20 of the best rockhounding locations within driving distance from . You will need a pick and shovel to find the best specimens. To arrive there, take HWY 19 south from Tucson and exit at Pima Mine Road, exit 80. The Four Peaks Amethyst mine continues to operate in a primitive manner due to its challenging location. The trail swings back east and turns to two track at 6.6 miles and gets very faint around 6.7. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Azurite, Fluorite, Pyrite, Copper minerals, and calcite are only a few of the minerals that can be found if you know where to look. fee: $30.00 - $50.00 a day, Tool Rentals, $5.00 a day. Complete with GPS coordinates and step-by-step directions! Trona 3 Hours. However, rock hunting experts and rookies are still able to locate gold in the Colorado River. There is a cleared parking area with some fire rings. node 359261341. The main trail begins in a picnic area and zigzags through mature old growth forest to a final accent up grassy slopes to the rocky peak. The material is dispersed over a large area, so finding good pieces can take some time. The tour is only provided twice a year, in the spring and fall, due to the remoteness and limited conveniences. The only obsidian nodules known as Apache Tears are those found in the region. There is a good gift shop where you can buy high-quality specimens. Member since April 2012 Posts: 1,931. Buckets or a Rock Bag are useful to have on hand. https://indestructibleshoes.myshopify.com/?rfsn=5664779.c4ae61aNugget Shooter Metal Detector Sales NEED A NEW METAL DETECTOR?https://nuggetshooter.comNugget Shooter Hats,https://nuggetshooter.com#!/HATS-and-T-SHIRTS/c/26703059/offset=0\u0026sort=normalFRANKINPICK and Gold Spot Scoopshttps://nuggetshooter.com#!/SCOOPS-and-DIGGING-TOOLS/c/36161001Mail:Bill SouthernPO BOX 576Morristown, AZ85342 Travel a lightly used trail around Saddle Mountain west of Phoenix. 66. Rockhunters will find roughing it is worth the effort for claiming the rare and unique fire agate. Disclosure: These are links to Amazon. The area is located between 55-60 miles west of Phoenix and about 8 miles from Tonopah. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Petrified wood, mineral specimens, semi-precious stones, and invertebrate fossils can all be found here. Share this: Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Saddle Mountain, Arizona (Rockhounding site and recreational area) Opal Hill, California (Mine, . Disclosure: These are links to Amazon. sarahrose. 5 stars. There are some trails in the areas that lead up Saddle Mountain if you want to climb higher. The gem-type Saddle Mountain fire gates are a pleasant expansion to any mineral collection, as they are rare and hard to come by. ode to the vampire mother results; national asset mortgage lawsuit; green tuna paper; mary davis sos band net worth Gemstones, mineral samples, and lapidary fire agate rough. We want your experiences too! 3 Baths. This is especially important if you are going to be picking around rocks, as you may end up with cuts on your hands or arms. Here are twelve exciting locations to go Rockhounding, includingwhere to find geodes, near Phoenix. There are several mines here, but probably the most notable fire agate source in this region is the Cuesta Fire Agate Mine. There is a trailhead at the north end of Saddle Mountain about 0.5 miles east of the BLM Saddle Mountain dispersed camp site. 48 Salome Highway Specular Hematite 165. The majority of jaspers are strong dark colors. At 1.4 miles, bear left and cross through a somewhat difficult wash. Continue straight at 1.9 miles where left leads to some nice rock hounding and camping closer to Saddle Mountain. Let's take a little trip to the far west valley for some fun around Saddle Mountain, an area of ancient volcanic activity that was last active approximately 66 million years ago. Indian Pass Dumortierite 162. The most common type of rock is fire agate, a semi-precious gemstone found in a variety of colors. During this time, there is a risk of flash floods and thunderstorms. 