Rockhound Locations in Arizona
Here at Rockhounding Maps, we give you access and information to the best dig sites for crystals and minerals in Arizona. On top of that, we’ve created a resource page to assist with answering all of your gem and mineral collecting questions.
We hope you enjoy your time on our site and come back often because we’re always adding new dig locations and crystal collecting updates. This is a great resource for anyone who loves rockhounding, from beginners to experts alike!
Rockhounding in Arizona is a great way to discover the state’s diverse geology and fossilized wildlife. The number of potential collecting sites here makes it an excellent location for those interested not only in rocks but also in minerals that can be found within them!
We are here for any questions or concerns that might arise about your adventures in mineral collecting.
Arizona Rockhound Locations
Some of the best rockhound locations in the nation can be found in Arizona. If you’re looking for red petrified wood, agate, jasper, fluorite, or copper-based minerals then Arizona should be your #1 location for digging for rocks and minerals.
Have you ever dreamed of going on a rock-hounding adventure in Arizona? Rockhounds can find Amethyst, Quartz Crystals, Fire Agate, Calcite Crystals, and other high-quality gemstone. With its diverse landscape, Arizona can be a perfect place for you to hunt for rocks!
Be polite wherever you explore. Always pack out what you packed in. Meaning if you stop for a snack while rockhounding at any site, clean up after yourself and pack your trash items back out with you.
Always do your research regarding laws and regulations, and don’t forget to ask for permission to access an area and collect specimens.
This article will discuss the top rockhound locations in Arizona and the different types of rocks and minerals you can collect. Don’t forget to make it to the bottom of the page because we list out the best rock and mineral societies in the state. If you’re serious about collecting rocks then you’ll want to join one of these amazing clubs.
If you’re an active rock collector in Arizona then send us an email about your favorite locations and we will feature you on the site and we might sponsor you as well. That’s right, we will pay you to go dig for rocks and minerals.
So, if you’re ready to embark on a rock-hounding journey, then grab your rock hammer, and let’s get started!
| Location Name | Longitude and Latitude | Rocks and Gemstones |
|---|---|---|
| New River area | 33.919423, – 112.104740 | Agate, Jasper |
| Agua Fria River Gravels | 33.643700, -112.315907 | Agate, Jasper |
| West of Cave Creek | 33.817775, -111.988531 | Red Jasper |
| Southwest of Cave Creek town, 4miles | 33.782371, -111.997915 | Agate, Jasper |
| Bloody Basin Road | 34.077281, -111.707283 | Agate, Jasper |
| South of Horseshoe Dam | 33.965233, -111.717598 | Agate |
| Limestone Gulch | 33.076183, -109.291580 | Agate |
| North of Mulligan Peak | 33.073571, -109.265988 | Purple Agate |
| Ward Canyon | 33.040103, -109.285863 | Red Agate |
| Three Way drive in theater, 1mi north | 32.961214, -109.239667 | Fire Agate |
| York Area | 32.894015, -109.212876 | Fire Agate, Carnelian, Jasper |
| Foothills of Sunset Peak | 33.115935, -109.267835 | Agate, Jasper |
| Apache Nat. Forest, 1mi south | 33.155034, -109.373695 | Agate, Carnelian |
| Both sides of road, Morristown to Castle Hot Springs | 33.953347, -112.490983 | Agate, Jasper |
| Burro Creek Bridge, Hwy 93 | 34.544811, -113.443189 | Pink Agate |
| Ellison Creek | 34.347330, -111.273463 | Agate, Jasper, Geodes |
The Round Mountain is a rockhound location near Duncan in eastern Arizona. This is a great location for all types of rock hounds.
The area is well-known for its rich deposits of minerals and fossils. In fact, it’s home to fire agates.
So, if you love camping and outdoor activities, Round Mountain is the perfect location to get started.
Cave Creek
You’ll find Cave Creek in Maricopa County, Arizona.
Rockhounding in Cave Creek is an excellent activity for kids and adults alike. This location offers a great opportunity to learn about geology and you’ll be able to collect a multitude of rocks and minerals
The types of gemstones you’ll find in Cave Creek are:
- Agate
- Jasper
- Rose Quartz
- Gold
- Thundereggs
The best time to rockhound in Cave Creek is after rainfall because the rainwater washes away some of the loose dirt revealing collectible gemstones.
Morristown
Morristown lies in the Northwest of Phoenix. I’ve spent some of my best days rockhounding in this area and have always come home with a couple of keepers.
You’ll be digging for the following rocks and minerals:
- Quartz
- Celestite
- Jasper
- Agate
- Tourmaline
- Feldspar
- Calcite
I recommend visiting this location during spring or fall because the weather is cooler which makes digging for rocks a little easier.
Payson
Payson is known for its incredible geological diversity which makes it an excellent rockhound location.
