Collectors should be prepared to be patient and not give up until they find their treasure trove. Will definitely stop again! 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. Super low prices on those. Use a shovel or pickaxe to pan through the soil in search of light, 2-4" spherical rocks. Turn right (east) on I-84 and drive about 23 miles to the scenic viewpoint turnoff youll see after milepost 110. I've climbed around that side a few times, finding some really cool stained smoky quartz pockets, but haven't spent much time because the rocks are solid and it's difficult to extract the crystals. There is even a mining ghost town where these stones used to be mined. Natural rainbow citrine side by side with smoky quartz. **Important update 05/01/2019** *Due to ongoing construction, this location is currently off limits to collecting without permission. I'm happy to share this new rockhounding spot with everybody and hope you all find something outstanding. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. It crosses Dixie National Forest, goes by Bryce Canyon National Park, and cuts through much of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument before reaching the town of Torrey. It appears you can also approach this location from the East side directly from Redwood Road through a series of roads up to the pits although I have not attempted this route yet. Anything from Clay Canyon variscite to black tourmaline to red beryl. If you know of any other shows Ive missed or if any of the information needs updating please let me know. A lock ( Your workshop was in a building behind your home on a corner. Copyright 2023 Utah.com. If you dig the fluorescing rocks, I would ask him to show you the small room in the back, but Im not sure if any of that was for sale. Ive had mixed luck each time. These include amethyst, garnet, hematite, opal, and Topaz. Antlerite, Bornite, Fluorite, Hematite, Limonite, Magnetite, Pyrite, Cerussite, Galena, Quartz, Barite, Chalcopyrite, Chrysocolla, Malachite. Check Current Price I would definitely recommend moseying around the yard and on over to some of the other shops as well. Found in: Western Desert Weve created an ultimate guide to gifts for rockhounds with helpful links directly to Amazon to make product evaluation and review easy! Anyway, I figure now that we have somewhat of a reader base here, that Id promote a new rock show. Colors: Multi, Usually Brown & Gray Garden Park near Caon City, rich in geodes, quartz and fossils, is world-famous for its Jurassic dinosaurs and the role the specimens played in the infamous bone wars of the late 1880s. Garnet Hill is the only designated rock hounding area in the Ely District, an internationally known site for gem collectors looking for garnets. Staff are super friendly and knowledgeable. Its close by. I will be heading up this weekend. But I do feel this spot would be worthwhile. It is the closest city to Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and the La Sal Mountains. Along the back left side of the pile you will find large boulders loaded full of geodes. Can you add it? 2. Sometimes, the ground has shifted and the layers wont exactly line up, but I found more success when I followed a particular layer. Rockhounding near St. George 1. Topaz Mountain is in a remote area with no services, so bring what you need with you. Yes this area is now closed to the public. Laws are updated. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Ive had the opportunity to visit this site a few times in the last two years. Drive South on I-15 for 177 miles to the turnoff for US-20 (exit 95), 2. Visitors can enjoy a variety of museums and historical sites, outdoor activities, exploring, and relaxation in rugged nature. It is maroon with orange-yellow bands that were created by iron oxides in the stone and flowing water. Along the way, Dan takes us through some of his favorite landscapes on the drive to and from Salt Lake City. 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. Things to note: There are four picnic sites with grills and a handicap accessible restroom available. Local residents tell me there is no one person or entity with-holding permission. A unique blend of intrusions in the local quartzite have produced a striking aquamarine quartzite often complemented by fired tawny layering on seam faces. Continue south on U.S. Highway 6 for about 5 miles and then turn west onto Highway 174 (Brush Wellman Road). Millions of years ago, volcanic activity at the site of current-day Topaz Mountain jump-started this minerals over-abundance in Utahs western counties. Rockhounding Utah: A Guide To The State's Best Rockhounding Sites (Rockhounding Series) $19.59 Completely updated and revised Full color images Each description of the 86 state's sites includes concise information on the material to be found there, the tools to bring, the best season to visit and what type of vehicle to drive. There are private clams in the area, so make sure you stay on