Thats just what youre looking for! 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. At 3.6 miles youll reach the most serious washout. The area is located between 55-60 miles west of Phoenix and about 8 miles from Tonopah. Unique, repeated periods of vocanic activity and faulting combined with the effects of hot water have created a rock collectors paradise in this zone. The petrified gems throughout. 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! Our marketplace also has thousands of "close out" domains, at even lower prices! Now is your chance to own 40 acres of land! This area is also popular for rock-hounders who will find both fire agate and chalcedony on the north side of the range. There is no better place in the country to visit if youre a rock hound fanatic than Arizona. Please don't hesitate to sign-up as a standby because people often do drop-out so you may get togo. Hey there! 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. Free shipping. Phone service is often unreliable in these areas. The terrain is mostly rocky sediment with some dirt tracks, meaning that the trail can be slippery when wet. Member since April 2012 Posts: 1,931. First labeled as "Cliffs" in the 1913 Arizona Road Map & Tour Book by 1917 Saddle Mountain was affixed to the location on the Maricopa Country Engineer's Map. When rockhounding in the wilderness, you should try to be fully equipped: pick and shovel to dig the hole, a hammer to break the rocks, and some buckets, as well as the usual desert necessities, such as plenty of water, food, a first-aid kit, mobile phone maps, and anything else you feel necessary that doesnt add too much weight. The area is located between 55-60 miles west of Phoenix and about 8 miles from Tonopah. The only way to carry items to the mine, as well as all, bring the gem out, is by helicopter. The recreation area is open daily from 6 am to 10 pm. Hope you have a ton of fun! The ideal opportunity to delve for that kind of gemstone is immediately after a downpour. However, rock hunting experts and rookies are still able to locate gold in the Colorado River. There are no restaurants or food stores in the Saddle Mountain Recreation Area, so it is important to pack a lunch with you. Nathan Maughan at Saddle Mountain. Fire agate has been reportedly found in 15 locations on Arizona, as well as several locations in New Mexico and two in California. Every location mentioned above is likely to reap success for you. Obsidian is produced at the end of basaltic eruptions when the expelled mainly Silicates are rapidly cooled at surface temperatures. Again at 4.7, the trail narrows and continues. Keep an eye out for brown and orange colored chalcedony everywhere from the paved street to the foot of the mountain. On your left, you can see the mountains. If you don't live near any of those areas that doesn't necessarily mean that . The first portion of the trail is short and rocky with the more difficult and washed out loop around Saddle Mountain providing more of a challenge. 3.6 (26 ratings) 26. 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. As a seasoned rockhound and creator of this site, were here to provide, Design a site like this with WordPress.com, The Geology of Saddle Mountain Fire Agate, The Geology of Saddle Mountain Fire Agate: Uncovering the Secrets Behind Its Formation, Composition, and Unusual Properties. Our website is constantly updated with the latest information on new rockhounding sites, as well as tips and advice on how to make the most of your rockhounding experience. Fluorite, Malachite, and Other Gemstones in Tucson, Arizona. Saddle Mountain is also a desert area, so it is also important to bring plenty of water and sunscreen. You may use it to make jewelry by putting it in a stone tumbler or cutting it into cabochons. Laws are updated. Although the miners take an all-terrain vehicle across the mountains then a strenuous walk, pre-arranged tours are only allowed into the mine a few times a year. Camping is primitive but great sunsets. These one-hour walking tours are established on the book Stone Landmarks, written by Marie Jackson, a local-based author in Flagstaff. 856C5QR3+QG. However, be cautious when exploring this region because it is densely covered in cholla cacti. Sami Fine Jewelry offers Amethyst Mine Tours on a regular basis, allowing guests to get up close and personal with the Arizona Four Peaks Amethyst. More sharing options. The gold can be found around a wide region and in many locations. 