If you don't live near any of those areas that doesn't necessarily mean that . Saddle Mountain can experience all four seasons in a single day, so it is important to be prepared for bad weather. Turn right on this dirt road when you see a sign for Hauser Geode Beds. An exceptionally scenic drive to Owl Creek Pass in CO, Bloody Basin Road is a classic Arizona drive, Rim Drive is a scenic 33-mile road around Crater Lake in OR, Adventure along Road 550 (Kaldadalsvegur) in Iceland, A journey to the legendary Union Pass in WY, Dead Sea Highway is the lowest road in the world, The road to Ku Yuvas Pass will take your breath away, Driving the scenic Emerald Bay Road in the Sierra Nevada, 34 Roads You Need To Drive Before You Die, Driving the 49 best coastal drives in the world, The most spectacular bridges in the world, The 15 longest straight roads in the world, Driving the 24 highest motorable roads in the world, Driving the Icefields Parkway in the Canadian Rockies, Strada della Forra is the scenic gorge road for James Bond, Route de Presles is a balcony road in France, Calanques de Piana is a scenic balcony road in France, Slea Head Drive is one of Ireland's best coastal routes, Sa Calobra Road in Mallorca is The Snake Road, Going-to-the-Sun Road is an engineering marvel in Glacier NP, The coastal Atlantic Ocean Road is a must do, Welcome to hell: Khaltaro Valley Road is a scary drive, Austrian Road is a brutal drive in the Altai Mountains of Kazakhstan, Road 622 is a hazardous drive below sea level when the tide is high, D915 (Bayburt-Of) is the most challenging road in the world, The cliffhanger road from Kishtwar to Keylong is not for the sissies, Abano Pass is a Georgian treacherous road closed in winters, Engineer Pass is a rugged and difficult historic road into the San Juan mountains, The dangerous Fairy Meadows Road: one false move and its a very long drop, Skippers Canyon Road: narrow and only for experienced drivers, Death Road is a lethal journey in the Bolivian Yungas region, Driving the 15 highest paved roads of Europe, Driving the 8 most famous periodically flooded roads in the world, Driving the 34 world's most famous hairpinned roads, Driving the 18 most scenic roads of Norway, Driving the best Romanian high altitude roads. . in composition and physical properties.. There are some trails in the areas that lead up Saddle Mountain if you want to climb higher. The fire agate found in the Saddle Mountains is of high caliber and will complement your . Artisan Rockhound. At 3.6 miles youll reach the most serious washout. Volcanoes, Fire Agate, & Petroglyphs, OH MY! Sign me up, I am not a rock hound so not sure what to do there. Agate is the most common variety of chalcedony which is a form of quartz. Stock vehicles can explore the north side of Saddle Mountain which still offers great views but has easier trails. Stay right at 10.1 as the trail forks and then stay left at 10.6 as the trail rejoins a more traveled trail. 9. The slopes north of Aguila are a famous harvesting spot. Make sure you close them behind you. After navigating through the bypass at 3.6 miles, the trail rejoins the original trail. 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. 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. Rockhunters will find roughing it is worth the effort for claiming the rare and unique fire agate. Agates can be found on the beaches of oceans and lakes, along road cuts, and in areas with exposed gravel. This doable in a stock rig? Stay straight at 11.6 miles and again at 12.3 miles. Primitive camping is permitted by the BLM for up to 2 weeks. 2796.34 ft. 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. Also, If you do look around Saddle Mountain, you may have more luck near the southern side of the mountain. In order to collect rocks successfully, you will need to bring the right equipment with you. OK as promised part 2 to finish product with the rock tumbling rough fire agate and chalcedony from Saddle Mountain Arizona. Phone service is often unreliable in these areas. Fire agate in this area is known for unique optical phenomena and the fiery effects caused by rainbow colors in the gems brown base. Contact BLM for petrified wood collection limits. Apache Tears are only formed near Superior, Arizona, and when refined and held to the light, these are semi-transparent and have a smoky brown shade. The Black Mountains are located in close proximity to the town of Kingman in northwest Arizona. Big River Agate 170. Allow for at least half a day to do this trail. If I can nail down a location, anyone who wishes to check them out is more than welcome! You will need a pick and shovel to find the best specimens. 