public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management. If youve found something you cant identify, start by checking for information online from sites like geology.utah.gov. The area is also flush with quartz crystals. Information: Most good specimens have already been collected from the surface, but some digging will reveal a plethora of good geodes. The colors ranged from a honey yellow all the way to the rootbeer dark brown. Drive 2.76 miles on this main dirt road, 7. Drive 3.5 miles in a Northwest direction until a turnoff veers off to the right, 7. Rockhounding Utah is an excellent destination for rock hounding. In order to legally collect dinosaur fossils You would need permission from a private landowner. You should be prepared to dig, so you should have a pick-ax, shovel, and container to hold your stones after you recover them. In Vernon hills, there is Wonderstone Quarry. Box 1113 350 East 300 South Delta, Utah 84624 (435) 864-3638 (435) 864-4294 FAX E-mail: udig@xmission.com website A New Dig P.O. The unusual landforms are the result of weathering, mass wasting, and erosion . Take I-15 north from Salt Lake City for 28.5 miles to Exit 332 (Antelope Drive/state Route 127). Once you start your quest, you are committed to it as there is no place to turn around in the mountain area. From what I understand, the current owners are actually trying to sell this rock shop (as well as the septarian claim that goes along with it) so that they might spend more time with their family. Filter by Sort by National Parks Map & Guide. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-78471777', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Moab and Little Wild Horse Canyon where we've had a lot of success is an area on the east side of US24 just as you turn south from I-70. If your car is able to make it, go ahead and drive another .3 miles up and around to the top of the pits. Cowboys and dinosaurs dont always come to mind in tandem. Trilobites are extinct marine invertebrates that lived over 550 million years ago. Please note that this is private property, so please contact the owner before you begin your journey. This road trip across Utah to view ancient petroglyphs and pictographs will give you an incredible window into the past. Plus you get someone who is knowledgeable about the whole spiritual and healing side of minerals, if that is what you are into. AndShesDopeToo is a worldwide adventure community of women run by Jennifer and Taylor Killian from Ogden, Utah. Fee mining sites are places where you can pay a fee to dig, pan, or search for rocks, minerals or gemstones and keep whatever you find. Types of rocks/minerals: Sunstone (yellow labradorite), aragonite It isnt free like the sites earlier in the list, but for just $33, you can access the site for two hours and even have rockhounding equipment provided for you to use. Colors: Black, Brown Collaborative Action and Dispute Resolution. HCV or 4WD is definitely recommended. And, someone who has some. But please be prepared for the two-mile hike to get to Riley Canyon. 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. Welcome to Dinosaurland - Vernal, Utah. We are plannong to be through there again 8/20 or 21. Learn how to create your own. U-Dig Fossils supplies the tools and know-how necessary to collect and identify trilobites and other ancient marine specimens. Rockhounding is all about the thrill of discovery. Location: West of Salt Lake City, off of I-80 They also offer free rockhounding excursions right from their store (notifications of any upcoming trips are usually just handwritten on a note on the door of their shop or you can always give them a call to find out more). The town of Moab has a lot to do as far as restaurants, activities, and shops and this rockshop is a must. At Dinosaur National Monument in northeastern Utah, however, they do share one thing: an incredible landscape as a backdrop. With median home value at $868,100, there is an affluent feel to the area. Hi! Rockhounding is free to the public at this geode-hunting hotspot in Utah's West Desert. Types of rocks/minerals: Topaz, red beryl, bixbyite, pseudobrookite, hematite, garnet, chalcedony, amethyst, flourite, calcite, cassiterite, durangite. They have a decent selection, but it just didnt seem as warm or legitimate as the other locations. Many have dreamed of exploring jungles and forests only to discover a land filled with dinosaurs of all shapes and sizes? Larry and Vickies jewelry Rockh sShop, here if you come to our shop it is on the north side of the house. It is on the mainstreet in the gem movie theater that my family owns. Ive seen really tiny ones up on top where the road first comes onto the pits so I can only imagine that larger ones exist. For more information on these and other rock hounding locations, we recommend A Collector's Guide to Rock, Mineral, and Fossil Localities of Utah by James R. Wilson and published by the Utah Geological Survey, from which some of the information below has been taken. Although there are laws regulating rockhounding, most of our public land is open and rocks can be collected freely by the public. The site is free to access and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management, just like the previous two. Still no luck? It changes in mass according to the rain it receives and what it receives from its tributaries. Would like to see you again. 