Saddle Mountain lies 45 miles west of Phoenix and just southwest of Tonopah, Arizona. Wikidata ID. 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. Agates can be found on the beaches of oceans and lakes, along road cuts, and in areas with exposed gravel. There are a number of popular sites in the state where fire agate is fairly easily accessed. The area is located about 20 miles northeast of Safford. Its even better if youre an amateur rock collector because youre always guaranteed to collect a few gems, even along some roadways. The trail passes through two additional washouts, both of which have a bypass that is less difficult. 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. The area is rough, with no major facilities. Price: US $188.00. Big River Agate 170. Also, you may need to open some cattle-guard gates to get through along the way. Mineral diversity is much greater here than in other parts of the state. If you are looking for a great place to go rockhounding, look no further than Saddle Mountain, which is just outside of Phoenix, Arizona. Traveling to the mine, located at a cool 7200 feet elevation, is no simple task. The largest area of accessible BLM-managed land is on the west end of the Saddle Mountains. BLM-8211 is slightly rocky but not bad. 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. 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. It is best to stay on the main road and avoid any areas that are marked with no trespassing signs. The Saddle Mountain area has quite a bit of free range in which to search for fire agates. This includes gloves, a pickaxe, a bucket, and a tarp to put your rocks on. We looked but a fence prevents you from remaining on dirt back to the staging area. 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. Maricopa County Saddle Mountain Unnamed Fire Agate site [1] Peirce, H.W. 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. fire agate utah Actualidad. In order to collect rocks successfully, you will need to bring the right equipment with you. You will have a whale of a time, especially since the variety of gems in this area is vast. Nathan Maughan at Saddle Mountain. 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. Saddle Mountain. The Mine is open 12 months of the year. Obsidian is produced at the end of basaltic eruptions when the expelled mainly Silicates are rapidly cooled at surface temperatures. Numerous ancient mines and mining camps have private owners, so ask permission before searching and collecting their land. More sharing options. The Four Peaks Amethyst mine continues to operate in a primitive manner due to its challenging location. The miners take visitors into the heart of the mine to demonstrate how the gorgeous amethyst is extracted. Saddle Mountain Fire Agate is a unique and fascinating geological formation that has captivated the attention of geologists, mineral collectors, and gem enthusiasts alike. Total Miles. Let's take a little trip to the far west valley for some fun around Saddle Mountain, an area of ancient volcanic activity that was last active approximately 66 million years ago. The location is ideal for a mine tour, but the number of specimens available is restricted. However, space is restricted, and reservations are needed. The guests meet and interact with the mine owner, Kurt Cavano, as well as the miners once they arrive. The trail passes through several washouts. The best bet is to follow underneath the power lines or continue north back to Salome Highway. Add to Cart. 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. Saddle Mountain State Natural Area is a state park in northwest Oregon.It is located in the Northern Oregon Coast Range in central Clatsop County, about 20 miles (32 km) by road from Seaside.A 2.5-mile (4.0 km) long hiking trail climbs to the top of Saddle Mountain, which is located in the park.On clear days, the Pacific Ocean, Columbia River mouth and several of the Cascade mountains in . 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. Overall, this trail is extremely scenic and can be the basis for a great day or weekend trip. Hope you have a ton of fun! This doable in a stock rig? 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. You may use it to make jewelry by putting it in a stone tumbler or cutting it into cabochons. 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. Use caution when approaching blind hills and corners, and keep a watchful eye for other visitors and livestock. Be sure to confirm the land status and collection rules before you travel to an unfamiliar location or collect any material. Rock hunting has been around for centuries and gold was one of the earliest finds in Arizona. Saddle Mountain Arizona Fire agate spot. There are several points to consider when youre engaging in rockhounding in Saddle Mountain. Whether youre interested in collecting quartz, amethyst, jasper, or any other type of rock or mineral, weve got you covered. Where To Find Desert Rose Rock In Arizona, Rockhounding in Arizona! Fake it till you make it, right? I may be bringing my son & his girlfriend along too. The terrain is mostly rocky sediment with some dirt tracks, meaning that the trail can be slippery when wet. 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 recreation area is open daily from 6 am to 10 pm. Site content including but not limited to: pictures, text, and layout are Copyright of AZOFFROAD.NET 2023. Camping is primitive but great sunsets. The gem-type Saddle Mountain fire gates are a pleasant expansion to any mineral collection, as they are rare and hard to come by. While this zone has been heavily exploited over the decades, there are still some nice parts to be found. Its a loop drive around Saddle Mountain, pretty difficult and lightly traveled. The trail gets more rugged and more remote at its southernmost point. We always had the best luck on the east side by the power lines. If you do visit during the summer, the north rim of the mountains has the most tolerable temperatures. The fast-selling adventure tickets cost 395 dollars. 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 rockhound might go insane just gazing around, but at the end of the trip, the collector will scour through a tailings pile for samples. 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. (source). 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. OpenStreetMap Feature. 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. Since there are so many of them, youll quickly become picky on what to collect. USA . Youll need to contact the site for specific information about when to visit. 48 Salome Highway Specular Hematite 165. While quartz may be a common crystal across the globe, it is still a top choice for rockhounding in Arizona. 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. Ft. 4129 W Electra Ln, Glendale, AZ 85310. Trona There is no better place in the country to visit if youre a rock hound fanatic than Arizona. 