50 Aguila Road Apache Tears 172. Once the limit is reached, anyone asking to sign-up will be placed on the standby list. ). Asarco, on the other hand, has excellent Azurite, Chrysocolla, and Malachite specimens. I hiked up in and around the mountain and had a nice time even tho I didn't turn up much in the way of Fire. (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. Youll want to know the BLMs restrictions for collecting and use before you begin. Saddle Mountains geology. It is recommended to wear hiking boots and bring plenty of water. Fake it till you make it, right? I may be bringing my son & his girlfriend along too. Fake it till you make it, right?. Several miles east of Mattawa, turn left on "R" road to climb the foothills of the Saddle Mountains to BLM-managed land. Its common to see chalcedony anywhere from the main road through the recreation area. 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It is also an isolated and desolate area, so be prepared to pack in everything you need, including food and water, and leave the area clean when you go. Be careful not to get pierced when you try to grab some lovely specimen that has your eyes glittering! Cave Creek Agate and Jasper 174. Amboy DAG Marble Mountain Fossil Beds. Another fun trip to Saddle Mountain in Arizona to hunt Fire Agate. This mine has been in operation sporadically from the 1900s and produces a portion of the finest Amethyst globally, varying in color from dark purple to violet with a rosy undertone. Item location: Raleigh, North Carolina, United States. Saddle Mountain can be reached from Youngs River Road, Astoria, or U.S. Highway 26 near the Necanicum Junction, 10 miles east . natural=peak. Entradas. Allan is familiar with all aspects of the Mine, When in the area he assists diggers, to find and dig their own Fire Agate. As you see, we have riverbeds and banks to mountain peaks. You can also go picnicking or camping in the recreation area. Be sure to confirm the land status and collection rules before you travel to an unfamiliar location or collect any material. 49 Big Horn Mountains Fluorite and Selenite 168. There are many specimens to be found in the area, so feel free to wander about and collect. This is the second BLM designated collection site. But regardless . The rock is made up of cryptocrystalline Silica minerals suspended in a glassy suspension, which forms when magma is supercooled. Table Mountain Jasper 172. The women left behind wept bitterly, and their tears fell to the ground and transformed into transparent stones. Be sure to confirm the land status and collection rules before you travel to an unfamiliar location or collect any material. After navigating through the bypass at 3.6 miles, the trail rejoins the original trail. When back on Salome Highway, continue west turning left again onto Courthouse Road and then left again to get back to your staging area. When visiting Saddle Mountain, make sure to follow the tips we have provided so that you have a safe and enjoyable experience. OpenStreetMap Feature. Or Compound? The area has been scoured numerous times over the years, so be on the lookout for that hidden treasure, which is best discovered after a recent storm. 55 Kingman Honey . If you havent seen the Tucson Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Shows in the first two months annually, you are missing out on a true gem enthusiasts world of treasures. 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. This trail is extremely scenic and can be the basis for a great day or weekend trip. The trail gets more rugged and more remote at its southernmost point. 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. Overall, this trail is extremely scenic and can be the basis for a great day or weekend trip. Make sure you close them behind you. . The temperatures can range from freezing in the winter to over 100 degrees in the summer. Hello my friends! The weather in Saddle Mountain can change quickly, so it is important to wear clothing that will keep you warm or cool, depending on the weather. The Oatman area is located between the towns of Oatman and Yucca. MRDS database Dep. in composition and physical properties.. The trail to the top of Saddle Mountain is a moderate hike that is about 2.5 miles long. The information provided in this article by YesDirt.com is for informational purposes and is subject to change. I had a somewhat difficult time finding and fire that I felt was worth keeping. People may surely access chalcedony samples, such as agate and often a variety of minerals, whenever they explore this rockhounding place. Even if youre not guaranteed a high-end gem, youll be able to gather a lot of beautiful pieces of all varieties. Since 1902, the location of this mine has consisted of four 20-acre claims held by one family. 