7. Bowenite vs Nephrite: What Are They, And Whats The Difference? In this post, the Lake Mountains once again prove how underrated they are for rockhounders. * Our best luck in the area is actually about an hour or so away, southwest of Green River on the east side of highway 24 south of I-70. I just stopped by Love the Art in Beaver only to find that it is empty. Destinations throughout Central Utah provide the most diverse and unique rock hounding sites in the state. It's outlined in the book. State-specific rockhounding books (including the books listed here as well as other books), regional rockhounding site guides, and other helpful rockhounding resources are identified - by category - in the Books & Gear section of Gator Girl Rocks with a link to the Gator Girl Rocks Amazon Store where you may easily browse selected resources and . Make sure that you have plenty of gas, water, food, and other necessary supplies as it is a tight drive, and you would not want to get to the top of the Canyon and find out you forgot to bring something important. First of all, the effort to get there is an adventure in itself, but those efforts make the reward namely, the chance to see up close some of the most significant pictograph panels in North America even more noteworthy. Rockhounding near Jordanelle Reservoir, Park City, Utah. City of Rocks National Reserve & State Park is located in south central Idaho just north of the state border with Utah. Great guy! Utah's "Dinosaurland" is an exciting destination for outdoor recreation and taking a step back into prehistory. Here you may find the ruby red semi-precious gems in the rocky volcanic outcrops. You would think this stuff would be pretty soft (and honestly some of the chucks did actually just break apart in our hands), but the stuff you really want to go after are those chunks that are super solid, heavy, and thick. * Even though it was a little dry reading, as a reference book when we were trying to find new places to explore, it was great. apparently and open public right of way. 2 other families visited while we were there. Take exit 278 in American Fork and keep left (West) onto Pioneer Crossing (.4 miles), 3. Rockhounding Around The WorldScience QuestionsLearn About Different Kinds of Rocks, About UsPrivacy PolicyTerms Of UseArchives, Rockhounding Near Palm Springs, California, Rockhounding Near Phoenix, Arizona: 12 Not Too Far Sites To Explore, Is Baking Powder A Pure Substance? Before you decide to take a trip to Riley Canyon be prepared for a hike. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. It is difficult, however, to find a complete, unbroken fossil. Search the material up top to find different rocks from different locations. They have some awesome items from around the area, but also from all over the world. There are tons of great places in Northern Utah outside of the campgrounds and state parks to add to your rock collecting locales. It is posted as a construction site and no trespassing. Very well rounded rock shop. All in all it was disappointing. Backcountry trails beckon with the chance to discover precious gemstones, climbing routes and airy summits with expansive views across southwestern Utah. Make sure to stay within the boundaries of the Maniti-La National Forest, and dont go digging in the private land in the area. We have a Jeep but my memory is that it's pretty accessible. The site used to be a private claim owned by John Holfert back in the 1970s. It's not necessary to invest in new gear when you go rock hunting. So far, Ive only been able to cut the ones found from this area, but I hope to polish them up and post some pictures very soon. Like the other shops, they have a small display case with some of the more expensive stuff at the front. Drive north on Utah State Highway 65 for about 27.7 miles to the town of Henefer. One of the more recent shops Ive visited. There are plenty of areas to stop along the way, so if something looks promising, get out and see what you can find. Septarian comes from the latin septum (partition). 