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Since it takes effort to find good quartz, there are still some available. Bring water water water. At 3.6 miles youll reach the most serious washout. Jasper is one of the most plentiful and widely distributed minerals in the state of Arizona. 20 of the best rockhounding locations within driving distance from Phoenix! This city is known for its vast array of rocks and minerals, making it a hot spot for collectors. 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. sarahrose. (Or a Mixture? : current registration and insurance), Have functional seat-belts for every occupant, 30"+ aggressive all-terrain or mud-terrain tires. Youre able to trod along the claims for 30 dollars a day and salvage whatever you discover on the land. 55 Kingman Honey . However, be cautious when exploring this region because it is densely covered in cholla cacti. Add to Cart. There is a large camping zone accessible at this public rockhounding spot. . Fire agate in this area is known for unique optical phenomena and the fiery effects caused by rainbow colors in the gems brown base. In Tucson, there is excellent prospecting. They have identified and continue to monitor hundreds of archaeological sites and resources in the area. 5552430. This scenic area is also considered one of the best by valley rockhounders. 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. Saddle Mountain is known for its especially beautiful scenery and ruggedness. 002S - 1 Pound +, Old Stock, Slaughter Mountain Fire Agate Rough. Also, If you do look around Saddle Mountain, you may have more luck near the southern side of the mountain. On public property, you do not collect historical objects like pottery, rock art, or arrowheads, or vertebrate fossils like dinosaurs, mammals, or fish. The Mine is open 12 months of the year. The Saddle Mountain area has quite a bit of free range in which to search for fire agates. Look no further than rockhounding! It can only be collected for non-commercial objectives. I had a good time hiking around and seeing what was around. 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. Location: 16704 Avenue of the Fountains #100, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268. 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. Stay straight at 11.6 miles and again at 12.3 miles. 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. Accessibility guidelines and restrictions change. A search and discovery video of semi-precious gems and beautiful desert scenery. Included in the areas treasures is fire agate, also called iridescent agate or rainbow agate by some. 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). Additionally, jasper, agate, valuable metals, and sometimes even thundereggs are among the minerals and rocks found here. Travel a lightly used trail around Saddle Mountain west of Phoenix. Its not a good idea to hike there yourself! Each individual is allowed to gather as much as 25 pounds of material each day and 250 pounds per year for non-commercial intentions. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has two designated collection sites that are open to the public year-round. Saddle Mountain, Arizona, Fire Agate Mineral Location Page: This popular outdoor recreation and fire agate rockhounding area is located outside of Phoenix, Arizona. Now is your chance to own 40 acres of land! Travel along the Oatman road for approximately twenty miles from I-40. While this zone has been heavily exploited over the decades, there are still some nice parts to be found. Saddle Mountain can experience all four seasons in a single day, so it is important to be prepared for bad weather. 68. Other areas to find Jasper is the Plomosa region, southwest of Bouse, and Yuma south of the Quartzsite. To get to Saddle Mountain, take exit 262 off of I-17 and drive east on the Beeline Highway (Hwy. (A high SUV or other trucks can work too). It has incredible views of the Stuart Range from the fire lookout which is usually open for visitors. The information provided in this article by YesDirt.com is for informational purposes and is subject to change. Wikidata ID. 4 stars. As you see, we have riverbeds and banks to mountain peaks. Total Miles. Duration. OpenStreetMap Feature. The fire agate found in the Saddle Mountains is of high caliber and will complement your mineral inventory. Several miles east of Mattawa, turn left on R road to climb the foothills of the Saddle Mountains to BLM-managed land. Rockhounding is ideal for the whole family but remember to carry adequate water, food, and a map. This is because you are guaranteed to find amazing specimens that are nicely crystallized in this area and its environs. 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. 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. One of my favorite spots to find fire agate chips and pieces of fire agate. 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+. 27%. One of the best ways to find rocks is to look for areas with recent construction or after a rainstorm. Select bits, on the other hand, will have pleasant banding and color variance. Anyone can contact or email him on the site, for assistance and booking, as he manages the Web Site. This particular place youll just be searching and picking at loose sediment, mostly. SOLD FEB 21, 2023. Saddle Mountain is also home to a number of private mining assertions, so it is important to be mindful of where you are collecting rocks. information on the rockhound's favorite gem the agate. 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. You will quickly locate the stones by following the scores as you walk along the sandy area. Tours of a copper mine in general. 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. There are also some larger deposits for those who have the tools and patience to remove them without damage. While there is a bypass, from this point on the trail is moderately difficult. 3 Baths. These one-hour walking tours are established on the book Stone Landmarks, written by Marie Jackson, a local-based author in Flagstaff. The gem-type Saddle Mountain fire gates are a pleasant expansion to any mineral collection, as they are rare and hard to come by. Rockhounding is a fun and rewarding hobby that people of all ages can enjoy. The trail to the top of Saddle Mountain is a moderate hike that is about 2.5 miles long. Looking for a fun and educational outdoor activity? The trail can be a bit rocky in places, but overall it is not too difficult to navigate. If you are coming from the Phoenix area, it will take you about an hour to get there. The location, topography, and nearby roads & trails around Saddle Mountain (Summit) can be seen in the map layers above. Mark K Cave Dweller. The miners take visitors into the heart of the mine to demonstrate how the gorgeous amethyst is extracted. Please don't hesitate to sign-up as a standby because people often do drop-out so you may get togo. There are also a number of privately-owned mines that allow limited public participation for a fee. 63. There are no restaurants or food stores in the Saddle Mountain Recreation Area, so it is important to pack a lunch with you. This area is also popular for rock-hounders who will find both fire agate and chalcedony on the north side of the range. Fluorite, Malachite, and Other Gemstones in Tucson, Arizona. Sign me up, I am not a rock hound so not sure what to do there. 