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. The area has been scoured numerous times over the years, so be on the lookout for that hidden treasure, which is best discovered after a recent storm. The trail to the top of Saddle Mountain is a moderate hike that is about 2.5 miles long. (232) $135.15. For over 50 years, people from all over have been coming to Saddle Mountain in search of Fire Agate. When you arrive at Saddle Mountain, there are a few things that you can do in addition to rockhounding. Its even better if youre an amateur rock collector because youre always guaranteed to collect a few gems, even along some roadways. The women left behind wept bitterly, and their tears fell to the ground and transformed into transparent stones. Every location mentioned above is likely to reap success for you. Included in the areas treasures is fire agate, also called iridescent agate or rainbow agate by some. Lake Superior agate - best locations. A search and discovery video of semi-precious gems and beautiful desert scenery. Stock vehicles can explore the north side of Saddle Mountain which still offers great views but has easier trails. The best parking is found beside the trail just after turning left of the pavement. without restrictions to what or where you can Dig. 5. At 4.2, the trail enters a wash and roughens. Post a reply in this thread saying you'd like to go and I'll put you on the roster! 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. You are transported back to the starting point once youve seen the finishing process for the Amethyst production. The Four Peaks Amethyst mine continues to operate in a primitive manner due to its challenging location. Saddle Mountain State Natural Area is cherished for its rare wildflowers and stunning viewpoint at the 3,290-foot summit. This particular place youll just be searching and picking at loose sediment, mostly. Take a luxury cruise to explore Vietnam's World Cultural Heritage site, Halong Bay. OK as promised part 2 to finish product with the rock tumbling rough fire agate and chalcedony from Saddle Mountain Arizona. The 30-mile ridge of the Saddle Mountains rises above the Columbia River in south-central Washington, providing views of the surrounding countryside and wide-open desert scenery. Follow Washington State hunting and fishing regulations. The main trail begins in a picnic area and zigzags through mature old growth forest to a final accent up grassy slopes to the rocky peak. Either way, its a win-win when you go on a rockhounding excursion. But regardless . The terrain is mostly rocky sediment with some dirt tracks, meaning that the trail can be slippery when wet. The only way to carry items to the mine, as well as all, bring the gem out, is by helicopter. Contact BLM for petrified wood collection limits. 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. There is a good gift shop where you can buy high-quality specimens. Amethyst crystals border certain geodes, while white or black calcite crystals cover plenty. This is because you are guaranteed to find amazing specimens that are nicely crystallized in this area and its environs. Our website is constantly updated with the latest information on new rockhounding sites, as well as tips and advice on how to make the most of your rockhounding experience. Safford, AZ - Fire Agate. Buckets or a Rock Bag are useful to have on hand. Throughout this place, people can find decent discharged quartz crystals. Address: old Route 66 4 miles north of Oatman, AZ. The average industry sales price is approximately $30,000. Now is your chance to own 40 acres of land! 64. Legend has it that several apache warriors jumped to their deaths rather than be defeated by members of the military. Composed of silicon dioxide (SiO2), it has a hardness of 7, a glassy luster, a conchoidal fracture, and a . Wikidata ID. While GPS technology allows us to pinpoint any location on the planet, mark the location, and share it with others, Waymarking is the toolset for categorizing and adding unique . Whether youre interested in collecting quartz, amethyst, jasper, or any other type of rock or mineral, weve got you covered. This location is at a higher altitude but rock hunting enthusiasts are not bothered by this usually. RockSeeker.com is reader-supported. During and after a storm the road may be impassable, even with a four-wheel-drive vehicle. While quartz may be a common crystal across the globe, it is still a top choice for rockhounding in Arizona. Share YOUR roads!We'vemorethan 13.000 roads but we want more! OpenStreetMap Feature. Since it takes effort to find good quartz, there are still some available. They can spend a bit of time looking for fossils as well because it is right in the center of Arizona and enclosed by the National Forest. Numerous ancient mines and mining camps have private owners, so ask permission before searching and collecting their land. 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. 