$9034. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has two designated collection sites that are open to the public year-round. fire agate utah. The trail passes through two additional washouts, both of which have a bypass that is less difficult. Agate is a common semiprecious silica mineral that has long been used as a gem and ornamental. The lightly used road is 18.18km (11.3 miles) long. Some of these sweet jaspers can be found in the Bear Hills, just east of Brenda, and they can often display nice orbicular patterns. Saddle Mountain Arizona Fire Agate Rough 14 grams Flames and white swirls . Total Miles. Since there are so many of them, youll quickly become picky on what to collect. 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. 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. 20 of the best rockhounding locations within driving distance from . There are roughly two dozen spots in the area that are prone to washouts. 71. Fire Agate Rough LOOK PICTURES . It is inconsistent and gets rough at some points. . We looked but a fence prevents you from remaining on dirt back to the staging area. Optimistic rockhounds that are capable of following the edges and pick beautiful crystals out from the rock layers discover the perfect bits. By If you ask around in your neighborhood, you may be able to learn about some potential search sites. 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. Take Highway 97 north just past Liberty. 180 (USGS Bull.871): 359. Saddle Mountain State Natural Area is cherished for its rare wildflowers and stunning viewpoint at the 3,290-foot summit. A four-wheel drive vehicle that can handle rough roads is recommended. Nearby homes similar to 4618 W Park View Cir have recently sold between $435K to $875K at an average of $240 per square foot. 3 Hours. 20 of the best rockhounding locations within driving distance from Phoenix! The trail can be a bit rocky in places, but overall it is not too difficult to navigate. But regardless . Fortunately for gem hunters, the owner operators allow a small number of tourists to tour the facility and search for gems. natural=peak. Volcanoes, Fire Agate, & Petroglyphs, OH MY! Also, you may need to open some cattle-guard gates to get through along the way. The trail passes through several washouts. Fire Agate Saddle Mountain, Maricopa County, Arizona, USA. 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. (A high SUV or other trucks can work too). Disclosure: These are links to Amazon. Price: US $188.00. The diggers will hold anything they find, up to the size of a bucket, no more than five gallons per day. GeoNames ID. Another fun trip to Saddle Mountain in Arizona to hunt Fire Agate. Discover the Beauty of Saddle Mountain Fire Agate: Your Gemstone Adventure Awaits. The recreation area is open daily from 6 am to 10 pm. Agate is, in fact, identical with quartz. Use caution when approaching blind hills and corners, and keep a watchful eye for other visitors and livestock. dangerousroads.org is not responsible for the information contained in these pages. 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. 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. The women left behind wept bitterly, and their tears fell to the ground and transformed into transparent stones. Take Hwy 243 south of Vantage, then Hwy 24 east to Mattawa. Ok Ryan! From the interchange of I-10 & Loop 101, head west on I-10. Since 1902, the location of this mine has consisted of four 20-acre claims held by one family. It's a loop drive around Saddle Mountain, pretty difficult and lightly traveled. 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. Between Kingman and Oatman, the Cuesta Fire Agate Mine can be found when you exit Route 66. Agate Mountain is a peak in Arizona and has an elevation of 4,892 feet. 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. Item location: Raleigh, North Carolina, United States. Add to Cart. While some are collectors dreams based on value, others are simply beautiful and can help to spruce up the unique look of your home. A beautiful trail taking you along the edge of Grand Canyon National Park. Fluorite, Malachite, and Other Gemstones in Tucson, Arizona. Turtle Mountain road off of Highway 95 provides access to this area. The location, topography, and nearby roads & trails around Saddle Mountain (Summit) can be seen in the map layers above. The drive is difficult due to many washouts, careful wheel placement needed at times, remoteness, and rockiness. 52 Burro Creek Pastelite, Opalite, and Agate 181. There is a short hiking trail that leads to the top of the mountain, where you can get a panoramic view of the area. The slopes north of Aguila are a famous harvesting spot. The Weaver mining district was established the following year as additional sediments were discovered further down the Colorado River. (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. Get the best deals on Fire Agate Rough when you shop the largest online selection at eBay.com . Its an excellent tour. 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. 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. Some visitors have come across Chalcedony (Desert) Roses as well as Druse Crystal Clusters. 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. 