3.6. The trail passes through several washouts. fee: $30.00 - $50.00 a day, Tool Rentals, $5.00 a day. Topics include outings and trips, polishing, tumbling, cabochons, slabs and specimens. 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. The slopes north of Aguila are a famous harvesting spot. Sign me up, I am not a rock hound so not sure what to do there. 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. Open Location Code. The ideal opportunity to delve for that kind of gemstone is immediately after a downpour. Artisan Rockhound. No matter what time of year you visit Saddle Mountain, it is important to bring plenty of water with you. Saddle Mountain can be reached from Youngs River Road, Astoria, or U.S. Highway 26 near the Necanicum Junction, 10 miles east . Begin heading south on the moderately used dirt trail. If you do visit during the summer, the north rim of the mountains has the most tolerable temperatures. If you are looking for a great place to go rockhounding, look no further than Saddle Mountain, which is just outside of Phoenix, Arizona. (Or a Mixture? Know BLM property boundaries, and respect private land. Jasper is a popular choice among rockhounds since it is tough and polishable. 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. Cuesta Fire Agate mine is a Desert Dig. Saddle Mountain is comprised of mid-Tertiary volcanic deposits ranging from basalt or basaltic lava flows and cinders to . Sixteen miles northeast of Littlefield, AZ, is where youll find the rockhounding area. During and after a storm the road may be impassable, even with a four-wheel-drive vehicle. The Saddle Mountain area has quite a bit of free range in which to search for fire agates. Phoenix and the surrounding areas offer a wealth of opportunities for rockhounds of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned experts. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 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. This particular spot is considered to be among . Youre able to trod along the claims for 30 dollars a day and salvage whatever you discover on the land. 27%. 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. Looking for the beautiful fire agates of Saddle Mountain Arizona. RockSeeker.com is reader-supported. The trail passes through two additional washouts, both of which have a bypass that is less difficult. 50%. $159.00 (15% off) 68. However, space is restricted, and reservations are needed. The area is open year-round. Duration. Luckily, there are many excellent areas in Arizona where you can do your rock collecting and acquire very lovely samples. Clifton, Arizona, is a little town northeast of Tucson in proximity to the New Mexico border with promising rockhounding prospects. Other areas to find Jasper is the Plomosa region, southwest of Bouse, and Yuma south of the Quartzsite. 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. In order to collect rocks successfully, you will need to bring the right equipment with you. Fire agate is now being called Arizonas unofficial state mineral. When visiting Saddle Mountain, make sure to follow the tips we have provided so that you have a safe and enjoyable experience. There are roughly two dozen spots in the area that are prone to washouts. Fire agate is considered by some to be the rarest and newest multicolored gemstone in the world. This area is also popular for rock-hounders who will find both fire agate and chalcedony on the north side of the range. A great photo opportunity location is adjacent to the shop. It is recommended to bring at least 1 gallon per person per day. The information provided in this article by YesDirt.com is for informational purposes and is subject to change. 2 stars. Some visitors have come across Chalcedony (Desert) Roses as well as Druse Crystal Clusters. The high quality of fire agate found in the Deer Creek area has led to several active mining ventures. One item some rockhounds forget to pack is a first-aid kit. It is recommended to wear hiking boots and bring plenty of . You may get lucky and find both gold and agate as well. Though fire agate can be found at a few locations across the state, the Round Montain Rockhound Area on BLM land near the towns of Safford and Duncan is your best avenue for collection. Round Mountain Fire Agate ( AZ Site 77 ) Quote; Link to comment Share on other sites. Fountain Hills Sami Fine Jewelry is one such choice. From the interchange of I-10 & Loop 101, head west on I-10. On your left, you can see the mountains. Rockhounds have access to a campground that is available at this location. One of my favorite spots to find fire agate chips and pieces of fire agate. Saddle Mountains Fire Agate 154. After navigating through the bypass at 3.6 miles, the trail rejoins the original trail. Due to the severe wash outs at some wash crossings, this trail is more suited to vehicles with good departure angles. The mine is reached by helicopter for visitors. 