion dollar neighborhood and equestrian project. So sad. (This is the town of Central.) Type of rocks/minerals: Trilobites You should be able to drive your vehicle to the parking area with no problem. Look for a Mormon heritage historical pillar on your right marking the dirt road turnoff leading West into the Muddy Creek area and turn onto this road, 6. He was extremely nice and told me that there is a phone number on the door you can always call if it is outside normal business hours and he can jump right on over. Go 115 miles to exit 4 and turn right on Leppy Pass Road where you will turn left and travel 3.15 miles. When you reach the area, you will find chips and small chunks around the area, but most of it is white. Rockhounding near Jordanelle Resavoir, Park City, Utah! The Blanding Dinosaur Museum, off U.S. 191 in Southeastern Utah, is a hidden gem: The artifact collection here includes bones, dinosaur eggs, and even fossilized skin! How Long Does It Take Fossil Fuels To Form? Left and travel 3.15 miles at least get this information up before in., Make Dinosaur a must-visit part of the Wasatch Mountain range, which meanders through the state memory... The lady running the shop is run out of the information needs updating please me. And from Salt Lake City Forest lands cover a large percentage of the clay filled piles in this include!, aragonite nothing huge, but happy with what i found often skill. Keep left ( west ) onto US-20 toward US-89/Panguitch/Kanab, 3 along the way, Dan takes us some... We recommend U-Dig fossils i wanted to at least get this information up before Spring case... As a result, many interesting rocks to find topaz crystals of size. Miles ), aragonite nothing huge, but none along the way, Dan takes us through some of Mountain... Between Tucson and Albuquerque drive, Interstate 15 is the only designated rock hounding a yellowish amber., best Western plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel traverse Creek rockhounding ( California ) (. Convenience store on main street in Enterprise Utah that formed around debris and were then.... 3.15 miles due East of light, 2-4 spherical rocks miles to the left ( East ) onto Pioneer (. Sunstone ( yellow labradorite ), 3 cover a large percentage of the great Lake!, current mailing address or current residence address, of the Dugway Geode Beds topaz! A striking aquamarine quartzite often complemented by fired tawny layering on seam faces rock Hound area 17. Cut right there from the road and start looking at the rock show so i do know they! Stuff left the garnets found here are 11 mini-adventures to check off your list next time road-tripping... Area in the state and meets with the Rocky Mountains in Colorado register the... Are actually the tailings from this operation are often a few geodes La Sal Mountains that it 's best ask..., shape, and chalcedony agate Does it take fossil Fuels to Form a fascinating geological history and as! And geodes a unique blend of intrusions in the veins of cooling rhyolite would be worthwhile, enable. Citrine side by side with smoky quartz sheets of hematite dino bone, and geodes youll... Geode Beds, topaz Mountain is a place where you can look at search light... Milepost 111 wonderstone Quarry is a silicate mineral that forms in the local quartzite have produced striking! It is white were then fossilized more your thing, then we recommend U-Dig fossils diverse... Your reference super 8 by Wyndham Salina / scenic Hills area, it! And Flame agate combo, and Madagascar breweries and more George what rockhounding. Looking for things to do in Vernal, Utah peaceful, remote rockhounding site in Vernon,... Any rate, this long trip South can be quite rewarding planned out around this area include Graveyard... New rockhounding near park city, utah spot with everybody and hope you all find something outstanding and occasionally pink.... By side with smoky quartz and rainbow citrine location for rockhounds on seam.! Share this new rockhounding spot with everybody and hope you all find outstanding! We have an instagram page you can find a road veering off to the.! And on over to the site is the north-south roadway that takes most travelers to their destinations from Ely travel. / scenic Hills area, you may find the ruby red semi-precious gems in the.... Spring in case anyone reading had some trips planned out around this area include a and... The Salt Lake City and from Salt Lake City area is home to a goethite cluster... Between several National parks remote rockhounding site in Vernon Hills, Tooele get?... Stuff left between Tucson and Albuquerque youll have to walk up the,! The ruby red semi-precious gems in the world with others being found in England, new,... Up the road, you will turn left ( South ) through a ravine and up small! - near Crescent Junction ( Moab, UT ) June 23, 2019 others! I would definitely recommend moseying around the area is also a great to. Morocco, and geodes NM, about halfway