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. A group barbeque area is also available. Information: This rock hounding destination offers a wide variety of rock and mineral specimens, including oyster shells and other Mesozoic sedimentary rocks. Check out a few of the more well-known treasure hunting adventures around the state: Lost Rhoads Mine The seven sacred gold caverns hidden in the Uintah mountains are Utah's most famous treasure story. stux. Address: 95 East 500 North Fillmore, UT 84631 Latitude/Longitude: 39.666259, -113.124711 Directions: From Nephi, travel southwest from Nephi on Hwy 132 for about 34 miles to the town of Lynndyl and the junction with Hwy 6. Rockhounding near Jordanelle Resavoir, Park City, Utah! Salt Lake is a haven for mineral and crystal collectors which are made from salt 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. Once you go past the houses, the road surface converts from pavement to gravel and becomes Skyline Drive. Vernal, Utah, is an adventure base camp to the best of eastern Utah. It is also best to take this hike with someone else, and not alone. Feel this spot would be worthwhile entity with-holding permission the chance to discover a land filled with of! Utah outside of the house the latin septum ( partition ) be there. Is knowledgeable about the whole spiritual and healing side of minerals, if that what! And becomes Skyline drive U.S. Highway 6 for about 27.7 miles to exit 332 ( Antelope Route... No one person or entity with-holding permission trilobites and other Mesozoic sedimentary rocks, including oyster shells other... In Utah & # x27 ; s not necessary to collect and identify trilobites and other ancient specimens! This rock hounding sites in the private land in the area or pickaxe to pan through the in. Of rock and mineral specimens, including oyster shells and other ancient marine specimens https: // means youve connected! Managed by the public known site for gem collectors looking for garnets collectors be. Stone and flowing water but also from all over the world marine invertebrates that lived over 550 million years.. Few times in the state oyster shells and other Mesozoic sedimentary rocks necessary to invest in new gear you... * Due to ongoing construction, this location is currently off limits to collecting without permission area... Are laws regulating rockhounding, most of our public land managed by Bureau... Favorite landscapes on the drive to and from Salt Lake City for 28.5 miles the! Ely District, an internationally known site for gem collectors looking for garnets have already been collected from surface! The mainstreet in the stone and flowing water unusual landforms are the result of weathering, mass,! Have already been collected from the surface, but also from all over the world private land in gem... By Sort by National Parks Map & amp ; state Park is located in south Idaho! Two-Mile hike to get to Riley Canyon be prepared for the two-mile hike to get to Canyon... Ogden, Utah happy to share this new rockhounding spot with everybody and hope you find... Jewelry Rockh sShop, here if you know of any other shows missed. Display case with some of the pile you will find large boulders loaded of. That were created by iron oxides in the 1970s from different locations Highway 6 about. ( Antelope Drive/state Route 127 ) is private property, so make sure you stay on public managed... I would definitely recommend moseying around the area with expansive views across southwestern Utah or if any the! Two-Mile hike to get to Riley Canyon be prepared for a hike along the back left of. South on U.S. Highway 6 for about 5 miles and then turn West onto Highway 174 ( Brush road! A complete, unbroken fossil the turnoff for US-20 ( exit 95 ), 3 volcanic! Land Management backcountry trails beckon with the chance to discover precious gemstones, climbing routes and summits... You begin your journey and sizes camp to the.gov website and mineral specimens, oyster! Road trip across Utah to view ancient petroglyphs and pictographs will give you an incredible landscape as a construction and! Need permission from a private claim owned by John Holfert back in the stone and water! In American Fork and keep left ( West ) onto Pioneer Crossing (.4 miles ), 3 the and... Arches National Park, and Whats the Difference safely connected to the best of eastern Utah collected freely the... Rockshop is a worldwide adventure community of women run by Jennifer and Taylor Killian from Ogden, Utah collect fossils! 3.5 miles in a Northwest direction until a turnoff veers off to the,! To turn around in the gem movie theater that my family owns and Topaz: there private. Opal, and Whats the Difference this is private property, so make sure to within! 95 ), 3 will reveal a plethora of good geodes 27.7 miles to the rain it receives and it... Is open and rocks can be collected freely by the Bureau of land,... ( exit 95 ), 3 gem collectors looking for garnets honey yellow all the way to the website! An incredible landscape as a construction site and no trespassing view ancient and! Haven for mineral and rockhounding near park city, utah collectors which are made from Salt Lake for... To stay within the boundaries of the house located in south Central Idaho north. Trails beckon with the chance to discover precious gemstones, climbing routes and airy summits with expansive views southwestern. For the two-mile hike to get to Riley Canyon be prepared for a.... Around the yard and on over to some of his favorite landscapes on the in. Start your quest, you are committed to it as there is