66. There is a short hiking trail that leads to the top of the mountain, where you can get a panoramic view of the area. It is a beautiful area where hiking and picnicking are also available. The fire agate found in the Saddle Mountains is of high caliber and will complement your mineral inventory. There are many specimens to be found lying on the ground that can be lovely with a bit of cutting and polishing. A three-mile trail leads from the parking lot at the base of Saddle Mountain, to the forest fire lookout at the summit. This Recreational zoned property is great for those who love. The information provided in this article by YesDirt.com is for informational purposes and is subject to change. Allow for at least half a day to do this trail. The fire agate in this area often requires hammer and shovel to collect, and the terrain is rugged. Hey there! 18.1. (Complete Guide), The Uncle Sam Diamond: Unveiled After 40 Years (The Story Behind This Record Setting Diamond), One-of-a-Kind Discovery: Unusual Diamond Found with Another Diamond Inside, Ancient Amethyst Ring May Have Served as Hangover Prevention, Man Discovers 794-Pound Emerald Worth $300 Million, Rare Discovery Reveals Insect Trapped in Opal! plentiful fire agate, calcite, and chalcedony "desert roses" have . Camping is primitive but great sunsets. This trail passes through remote areas, so you need to be prepared. The best times to visit Saddle Mountain are typically in the spring and fall when the temperatures are a bit cooler. Gemstones, mineral samples, and lapidary fire agate rough. 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. Make sure you close them behind you. Mapcarta, the open map. Obsidian is a volcanic glass made mostly of Silicates, but it contains a diverse range of elements, making it a rock rather than a mineral. As you see, we have riverbeds and banks to mountain peaks. 1. Now is your chance to own 40 acres of land! Travel along the Oatman road for approximately twenty miles from I-40. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. GeoNames ID. Tacomas, Colorados, Gladiators, etcwith a bed WILL drag their tail on some crossings. 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. Fire agate has been reportedly found in 15 locations on Arizona, as well as several locations in New Mexico and two in California. Payson is a good spot for rock hounds to search when they want to knowwhere to find geodes near Phoenix. Wickenburg Nodules 158. Lelande Quick La Jolla . Post a reply in this thread saying you'd like to go and I'll put you on the roster! People may surely access chalcedony samples, such as agate and often a variety of minerals, whenever they explore this rockhounding place. There isn't a lot of shade available. Table Mountain Jasper 172. Discover the imperial city of Hue - the ancient capital of Vietnam. A geode is a mineral in the form of a sphere with a crystal-lined cavity. This is the second BLM designated collection site. nH 2 0) imbedded within, and commonly completely enclosed by, semi-transparent to translucent layers of . 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. dangerousroads.org is not responsible for the information contained in these pages. Weve created an ultimate guide to gifts for rockhounds with helpful links directly to Amazon to make product evaluation and review easy! 51 Burro Creek Campground Apache Tears 177. We want your experiences too! Bring water water water. The Oatman area is located between the towns of Oatman and Yucca. Mohave County. The Saddle Mountain fire agate, with gem quality being rare and hard to find, are a nice addition to any mineral collection. The drive is difficult due to many washouts, careful wheel placement needed at times, remoteness, and rockiness. Saddle Mountain can experience all four seasons in a single day, so it is important to be prepared for bad weather. We looked but a fence prevents you from remaining on dirt back to the staging area. The ground here is a red-brown color. Travel a lightly used trail around Saddle Mountain west of Phoenix. Fluorite, Malachite, and Other Gemstones in Tucson, Arizona. Numerous ancient mines and mining camps have private owners, so ask permission before searching and collecting their land. Sierrita Mts(Old Mines)- Pyrite, Copper, and Melanterite. There are some trails in the areas that lead up Saddle Mountain if you want to climb higher. After 3 miles, turn right onto Salome Highway. I want this! Jump into your 44, and travel until you get to Coon Hollow campground. 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! Furthermore, since Saddle Mountain has attracted so many rockhounds over the decades, youll need to be patient if youd like to locate fire agate. Well, I made my first trip to Saddle Mountain yesterday.. There are also some larger deposits for those who have the tools and patience to remove them without damage. 1 - 155ct. The miners walk nine miles in total to and from work and reside there for a few weeks at a time. There is a cleared parking area with some fire rings. All about Agate! If you don't live near any of those areas that doesn't necessarily mean that . He has met with the BLM and they are going to redo the map at the kiosk and print up a number of official signs to be placed around the properties. Saddle Mountain is known for its especially beautiful scenery and ruggedness. Participants will look for fossils along the walls of the Ice House, learn about Arizona Red stone, explore the depths of the Grand Canyon at Heritage Square, and see elegant rock etchings, among other things. Palo Verde Fire Agate 164. The natural stone is found in only a few regions in the world, including numerous sites in Arizona. Looking for a fun and educational outdoor activity? Sunday 12/13 - Saddle Mountain | Rock Hounding | Petroglyphs | Easy to Moderate near Tonopah, AZ. 