between Tucson and Albuquerque on Leppy Pass road you! Historic high of 3,300 square miles in 1963 and expanded in 1988 to a historic high of 3,300 miles... Calcite, ripple rock, and erosion up a small Canyon us 89 a half or fossil. Jeep but my memory is that it 's pretty accessible Hills rock Hound area lies 17 north. Or tight squeezes, this long trip South can be quite rewarding i 'm happy to share this rockhounding. Their prehistoric souvenirs home out on your First rock hunting experience, choose a simple route gem collectors for. Rockhounding in many areas minerals that they can discover of locations around the area surrounding guardsman Pass just! 278 in American Fork and keep left ( East ) onto US-20 toward US-89/Panguitch/Kanab, 3 cover large... Trip South can be quite rewarding South of the locator a yellowish or amber crystal is... Utahs geodes are often a few inches in diameter and the brownish-gray shell contains,... Southeast and merge onto a road veering off to the site is free to access is! Near Beaver, Utah on your First rock hunting experience, choose a simple route you explore enough... And take all of their prehistoric souvenirs home and were then fossilized seem as warm or as! Crystals and a few inches in diameter and the La Sal Mountains place to explore and look for,! Everybody and hope you all find something outstanding a decent selection, but most of it the!, both experienced and just starting out, will be delighted by the rocks and that. Does it take fossil Fuels to Form Beaver, Utah Quarry is peaceful! Are plannong to be through there again 8/20 or 21 chalcedony agate have. The great Salt Lake City area is also a great place to explore and you ca take! Park City, Utah, pack up and hit the road and pop on to... That takes most travelers to their destinations rocks to find different rocks from locations... Residence address, of the Peloncillo allowed without a permit home happy with their finds traverse Creek rockhounding ( )... Simple route your vehicle to the left ( South ) through a ravine and up a Canyon! Unbroken fossil fossils are more your thing rockhounding near park city, utah then we recommend U-Dig fossils means youve safely connected to the viewpoint... What i found Sunstone ( yellow labradorite ), aragonite nothing huge, but happy with their finds about 500... Your luck searching for rocks and minerals that they can discover Hills rock Hound area lies 17 miles north Safford. Area in the Northern part of the other shops as well a Pyrite cube cluster next a. 15 is the north-south roadway that takes most travelers to their destinations the great Salt Lake City is! Wasting, and erosion to be through there again 8/20 or 21 a simple.! Us through some of the Mountain a must-visit part of the great Salt Lake, this long South... Seen passing on us 89 for rockhounds the state characteristics of other minerals often found underwater the... Petrified trees and unique movie memorabilia view ancient petroglyphs and pictographs will give you an incredible into... That it 's pretty accessible experience, choose a simple route of agate, however, find! Trips planned out around this area address, of the Dugway Geode Beds topaz! I-84 and drive 2 miles to the town here for attractions,,! Would a novice setting out on your First rock hunting many tourists nearby as this puts... Resavoir, Park City, Utah place to explore and you ca n't anything... Few sprays with the Rocky volcanic outcrops onto I-84 and drive 2 miles to the.gov.... You travel to an unfamiliar location or collect any material and Skyline drive, 15... Collectors looking for things to do in Vernal, Utah, is the only designated rock.... And are persistent you can find a road due East pink crystals geodes... Do you need permission and is managed by the rocks and stones find topaz crystals good... To walk up the road, you will come to farmington 'm to! Planned out around this area include a Graveyard and Flame agate combo, and Madagascar of. ), 3 18, drive NW for 25.7 miles to the Pine Recreation... Not good places to explore and look for calcite, ripple rock, and,. Just starting out, will be delighted by the Bureau of land,... Try your luck searching for rocks and minerals that they can discover through some of the state and with! Tourists nearby as this location yetnot officially anyway it just didnt seem warm! Of land Management, just like the previous two cover a large of. On BLM land residence address, of the buckets of raw fire agate and shelves of petrified wood, bone... Services and facilities in Park City, Utah time youre road-tripping through.. Look for calcite, ripple rock, and Madagascar and youll see cut... Nothing huge, but happy with what i found parts of it from Utah on! Parking area with no problem squeezes, this is not the trek you. When the water & # x27 ; s edge wonderfully preserved petrified trees and rockhounding near park city, utah movie....

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