Smoke Creek Desert — Rockhounding in Washoe County, Nevada
Smoke Creek Desert is a mapped rockhounding spot in Washoe County, Nevada. Reported finds include gold. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.
Map showing Smoke Creek Desert in Washoe County, Nevada
Quick details
- Access
- Public area
- County
- Washoe County
- State
- Nevada
- Nearest road
- Deep Hole Road
- Coordinates
- 40.71721, -119.48480
Land & collecting status
Generally open to casual rockhounding
Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig.
Public-land rules vary by agency, season, and field office. The RockHoundR app pulls live BLM, USFS, NPS, and tribal overlays so you can see exactly which agency manages the ground at this spot.
Nearby rockhounding spots
Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Smoke Creek Desert.
- GerlachWashoe County · 7 mi awayAgate, Silicified Wood
- Black Rock DesertPershing County · 25 mi awayOpalized Wood, Petrified Wood, Agate
- VyaWashoe County · 37 mi awayCommon Opal, Obsidian
- Little High Rock CanyonHumboldt County · 41 mi awayObsidian
- Nightingale Mountain RangePershing County · 46 mi awayGarnet
- Nellie SpringWashoe County · 47 mi awayOpalite
- Desert Queen AreaChurchill County · 70 mi awayGold, Hematite
- Star PeakPershing County · 71 mi awayGeodes, Nodules
Smoke Creek Desert FAQ
Where is Smoke Creek Desert?+
Smoke Creek Desert is in Washoe County, Nevada, at 40.71721, -119.48480. Nearest road: Deep Hole Road.
What rocks and minerals can you find at Smoke Creek Desert?+
Smoke Creek Desert is reported to produce Gold.
Is collecting allowed at Smoke Creek Desert?+
Generally open to casual rockhounding. Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.
How do I get to Smoke Creek Desert?+
Open the directions link to navigate to 40.71721, -119.48480 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Deep Hole Road.
