Where to Find Pyrite in Colorado
Colorado has 5 mapped collecting spots that report pyrite, spread across 5 counties. The largest share sits in Chaffee County with 1 spot. 3 of the spots are on land mapped as publicly accessible, and 1 is a fee-dig site.
Map of 5 pyrite collecting spots in Colorado
Standout pyrite spots in Colorado
Hand-picked from the full list below, with the reason each one earns a trip.
Best counties for pyrite in Colorado
Ranked by the number of mapped pyrite spots. County links open the full rockhounding page for that county.
- Chaffee County1 spot
- Garfield County1 spot
- Gunnison County1 spot
- Larimer County1 spot
- Mineral County1 spot
Every pyrite spot we track in Colorado
Sorted by county. Coordinates open in Google Maps.
| Spot | County | Minerals | Coordinates | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calumet Iron MineAustin Trail | Chaffee County | 38.6333, -106.0003 | Public | |
| Coffee Pot Spring CampgroundCoffee Pot Road | Garfield County | 39.6761, -107.2033 | Public | |
| Italian Mountain | Gunnison County | 38.9442, -106.7624 | Public | |
| Howes Gulch MinesClear Ridge Road | Larimer County | 40.5911, -105.2250 | Permission | |
| Last Chance MineBachelor Road | Mineral County | 37.8839, -106.9367 | Paid / fee |
Before you go
Read the pyrite identification guide so you know what a keeper looks like in the field: Pyrite in the encyclopedia.
Pyrite in Colorado FAQ
Where can you find pyrite in Colorado?+
The mapped spots concentrate in Chaffee County, Garfield County, and Gunnison County. Every spot on this page appears on the map above with coordinates and access notes.
How many pyrite spots are mapped in Colorado?+
5 spots across 5 counties. The RockHoundR app keeps the same spots on an offline map with public land overlays, geology layers, and your saved finds.
Is it legal to collect pyrite in Colorado?+
Hand collecting of common rocks and minerals in small amounts for personal use is generally allowed on BLM and U.S. Forest Service land, with limits set by the local field office. National parks, most state parks, and tribal land are closed to collecting. 3 of the 5 mapped spots here sit on land marked public, and 1 is a fee-dig operation where you pay for access and keep what you find. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before you dig.
Where else to find pyrite
More minerals to hunt in Colorado
Hunt pyrite in Colorado with the map in your pocket
RockHoundR puts these spots on an offline map with BLM and Forest Service overlays, geology layers, and a log for your finds.