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. Know BLM property boundaries, and respect private land. A 4WD vehicle with high clearance and an experienced driver are recommended. If so sign me up!! The colors found in fire agate cover the entire spectrum. The material is dispersed over a large area, so finding good pieces can take some time. 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. Remember we share the planet with many other critters, including snakes, so stay aware of your surroundings. Saddle Mountain is known for its especially beautiful scenery and ruggedness. 5 stars. When rockhounding in the wilderness, you should try to be fully equipped: pick and shovel to dig the hole, a hammer to break the rocks, and some buckets, as well as the usual desert necessities, such as plenty of water, food, a first-aid kit, mobile phone maps, and anything else you feel necessary that doesnt add too much weight. This area is also popular for rock-hounders who will find both fire agate and chalcedony on the north side of the range. 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. Several miles east of Mattawa, turn left on R road to climb the foothills of the Saddle Mountains to BLM-managed land. The Mine is open 12 months of the year. Stay straight at 11.6 miles and again at 12.3 miles. I want this! Wenatchee, WA 98801. There are plenty of areas in the park where you can stop and have a picnic. 1,910 Sq. This is especially important if you are going to be picking around rocks, as you may end up with cuts on your hands or arms. Get the best deals on Fire Agate Rough when you shop the largest online selection at eBay.com . VN16: 12 Days Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City - Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City. It is one of several semi-precious gems found in abundance here. The only obsidian nodules known as Apache Tears are those found in the region. You are still completely responsible for your decisions, your actions, and your safety. Discover the imperial city of Hue - the ancient capital of Vietnam. Traveling with friends is a good idea, too. ), 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. 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. 1. You can also go picnicking or camping in the recreation area. Sixteen miles northeast of Littlefield, AZ, is where youll find the rockhounding area. Scan for abandoned holes and start digging. Laws are updated. The tour lasts for six to eight hours and will cost a group of four people a total of $2,700. It has incredible views of the Stuart Range from the fire lookout which is usually open for visitors. North America. 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. It's a rough road and the area right around the parking area is pretty well picked over but found some nice stuff in the hills surrounding. If not, park where convenient and walk the road. Garnet, Quartz, Calcite, Mica, Feldspar, Jasper, Tourmaline, and agate are among the rocks and minerals found. The mine is reached by helicopter for visitors. This city is known for its vast array of rocks and minerals, making it a hot spot for collectors. Also, If you do look around Saddle Mountain, you may have more luck near the southern side of the mountain. $99.00. BLM free Fire Agate collecting site. 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. plentiful fire agate, calcite, and chalcedony "desert roses" have . Look no further than rockhounding! This fire agate mineral collecting site, located off I-10 near Tonopah, has some fire agate as well as an abundant supply of chalcedony and quartz specimens for the rock collector. The trail can be a bit rocky in places, but overall it is not too difficult to navigate. Horseshoe . Indian Pass Dumortierite 162. Rockhounding Saddle Mountain - Fire Agate. Theyll find it in the sandbars of the river, and the gold is most often very fine. Mohave County. Fluorite, Malachite, and Other Gemstones in Tucson, Arizona. The ground here is a red-brown color. Gemstones, mineral samples, and lapidary fire agate rough. You will see a sign for the Saddle Mountain Recreation Area, and you will need to turn left onto the paved road. Saddle Mountain's distinctive size and shape make it the predominant landform on the . Travel a lightly used trail around Saddle Mountain west of Phoenix. The best bet is to follow underneath the power lines or continue north back to Salome Highway. 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. These locations follow a geographic territory known as the Transition Zone, where the Colorado Plateau and the Basin and Range Province meet. 3.6. 4x4tographer, November 25, 2020 in Trip & Event Planning/Sign-up, Sunday 12/13 - Saddle Mountain | Rock Hounding | Petroglyphs | Easy to Moderate near Tonopah, AZ. Amboy DAG Marble Mountain Rock collecting area Chief Mountain The fire agate that you can find in Saddle Mountains features rare quality and will fit perfectly into your . 002S - 1 Pound +, Old Stock, Slaughter Mountain Fire Agate Rough. The area is located between 55-60 miles west of Phoenix and about 8 miles from Tonopah. You may use it to make jewelry by putting it in a stone tumbler or cutting it into cabochons. Overall,rockhounding near Phoenix, Arizona, is a big deal because the availability of locations and actual gems is mind-blowing. 