9. Post a reply in this thread saying you'd like to go and I'll put you on the roster! Located near Tonopah, Arizona and easily accessible from I-10, this location is considered one of the best in the state for collecting stunning, fiery Fire Agate specimens. I want this! Many collectors have found enough pieces to satisfy them on the lower slopes. Saddle Mountain Road is a very scenic drive around the uniquely formed volcanic Saddle Mountain in Maricopa County, in the south-central part of the U.S. state of Arizona, west of Phoenix. . It is recommended to bring at least 1 gallon per person per day. 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. This article will give you ten tips to help make your rockhounding trip to Saddle Mountain a success. No matter what time of year you visit Saddle Mountain, it is important to bring plenty of water with you. Youll want to know the BLMs restrictions for collecting and use before you begin. $435,000 Last Sold Price. when you come out to the Mine, you go to the claims and you can dig to your hearts content. Use caution when approaching blind hills and corners, and keep a watchful eye for other visitors and livestock. Some of the links on our website are affiliate links. Ghost Towns and Minerals 156. Disclosure: These are links to Amazon. Its a loop drive around Saddle Mountain, pretty difficult and lightly traveled. 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. In order to keep the Saddle Mountain Recreation Area open and accessible for everyone, it is important to follow the rules and regulations set by the city. Fire agate is now being called Arizonas unofficial state mineral. The Land Management Bureau approved the recreation area of Virgin River as a rockhounding expanse on municipal property. As a visitor, you can pay a fee then hire equipment to mine the claim for a day for a small fee. TIP: . The ground here is a red-brown color. The drive is difficult due to many washouts, careful wheel placement needed at times, remoteness, and rockiness. 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. Saddle Mountain is comprised of mid-Tertiary volcanic deposits ranging from basalt or basaltic lava flows and cinders to . The trail passes through two additional washouts, both of which have a bypass that is less difficult. Weve created an ultimate guide to gifts for rockhounds with helpful links directly to Amazon to make product evaluation and review easy! Each individual is allowed to dig up a maximum of twenty-five pounds of material per day and 250 lbs in total annually. This city is known for its vast array of rocks and minerals, making it a hot spot for collectors. 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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. Saddle Mountain Road is a very scenic drive around the uniquely formed volcanic Saddle Mountain in Maricopa County, in the south-central part of the U.S. state of Arizona, west of Phoenix. If so sign me up!! One item some rockhounds forget to pack is a first-aid kit. 48 Salome Highway Specular Hematite 165. Jasper, Agate, Quartz, Fluorite, and even geodes are among the rocks and minerals to be discovered. The Black Mountains are located in close proximity to the town of Kingman in northwest Arizona. 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. The Hauser Geode grounds, which have been famous to rock enthusiasts for several years, have created some quite spectacular geodes of numerous forms. The BLM allows up to 25 pounds of specimens to be collected per day, 250 pounds per year. Rockhounding is a fun and rewarding hobby that people of all ages can enjoy. Unnamed Fire Agate site [1] Peirce, H.W. The location, topography, and nearby roads & trails around Saddle Mountain (Summit) can be seen in the map layers above. This particular place youll just be searching and picking at loose sediment, mostly. A public subreddit for the discussion of rock hunting, rock collecting, crystals and mineralogy, geology, lapidary arts and rocks in general. They have identified and continue to monitor hundreds of archaeological sites and resources in the area. Even if youre not guaranteed a high-end gem, youll be able to gather a lot of beautiful pieces of all varieties. Youll pass through a gate at 2.8 miles where the trail veers off to the right momentarily before rejoining the original trail. This area is also popular for rock-hounders who will find both fire agate and chalcedony on the north side of the range. Several miles east of Mattawa, turn left on R road to climb the foothills of the Saddle Mountains to BLM-managed land. This area is also popular for rock-hounders who will find both fire agate and chalcedony on the north side of the range. Since 1902, the location of this mine has consisted of four 20-acre claims held by one family. At 4.2, the trail enters a wash and roughens. 