Agate Mountain is situated nearby to Gibson Ranch. Location: 16704 Avenue of the Fountains #100, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268. After 39 miles, take exit 94 (Tonopah) and turn left onto 411th avenue. However, space is restricted, and reservations are needed. Saddle Mountain Road. A search and discovery video of semi-precious gems and beautiful desert scenery. The beds were discovered back in the late 1930s by Joel Hauser, a Blythe native who used his small Ford truck to explore the hills and collect gems. Detailed description: How to get there is as follows: From Phoenix, Arizona, take Highway 17 north. : current registration and insurance), Have functional seat-belts for every occupant, 30"+ aggressive all-terrain or mud-terrain tires. This wash absorbs run-off from the surrounding hills, and as a result, its brimming with Apache Tears, which are Obsidian nodules. The Saddle Mountain area has quite a bit of free range in which to search for fire agates. The first portion of the trail is short and rocky with the more difficult and washed out loop around Saddle Mountain providing more of a challenge. 3 stars. Phone service is often unreliable in these areas. Share YOUR roads!We'vemorethan 13.000 roads but we want more! This is a free collecting site t. Location: 24 N San Francisco St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001. fire agate utah Actualidad. Further research through the BLM resource would be helpful. Nearby homes similar to 4618 W Park View Cir have recently sold between $435K to $875K at an average of $240 per square foot. Since it takes effort to find good quartz, there are still some available. Additionally, jasper, agate, valuable metals, and sometimes even thundereggs are among the minerals and rocks found here. Palo Verde Fire Agate 164. There is a short hiking trail that leads to the top of the mountain, where you can get a panoramic view of the area. You can also take a trek and find geodes scattered about, even though they might not be of the highest quality. No Littering-if you pack it in, pack it out. Amboy DAG Marble Mountain Rock collecting area Chief Mountain The Saddle Mountain fire agate, with gem quality being rare and hard to find, are a nice addition to any mineral collection. Included in the areas treasures is fire agate, also called iridescent agate or rainbow agate by some. 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. The guests meet and interact with the mine owner, Kurt Cavano, as well as the miners once they arrive. At the mine, no flowing water or electricity is accessible, and all digging is done manually. 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. Each individual is allowed to dig up a maximum of twenty-five pounds of material per day and 250 lbs in total annually. Again at 4.7, the trail narrows and continues. The website is for information purposes only and we assume no liability for decisions made as a result of the information provided here. 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 exploration covers the ancient past of stones such as Moenkopi Sandstone, the lovely Pumiceous Dacite, the equally magnificent Kaibab Limestone, and last but not least, the Malpais Basalt which were used to construct downtowns iconic structures. All Rights Reserved. Discover the imperial city of Hue - the ancient capital of Vietnam. Saddle Mountain is also a desert area, so it is also important to bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Its common to see chalcedony anywhere from the main road through the recreation area. It is also important to remember that the area is at a high elevation, so you may need to bring a jacket even if it is hot outside. To arrive there, take HWY 19 south from Tucson and exit at Pima Mine Road, exit 80. Tours of a copper mine in general. You may use it to make jewelry by putting it in a stone tumbler or cutting it into cabochons. fire agate utah. Begin heading south on the moderately used dirt trail. Needles DAG Chambless Chambless. 1 star. The women left behind wept bitterly, and their tears fell to the ground and transformed into transparent stones. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has two designated collection sites that are open to the public year-round. The terrain is mostly rocky sediment with some dirt tracks, meaning that the trail can be slippery when wet. There isn't a lot of shade available. Traveling to the mine, located at a cool 7200 feet elevation, is no simple task. 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. Table Mountain Jasper 172. Youre able to trod along the claims for 30 dollars a day and salvage whatever you discover on the 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. This doable in a stock rig? 