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. Arizona is home to a number of dangerous animals, including scorpions and rattlesnakes. The tour furthermore emphasizes the evolution of architectural techniques, shifting tastes for different forms of rock, and historic occurrences. It is recommended to wear hiking boots and bring plenty of water. 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. Once the limit is reached, anyone asking to sign-up will be placed on the standby list. $159.00 (15% off) Site content including but not limited to: pictures, text, and layout are Copyright of AZOFFROAD.NET 2023. Saddle Mountain can be reached from Youngs River Road, Astoria, or U.S. Highway 26 near the Necanicum Junction, 10 miles east . There isn't a lot of shade available. If you do see a scorpion or rattlesnake, it is best to leave the area immediately and contact the nearest park ranger. It is important to be aware of your surroundings at all times and watch where you are stepping. Anyone can contact or email him on the site, for assistance and booking, as he manages the Web Site. Even if youre not guaranteed a high-end gem, youll be able to gather a lot of beautiful pieces of all varieties. Saddle Mountain, Arizona, Fire Agate Mineral Location Page: This popular outdoor recreation and fire agate rockhounding area is located outside of Phoenix, Arizona. Travel a lightly used trail around Saddle Mountain west of Phoenix. Please don't hesitate to sign-up as a standby because people often do drop-out so you may get togo. For Sale: 0 Vacant Land, Barstow, CA 92311 $115,000 MLS# CV22056161 SELLER WILL CARRY! 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. This fire agate mineral collecting site, located off I-10 near Tonopah, has some fire agate as well as an abundant supply of chalcedony and quartz specimens for the rock collector. There are also some larger deposits for those who have the tools and patience to remove them without damage. (Find Of a Lifetime! 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. Our marketplace also has thousands of "close out" domains, at even lower prices! 51 Burro Creek Campground Apache Tears 177. Detailed description: How to get there is as follows: From Phoenix, Arizona, take Highway 17 north. Don, the proprietor, explains how Fire Agate is shaped and provides tips on how to search for, find, and excavate fire agate from the host rock. The gem-type Saddle Mountain fire gates are a pleasant expansion to any mineral collection, as they are rare and hard to come by. Weve created an ultimate guide to gifts for rockhounds with helpful links directly to Amazon to make product evaluation and review easy! Cuesta Fire Agate mine is a Desert Dig. This area is also popular for rock-hounders who will find both fire agate and chalcedony on the north side of the range. There are also a number of privately-owned mines that allow limited public participation for a fee. There is a large camping zone accessible at this public rockhounding spot. . There is a trailhead at the north end of Saddle Mountain about 0.5 miles east of the BLM Saddle Mountain dispersed camp site. Saddle Mountain Arizona Fire agate spot. Petrified wood, mineral specimens, semi-precious stones, and invertebrate fossils can all be found here. 8%. Look no further than rockhounding! 1 star. Travel along the Oatman road for approximately twenty miles from I-40. Youre able to trod along the claims for 30 dollars a day and salvage whatever you discover on the land. 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. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. 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. We always had the best luck on the east side by the power lines. It is also important to be aware of the monsoon season, which runs from July to September. Its private land. 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. Youll pass through a gate at 2.8 miles where the trail veers off to the right momentarily before rejoining the original trail. You will see a sign for the Saddle Mountain Recreation Area, and you will need to turn left onto the paved road. Located in the eastern foothills of the Galiuro Mountains southwest of Safford, Arizona, this area has several active fire agate mines. Furthermore, since Saddle Mountain has attracted so many rockhounds over the decades, youll need to be patient if youd like to locate fire agate. 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 Please be aware that there are private mining claims . 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! For over 50 years, people from all over have been coming to Saddle Mountain in search of Fire Agate. This scenic area is also considered one of the best by valley rockhounders. Wenatchee, WA 98801. You can start or contribute to your rock array by visiting any of these fantastic rock hunting locations. These areas are often rich in rocks and minerals. The route travels into New Mexico and back into Arizona across about 12 miles of desert dirt road. 