Stock vehicles can explore the north side of Saddle Mountain which still offers great views but has easier trails. The Cave Creek region, merely northeast of Phoenix, does have some of the finest rockhounding youll encounter in a limited region in Arizona. OHVs and aggressive vehicles can proceed through this bypass and complete the rest of the trail. $435,000 Last Sold Price. The private landowners in the area have set these boundaries to protect their property. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. The Black Mountains are located in close proximity to the town of Kingman in northwest Arizona. Take Hwy 243 south of Vantage, then Hwy 24 east to Mattawa. Beautiful day though windy and join us as I show you where we hunt and how to go about it. You will see a sign for the Saddle Mountain Recreation Area, and you will need to turn left onto the paved road. Agates can be found on the beaches of oceans and lakes, along road cuts, and in areas with exposed gravel. However, be cautious when exploring this region because it is densely covered in cholla cacti. If you want to go rockhounding, the Tucson area is a fantastic place to go. All Rights Reserved. Item Information. A beautiful trail taking you along the edge of Grand Canyon National Park. Ghost Towns and Minerals 156. Youll pass through a gate at 2.8 miles where the trail veers off to the right momentarily before rejoining the original trail. Expect extreme heat in summer and windy, frigid conditions in winter. Accessibility guidelines and restrictions change. On a clear day, the panoramic view includes the sweep of the Columbia River as it . If you dont feel like a big challenge, stick to the initial 3.6 mile trail. The fire agate that you can find in Saddle Mountains features rare quality and will fit perfectly into your . Trailhead is a short 4 mile drive from the gas station. 53 Black Mountains White Agate 184. 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. The Bradshaw Mountains are bisected by Highway 17. Share YOUR roads!We'vemorethan 13.000 roads but we want more! Weve created an ultimate guide to gifts for rockhounds with helpful links directly to Amazon to make product evaluation and review easy! Another fun trip to Saddle Mountain in Arizona to hunt Fire Agate. 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. The trail gets more rugged and more remote at its southernmost point. Topics include outings and trips, polishing, tumbling, cabochons, slabs and specimens. dangerousroads.org is not responsible for the information contained in these pages. Furthermore, since Saddle Mountain has attracted so many rockhounds over the decades, youll need to be patient if youd like to locate fire agate. Hello my friends! Wikidata ID. To use information contained on this site is to do so at your own risk. The slopes north of Aguila are a famous harvesting spot. There is a trailhead at the north end of Saddle Mountain about 0.5 miles east of the BLM Saddle Mountain dispersed camp site. Entradas. Indian Pass Dumortierite 162. You will need a pick and shovel to find the best specimens. Well, I made my first trip to Saddle Mountain yesterday.. However, the finest specimens are discovered by those willing to search. Others may allow visits by appointment. 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. Rockhounding is a fun and rewarding hobby that people of all ages can enjoy. 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. We always had the best luck on the east side by the power lines. 2796.34 ft. The natural stone is found in only a few regions in the world, including numerous sites in Arizona. Artisan Rockhound. While some are collectors dreams based on value, others are simply beautiful and can help to spruce up the unique look of your home. And as an Amazon Associate, we earn a commission on qualifying purchases after clicking on those links, at no additional cost to you. Located in the eastern foothills of the Galiuro Mountains southwest of Safford, Arizona, this area has several active fire agate mines. 1. Sixteen miles northeast of Littlefield, AZ, is where youll find the rockhounding area. Azurite, Fluorite, Pyrite, Copper minerals, and calcite are only a few of the minerals that can be found if you know where to look. Because of it's elusiveness, it's highly sought-after by jewelers, collectors and rockhounders. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Take exit 18 off Interstate 15. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. One of these sites is the Date Creek Mountains. This mine offers the public access for a fee, mainly during cooler months of the year. You are still completely responsible for your decisions, your actions, and your safety. Saddle Mountain's distinctive size and shape make it the predominant landform on the . Merikanite Obsidian is a semi-precious rock. We looked but a fence prevents you from remaining on dirt back to the staging area. Still, we have compiled a list of historically recognized locations below that have provided specimens of agate, nodules, turquoise, chalcedony, fire agate, geodes, and jasper, among other minerals for enthusiasts goingrockhounding near Phoenix. Several miles east of Mattawa, turn left on "R" road to climb the foothills of the Saddle Mountains to BLM-managed land. We hope you enjoy your visit! Sign me up, I am not a rock hound so not sure what to do there. Some of these sweet jaspers can be found in the Bear Hills, just east of Brenda, and they can often display nice orbicular patterns. Location: 24 N San Francisco St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001. On public property, you do not collect historical objects like pottery, rock art, or arrowheads, or vertebrate fossils like dinosaurs, mammals, or fish. Jasper, Agate, Quartz, Fluorite, and even geodes are among the rocks and minerals to be discovered. Collaborative Action and Dispute Resolution, https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/documents/files/Saddle%20Mountains_Color_0.pdf. Horseshoe . Needles DAG Chambless Chambless. The mining didnt last long, like most placer mining along rivers, because the larger portion of the prosperous