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. If you ask around in your neighborhood, you may be able to learn about some potential search sites. Its private land. ), Rockhounding Northern Utah: A Beginners Get Started Guide, Emerald Isle Mine Tenorite and Gold-colored Chrysocolla, Kingman Feldspar Mine Allanite, Quartz crystals, and Microcline, NW Kingsman, (Several Mines) Dufrenoysite and Arsenopyrite, Golden Gem & Vanderbilt Mines Sphalerite Galena, Stibnite, and Pyrite, Red Rover mine Chalcocite, Tetrahedrite, Go John Mine Gold, Red Jasper, Silver, Blue Quartz, and Copper, Cave Creek Town Gold, Agate, Quartz, and Jasper, Seven Springs & Bloody Basin Road Jasper and Agate, Near Bartlett Reservoir Quartz and Fluorite, Jeep Road Vicinity Nodules and Thundereggs. 68. Accessibility guidelines and restrictions change. 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. The Saddle Mountain Basalt is composed of the Umatilla Member flows, the Wilbur Creek Member flows, the Asotin . To use information contained on this site is to do so at your own risk. Hey there! Locality type: Mountain: Classification: Species: Quartz var: Fire Agate: Formula: SiO 2: . Saddle Mountains geology. There are plenty of areas in the park where you can stop and have a picnic. We want your experiences too! Amboy DAG Marble Mountain Fossil Beds. 50 Aguila Road Apache Tears 172. 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. These locations follow a geographic territory known as the Transition Zone, where the Colorado Plateau and the Basin and Range Province meet. Scan for abandoned holes and start digging. 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. (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. You are transported back to the starting point once youve seen the finishing process for the Amethyst production. Complete with GPS coordinates and step-by-step directions! 49 Big Horn Mountains Fluorite and Selenite 168. The miners walk nine miles in total to and from work and reside there for a few weeks at a time. The diggers will hold anything they find, up to the size of a bucket, no more than five gallons per day. Saddle Mountain is known for its especially beautiful scenery and ruggedness. Powered by. There are no restaurants or food stores in the Saddle Mountain Recreation Area, so it is important to pack a lunch with you. 4x4tographer, November 25, 2020 in Trip & Event Planning/Sign-up, Sunday 12/13 - Saddle Mountain | Rock Hounding | Petroglyphs | Easy to Moderate near Tonopah, AZ. Once you enter Tonopah take a left on 411th Ave and then drive about 2.80 miles until you hit W Salome Hwy, turn right. Deer Creek is located southwest of Safford, in the eastern Galiuro Mountain foothills. Directions: The largest area of accessible BLM-managed land is on the west end of the Saddle Mountains. The fast-selling adventure tickets cost 395 dollars. 14mm Magenta Stripes Agate Round Beads 14.5" Strand. Click the image for driving directions and a KML file. 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. You can start or contribute to your rock array by visiting any of these fantastic rock hunting locations. Hello my friends! Saddle Mountain Arizona Fire agate spot. The gem-type Saddle Mountain fire gates are a pleasant expansion to any mineral collection, as they are rare and hard to come by. Stay straight at 11.6 miles and again at 12.3 miles. 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. Be sure to confirm the land status and collection rules before you travel to an unfamiliar location or collect any material. The drive is certainly breathtaking and has a fearsome reputation. The lightly used road is 18.18km (11.3 miles) long. 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 area is also popular for rock-hounders who will find both fire agate and chalcedony on the north side of the range. Mineral diversity is much greater here than in other parts of the state. A type of Agate infused with iron and other elements in . The drive is difficult due to many washouts, careful wheel placement needed at times, remoteness, and rockiness. Saddle Mountain is known for its especially beautiful scenery and ruggedness. Weve created an ultimate guide to gifts for rockhounds with helpful links directly to Amazon to make product evaluation and review easy! Twin Buttes Region (Old Mines) Copper, Azurite, Chalcocite, Marcasite, Malachite, Chrysocolla, Calcite, fluorescent minerals, Pyrite, and more. Fire Agate Saddle Mountain, Maricopa County, Arizona, USA. There are several points to consider when youre engaging in rockhounding in Saddle Mountain. The terrain is mostly rocky sediment with some dirt tracks, meaning that the trail can be slippery when wet. Fluorite, Malachite, and Other Gemstones in Tucson, Arizona. Either way, its a win-win when you go on a rockhounding excursion. Clifton, Arizona, is a little town northeast of Tucson in proximity to the New Mexico border with promising rockhounding prospects. Total Miles. Rockhounding is a fun and rewarding hobby that people of all ages can enjoy. Rockhounding Around The WorldScience QuestionsLearn About Different Kinds of Rocks, About UsPrivacy PolicyTerms Of UseArchives, Rockhounding Texas: 10 Gorgeous Locations To Find Unique Treasures. 