398 KB. Take Highway 97 north just past Liberty. Location: 24 N San Francisco St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001. Fountain Hills Sami Fine Jewelry is one such choice. 5. While some are collectors dreams based on value, others are simply beautiful and can help to spruce up the unique look of your home. Directions to the Saddle Mountain Fire Agate location. The designated area for collecting Agate is located on Bureau of Land Management land about 60 miles from Phoenix, Arizona. The fire agate found in the Saddle Mountains is of high caliber and will complement your . There are several points to consider when youre engaging in rockhounding in Saddle Mountain. If so sign me up!! When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. 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. The average industry sales price is approximately $30,000. The whole look is rated a 6.5 due to many washouts, careful wheel placement needed at times, remoteness, and rockiness. fire agate utah Actualidad. MRDS database Dep. Weve created an ultimate guide to gifts for rockhounds with helpful links directly to Amazon to make product evaluation and review easy! Member since April 2012 Posts: 1,931. When it comes to rockhounding Arizona, weve chosen our top 12 locations for you to explore. Take Hwy 243 south of Vantage, then Hwy 24 east to Mattawa. Overall, rockhounding is the right pursuit for you if youve often been intrigued by the natural deposits in Arizonas soils. 62. The BLM allows up to 25 pounds of specimens to be collected per day, 250 pounds per year. 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. Artisan Rockhound. Again at 4.7, the trail narrows and continues. The terrain is mostly rocky sediment with some dirt tracks, meaning that the trail can be slippery when wet. The mining didnt last long, like most placer mining along rivers, because the larger portion of the prosperous gold ore had been rapidly mined out. Also, you may need to open some cattle-guard gates to get through along the way. Scan for abandoned holes and start digging. Open Location Code. Agate is, in fact, identical with quartz. The trail to the top of Saddle Mountain is a moderate hike that is about 2.5 miles long. Tucked deep into the Mule Mountains not far from Palo Verde is the Opal Hill Mine. Saddle Mountains Fire Agate 154. Some of the early pioneers in fire agate mining at Deer . There is no better place in the country to visit if youre a rock hound fanatic than Arizona. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. There is a good gift shop where you can buy high-quality specimens. A rockhound hopes to reach this massive geode 90 feet underground. If you dont feel like a big challenge, stick to the initial 3.6 mile trail. Location: 2995 Dome Rock Rd W, Quartzsite, AZ 85346. Amid the third and fourth peaks is where the mine is situated. 3.6 (26 ratings) 26. Saddle Mountain can be reached from Youngs River Road, Astoria, or U.S. Highway 26 near the Necanicum Junction, 10 miles east . 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. There is a trailhead at the north end of Saddle Mountain about 0.5 miles east of the BLM Saddle Mountain dispersed camp site. Fire agate is considered by some to be the rarest and newest multicolored gemstone in the world. The natural stone is found in only a few regions in the world, including numerous sites in Arizona. Some of the links on our website are affiliate links. You need no digging gears, just lunch (if you plan to stay all day), water, gloves, and skin protection. The road is generally passable for most cars, and the site is about 2 miles off the highway. 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. Fake it till you make it, right?. Official websites use .gov 20 of the best rockhounding locations within driving distance from . Begin heading south on the moderately used dirt trail. The public is not permitted to visit this mine unless prior arrangements have been made. Ratings. 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. 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. 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. ID file #10023619, MRDS ID #I000808. https://indestructibleshoes.myshopify.com/?rfsn=5664779.c4ae61aNugget Shooter Metal Detector Sales NEED A NEW METAL DETECTOR?https://nuggetshooter.comNugget Shooter Hats,https://nuggetshooter.com#!/HATS-and-T-SHIRTS/c/26703059/offset=0\u0026sort=normalFRANKINPICK and Gold Spot Scoopshttps://nuggetshooter.com#!/SCOOPS-and-DIGGING-TOOLS/c/36161001Mail:Bill SouthernPO BOX 576Morristown, AZ85342 Youll pass through a gate at 2.8 miles where the trail veers off to the right momentarily before rejoining the original trail. The most common type of rock is fire agate, a semi-precious gemstone found in a variety of colors. The area is located about 20 miles northeast of Safford. Cuesta Fire Agate mine is a Desert Dig. Either way, its a win-win when you go on a rockhounding excursion. 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. The majority of jaspers are strong dark colors. 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. 4 Beds. For starters, Saddle Mountain is home to many private mining claims, so make sure youre exploring in a public space and not on someones land. The tour furthermore emphasizes the evolution of architectural techniques, shifting tastes for different forms of rock, and historic occurrences. Contact BLM for petrified wood collection limits. Saddle Mountain Arizona Fire agate spot. Discover the Beauty of Saddle Mountain Fire Agate: Your Gemstone Adventure Awaits. Rare Large Flowering Tube Onyx and Saddle Mountain AZ Fire Agate Necklace Sterling Silver Utah Gem Handmade Black Red Brown Tan 1053. If not, park where convenient and walk the road. Item Information. 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? 48 Salome Highway Specular Hematite 165. Luckily, there are many excellent areas in Arizona where you can do your rock collecting and acquire very lovely samples. There is a cleared parking area with some fire rings. People may surely access chalcedony samples, such as agate and often a variety of minerals, whenever they explore this rockhounding place. LockA locked padlock Agates, crystal and geodes are found in this region. Between Kingman and Oatman, the Cuesta Fire Agate Mine can be found when you exit Route 66. Once the limit is reached, anyone asking to sign-up will be placed on the standby list. 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