Topics include outings and trips, polishing, tumbling, cabochons, slabs and specimens. This is a fantastic place to spend a day or two taking in the scenery whilst also building on your rock and mineral collection. ID file #10023619, MRDS ID #I000808. 53 Black Mountains White Agate 184. They have identified and continue to monitor hundreds of archaeological sites and resources in the area. . These areas are often rich in rocks and minerals. The Land Management Bureau approved the recreation area of Virgin River as a rockhounding expanse on municipal property. Take Hwy 243 south of Vantage, then Hwy 24 east to Mattawa. Hey there! Pauline Weaver found gold on the Arizona segment of the Colorado River in the early 1860s, and her discovery sparked what became the Colorado River Gold Rush. 2 stars. 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. You can start or contribute to your rock array by visiting any of these fantastic rock hunting locations. And stay tuned to the very end for some up-close photos of my finds. There is a cleared parking area with some fire rings. Post a reply in this thread saying you'd like to go and I'll put you on the roster! 54 Cuesta Fire Agate 188. Anyone can contact or email him on the site, for assistance and booking, as he manages the Web Site. Near the town of Safford, Arizona lies your ticket to finding fire agate, a brilliant gemstone found only in the southwest. $9034. 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. There are also some larger deposits for those who have the tools and patience to remove them without damage. Needles DAG Chambless Chambless. There are some trails in the areas that lead up Saddle Mountain if you want to climb higher. However, it is important to keep in mind that the weather can change quickly in Arizona, so be alert and stay prepared for severe weather events. 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. Saddle Mountains Fire Agate 154. 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. Stay on Courthouse Road for 1.8 miles until you come to a dirt road on the left. You will need a pick and shovel to find the best specimens. Fake it till you make it, right? I may be bringing my son & his girlfriend along too. 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. Jasper, Agate, Quartz, Fluorite, and even geodes are among the rocks and minerals to be discovered. These one-hour walking tours are established on the book Stone Landmarks, written by Marie Jackson, a local-based author in Flagstaff. Round Mountain Fire Agate ( AZ Site 77 ) Quote; Link to comment Share on other sites. Saddle Mountain Arizona Fire Agate Rough 14 grams Flames and white swirls. OHVs and aggressive vehicles can proceed through this bypass and complete the rest of the trail. Jasper is one of the most plentiful and widely distributed minerals in the state of Arizona. There are no restaurants or food stores in the Saddle Mountain Recreation Area, so it is important to pack a lunch with you. Either way, its a win-win when you go on a rockhounding excursion. Agates, crystal and geodes are found in this region. The fire agate in this area often requires hammer and shovel to collect, and the terrain is rugged. If you are a rockhounding fanatic, then Arizona should be your first pick when it comes to finding amazing rocks. 4 Beds. S of Apache Nat. ). Please keep safety and private land in mind. Stay straight at 11.6 miles and again at 12.3 miles. Diggings can be found on the sides of the hills, where you can rummage through the green ash for geodes. The area is open year-round. It is recommended to wear hiking boots and bring plenty of water. In order to collect rocks successfully, you will need to bring the right equipment with you. 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. 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 terrain is mostly rocky sediment with some dirt tracks, meaning that the trail can be slippery when wet. Bring water water water. This includes gloves, a pickaxe, a bucket, and a tarp to put your rocks on. The area is located about 20 miles northeast of Safford. (Or a Mixture? Youre able to trod along the claims for 30 dollars a day and salvage whatever you discover on the land. Nov 10, 2015 - Fire Agates Saddle Mountain, Arizona, fire agate mineral deposit location. You can also go picnicking or camping in the recreation area. No Littering-if you pack it in, pack it out. Many collectors have found enough pieces to satisfy them on the lower slopes. The location is ideal for a mine tour, but the number of specimens available is restricted. Entradas. OpenStreetMap Feature. Be sure to confirm the land status and collection rules before you travel to an unfamiliar location or collect any material. Be sure to confirm the land status and collection rules before you travel to an unfamiliar location or collect any material. After 39 miles, take exit 94 (Tonopah) and turn left onto 411th avenue. Gemstones, mineral samples, and lapidary fire agate rough. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has two designated collection sites that are open to the public year-round. 63. 915 Walla Walla Avenue The best parking is found beside the trail just after turning left of the pavement. The mine is reached by helicopter for visitors. There isn't a lot of shade available. 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. People may surely access chalcedony samples, such as agate and often a variety of minerals, whenever they explore this rockhounding place. 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. Asarco, on the other hand, has excellent Azurite, Chrysocolla, and Malachite specimens. After navigating through the bypass at 3.6 miles, the trail rejoins the original trail. natural=peak. Dedicated rockhounds are usually pleased with their finds here. There are several mines here, but probably the most notable fire agate source in this region is the Cuesta Fire Agate Mine. Agate is the most common variety of chalcedony which is a form of quartz. There are many specimens to be found lying on the ground that can be lovely with a bit of cutting and polishing. The wide-open pits are littered with piles of malachite, azurite, among other copper ores. The only obsidian nodules known as Apache Tears are those found in the region. 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. Get the best deals on Fire Agate Rough when you shop the largest online selection at eBay.com . This area is also popular for rock-hounders who will find both fire agate and chalcedony on the north side of the range. The entire area is not privately owned, but I was unable to find a specific map. Make sure to pack bandages, disinfectants, and a few other supplies in case of an emergency. 5. Or Compound? Laws are updated. 