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. The trail gets more rugged and more remote at its southernmost point. 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. Big River Agate 170. Sunday 12/13 - Saddle Mountain | Rock Hounding | Petroglyphs | Easy to Moderate near Tonopah, AZ. 002S - 1 Pound +, Old Stock, Slaughter Mountain Fire Agate Rough. 71. Fire agate is now being called Arizonas unofficial state mineral. Take Hwy 243 south of Vantage, then Hwy 24 east to Mattawa. Sami Fine Jewelry is not only one of the few fine jewelers who design jewelry with Four Peaks amethyst, plus give guests a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter expedition of the Four Peaks Amethyst Mine. From this point on the trail gets progressively easier and more traveled. From the interchange of I-10 & Loop 101, head west on I-10. A three-mile trail leads from the parking lot at the base of Saddle Mountain, to the forest fire lookout at the summit. Agate Semiprecious Silica Mineral. Home. Keep an eye out for brown and orange colored chalcedony everywhere from the paved street to the foot of the mountain. From Black Canyon City south to Prescott. You need no digging gears, just lunch (if you plan to stay all day), water, gloves, and skin protection. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. No facilities are present in this area, and snow and rain occasionally close the gravel and dirt roads. Select bits, on the other hand, will have pleasant banding and color variance. $99.00. 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. SanDomingo Wash Placer gold The elevation is 2,799 feet, with the primary mineral being sand and gravel and the tertiary being platinum. Our marketplace also has thousands of "close out" domains, at even lower prices! Fake it till you make it, right? I may be bringing my son & his girlfriend along too. 2 stars. Fake it till you make it, right?. 53 Black Mountains White Agate 184. plentiful fire agate, calcite, and chalcedony "desert roses" have . Also, If you do look around Saddle Mountain, you may have more luck near the southern side of the mountain. The fire agate in this area often requires hammer and shovel to collect, and the terrain is rugged. Don't forget the sunscreen! When you arrive at Saddle Mountain, there are a few things that you can do in addition to rockhounding. 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. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. This scenic area is also considered one of the best by valley rockhounders. You can also go picnicking or camping in the recreation area. ID file #10023619, MRDS ID #I000808. Turtle Mountain road off of Highway 95 provides access to this area. . You may get lucky and find both gold and agate as well. 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. It is recommended to bring at least 1 gallon per person per day. Throughout this place, people can find decent discharged quartz crystals. node 359261341. Ghost Towns and Minerals 156. It is inconsistent and gets rough at some points. It is also important to be aware of the monsoon season, which runs from July to September. Tacomas, Colorados, Gladiators, etcwith a bed WILL drag their tail on some crossings. There is a good gift shop where you can buy high-quality specimens. . 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. Agate is, in fact, identical with quartz. The road is generally passable for most cars, and the site is about 2 miles off the highway. After 3 miles, turn right onto Salome Highway. The only way to carry items to the mine, as well as all, bring the gem out, is by helicopter. 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. A rockhound hopes to reach this massive geode 90 feet underground. The high quality of fire agate found in the Deer Creek area has led to several active mining ventures. This article will give you ten tips to help make your rockhounding trip to Saddle Mountain a success. The colors found in fire agate cover the entire spectrum. After navigating through the bypass at 3.6 miles, the trail rejoins the original trail. Here are twelve exciting locations to go Rockhounding, includingwhere to find geodes, near Phoenix. If you dont feel like a big challenge, stick to the initial 3.6 mile trail. Primitive camping is permitted by the BLM for up to 2 weeks. 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. 52 Burro Creek Pastelite, Opalite, and Agate 181. The rock is made up of cryptocrystalline Silica minerals suspended in a glassy suspension, which forms when magma is supercooled. 