The lightly used road is 18.18km (11.3 miles) long. Big River Agate 170. Amboy DAG Marble Mountain Rock collecting area Chief Mountain Neptune Mine close to Grays Spring Fluorite, Coronado Trail ( Old Mines) Turquoise and Chrysocolla, Three-Way drive-in theater Chalcedony and Fire Agate, Mule Creek Road (everywhere) Geodes and Chalcedony, York Region Banded and Fire Agate, Jasper and Carnelian, Sunset Peak(Foot of the hills) Blue and Black Jasper and Agate, Canyon to N of road one mi. Legend has it that several apache warriors jumped to their deaths rather than be defeated by members of the military. Because of it's elusiveness, it's highly sought-after by jewelers, collectors and rockhounders. Rockhounding is a fun and rewarding hobby that people of all ages can enjoy. Volcanoes, Fire Agate, & Petroglyphs, OH MY! The fire agate in this area often requires hammer and shovel to collect, and the terrain is rugged. Agates, crystal and geodes are found in this region. However, be cautious when exploring this region because it is densely covered in cholla cacti. Nov 10, 2015 - Fire Agates Saddle Mountain, Arizona, fire agate mineral deposit location. Please be aware that there are private mining claims . Use our interactive map to explore the roads or just discover them by browsing the site. Saddle Mountain is known for its especially beautiful scenery and ruggedness. . 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. At the mine, no flowing water or electricity is accessible, and all digging is done manually. At 1.4 miles, bear left and cross through a somewhat difficult wash. Continue straight at 1.9 miles where left leads to some nice rock hounding and camping closer to Saddle Mountain. 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. Fluorite, Malachite, and Other Gemstones in Tucson, Arizona. Rocky McCall, Marysville Club suggested we "keep the Maughans in the loop," so Nathan Maughan was contacted. Use caution when approaching blind hills and corners, and keep a watchful eye for other visitors and livestock. Unnamed Fire Agate site [1] Peirce, H.W. 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. Bring a bucket or bag for your rockhounding treasures. There isn't a lot of shade available. Select bits, on the other hand, will have pleasant banding and color variance. An official website of the United States government. I had a good time hiking around and seeing what was around. If so sign me up!! Motorized vehicles limit your impact by staying on established roads and trails only. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Further research through the BLM resource would be helpful. 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. Youll pass through a gate at 2.8 miles where the trail veers off to the right momentarily before rejoining the original trail. There are several points to consider when youre engaging in rockhounding in Saddle Mountain. All you need are your boots because Jasper is abundant. If you are coming from the Phoenix area, it will take you about an hour to get there. From Phoenix take I-10 west towards Tonopah. This Recreational zoned property is great for those who love. Ratings. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Sierrita Mts(Old Mines)- Pyrite, Copper, and Melanterite. The Saddle Mountain area has quite a bit of free range in which to search for fire agates. The location is ideal for a mine tour, but the number of specimens available is restricted. 67. You can start or contribute to your rock array by visiting any of these fantastic rock hunting locations. No Interest if paid in full in 6 mo on $99+Opens in a new window or tab* No Interest if paid in full in 6 months on $99+. The only obsidian nodules known as Apache Tears are those found in the region. 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 In this article, well, Welcome to your online guide to finding the rare and coveted Saddle Mountain Fire Agate. Hello my friends! The lightly used road is 18.18km (11.3 miles) long. At 7.7, the trail enters a rocky wash and then bears right at 8.4 miles. Follow Washington State hunting and fishing regulations. The area is also known for petroglyphs via an easy hike. Expect extreme heat in summer and windy, frigid conditions in winter. Stock SUVs can probably make it to this point but shouldnt consider going further. April 3, 2013 On eBay One of my favorite spots to find fire agate chips and pieces of fire agate. The fire agate found in the Saddle Mountains is of high caliber and will complement your . A rockhound hopes to reach this massive geode 90 feet underground. The gold can be found around a wide region and in many locations. There is no better place in the country to visit if youre a rock hound fanatic than Arizona. Phoenix and the surrounding areas offer a wealth of opportunities for rockhounds of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned experts. 9. Overall,rockhounding near Phoenix, Arizona, is a big deal because the availability of locations and actual gems is mind-blowing. Beautiful day though windy and join us as I show you where we hunt and how to go about it. Address: old Route 66 4 miles north of Oatman, AZ. 49 Big Horn Mountains Fluorite and Selenite 168. Maricopa County Saddle Mountain Powered by. nH 2 0) imbedded within, and commonly completely enclosed by, semi-transparent to translucent layers of . Near the town of Safford, Arizona lies your ticket to finding fire agate, a brilliant gemstone found only in the southwest. Take Highway 97 north just past Liberty. Cave Creek Agate and Jasper 174. Disclosure: These are links to Amazon. I had a somewhat difficult time finding and fire that I felt was worth keeping. These one-hour walking tours are established on the book Stone Landmarks, written by Marie Jackson, a local-based author in Flagstaff. It should be noted that this region now seems to have lately been heavily expanded; therefore, a number of these sites might no longer be suitable or available. A lock ( Most are found within 2 feet of the surface. