There are many books that list rockhounding sites available. The ones we use the most are the Falcon Guides, Rockhounding Idaho and Rockhounding Nevada. These books have many places listed for rockhounding with detailed information. A phone APP called OnX Hunt is very useful in identyfying private and public lands.
Many of these sites are in the high desert. So, the possibility of coming across rattlesnakes is a very real probabilty. Keep your eyes and ears open and LOOK before placing your hands and feet anywhere. Use common sense and be safe. My wife and I have been doing this for several years now and have yet to see a snake. Hopefully you won't either.
Be respectful of all lands that you are on. Watch for private property and only access such property if you have permission. Be aware of your suroundings. You will be in wild country and you can run across snakes, wolves, bears and mountain lions. Don't bother them and generally they will stay clear of you. The ground will be uneven and strewn with rocks of all sizes. There will be dips and ditches. steep hills with loose footing, etc, so be careful where you walk. Be Safe. You are ultimately responsible for your own safety.Bring lots of water, snacks and extra clothing. Wear long pants, good boots and hiking shoes. Don't wear sandals and sneakers! Do not exceed your capabilities. Know your limitations. Alwys, let someone know where you will be. Also, if you dig holes, fill them back in when you are finished. Much of this land is used for grazing and we do not need to add any more hazards for the cattle and ranchers. It is also a BLM regulation. Above all, enjoy yourself.
Rockhounding Sites
This list is far from complete. If you know of any places that should be added, please let me know. Gps coordinates. material that can be found, camping, etc. The more information the better.
Rabbit Springs
Rabbit Springs is an easy place for people to access as it is just off the highway and material is very easy to find.
It is located on US 93 about 37 miles south of Twin Falls and about 4.2 miles north of Jackpot, Nevada. GPS coordinates of the main site are: 42.06492 -114.67426. Please refrain from parking along the highway since there can be heavy traffic at times. There is plenty of places to park at the dig site. This is BLM land so overnight camping is permitted. There are also developed camp sites in Rogerson, Idaho, Jackpot, Nevada and over at Salmon Reservoir.
You can find lots of geodes in the main dig site. There will be broken pieces litered all over. Dig in the loose soil to find complete pieces. Many of which are flourescent. Across the highway in the basalt outcrops, you can find veins of agate. If you take the dirt road south towards Jackpot, you can find agates, obsidians and we have even found Apache Tears.
The only tools you will need are a pick axe and a shovel. A UV flashlight is always nice to have. Bring plenty of water and snacks. Bugs usually aren't too bad, but bug spray is nice to have. Always keep your eyes open for wildlife. Deer and Pronghorns can be seen in this area. The roads are good and most cars and trucks will have no problems.
Texas Springs
Texas Springs is located in Jackpot, Nevada. I am adding it because it is so close to Idaho and Rabbit Springs. You will need a high clearance vehicle. Avoid this area right after snow melt and heavy rains since it can get very muddy and slippery out there. Texas Springs is located deep in the Nevada desert.
Texas Springs is located just south of Jackpot, Nevada. Look for a sign saying Delaplain about 2 1/2 miles south of Cactus Pete's. Turn left onto the gravel road and go about 3.2 miles. Turn right at the intersection. Continue on this road till you come to a gate (it may be opened or closed, leave the way you found it.) This is private property and the land owner has given permission for the public to pass. Please respect his property. GPS coordinates for the limbcast and opalized wood are N41 40.688/W114 34.113.
Although this area is known for it's limbcast and petrified wood, you can find all kinds of materials out here. We have found onyx, jasper, agates, and of course limbcast and petrified wood. Most of the petrified wood is pink. Several miles before reaching the first gate, you will see an old shed sitting out in the open. Follow this old road up into the hills and you will find the old onyx mine. There are a lot of side roads in this area and dry stream beds. Check all the areas you have time for and who knows what you can find.
Bring digging tools, pick axes, buckets and any other tool you may like. Wear gloves, long pants and boots. You are deep in the desert, so bring plenty of water and snacks. First aid kits are always a must. Once again, common sense cannot be stressed enough.
Challis, Idaho
Challis, Idaho is located on US 93 between Arco and Salmon Idaho. This is a vast area with all kinds of gemstones and interesting rocks available. Much of the material is just laying on top of the ground. While up here, check out the mining museum, the old Bayhorse mine and the the Yankee Forks mine. I recommend 4wd and ATVs for much of the area. There are plenty of accomendations available in the area with commercial, BLM and state campgrounds everywhere. The Salmon River flows through here, so you have the oppurtunity to catch trout, salmon and steelhead. It is also very popular with whitewater rafting. Keep your eyes open for deer, elk, wild horses, pronghorn and bighorn sheep.
There are all kinds of material that can be found here. Quartz, agates, jasper, opal, gold, petrified wood, drusy quartz, garnet schist, gypsum, graptolite fossils, fluorite and zeolite. There is not enough room here to give directions to all that can be found here. Check out any of the available rockhounding guides for more indept information. Expore all of the side roads and check out anythng that looks promising. The material is everywhere, so just get out and explore. Most of this land is BLM property. There are also many mining claims in the area. Please be careful about jumping claims. Be careful of what you may collect, since somethings you cannot remove, ie arrow heads and artifacts.Some GPS coordinates for the area are as follows: Fluorite; 44.48619, -114.33181. This area is owned by the Living Waters Retreat. I strongly recommend you contact them prior to accessing the area. Their phone number is 208=879-2729. Lime Creek; 44.39745, -114.07394. Grandview Canyon; 44.37203, -114.07625. Zeolites; 44.3561, -114.05549. McGowan Creek; 22.33691, -114.-03821.
Bring digging tools, pick axes, buckets and any other tool you may like. Wear gloves, long pants and boots. You are deep in the desert, so bring plenty of water and snacks. First aid kits are always a must. Once again, common sense cannot be stressed enough.
Little Woods River
The Little Woods River and Little Woods Reservoir are located just outside of Carey, Idaho. GPS coordinates area: 43.42140, -114.01258. There is limited camping (no hook ups) at the reservoir. This can be filled up quickly during the summer months by fisherman and ATVers. Much of this land is BLM, so camping is permitted most anywhere.
You should be able to find quartz, agate, chalcedony, jasper, and petrified wood in this area. A lot of the material is small tumbling size, but larger material can be found. Search the river bed for material that has been washed down. Remember that river levels can be high early season due to spring run-off. Also check out the surrounding hillsides. If you get away fromm the most popular areas, you may be able to find better material.
Bring digging tools, pick axes, buckets and any other tool you may like. Wear gloves, long pants and boots. You are deep in the desert, so bring plenty of water and snacks. First aid kits are always a must. Once again, common sense cannot be stressed enough.