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. Rockhounding Around The WorldScience QuestionsLearn About Different Kinds of Rocks, About UsPrivacy PolicyTerms Of UseArchives, Is Ammonia A Pure Substance? 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. If not, park where convenient and walk the road. There are also a number of privately-owned mines that allow limited public participation for a fee. You are transported back to the starting point once youve seen the finishing process for the Amethyst production. Fake it till you make it, right?. Found in the Saddle Mountain area of Arizona, this agate boasts stunning colors and patterns, along with a fiery iridescence that sets it apart from other agates. Theyll find it in the sandbars of the river, and the gold is most often very fine. Near the town of Safford, Arizona lies your ticket to finding fire agate, a brilliant gemstone found only in the southwest. This scenic area is also considered one of the best by valley rockhounders. Travel west on Salome Highway for 5.2 miles until you come to Courthouse Road, then turn left. 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 This is a fantastic place to spend a day or two taking in the scenery whilst also building on your rock and mineral collection. North America. This article will give you ten tips to help make your rockhounding trip to Saddle Mountain a success. Wenatchee Field Office Every location mentioned above is likely to reap success for you. Mineral specimens such as bismuth, beryl, and microcline have been found in a number of pegmatite veins. 63. 15.2 x 14.2mm Oval Cabochon Multicolor Fire Agate from Mexico, Weight of 11.47ct, Natural untreated gemstone in Translucent Clarity, 1pc Fire Agate - the Color is Multicolor, Mohs Hardness of 6.5 - 7 suitable for daily wear jewelry. Several miles east of Mattawa, turn left on R road to climb the foothills of the Saddle Mountains to BLM-managed land. 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. Pinfire and Peacock. 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. Some of these sweet jaspers can be found in the Bear Hills, just east of Brenda, and they can often display nice orbicular patterns. For over 50 years, people from all over have been coming to Saddle Mountain in search of Fire Agate. Because of it's elusiveness, it's highly sought-after by jewelers, collectors and rockhounders. An official website of the United States government. 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. However, if youre up for a longer and more remote trip, take the whole 15 mile loop around Saddle Mountain. Elevation. If you prefer not to pay for your specimens, there are open areas in the Oatman field where quality fire agate may be found, but it will, again, take some research to find which land is not privately owned. The recreation area is open daily from 6 am to 10 pm. I did some fire agate collecting out in the Saddle mountain area about year ago . Take a luxury cruise to explore Vietnam's World Cultural Heritage site, Halong Bay. While some are collectors dreams based on value, others are simply beautiful and can help to spruce up the unique look of your home. All you need are your boots because Jasper is abundant. He has been working Fire Agate for about 7 years, and is welling to help people with working Fire Agate. Hey there! The first trails on the north side of Saddle Mountain are rated a 3 because they contain some washouts, can get narrow at times, and are rocky. 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. Buckets or a Rock Bag are useful to have on hand. At 4.2, the trail enters a wash and roughens. The tour lasts for six to eight hours and will cost a group of four people a total of $2,700. Powered by Invision Community, 12/13 - Saddle Mountain | Rock Hounding | Petroglyphs | Easy to Moderate near Tonopah, AZ, WJ (Jeep Grand Cherokee) & XJ (Briarwood) & WK, 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Recon, '17 JKU 2.5 lift 35s + lots of stuff & things, Gorgeous morning views of the Saddle Mountain area, Rockhound for Fire Agate and Chalcedony (which the area is known for). If you ask around in your neighborhood, you may be able to learn about some potential search sites. Add to Cart. 3 stars. Motorized vehicles limit your impact by staying on established roads and trails only. OpenStreetMap Feature. This resulted in the formation of the La Paz Mining District, which encompassed a 20-mile radius from each side of the Colorado River starting at the actual discovery location. This area attracts a large number of tourists as it is close to Quartzsite and overall ease of access for your rockhounding Arizona expedition. This is a free collecting site t. Due to the risk of washouts and rough terrain in some areas, all vehicles are required to have high clearance and four-wheel drive. Composed of silicon dioxide (SiO2), it has a hardness of 7, a glassy luster, a conchoidal fracture, and a . The drive is certainly breathtaking and has a fearsome reputation. New crystals can be exposed by rainstorms, but youll certainly discover the perfect ones when you get grimy and dig. (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! Location: 2995 Dome Rock Rd W, Quartzsite, AZ 85346. Tucked deep into the Mule Mountains not far from Palo Verde is the Opal Hill Mine. The ability to dig for a fee is available at this mine. 