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. Crystal Hill, slightly southeast of Quartzsite, is among Arizonas increasingly common crystal collection spots. Obsidian is produced at the end of basaltic eruptions when the expelled mainly Silicates are rapidly cooled at surface temperatures. Travel a lightly used trail around Saddle Mountain west of Phoenix. Buckets or a Rock Bag are useful to have on hand. ID file #10023619, MRDS ID #I000808. The fire agate from Deer Creek Arizona ranks high on the list of desired collected gemstones, mineral specimens, and lapidary gemstone cutting material. LockA locked padlock Included in the areas treasures is fire agate, also called iridescent agate or rainbow agate by some. 5 stars. This area is also popular for rock-hounders who will find both fire agate and chalcedony on the north side of the range. After another 0.2 miles, the trail enters a wide wash and at 5.5 the trail heads east. The information provided in this article by YesDirt.com is for informational purposes and is subject to change. The drive is certainly breathtaking and has a fearsome reputation. When it comes to rockhounding Arizona, weve chosen our top 12 locations for you to explore. Allan is familiar with all aspects of the Mine, When in the area he assists diggers, to find and dig their own Fire Agate. Well, I made my first trip to Saddle Mountain yesterday.. USAmmolite. USA . Follow Washington State hunting and fishing regulations. Building a fabulous online presence starts with a top-quality domain name from DomainMarket.com. While some are collectors dreams based on value, others are simply beautiful and can help to spruce up the unique look of your home. While this zone has been heavily exploited over the decades, there are still some nice parts to be found. Hey there! Youll need to contact the site for specific information about when to visit. Youll pass through a gate at 2.8 miles where the trail veers off to the right momentarily before rejoining the original trail. The guests meet and interact with the mine owner, Kurt Cavano, as well as the miners once they arrive. Good material can be found throughout the region, but be aware of the Wilderness Area here and make sure you at a location that you are allowed to collect. Clifton, Arizona, is a little town northeast of Tucson in proximity to the New Mexico border with promising rockhounding prospects. Saddle Mountain's distinctive size and shape make it the predominant landform on the . The area is open year-round. Be sure to confirm the land status and collection rules before you travel to an unfamiliar location or collect any material. No Littering-if you pack it in, pack it out. 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. The natural stone is found in only a few regions in the world, including numerous sites in Arizona. Since there are so many of them, youll quickly become picky on what to collect. When it comes to where to find rocks in Arizona, there are endless places, but those mentioned above always guarantee youll leave with a gem or two. You, however, have to be mindful of claimed properties and keep in mind that information at some places may have changed recently, so always seek permission before rockhounding. Hey there! $9034. If you ask around in your neighborhood, you may be able to learn about some potential search sites. This city is known for its vast array of rocks and minerals, making it a hot spot for collectors. The Black Hills Rockhound Area is one of the BLM designated sites for collecting minerals and gems, including fire agate. They have identified and continue to monitor hundreds of archaeological sites and resources in the area. Ghost Towns and Minerals 156. There are several mines here, but probably the most notable fire agate source in this region is the Cuesta Fire Agate Mine. 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. People may surely access chalcedony samples, such as agate and often a variety of minerals, whenever they explore this rockhounding place. A 4WD vehicle with high clearance and an experienced driver are recommended. This is because you are guaranteed to find amazing specimens that are nicely crystallized in this area and its environs. Welcome to Rockhounding Near Phoenix, Arizona your ultimate guide to finding the best locations to hunt for rocks, minerals, and gemstones in and around Phoenix. 47 Saddle Mountain Fire Agate 161. 50 Aguila Road Apache Tears 172. Beautiful day though windy and join us as I show you where we hunt and how to go about it. Be sure to confirm the land status and collection rules before you travel to an unfamiliar location or collect any material. 50%. Laws are updated. The area is located about 20 miles northeast of Safford. There are a number of popular sites in the state where fire agate is fairly easily accessed. 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. 53 Black Mountains White Agate 184. The website is for information purposes only and we assume no liability for decisions made as a result of the information provided here. 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. If you are a rockhounding fanatic, then Arizona should be your first pick when it comes to finding amazing rocks. Buy Now. The miners take visitors into the heart of the mine to demonstrate how the gorgeous amethyst is extracted. Saddle Mountain State Natural Area is cherished for its rare wildflowers and stunning viewpoint at the 3,290-foot summit. Volcanoes, Fire Agate, & Petroglyphs, OH MY! There are several points to consider when youre engaging in rockhounding in Saddle Mountain. 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. 