Created 12/01/2013 04:45 AM
Are you looking for the perfect rockhounding vacation for your family? Rockhounding is a great way to explore the great outdoors and learn about geology and the history of the land. It’s also a fun activity that can be enjoyed by all ages. Whether you’re looking for an adventure close to home or a trip across the country, there are plenty of amazing rockhounding spots for families. Here are the top 10 best rockhounding spots for families.
1. Death Valley National Park, California
Death Valley National Park is a great place for family rockhounding. The park is home to a wide variety of rocks, minerals, and fossils, including garnets, fire agates, petrified wood, and trilobites. The best rockhounding spots in Death Valley are the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, the Racetrack Playa, and the Golden Canyon.
2. Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho
Craters of the Moon National Monument is a volcanic landscape that offers a unique rockhounding experience. The area is home to a variety of rocks, minerals, and fossils, including obsidian, pumice, and petrified wood. The best rockhounding spots in Craters of the Moon are the Spatter Cones, the Big Craters, and the Lava Flow Trails.
3. Collecting Rocks at the Beach
Collecting rocks at the beach is a great way for families to explore the shoreline and find unique and interesting specimens. Beaches can be a great source of quartz, jasper, and agate. Some of the best beaches for rockhounding are the beaches in Oregon, Washington, and California.
4. Red Rock Canyon, Nevada
Red Rock Canyon is one of the most popular rockhounding spots in Nevada. The area is home to a wide variety of rocks, minerals, and fossils, including quartz, agate, and petrified wood. The best rockhounding spots in Red Rock Canyon are the Calico Hills, the Keystone Thrust Fault, and the Creech Summit.
5. Mount St
Helens, Washington
Mount St. Helens is an active volcano in the Cascade Range of Washington. It’s also a great spot for family rockhounding. The area is home to a variety of rocks, minerals, and fossils, including obsidian, pumice, and petrified wood. The best rockhounding spots in Mount St. Helens are the Lava Cast Forest, the Loowit Trail, and the Ape Cave.
6. The Black Hills, South Dakota
The Black Hills of South Dakota are a great place to go rockhounding with the family. The area is home to a variety of rocks, minerals, and fossils, including quartz, jasper, and petrified wood. The best rockhounding spots in the Black Hills are the Red Canyon, the Spearfish Canyon, and the Wind Cave National Park.
7. Collecting Rocks in Arizona
Arizona is a great place to go rockhounding with the family. The state is home to a variety of rocks, minerals, and fossils, including quartz, agate, and petrified wood. Some of the best rockhounding spots in Arizona are the Superstition Mountains, the Grand Canyon, and the Petrified Forest National Park.
8. Collecting Rocks in Utah
Utah is a great place to go rockhounding with the family. The state is home to a variety of rocks, minerals, and fossils, including quartz, jasper, and petrified wood. Some of the best rockhounding spots in Utah are the Goblin Valley State Park, the San Rafael Swell, and the Arches National Park.
9. Collecting Rocks in California
California is a great place to go rockhounding with the family. The state is home to a variety of rocks, minerals, and fossils, including quartz, agate, and petrified wood. Some of the best rockhounding spots in California are the Mojave Desert, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and the Channel Islands.
10. Collecting Rocks in New Mexico
New Mexico is a great place to go rockhounding with the family. The state is home to a variety of rocks, minerals, and fossils, including quartz, jasper, and petrified wood. Some of the best rockhounding spots in New Mexico are the Carlsbad Caverns National Park, the White Sands National Monument, and the Valle Grande National Monument.
Rockhounding is a great way for families to explore the great outdoors and find unique and interesting specimens. Whether you’re looking for an adventure close to home or a trip across the country, there are plenty of amazing rockhounding spots for families. From Death Valley National Park to the beaches of Oregon and Washington, the possibilities are endless. So grab your family and hit the road for a rockhounding adventure you won’t soon forget.
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