Area S of Horseshoe Dam: Agate Rockhounding in Maricopa County, Arizona

Updated June 2026

Area S of Horseshoe Dam is a mapped rockhounding spot in Maricopa County, Arizona. Reported finds include agate. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Maricopa County
State: Arizona
Nearest road: Horseshoe Dam Road
Coordinates: 33.96523, -111.71760

Geology at Area S of Horseshoe Dam

This spot sits on surficial deposits, undivided, mapped as sand, silt, and clay that formed within roughly the last 3 million years. Gravels like these concentrate whatever survives the river: agate, jasper, and other tough silica typically show up as rounded, waxy stones.

Mapped unit: surficial deposits, undivided
Age: 3 Ma to present (Pleistocene to Holocene)
Rock types: sand, silt, and clay
Elevation: 1,910 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 Area S of Horseshoe Dam

Best months: October to April. Typical highs run 106°F in midsummer and 67°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 44°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, CAREFREE 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: 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 Area S of Horseshoe Dam

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

Agate Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Area S of Horseshoe Dam.

Area S of Horseshoe Dam FAQ

Where is Area S of Horseshoe Dam?+

Area S of Horseshoe Dam is in Maricopa County, Arizona, at 33.96523, -111.71760. Nearest road: Horseshoe Dam Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Area S of Horseshoe Dam?+

Area S of Horseshoe Dam is reported to produce Agate.

Is collecting allowed at Area S of Horseshoe Dam?+

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 Area S of Horseshoe Dam?+

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 Area S of Horseshoe Dam?+

The most comfortable months at Area S of Horseshoe Dam are October to April. Summer heat here is intense, so carry more water than you think you need and work the early morning.

How do I get to Area S of Horseshoe Dam?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 33.96523, -111.71760 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Horseshoe Dam Road.

More rockhounding in Arizona

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Open Area S of Horseshoe Dam on the map

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