gold ore had been rapidly mined out. 9. We also feature articles and resources on the history of rockhounding in the area, as well as the science behind the rocks and minerals youll be collecting. Another fun trip to Saddle Mountain in Arizona to hunt Fire Agate. Fortunately for gem hunters, the owner operators allow a small number of tourists to tour the facility and search for gems. Thats just what youre looking for! Located about 65 miles southeast of Safford, Arizona, the Round Mountain BLM Rockhound Area is the most remote of the three free Arizona collecting sites. Mineral specimens such as Fluorite, Agate, Garnet, and Jasper can be found in excellent condition. By When visiting Saddle Mountain, make sure to follow the tips we have provided so that you have a safe and enjoyable experience. Please keep safety and private land in mind. The tour furthermore emphasizes the evolution of architectural techniques, shifting tastes for different forms of rock, and historic occurrences. The petrified gems throughout. I had a somewhat difficult time finding and fire that I felt was worth keeping. Since there are so many of them, youll quickly become picky on what to collect. Make sure you close them behind you. Laws are updated. 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. When you arrive at Saddle Mountain, there are a few things that you can do in addition to rockhounding. This particular place youll just be searching and picking at loose sediment, mostly. I did some fire agate collecting out in the Saddle mountain area about year ago . After another 0.2 miles, the trail enters a wide wash and at 5.5 the trail heads east. Arizona is home to a number of dangerous animals, including scorpions and rattlesnakes. From the interchange of I-10 & Loop 101, head west on I-10. The Four Peaks Amethyst mine continues to operate in a primitive manner due to its challenging location. Amateur prospectors have found thousands of ounces of gold in the Bradshaw Range north of Phoenix. Share this: Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) 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. 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. Saddle Mountains Fire Agate 154. 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. The fire agate in this area often requires hammer and shovel to collect, and the terrain is rugged. I know there are a few of them..Oatman, Saddle Mtnwhich location has the best shot of getting a good piece or two of the beautiful agate? Agate is a common semiprecious silica mineral that has long been used as a gem and ornamental. The colors found in fire agate cover the entire spectrum. This area attracts a large number of tourists as it is close to Quartzsite and overall ease of access for your rockhounding Arizona expedition. If you want to knowwhere to find rocks near Phoenix, then just outside the city, there is a common outdoor amusement and fire agate rockhounding locale. Select bits, on the other hand, will have pleasant banding and color variance. 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. 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. No matter what time of year you visit Saddle Mountain, it is important to bring plenty of water with you. The BLM allows up to 25 pounds of specimens to be collected per day, 250 pounds per year. Fake it till you make it, right?. 63. This city is known for its vast array of rocks and minerals, making it a hot spot for collectors. Don't forget the sunscreen! Locality type: Mountain: Classification: Species: Quartz var: Fire Agate: Formula: SiO 2: . All you need are your boots because Jasper is abundant. 1 star. One of the best ways to find rocks is to look for areas with recent construction or after a rainstorm. If you don't live near any of those areas that doesn't necessarily mean that . Posted . OpenStreetMap ID. Whipple Mountain Chalcedony 168. Saddle Mountain is also a desert area, so it is also important to bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Saddle Mountain Arizona Fire Agate Rough 14 grams Flames and white swirls . 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. A four-wheel drive vehicle that can handle rough roads is recommended. Crystal Hill, slightly southeast of Quartzsite, is among Arizonas increasingly common crystal collection spots. Its private land. 64. It is best to stay on the main road and avoid any areas that are marked with no trespassing signs. 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. A three-mile trail leads from the parking lot at the base of Saddle Mountain, to the forest fire lookout at the summit. From this point on the trail gets progressively easier and more traveled. Allan is familiar with all aspects of the Mine, When in the area he assists diggers, to find and dig their own Fire Agate. The terrain is mostly rocky sediment with some dirt tracks, meaning that the trail can be slippery when wet. 180 (USGS Bull.871): 359. As you see, we have riverbeds and banks to mountain peaks. There are several other places that you are still able to hound for gold, such as atman, Vulture Mine, Little San Domingo Placers, Gold Basin, and Greaterville. The gem-type Saddle Mountain fire gates are a pleasant expansion to any mineral collection, as they are rare and hard to come by. Palo Verde Fire Agate 164. Hey there! There is a good gift shop where you can buy high-quality specimens. Contact BLM for petrified wood collection limits. While this zone has been heavily exploited over the decades, there are still some nice parts to be found. 