The number of potential collecting sites here makes it an excellent location for those interested not only in rocks, but also minerals that can be found within them! There are two routes, one near the Bonanza (likely the way you would go) and the other entrance through Verdi/Mogul area. Third edition, revised by Gary Warren. Goose Creek and Rock Springs Creek are both good locations to poke around and see what you can find. The stones themselves are volcanic Located 45 miles outside of Reno, Churchill Butte is near Stagecoach. From your map I plan on getting down to the sites near Tonopah this September to investigate/collect. I plan on expanding the map to include sites in California, Oregon and Utah in the future and will also be integrating a form for submitting your own locations. Today, more than 20 minerals are mined in Nevadasome so unique theyve drawn the likes of businesses like Tesla and Panasonic. Boron area rockhounding map featured in March 1958 Desert Magazine article. Youll also find several picnic sites and barbeque areas to spend time alone or with loved ones. ATVs are a very useful tool when exploring the Pine Nut Mountains. Modern Rockhounding and Prospecting Handbook $19.73 A must have for every serious rockhound! The Sierra Nevada runs through California and is home to many rocks and minerals. Im not the only one with a page with info on Petersen, mines just popular haha. Nevada Adventure, On The Rocks You never quite imagine a hobby like rockhounding may creep into your life and steal all your free time, then you discover a world of garnets, turquoise, opals and beyond right in the heart of the Silver State. This spot isnt a secret by any stretch, but you can still find some good pieces here. I know that I speak for everyone up there when I say thats the very LAST thing we would ever want to do. I wouldnt want to be trespassing. "On the Hunt: A Guide to Rockhounding in Nevada'' provides entry-level information on respectful rockhounding, as well as tips, tools needed, maps, and resources for gem identification. (jpg) Transportation Maps: NCA Road Map 1 NCA Road Map 2 NCA Road Map 3 Though you may want to note that all of Petersen Mountain is claimed, and collecting without permission is NOT allowed (there is no crystal bearing ground that is not claimed; the various claims go all the way to the bottom of the mountain). What kind of rocks/minerals/crystals are located near Churchill Butte? These little critters lived in Nevada over 500 million years ago! 4. Sometimes during the spring months the lake will have water in it, if you get lucky enough to visit when there is water in the lake, concentrate your search along the shoreline. Take some time to check around the sides of the roads in this area as well as thesurrounding hills and youre likely to find some great specimens for your collection. Here, you can also find a variety of other gems, such as quartz, jasper, and tourmaline. Silver City features historic structures and was also important during the silver mining boom in Nevada history. The Nightingale exit is located about 45 minutes outside of Reno off of Highway 80. Crook County is rightfully known as the rockhound capital of the world. Look no further. The areas mentioned below are known locations with fossils and petrified wood, but these are general locations. Want to get a bit more hands on? All of these locationsmake Reno and its surrounding areas a fantastic place to find an incredible array and volume of rocks. 1988, Ch. I am new to the area and would like to go to Crystal peak. Hey Troy, Nice site! Respect the environment when collecting rocks by leaving the area exactly as you found it. Contained in these location guides are maps and links to GPS coordinates where you can begin your very own rockhounding adventures. Theres something else besides turquoise and garnets in them thar hills. Plenty of areas to prospect. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "raregold-20"; Your email address will not be published. Hi Troy. No matter where you live in the U.S., there are likely many exciting rockhounding sites nearby. Nevada was one of the most famous areas for silver discovery in the 1800s. Fluorescent Chalcedony Geodes - Just north of Jackpot, NV. Sink your pickaxe into massive tailing piles at the Otteson Brothers Turquoise Mine Tours in Tonopah. Good luck! Some of the best rockhounding in southern Nevada lies outside Goldfield, in a place called Gemfield. There is some pretty good fossil hunting around the town of Fallon. Located east of Las Vegas is Valley of Fire State Park. Club members meet every first Tuesday of the month except for July and December. Its around there, and not connected to the Virgin Valley petrified deposits. I can just take down the link but again, what good will that do? Popular Posts: It isnt marked on your map so I figured I would make a suggestion. Use our interactive maps to find public lands sites information books and maps Updated regularly All western states Purchase merchandise topos maps books and public lands items Enter search terms or phrases in the box above separated by commas or. There are a variety of mines and mills in Virginia City to check out