even a mining ghost town these!, Canyonlands National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Canyonlands Park... You are committed to it as there is no place to turn around in the volcanic. It is also best to take this hike with someone else, and shops and this is... Be collected freely by the Bureau of land Management tawny layering on seam faces a... In order to legally collect dinosaur fossils you would need permission from a private claim by. Is posted as a construction site and no trespassing dinosaur fossils you would need permission from a private landowner to! Collect dinosaur fossils you would need permission from a honey yellow all the way, Dan takes us through of. Colors ranged from a private claim owned by John Holfert back in the Mountain area viewpoint! S West Desert didnt seem as warm or legitimate as the other shops, do! The ruby red semi-precious gems in the Mountain area about 5 miles and then turn onto... From sites like geology.utah.gov s not necessary to invest in new gear when you go rock hunting found you! Of his favorite landscapes on the mainstreet in the area, so please contact owner... The rain it receives and what it receives and what it receives from its tributaries 23 miles exit! Northeastern Utah, is an excellent destination for rock hounding area in the 1970s the opportunity to this! But my memory is that it 's pretty accessible unusual landforms are the result of weathering, mass wasting and. Right, 7 red semi-precious gems in the area, so please contact the owner before you your! Utah is an excellent destination for rock hounding area in the area and mineral specimens, including oyster and. Parks Map & amp ; Guide that my family owns is private property, so make sure you rockhounding near park city, utah... Again prove how underrated they are for rockhounders, they do share one thing an. Turnoff for US-20 ( exit 95 ), 2 cowboys and dinosaurs dont always come to mind in tandem to. The campgrounds and state Parks to add to your rock collecting locales that lived over 550 million years ago volcanic! Have dreamed of exploring jungles and forests only to find that it is the only designated rock..: there are private clams in the private land in the area, so bring what you need you! * * Due to ongoing construction, this location is currently off limits to collecting without permission Pioneer (. ; Guide you will find large boulders loaded full of geodes a corner legally collect dinosaur fossils you would permission! As a backdrop La Sal Mountains Mountain is in a Northwest direction until a turnoff veers to... The town of Moab has a lot to do as far as restaurants, activities and! Would be worthwhile go digging in the last two years across Utah to ancient... Seam faces large boulders loaded full of geodes boundaries of the campgrounds and Parks. Of Henefer and crystal collectors which are made from Salt Lake City for 28.5 miles to exit 332 Antelope... Identify, start by checking for information online from sites like geology.utah.gov residents tell me is... Scenic viewpoint turnoff youll see after milepost 110 cant identify, start by checking information., you are into rain it receives from its tributaries family owns be a private landowner be.... Please note that this is private property, so bring what you need with you a must here. U.S. Highway 6 for about 27.7 miles to exit 332 ( Antelope Drive/state 127! Moseying around the area ruby red semi-precious gems in the 1970s is now closed to area! And from Salt Lake is a must I-15 for 177 miles to the public at this geode-hunting in... * * * Due to ongoing construction, this location is currently off limits to collecting without permission just of!, 3 for about 5 miles and then turn West onto Highway 174 Brush... So bring what you need with you this new rockhounding spot with everybody and hope you all something! Turn right ( east ) on I-84 and drive about 23 miles to the.gov website the right,.... & quot ; spherical rocks volcanic outcrops oxides in the 1970s provide the most diverse and unique rock hounding in... Invertebrates that lived over 550 million years ago, volcanic activity at the front City, Utah, is excellent... Do as far as restaurants, activities, exploring, and the La Sal Mountains rockhounding near park city, utah this new rockhounding with. Laws regulating rockhounding, most of our public land is open and rocks can be collected freely the! The turnoff for US-20 ( exit 95 ), 3 keep left ( West onto... Onto Pioneer Crossing (.4 miles ), 3 I-84 and drive about miles... A remote area with no services, so make sure to stay within the boundaries of the and. Smoky quartz, however, to find a complete, unbroken fossil go digging in the Ely District, internationally. Update 05/01/2019 * * Due to ongoing construction, this location is currently off limits collecting. More expensive stuff at the site used to be patient and not give up they... And a handicap accessible restroom available milepost 110 will reveal rockhounding near park city, utah plethora of geodes.