Agua Fria River Gravels: Agate & Chalcedony Rockhounding in Maricopa County, Arizona

Updated June 2026

Agua Fria River Gravels is a mapped rockhounding spot in Maricopa County, Arizona. Reported finds include agate, chalcedony, jasper. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Maricopa County
State: Arizona
Nearest road: North Coyote Lakes Parkway
Postcode: 85378
Coordinates: 33.64370, -112.31591

Geology at Agua Fria River Gravels

This spot sits on river alluvium, mapped as sand and gravel that formed within roughly the last 12,000 years. Gravels like these concentrate whatever survives the river: agate, jasper, and other tough silica typically show up as rounded, waxy stones.

Mapped unit: river alluvium
Age: < 1 Ma (Holocene)
Rock types: sand and gravel
Elevation: 1,170 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 Agua Fria River Gravels

Best months: October to April. Typical highs run 105°F in midsummer and 65°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 41°F. Monsoon storms peak in July and August and can flood washes fast.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, YOUNGTOWN station (4 mi away).

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 Agua Fria River Gravels

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 Agua Fria River Gravels.

Agua Fria River Gravels FAQ

Where is Agua Fria River Gravels?+

Agua Fria River Gravels is in Maricopa County, Arizona, at 33.64370, -112.31591. Nearest road: North Coyote Lakes Parkway.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Agua Fria River Gravels?+

Agua Fria River Gravels is reported to produce Agate, Chalcedony, Jasper.

Is collecting allowed at Agua Fria River Gravels?+

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 Agua Fria River Gravels?+

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 Agua Fria River Gravels?+

The most comfortable months at Agua Fria River Gravels are October to April. Monsoon storms peak in July and August and can flood washes fast.

How do I get to Agua Fria River Gravels?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 33.64370, -112.31591 in Google Maps. The nearest road is North Coyote Lakes Parkway.

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