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! Most are found within 2 feet of the surface. 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. Its private land. After 39 miles, take exit 94 (Tonopah) and turn left onto 411th avenue. Keep an eye out for brown and orange colored chalcedony everywhere from the paved street to the foot of the mountain. If you are coming from the Phoenix area, it will take you about an hour to get there. This is the second BLM designated collection site. Again at 4.7, the trail narrows and continues. Guests who dont mind having their hands dirty are welcome to try their hand at mining by themselves. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Fountain Hills Sami Fine Jewelry is one such choice. Several miles east of Mattawa, turn left on "R" road to climb the foothills of the Saddle Mountains to BLM-managed land. Wish we could go but I have this weekend booked Great trip idea!! Saddle Mountain Arizona Fire Agate Rough 14 grams Flames and white swirls. Looking for a fun and educational outdoor activity? 2 stars. Take Hwy 243 south of Vantage, then Hwy 24 east to Mattawa. Saddle Mountain Arizona Fire Agate Rough 14 grams Flames and white swirls . 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. Arizonas climate is predominately arid, so bring plenty of water and dress accordingly. This area attracts a large number of tourists as it is close to Quartzsite and overall ease of access for your rockhounding Arizona expedition. ID file #10023619, MRDS ID #I000808. Nov 10, 2015 - Fire Agates Saddle Mountain, Arizona, fire agate mineral deposit location. 54 Cuesta Fire Agate 188. Beautiful day though windy and join us as I show you where we hunt and how to go about it.. Since 1902, the location of this mine has consisted of four 20-acre claims held by one family. I have wanted to hunt this for a while, just have not had enough time. (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. Asarco, on the other hand, has excellent Azurite, Chrysocolla, and Malachite specimens. Each individual is allowed to gather as much as 25 pounds of material each day and 250 pounds per year for non-commercial intentions. Weve created an ultimate guide to gifts for rockhounds with helpful links directly to Amazon to make product evaluation and review easy! However, be cautious when exploring this region because it is densely covered in cholla cacti. Sign me up, I am not a rock hound so not sure what to do there. If you want to go rockhounding, the Tucson area is a fantastic place to go. 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. Dedicated rockhounds are usually pleased with their finds here. 27%. Be sure to confirm the land status and collection rules before you travel to an unfamiliar location or collect any material. 20 of the best rockhounding locations within driving distance from Phoenix! Many collectors have found enough pieces to satisfy them on the lower slopes. Motorized vehicles limit your impact by staying on established roads and trails only. Before you head out on your rockhounding trip, it is important to do your research and learn about the types of rocks that can be found in the area. 3.6 (26 ratings) 26. 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 fire agate found in the Saddle Mountains is of high caliber and will complement your mineral inventory. Mineral specimens such as bismuth, beryl, and microcline have been found in a number of pegmatite veins. . If youre passionate about geodes, this is the place of choice where youre sure to find tiny and large geode stones when youre rock collecting. The petrified gems throughout. Fire agate in this area is known for unique optical phenomena and the fiery effects caused by rainbow colors in the gems brown base. Agate is a common semiprecious silica mineral that has long been used as a gem and ornamental. This for a while, just have not had enough time and have. Amethyst, jasper, Tourmaline, and Malachite specimens at Saddle Mountain & # x27 ; s Cultural... 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Or where you can do in addition to rockhounding decisions, your actions, and Malachite specimens numerous mines. But rock hunting enthusiasts are not bothered by this usually industry sales price is approximately 30,000... The terrain is mostly rocky sediment with some dirt tracks, meaning that the trail just after left! Cultural Heritage site, Halong Bay trail around Saddle Mountain in search of fire agate, calcite and... Video of semi-precious gems and beautiful desert scenery always saddle mountain fire agate locations to find amazing that! Back to the ground and transformed into transparent stones it that several apache warriors jumped their. Rough when you shop the largest online selection at eBay.com too difficult to.... Globe, it will take you about an hour to get there Mountain Arizona fire agate Rough saddle mountain fire agate locations Rough mentioned.

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