553 of 564. The private landowners in the area have set these boundaries to protect their property. The wildfire burning on the western slope of Saddle Mountain in Grant County has now burned nearly 10,000 acres, fire managers reported Tuesday afternoon, amid windy conditions that make it It is recommended to wear hiking boots and bring plenty of . Amateur prospectors have found thousands of ounces of gold in the Bradshaw Range north of Phoenix. 15%. Hope you have a ton of fun! The location, topography, and nearby roads & trails around Saddle Mountain (Summit) can be seen in the map layers above. Fire Agate Rough LOOK PICTURES . Cuesta Fire Agate mine is a Desert Dig. 4x4tographer, November 25, 2020 in Trip & Event Planning/Sign-up, Sunday 12/13 - Saddle Mountain | Rock Hounding | Petroglyphs | Easy to Moderate near Tonopah, AZ. Stay right at 10.1 as the trail forks and then stay left at 10.6 as the trail rejoins a more traveled trail. Agate is, in fact, identical with quartz. Since there are so many of them, youll quickly become picky on what to collect. It is one of several semi-precious gems found in abundance here. Official websites use .gov Primarily rockysediment with some smooth dirt tracks, Narrow in some areas with pin-striping possible, 4"obstacles" at a fewof the 2 dozen wash crossings we will make, All vehicles are required to meet state legal requirements, (i.e. Contact BLM for petrified wood collection limits. 915 Walla Walla Avenue You may use it to make jewelry by putting it in a stone tumbler or cutting it into cabochons. All about Agate! Ending Wednesday at 5:39PM PST 3d 16h. The ground here is a red-brown color. The area is open year-round. 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. 27 febrero, 2023 . 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. The high quality of fire agate found in the Deer Creek area has led to several active mining ventures. without restrictions to what or where you can Dig. A commercial amethyst mine is located in the famous Four Peaks of the most rugged portion of the Mazatzal Mountains, about forty minutes north of Phoenix, Arizona. 5552430. The area is also known for petroglyphs via an easy hike. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. After 0.9 miles, turn right at the intersection. Size. Please note that there are private mining assertions in this region; therefore, regard the estate privileges of landowners and refrain from collecting specimens from those claimed properties. 50%. Youll need to contact the site for specific information about when to visit. As a visitor, you can pay a fee then hire equipment to mine the claim for a day for a small fee. We looked but a fence prevents you from remaining on dirt back to the staging area. When looking forwhere to find gems near Phoenix, the town of Morristown, located just northwest of Phoenix, is a great place to go rockhounding for a day. This area attracts a large number of tourists as it is close to Quartzsite and overall ease of access for your rockhounding Arizona expedition. Tucked deep into the Mule Mountains not far from Palo Verde is the Opal Hill Mine. No facilities are present in this area, and snow and rain occasionally close the gravel and dirt roads. The mine is reached by helicopter for visitors. Ratings. This is a city, yet collectors will not have to head out of town to knowwhere to find gems near Phoenix, including a precious gem like agate. We are obsessed with the outdoors, and work constantly to bring you the information you need to enjoy the rocks and minerals you've added to your collection. A lock ( This city is known for its vast array of rocks and minerals, making it a hot spot for collectors. If youre passionate about geodes, this is the place of choice where youre sure to find tiny and large geode stones when youre rock collecting. Fluorite, Malachite, and Other Gemstones in Tucson, Arizona. It is situated off Interstate 10 and Wileys Well Road South, approximately one hour to the south of Blythe on both paved and rough terrain. There are no water fountains or water sources available in the recreation area, so you will need to pack all of the water you will need for your trip. 3.6. Saddle Mountain is a landmark peak in the deserts west of Phoenix in the town of Tonopah, south of Interstate-10. I am always amazed by nature and the earth, but these agates are over the top!Nugget Shooter Hats,https://nuggetshooter.com#!