71. A helicopter tour of the Four Peaks amethyst mine is among the most spectacular gemstone adventures accessible in the United States. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. 1 - 155ct. sarahrose. Maricopa County Saddle Mountain Free shipping. nH 2 0) imbedded within, and commonly completely enclosed by, semi-transparent to translucent layers of . Stay left as the trail curves through wash and a washed out area at 9.0 miles and then rejoins the main trail at 9.1 miles. They might be able to wiggle a geode out from the rocky terrain with some effort. RockSeeker.com is reader-supported. However, rock hunting experts and rookies are still able to locate gold in the Colorado River. Merikanite Obsidian is a semi-precious rock. The Hauser Geode grounds, which have been famous to rock enthusiasts for several years, have created some quite spectacular geodes of numerous forms. Garnet, Quartz, Calcite, Mica, Feldspar, Jasper, Tourmaline, and agate are among the rocks and minerals found. Official websites use .gov Rockhounding is ideal for the whole family but remember to carry adequate water, food, and a map. . I want this! 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. Motorized vehicles limit your impact by staying on established roads and trails only. Wish we could go but I have this weekend booked Great trip idea!! Fire Agate Rough LOOK PICTURES . Take care with the weather: hot in summer and cold in winter. Elevation. Mohave County. 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. Saddle Mountain Fire Agate is a unique and fascinating geological formation that has captivated the attention of geologists, mineral collectors, and gem enthusiasts alike. On a clear day, the panoramic view includes the sweep of the Columbia River as it . 48 Salome Highway Specular Hematite 165. Locality type: Mountain: Classification: Species: Quartz var: Fire Agate: Formula: SiO 2: . As a visitor, you can pay a fee then hire equipment to mine the claim for a day for a small fee. It is also important to be aware of the monsoon season, which runs from July to September. While this zone has been heavily exploited over the decades, there are still some nice parts to be found. Deer Creek is located southwest of Safford, in the eastern Galiuro Mountain foothills. Hello my friends! If you are looking for a great place to go rockhounding, look no further than Saddle Mountain, which is just outside of Phoenix, Arizona. Each individual is allowed to dig up a maximum of twenty-five pounds of material per day and 250 lbs in total annually. Item Information. Round Mountain Rockhound Area is a prime collecting spot for fire agates, an uncommon semi-precious gem found only in Mexico, California and Arizona. The recreation area is open daily from 6 am to 10 pm. Red Cloud Mine Area 166. Trailhead is a short 4 mile drive from the gas station. 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. You need no digging gears, just lunch (if you plan to stay all day), water, gloves, and skin protection. Mule Mountains Fire Agate Wiley Wells Agate Nodules and Geodes Boron Boron Travertine - (6 collector specimens from same city, 7 collector specimens from nearby locations) Camino Flat Top Mountain. A public subreddit for the discussion of rock hunting, rock collecting, crystals and mineralogy, geology, lapidary arts and rocks in general. The trail to the top of Saddle Mountain is a moderate hike that is about 2.5 miles long. 3.6 (26 ratings) 26. BLM free Fire Agate collecting site. Rockhounds have access to a campground that is available at this location. Rare Large Flowering Tube Onyx and Saddle Mountain AZ Fire Agate Necklace Sterling Silver Utah Gem Handmade Black Red Brown Tan 1053. Saddle Mountain State Natural Area is a state park in northwest Oregon.It is located in the Northern Oregon Coast Range in central Clatsop County, about 20 miles (32 km) by road from Seaside.A 2.5-mile (4.0 km) long hiking trail climbs to the top of Saddle Mountain, which is located in the park.On clear days, the Pacific Ocean, Columbia River mouth and several of the Cascade mountains in . fire agate utah Actualidad. Ghost Towns and Minerals 156. There is a good gift shop where you can buy high-quality specimens. Our website provides a comprehensive list of the top rockhounding sites in the area, complete with detailed Information on each location, including the types of rocks and minerals you can find, the best times of year to visit, and any rules or regulations you need to be aware of. Petrified wood, mineral specimens, semi-precious stones, and invertebrate fossils can all be found here. Complete with GPS coordinates and step-by-step directions! It can only be collected for non-commercial objectives. The road is generally passable for most cars, and the site is about 2 miles off the highway. Jump into your 44, and travel until you get to Coon Hollow campground. Click the image for driving directions and a KML file. Please don't hesitate to sign-up as a standby because people often do drop-out so you may get togo. 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 . 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. Laws are updated. This doable in a stock rig? The Black Mountains are located in close proximity to the town of Kingman in northwest Arizona. Its common to see chalcedony anywhere from the main road through the recreation area. Agate is, in fact, identical with quartz. There are no water fountains or water sources available in the recreation area, so you will need to pack all of the water you will need for your trip. Ratings. Beautiful day though windy and join us as I show you where we hunt and how to go about it.. fire agate utah. The trail can be a bit rocky in places, but overall it is not too difficult to navigate. The information provided in this article by YesDirt.com is for informational purposes and is subject to change. The ground here is a red-brown color. Select bits, on the other hand, will have pleasant banding and color variance. 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. Saddle Mountain Arizona Fire agate spot. 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. This mine has been in operation sporadically from the 1900s and produces a portion of the finest Amethyst globally, varying in color from dark purple to violet with a rosy undertone. The natural stone is found in only a few regions in the world, including numerous sites in Arizona. BLM-8211 is slightly rocky but not bad. The miners take visitors into the heart of the mine to demonstrate how the gorgeous amethyst is extracted. The slopes north of Aguila are a famous harvesting spot. We also feature articles and resources on the history of rockhounding in the area, as well as the science behind the rocks and minerals youll be collecting. 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