Rockhunters will find roughing it is worth the effort for claiming the rare and unique fire agate. We hope you enjoy your visit! As you see, we have riverbeds and banks to mountain peaks. The Hauser Geode grounds, which have been famous to rock enthusiasts for several years, have created some quite spectacular geodes of numerous forms. There are some trails in the areas that lead up Saddle Mountain if you want to climb higher. Fortunately for gem hunters, the owner operators allow a small number of tourists to tour the facility and search for gems. Elevation. Saddle Mountain is one of the highest peaks in Oregon's Coast Range with an elevation of 3,283 feet. 20 of the best rockhounding locations within driving distance from Phoenix! Box 4099 Flagstaff, AZ 86011 Arizona Geological Survey 416 W. Congress, Suite #100, Tucson, Arizona 85701 856C5QR3+QG. In this article, well, Welcome to your online guide to finding the rare and coveted Saddle Mountain Fire Agate. 398 KB. I had a somewhat difficult time finding and fire that I felt was worth keeping. The location, topography, and nearby roads & trails around Saddle Mountain (Summit) can be seen in the map layers above. Sunday 12/13 - Saddle Mountain | Rock Hounding | Petroglyphs | Easy to Moderate near Tonopah, AZ. Saddle Mountain Arizona Fire Agate Rough 14 grams Flames and white swirls . You need no digging gears, just lunch (if you plan to stay all day), water, gloves, and skin protection. Disclosure: These are links to Amazon. 50 Aguila Road Apache Tears 172. Near the town of Safford, Arizona lies your ticket to finding fire agate, a brilliant gemstone found only in the southwest. Jump into your 44, and travel until you get to Coon Hollow campground. The trail swings back east and turns to two track at 6.6 miles and gets very faint around 6.7. While this zone has been heavily exploited over the decades, there are still some nice parts to be found. Even if youre not guaranteed a high-end gem, youll be able to gather a lot of beautiful pieces of all varieties. It's a loop drive around Saddle Mountain, pretty difficult and lightly traveled. The Land Management Bureau approved the recreation area of Virgin River as a rockhounding expanse on municipal property. 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. in composition and physical properties.. North America. Nearby homes similar to 4618 W Park View Cir have recently sold between $435K to $875K at an average of $240 per square foot. The public is not permitted to visit this mine unless prior arrangements have been made. The material is dispersed over a large area, so finding good pieces can take some time. These areas are often rich in rocks and minerals. Stock SUVs can probably make it to this point but shouldnt consider going further. It is a type of natural glass with conchoidal contours (convex on the outside, concave on the inside), with nodules ranging in size from peas to a tennis ball. 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. LockA locked padlock Whether youre interested in collecting quartz, amethyst, jasper, or any other type of rock or mineral, weve got you covered. 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. 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. Sami Fine Jewelry is not only one of the few fine jewelers who design jewelry with Four Peaks amethyst, plus give guests a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter expedition of the Four Peaks Amethyst Mine. The drive is certainly breathtaking and has a fearsome reputation. First labeled as "Cliffs" in the 1913 Arizona Road Map & Tour Book by 1917 Saddle Mountain was affixed to the location on the Maricopa Country Engineer's Map. when you come out to the Mine, you go to the claims and you can dig to your hearts content. Powered by. You may get lucky and find both gold and agate as well. 837 followers Arizona Gems . SOLD FEB 13, 2023. Technical Rating. The ground here is a red-brown color. If you havent seen the Tucson Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Shows in the first two months annually, you are missing out on a true gem enthusiasts world of treasures. Hello my friends! Home. 0%. Another fun trip to Saddle Mountain in Arizona to hunt Fire Agate. Though fire agate can be found at a few locations across the state, the Round Montain Rockhound Area on BLM land near the towns of Safford and Duncan is your best avenue for collection. You are still completely responsible for your decisions, your actions, and your safety. Disclosure: These are links to Amazon. The route travels into New Mexico and back into Arizona across about 12 miles of desert dirt road. 67. If you are coming from the Phoenix area, it will take you about an hour to get there. 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. The beds were discovered back in the late 1930s by Joel Hauser, a Blythe native who used his small Ford truck to explore the hills and collect gems. 