GEOLOGIC MAP OF SADDLE MOUNTAIN, MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA by Michael H. Ort 1 and Steve Skotnicki Arizona Geological Survey Open-File Report 93-6 May, 1993 Northern Arizona University Department of Geology P. O. This Two-week Camping Zone at Dome Rock Mountain is ideal for rockhounding Arizona Just like Littlefield, The Land Management Bureau appointed this public property as a rockhounding field. He has been working Fire Agate for about 7 years, and is welling to help people with working Fire Agate. If you don't live near any of those areas that doesn't necessarily mean that . The website is for information purposes only and we assume no liability for decisions made as a result of the information provided here. Volcanoes, Fire Agate, & Petroglyphs, OH MY! There are several mines here, but probably the most notable fire agate source in this region is the Cuesta Fire Agate Mine. Guests who dont mind having their hands dirty are welcome to try their hand at mining by themselves. 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. Rockhunters will find roughing it is worth the effort for claiming the rare and unique fire agate. Phoenix and the surrounding areas offer a wealth of opportunities for rockhounds of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned experts. (A high SUV or other trucks can work too). Take Hwy 243 south of Vantage, then Hwy 24 east to Mattawa. Saddle Mountain Arizona Fire agate spot; admin What is Agate? Table Mountain Jasper 172. Elevation. The wide-open pits are littered with piles of malachite, azurite, among other copper ores. Round Mountain Rockhound Area is a prime collecting spot for fire agates, an uncommon semi-precious gem found only in Mexico, California and Arizona. 5 stars. A type of Agate infused with iron and other elements in . Youll pass through a gate at 2.8 miles where the trail veers off to the right momentarily before rejoining the original trail. Either way, its a win-win when you go on a rockhounding excursion. (source). If you are looking for a great place to go rockhounding, look no further than Saddle Mountain, which is just outside of Phoenix, Arizona. Just as an FYI, always make sure someone knows where you are going and how long you intend to be gone beforehand when visiting isolated areas. A 4WD vehicle with high clearance and an experienced driver are recommended. Fake it till you make it, right? I may be bringing my son & his girlfriend along too. 15.2 x 14.2 mm. At the present time only a few diggers are allowed per day in order to maintain social distancing. On a clear day, the panoramic view includes the sweep of the Columbia River as it . 47 Saddle Mountain Fire Agate 161. https://indestructibleshoes.myshopify.com/?rfsn=5664779.c4ae61aNugget Shooter Metal Detector Sales NEED A NEW METAL DETECTOR?https://nuggetshooter.comNugget Shooter Hats,https://nuggetshooter.com#!/HATS-and-T-SHIRTS/c/26703059/offset=0\u0026sort=normalFRANKINPICK and Gold Spot Scoopshttps://nuggetshooter.com#!/SCOOPS-and-DIGGING-TOOLS/c/36161001Mail:Bill SouthernPO BOX 576Morristown, AZ85342 4x4tographer, November 25, 2020 in Trip & Event Planning/Sign-up, Sunday 12/13 - Saddle Mountain | Rock Hounding | Petroglyphs | Easy to Moderate near Tonopah, AZ. No facilities are present in this area, and snow and rain occasionally close the gravel and dirt roads. The best times to visit Saddle Mountain are typically in the spring and fall when the temperatures are a bit cooler. One item some rockhounds forget to pack is a first-aid kit. fire agate utah Actualidad. Wenatchee, WA 98801. Youll want to know the BLMs restrictions for collecting and use before you begin. 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 drive is difficult due to many washouts, careful wheel placement needed at times, remoteness, and rockiness. People may surely access chalcedony samples, such as agate and often a variety of minerals, whenever they explore this rockhounding place. Some of the links on our website are affiliate links. It's a loop drive around Saddle Mountain, pretty difficult and lightly traveled. Turtle Mountain road off of Highway 95 provides access to this area. This is a city, yet collectors will not have to head out of town to knowwhere to find gems near Phoenix, including a precious gem like agate. 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. Payson is a good spot for rock hounds to search when they want to knowwhere to find geodes near Phoenix. And as an Amazon Associate, we earn a commission on qualifying purchases after clicking on those links, at no additional cost to you. Powered by. 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. All you need are your boots because Jasper is abundant. There are no water fountains or water sources available in the recreation area, so you will need to pack all of the water you will need for your trip. The BLM has maps to help you get there. Bring water water water. RockSeeker.com is reader-supported. Amethyst crystals border certain geodes, while white or black calcite crystals cover plenty. It is also important to remember that the area is at a high elevation, so you may need to bring a jacket even if it is hot outside. One of my favorite spots to find fire agate chips and pieces of fire agate. USA . In order to keep the Saddle Mountain Recreation Area open and accessible for everyone, it is important to follow the rules and regulations set by the city. Its even better if youre an amateur rock collector because youre always guaranteed to collect a few gems, even along some roadways. If so sign me up!! Rocky McCall, Marysville Club suggested we "keep the Maughans in the loop," so Nathan Maughan was contacted. Detailed description: How to get there is as follows: From Phoenix, Arizona, take Highway 17 north. This particular place youll just be searching and picking at loose sediment, mostly. 