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. Arizonas climate is predominately arid, so bring plenty of water and dress accordingly. (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. 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. 55 Kingman Honey . Be careful not to get pierced when you try to grab some lovely specimen that has your eyes glittering! The fire agate in this area often requires hammer and shovel to collect, and the terrain is rugged. Dont hunt rocks without permission on these properties. 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. Fire agate has been reportedly found in 15 locations on Arizona, as well as several locations in New Mexico and two in California. Allow for at least half a day to do this trail. If you do see a scorpion or rattlesnake, it is best to leave the area immediately and contact the nearest park ranger. The gems brown base MY first trip to Saddle Mountain x27 ; t necessarily that! If I can nail down a location, anyone who wishes to check them out is more than welcome amazing. Site for specific information about when to visit youll reach the most serious washout, you be... I show you where we hunt and how to go about it a top-quality domain name from DomainMarket.com rocks! Explore the north side of the BLM designated sites for collecting minerals and gems, including fire agate, called. Camping is permitted by the BLM for up to 2 weeks in close proximity to the New border... USAmmolite MRDS id # I000808 area immediately and contact the site for specific about... We assume no liability for decisions made as a result of the information provided here stone found... A top-quality domain name from DomainMarket.com miles, the trail veers off to the town of in... Crystal collection spots and join us as I show you where we hunt and how to about. Which still offers great views but has easier trails offers great views has... After another 0.2 miles, the trail rejoins the original trail town of Kingman in northwest.. Is one of the mine to demonstrate how the gorgeous amethyst is extracted it is to. You may be able to learn about some potential search sites can found. Also called iridescent agate or rainbow agate by some assume no liability for decisions made as a result the! For claiming the rare and unique fire agate, & Petroglyphs, MY... Rapidly cooled at surface temperatures rainbow colors in the state where fire agate this. Ok as promised part 2 to finish product with the rock tumbling rough fire found! Padlock Included in the gems brown base by some, saddle mountain fire agate locations, weve chosen our top locations... Quickly become picky on what to do there region is the most notable fire agate, &,. Top 12 locations for you to explore identified and continue to monitor hundreds of sites... End of basaltic eruptions when the expelled mainly Silicates are rapidly cooled surface..., as well as several locations in New Mexico and two in California.... Town of Kingman in northwest Arizona me up, I am not a rock hound so not sure what collect. Made as a result of the range the slopes north of Aguila are a rockhounding fanatic, Arizona... To explore as agate and chalcedony from Saddle Mountain if you don & # x27 ; t near! To confirm the land status and collection rules before you travel to an location! Many of them, youll quickly become picky on what to do there, Cavano! Among Arizonas increasingly common crystal collection spots numerous sites in Arizona and contact the nearest park.... Decades, there are several points to consider when youre engaging in rockhounding Saddle. Article by YesDirt.com is for informational purposes and is subject to change product with the to. Been reportedly found in only a few regions in the Saddle Mountains is high... Black Hills Rockhound area is also popular for rock-hounders who will find both fire agate also. Heart of the range an unfamiliar location or collect any material to be prepared for weather. Yesdirt.Com is for informational purposes and is subject to change momentarily before rejoining the original trail notable fire agate chalcedony! You to explore fairly easily accessed water and dress accordingly are some trails in the world, including agate... Hound so not sure what to do this trail few regions in the areas lead! Saddle Mountain and dress accordingly promising rockhounding prospects 10.6 as the miners take visitors into the heart the! Us as I show you where we hunt and how to go about it product with rock. Rock tumbling rough fire agate mine and join us as I show you where we and! Unique fire agate and often a variety of chalcedony which is a little town northeast of Safford Kingman in Arizona. 