Created 10/10/2014 02:02 AM
If you’re looking for a great rockhounding spot in Utah, you won’t want to miss out on the San Rafael Swell. This area, located in Emery County, is one of the best places in the state to find a variety of rocks and minerals. With its stunning scenery and wide open spaces, it’s easy to see why this area is so popular for rockhounds.
The San Rafael Swell is an area of exposed sedimentary rock layers, uplifted by tectonic forces millions of years ago. This uplift created a number of canyons, ridges and other formations, providing plenty of opportunities to explore. The area is also home to a variety of fossils, including marine fossils from the Jurassic period. If you’re looking to find some interesting rocks and minerals, this is the place to do it.
Before you start rockhounding in the San Rafael Swell, it’s important to be aware of the rules and regulations. It’s important to remember that the area is public land, and visitors should respect the land and the people who live there. In addition, it’s important to remember that it’s illegal to collect any fossilized material or archaeological artifacts.
Now that you’re familiar with the rules, let’s take a look at some of the best rockhounding spots in the San Rafael Swell.
One of the most popular spots for rockhounding is the San Rafael River. This river bisects the area and is a great place to look for a variety of rocks and minerals. Along the river, you can find fossils, petrified wood, and volcanic rocks. The area around the river is also a great spot for finding agates and jasper.
Another spot to explore is Buckhorn Wash. This is a great place to look for fossils, including petrified wood, dinosaur tracks, and ammonites. Additionally, you can find a variety of colorful rocks, such as jasper, agates, and opals.
The Wedge Overlook is another great spot for rockhounding. This area is located on the western edge of the San Rafael Swell and is known for its stunning views. In addition to the views, you can find a variety of rocks and minerals, including quartz crystals, fossils, and petrified wood.
The Wild Horse Window is another popular spot for rockhounding. Here, you can find a variety of sedimentary rocks, including sandstone, shale, and limestone. Additionally, you can find jasper, agates, and fossils in this area.
Finally, the Little Grand Wash is a great spot for rockhounding. This area is known for its abundance of fossils, including ammonites, trilobites, and petrified wood. Additionally, you can find jasper, agates, and quartz crystals in this area.
As you can see, there are plenty of great rockhounding spots in the San Rafael Swell. With a little bit of knowledge, you can find a variety of interesting rocks and minerals. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rockhound, you’re sure to find something interesting here. So what are you waiting for? Grab your gear and get out there!
Rockhounding in the San Rafael Swell is an experience you won’t soon forget. With its stunning scenery and abundance of rocks and minerals, it’s the perfect spot to explore and find a variety of treasures. Whether you’re looking for fossils, petrified wood, or colorful rocks, you won’t be disappointed. So get out there and explore this amazing area!
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