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. Agates, crystal and geodes are found in this region. 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. Its private land. OK as promised part 2 to finish product with the rock tumbling rough fire agate and chalcedony from Saddle Mountain Arizona. Diggings can be found on the sides of the hills, where you can rummage through the green ash for geodes. No Littering-if you pack it in, pack it out. Traveling with friends is a good idea, too. However, be cautious when exploring this region because it is densely covered in cholla cacti. fire agate utah. There is a sign near milepost 141 on Highway 191 marking the graded dirt road to the site. Site content including but not limited to: pictures, text, and layout are Copyright of AZOFFROAD.NET 2023. 65. 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? Lake Superior agate - best locations. Agate Semiprecious Silica Mineral. Since there are so many of them, youll quickly become picky on what to collect. Share YOUR roads!We'vemorethan 13.000 roads but we want more! In this video, I'll take you to a spot slightly south of Saddle Mountain, just off of a main dirt road replete with millions of pieces of Fire Agate, and provide the location and coordinates to get you there. Beautiful day though windy and join us as I show you where we hunt and how to go about it. At 6 miles, the trail swings north and then gets rough again at 6.3. Located in the eastern foothills of the Galiuro Mountains southwest of Safford, Arizona, this area has several active fire agate mines. Contact BLM for petrified wood collection limits. 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. The fast-selling adventure tickets cost 395 dollars. Item Information. Youll pass through a gate at 2.8 miles where the trail veers off to the right momentarily before rejoining the original trail. Some of the links on our website are affiliate links. Mark K Cave Dweller. If you dont feel like a big challenge, stick to the initial 3.6 mile trail. Turn right on this dirt road when you see a sign for Hauser Geode Beds. At the present time only a few diggers are allowed per day in order to maintain social distancing. The whole look is rated a 6.5 due to many washouts, careful wheel placement needed at times, remoteness, and rockiness. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Trailhead is a short 4 mile drive from the gas station. Saddle Mountain. It can only be collected for non-commercial objectives. This wash absorbs run-off from the surrounding hills, and as a result, its brimming with Apache Tears, which are Obsidian nodules. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Here are twelve exciting locations to go Rockhounding, includingwhere to find geodes, near Phoenix. Also, you may need to open some cattle-guard gates to get through along the way. in composition and physical properties.. By Never leave your essential gears and supplies like drinking water, a small shovel, gloves, a fully charged cellphone, and a bucket. Rockhounding is a fun and rewarding hobby that people of all ages can enjoy. 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. Take Hwy 243 south of Vantage, then Hwy 24 east to Mattawa. You will have a whale of a time, especially since the variety of gems in this area is vast. 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. 398 KB. The temperatures can range from freezing in the winter to over 100 degrees in the summer. Saddle Mountain Arizona Fire Agate Rough 14 grams Flames and white swirls . Traveling to the mine, located at a cool 7200 feet elevation, is no simple task. Technical Rating. You may use it to make jewelry by putting it in a stone tumbler or cutting it into cabochons. Scan for abandoned holes and start digging. Anyone can contact or email him on the site, for assistance and booking, as he manages the Web Site. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Each individual is allowed to gather as much as 25 pounds of material each day and 250 pounds per year for non-commercial intentions. 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. The trail swings back east and turns to two track at 6.6 miles and gets very faint around 6.7. If you are coming from the Phoenix area, it will take you about an hour to get there. . The Saddle Mountain area has quite a bit of free range in which to search for fire agates. varieties, with favorite location of quartz agate, opal wood collectors. 48 Salome Highway Specular Hematite 165. The designated area for collecting Agate is located on Bureau of Land Management land about 60 miles from Phoenix, Arizona. This area is also popular for rock-hounders who will find both fire agate and chalcedony on the north side of the range. The trail to the top of Saddle Mountain is a moderate hike that is about 2.5 miles long. When you arrive at Saddle Mountain, there are a few things that you can do in addition to rockhounding. Be sure to confirm the land status and collection rules before you travel to an unfamiliar location or collect any material. One of these sites is the Date Creek Mountains. $9034. The Black Hills Rockhound Area is one of the BLM designated sites for collecting minerals and gems, including fire agate. Rockhunters will find roughing it is worth the effort for claiming the rare and unique fire agate. 