Top 10 Colorado Rockhounding Spots
Important: Conditions, access, claims, and regulations change. Always verify current land status (USFS/BLM/private), posted signs, seasons, and safety before visiting. Pack out all materials and fill any test holes.
- Mount Antero (Chaffee County)
Known for: Aquamarine, beryl, quartz
Notes: High elevation; 4×4 access via CR 162 → Baldwin Gulch; alpine weather.
Approx. GPS: 38.6742, -106.2461 - Mount White / Chalk Creek Area (Chaffee)
Known for: Beryl/aquamarine, quartz pegmatites
Notes: Rugged terrain; seasonal 4×4; respect claims.
Approx. GPS: 38.6900, -106.2400 - Crystal Peak / Lake George – Badger Flats (Park/Teller)
Known for: Amazonite + smoky quartz; fluorite/topaz (localized)
Notes: Heavily claimed pockets; check maps & permissions.
Approx. GPS: 38.9958, -105.2892 - Devil’s Head (Pike National Forest, Douglas)
Known for: Amazonite, smoky quartz, topaz
Notes: USFS rules apply; many historic digs are now claimed.
Approx. GPS: 39.3070, -105.1014 - Ruby Mountain (near Nathrop / Arkansas Headwaters)
Known for: Spessartine garnet, topaz, obsidian nodules (reported)
Notes: Mixed land (state/BLM/private); access varies—verify locally.
Approx. GPS: 38.7528, -106.1050 - Topaz Mountain Gem Mine (Lake George, Fee Dig)
Known for: Topaz (scheduled pay-to-dig)
Notes: Private property—book in advance; follow operator rules.
Approx. GPS: 39.10335, -105.39287 - Pikes Peak Region Pegmatites (General)
Known for: Amazonite, smoky quartz, topaz
Notes: Regional occurrences; many claims—research carefully.
Approx. GPS (region): 38.8409, -105.0423 - Stoneham Blue Barite (Weld County)
Known for: Blue barite crystals (historic locality)
Notes: Access changes and is often limited/closed; confirm status first.
Approx. GPS (region): 40.7390, -103.6640 - Lake George Ring Complex (Park/Teller)
Known for: Smoky quartz, amazonite, fluorite (various localities)
Notes: Heavily claimed—obtain permission; respect closures.
Approx. GPS (region): 39.0000, -105.3500 - Mount Princeton / White Mountain Area (Chaffee)
Known for: Beryl/aquamarine, quartz, topaz (regional reports)
Notes: Alpine weather; check claims; rugged approach.
Approx. GPS: 38.7490, -106.2420
Tips & Tools
- Bring: rock hammer, chisel set, eye protection, gloves, small shovel, buckets, water, GPS/Offline maps.
- Check status: USFS/BLM maps, county assessor parcels, active mining claims; obey posted signs.
- Leave no trace: backfill holes, pack out trash, stay on designated roads.
- Safety: watch weather (lightning at altitude), carry layers, tell someone your plan.