/HATS-and-T-SHIRTS/c/26703059/offset=0\u0026sort=normalMy Storehttps://nuggetshooter.comMailing Address:Bill SouthernPO BOX 576Morristown, AZ85342If you would like to help support our adventures and make an outing or two, check out my Patreon channel.My PATREON https://www.patreon.com/nuggetshooterjournalsIndestructible Shoes, Save your feet while Detecting, Exploring, Hiking! $435,000 Last Sold Price. The public is not permitted to visit this mine unless prior arrangements have been made. Sunday 12/13 - Saddle Mountain | Rock Hounding | Petroglyphs | Easy to Moderate near Tonopah, AZ. If you want to knowwhere to find rocks near Phoenix, then just outside the city, there is a common outdoor amusement and fire agate rockhounding locale. While quartz may be a common crystal across the globe, it is still a top choice for rockhounding in Arizona. This scenic area is also considered one of the best by valley rockhounders. dangerousroads.org is not responsible for the information contained in these pages. Nov 10, 2015 - Fire Agates Saddle Mountain, Arizona, fire agate mineral deposit location. 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. Many collectors have found enough pieces to satisfy them on the lower slopes. Each individual is allowed to gather as much as 25 pounds of material each day and 250 pounds per year for non-commercial intentions. Saddle Mountain Arizona Fire agate spot. Box 4099 Flagstaff, AZ 86011 Arizona Geological Survey 416 W. Congress, Suite #100, Tucson, Arizona 85701 Saddle Mountain State Natural Area is cherished for its rare wildflowers and stunning viewpoint at the 3,290-foot summit. Beautiful day though windy and join us as I show you where we hunt and how to go about it. It is important to be aware of your surroundings at all times and watch where you are stepping. Our website provides a comprehensive list of the top rockhounding sites in the area, complete with detailed Information on each location, including the types of rocks and minerals you can find, the best times of year to visit, and any rules or regulations you need to be aware of. . Saddle Mountain Arizona Fire agate spot; admin What is Agate? Post a reply in this thread saying you'd like to go and I'll put you on the roster! Use caution when approaching blind hills and corners, and keep a watchful eye for other visitors and livestock. S of Apache Nat. If not, park where convenient and walk the road. Accessibility guidelines and restrictions change. In the U.S., agates are most commonly found along the shores of the Great Lakes, the beaches of the Pacific Coast, and in the deserts of many western states. Amid the third and fourth peaks is where the mine is situated. Technical Rating. 62. Fire agate has been reportedly found in 15 locations on Arizona, as well as several locations in New Mexico and two in California. (source). Keep in mind, though, that it is important to find out if the property is private and obtain permission or if the state has limitations on how much you can collect at a specific location. Visitors are encouraged to explore the west end of the Saddle Mountains due to the amount of private land intermixed with BLM-managed lands on the east end. Get the best deals on Fire Agate Rough when you shop the largest online selection at eBay.com . The Cave Creek region, merely northeast of Phoenix, does have some of the finest rockhounding youll encounter in a limited region in Arizona. This particular spot is considered to be among . You got me on the rocks, plus my fav Roy will be coming, so I need to attend, if you don't mind signing me up please! Allow for at least half a day to do this trail. OpenStreetMap ID. Rocky McCall, Marysville Club suggested we "keep the Maughans in the loop," so Nathan Maughan was contacted. Begin heading south on the moderately used dirt trail. Neptune Mine close to Grays Spring Fluorite, Coronado Trail ( Old Mines) Turquoise and Chrysocolla, Three-Way drive-in theater Chalcedony and Fire Agate, Mule Creek Road (everywhere) Geodes and Chalcedony, York Region Banded and Fire Agate, Jasper and Carnelian, Sunset Peak(Foot of the hills) Blue and Black Jasper and Agate, Canyon to N of road one mi. Agates, crystal and geodes are found in this region. The fire agate that you can find in Saddle Mountains features rare quality and will fit perfectly into your . You can also take a trek and find geodes scattered about, even though they might not be of the highest quality. Although the region used to be known for producing gold nuggets and placer gold, you might still be able to obtain several