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. A geode is a mineral in the form of a sphere with a crystal-lined cavity. Do you know any spectacular road?Click here to send us all the info, and we'll publish it! It has incredible views of the Stuart Range from the fire lookout which is usually open for visitors. Sign me up, I am not a rock hound so not sure what to do there. Collectors refer to some of the parts as Fire Agate because they have flashy gold and green flames. One of the best ways to find rocks is to look for areas with recent construction or after a rainstorm. Camping is primitive but great sunsets. Clifton, Arizona, is a little town northeast of Tucson in proximity to the New Mexico border with promising rockhounding prospects. Allan is familiar with all aspects of the Mine, When in the area he assists diggers, to find and dig their own Fire Agate. This trail is extremely scenic and can be the basis for a great day or weekend trip. OHVs and aggressive vehicles can proceed through this bypass and complete the rest of the trail. The area is located between 55-60 miles west of Phoenix and about 8 miles from Tonopah. However, if youre up for a longer and more remote trip, take the whole 15 mile loop around Saddle Mountain. Tacomas, Colorados, Gladiators, etcwith a bed WILL drag their tail on some crossings. You can also find the ThunderEgg/Nodule type of geode that is fully crammed with tiny solid crystal arrangements known as Jasper or Agate. 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. Bring water water water. This article will give you ten tips to help make your rockhounding trip to Saddle Mountain a success. Buckets or a Rock Bag are useful to have on hand. All you need are your boots because Jasper is abundant. It is one of several semi-precious gems found in abundance here. Mohave County. This mine offers the public access for a fee, mainly during cooler months of the year. The majority of jaspers are strong dark colors. Since it takes effort to find good quartz, there are still some available. Its not a good idea to hike there yourself! fire agate utah. Adventurous visitors can enjoy opportunities to hike, horseback ride, collect petrified wood, and drive motorized vehicles on the rugged roads and trails through the sagebrush. These include staying on the main road, not collecting rocks from private mining assertions, and not disturbing or harassing any wildlife. The trail to the top of Saddle Mountain is a moderate hike that is about 2.5 miles long. There used to be a way that connected this point back to the staging area and main 4-way intersection near the beginning of the trail, but with new trails built to service the power line, those appear to be gone. Nov 10, 2015 - Fire Agates Saddle Mountain, Arizona, fire agate mineral deposit location. 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. Official websites use .gov At 3.6 miles youll reach the most serious washout. Natural erosion such as wind and rain continue to help uncover new raw materials throughout the year. The Hauser Geode grounds, which have been famous to rock enthusiasts for several years, have created some quite spectacular geodes of numerous forms. LockA locked padlock Overall,rockhounding near Phoenix, Arizona, is a big deal because the availability of locations and actual gems is mind-blowing. This is a free collecting site t. These locations follow a geographic territory known as the Transition Zone, where the Colorado Plateau and the Basin and Range Province meet. Ft. 4129 W Electra Ln, Glendale, AZ 85310. Unfortunately, getting there is a challenge because this mine is a private commercial mine in a remote area. OK as promised part 2 to finish product with the rock tumbling rough fire agate and chalcedony from Saddle Mountain Arizona. 002S - 1 Pound +, Old Stock, Slaughter Mountain Fire Agate Rough. Many gem-quality stones have been unearthed at the site. I had a good time hiking around and seeing what was around. You are transported back to the starting point once youve seen the finishing process for the Amethyst production. The terrain is mostly rocky sediment with some dirt tracks, meaning that the trail can be slippery when wet. Technical Rating. This location is at a higher altitude but rock hunting enthusiasts are not bothered by this usually. 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. Fake it till you make it, right?. Please keep safety and private land in mind. Take care with the weather: hot in summer and cold in winter. Whipple Mountain Chalcedony 168. Be sure to confirm the land status and collection rules before you travel to an unfamiliar location or collect any material. Home. You may get lucky and find both gold and agate as well. node 359261341. S of Apache Nat. 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. More sharing options. Round Mountain Rockhound Area is a prime collecting spot for fire agates, an uncommon semi-precious gem found only in Mexico, California and Arizona. 5 stars. Laws are updated. Beautiful day though windy and join us as I show you where we hunt and how to go about it.. This particular place youll just be searching and picking at loose sediment, mostly. The area is open year-round. When one thinks of a mine, images of deep shafts or dark tunnels usually come to mind. It is recommended to wear hiking boots and bring plenty of . No Interest if paid in full in 6 mo on $99+Opens in a new window or tab* No Interest if paid in full in 6 months on $99+. Primitive camping is permitted by the BLM for up to 2 weeks. The ground here is a red-brown color. Duration. 64. 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. 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. Open Location Code. 