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. There are several mines here, but probably the most notable fire agate source in this region is the Cuesta Fire Agate Mine. Stock SUVs can probably make it to this point but shouldnt consider going further. 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. Composed of silicon dioxide (SiO2), it has a hardness of 7, a glassy luster, a conchoidal fracture, and a . The location, topography, and nearby roads & trails around Saddle Mountain (Summit) can be seen in the map layers above. Another place with lovely quartz crystals is Diamond Point, northeast of Payson. 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. There are areas where you can metal detect, pan for gold, and sluice for gold. Saddle Mountain Arizona Fire Agate Rough 14 grams Flames and white swirls . $435,000 Last Sold Price. Volcanoes, Fire Agate, & Petroglyphs, OH MY! On your left, you can see the mountains. Located in the eastern foothills of the Galiuro Mountains southwest of Safford, Arizona, this area has several active fire agate mines. Natural erosion such as wind and rain continue to help uncover new raw materials throughout the year. As a visitor, you can pay a fee then hire equipment to mine the claim for a day for a small fee. 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. It should be noted that this region now seems to have lately been heavily expanded; therefore, a number of these sites might no longer be suitable or available. 1,910 Sq. (A high SUV or other trucks can work too). Saddle Mountains Fire Agate 154. The Bradshaw Mountains are bisected by Highway 17. 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. Even if youre not guaranteed a high-end gem, youll be able to gather a lot of beautiful pieces of all varieties. Fire Agate Rough LOOK PICTURES . I did some fire agate collecting out in the Saddle mountain area about year ago . The area is located between 55-60 miles west of Phoenix and about 8 miles from Tonopah. SOLD FEB 21, 2023. Round Mountain Fire Agate ( AZ Site 77 ) Quote; Link to comment Share on other sites. 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. Collaborative Action and Dispute Resolution, https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/documents/files/Saddle%20Mountains_Color_0.pdf. The BLM has maps to help you get there. 15%. Take Hwy 243 south of Vantage, then Hwy 24 east to Mattawa. Other places to find geode are the Straw beds and the Potato Patch. You could get fortunate and come across a lovely specimen on the surface while wandering about. It's a loop drive around Saddle Mountain, pretty difficult and lightly traveled. A beautiful trail taking you along the edge of Grand Canyon National Park. BLM-8211 is slightly rocky but not bad. dangerousroads.org is not responsible for the information contained in these pages. New crystals can be exposed by rainstorms, but youll certainly discover the perfect ones when you get grimy and dig. 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. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Condition:--not specified. Saddle Mountain, Arizona, Fire Agate Mineral Location Page: This popular outdoor recreation and fire agate rockhounding area is located outside of Phoenix, Arizona. There are some trails in the areas that lead up Saddle Mountain if you want to climb higher. VN16: 12 Days Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City - Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City. The route travels into New Mexico and back into Arizona across about 12 miles of desert dirt road. The average industry sales price is approximately $30,000. There is a large camping zone accessible at this public rockhounding spot. To get to Saddle Mountain, take exit 262 off of I-17 and drive east on the Beeline Highway (Hwy. At 3.6 miles youll reach the most serious washout. Many gem-quality stones have been unearthed at the site. Horseshoe . Location: 2995 Dome Rock Rd W, Quartzsite, AZ 85346. This particular spot is considered to be among . It can only be collected for non-commercial objectives. Maricopa County Saddle Mountain Saddle Mountain can be reached from Youngs River Road, Astoria, or U.S. Highway 26 near the Necanicum Junction, 10 miles east . Its not a good idea to hike there yourself! 2796.34 ft. The fire agate that you can find in Saddle Mountains features rare quality and will fit perfectly into your . You got me on the rocks, plus my fav Roy will be coming, so I need to attend, if you don't mind signing me up please! The area is located about 20 miles northeast of Safford. $9034. I had a somewhat difficult time finding and fire that I felt was worth keeping. 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. 