unexpected finds if you browse in the ideal spots. Located about 65 miles southeast of Safford, Arizona, the Round Mountain BLM Rockhound Area is the most remote of the three free Arizona collecting sites. Stay straight at 11.6 miles and again at 12.3 miles. ForestBlue Agate, Carnelian, Old Stanton mining camp Fluorite, Garnet, Gold, Pyrite, Beneath Burro Creek Bridge, Hwy 93 Pink Agate, Date Creek Region Garnet, Limonite, Agate, Jasper, and Quartz crystals, Silver Butte and Oxbow Mines Copper minerals, Epidote, Fluorite, Dioptase, North Creek Trail,(everywhere) Jasper, Agate, Nodules and, Septarian, Diamond Point Lookout Rock crystal (quartz), Ellison Creek Area Jasper, Agate, and Geodes. Location: 24 N San Francisco St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001. Don't forget the sunscreen! Overall,rockhounding near Phoenix, Arizona, is a big deal because the availability of locations and actual gems is mind-blowing. Expect extreme heat in summer and windy, frigid conditions in winter. If you are coming from the Phoenix area, it will take you about an hour to get there. You may get lucky and find both gold and agate as well. A rockhound might go insane just gazing around, but at the end of the trip, the collector will scour through a tailings pile for samples. This area is also popular for rock-hounders who will find both fire agate and chalcedony on the north side of the range. A type of Agate infused with iron and other elements in such a manner that in some cases, it looks as if there's fire inside of it, Fire Agate can only be found in a few Southwest states, as well as Mexico. (Find Of a Lifetime! Artisan Rockhound. From Black Canyon City south to Prescott. Throughout the months of June to August, the Environmental Education Center in Willow Bend provides free supervised downtown geology excursions of Flagstaff two times each month. More sharing options. This doable in a stock rig? Also, you may need to open some cattle-guard gates to get through along the way. There are no restaurants or food stores in the Saddle Mountain Recreation Area, so it is important to pack a lunch with you. Also, If you do look around Saddle Mountain, you may have more luck near the southern side of the mountain. There is a sign near milepost 141 on Highway 191 marking the graded dirt road to the site. 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. Once you enter Tonopah take a left on 411th Ave and then drive about 2.80 miles until you hit W Salome Hwy, turn right. Hello my friends! Again at 4.7, the trail narrows and continues. $99.00. Its a loop drive around Saddle Mountain, pretty difficult and lightly traveled. Whether youre interested in collecting quartz, amethyst, jasper, or any other type of rock or mineral, weve got you covered. Another place with lovely quartz crystals is Diamond Point, northeast of Payson. The BLM allows up to 25 pounds of specimens to be collected per day, 250 pounds per year. The Mine is open 12 months of the year. Mineral specimens such as bismuth, beryl, and microcline have been found in a number of pegmatite veins. Rock hunting has been around for centuries and gold was one of the earliest finds in Arizona. Please keep safety and private land in mind. Saddle Mountain is also a desert area, so it is also important to bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Twin Buttes Region (Old Mines) Copper, Azurite, Chalcocite, Marcasite, Malachite, Chrysocolla, Calcite, fluorescent minerals, Pyrite, and more. Saddle Mountain is known for its especially beautiful scenery and ruggedness. You can also find the ThunderEgg/Nodule type of geode that is fully crammed with tiny solid crystal arrangements known as Jasper or Agate. Locality type: Mountain: Classification: Species: Quartz var: Fire Agate: Formula: SiO 2: . There are a number of popular sites in the state where fire agate is fairly easily accessed. The fire agate in this area often requires hammer and shovel to collect, and the terrain is rugged. Another fun trip to Saddle Mountain in Arizona to hunt Fire Agate. It is a type of natural glass with conchoidal contours (convex on the outside, concave on the inside), with nodules ranging in size from peas to a tennis ball. 856C5QR3+QG. Detailed description: How to get there is as follows: From Phoenix, Arizona, take Highway 17 north. Lake Superior agate - best locations. Red Cloud Mine Area 166. The trail can be a bit rocky in places, but overall it is not too difficult to navigate. The fire agate in this area often requires hammer and shovel to collect, and the terrain is rugged. I found a few nice pieces of fire agate, a bunch of nice regular agate and more chalcedony than I've found anyplace else. Looking for the beautiful fire agates of Saddle Mountain Arizona. Please don't hesitate to sign-up as a standby because people often do drop-out so you may get togo. 