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. 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. Best fire agate location in CA is in Christopher's back yard!!!! Rockhounding Around The WorldScience QuestionsLearn About Different Kinds of Rocks, About UsPrivacy PolicyTerms Of UseArchives, Rockhounding In San Luis Obispo, California: 8 Places To Hunt Rocks, Crystals, and Fossils, Walker Valley Rockhounding (Washington): 5 Tips For A Successful Trip. After 39 miles, take exit 94 (Tonopah) and turn left onto 411th avenue. Cave Creek Agate and Jasper 174. 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. Speaking ofwhere to find rocks near Phoenix, old mines and prospects clutter the area around this city in western Arizona. Follow Washington State hunting and fishing regulations. Or Compound? The high quality of fire agate found in the Deer Creek area has led to several active mining ventures. This wash absorbs run-off from the surrounding hills, and as a result, its brimming with Apache Tears, which are Obsidian nodules. Table Mountain Jasper 172. Remember we share the planet with many other critters, including snakes, so stay aware of your surroundings. The private landowners in the area have set these boundaries to protect their property. The Black Mountains are located in close proximity to the town of Kingman in northwest Arizona. Know BLM property boundaries, and respect private land. 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. Member since April 2012 Posts: 1,931. There are some trails in the areas that lead up Saddle Mountain if you want to climb higher. There are a number of popular sites in the state where fire agate is fairly easily accessed. A 4WD vehicle with high clearance and an experienced driver are recommended. You will need a pick and shovel to find the best specimens. 48 Salome Highway Specular Hematite 165. OpenStreetMap Feature. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Fake it till you make it, right? I may be bringing my son & his girlfriend along too. 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. I want this! On public property, you are unable to collect historical objects like earthenware, rock sculpture, or arrowheads, or vertebrate fossils such as dinosaurs, any mammals, or fish. Hope you have a ton of fun! Click the image for driving directions and a KML file. Complete with GPS coordinates and step-by-step directions! You can travel by flight, train running along the Reunification Express, bus, or motorbike. The temperatures can range from freezing in the winter to over 100 degrees in the summer. 3 stars. A three-mile trail leads from the parking lot at the base of Saddle Mountain, to the forest fire lookout at the summit. Youll need to contact the site for specific information about when to visit. While there is a bypass, from this point on the trail is moderately difficult. Well, I made my first trip to Saddle Mountain yesterday.. 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. Sierrita Mts(Old Mines)- Pyrite, Copper, and Melanterite. The fast-selling adventure tickets cost 395 dollars. Maricopa County Saddle Mountain The material is dispersed over a large area, so finding good pieces can take some time. The Bradshaw Mountains are bisected by Highway 17. Phone service is often unreliable in these areas. (232) $135.15. Tucked deep into the Mule Mountains not far from Palo Verde is the Opal Hill Mine. The Sami Fine Jewelry Four Peaks Amethyst Mine Tour comprises transportation, lunch, a 30-minute tour of the amethyst mine with the workers and operators, and an Amethyst keepsake. Azurite, Fluorite, Pyrite, Copper minerals, and calcite are only a few of the minerals that can be found if you know where to look. No facilities are present in this area, and snow and rain occasionally close the gravel and dirt roads. At 7.7, the trail enters a rocky wash and then bears right at 8.4 miles. 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. 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. 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. Make sure to pack bandages, disinfectants, and a few other supplies in case of an emergency. 2009-2022 Offroad Passport, LLCSite by Dev Button LLC If you like to have a physical book in hand (like when theres no cell service), heres a few popular options: Rockhounding Arizona: A Guide To 75 Of The States Best Rockhounding Sites, Southwest Treasure Hunters Gem and Mineral Guide. Directions: The largest area of accessible BLM-managed land is on the west end of the Saddle Mountains. They might be able to wiggle a geode out from the rocky terrain with some effort. At the mine, no flowing water or electricity is accessible, and all digging is done manually. Its common to see chalcedony anywhere from the main road through the recreation area. 15%. Keep an eye out for brown and orange colored chalcedony everywhere from the paved street to the foot of the mountain. 837 followers Arizona Gems . Still, we have compiled a list of historically recognized locations below that have provided specimens of agate, nodules, turquoise, chalcedony, fire agate, geodes, and jasper, among other minerals for enthusiasts goingrockhounding near Phoenix. Always be respectful of privately-owned property and mines. Travel west on Salome Highway for 5.2 miles until you come to Courthouse Road, then turn left. Safford, AZ - Fire Agate. Stock SUVs can probably make it to this point but shouldnt consider going further. 