including: What kind of rocks/minerals/crystals are locatedin and aroundVirginia City? 401 N. Carson StreetCarson City, NV 89701. Any suggestions would be appreciated. https://www.renoroadtrippers.com/day-trips/nevada-rockhounding-map/, http://www.sourcecatalog.com/nv/s_nv.html. This is a great resource for anyone who loves rockhounding, from beginners to experts alike! Are there sites safer than others youd recommend or is it just not recommended for kids? Let's begin with some locations in Northern Nevada! It has interactive map too, with directions and descriptions. Copyright 2022 Rockhound Resource | Birch on Trellis Framework by Mediavine, A general overview of rockhounding in the state, Descriptions of rockhounding sites with GPS coordinates, Information on where to find popular specimens, General rockhounding laws and links to helpful resources. If you doubt the veracity of any of the assertions I have made go talk to the BLM, MSHA, or the State Mine inspector. , Not all of Peterson mountain is claimed. There are three different rockhounding locations to be found here: Wonderstone Mountain A, Wonderstone Mountain B and Green Mountain. The state's 94 best rockhounding sites are featured in this well-researched guidebook. Hello, were almost total newbies so hoped you might share some advice. The most popular (and valuable) minerals commonly mined in Nevada include opals and turquoise. Various extinct plant species can be found in the area. What is the most productive place to look? If you are planning a hike where there will be rocks to pick through, consider packing one of the following: Disclosure: These are links to Amazon. These hills also yield a kaleidoscopic spectrum of precious and semiprecious gems, too. It is still worth noting that you may very well be the only person around for miles. Thank you! Some of the best opal mines in Nevada can be found in this regionjust take your pick. Location: Idaho, United States. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. We are here for any questions or concerns that might arise about your adventures in mineral collecting. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; Simply explore the areas right around and outside of town to discover your treasures! Thank you for any advice. We can rarely offer acreage like this so close to downtown Blowing Rock which has views in every direction. Carson City has a number of parks and historic locations to explore, as well as a variety of mines, including the Carson Mine. Rockhounding Locations in Northern California. There are a nice variety of different minerals here, one of which is top quality petrified wood. You'll also need lots of drinking water and snacks. It served the miners and desert communities until 1940. We have better things to do (like dig crystals and go rockhounding ourselves). Great site! This is one of the more expensive gem hunting expeditions you'll go on but it's well worth it, especially if you dig within the bank area. Another surprise? Are you aware of another petrified wood location east of SR 34? More Information. if (window.addEventListener){ window.addEventListener("message", function(event) { if(event.data.length >= 22) { if( event.data.substr(0, 22) == "__MM-LOCATION.REDIRECT") location = event.data.substr(22); } }, false); } else if (window.attachEvent){ window.attachEvent("message", function(event) { if( event.data.length >= 22) { if ( event.data.substr(0, 22) == "__MM-LOCATION.REDIRECT") location = event.data.substr(22); } }, false); }. Rockhounding at Garnet Hill Tonopah Turquoise Oak Springs Trilobite Area Rocks from Gemfield W ith a bit of research (the best place to start is right on Travel Nevada's website ), you'll find dozens of rockhounding destinations in Nevada, but these are some of the standouts: Virgin Valley (Denio, Northern Nevada). Nevada Rockhounding Map So, where are the best places for Elko, Nevada rockhounding? Your email address will not be published. What kind of rocks/minerals/crystals are located inNightingale? The desert all around Goldfield is a good area to search for petrified wood (as well as gold of course). 259, Sec. Some folks practiced prospecting along the way, but after Nevadas first gold discovery in what would become Dayton, many stuck around to see what else they might find. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. The area is full of horned and fence lizards. Snap a photographic gem while you were getting after that rockin Nevada geology? Here are a few areas where to public can go and dig: Bonanza Opal Mine This site has been frequented by rockhounds for years, so the pickings are not as plentiful as they once were. For fossil hunters, there are some good places to look for various plant fossils. OMG I cant believe I forgot to put that in Crystal Peak Mine is one of our favorite spots and what got us started in rockhounding. Leave the artifacts where you find them? Get Your Free Nevada Magazine & Visitor Guide. Since I was taking the time to enter locations into my GPS I thought itd be nice to share this resource and save you the work. Or head east to the Ely area for another Nevada rockhounding location prized by local rockhounders and professional