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. While many of these sites are on National Forest land, several (particularly the mines) are potentially private property, so do your investigation and get approval before venturing on any property forrockhounding near Phoenix. Fire agate has been reportedly found in 15 locations on Arizona, as well as several locations in New Mexico and two in California. Wickenburg Nodules 158. 52 Burro Creek Pastelite, Opalite, and Agate 181. Deer Creek is located southwest of Safford, in the eastern Galiuro Mountain foothills. This trail is extremely scenic and can be the basis for a great day or weekend trip. The temperatures can range from freezing in the winter to over 100 degrees in the summer. Discover the imperial city of Hue - the ancient capital of Vietnam. 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. Each individual is allowed to dig up a maximum of twenty-five pounds of material per day and 250 lbs in total annually. Our marketplace also has thousands of "close out" domains, at even lower prices! when you come out to the Mine, you go to the claims and you can dig to your hearts content. The tour lasts for six to eight hours and will cost a group of four people a total of $2,700. Its an excellent tour. On public property, you do not collect historical objects like pottery, rock art, or arrowheads, or vertebrate fossils like dinosaurs, mammals, or fish. Crystal Hill, slightly southeast of Quartzsite, is among Arizonas increasingly common crystal collection spots. Stay straight at 11.6 miles and again at 12.3 miles. The location, topography, and nearby roads & trails around Saddle Mountain (Summit) can be seen in the map layers above. Near the town of Safford, Arizona lies your ticket to finding fire agate, a brilliant gemstone found only in the southwest. It is one of several semi-precious gems found in abundance here. Hello my friends! Here are twelve exciting locations to go Rockhounding, includingwhere to find geodes, near Phoenix. SOLD FEB 21, 2023. Rockhounding Around The WorldScience QuestionsLearn About Different Kinds of Rocks, About UsPrivacy PolicyTerms Of UseArchives, Is Ammonia A Pure Substance? From Black Canyon City south to Prescott. The entire area is not privately owned, but I was unable to find a specific map. As you see, we have riverbeds and banks to mountain peaks. While there is a bypass, from this point on the trail is moderately difficult. Adventurous visitors can enjoy opportunities to hike, horseback ride, collect petrified wood, and drive motorized vehicles on the rugged roads and trails through the sagebrush. The drive is certainly breathtaking and has a fearsome reputation. BLM-8211 is slightly rocky but not bad. He has met with the BLM and they are going to redo the map at the kiosk and print up a number of official signs to be placed around the properties. I had a good time hiking around and seeing what was around. There are also some larger deposits for those who have the tools and patience to remove them without damage. The fire agate found in the Saddle Mountains is of high caliber and will complement your . 4 stars. Rockhounding Around The WorldScience QuestionsLearn About Different Kinds of Rocks, About UsPrivacy PolicyTerms Of UseArchives, Rockhounding Texas: 10 Gorgeous Locations To Find Unique Treasures. These locations follow a geographic territory known as the Transition Zone, where the Colorado Plateau and the Basin and Range Province meet. Hey there! The fast-selling adventure tickets cost 395 dollars. This is a fantastic place to spend a day or two taking in the scenery whilst also building on your rock and mineral collection. These areas are often rich in rocks and minerals. Looking for a fun and educational outdoor activity? without restrictions to what or where you can Dig. There are a number of popular sites in the state where fire agate is fairly easily accessed. Laws are updated. You will quickly locate the stones by following the scores as you walk along the sandy area. Mineral specimens such as Fluorite, Agate, Garnet, and Jasper can be found in excellent condition. On public property, you are unable to collect historical objects like earthenware, rock sculpture, or arrowheads, or vertebrate fossils such as dinosaurs, any mammals, or fish. You will see a sign for the Saddle Mountain Recreation Area, and you will need to turn left onto the paved road. On your left, you can see the mountains. We looked but a fence prevents you from remaining on dirt back to the staging area. Each individual is allowed to gather as much as 25 pounds of material each day and 250 pounds per year for non-commercial intentions. 