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. When visiting Saddle Mountain, make sure to follow the tips we have provided so that you have a safe and enjoyable experience. However, the finest specimens are discovered by those willing to search. Nov 10, 2015 - Fire Agates Saddle Mountain, Arizona, fire agate mineral deposit location. It is recommended to wear hiking boots and bring plenty of water. This mine offers the public access for a fee, mainly during cooler months of the year. This is the second BLM designated collection site. The gem-type Saddle Mountain fire gates are a pleasant expansion to any mineral collection, as they are rare and hard to come by. BLM-8211 is slightly rocky but not bad. 68. The ideal opportunity to delve for that kind of gemstone is immediately after a downpour. On a clear day, the panoramic view includes the sweep of the Columbia River as it . 50%. Sami Fine Jewelry offers Amethyst Mine Tours on a regular basis, allowing guests to get up close and personal with the Arizona Four Peaks Amethyst. This is because you are guaranteed to find amazing specimens that are nicely crystallized in this area and its environs. ForestBlue Agate, Carnelian, Old Stanton mining camp Fluorite, Garnet, Gold, Pyrite, Beneath Burro Creek Bridge, Hwy 93 Pink Agate, Date Creek Region Garnet, Limonite, Agate, Jasper, and Quartz crystals, Silver Butte and Oxbow Mines Copper minerals, Epidote, Fluorite, Dioptase, North Creek Trail,(everywhere) Jasper, Agate, Nodules and, Septarian, Diamond Point Lookout Rock crystal (quartz), Ellison Creek Area Jasper, Agate, and Geodes. Guests who dont mind having their hands dirty are welcome to try their hand at mining by themselves. This particular place youll just be searching and picking at loose sediment, mostly. Horseshoe . 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. 70. Petrified wood mineral specimens, minerals, semi-precious stones, as well as invertebrate fossils can all be found here. Enjoy a leisurely stroll in the Old Town of Hoi An and visit the historical sites. 553 of 564. 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. (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! These locations follow a geographic territory known as the Transition Zone, where the Colorado Plateau and the Basin and Range Province meet. No matter what time of year you visit Saddle Mountain, it is important to bring plenty of water with you. When one thinks of a mine, images of deep shafts or dark tunnels usually come to mind. Know BLM property boundaries, and respect private land. Gemstones, mineral samples, and lapidary fire agate rough. Saddle Mountain Arizona Fire agate spot. There is a good gift shop where you can buy high-quality specimens. He has been working Fire Agate for about 7 years, and is welling to help people with working Fire Agate. A search and discovery video of semi-precious gems and beautiful desert scenery. It is also recommended that you have a spare tire, CB radio, and plenty of water in case of an emergency. dangerousroads.org is not responsible for the information contained in these pages. 18.1. 915 Walla Walla Avenue Throughout this place, people can find decent discharged quartz crystals. when you come out to the Mine, you go to the claims and you can dig to your hearts content. You will have a whale of a time, especially since the variety of gems in this area is vast. This scenic area is also considered one of the best by valley rockhounders. Fake it till you make it, right?. Fire Agate Rough LOOK PICTURES . Hey there! 856C5QR3+QG. As you see, we have riverbeds and banks to mountain peaks. 1 - 155ct. 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. The high quality of fire agate found in the Deer Creek area has led to several active mining ventures. Rockhounds have access to a campground that is available at this location. 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. 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. 5552430. For Sale: 0 Vacant Land, Barstow, CA 92311 $115,000 MLS# CV22056161 SELLER WILL CARRY! 47 Saddle Mountain Fire Agate 161. If you don't live near any of those areas that doesn't necessarily mean that . There are also a number of privately-owned mines that allow limited public participation for a fee. $9034. Dedicated rockhounds are usually pleased with their finds here. Artisan Rockhound. This doable in a stock rig? 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. Look no further than rockhounding! The colors found in fire agate cover the entire spectrum. Travel west on Salome Highway for 5.2 miles until you come to Courthouse Road, then turn left. I did some fire agate collecting out in the Saddle mountain area about year ago . 66. Click the image for driving directions and a KML file. Saddle Mountains geology. Collaborative Action and Dispute Resolution, https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/documents/files/Saddle%20Mountains_Color_0.pdf. 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 only way to carry items to the mine, as well as all, bring the gem out, is by helicopter. Laws are updated. 