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Sun, 09 Feb 2014 01:56:30 +0000

It is not unusual to find what is left of an antique car, abandoned next to a 1915 dirt road in the Red Desert. This was one of several we came across looking for agates and JADE slicks.

Where was this... west central Wyoming. You try to find it by accident like we did. No Jade slicks on this trip, but some chalcedony. Jeffery City is a good place to ask questions for Jade areas. Water and fuel should be topped off when ever possible. This is not a playground for the naive. This is pure prospecting and thousands of open acres all to yourself. Not for the "faint of heart" but if you find a 150 pound Wyoming Green Jade Slick... why you just might post it on the Forum.

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Sun, 09 Feb 2014 01:56:14 +0000

These are the most unusual chalcedony forms to find in the World. Here is one laid upon some pine needles. Some spots will have so many, you will have to pick only the most interesting ones! Have a collecting bag around your neck to put them into it. Have a walking stick to hike with, do some prodding in thick pine needles. We have seen some rattle snakes, actually one, but it was nearly five feet long a Basalt ridge. Just be aware.

Wonderful camping. Well maintained roads. Gasoline, groceries and water to be found in Reserve. On a map draw a fifty mile circle and you are just beginning to find places to hunt. Most are to the north, east and west of Reserve. The locals will help you figure out where to begin.

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Sun, 09 Feb 2014 01:55:57 +0000

This is a typical flat to find loose chalcedony. There are areas of Basalt and Rhyolite that you will find the sources of all of the agate and chalcedony. Once you understand lava flows from the Oligocene volcanics... you are on your way to finding the most unusual chalcedony in the world.

Step into a Forest Service Office, get the large scale Forest map(s) you need, inquire as to where a good area to begin looking might be... and you are on your way. Make sure you mark where you camped... so you can find it next time and finish looking over the beautiful hillsides.

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Sun, 09 Feb 2014 01:55:36 +0000

The area around Reserve, New Mexico has unlimited camping and hiking opportunities. It is very remote and so rugged, that you should mark your campsite with a GPS so you can find it again. Also when you drive to prospect canyons for agate, opal and chalcedony... mark where you parked your vehicle. You CAN easily get lost here.

But, there is so much to hunt that a week is not even enough time to begin to know the area. NO camp fires please. Lots of Elk and Deer, some bear. Bring WATER. Bring FOOD. Bring a FLASHLIGHT. You will need it... or travel with us and stretch out and make the best of retirement!

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Sun, 09 Feb 2014 01:55:19 +0000

One of many "hidden quarries" in productive trilobite country. About 15 miles south of the U Dig site. Hard work but with a shovel and tools to split shale, you will find more than you would have expected. Elrathia is the most common trilobite to be found here. Not too far west and you will find Pernopsis, blind trilobites that look like "bar bells". Also some "unknowns" that you need to take home and figure out WHAT it is. Sometimes, multiple complete specimens in the 3/8 inch to 1 1/2" sizes!

Camp just below the quarry or look around at loose slabs for trilobites washed down the cliffs.

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Sun, 09 Feb 2014 01:54:58 +0000

Have your dogs pack the water into the back country and pack the finds back to camp. There are so many areas to find agate and opal that you just find a nice camping spot and begin to prospect by walking... and walking... and walking. Even "Apache Tears" can be found north of Snow Lake. Bring a bag to carry them. These are the size of a dime to quarter. The dry creek beds and hillsides are a good place to start... north of Snow Lake are some nice camping spots and the hills further north have the Apache Tears washing out in the dirt roads!

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Sun, 09 Feb 2014 01:54:37 +0000

Watch your DeLorne maps for public lands. To the southeast of Jackson there are many camp sites that are no charge. This area had a commercial hot springs pool and fly fishing down stream. Camp, take it easy and enjoy the scenery.

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Sun, 09 Feb 2014 01:49:17 +0000

Great spots are hidden from tourists in small National Forest lands. I am metal detecting a local party camp site with the Grand Tetons behind me. Found lots of loose change. Crazy kids must have holes in their pockets.

No fossils or rock to find, but a great inexpensive way to visit the Tetons and Jackson, Wyoming... on the way to Yellowstone country to the north.

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Sun, 09 Feb 2014 01:48:54 +0000

Just on the south side of Fairplay you can register at a hotel and get the permit to pan for gold. Bring your own pan, shovel and screen to sort out the larger pebbles. This is flour gold, very fine... but easily found while panning. Plastic green pans, rusty steel pans... no matter... even a big pie pan will work.

Bring some youngsters along... let them do the digging and you do the panning!

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Sun, 09 Feb 2014 01:48:36 +0000

Many old trilobite quarries to be found. Some are hidden right over a small hill. Some are obvious and alongside the road. Plenty of camping spots. Visit the U Dig site in the area. All of this is just west of Delta, Utah. Before you go, gas up, water up, eat a good meal before leaving town and head to the House Range mountains.