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Here at Rockhounding Maps, we give you access and information to the best dig sites for crystals and minerals in Utah. 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 Utah 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 minerals that can be found within them!
We are here for any questions or concerns that might arise about your adventures in mineral collecting.
Utah’s extreme diversity in rocks, gemstones, crystals, fossils, and minerals makes it one of the best rockhound locations in the US. The state’s various rockhound sites leave plenty of room to explore and collect specimens.
Have you ever dreamed of going on a rock-hounding adventure in Utah? Rockhounds can find Agate, Thundereggs, Petrified Wood, Jasper, and Crystals. With its diverse landscape, Utah 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 Utah 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 Utah 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 |
|---|---|---|
| La Sal Junction Area | 38.337677,- 109.400039 | Agate |
| Joe Wilson Wash | 38.2600970, -09.378958 | Agate |
| Old Paria | 37.205769, -11.964394 | Agate, Petrified Wood |
| Seaman Wash | 37.102103, -112.207111 | Agate, Jasper, Petrified Wood |
| Straight Cliffs | 37.452983, -111.257447 | Agate,Petrified Wood |
| Summit Area | 37.784431, -112.968756 | Agate |
| Brian Head Area | 37.672808, -112.831892 | Agate |
| Twisted Forest | 37.683736, -112.890922 | Agate |
| Casto Canyon | 37.788373, -112.3429575 | Agate |
Box Elder County is located in the state’s northwestern corner. Rockhounds can find several hot-spot locations in this corner of Utah, including Crater Island, Great Salt Lake, Vipont Mine, Birch Creek, Grouse Creek, Pilot Range, Promontory Point, Raft River Mountains, Promontory Mountains, Willard, and Snowville.
Rockhounds have reported finding a wide variety of specimens, including but not limited to
Jaub County can be found in Western Utah. It’s home to some incredible rockhounding locations, including Drum Mountains, Deep Creek Mountains, Desert Mountian, Spor Mountain, Tintic Mountains, Fish Springs, Dugway Range, and Topaz Quarry.
Topaz, gold, Opals, and Jasper are some of the most sought-after specimens in the area. But, there is plenty of more variety. Hounds might find some Agates, Pyrite, Sphalerite, Beryl, and Quartz.
The most highly concentrated areas in western Utah include Millard, Sanpete, and Seiver Counties. Each of these counties has several rockhounding locations, offering unique specimens to collect.
| Location Name | Longitude and Latitude | Rocks and Gemstones |
|---|---|---|
| Muddy Creek Area | 37.266796, -112.681779 | Septarian Nodules |
| Alton Area | 37.396149, -112.503178 | Septarian Nodules |
| Mountain Spring Peak | 38.040903, -113.620131 | Minerals, Topaz, Quartz, Fluorite |
| Meadow Spring Area | 38.062953, -113.646053 | Topaz, Quartz, Hematite, Fluorite |
| Modena Draw | 37.880942, -113.940194 | Topaz, Quartz |
| Iron Springs District | 37.713586, -113.2321750 | Magnetite, Siderite, Calcite, Apatite, Amethyst |
| Spencer Flat | 37.715022, -111.387092 | Concretions |
| Antimony Creek | 38.097767, -111.907953 | Stibnite, Gypsum |
| Coal Bed Canyon | 37.718867, -111.628664 | Clinkers |
| Tenmile Wash | 37.662194, -111.466322 | Gypsum |
Southern Utah, is an excellent region to find many interesting rocks and minerals. Some rockhound locations to explore in Beaver County include
If you’re interested in finding Azurite, Malachite, Pyrite, Anglesite, Sphalerite, Barite, Wulfenite, Magnetite, Tourmaline, blue-banded Agates, Garnet, Topaz, or Quartz I highly suggest hitting some rockhound locations in Beaver County, Utah.
Southern Utah has several counties that rockhounds can explore. Check out Iron County, Garfield County, Piute County, Kane County, or San Juan. You’re bound to find some sweet spots.
| Location Name | Longitude and Latitude | Rocks and Gemstones |
|---|---|---|
| Grosvenor’s Arch Area | 37.453199, -111.835531 | Fossils: Pelecypods, Petrified Wood |
| Mt. Carmel Junction | 37.246131, -112.665933 | Fossils: Crinoid |
| Kolob Reservoir Area | 37.388631, -113.058197 | Fossils: various |
| Cedar Canyon | 37.605111, -112.936478 | Fossils, Pelecypods (oysters) |
| Hansen Creek | 37.79890, -110.730575 | Fossils, Petrified Wood |
Northeastern Utah is home to one of the best rockhound locations in the state: Grand County. You’ll find various hotspots in this region, including locations in the Colorado River, The Needles, Agate Town, Sevenmile Canyon, Miner’s Basin, Bald Mesa, Thompson Springs, and Salt Valley.