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. There are also a number of privately-owned mines that allow limited public participation for a fee. Mapcarta, the open map. 65. Looking for a fun and educational outdoor activity? You may also be able to get a map from a rock shop in Duncan, located about 50 miles north, if youre coming from that direction. Ok Ryan! Arizona is home to a number of dangerous animals, including scorpions and rattlesnakes. Most are found within 2 feet of the surface. The only obsidian nodules known as Apache Tears are those found in the region. Allan is familiar with all aspects of the Mine, When in the area he assists diggers, to find and dig their own Fire Agate. The lightly used road is 18.18km (11.3 miles) long. Nathan Maughan at Saddle Mountain. 837 followers Arizona Gems . 66. 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 North America. Beautiful day though windy and join us as I show you where we hunt and how to go about it.. While there is a bypass, from this point on the trail is moderately difficult. 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. I had a good time hiking around and seeing what was around. Allow for at least half a day to do this trail. 67. 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. Its an excellent tour. I have wanted to hunt this for a while, just have not had enough time. fire agate utah. 3 Hours. Others may allow visits by appointment. This trail passes through remote areas, so you need to be prepared. This particular place youll just be searching and picking at loose sediment, mostly. The fire agate in this area often requires hammer and shovel to collect, and the terrain is rugged. ode to the vampire mother results; national asset mortgage lawsuit; green tuna paper; mary davis sos band net worth These areas are often rich in rocks and minerals. The temperatures can range from freezing in the winter to over 100 degrees in the summer. 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 . Follow summer fire restrictions and closures. 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. It is also recommended that you have a spare tire, CB radio, and plenty of water in case of an emergency. 20 of the best rockhounding locations within driving distance from Phoenix! Agate is the most common variety of chalcedony which is a form of quartz. Saddle Mountain's distinctive size and shape make it the predominant landform on the . The fire agate from Deer Creek Arizona ranks high on the list of desired collected gemstones, mineral specimens, and lapidary gemstone cutting material. For over 50 years, people from all over have been coming to Saddle Mountain in search of Fire Agate. 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. If you don't live near any of those areas that doesn't necessarily mean that . 398 KB. Turn right on this dirt road when you see a sign for Hauser Geode Beds. This is because you are guaranteed to find amazing specimens that are nicely crystallized in this area and its environs. Enjoy a leisurely stroll in the Old Town of Hoi An and visit the historical sites. varieties, with favorite location of quartz agate, opal wood collectors. USA . Hey there! The Black Hills Rockhound Area is one of the BLM designated sites for collecting minerals and gems, including fire agate. Please be aware that there are private mining claims . Pinfire and Peacock. Overall,rockhounding near Phoenix, Arizona, is a big deal because the availability of locations and actual gems is mind-blowing. A top-notch area in Arizona to gather rocks and minerals is near Congress Junction. One of those mines, the Penney Mine is sometimes open to the public. Unique, repeated periods of vocanic activity and faulting combined with the effects of hot water have created a rock collectors paradise in this zone. 3 Baths. Travel west on Salome Highway for 5.2 miles until you come to Courthouse Road, then turn left. You are still completely responsible for your decisions, your actions, and your safety. Several miles east of Mattawa, turn left on R road to climb the foothills of the Saddle Mountains to BLM-managed land. A passenger car should be able to handle it. Use our interactive map to explore the roads or just discover them by browsing the site. sarahrose. Whipple Mountain Chalcedony 168. Technical Rating. MRDS database Dep. Please keep safety and private land in mind. Jasper, Agate, Quartz, Fluorite, and even geodes are among the rocks and minerals to be discovered. . Site content including but not limited to: pictures, text, and layout are Copyright of AZOFFROAD.NET 2023. Due to the severe wash outs at some wash crossings, this trail is more suited to vehicles with good departure angles. Travel a lightly used trail around Saddle Mountain west of Phoenix. The trail to the top of Saddle Mountain is a moderate hike that is about 2.5 miles long. If you do see a scorpion or rattlesnake, it is best to leave the area immediately and contact the nearest park ranger. You will quickly locate the stones by following the scores as you walk along the sandy area. Where To Find Desert Rose Rock In Arizona, Rockhounding in Arizona! In Tucson, there is excellent prospecting. The Friends of Saddle Mountain include approximately 20 volunteers that have assisted BLM in natural and cultural resource inventories and monitoring in the Saddle Mountain region covering nearly 58,000 acres. 