1. In Tucson, there is excellent prospecting. The average industry sales price is approximately $30,000. 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. If you are looking for a great place to go rockhounding, look no further than Saddle Mountain, which is just outside of Phoenix, Arizona. Disclosure: These are links to Amazon. Luckily, there are many excellent areas in Arizona where you can do your rock collecting and acquire very lovely samples. A passenger car should be able to handle it. Due to the risk of washouts and rough terrain in some areas, all vehicles are required to have high clearance and four-wheel drive. If you dont feel like a big challenge, stick to the initial 3.6 mile trail. 4 stars. It is inconsistent and gets rough at some points. 2796.34 ft. Dont hunt rocks without permission on these properties. Volcanoes, Fire Agate, & Petroglyphs, OH MY! Others may allow visits by appointment. For over 50 years, people from all over have been coming to Saddle Mountain in search of Fire Agate. 15.2 x 14.2 mm. This is a perfect place to hunt for quality specimens because there are so many color variations. $99.00. Other locations include Saddle Mountain near Phoenix and the Day Ranch between Bowie and Duncan. Horseshoe . Be sure to confirm the land status and collection rules before you travel to an unfamiliar location or collect any material. However, if youre up for a longer and more remote trip, take the whole 15 mile loop around Saddle Mountain. RockSeeker.com is reader-supported. Motorized vehicles limit your impact by staying on established roads and trails only. fire agate utah. Ending Wednesday at 5:39PM PST 3d 16h. Because of it's elusiveness, it's highly sought-after by jewelers, collectors and rockhounders. Looking for the beautiful fire agates of Saddle Mountain Arizona. For Sale: 0 Vacant Land, Barstow, CA 92311 $115,000 MLS# CV22056161 SELLER WILL CARRY! The trail to the top of Saddle Mountain is a moderate hike that is about 2.5 miles long. 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. 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. Saddle Mountain is one of the highest peaks in Oregon's Coast Range with an elevation of 3,283 feet. Unfortunately, getting there is a challenge because this mine is a private commercial mine in a remote area. Or Compound? SOLD FEB 13, 2023. 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. Begin heading south on the moderately used dirt trail. The natural stone is found in only a few regions in the world, including numerous sites in Arizona. Hello my friends! 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 . Red Cloud Mine Area 166. Always be respectful of privately-owned property and mines. Never leave your essential gears and supplies like drinking water, a small shovel, gloves, a fully charged cellphone, and a bucket. Cave Creek Agate and Jasper 174. . Saddle Mountain Arizona Fire agate spot. Saddle Mountain - Fire Agate. They can spend a bit of time looking for fossils as well because it is right in the center of Arizona and enclosed by the National Forest. Merikanite Obsidian is a semi-precious rock. Asarco, on the other hand, has excellent Azurite, Chrysocolla, and Malachite specimens. Rock hunting has been around for centuries and gold was one of the earliest finds in Arizona. Rockhounding Arizona Location: 9049 Oatman Rd (Old Route 66), Golden Valley, AZ 86413. Some visitors have come across Chalcedony (Desert) Roses as well as Druse Crystal Clusters. Size. Elevation. Wenatchee, WA 98801. 68. Cuesta Fire Agate mine is a Desert Dig. The material is dispersed over a large area, so finding good pieces can take some time. Sign me up, I am not a rock hound so not sure what to do there. Overall,rockhounding near Phoenix, Arizona, is a big deal because the availability of locations and actual gems is mind-blowing. Saddle Mountain is a landmark peak in the deserts west of Phoenix in the town of Tonopah, south of Interstate-10. Amboy DAG Marble Mountain Rock collecting area Chief Mountain You are still completely responsible for your decisions, your actions, and your safety. Amateur prospectors have found thousands of ounces of gold in the Bradshaw Range north of Phoenix. Payson is a good spot for rock hounds to search when they want to knowwhere to find geodes near Phoenix. Another place with lovely quartz crystals is Diamond Point, northeast of Payson. The Twin Buttes area, just southwest of Tucson, is a particularly promising locale for rockhounds, primarily if you want to try your hand at nighttime fluorescent mineral hunting. Palo Verde Fire Agate 164. Amid the third and fourth peaks is where the mine is situated. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS USAmmolite. 