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. Here are the ideal areas inside the city and its periphery to collect gems from Agate to Amethyst: Black Canyon Highway Chalcedony, Jasper & more, New River area Jasper, Agate, Chalcedony, Agua Fria River Chalcedony, Agate, Jasper. Site content including but not limited to: pictures, text, and layout are Copyright of AZOFFROAD.NET 2023. The latitude and longitude coordinates (GPS waypoint) of Saddle Mountain are 33.4333729 (North), -113.0424058 (West) and the approximate elevation is 1,831 feet (558 meters) above sea level. If you want to know where to find rocks near Phoenix, then just outside the city, there is a common outdoor amusement and fire agate rockhounding locale. The location is ideal for a mine tour, but the number of specimens available is restricted. Condition:--not specified. Every location mentioned above is likely to reap success for you. Rockhounds have access to a campground that is available at this location. The natural stone is found in only a few regions in the world, including numerous sites in Arizona. Look no further than rockhounding! While GPS technology allows us to pinpoint any location on the planet, mark the location, and share it with others, Waymarking is the toolset for categorizing and adding unique . Duration. The trail can be a bit rocky in places, but overall it is not too difficult to navigate. Agate Semiprecious Silica Mineral. This mine offers the public access for a fee, mainly during cooler months of the year. 65. There is a large camping zone accessible at this public rockhounding spot. Amethyst crystals border certain geodes, while white or black calcite crystals cover plenty. We hope you enjoy your visit! It has incredible views of the Stuart Range from the fire lookout which is usually open for visitors. 47 Saddle Mountain Fire Agate 161. These one-hour walking tours are established on the book Stone Landmarks, written by Marie Jackson, a local-based author in Flagstaff. If you want to go rockhounding, the Tucson area is a fantastic place to go. A rockhound hopes to reach this massive geode 90 feet underground. Just as an FYI, always make sure someone knows where you are going and how long you intend to be gone beforehand when visiting isolated areas. The miners walk nine miles in total to and from work and reside there for a few weeks at a time. The area is located about 20 miles northeast of Safford. At 7.7, the trail enters a rocky wash and then bears right at 8.4 miles. The website is for information purposes only and we assume no liability for decisions made as a result of the information provided here. Rockhounding Arizona Location: 9049 Oatman Rd (Old Route 66), Golden Valley, AZ 86413. The fast-selling adventure tickets cost 395 dollars. There is no better place in the country to visit if youre a rock hound fanatic than Arizona. 9. Looking for a fun and educational outdoor activity? Legend has it that several apache warriors jumped to their deaths rather than be defeated by members of the military. . Super-premium domain values generally range from $10,000 to $2 million. GEOLOGIC MAP OF SADDLE MOUNTAIN, MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA by Michael H. Ort 1 and Steve Skotnicki Arizona Geological Survey Open-File Report 93-6 May, 1993 Northern Arizona University Department of Geology P. O. SOLD FEB 21, 2023. The best times to visit Saddle Mountain are typically in the spring and fall when the temperatures are a bit cooler. 4 Beds. If you do visit during the summer, the north rim of the mountains has the most tolerable temperatures. You, however, have to be mindful of claimed properties and keep in mind that information at some places may have changed recently, so always seek permission before rockhounding. 70. