The BLM allows up to 25 pounds of specimens to be collected per day, 250 pounds per year. (20+ Dig Sites Across The State), Where To Find Desert Rose Rocks in Arizona, Where To Find Obsidian In The Arizona Desert, Where to Find Oregon Agates (Tips and Locations), Rockhounding In New Mexico! You could get fortunate and come across a lovely specimen on the surface while wandering about. Saddle Mountain Arizona Fire Agate Rough 14 grams Flames and white swirls. The location is ideal for a mine tour, but the number of specimens available is restricted. Begin heading south on the moderately used dirt trail. Good material can be found throughout the region, but be aware of the Wilderness Area here and make sure you at a location that you are allowed to collect. fire agate utah. Remember we share the planet with many other critters, including snakes, so stay aware of your surroundings. Deer Creek is located southwest of Safford, in the eastern Galiuro Mountain foothills. There are several other places that you are still able to hound for gold, such as atman, Vulture Mine, Little San Domingo Placers, Gold Basin, and Greaterville. One of those mines, the Penney Mine is sometimes open to the public. Travel west on Salome Highway for 5.2 miles until you come to Courthouse Road, then turn left. However, it is important to keep in mind that the weather can change quickly in Arizona, so be alert and stay prepared for severe weather events. They have identified and continue to monitor hundreds of archaeological sites and resources in the area. Motorized vehicles limit your impact by staying on established roads and trails only. Saddle Mountain. It is also recommended that you have a spare tire, CB radio, and plenty of water in case of an emergency. For over 50 years, people from all over have been coming to Saddle Mountain in search of Fire Agate. If I can nail down a location, anyone who wishes to check them out is more than welcome! 8%. If you want to go rockhounding, the Tucson area is a fantastic place to go. fee: $30.00 - $50.00 a day, Tool Rentals, $5.00 a day. While many of these sites are on National Forest land, several (particularly the mines) are potentially private property, so do your investigation and get approval before venturing on any property forrockhounding near Phoenix. This Two-week Camping Zone at Dome Rock Mountain is ideal for rockhounding Arizona Just like Littlefield, The Land Management Bureau appointed this public property as a rockhounding field. Home. Turn right on this dirt road when you see a sign for Hauser Geode Beds. I know there are a few of them..Oatman, Saddle Mtnwhich location has the best shot of getting a good piece or two of the beautiful agate? Slaughter Mountain, Arizona (Mine) Oatman, Arizona ("Cuesta Fire Agate Mine", pay-to-dig, $30-$50 entry fee) Though some of these sites have been used for decades as rockhounding locations, you . The gem-type Saddle Mountain fire gates are a pleasant expansion to any mineral collection, as they are rare and hard to come by. At 3.6 miles youll reach the most serious washout. The information provided in this article by YesDirt.com is for informational purposes and is subject to change. It is also important to remember that the area is at a high elevation, so you may need to bring a jacket even if it is hot outside. On public property, you are unable to collect historical objects like earthenware, rock sculpture, or arrowheads, or vertebrate fossils such as dinosaurs, any mammals, or fish. Mark K Cave Dweller. This doable in a stock rig? However, if youre up for a longer and more remote trip, take the whole 15 mile loop around Saddle Mountain. Fake it till you make it, right? I may be bringing my son & his girlfriend along too. The Land Management Bureau approved the recreation area of Virgin River as a rockhounding expanse on municipal property. 27%. Saddle Mountain is a famous rockhounding destination just next to Queen Creek, particularly for those looking for fire agate, a semi-precious jewel found only within Arizona and some other southwestern regions. Total Miles. If you dont feel like a big challenge, stick to the initial 3.6 mile trail. This particular spot is considered to be among . Click the image for driving directions and a KML file. This area is also popular for rock-hounders who will find both fire agate and chalcedony on the north side of the range. Table Mountain Jasper 172. Stay right at 10.1 as the trail forks and then stay left at 10.6 as the trail rejoins a more traveled trail. 0%. At 4.2, the trail enters a wash and roughens. 87) for about 21 miles. This area is also popular for rock-hounders who will find both fire agate and chalcedony on the north side of the range. From the interchange of I-10 & Loop 101, head west on I-10. 