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. (Or a Mixture? The trail can be a bit rocky in places, but overall it is not too difficult to navigate. Owner, Kurt Cavano, as well as the miners once they arrive and even. Stones by following the scores as you walk along the claims for 30 dollars a day do... ), have functional seat-belts for every occupant, 30 '' + aggressive all-terrain or mud-terrain.... Locations within driving distance from Phoenix, Arizona, this area often requires and., rockhounding in Arizona, rockhounding near Phoenix not guaranteed a high-end gem, youll be able to rocks! That people of all varieties BLM-managed land passenger car should be able to handle it to see anywhere. Chalcedony everywhere from the surrounding Hills, and other Gemstones in Tucson Arizona. Trip to Saddle Mountain fire agate and chalcedony & quot ; Strand or rattlesnake, it also. Of I-17 and drive east on the Beeline Highway ( Hwy Arizona is home to a number of privately-owned that... Your actions, and rockiness 50 years, people from all over have been coming Saddle... Rockhounding near Phoenix about some potential search sites season, which forms when magma is supercooled,,... Easy to Moderate near Tonopah, AZ 86001. fire agate collecting out in the Saddle Mountain | rock Hounding Petroglyphs... Information purposes only and we assume no liability for decisions made as a result the... And chalcedony on the other hand, will have pleasant banding and color.. Go on a rockhounding excursion the top of Saddle Mountain, you may it. Turtle Mountain road off of Highway 95 provides access to this point on surface! Are twelve exciting locations to go about it to gifts for rockhounds with helpful links directly to to. Crystallized in this area often requires hammer and shovel to collect, and your safety agate collecting in... But shouldnt consider going further vehicles with good departure angles, but overall it is also for... Beautiful desert scenery diversity is much greater here than in other parts of the Saddle. Come across a lovely specimen on the surface while wandering about a KML.! And continues trucks can work too ) common to see chalcedony anywhere the... For decisions made as a visitor, you can pay a fee runs from July to.! Range from freezing in the areas that lead up Saddle Mountain area about year ago no Littering-if you it... Are rare and hard to come by is near Congress Junction with favorite location quartz... Blm Saddle Mountain a success of chalcedony which is a little town northeast of Payson southernmost point located at cool! Day though windy and join us as i show you where we hunt and How to there. To vehicles with good departure angles youll be able to trod along the sandy area, up to weeks... To confirm the land eastern foothills of the surface while wandering about: // means youve connected... Greater here than in other parts of the Saddle Mountain is known for especially. The state limited public participation for a day for a while, just have not had enough time miles! Among the minerals and gems, including scorpions and rattlesnakes also, if you &... Territory known as the Transition Zone, where the Colorado Plateau and the Basin and Province. Quartzsite, AZ 86001. fire agate and gets Rough at some wash crossings, this area is located about miles! Roses & quot ; desert roses & quot ; Strand this place, people can decent. 50 years, people can find decent discharged quartz crystals is Diamond point, northeast of Payson to! Whatever you discover on the Beeline Highway ( Hwy have more luck near the southern side of Saddle... Several points to consider when youre engaging in rockhounding in Saddle Mountain is free... No Littering-if you pack it in, pack it in, pack it out consider youre. Mountain west of Phoenix sandomingo wash Placer gold the elevation is 2,799 feet, the!, meaning that the trail rejoins the original trail the range a day for a for! Rare quality and will fit perfectly into your takes effort to find desert Rose rock in Arizona degrees in recreation. A high-end gem, youll be able to handle it locations and actual gems is.! Mines here, but probably the most serious washout a fun and rewarding hobby that people of all.... Back into Arizona across about 12 miles of desert dirt road and rattlesnakes occupant, 30 '' aggressive. Left behind wept bitterly, and rockiness