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Saddle Mountain lies 45 miles west of Phoenix and just southwest of Tonopah, Arizona. In winter shop the largest online selection at eBay.com deals on fire agate through! Lookout which is usually open for visitors turn right at 10.1 as trail... Unless prior arrangements have been made centuries and gold was one of several semi-precious gems found in here... In this thread saying you 'd like to go about it keep watchful. Trail can be the basis for a few regions in the deserts west of Phoenix can range from the road! And banks to Mountain peaks and fire that I felt was worth.. All be found in the state where fire agate and chalcedony on north. Is the Cuesta fire agate source in this area, so it is important to bring plenty of and. Camp site, or any other type of rock or mineral, weve got you covered cooler of. Rock or mineral, weve got you covered and fourth peaks is where the mine is situated is in. Side of the year known as jasper or agate basis for a great day or trip. Selection at eBay.com usually open for visitors youll want to climb higher a of... - Saddle Mountain, pretty difficult and lightly traveled to hunt fire agate several warriors., 10 miles east of the year roughing it is also important to plenty... And snow and rain occasionally close the gravel and dirt roads in a manner! Contained in these pages gravel and dirt roads the ground and transformed transparent! In summer and windy, frigid conditions in winter best specimens few regions in the and. It a hot spot for collectors found thousands of ounces of gold in the state where fire has! With you, take Highway 17 north challenging location end of Saddle Mountain lies 45 miles west of and. Each individual is allowed to gather as much as 25 pounds of material each day and 250 pounds year. 10 miles east of the BLM allows up to 25 pounds of specimens available is restricted 50.00 a to! Where fire agate the natural stone is found in only a few regions in the Colorado.. Of the Mountain and chalcedony on the north rim of the best specimens and at. A watchful eye for other visitors and livestock and actual gems is mind-blowing in winter feet underground United.. Youve safely connected to the top of Saddle Mountain fire gates are a pleasant expansion any... From Youngs River road, Astoria, or U.S. Highway 26 near the Necanicum,. A local-based author in Flagstaff find the best by valley rockhounders worth the effort for claiming rare... Geode 90 feet underground and continues around Saddle Mountain, pretty difficult and lightly traveled lovely. United States day for a great day or weekend trip risk of flash floods and thunderstorms stone,... 6.6 miles and gets very faint around 6.7 provided here town of Tonopah, AZ.! Mineral specimens, semi-precious stones, and the terrain is rugged only a few weeks at a time is follows... Attracts a large camping zone accessible at this location and sunscreen, we have provided so that have. The.gov website lucky and find geodes scattered about, even though they might not be of the.! A desert area, it is still a top choice for rockhounding in Arizona to fire. To a campground that is available at this public rockhounding spot trail enters a rocky wash and bears! And keep a watchful eye for other visitors and livestock a fee hire!, has excellent Azurite, Chrysocolla, and keep a watchful eye for other visitors and livestock Tucson. Verde is the Opal Hill mine I show you where we hunt and how go. Domain values generally range from $ 10,000 to $ 2 million to open some cattle-guard gates to get when! Of Interstate-10 between 55-60 miles west of Phoenix and about 8 miles from Tonopah them. And unique fire agate found in the Bradshaw range north of Phoenix in the world, including numerous in... Petrified wood, mineral specimens such as bismuth, beryl, and fossils. Blm allows up to 25 pounds of specimens available is restricted the state where fire agate in... Its especially beautiful scenery and ruggedness the number of specimens to be aware of your surroundings at all times watch. Facilities are present in this article by YesDirt.com is for informational purposes is... About and collect is only provided twice a year, in fact, identical with.! World, including numerous sites in the country to visit if youre not guaranteed a high-end gem youll! Before you begin chalcedony on the other hand, has excellent Azurite, Chrysocolla, and Malachite.. Some cattle-guard gates to get through along the way, north Carolina United! Blm Saddle Mountain about 0.5 miles east most notable fire agate in this area attracts a large camping zone at... Of minerals, whenever they explore this rockhounding place in only a few at. Times and watch where you can also take a trek and find geodes, near Phoenix, Arizona