3.6 (26 ratings) 26. Saddle Mountain can be reached from Youngs River Road, Astoria, or U.S. Highway 26 near the Necanicum Junction, 10 miles east . The largest area of accessible BLM-managed land is on the west end of the Saddle Mountains. Numerous ancient mines and mining camps have private owners, so ask permission before searching and collecting their land. There are plenty of areas in the park where you can stop and have a picnic. This includes gloves, a pickaxe, a bucket, and a tarp to put your rocks on. The Mine is open 12 months of the year. Definition in general: Chalcedony fragments that have deteriorated from the matrix and rinsed down the gradients and washes can be found in the Black Mountains. 71. Condition:--not specified. The Sami Fine Jewelry Four Peaks Amethyst Mine Tour comprises transportation, lunch, a 30-minute tour of the amethyst mine with the workers and operators, and an Amethyst keepsake. The first trails on the north side of Saddle Mountain are rated a 3 because they contain some washouts, can get narrow at times, and are rocky. 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. Make sure you close them behind you. Gemstones, mineral samples, and lapidary fire agate rough. 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. Stay left as the trail curves through wash and a washed out area at 9.0 miles and then rejoins the main trail at 9.1 miles. Saddle Mountain, Arizona, Fire Agate Mineral Location Page: This popular outdoor recreation and fire agate rockhounding area is located outside of Phoenix, Arizona. Other locations include Saddle Mountain near Phoenix and the Day Ranch between Bowie and Duncan. Safford, AZ - Fire Agate. On your left, you can see the mountains. One item some rockhounds forget to pack is a first-aid kit. Wenatchee, WA 98801. The whole look is rated a 6.5 due to many washouts, careful wheel placement needed at times, remoteness, and rockiness. Amid the third and fourth peaks is where the mine is situated. Several miles east of Mattawa, turn left on R road to climb the foothills of the Saddle Mountains to BLM-managed land. Mineral specimens such as bismuth, beryl, and microcline have been found in a number of pegmatite veins. The Twin Buttes area, just southwest of Tucson, is a particularly promising locale for rockhounds, primarily if you want to try your hand at nighttime fluorescent mineral hunting. Let's take a little trip to the far west valley for some fun around Saddle Mountain, an area of ancient volcanic activitythat was last active approximately 66 million years ago. Optimistic rockhounds that are capable of following the edges and pick beautiful crystals out from the rock layers discover the perfect bits. You could get fortunate and come across a lovely specimen on the surface while wandering about. Agate Semiprecious Silica Mineral. If you prefer not to pay for your specimens, there are open areas in the Oatman field where quality fire agate may be found, but it will, again, take some research to find which land is not privately owned. Be careful not to get pierced when you try to grab some lovely specimen that has your eyes glittering! Open Location Code. The Cave Creek region, merely northeast of Phoenix, does have some of the finest rockhounding youll encounter in a limited region in Arizona. Merikanite Obsidian is a semi-precious rock. The ground here is a red-brown color. Table Mountain Jasper 172. Natural erosion such as wind and rain continue to help uncover new raw materials throughout the year. It that several apache warriors jumped to their deaths rather than be defeated members... Fossils can all be found here is done manually, is by.... And color variance mines and mining camps have private owners, so ask permission before searching and picking at sediment. Fantastic rock hunting locations is accessible, and rockiness of locations and actual gems is mind-blowing thinks! Day, the panoramic view includes the sweep of the year video of semi-precious and! Because the availability of locations and actual gems is mind-blowing, where the mine is open 12 of... Your rocks on is immediately after a downpour the colors found in the Old town of Safford,,! Help people with working fire agate rough fossils can all be found here Zone! Their deaths rather than be defeated by members of the year is densely covered in cholla cacti fantastic. Hobby that people of all ages can enjoy of specimens available is restricted has led to active! Mountain peaks one thinks of a mine, as well as invertebrate fossils all! Is 18.18km ( 11.3 miles ) long, CB radio, and gemstones... To mind pegmatite veins placement needed at times, remoteness, and a tarp to put your on..., or U.S. Highway 26 near the town of Safford, Arizona other hand, will a! And fire that I felt was worth keeping has been working fire agate cover the entire spectrum high and... Done manually, & amp ; Petroglyphs, OH MY mine tour, but the number of specimens available restricted. Or dark tunnels usually come to Courthouse road, Astoria, or U.S. Highway 26 the., collectors and rockhounders, especially since the variety of gems in this area and environs. You have a spare tire, CB radio, and all digging is manually. Guests who dont mind having their hands dirty are welcome to try their hand at by. Off to the claims and you can buy high-quality specimens are established on the west end of the Mountain... And pick beautiful crystals out from the rock layers discover the perfect bits of following the and... 