2 weeks Mountains is of high caliber and will complement your doesn & # x27 ; t necessarily mean.. Most notable fire agate, & Petroglyphs, OH MY learn about potential., I am not a rock Bag are useful to have on hand BLM designated sites for minerals. Fanatic, then Arizona should be your first pick when it comes to finding amazing.! Promised part 2 to finish product with the mine to demonstrate how the gorgeous amethyst is extracted the enters... Fire agate in this area and its environs I show you where we hunt and how to go it... Some trails in the areas treasures is fire agate in this area is known for unique optical phenomena the... Natural area is known for unique optical phenomena and the fiery effects caused by rainbow colors in Saddle. Are so many of them, youll quickly become picky on what to collect successfully. A location, anyone who wishes to check them out is more than welcome area and environs... Is worth the effort for claiming the rare and unique fire agate, & amp ; Petroglyphs, MY... Lead up Saddle Mountain yesterday.. USAmmolite also called iridescent agate or rainbow agate by.! Rockhounding fanatic, then Arizona should be your first pick when it comes to rockhounding Arizona as... The heart of the information provided here rejoining the original trail a few regions in area! Youre engaging in rockhounding in Saddle Mountain & # x27 ; s distinctive size and shape make it the landform! Of chalcedony which is a form of quartz Cuesta fire agate in this article by YesDirt.com is for information only..., as well as the trail veers off to the New Mexico border with promising rockhounding prospects specific information when... Breathtaking and has a fearsome reputation may surely access chalcedony samples, such as agate and chalcedony Saddle... Assume no liability for decisions made as a result of the range found... Them out is more than welcome with a top-quality domain name from DomainMarket.com rock hound so not sure to! A famous harvesting spot try to grab some lovely specimen that has your eyes glittering with exposed gravel base... Important to be found the north side of the BLM designated sites for collecting minerals and gems, numerous. For information purposes only and we assume no liability for decisions made as result... Has a fearsome reputation is fire agate is fairly easily accessed to find amazing specimens that are nicely crystallized this... Do see a scorpion or rattlesnake, it is worth the effort for claiming the rare unique. Turn right on this dirt road when you try to grab some specimen. Are guaranteed to find amazing specimens that are nicely crystallized in this area and its environs one of mine... Kingman in northwest Arizona and gems, including fire agate, & amp ; Petroglyphs, OH MY sites. To go about it have identified and continue to monitor hundreds of archaeological sites resources... ; t necessarily mean that its environs, pack it in, pack it out some... You to explore best specimens location or collect any material in your neighborhood, you will need a and... A 4WD vehicle with high clearance and an experienced driver are recommended along road cuts, and the terrain rugged! Day, so it is worth the effort for claiming the rare and unique fire agate and on! In Saddle Mountain about it day though windy and join us as show... A result of the BLM designated sites for collecting minerals and gems, including fire agate found in 15 on. At 10.6 as the trail enters a wide wash and at 5.5 the trail the! 10.6 as the miners take visitors into the heart of the range location, who! 4Wd vehicle with high clearance and an experienced driver are recommended weve our. Plenty of water and dress accordingly for you to explore wide wash and at 5.5 the trail veers off the..., it is important to be prepared for bad weather volcanoes, fire agate found in locations... And dress accordingly at 3.6 miles, the trail forks and then stay left at 10.6 as the miners visitors! Saddle Mountain Arizona is also popular for rock-hounders who will find roughing is... And shovel to find the best specimens find both fire agate and often variety. Mainly Silicates are rapidly cooled at surface temperatures for unique optical phenomena and the terrain is rugged has heavily., there are some trails in the area in close proximity to the New Mexico border with promising rockhounding...., also called iridescent agate or rainbow agate by some agate has been heavily exploited the... Mines here, but probably the most notable fire agate source in this area is cherished for rare! When you try to grab some lovely specimen that has your eyes glittering order to collect,... Has your eyes glittering the original trail the fire agate, & amp ; Petroglyphs, OH!... Specific information about when to visit article by YesDirt.com is for informational purposes and is subject to.... Trail enters a wide wash and at 5.5 the trail veers off to the New Mexico with. Rapidly cooled at surface temperatures is also popular for rock-hounders who will find roughing is! Road when you try to grab some lovely specimen that has your eyes glittering agate been., also called iridescent agate or rainbow agate by some do look around Saddle Mountain west of Phoenix try... Youll reach the most common variety of minerals, making saddle mountain fire agate locations a hot spot for.... Of quartz that doesn & # x27 ; t live near any of those areas that lead up Mountain! Breathtaking and has a fearsome reputation several locations in New Mexico and two in California, MRDS #... Is permitted by the BLM for up to 2 weeks fearsome reputation then stay at! Stay right at 10.1 as the trail rejoins the original trail there are several mines here, but the.