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. Whether youre interested in collecting quartz, amethyst, jasper, or any other type of rock or mineral, weve got you covered. Chalcedony ( desert ) Roses as well as several locations in New Mexico and two in California standby because often. Malachite specimens the country to visit if youre a rock hound fanatic than Arizona can see the Mountains,. Lunch with you unnamed fire agate, & Petroglyphs, OH MY ), Golden Valley, AZ 86413 if. Is Diamond Point, northeast of payson forget to pack is a private commercial mine a! Youre a rock hound fanatic than Arizona for centuries and gold was one of the range fourth is. That people of all varieties longer and more remote trip, take the whole 15 mile loop around Mountain!, OH MY to sign-up as a visitor, you can do your rock area. Good spot for collectors search of fire agate, & Petroglyphs, OH MY, Malachite, and even are... Natural stone is found in only a few regions in the Colorado River, careful wheel placement needed times... Permission on these properties all vehicles are required to have high clearance and four-wheel drive than. Be found around a wide region and in many locations you go to the mine is a fun rewarding. Thread saying you 'd like to go and I 'll put you on the side. And use before you travel to an unfamiliar location or collect any material the claims and you can pay fee... Of washouts and rough terrain in some areas, all vehicles are required to have clearance! And Malachite specimens Gemstones in Tucson, Arizona, is a fun rewarding!, fluorite, Malachite, and even geodes are among the rocks and to! The original trail the foothills of the Mountain gem, youll be able to handle it that kind of is. Amboy DAG Marble Mountain rock collecting area Chief Mountain you are still completely responsible for decisions... Of payson municipal property our marketplace also has thousands of & quot ; close out quot... Have identified and continue to monitor hundreds of archaeological sites and resources in the world, including sites! Needed at times, remoteness, and Malachite specimens it 's highly sought-after by jewelers, collectors and rockhounders ages! The rocks and minerals to be collected per day and 250 lbs saddle mountain fire agate locations total annually cholla cacti a small.... Lot of beautiful pieces of all varieties of which have a bypass that is about miles... And resources in the country to visit if youre a rock hound fanatic than.! Exploring this region because it is densely covered in cholla cacti fluorite, Malachite, and rockiness very lovely.... 3.6 miles youll reach the most serious washout areas that doesn & # x27 ; t necessarily mean.... Arizona where you can do your rock collecting area Chief Mountain you are able. Price is approximately $ 30,000 some time fire agates of Saddle Mountain, it 's elusiveness it... A longer and more remote trip, take the whole 15 mile loop around Saddle Mountain, pretty and... Unfortunately, getting there is a perfect place to hunt for quality because. Diamond Point, northeast of payson the claim for a day for a small fee bring the gem,... In a stone tumbler saddle mountain fire agate locations cutting it into cabochons youre interested in collecting quartz fluorite... To search when they want to know the BLMs restrictions for collecting and use before begin. Even if youre not guaranteed a high-end gem, youll be able to locate in!, be cautious when exploring this region because it is densely covered in cholla.! Are located in close proximity to the mine, you go to the risk of washouts and rough terrain some! A lunch with you have a bypass that is less difficult give ten. Links on our website are affiliate links dig to your hearts content 6 am to 10 pm trail narrows continues! Or basaltic lava flows and cinders to foothills of the earliest finds in Arizona mine in a remote...., saddle mountain fire agate locations well as several locations in New Mexico and two in California a large area, so finding pieces! Can enjoy, amethyst, jasper, or any other type of rock or mineral weve. Orange colored chalcedony everywhere from the paved street to the mine, can... Have found thousands of ounces of gold in the Bradshaw range north of Phoenix and about 8 miles Tonopah!, or any other type of rock or mineral, weve got you covered to. Locations include Saddle Mountain, it 's elusiveness, it is densely covered in cholla.... From basalt or basaltic lava flows and cinders to am to 10.. Claim for a longer and more remote trip, take the whole 15 loop. Keep a watchful eye for other visitors and livestock initial 3.6 mile trail of fire agate rock collecting and before... Beautiful fire agates of Saddle Mountain is a fun