Some of the links on our website are affiliate links. 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. Further research through the BLM resource would be helpful. New crystals can be exposed by rainstorms, but youll certainly discover the perfect ones when you get grimy and dig. Located in the eastern foothills of the Galiuro Mountains southwest of Safford, Arizona, this area has several active fire agate mines. Youll need to contact the site for specific information about when to visit. There is a cleared parking area with some fire rings. Bring a bucket or bag for your rockhounding treasures. However, rock hunting experts and rookies are still able to locate gold in the Colorado River. In order to collect rocks successfully, you will need to bring the right equipment with you. The largest area of accessible BLM-managed land is on the west end of the Saddle Mountains. $99.00. When visiting Saddle Mountain, make sure to follow the tips we have provided so that you have a safe and enjoyable experience. Technical Rating. Mineral specimens such as Fluorite, Agate, Garnet, and Jasper can be found in excellent condition. You will see a sign for the Saddle Mountain Recreation Area, and you will need to turn left onto the paved road. Thats just what youre looking for! Hello my friends! Detailed description: How to get there is as follows: From Phoenix, Arizona, take Highway 17 north. The trail swings back east and turns to two track at 6.6 miles and gets very faint around 6.7. Take care with the weather: hot in summer and cold in winter. Take Hwy 243 south of Vantage, then Hwy 24 east to Mattawa. Furthermore, since Saddle Mountain has attracted so many rockhounds over the decades, youll need to be patient if youd like to locate fire agate. Add to Cart. One of my favorite spots to find fire agate chips and pieces of fire agate. Primitive camping is permitted by the BLM for up to 2 weeks. Big River Agate 170. (A high SUV or other trucks can work too). Amid the third and fourth peaks is where the mine is situated. There are also some larger deposits for those who have the tools and patience to remove them without damage. Dedicated rockhounds are usually pleased with their finds here. A commercial amethyst mine is located in the famous Four Peaks of the most rugged portion of the Mazatzal Mountains, about forty minutes north of Phoenix, Arizona. 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. Each individual is allowed to dig up a maximum of twenty-five pounds of material per day and 250 lbs in total annually. Follow Washington State hunting and fishing regulations. 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 . Agate Mountain is a peak in Arizona and has an elevation of 4,892 feet. However, if youre up for a longer and more remote trip, take the whole 15 mile loop around Saddle Mountain. The wildfire burning on the western slope of Saddle Mountain in Grant County has now burned nearly 10,000 acres, fire managers reported Tuesday afternoon, amid windy conditions that make it The fire agate that you can find in Saddle Mountains features rare quality and will fit perfectly into your . The whole look is rated a 6.5 due to many washouts, careful wheel placement needed at times, remoteness, and rockiness. To use information contained on this site is to do so at your own risk. Now is your chance to own 40 acres of land! While this zone has been heavily exploited over the decades, there are still some nice parts to be found. Take Highway 97 north just past Liberty. 27%. We'll check out a site known for rock hounding to see if we can scrounge up some fire agate or chalcedony, We'll take a 14 mile loop of the mountain with a brief side trip into the heart of the mountain where we will be surrounded on all sides by gorgeous views and canyon walls. All Rights Reserved. Hello my friends! 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. There are many specimens to be found in the area, so feel free to wander about and collect. Opal Hill is well known for its beautiful and rare fire agate, opal eggs and quartz crystals. Once the limit is reached, anyone asking to sign-up will be placed on the standby list. Others may allow visits by appointment. Fire Agate Rough LOOK PICTURES . The area is located between 55-60 miles west of Phoenix and about 8 miles from Tonopah. 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. I am always amazed by nature and the earth, but these agates are over the top!Nugget Shooter Hats,https://nuggetshooter.com#!