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. It is a beautiful area where hiking and picnicking are also available. Saddle Mountain is known for its especially beautiful scenery and ruggedness. A top-notch area in Arizona to gather rocks and minerals is near Congress Junction. 9. If so sign me up!! Amboy DAG Marble Mountain Rock collecting area Chief Mountain (232) $135.15. Saddle Mountain Arizona Fire agate spot; admin What is Agate? Saddle Mountain is a landmark peak in the deserts west of Phoenix in the town of Tonopah, south of Interstate-10. There are roughly two dozen spots in the area that are prone to washouts. This trail passes through remote areas, so you need to be prepared. Beautiful day though windy and join us as I show you where we hunt and how to go about it. 1 - 155ct. 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. ). The only obsidian nodules known as Apache Tears are those found in the region. Saddle Mountain Road. For over 50 years, people from all over have been coming to Saddle Mountain in search of Fire Agate. VN16: 12 Days Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City - Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City. The location, topography, and nearby roads & trails around Saddle Mountain (Summit) can be seen in the map layers above. Posted . To arrive there, take HWY 19 south from Tucson and exit at Pima Mine Road, exit 80. Other locations include Saddle Mountain near Phoenix and the Day Ranch between Bowie and Duncan. 65. Wickenburg Nodules 158. Never leave your essential gears and supplies like drinking water, a small shovel, gloves, a fully charged cellphone, and a bucket. After another 0.2 miles, the trail enters a wide wash and at 5.5 the trail heads east. Box 4099 Flagstaff, AZ 86011 Arizona Geological Survey 416 W. Congress, Suite #100, Tucson, Arizona 85701 The colors found in fire agate cover the entire spectrum. Directions to the Saddle Mountain Fire Agate location. Additionally, jasper, agate, valuable metals, and sometimes even thundereggs are among the minerals and rocks found here. Condition:--not specified. Post a reply in this thread saying you'd like to go and I'll put you on the roster! During and after a storm the road may be impassable, even with a four-wheel-drive vehicle. 27 febrero, 2023 . The tour is only provided twice a year, in the spring and fall, due to the remoteness and limited conveniences. 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. 180 (USGS Bull.871): 359. 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). Youll want to know the BLMs restrictions for collecting and use before you begin. (1969) Gem Materials, in USGS & Arizona Bureau of Mines, and U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Mineral and Water Resources of Arizona, Arizona Bureau of Mines Bull. Each individual is allowed to gather as much as 25 pounds of material each day and 250 pounds per year for non-commercial intentions. These include staying on the main road, not collecting rocks from private mining assertions, and not disturbing or harassing any wildlife. For over 50 years, people from all over have been coming to Saddle Mountain in search of Fire Agate. Take Hwy 243 south of Vantage, then Hwy 24 east to Mattawa. Don, the proprietor, explains how Fire Agate is shaped and provides tips on how to search for, find, and excavate fire agate from the host rock. When it comes to where to find rocks in Arizona, there are endless places, but those mentioned above always guarantee youll leave with a gem or two. We hope you enjoy your visit! When it comes to rockhounding Arizona, weve chosen our top 12 locations for you to explore. Fire Agate Rough LOOK PICTURES . I had a good time hiking around and seeing what was around. Collectors refer to some of the parts as Fire Agate because they have flashy gold and green flames. It is important to be aware of your surroundings at all times and watch where you are stepping. 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. Motorized vehicles limit your impact by staying on established roads and trails only. 63. 87) for about 21 miles. 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. A type of Agate infused with iron and other elements in . 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. Near the town of Safford, Arizona lies your ticket to finding fire agate, a brilliant gemstone found only in the southwest. We want your experiences too! Located near Tonopah, Arizona and easily accessible from I-10, this location is considered one of the best in the state for collecting stunning, fiery Fire Agate specimens. SOLD FEB 21, 2023. Our marketplace also has thousands of "close out" domains, at even lower prices! The Hauser Geode grounds, which have been famous to rock enthusiasts for several years, have created some quite spectacular geodes of numerous forms. 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. 398 KB. Gemstones, mineral samples, and lapidary fire agate rough. Volcanoes, Fire Agate, & Petroglyphs, OH MY! Well, I made my first trip to Saddle Mountain yesterday.. Item Information. 68. These areas are often rich in rocks and minerals. Rare Large Flowering Tube Onyx and Saddle Mountain AZ Fire Agate Necklace Sterling Silver Utah Gem Handmade Black Red Brown Tan 1053. Please don't hesitate to sign-up as a standby because people often do drop-out so you may get togo. when you come out to the Mine, you go to the claims and you can dig to your hearts content. You, however, have to be mindful of claimed properties and keep in mind that information at some places may have changed recently, so always seek permission before rockhounding. Rocky McCall, Marysville Club suggested we "keep the Maughans in the loop," so Nathan Maughan was contacted. 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. The rock is made up of cryptocrystalline Silica minerals suspended in a glassy suspension, which forms when magma is supercooled. Make sure to pack bandages, disinfectants, and a few other supplies in case of an emergency. Location: 16704 Avenue of the Fountains #100, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268. Arizona is home to a number of dangerous animals, including scorpions and rattlesnakes. This Recreational zoned property is great for those who love. 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Country to visit if youre an amateur rock collector because youre always guaranteed to collect when is! Agates can be slippery when wet during the summer, the north rim the... For over 50 years, people from all over have been coming to Mountain! The country to visit if youre an amateur rock collector because youre always to! South of Vantage, then Hwy 24 east to Mattawa the only nodules! ( 232 ) saddle mountain fire agate locations 135.15 earliest finds in Arizona west of Phoenix in the spring and,. Youll need to contact the site for specific information about when to visit the end of the Saddle.... Location or collect any material along road cuts, and reservations are needed do visit during the summer the.
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