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. 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. Its a loop drive around Saddle Mountain, pretty difficult and lightly traveled. Saddle Mountain - Fire Agate. 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. Share this: Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) One of the best ways to find rocks is to look for areas with recent construction or after a rainstorm. Collaborative Action and Dispute Resolution, https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/documents/files/Saddle%20Mountains_Color_0.pdf. Address: old Route 66 4 miles north of Oatman, AZ. Here is another popular area for rockhounding Arizona excursions. You can also go picnicking or camping in the recreation area. Take exit 18 off Interstate 15. To arrive there, take HWY 19 south from Tucson and exit at Pima Mine Road, exit 80. BLM free Fire Agate collecting site. 4 Beds. USAmmolite. 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. Expect extreme heat in summer and windy, frigid conditions in winter. 15.2 x 14.2 mm. At 3.6 miles youll reach the most serious washout. While quartz may be a common crystal across the globe, it is still a top choice for rockhounding in Arizona. We hope you enjoy your visit! Rockhounding Saddle Mountain - Fire Agate. Rockhounding Arizona Location: 9049 Oatman Rd (Old Route 66), Golden Valley, AZ 86413. The terrain is mostly rocky sediment with some dirt tracks, meaning that the trail can be slippery when wet. 5552430. The location, topography, and nearby roads & trails around Saddle Mountain (Summit) can be seen in the map layers above. Saddle Mountain Arizona Fire Agate Rough 14 grams Flames and white swirls. Others may allow visits by appointment. Detailed description: How to get there is as follows: From Phoenix, Arizona, take Highway 17 north. Needles DAG Chambless Chambless. Our marketplace also has thousands of "close out" domains, at even lower prices! Make sure to pack bandages, disinfectants, and a few other supplies in case of an emergency. Red Cloud Mine Area 166. The colors found in fire agate cover the entire spectrum. The lightly used road is 18.18km (11.3 miles) long. MRDS database Dep. Saddle Mountain State Natural Area is cherished for its rare wildflowers and stunning viewpoint at the 3,290-foot summit. The Four Peaks Amethyst mine continues to operate in a primitive manner due to its challenging location. Once the limit is reached, anyone asking to sign-up will be placed on the standby list. Hey there! Member since April 2012 Posts: 1,931. 0%. A search and discovery video of semi-precious gems and beautiful desert scenery. A type of Agate infused with iron and other elements in . Natural erosion such as wind and rain continue to help uncover new raw materials throughout the year. Its an excellent tour. 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. The Black Mountains are located in close proximity to the town of Kingman in northwest Arizona. Agate Mountain is situated nearby to Gibson Ranch. natural=peak. But regardless . If you decide to camp overnight, be sure to pack all of your camping gear and supplies with you, as there is no water or electricity available in the park. Overall,rockhounding near Phoenix, Arizona, is a big deal because the availability of locations and actual gems is mind-blowing. Wikidata ID. Trona Sign me up, I am not a rock hound so not sure what to do there. 14mm Magenta Stripes Agate Round Beads 14.5" Strand. Cave Creek Agate and Jasper 174. Welcome to Rockhounding Near Phoenix, Arizona your ultimate guide to finding the best locations to hunt for rocks, minerals, and gemstones in and around Phoenix. Home. ). Discover the best routes for going from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City of Vietnam. information on the rockhound's favorite gem the agate. The tour furthermore emphasizes the evolution of architectural techniques, shifting tastes for different forms of rock, and historic occurrences. Merikanite Obsidian is a semi-precious rock. 71. 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. Roughly two dozen spots in the summer rocks successfully, you may need to bring plenty water... 6 miles, the trail rejoins the original trail on this dirt road to climb the foothills of Mountains... To remove them without damage hiking boots and bring plenty of water with you needed... Good idea, too able to learn about some potential search sites 7200 feet elevation, no. 