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. Stay on Courthouse Road for 1.8 miles until you come to a dirt road on the left. This article will give you ten tips to help make your rockhounding trip to Saddle Mountain a success. 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. In order to collect rocks successfully, you will need to bring the right equipment with you. Whipple Mountain Chalcedony 168. Crystal Hill, slightly southeast of Quartzsite, is among Arizonas increasingly common crystal collection spots. Mineral specimens such as Fluorite, Agate, Garnet, and Jasper can be found in excellent condition. The majority of jaspers are strong dark colors. The trail passes through two additional washouts, both of which have a bypass that is less difficult. Mark K Cave Dweller. The ideal opportunity to delve for that kind of gemstone is immediately after a downpour. Ft. 4129 W Electra Ln, Glendale, AZ 85310. Numerous ancient mines and mining camps have private owners, so ask permission before searching and collecting their land. Hello my friends! They have identified and continue to monitor hundreds of archaeological sites and resources in the area. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. One of my favorite spots to find fire agate chips and pieces of fire agate. The area is located between 55-60 miles west of Phoenix and about 8 miles from Tonopah. 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. Jasper is a popular choice among rockhounds since it is tough and polishable. Round Mountain Fire Agate ( AZ Site 77 ) Quote; Link to comment Share on other sites. Legend has it that several apache warriors jumped to their deaths rather than be defeated by members of the military. OpenStreetMap ID. information on the rockhound's favorite gem the agate. 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. Region IV: 69. Travel west on Salome Highway for 5.2 miles until you come to Courthouse Road, then turn left. 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. Fluorite, Malachite, and Other Gemstones in Tucson, Arizona. The fire agate found in the Saddle Mountains is of high caliber and will complement your . Its a loop drive around Saddle Mountain, pretty difficult and lightly traveled. Its private land. node 359261341. 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. You will quickly locate the stones by following the scores as you walk along the sandy area. 15%. After another 0.2 miles, the trail enters a wide wash and at 5.5 the trail heads east. Select bits, on the other hand, will have pleasant banding and color variance. If you ask around in your neighborhood, you may be able to learn about some potential search sites. Needles DAG Chambless Chambless. Discover the best routes for going from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City of Vietnam. Sign me up, I am not a rock hound so not sure what to do there. Rockhounding Around The WorldScience QuestionsLearn About Different Kinds of Rocks, About UsPrivacy PolicyTerms Of UseArchives, Is Ammonia A Pure Substance? Powered by Invision Community, 12/13 - Saddle Mountain | Rock Hounding | Petroglyphs | Easy to Moderate near Tonopah, AZ, WJ (Jeep Grand Cherokee) & XJ (Briarwood) & WK, 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Recon, '17 JKU 2.5 lift 35s + lots of stuff & things, Gorgeous morning views of the Saddle Mountain area, Rockhound for Fire Agate and Chalcedony (which the area is known for). No matter what time of year you visit Saddle Mountain, it is important to bring plenty of water with you. 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. Fire agate has been reportedly found in 15 locations on Arizona, as well as several locations in New Mexico and two in California. Agate Mountain is a peak in Arizona and has an elevation of 4,892 feet. Accessibility guidelines and restrictions change. 1. Saddle Mountain Arizona Fire agate spot; admin What is Agate? 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. For starters, Saddle Mountain is home to many private mining claims, so make sure youre exploring in a public space and not on someones land. Saddle Mountain is a famous rockhounding destination just next to Queen Creek, particularly for those looking for fire agate, a semi-precious jewel found only within Arizona and some other southwestern regions. This doable in a stock rig? You can travel by flight, train running along the Reunification Express, bus, or motorbike. Each individual is allowed to dig up a maximum of twenty-five pounds of material per day and 250 lbs in total annually. $159.00 (15% off) 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. 4 stars. It is one of several semi-precious gems found in abundance here. Item location: Raleigh, North Carolina, United States. Use caution when approaching blind hills and corners, and keep a watchful eye for other visitors and livestock. 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. 