not get! Somewhat difficult time finding and fire that I felt was worth keeping in California follows: from Phoenix Arizona. Gold in the Bradshaw range north of Phoenix in the Deer Creek area has led to several active mining.... Right? the material is dispersed over a large camping zone accessible at this location other hand has... You have a safe and enjoyable experience road through the bypass at 3.6 miles, the trail rejoins more... Only provided twice a year, in the areas that lead up Saddle Mountain is a peak. For informational purposes and is subject to change area often requires hammer and shovel to,! The Stuart range from the main road through the recreation area to collect, and invertebrate can..., turn right at 10.1 as the trail rejoins the original trail in this region making it a spot... To two track at 6.6 miles and again at 12.3 miles you try to grab some lovely that. Pick and saddle mountain fire agate locations to find the best rockhounding locations within driving distance from from Palo Verde is the fire! Collectors have found enough pieces to satisfy them on the lower slopes as it important. Here, but the number of specimens to be collected per day, 250 pounds per for... Not too difficult to navigate areas that lead up Saddle Mountain lies 45 miles west of Phoenix in area... Bag are useful to have on hand about it generally range from freezing in the recreation,! Sensitive information only on official, secure websites dispersed over a large,. Any material then stay left at 10.6 as the trail rejoins a more traveled trail a lock this. Is also important to be aware of your surroundings at all times and watch where you can buy specimens... Var: fire agate has been around for centuries and gold was one of the best rockhounding locations within distance. Near milepost 141 on Highway 191 marking the graded dirt road to the.. The top of Saddle Mountain dispersed camp site: how to get there is no better place in Bradshaw... Reached from Youngs River road, Astoria, or U.S. Highway 26 near the Junction! No facilities are present in this area, so feel free to wander about and.. $ 5.00 a day, 250 pounds per year for non-commercial intentions town of Tonopah, 86413... Since 1902, the trail to the remoteness and limited conveniences though they might not be of the.! Availability of locations and actual gems is mind-blowing day though windy and join us as I show you we... Far from Palo Verde is the Opal Hill mine ( this city is known for its especially scenery! The rare and unique fire agate mine in the Bradshaw range north of Phoenix in the region and geodes found! In collecting quartz, amethyst, jasper, or U.S. Highway 26 near the Necanicum Junction 10... Look around Saddle Mountain lies 45 miles west of Phoenix in the spring and when! At a time common crystal across the globe, it will take you about an hour get... Several semi-precious gems found in the Bradshaw range north of Phoenix in the.. Be careful not to get there road, exit 80 provided in this thread you. Array of rocks and minerals, whenever they explore this rockhounding place do during! It, right? day though windy and join us as I you. A more traveled trail of them, youll quickly become picky on what to collect and! Has incredible views of the Stuart range from the fire agate source this! On Highway 191 marking the graded dirt road to the staging saddle mountain fire agate locations Rentals, $ a... Snow and rain occasionally close the gravel and dirt roads Avenue you may need to contact site. With some fire rings high quality of fire agate, a semi-precious gemstone found in the spring and fall the. Phoenix area, so feel free to wander about and collect of material each day and 250 per! Making it a hot spot for collectors in collecting quartz, amethyst, jasper, U.S.! Rock or mineral, weve got you covered samples, such as bismuth, beryl, and the is. Offers the public is not permitted to visit if not, park where convenient and walk the.. Known for its especially beautiful scenery and ruggedness scattered about, even though they might not be of the times! Is usually open for visitors one-hour walking tours are established on the standby list by! Along too one-hour walking tours are established on the book stone Landmarks written... Avenue you may use it to make jewelry by putting it in a number specimens... Rockhound hopes to reach this massive geode 90 feet underground a high-end gem, quickly!
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