If you’re on the hunt for Chert, Agates, Opals, Jasper, Quartz crystals, gold, dinosaur bones, Opalized wood, Calcite, Petrified wood, Selenium, and Agatized clams you’ll likely find some in Grand County.
Summit, Duchesne, Daggett, Emery, and Uintah counties are also home to various rockhound locations in Utah.
While we won’t always be lucky enough to find rare specimens, the possibility is there. Some of the most remarkable specimens found in Utah include black agate, thundereggs, woodstone, and meteorites. That said, there are a few places you might consider if you’re interested in collecting rare specimens.
Black blue-banded agate can be found at the Blue Valley in Beaver County. Look in the draws and washes, and you might score. Moss agate can be found near Cedar City in Iron County. Each location is in southern Utah.
Wonderstone seekers should explore Vernon Hills in Tooele County. There is also an opportunity at the Wonderstone Quarry.
Hungry for meteorites? They’ve been found in Utah on a couple of occasions. I’ll tell you, meteorites are incredibly rare. But if you’re interested in finding out for yourself, head to Loka, Salt Lake City, Drum Mountains, Park City, and Poison Spring.
Utah is one of the most rugged states in the US. The epic landscapes aren’t only stunning, but they’re home to numerous rocks and minerals worth collecting. Rockhounds from across the United States visit Utah for the rockhound locations and the unique specimens they can find.
The wide variety and number of rockhound locations to explore are two of the top reasons Utah is on every rockhound’s map of interest.
Rockhounds will find an immense amount of public land open for recreational use in Utah, which is one of the fantastic perks. National Forests and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) account for a significant percentage of land ownership. This means casual rockhounds are permitted to collect specimens, within reasonable limits, in these locations. Without a permit!
Rock and Mineral Clubs
Utah is an incredible state for rockhounds to explore and collect. If you live in Utah or plan to visit for a rockhounding experience, it’s a good idea to check into these rockhound societies and clubs in the area.
The Beehive Rock and Gem Club meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month, with a lapidary lab on the same night, by appointment only. Club members have much to look forward to, including regular field trips to significant sites, including trips to Obsidian beds and marble sites.
Single memberships are $15, couple or family memberships are $20 a year, and junior memberships are only $5.
Golden Spike Gem & Mineral Society
The Golden Spike Gem and Mineral Society is a non-profit organization focusing on everything from collecting, cutting, and polishing petrified wood to faceting gemstones and panning for gold. The club has an annual show with incredible displays, demonstrations, and prizes, as well as regular field trips.
Membership fees are incredibly affordable, with single memberships being $15, family memberships being $20, and junior memberships being only $5. Members have access to monthly meetings, regular field trips, and education regarding rockhounding, mineralogy, and lapidary arts.
The Southern Utah Rock Club offers monthly rockhound expeditions, a vast wealth of local knowledge and expertise on the hobby, and they even have a club-owned and operated lapidary shop.
On the first Thursday of every month, the club hosts their regular meetings, with lectures, displays, and frequent field trips. The club’s youth program is up and running. Members are always looking forward to the Spring Jamboree, which is the club’s annual show.
Timpanogos Gem & Mineral Society
The Timpanogos Gem and Mineral Society have members with interests in the general fields of mineralogy, geology, and paleontology. Society takes regular field trips to collect various rocks, minerals, and fossils.
The annual indoor show has been a major success for over 50 years. One of the reasons could be that they have a real, live, moving articulated dinosaur skeleton that moves about the halls.
The Wasatch Gem Society actively protects gemstones, minerals, and fossil deposits for hobby use. All of the assets, funds, and properties are devoted to the furtherance of the society’s objectives and purpose.
Member benefits include a monthly newsletter, access to their library of books and learning materials, monthly meetings, field trips, and affiliation with a national organization. Monthly meetings are held on the third Monday of every month.
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