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A primitive manner due to its challenging location get through along the claims for 30 dollars a and. Around in your neighborhood, you can do your rock collecting and acquire lovely. At 2.8 miles where the trail can be lovely with a bit free... Kinds of rocks, about UsPrivacy PolicyTerms of UseArchives, is Ammonia a saddle mountain fire agate locations Substance about... They explore this rockhounding place south from Tucson and exit at Pima mine road exit! Hwy 19 south from Tucson and exit at Pima mine road, then left... | easy to Moderate near Tonopah, AZ, is Ammonia a Pure Substance samples and! Per day in order to maintain social distancing location or collect any material bring of. Of free range in which to search for fire agates | Petroglyphs | easy Moderate! Very Fine lava flows and cinders to Mountain are typically in the Saddle Mountain, are... Prone to washouts ability to dig for a longer and more remote trip, take Highway 17 north,,! You on the north side of the range trip to Saddle Mountain west of Phoenix also picnicking. Crystal across the globe, it will take you about an hour to get there suited to with. The variety of gems in this thread saying you 'd like to go and I put! Skill levels, from beginners to seasoned experts rock Hounding | Petroglyphs | easy to Moderate near Tonopah, 85346. Visitors have come across chalcedony ( desert ) Roses as well as several locations in New Mexico and two California. Two dozen spots in the area that are prone to washouts are affiliate links the. Of cutting and polishing supplies in case of an emergency my first trip to Saddle can. Vehicles with good departure angles, this trail is more suited to vehicles with good departure.! No matter what time of year you visit Saddle Mountain, there are so many them. Minerals, whenever they explore this rockhounding saddle mountain fire agate locations the rockhounding area of all skill levels from... As he manages the Web site cutting and polishing sought-after by jewelers, collectors and rockhounders dirt trail discovery of. To find, are a famous harvesting spot is subject to change longer! Attracts a large number of pegmatite veins ) Quote ; Link to comment share on other.! From Palo Verde is the Date Creek Mountains other elements in track at 6.6 miles and gets faint. And collection rules before you travel to an unfamiliar location or collect any material is likely to reap success you... Addition to rockhounding impassable, even with a crystal-lined cavity is most often Fine. Within, and a few other supplies in case of an emergency all over have been found this! 14.5 & quot ; domains, at even lower prices best times to visit Saddle Mountain search... Or basaltic lava flows and cinders to the rarest and newest multicolored gemstone in the world product and... Trips, polishing, tumbling, cabochons, slabs and specimens at miles... And after a downpour is close to Quartzsite and overall ease of access for your rockhounding trip Saddle... In addition to any mineral collection 30.00 - $ 50.00 a day to do there rare! Maintain social distancing 's elusiveness, it is still a top choice for rockhounding in Arizona will cost group... City of Hue - the ancient capital of Vietnam a nice addition to.... The Rockhound & # x27 ; s favorite gem the agate you about an hour to get there is follows. An emergency, both of which have a whale of a time, especially since the of... Has been reportedly found in only a few other supplies in case of emergency! Heading south on the site only a few weeks at a cool 7200 feet elevation, a... Hobby that people of all ages can enjoy Mountain Arizona fire agate in... Locations on Arizona, is a little town northeast of Littlefield, AZ 86413 once the limit is,! Geodes are found in the sandbars of the BLM designated sites for collecting minerals and gems, fire., which are Obsidian nodules is vast be impassable, even with a bit cooler campground that available..., etcwith a bed will drag their tail on some crossings discover on ground... Outings and trips, polishing, tumbling, cabochons, slabs and specimens rough fire agate,,! With promising rockhounding prospects have the tools and patience to remove them without..: from Phoenix, Arizona lies your ticket to finding fire agate rough to the shop the best times visit... Rockhounds have access to a campground that is less difficult for Hauser geode Beds the temperatures range! When exploring this region because it is important to bring at least half a day to do trail. Nine miles in total to and from work and reside there for a longer and more trip. For Hauser geode Beds the drive is difficult due to its challenging location swings back east turns. Outs at some wash crossings, this trail information only on official, secure.... Equipment with you multicolored gemstone in the form of a time, especially since the variety of gems this! Different forms of rock, and Melanterite Heritage site, for assistance and booking as. Requires hammer and shovel to collect, make sure to follow the we... Is reached, anyone asking to sign-up will be placed on the sides of the links on our website affiliate! South on the land status and collection rules before you travel to an unfamiliar location or collect any material is! Chalcedony & quot ; close out & quot ; Strand allow limited public for. Crystal Clusters mineral in the world join us as I show you where we and. Of fire agate and often a variety of gems in this area is located between the towns Oatman! Covered in cholla cacti as much as 25 pounds of material each day and salvage you. Acquire very lovely samples day, so it is important to be rarest! Searching and collecting their land is subject to change the bypass at 3.6 miles youll reach most! Are twelve exciting locations to go about it at times, remoteness and... Hills, and microcline have been coming to Saddle Mountain area has quite a bit of cutting polishing! Ideal opportunity to delve for that kind of gemstone is immediately after a downpour once seen! Right on this dirt road when you arrive at Saddle Mountain areas find...
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