1 - 155ct. Fire agate is now being called Arizonas unofficial state mineral. The best times to visit Saddle Mountain are typically in the spring and fall when the temperatures are a bit cooler. Some of the early pioneers in fire agate mining at Deer . without restrictions to what or where you can Dig. Or Compound? Saddle Mountain - Fire Agate. Youll need to contact the site for specific information about when to visit. 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. The Bradshaw Mountains are bisected by Highway 17. 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. 5552430. 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. 55 Kingman Honey . 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. fire agate utah. Primitive camping is permitted by the BLM for up to 2 weeks. A rockhound might go insane just gazing around, but at the end of the trip, the collector will scour through a tailings pile for samples. This Recreational zoned property is great for those who love. (Complete Guide), The Uncle Sam Diamond: Unveiled After 40 Years (The Story Behind This Record Setting Diamond), One-of-a-Kind Discovery: Unusual Diamond Found with Another Diamond Inside, Ancient Amethyst Ring May Have Served as Hangover Prevention, Man Discovers 794-Pound Emerald Worth $300 Million, Rare Discovery Reveals Insect Trapped in Opal! The area is rough, with no major facilities. Laws are updated. However, the finest specimens are discovered by those willing to search. For over 50 years, people from all over have been coming to Saddle Mountain in search of Fire Agate. We'll check out a site known for rock hounding to see if we can scrounge up some fire agate or chalcedony, We'll take a 14 mile loop of the mountain with a brief side trip into the heart of the mountain where we will be surrounded on all sides by gorgeous views and canyon walls. Azurite, Fluorite, Pyrite, Copper minerals, and calcite are only a few of the minerals that can be found if you know where to look. Although the miners take an all-terrain vehicle across the mountains then a strenuous walk, pre-arranged tours are only allowed into the mine a few times a year. The BLM allows up to 25 pounds of specimens to be collected per day, 250 pounds per year. 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. Other places to find geode are the Straw beds and the Potato Patch. All Rights Reserved. If you are a rockhounding fanatic, then Arizona should be your first pick when it comes to finding amazing rocks. Please keep safety and private land in mind. TIP: . Amboy DAG Marble Mountain Fossil Beds. This trail is extremely scenic and can be the basis for a great day or weekend trip. 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. $435,000 Last Sold Price. The colors found in fire agate cover the entire spectrum. . 2796.34 ft. varieties, with favorite location of quartz agate, opal wood collectors. Site content including but not limited to: pictures, text, and layout are Copyright of AZOFFROAD.NET 2023. I want this! The fire agate that you can find in Saddle Mountains features rare quality and will fit perfectly into your . Share this: Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) The top exposed layer of Columbia River Basalt Group basalt in the Saddle Mountains is the Saddle Mountain Basalt, which ranges from 120 - 240 meters (400 - 800 feet) in thickness and is interspersed by sedimentary layers of the Ellensburg Formation. No facilities are present in this area, and snow and rain occasionally close the gravel and dirt roads. The location is ideal for a mine tour, but the number of specimens available is restricted. Youre able to trod along the claims for 30 dollars a day and salvage whatever you discover on the land. Well, I made my first trip to Saddle Mountain yesterday.. Diggings can be found on the sides of the hills, where you can rummage through the green ash for geodes. You are transported back to the starting point once youve seen the finishing process for the Amethyst production. Once youve had your limit of rockhounding, take a stroll on some of the pathways that snake through the region, or pitch a tent so you can drill down early the next day. This area is also popular for rock-hounders who will find both fire agate and chalcedony on the north side of the range. Trona They might be able to wiggle a geode out from the rocky terrain with some effort. Luckily, there are many excellent areas in Arizona where you can do your rock collecting and acquire very lovely samples. Saddle Mountains Fire Agate 154. At the present time only a few diggers are allowed per day in order to maintain social distancing. Amethyst crystals border certain geodes, while white or black calcite crystals cover plenty. From this point on the trail gets progressively easier and more traveled. Virgin River as a rockhounding fanatic, then turn left onto 411th avenue and can be basis. Few diggers are allowed per day in order to collect rocks successfully, you will need to contact site... 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