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Both sides of Mule Creek Road: Geode Digging in Greenlee County, Arizona

Updated June 2026

Both sides of Mule Creek Road is a mapped rockhounding spot in Greenlee County, Arizona. Reported finds include chalcedony geode. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Map showing Both sides of Mule Creek Road in Greenlee County, Arizona

Quick details

Access
Public area
State
Arizona
Nearest road
AZ 78

Geology at Both sides of Mule Creek Road

This spot sits on volcanic rocks, mapped as basalt, andesite, and dacite that formed roughly 41 to 7 million years ago. Volcanic rock like this is classic geode and thunderegg country: gas cavities in the old flows can line themselves with quartz or agate over time.

Mapped unit
volcanic rocks
Age
41–7 Ma (Late Eocene to Late Miocene)
Rock types
basalt, andesite, and dacite
Elevation
5,720 ft

Geologic mapping via Macrostrat and the underlying state geological survey maps (CC BY 4.0). Bedrock at the surface can vary within a mapped unit.

Best time to visit Both sides of Mule Creek Road

Best months: August to May. Typical highs run 93°F in midsummer and 53°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 27°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, CLIFTON station (15 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

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.

Sources & verification

Spot details combine the public RockHoundR location dataset, normalized mineral labels, agency land-status checks in the app, and community submissions. Coordinates are approximate until verified in the field.

State guidance last verified:

Found at Both sides of Mule Creek Road

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Both sides of Mule Creek Road.

Across the state line from Both sides of Mule Creek Road

Both sides of Mule Creek Road is close enough to the Arizona border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Both sides of Mule Creek Road FAQ

Where is Both sides of Mule Creek Road?+
Both sides of Mule Creek Road is in Greenlee County, Arizona, at 33.10265, -109.06070. Nearest road: AZ 78.
What rocks and minerals can you find at Both sides of Mule Creek Road?+
Both sides of Mule Creek Road is reported to produce Chalcedony Geode.
Is collecting allowed at Both sides of Mule Creek Road?+
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.
What tools should I bring to Both sides of Mule Creek Road?+
Bring a crack hammer, a chisel, safety glasses, and a bucket. Candidates are rounder and lighter than solid rock; a soil pipe cutter opens them cleaner than a flat smash.
When is the best time to visit Both sides of Mule Creek Road?+
The most comfortable months at Both sides of Mule Creek Road are August to May.
How do I get to Both sides of Mule Creek Road?+
Open the directions link to navigate to 33.10265, -109.06070 in Google Maps. The nearest road is AZ 78.

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