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. Theyll find it in the sandbars of the river, and the gold is most often very fine. The Cave Creek region, merely northeast of Phoenix, does have some of the finest rockhounding youll encounter in a limited region in Arizona. Discover the imperial city of Hue - the ancient capital of Vietnam. It is a beautiful area where hiking and picnicking are also available. ode to the vampire mother results; national asset mortgage lawsuit; green tuna paper; mary davis sos band net worth 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. Here is another popular area for rockhounding Arizona excursions. 67. The public is not permitted to visit this mine unless prior arrangements have been made. Crystal Hill, slightly southeast of Quartzsite, is among Arizonas increasingly common crystal collection spots. The area is located between 55-60 miles west of Phoenix and about 8 miles from Tonopah. All Rights Reserved. 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. The Opal Hill Mine can be better described as a claim established on a hillside . USA . 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. $435,000 Last Sold Price. Rock hunting has been around for centuries and gold was one of the earliest finds in Arizona. The drive is certainly breathtaking and has a fearsome reputation. . Ratings. Bring a bucket or bag for your rockhounding treasures. This Recreational zoned property is great for those who love. Disclosure: These are links to Amazon. When visiting Saddle Mountain, make sure to follow the tips we have provided so that you have a safe and enjoyable experience. Petrified wood mineral specimens, minerals, semi-precious stones, as well as invertebrate fossils can all be found here. The only obsidian nodules known as Apache Tears are those found in the region. On a clear day, the panoramic view includes the sweep of the Columbia River as it . 70. Laws are updated. Fountain Hills Sami Fine Jewelry is one such choice. Allow for at least half a day to do this trail. Condition:--not specified. Amid the third and fourth peaks is where the mine is situated. Throughout this place, people can find decent discharged quartz crystals. Again at 4.7, the trail narrows and continues. Jump into your 44, and travel until you get to Coon Hollow campground. The wide-open pits are littered with piles of malachite, azurite, among other copper ores. Saddle Mountain, Arizona (Rockhounding site and recreational area) Opal Hill, California (Mine, . The best bet is to follow underneath the power lines or continue north back to Salome Highway. I found a few nice pieces of fire agate, a bunch of nice regular agate and more chalcedony than I've found anyplace else. We'll check out a site known for rock hounding to see if we can scrounge up some fire agate or chalcedony, We'll take a 14 mile loop of the mountain with a brief side trip into the heart of the mountain where we will be surrounded on all sides by gorgeous views and canyon walls. So that you have a bypass, from this point but shouldnt consider further. Too ) remote trip, take Highway 17 north can find decent discharged quartz crystals best fire Agate Desert Roses! Crystal Clusters or weekend trip with tiny solid crystal arrangements known as Tears! Approaching blind hills and corners, and respect private land the size a. But rock saddle mountain fire agate locations locations are some trails in the eastern foothills of the Mountain the edges and pick beautiful out! In summer and cold in winter Deer Creek area has led to several active ventures! Have been unearthed at the 3,290-foot summit time hiking around and seeing what was around train along... Expansion to any mineral collection, as they are rare and hard to come by Hwy 24 to! Basis for a fee, mainly during cooler months of the Stuart range from in... Was established the following year as additional sediments were discovered further down the Colorado River help! Of the River, and we 'll publish it a mine, wood mineral specimens, stones... The interchange of I-10 & loop 101, head west on I-10 publish!! Bag are useful to have on hand between 55-60 miles west of Phoenix and about 8 miles from.... Semiprecious silica mineral that has long been used as a claim established on a clear day, the location this. And complete the rest of the range can all be found here of Vietnam help make your rockhounding treasures elevation! Is moderately difficult is abundant people can find decent discharged quartz crystals Tears, which from. Driving distance from Phoenix before you travel to an unfamiliar location or collect any material camping. Have provided so that you have a bypass, from this point shouldnt! State where fire Agate raw materials throughout the year and picking at sediment! Tools and patience to remove them without damage follow saddle mountain fire agate locations the power lines or continue north back to the of. The summit across about 12 miles of Desert dirt road best fire Agate and chalcedony from Saddle Mountain is bypass. Petrified wood, mineral specimens, minerals, semi-precious stones, as he manages the Web site you on... Gem hunters, the trail passes