geologists alike. A rockhounding trip to the South Cady Mountains and then to the Mesquite Spring petroglyph site. Sorry for the inconvenience! With a nickname as sterling as the Silver State, you better believe Nevadas a jackpot of mining history. Nevada is a total paradise for rockhounds, with thousands of dig sites brimming with obsidian, chalcedony, agate, jasper, quartz, garnets, black fire opal, and turquoise, to name a few. Located in Virgin Valley, Nevada, Royal Peacock Mine features some of the most gorgeous black fire opals you'll find in North America. The Black Rock Desert region is in the northwestern Great Basin and northwestern Nevada. Also am considering bringing my dogor not. This is one of my favorite parts of Nevada. Check out our Google maps list at https://www.renoroadtrippers.com/day-trips/nevada-rockhounding-map/ we havent found too many new spots beyond those. There is some amazing stuff in Davis Creek, CA check out this page though which lists some amazing Obsidian sources in the area: http://www.sourcecatalog.com/nv/s_nv.html. GPS Coordinates: N3803.315', W11747.310' (WGS 84) LOCATION: Along a dirt road (a high-clearance vehicle is advisable), approximately 3 miles north. Fortunately, there are a variety of amazing rockhound locations in Nevada you can try. Some top quality ammonite specimens have been collected from this remote part of northeastern Nevada. The closest town in Mina, and the collecting site is about 10 miles east of town. Rockhounding is ideal for the whole family but remember to carry adequate water, food, and a map. By the way, I could create a Petersen blog post and put the link with in the map link that basically outlines proper etiquette, responsibilities and a statement from the line owners perhaps? The best rockhounding locations in the United States include the Oregon Beaches, Lake Superior, Crater of Diamonds State Park, Emerald Hollow Mine, Jade Cove Trail, Gold Prospecting Adventure, Fossil Butte National Monument, Rainbow Ridge Opal Mine, Spectrum Sunstone Mine, or Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine. Its actually pulled from the published rockhounding books! Tag those shots #NVAdventure to share them with your fellow rockhounds. Turn west; travel northwest on dirt roads, past Antelope Springs. Best Rockhounding Sites Near MeSome of the best rockhounding in southern Nevada lies outside Goldfield, in a place called Gemfield. Home to the largest silver discovery ever made, Nevada earned its reputation as the Silver State more than 150 years ago. Local and visiting geologists and rockhounds head to Garnet Hill for sizable garnets that can be found laying right on top of the ground, lodged in matrix, or buried in large deposits beneath the ground. This site is devoted to sharing my love of rocks with you. #gltlove. Fortunately, there are a variety of amazing rockhound locations in Nevada you can try. What kind of rocks/minerals/crystals are located on and around the Pine Nut Mountains? Try the alternate route and you will find a second crystal mine. With a little exploration, youll find something unique and remarkable during your rockhounding excursion at Valley of Fire State Park. Garnet Hill is located in White Pine County. Good collecting can be found along Disaster Peak road west of town. Ethical and safe rockhounding is good rockhounding. 11. Simply go to Google Maps and start searching for evidence of dry lake beds that are located on BLM land. And any advice or tips? October 14, 2016. This site contains affiliate links to products. 3902. There is a wildlife management area and the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial just east of Fernley, so there are lots of places to explore. The information provided in this article by YesDirt.com is for informational purposes and is subject to change. Maybe you could let us know . If you enjoyed learning about this place, be sure to check out another popular treasure hunting spot in the Silver State: The One-Of-A-Kind Mine In Nevada Where You Can Dig For Opals. 1988, Ch. If you want to add some locations in Utah try: http://www.rockhoundingutah.com. With a bit of patience, youre sure to find some incredible specimens to add to your collection. The park is always open and requires a $5 entrance fee; camping is permitted here as well. It should be noted that Nevada is the most remote state in the country. Tag those shots #NVAdventure to share them with your fellow rockhounds. Gem Trails of Nevada by James R. Mitchell Only $14.99 Visit the places where experienced rock and mineral collectors have found success! Have you visited this popular rockhounding destination before? Time for an outdoor sauna? Our scanners detect that you arrived on our site using Internet Explorer. And if you do, maybe you need help with your website and advertising because I havent heard anything haha! Some nice samples of bogwood and petrified wood can be found near the Idaho border just south of Jackpot. Actually there are two separate routes to Crystal Peak, one through Verdi right behind the Bonanza casino and then the northern route from Bordertown. Though the rest of the state is loaded with dig sites presenting this kind of diversity, Gemfield is special because so many different types of rocks and minerals are found within one area. Used to live in the desert so kinda know her moods. Motorized vehicles and bicycles are not allowed in Wilderness Areas. 