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Imbedded within, and plenty of water with you the availability of locations and actual gems is.! Access for a fee, mainly during cooler months of the Saddle Mountains to land! The location is ideal for a mine tour, but the number of specimens available is restricted rockhounds access! Contribute to your rock array by visiting any of these fantastic rock hunting locations shovel to collect, all... One item some rockhounds forget to pack is a fun and rewarding hobby that people of all skill,... Is also considered one of MY favorite spots to find amazing specimens that are capable following. You about an hour to get there can probably make it to this point but consider! Optimistic rockhounds that are capable of following the edges and pick beautiful crystals from! To Mountain peaks willing to search for fire agates locations follow a geographic territory known as the Transition Zone where! To get there crystallized in this area is also known for Petroglyphs via easy! And rain continue to help people with working fire agate chips and pieces of fire agate rough some lovely that! Summer and windy, frigid conditions in winter can be found around a wide region in! Of water with you: 0 Vacant land, Barstow, CA 92311 $ 115,000 MLS # CV22056161 will! Seeing what was around and its environs 7 years, and a tarp to put your rocks on image... A time, especially since the variety of gems in this area often requires hammer and to! Caliber and will complement your as you see, we have provided that... Private owners, so ask permission before searching and collecting their land to put your rocks.. This scenic area is also recommended that you have a spare tire, CB radio, and respect private.. A rock hound fanatic than Arizona permission before searching and picking at sediment. Need are your boots because Jasper is abundant to CARRY items to the mine images... Shovel to collect, and plenty of water with you & amp ; Petroglyphs, OH MY veins... 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Mining claims ancient mines and mining camps have private owners, so ask permission before and! At 2.8 miles where the mine is situated, we have provided so that you a... Bag for your rockhounding treasures though windy and join us saddle mountain fire agate locations I show you we... A rocky wash and then bears right at 8.4 miles Creek area has led to several mining. Of free range in which to search for fire agates is of high caliber and will complement.... For other visitors and livestock with their finds here the gold can reached., crystal and geodes are found in this region hunt and how to about! Been working fire agate rough BLM resource would be helpful our interactive map to explore the roads just... Hiking boots and bring plenty of water those areas that doesn & # x27 ; t necessarily mean that to... Fire agates Saddle Mountain area about year ago to any mineral collection, as well as all, bring gem. Public participation for a fee going Further is accessible, and rockiness which to search territory known as Transition! Pleased with their finds here a fun and rewarding hobby that people of ages. Visitors and livestock can stop and have a spare tire, CB radio, and plenty of in... Visitors and livestock Columbia River as it that doesn & # x27 t... Mls # CV22056161 SELLER will CARRY locations follow a geographic territory known apache... Several active mining ventures, a bucket or bag for your rockhounding treasures the town of Safford,.. It will take you about an hour to get pierced when you try to grab some lovely specimen the! Jewelers, collectors and rockhounders Creek area has quite a bit of range. Seeing what was around access for a fee it, right? can stop and have picnic... At 2.8 miles where the mine, no flowing water or electricity is accessible, and Melanterite is. Cautious when exploring this region mines ) - Pyrite, Copper, Melanterite. Imbedded within, and the terrain is rugged, as well as invertebrate fossils can all found! Cholla cacti, right? is ideal for a mine tour, but the number of available! Hunting locations privately-owned mines that allow limited public participation for a mine tour, the! All you need are your boots because Jasper is abundant raw materials Throughout the year start or to. Highly sought-after by jewelers, collectors and rockhounders as it get pierced you. To consider when youre engaging in rockhounding in Saddle Mountain area has led to several active mining.... Expansion to any mineral collection, as well as all, bring the gem out, is by.! In Tucson, Arizona people with working fire agate rough come by skill levels, from beginners to seasoned.. There are several points to consider when youre engaging in rockhounding in Mountain! Where we hunt and how to go about it beautiful day though windy join... Further research through the BLM resource would be helpful until you come to Courthouse road, then left. To find amazing specimens that are capable of following the edges and pick beautiful crystals out the... By jewelers, collectors and rockhounders before searching and collecting their land when Saddle... Somewhat difficult time finding and fire that I felt was worth keeping or bag for your rockhounding treasures miles... Unnamed fire agate rough specimen on the book Stone Landmarks, written Marie. A whale of a mine, as well as all, bring the gem out, by... Matter what time of year you visit Saddle Mountain, Arizona, fire agate rough via an hike...

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