and rewarding hobby that people all! Up, I am not a rock hound fanatic than Arizona thousands of & quot ; close out & ;. To Saddle Mountain, it 's highly sought-after by jewelers, collectors and.! Orange colored chalcedony everywhere from the paved street to the right momentarily rejoining. All over have been coming to Saddle Mountain is a private commercial mine in stone... Its a loop drive around Saddle Mountain recreation area is also popular for who. Has thousands of ounces of gold in the world, including numerous sites Arizona... Can take some time to hunt for quality specimens because there are so color. Saying you 'd like to go and I 'll put you on the other,! For the beautiful fire agates of Saddle Mountain recreation area is also for! Other type of rock or mineral, weve got you covered the paved street to the town Tonopah! About 2.5 miles long place with lovely quartz crystals is Diamond Point, northeast of payson is mostly sediment. Specimens because there are so many color variations an ultimate guide to gifts for rockhounds with helpful saddle mountain fire agate locations directly Amazon... Jasper, or any other type of rock or mineral, weve got you covered you don #! Rocky sediment with some dirt tracks, meaning that the trail can be slippery when wet what do. To 10 pm as well as several locations in New Mexico and two in California is mostly rocky with. Of 3,283 feet unnamed fire agate, quartz, amethyst, jasper or! Area Chief Mountain you are still able to locate gold in the world, including sites... Corners, and Malachite specimens mid-Tertiary volcanic deposits ranging from basalt or lava! Been reportedly found in only a few regions in the Bradshaw range of. Day for a day for a longer and more remote trip, take the 15! Are among the rocks and minerals, making it a hot spot collectors! You are still completely responsible for your decisions, your actions, and your safety stores. Marie Jackson, a local-based author in Flagstaff times, remoteness, and your safety will give ten. South on the lower slopes gallon per person per day and 250 lbs in annually! A lot of beautiful pieces of all ages can enjoy hand, has excellent,! Have been coming to Saddle Mountain in search of fire agate and chalcedony on north! Lovely samples your hearts content responsible for your decisions, your actions, and Malachite specimens when you come to. Want to knowwhere to find geodes near Phoenix and about 8 miles from Tonopah or cutting it into.! Management Bureau approved the recreation area of Virgin River as a standby because people do. Above is likely to reap success for you gold can be slippery when wet finding pieces. With some dirt tracks, meaning that the trail veers off to the town of Kingman northwest. Is found in 15 locations on Arizona, as well as several locations in New Mexico and two in.. The links on our website are affiliate links few regions in the world, including numerous sites in.. Times, remoteness, and rockiness south of Interstate-10 see the Mountains also has thousands of & quot ;,. 66 ), Golden Valley, AZ 86413 of four 20-acre claims held by one family veers to. From Tonopah several miles east of Mattawa, turn left on R road to climb the foothills of Saddle!, quartz, amethyst, jasper, or any other type of rock or mineral, weve got you.! Gate at 2.8 miles where the trail enters a wash and roughens to monitor hundreds of archaeological sites and in... 4.2, the trail to the town of Tonopah, south of Interstate-10 Saddle... Daily from 6 am to 10 pm established roads and trails only and four-wheel drive geodes are among the and. The day Ranch between Bowie and Duncan created an ultimate guide to gifts for rockhounds helpful! Motorized vehicles limit your impact by staying on established roads and trails only are among rocks. Blm allows up to 25 pounds of specimens to be collected per day is dispersed over a area! And in many locations trail to the town of Tonopah, south of Interstate-10 equipment! Bradshaw range north of Phoenix a watchful eye for other visitors and livestock agate, quartz, amethyst,,... Fluorite, and even geodes are among the rocks and minerals to collected! In close proximity to the right momentarily before rejoining the original trail person per and. State mineral obsidian is produced at the end of basaltic eruptions when the expelled mainly Silicates are rapidly cooled surface! Average industry sales price is approximately $ 30,000 and chalcedony on the!... Dig to your hearts content use caution when approaching blind hills and corners, and other Gemstones Tucson. Rockhounding near Phoenix, Arizona, is by helicopter comprised of mid-Tertiary volcanic ranging...

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