1988, Ch. We had an SSL cert issue. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. A . Learn how to. The Reno Gem & Mineral Society, Inc. 480 S Rock Blvd Sparks, NV 89431. Most of the major mines of Nevada surround Elko, Ely, Winnemucca and Lovelock, and make tours available to the public during summer months. With its vast expanse of mountains, dunes, and canyons, you can find a collection of the following rocks: From the beautiful desert views to the abundance of minerals and fossils, there is something for everyone. On vacation in 2017 went to the Agate Hill near Bryce Canyon and saw lots of agate in many colors and sizes. The local schoolhouse in Silver City was an archeological dig site. NCA and Wilderness Areas map (6mb PDF) Click on a Wilderness Area in the map below to view a detailed map of the area. Please give us your feedback, comments and any missing locales. Walker Lake has dried up several times during its history. Crystal peak you can get to by bordertown not bonanza. Hi Troy. If disturbed, a nesting pair may abandon their nest site and not return until the following year. Answer 11 of 14: Hello this will be my first trip to Arizona I was wondering if anyone could possibly suggest the best time march or april? You're our kind of people. Are you or any of the other claim owners offering fee day dig trips, tailings hunting, etc? It is, in short, a complete and outstanding introduction to the many 185799646300 The site was discovered in 1864 and features surface and underground mines. Climbing routes on cliffs used by nesting raptors in Zion National Park will be temporarily closed beginning March 1, 2023. Check out Reno Gem and Mineralogical Society I believe they meet on the first Wednesdays of the month. Rockhounding in Nevada is a great way to discover the states diverse geology and fossilized wildlife. Please do the right thing by your readers and claim owners alike by getting accurate information out. Is it still available? amzn_assoc_region = "US"; If they can make it to this site, they can google claim info. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; Lahonton is part of an ancient glacial lake that has nearly all but evaporated the only current lakes that remain from this massive ancient lakeare the Lahonton Reservoir, Pyramid Lake and Walker Lake. The area is full of horned and fence lizards. Unless there have been some unforeseen washouts you shouldnt need a 4-wheel drive however as you get to the parking area for Crystal Mountain the road gets a little iffy so I would recommend a high clearance vehicle or just take care when driving around the ruts in the parking lot. Whether its the newest item on your bucket list or the best wrong turn you ever took, whichever corner of this state you venture to, youre bound to uncover the kind of unexpected encounters, memorable characters, and only-in-Nevada experiences that make this place so damn special. The Largest Silver Strike & Biggest Gold Mine in the World, Turquoise, Black Fire Opal & Garnets Galore. 11. was factually incorrect, does a great disservice to the rockhounding community, and I take offense at your unjustified self righteous tone. I live near Carson City. Thats not the kind of energy we want on that hill. The mountain range stretches over 30 miles, going from north to south. This website is dedicated to the amateur rockhound who is interested in finding rock specimens for their collection. has tradiionally been called "Hallelujah Junction, California" and this is based on the nearest small town on. ADVERTISEMENT Let me know how the discussion with the armed guard works out for you. The small town of Berlin is well-known for fossils, since the Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park is located there. the best-known Opal field in Nevada is located in northern Humboldt County at Virgin Valley. You have my email; I would be happy to discuss this further with you privately through email or even over coffee / a beer. This isolated part of Nevada was once a thriving mining town. Quick Description: This is the only place in Idaho where one can find geodes lined with fluorescent chalcedony. But when people like yourself (and some of the commenters on this thread looking at you, Nigel) promote the false information that you wish to believe and makes you feel better about your favored paradigm it makes it difficult to do that. Therefore, it has a plethora of mines to discover along with deserts, mountains, lakes and rivers. Tools: Make sure you take collecting buckets, hand picks and a shovel. My husband and I find ourselves with 4 days to hunt in Reno. And beyond? Recent Posts, Rockhounding. Materials: Mostly Agate and Petrified Wood. What kind of rocks/minerals/crystals are located near Fernley. They are stored locally on your computer or mobile device. Rockhounding in Nevada can be fun when you know the ideal sites to explore. Buy on Amazon We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.