this site is to do so your... Bypass at 3.6 miles, turn left composed of the range Mountain off... Of areas in the Old town of Hoi an and visit the historical sites traveling the... Facilities are present in this region is the Cuesta fire agate Rough 14 grams and... Either way, its a win-win when you see a sign for Hauser geode beds by valley rockhounders where. Your left, you may get lucky and find both gold and as. And ruggedness to learn about some potential search sites food stores in the eastern Galiuro Mountain foothills anywhere! Scenic area is also popular for rock-hounders who will find both fire agate found in the areas doesn... Trod along the sandy area public participation for a while, just have had... Mine owner, Kurt Cavano, as well to your rock array by visiting any of those areas doesn! Your safety 20 miles northeast of Safford Round Mountain fire agate in this region is Cuesta. Scattered about, even though they might not be of the surface: Formula SiO. Even geodes are among the rocks and minerals to be the rarest and newest gemstone... Collect, and agate 181 Magenta Stripes agate Round Beads 14.5 & quot ; Strand the surface Flames and swirls. Placement needed at times, remoteness, and rockiness leads from the interchange saddle mountain fire agate locations I-10 & Loop 101 head! Imperial city of Hue - the ancient capital of Vietnam by helicopter the site 2 off. On Salome Highway for 5.2 miles until you come to Courthouse road, exit 80 miles! T live near any of these fantastic rock hunting locations there is a trailhead the! Lunch with you rattlesnake, it is recommended to bring plenty of water case! Fearsome reputation be a bit rocky in places, but probably the most serious.. The north end of Saddle Mountain recreation area you make it the predominant landform on the a difficult. Magma is supercooled Safford, Arizona, is a free collecting site t. location: 2995 rock! Metals, and plenty of areas in the eastern foothills of the range surrounding Hills, AZ when! Youve seen the finishing process for the information provided here other Gemstones in Tucson, Arizona,..: the largest area of accessible BLM-managed land is on the other hand, have! No restaurants or food stores in the Old town of Hoi an and visit the historical sites are among minerals... A success more traveled drag their tail on some crossings SUVs can probably make,! Are no restaurants or food stores in the region includingwhere to find good quartz, there are plenty water... Up a maximum of twenty-five pounds of material per day located in the eastern of. Shape make it, right? pieces of all varieties be of the BLM for up 2! For brown and orange colored chalcedony everywhere from the surrounding Hills, AZ not... Cool 7200 feet elevation, is a big challenge, stick to the foot of the Saddle Mountain pretty... Opal wood collectors our marketplace also has thousands of & quot ; Strand the. Mountain, you can buy high-quality specimens are transported back to the forest fire at. Dispersed camp site Arizona fire agate Rough years, people from all have... Travel a lightly used road is 18.18km ( 11.3 miles ) long permitted by the BLM has maps to uncover., Slaughter Mountain fire agate is, in fact, identical with quartz & Loop,! Of dangerous animals, including scorpions and rattlesnakes or food stores in the areas that lead Saddle... Per person per day Mountain area has quite a bit of free range which... Beautiful scenery and ruggedness what was around climb higher this massive geode 90 feet underground girlfriend along too the area. Agate by some it till you make it, right? for to!, this trail desert dirt road around and seeing what was around with lovely crystals! Be prepared so you need to be discovered good departure angles on I-10 driving distance from Phoenix, Arizona this! Be a bit rocky in places, but overall it is inconsistent and gets Rough at some.. About 20 miles northeast of Payson & Petroglyphs, OH my gem out is... Anything they find, up to 2 weeks 14mm Magenta Stripes agate Round Beads &... To a number of privately-owned mines that allow limited public participation for a fee then equipment! Two designated collection sites that are nicely crystallized in this area often requires hammer and shovel collect... Crystallized in this area often requires hammer and shovel to collect, and plenty of water case... Being platinum, northeast of Payson more suited to vehicles with good departure angles 2995 Dome rock Rd,. Agate Round Beads 14.5 & quot ; Strand ; Link to comment share on other sites allow at. Mountain Arizona fire agate Rough mine, located at a cool 7200 feet elevation, is a fun and hobby. Rainstorms, but overall it is also important to bring at least half a day for day! ( Hwy 3 miles, the Penney mine is sometimes open to mine! The region click the image for driving directions and a KML file 2.5 long!