Foothills of Sunset Peak: Agate & Blue Jasper Rockhounding in Greenlee County, Arizona

Updated June 2026

Foothills of Sunset Peak is a mapped rockhounding spot in Greenlee County, Arizona. Reported finds include agate, blue jasper, black jasper. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Greenlee County
State: Arizona
Coordinates: 33.11594, -109.26784

Geology at Foothills of Sunset Peak

This spot sits on volcanic rocks, mapped as basalt, andesite, and dacite that formed roughly 41 to 7 million years ago. Volcanic ground like this is where agate, jasper, and other chalcedony typically form, filling old gas pockets and fracture seams in the flow rock.

Mapped unit: volcanic rocks
Age: 41–7 Ma (Late Eocene to Late Miocene)
Rock types: basalt, andesite, and dacite
Elevation: 4,200 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 Foothills of Sunset Peak

Best months: September to May. Typical highs run 98°F in midsummer and 59°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 33°F. Summer heat here is intense, so carry more water than you think you need and work the early morning.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, CLIFTON station (5 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: April 1, 2026

BLM Arizona — Recreational Mineral Collecting
Arizona Geological Survey
Arizona State Land Department recreation permits
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Foothills of Sunset Peak

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 Foothills of Sunset Peak.

Across the state line from Foothills of Sunset Peak

Foothills of Sunset Peak 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.

Foothills of Sunset Peak FAQ

Where is Foothills of Sunset Peak?+

Foothills of Sunset Peak is in Greenlee County, Arizona, at 33.11594, -109.26784.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Foothills of Sunset Peak?+

Foothills of Sunset Peak is reported to produce Agate, Blue Jasper, Black Jasper.

Is collecting allowed at Foothills of Sunset Peak?+

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 Foothills of Sunset Peak?+

Most agate and jasper is surface float: bring a spray bottle, a pick or small shovel, and a sturdy bag. Wet stones show their banding and translucence.

When is the best time to visit Foothills of Sunset Peak?+

The most comfortable months at Foothills of Sunset Peak are September to May. Summer heat here is intense, so carry more water than you think you need and work the early morning.

How do I get to Foothills of Sunset Peak?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 33.11594, -109.26784 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Arizona

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