856C5QR3+QG. The Saddle Mountain area has quite a bit of free range in which to search for fire agates. Rockhounding Arizona Location: 9049 Oatman Rd (Old Route 66), Golden Valley, AZ 86413. Because of it's elusiveness, it's highly sought-after by jewelers, collectors and rockhounders. BLM free Fire Agate collecting site. The Weaver mining district was established the following year as additional sediments were discovered further down the Colorado River. Tucked deep into the Mule Mountains not far from Palo Verde is the Opal Hill Mine. Buy Now. Beautiful day though windy and join us as I show you where we hunt and how to go about it.. Since 1902, the location of this mine has consisted of four 20-acre claims held by one family. Travel a lightly used trail around Saddle Mountain west of Phoenix. The tour lasts for six to eight hours and will cost a group of four people a total of $2,700. It is a beautiful area where hiking and picnicking are also available. The area is located between 55-60 miles west of Phoenix and about 8 miles from Tonopah. node 359261341. It is best to stay on the main road and avoid any areas that are marked with no trespassing signs. 1,910 Sq. The mine is reached by helicopter for visitors. dangerousroads.org is not responsible for the information contained in these pages. The information provided in this article by YesDirt.com is for informational purposes and is subject to change. This scenic area is also considered one of the best by valley rockhounders. New crystals can be exposed by rainstorms, but youll certainly discover the perfect ones when you get grimy and dig. Elevation. The Hauser Geode grounds, which have been famous to rock enthusiasts for several years, have created some quite spectacular geodes of numerous forms. The top exposed layer of Columbia River Basalt Group basalt in the Saddle Mountains is the Saddle Mountain Basalt, which ranges from 120 - 240 meters (400 - 800 feet) in thickness and is interspersed by sedimentary layers of the Ellensburg Formation. While there is a bypass, from this point on the trail is moderately difficult. Rockhounding is a fun and rewarding hobby that people of all ages can enjoy. Pinfire and Peacock. Saddle Mountain Arizona Fire agate spot; admin What is Agate? Beautiful day though windy and join us as I show you where we hunt and how to go about it. Dont hunt rocks without permission on these properties. Other places to find geode are the Straw beds and the Potato Patch. Saddle Mountain is known for its especially beautiful scenery and ruggedness. 3.6. 62. Here is another popular area for rockhounding Arizona excursions. This particular place youll just be searching and picking at loose sediment, mostly. The Black Hills Rockhound Area is one of the BLM designated sites for collecting minerals and gems, including fire agate. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has two designated collection sites that are open to the public year-round. Petrified wood mineral specimens, minerals, semi-precious stones, as well as invertebrate fossils can all be found here. It is recommended to bring at least 1 gallon per person per day. Maricopa County Saddle Mountain There is a short hiking trail that leads to the top of the mountain, where you can get a panoramic view of the area. Its a loop drive around Saddle Mountain, pretty difficult and lightly traveled. If so sign me up!! We also feature articles and resources on the history of rockhounding in the area, as well as the science behind the rocks and minerals youll be collecting. When it comes to where to find rocks in Arizona, there are endless places, but those mentioned above always guarantee youll leave with a gem or two. This is the second BLM designated collection site. If not, park where convenient and walk the road. Trona Be careful not to get pierced when you try to grab some lovely specimen that has your eyes glittering! A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Let's take a little trip to the far west valley for some fun around Saddle Mountain, an area of ancient volcanic activitythat was last active approximately 66 million years ago. (1969) Gem Materials, in USGS & Arizona Bureau of Mines, and U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Mineral and Water Resources of Arizona, Arizona Bureau of Mines Bull. The Opal Hill Mine can be better described as a claim established on a hillside . Once youve had your limit of rockhounding, take a stroll on some of the pathways that snake through the region, or pitch a tent so you can drill down early the next day. Some of the links on our website are affiliate links. Rare Large Flowering Tube Onyx and Saddle Mountain AZ Fire Agate Necklace Sterling Silver Utah Gem Handmade Black Red Brown Tan 1053. There is a sign near milepost 141 on Highway 191 marking the graded dirt road to the site. If you are a rockhounding fanatic, then Arizona should be your first pick when it comes to finding amazing rocks. Youll want to know the BLMs restrictions for collecting and use before you begin. Saddle Mountain; Saddle Mountain is one of the most popular rockhounding spots near Queen Creek, especially for those searching for fire agate, a semiprecious gemstone that you can only find in Arizona and other southwestern states. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. The ideal opportunity to delve for that kind of gemstone is immediately after a downpour. 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