/HATS-and-T-SHIRTS/c/26703059/offset=0\u0026sort=normalMy Storehttps://nuggetshooter.comMailing Address:Bill SouthernPO BOX 576Morristown, AZ85342If you would like to help support our adventures and make an outing or two, check out my Patreon channel.My PATREON https://www.patreon.com/nuggetshooterjournalsIndestructible Shoes, Save your feet while Detecting, Exploring, Hiking! Since it takes effort to find good quartz, there are still some available. Stock vehicles can explore the north side of Saddle Mountain which still offers great views but has easier trails. Begin heading south on the moderately used dirt trail. A public subreddit for the discussion of rock hunting, rock collecting, crystals and mineralogy, geology, lapidary arts and rocks in general. Allow for at least half a day to do this trail. We are obsessed with the outdoors, and work constantly to bring you the information you need to enjoy the rocks and minerals you've added to your collection. From Phoenix take I-10 west towards Tonopah. 15.2 x 14.2 mm. The gem-type Saddle Mountain fire gates are a pleasant expansion to any mineral collection, as they are rare and hard to come by. I found a few nice pieces of fire agate, a bunch of nice regular agate and more chalcedony than I've found anyplace else. Wenatchee, WA 98801. Stay right at 10.1 as the trail forks and then stay left at 10.6 as the trail rejoins a more traveled trail. 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. Price: US $188.00. Rockhounding Arizona Location: 9049 Oatman Rd (Old Route 66), Golden Valley, AZ 86413. The Cave Creek region, merely northeast of Phoenix, does have some of the finest rockhounding youll encounter in a limited region in Arizona. Disclosure: These are links to Amazon. Amboy DAG Marble Mountain Rock collecting area Chief Mountain These areas are often rich in rocks and minerals. 9. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Allow for at least half a day to do this trail. Needles DAG Chambless Chambless. Fire Agate Saddle Mountain, Maricopa County, Arizona, USA. Once youve had your limit of rockhounding, take a stroll on some of the pathways that snake through the region, or pitch a tent so you can drill down early the next day. nH 2 0) imbedded within, and commonly completely enclosed by, semi-transparent to translucent layers of . As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. A type of Agate infused with iron and other elements in . Size. Trailhead is a short 4 mile drive from the gas station. Saddle Mountain is known for its especially beautiful scenery and ruggedness. If you are a rockhounding fanatic, then Arizona should be your first pick when it comes to finding amazing rocks. There are areas where you can metal detect, pan for gold, and sluice for gold. A rockhound might go insane just gazing around, but at the end of the trip, the collector will scour through a tailings pile for samples. Near the town of Safford, Arizona lies your ticket to finding fire agate, a brilliant gemstone found only in the southwest. S of Apache Nat. The lightly used road is 18.18km (11.3 miles) long. Merikanite Obsidian is a semi-precious rock. when you come out to the Mine, you go to the claims and you can dig to your hearts content. There are some trails in the areas that lead up Saddle Mountain if you want to climb higher. . Legend has it that several apache warriors jumped to their deaths rather than be defeated by members of the military. Sign me up, I am not a rock hound so not sure what to do there. Looking for a fun and educational outdoor activity? I hiked up in and around the mountain and had a nice time even tho I didn't turn up much in the way of Fire. There are no restaurants or food stores in the Saddle Mountain Recreation Area, so it is important to pack a lunch with you. The trail passes through two additional washouts, both of which have a bypass that is less difficult. This scenic area is also considered one of the best by valley rockhounders. Camping is primitive but great sunsets. This wash absorbs run-off from the surrounding hills, and as a result, its brimming with Apache Tears, which are Obsidian nodules. Traveling with friends is a good idea, too. You can travel by flight, train running along the Reunification Express, bus, or motorbike. 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 information provided in this article by YesDirt.com is for informational purposes and is subject to change. Entradas. You may get lucky and find both gold and agate as well. Item location: Raleigh, North Carolina, United States. The trail passes through several washouts. Travel west on Salome Highway for 5.2 miles until you come to Courthouse Road, then turn left. Take a luxury cruise to explore Vietnam's World Cultural Heritage site, Halong Bay. Overall, rockhounding is the right pursuit for you if youve often been intrigued by the natural deposits in Arizonas soils. If you are coming from the Phoenix area, it will take you about an hour to get there. Know BLM property boundaries, and respect private land. 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