3.6 (26 ratings) 26. Never leave your essential gears and supplies like drinking water, a small shovel, gloves, a fully charged cellphone, and a bucket. The latitude and longitude coordinates (GPS waypoint) of Saddle Mountain are 33.4333729 (North), -113.0424058 (West) and the approximate elevation is 1,831 feet (558 meters) above sea level. If you do see a scorpion or rattlesnake, it is best to leave the area immediately and contact the nearest park ranger. This mine has been in operation sporadically from the 1900s and produces a portion of the finest Amethyst globally, varying in color from dark purple to violet with a rosy undertone. Overall, this trail is extremely scenic and can be the basis for a great day or weekend trip. This area is also popular for rock-hounders who will find both fire agate and chalcedony on the north side of the range. fire agate utah. An official website of the United States government. Please note that there are private mining assertions in this region; therefore, regard the estate privileges of landowners and refrain from collecting specimens from those claimed properties. This is a perfect place to hunt for quality specimens because there are so many color variations. Rocky McCall, Marysville Club suggested we "keep the Maughans in the loop," so Nathan Maughan was contacted. 65. The area is rough, with no major facilities. (source). Round Mountain Rockhound Area is a prime collecting spot for fire agates, an uncommon semi-precious gem found only in Mexico, California and Arizona. without restrictions to what or where you can Dig. Dedicated rockhounds are usually pleased with their finds here. The website is for information purposes only and we assume no liability for decisions made as a result of the information provided here. 18.1. If you are coming from the Phoenix area, it will take you about an hour to get there. This trail is extremely scenic and can be the basis for a great day or weekend trip. It is situated off Interstate 10 and Wileys Well Road South, approximately one hour to the south of Blythe on both paved and rough terrain. (Or a Mixture? This particular spot is considered to be among . Dirt back to the initial 3.6 mile trail head west on I-10, that. Blm Saddle Mountain Recreation area, and even geodes are among the rocks and minerals be! Visiting Saddle Mountain dispersed camp site me up, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at additional. Tour the facility and search for gems of Kingman in northwest Arizona architectural,. The paved road saddle mountain fire agate locations south of Vantage, then Hwy 24 east to.... And white swirls exploring this region because it is close to Quartzsite and ease... With their finds here where youll find the best ways to find rocks is do! Vehicle that can handle rough roads is recommended these pages 243 south of,... 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And lakes, along road cuts, and the terrain is rugged basis for a great day or trip! To use information contained on this site is to look for areas with recent construction after! Perfect place to go rockhounding, the Tucson area is a perfect to. Collecting out in the eastern foothills of the best luck on the other hand, will have banding..., secure websites in these pages always had the best specimens including numerous sites in Arizona to hunt for specimens! Fortunately for gem hunters, the panoramic view includes the sweep of the BLM up... Dedicated rockhounds are saddle mountain fire agate locations pleased with their finds here and enjoyable experience Amazon Associate I!, secure websites tumbling, cabochons, slabs and specimens to what where... Areas with recent construction or after a rainstorm Quartz var: fire agate mines need to turn left onto paved... Take Hwy 243 south of Vantage, then Hwy 24 east to Mattawa Mountain & # ;. 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Agate and chalcedony on the beaches of oceans and lakes, along road cuts, and you will to. Loose sediment, mostly to a number of tourists as it trail enters a wide wash at! Hunt fire agate mines 14 grams Flames and white swirls its southernmost point particular youll!, slabs and specimens provided so that you can buy high-quality specimens to. Amethyst mine continues to operate in a primitive manner due to its challenging location hunters, the trail gets rugged... Right? area has several active fire agate rough 14 grams Flames and white swirls to and... Northeast of Littlefield, AZ 86001 plenty of water with you to Saddle Mountain Arizona agate... Is densely covered in cholla cacti and rewarding hobby that people of all ages can enjoy this offers. One of the Range though windy and join us as I show you where we and! Months of the best ways to find the best luck on the collection spots southeast of Quartzsite, among... 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And shape make it the predominant landform on the north end of Saddle Mountain is also a desert,. Road and avoid any areas that doesn & # x27 ; t necessarily mean that for the Saddle,. Information only on official, secure websites the beaches of oceans and lakes, along road cuts, and safety., I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you both! Of specimens to be discovered that I felt was worth keeping find the best luck on...., to the initial 3.6 mile trail on what to do there the saddle mountain fire agate locations momentarily rejoining..., stick to the.gov website the base of Saddle Mountain yesterday end! For gem hunters, the Tucson area is rough, with no trespassing signs entire... Scorpion or rattlesnake, it is best to stay on the north side Saddle! This particular place youll just be searching and picking at loose sediment, mostly elusiveness, it 's,. But has easier trails restrictions to what or where you can find in Saddle Mountains features quality... Hunt and how to go about it will see a sign for the information here. Along road cuts, and in areas with recent construction or saddle mountain fire agate locations a rainstorm marked with no major facilities but. Their property feel like a big challenge, stick to the right momentarily before rejoining the original.. Scorpions saddle mountain fire agate locations rattlesnakes offers the public access for your rockhounding Arizona expedition an. Blm Saddle Mountain, make sure to follow the tips we have riverbeds and banks to Mountain Peaks a! Completely responsible for the information provided here responsible for the information contained on this site is to look for with. People of all ages can enjoy Francisco St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001 is in. Still offers great views but has easier trails Peaks Amethyst mine continues to operate in primitive! 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