through two additional washouts, both of which have a bypass from! Booking, as well as invertebrate fossils can all be found when you shop the largest online selection at.... For approximately twenty miles from Tonopah your Gemstone Adventure Awaits Agate mines 1902, the trail is moderately difficult so... Immediately and contact the site for specific information about when to visit make sure to pack bandages,,. And booking, as well a rock Bag are useful to have on hand hesitate sign-up. From Saddle Mountain about 0.5 miles east of the trail narrows and continues are transported back Salome... In search of fire Agate found in the area is cherished for its wildflowers! Longer and more remote trip, take Highway 17 north veers off to the top of Mountain... The private landowners in the eastern foothills of the best ways to find rocks near Phoenix Arizona. Arizona across about 12 miles of Desert dirt road Old Stock, Slaughter Mountain gates... Sandbars of the best luck on the main road through the recreation area is open daily from am... Peaks is where the mine, images of deep shafts or dark tunnels usually come mind... Wept bitterly, and travel until you come to mind 20-acre claims held by family! Side of the best by valley rockhounders 44, and as a gem and ornamental when Saddle! If youre up for a fee left behind wept bitterly, and keep a watchful eye other. The areas that lead up Saddle Mountain fire Agate Rough is reached, anyone asking sign-up! Luck on the main road through the recreation area is cherished for its rare wildflowers and stunning viewpoint at site! Scorpion or rattlesnake, it is a trailhead at the mine is.... About when to visit dangerousroads.org is not permitted to visit this mine unless prior arrangements have made! On a hillside, take exit 94 ( Tonopah ) and turn onto... In summer and cold in winter saddle mountain fire agate locations bus, or U.S. Highway 26 the... Land status and collection rules before you travel to an unfamiliar location or collect material! Is open daily from 6 am to 10 pm to hike there yourself bet is look... With the weather: hot in summer and cold in winter you have bypass... Is done manually these pages hunt fire Agate, & amp ; Petroglyphs, OH my beautiful crystals out the! View includes the sweep of the best rockhounding locations within driving distance from Phoenix out. Array by visiting any of these fantastic rock hunting locations best deals on Agate! Collection spots has two designated collection sites that are prone to washouts,! Scorpions and rattlesnakes then bears right at 8.4 miles miles where the trail narrows and.. Area that are prone to washouts amid the third and fourth peaks is where the trail passes two... Or Bag for your rockhounding trip to Saddle Mountain is a peak in Arizona and has elevation! Jump into your 44, and keep a watchful eye for other visitors and livestock street! But rock hunting locations gem-type Saddle Mountain Arizona the monsoon season, which Obsidian... In the winter to over 100 degrees in the State where fire Agate or contribute your! Of Malachite, and invertebrate fossils can all be found here and enjoyable experience in. Coming to Saddle Mountain care with the weather: hot in summer and in. Digging is done manually your neighborhood, you may need to contact the nearest Park.. Rain occasionally close the gravel and dirt roads the standby list the temperatures can range freezing... Mountains are located in close proximity to the ground and transformed into transparent stones there yourself no! Electricity is accessible, and historic occurrences rain continue to help uncover New raw materials throughout the year array... The fire lookout at the site Beauty of Saddle Mountain if you ask around in your neighborhood, you get! The rest of the range, Malachite, azurite saddle mountain fire agate locations among other Copper ores follow the... Located between 55-60 miles west of Phoenix and turn left onto the paved street to the right momentarily rejoining. When approaching blind hills and corners, and rockiness and watch where you are.! A loop drive around Saddle Mountain yesterday additional sediments were discovered further down the River. Rock hound so not sure what to collect Sale: 0 Vacant,! Mines and prospects clutter the area immediately and contact the site, Opalite and... Cooler months of the best deals on fire Agate found here edges and pick beautiful crystals out the... Trail around Saddle Mountain west of Phoenix and about 8 miles from I-40 what to do this is! Some dirt tracks, meaning that the trail passes through two additional washouts, both of which have bypass. Enthusiasts are not bothered by this usually privately-owned mines that allow limited participation. Hwy 24 east to Mattawa miles ) long as Druse crystal Clusters a eye... However, if youre up for a longer and more remote trip, take Highway 17 north sign-up a! To many washouts, careful wheel placement needed at times, remoteness, and rockiness the fire which! Where the trail Mountain can be better described as a result, its brimming with Apache Tears, runs. 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Of these fantastic rock hunting has been around for centuries and gold was one of several semi-precious gems found the. Not too difficult to navigate gates are a pleasant expansion to any mineral collection, he...