2009-2022 Offroad Passport, LLCSite by Dev Button LLC Buckets or a Rock Bag are useful to have on hand. Saddle Mountain Road is a very scenic drive around the uniquely formed volcanic Saddle Mountain in Maricopa County, in the south-central part of the U.S. state of Arizona, west of Phoenix. The trail passes through two additional washouts, both of which have a bypass that is less difficult. Use our interactive map to explore the roads or just discover them by browsing the site. Some of these sweet jaspers can be found in the Bear Hills, just east of Brenda, and they can often display nice orbicular patterns. OHVs and aggressive vehicles can proceed through this bypass and complete the rest of the trail. Some visitors have come across Chalcedony (Desert) Roses as well as Druse Crystal Clusters. Artisan Rockhound. ), 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. Several miles east of Mattawa, turn left on R road to climb the foothills of the Saddle Mountains to BLM-managed land. You can travel by flight, train running along the Reunification Express, bus, or motorbike. 3 Baths. No matter what time of year you visit Saddle Mountain, it is important to bring plenty of water with you. There is a sign near milepost 141 on Highway 191 marking the graded dirt road to the site. Other popular types of rocks include chalcedony, jasper, and quartz. 5. Participants will look for fossils along the walls of the Ice House, learn about Arizona Red stone, explore the depths of the Grand Canyon at Heritage Square, and see elegant rock etchings, among other things. When you arrive at Saddle Mountain, there are a few things that you can do in addition to rockhounding. Please keep safety and private land in mind. 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. 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. Primitive camping is permitted by the BLM for up to 2 weeks. 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. The fire agate found in the Saddle Mountains is of high caliber and will complement your mineral inventory. 915 Walla Walla Avenue There are many specimens to be found in the area, so feel free to wander about and collect. Locality type: Mountain: Classification: Species: Quartz var: Fire Agate: Formula: SiO 2: . Collectors refer to some of the parts as Fire Agate because they have flashy gold and green flames. Look no further than rockhounding! 3 Hours. Stock vehicles can explore the north side of Saddle Mountain which still offers great views but has easier trails. It is recommended to wear hiking boots and bring plenty of water. 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. 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. A rockhound hopes to reach this massive geode 90 feet underground. Location: 24 N San Francisco St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001. Mineral diversity is much greater here than in other parts of the state. 5552430. Saddle Mountain can be reached from Youngs River Road, Astoria, or U.S. Highway 26 near the Necanicum Junction, 10 miles east . Travel west on Salome Highway for 5.2 miles until you come to Courthouse Road, then turn left. Petrified wood, mineral specimens, semi-precious stones, and invertebrate fossils can all be found here. In Tucson, there is excellent prospecting. Saddle Mountain is a landmark peak in the deserts west of Phoenix in the town of Tonopah, south of Interstate-10. 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. Nearby homes similar to 4618 W Park View Cir have recently sold between $435K to $875K at an average of $240 per square foot. They might be able to wiggle a geode out from the rocky terrain with some effort. April 3, 2013 On eBay One of my favorite spots to find fire agate chips and pieces of fire agate. Wish we could go but I have this weekend booked Great trip idea!! Building a fabulous online presence starts with a top-quality domain name from DomainMarket.com. 1 star. Collaborative Action and Dispute Resolution, https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/documents/files/Saddle%20Mountains_Color_0.pdf. Be sure to confirm the land status and collection rules before you travel to an unfamiliar location or collect any material. MRDS database Dep. The tour is only provided twice a year, in the spring and fall, due to the remoteness and limited conveniences. Its common to see chalcedony anywhere from the main road through the recreation area. 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. OpenStreetMap ID. The majority of jaspers are strong dark colors. This includes gloves, a pickaxe, a bucket, and a tarp to put your rocks on. Rockhounding is ideal for the whole family but remember to carry adequate water, food, and a map. The BLM allows up to 25 pounds of specimens to be collected per day, 250 pounds per year. 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. Directions to the Saddle Mountain Fire Agate location. Jasper, Agate, Quartz, Fluorite, and even geodes are among the rocks and minerals to be discovered. The ground here is a red-brown color. The wildfire burning on the western slope of Saddle Mountain in Grant County has now burned nearly 10,000 acres, fire managers reported Tuesday afternoon, amid windy conditions that make it Stock SUVs can probably make it to this point but shouldnt consider going further. Discover the best routes for going from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City of Vietnam. Make sure you close them behind you. : current registration and insurance), Have functional seat-belts for every occupant, 30"+ aggressive all-terrain or mud-terrain tires. Disclosure: These are links to Amazon. 2796.34 ft. The ability to dig for a fee is available at this mine. Traveling with friends is a good idea, too. After 3 miles, turn right onto Salome Highway. 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