You’ll have plenty of opportunities to collect rare and interesting rocks and minerals like:
- Fluorite
- Quartz
- Agate
- Geodes
- Jasper
With so many hiking trails and scenic areas to explore, you will have an excellent time in Payson!
Rockhound tip: Payson lies in Coconino National Forest. This means some of the minerals found here are likely private property. Do your research and get the necessary permits before embarking on your rockhound trip to this great location.
Winslow
If you’re looking for an ideal way to spend a day or two, then Winslow is the answer.
Rockhounding in the Winslow area of Arizona provides a great opportunity to add to your specimen collection.
- Pyroxenes
- Feldspars
- Olivines
| Location Name | Longitude and Latitude | Rocks and Gemstones |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast of Rock Springs | 34.048390, -112.14340 | Copper stained minerals |
| South of Yuma Mine | 32.314749, -111.122109 | Willemite crystals |
| Old mine dumps, Sierrita Mnt | 31.877716, -111.194978 | Melanterite, Copper, Pyrite |
| Neptune Mine | 31.906389, -111.208056 | Fluorite |
| Bartlett Reservoir | 33.836656, -111.752052 | Fluorite |
| Jeep Road location | 33.906315, -111.769562 | Nodules, Thundereggs |
| Coronado Trail, mine dumps | 33.095223, -109.378786 | Chrysocolla, Turquoise |
| Emerald Isle Mine | 35.363644, -114.191730 | Chrysocolla |
| BiMetal Gold Mine | 35.155909, -114.081909 | Gold |
| Golden Gem & Vanderbilt Mines | 35.304927, -114.136007 | Galena, Pyrite, Sphalerite |
| Old Stanton mining camp | 34.156873, -112.736218 | Fluorite, Garnet, Pyrite |
| Oxbow & Silver Butte Mines | 34.168440, -111.353996 | Epidote, Fluorite, Dioptase |
| Natural Bridge | 34.320680, -111.457154 | Serpentine |
San Francisco Peaks
San Francisco Peaks offers tons of different rocks and minerals, including:
- Quartz
- Obsidian
- Fossils
Keep your eyes peeled to discover some amazing fossils and black obsidian.
Date Creek Mountains
Another promising location you want to include in your rockhound list is the Date Creek Mountains. This site offers some beautiful specimens, and the scenery is stunning.
The rocks and minerals in this location may be what you’re looking for. These include:
- Quartz crystal
- Hematite
- Chrysocolla
- Malachite
- Muscovite
- Siderite
You’ll have a great time in the Date Creek Mountains and will definitely visit again.
Golden Valley
Last on the list is the Golden Valley area. The location is well known for its rich deposits of:
- Agates
- Jasper
- Petrified wood
- Fossils
The best time to visit the Golden Valley is in the late spring or early fall when the weather is cooler.
How to Safely Rock Hunt in Arizona?
Arizona is an arid State that receives between 8 and 15 inches of rain annually. The desert regions are hazardous, especially for causing dehydration. Make sure you bring plenty of water if you plan to explore the wilderness and travel in a group to avoid getting lost.
Is Rock Hunting Legal in Arizona?
Most of Arizona is open for the casual rock hunter. If you wish to explore or hike through State-owned lands, you must first obtain a permit. You need to obtain permission to collect large quantities of certain rocks like fossils and petrified wood.
Rock And Mineral Societies
Daisy Mountain Rock & Mineral Club
The Daisy Mountain Rock and Mineral Club meet every first Thursday of the month. They offer several awesome perks and events for their members to partake in and enjoy.
Most notably, they host tours through the agate-rich region of Sheep’s Bridge and other areas. They also provide an annual scholarship to qualifying recipients!
The Lake Havasu Gem & Mineral Society
The Lake Havasu Gem and Mineral Society are open Tuesday through Saturday. They’re a museum of local gems and minerals and an educational non-profit.
Their goal is to educate people in geography and plate tectonics. They wish to enhance people’s appreciation for the land while providing scholarships to aspiring scientists!
West Valley Rock and Mineral Club
The West Valley Rock and Mineral Club meets every second Tuesday of the month. They’re known for their awesome field trips and beautiful finds.
Their field trips explore the desert, river tributaries, and mountainous regions of Arizona, providing access to a wide variety of minerals! It costs $15 per year to become a member.
The Black Canyon City Rock Club
The Black Canyon City Rock Club is the perfect place for young, beginner geologists! If your kids love to go rock hounding, then this club is the place for them!
They don’t have annual fees and welcome anyone to join their gatherings. Once a year, they host a field trip for children and help educate the next generation on everything rocks and minerals!
Mineralogical Society of Arizona
The Mineralogical Society of Arizona is the oldest rock-hounding society in Arizona. Their goal is to educate aspiring geologists and provide opportunities for hands-on experience.
Whether you’re an expert or an amateur rock hunter, you’ll benefit from this club! They host a variety of field trips, including overnight excursions!
Membership in these societies is open to everyone.
