However, be cautious when exploring this region because it is densely covered in cholla cacti. Select bits, on the other hand, will have pleasant banding and color variance. I had a somewhat difficult time finding and fire that I felt was worth keeping. The route travels into New Mexico and back into Arizona across about 12 miles of desert dirt road. Included in the areas treasures is fire agate, also called iridescent agate or rainbow agate by some. Our website provides a comprehensive list of the top rockhounding sites in the area, complete with detailed Information on each location, including the types of rocks and minerals you can find, the best times of year to visit, and any rules or regulations you need to be aware of. Indian Pass Dumortierite 162. Rockhounds have access to a campground that is available at this location. Click the image for driving directions and a KML file. Beautiful day though windy and join us as I show you where we hunt and how to go about it.. 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. 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. Saddle Mountain is comprised of mid-Tertiary volcanic deposits ranging from basalt or basaltic lava flows and cinders to . Even if youre not guaranteed a high-end gem, youll be able to gather a lot of beautiful pieces of all varieties. Sign me up, I am not a rock hound so not sure what to do there. Each individual is allowed to gather as much as 25 pounds of material each day and 250 pounds per year for non-commercial intentions. After another 0.2 miles, the trail enters a wide wash and at 5.5 the trail heads east. The mine is reached by helicopter for visitors. The terrain is mostly rocky sediment with some dirt tracks, meaning that the trail can be slippery when wet. 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! Elevation. It is also important to be aware of the monsoon season, which runs from July to September. Scan for abandoned holes and start digging. Bring a bucket or bag for your rockhounding treasures. (A high SUV or other trucks can work too). 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. By Follow Washington State hunting and fishing regulations. 27%. Rockhounding Saddle Mountain - Fire Agate. Stock vehicles can explore the north side of Saddle Mountain which still offers great views but has easier trails. Saddle Mountain lies 45 miles west of Phoenix and just southwest of Tonopah, Arizona. It can only be collected for non-commercial objectives. $9034. Tacomas, Colorados, Gladiators, etcwith a bed WILL drag their tail on some crossings. Rockhounding is ideal for the whole family but remember to carry adequate water, food, and a map. Get the best deals on Fire Agate Rough when you shop the largest online selection at eBay.com . Furthermore, since Saddle Mountain has attracted so many rockhounds over the decades, youll need to be patient if youd like to locate fire agate. 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 And as an Amazon Associate, we earn a commission on qualifying purchases after clicking on those links, at no additional cost to you. You are transported back to the starting point once youve seen the finishing process for the Amethyst production. Condition:--not specified. You will need a pick and shovel to find the best specimens. . Disclosure: These are links to Amazon. Sierrita Mts(Old Mines)- Pyrite, Copper, and Melanterite. A lock ( Anyone can contact or email him on the site, for assistance and booking, as he manages the Web Site. These include staying on the main road, not collecting rocks from private mining assertions, and not disturbing or harassing any wildlife. 002S - 1 Pound +, Old Stock, Slaughter Mountain Fire Agate Rough. 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Phone service is often unreliable in these areas. We want your experiences too! The information provided in this article by YesDirt.com is for informational purposes and is subject to change. While GPS technology allows us to pinpoint any location on the planet, mark the location, and share it with others, Waymarking is the toolset for categorizing and adding unique . Accessibility guidelines and restrictions change. Make sure to pack bandages, disinfectants, and a few other supplies in case of an emergency. The fire agate from Deer Creek Arizona ranks high on the list of desired collected gemstones, mineral specimens, and lapidary gemstone cutting material. 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. The fire agate in this area often requires hammer and shovel to collect, and the terrain is rugged. (Or a Mixture? Every location mentioned above is likely to reap success for you. natural=peak. USA . The trail passes through several washouts. Others may allow visits by appointment. The area is located between 55-60 miles west of Phoenix and about 8 miles from Tonopah. A type of Agate infused with iron and other elements in . The weather in Saddle Mountain can change quickly, so it is important to wear clothing that will keep you warm or cool, depending on the weather. (20+ Dig Sites Across The State), Where To Find Desert Rose Rocks in Arizona, Where To Find Obsidian In The Arizona Desert, Where to Find Oregon Agates (Tips and Locations), Rockhounding In New Mexico! The 30-mile ridge of the Saddle Mountains rises above the Columbia River in south-central Washington, providing views of the surrounding countryside and wide-open desert scenery. The location, topography, and nearby roads & trails around Saddle Mountain (Summit) can be seen in the map layers above. These areas are often rich in rocks and minerals. You are still completely responsible for your decisions, your actions, and your safety. April 3, 2013 On eBay One of my favorite spots to find fire agate chips and pieces of fire agate. It is best to stay on the main road and avoid any areas that are marked with no trespassing signs. The average industry sales price is approximately $30,000. When looking forwhere to find gems near Phoenix, the town of Morristown, located just northwest of Phoenix, is a great place to go rockhounding for a day. Wickenburg Nodules 158. This mine offers the public access for a fee, mainly during cooler months of the year. Whipple Mountain Chalcedony 168. Obsidian is produced at the end of basaltic eruptions when the expelled mainly Silicates are rapidly cooled at surface temperatures. At 3.6 miles youll reach the most serious washout. 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. There are several mines here, but probably the most notable fire agate source in this region is the Cuesta Fire Agate Mine. Stay right at 10.1 as the trail forks and then stay left at 10.6 as the trail rejoins a more traveled trail. Since there are so many of them, youll quickly become picky on what to collect. If you are coming from the Phoenix area, it will take you about an hour to get there. When rockhounding in the wilderness, you should try to be fully equipped: pick and shovel to dig the hole, a hammer to break the rocks, and some buckets, as well as the usual desert necessities, such as plenty of water, food, a first-aid kit, mobile phone maps, and anything else you feel necessary that doesnt add too much weight. Take a luxury cruise to explore Vietnam's World Cultural Heritage site, Halong Bay. 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. Fire Agate Rough LOOK PICTURES . The first portion of the trail is short and rocky with the more difficult and washed out loop around Saddle Mountain providing more of a challenge. Address: old Route 66 4 miles north of Oatman, AZ. If so sign me up!! Agates, crystal and geodes are found in this region. The fire agate that you can find in Saddle Mountains features rare quality and will fit perfectly into your . . However, it is important to keep in mind that the weather can change quickly in Arizona, so be alert and stay prepared for severe weather events. 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. Another place with lovely quartz crystals is Diamond Point, northeast of Payson. 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