Skunk Creek: Pink Chalcedony Rockhounding in Maricopa County, Arizona

Updated June 2026

Skunk Creek is a mapped rockhounding spot in Maricopa County, Arizona. Reported finds include pink chalcedony. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Maricopa County
State: Arizona
Nearest road: West Happy Valley Road
Postcode: 85083
Coordinates: 33.71117, -112.12710

Geology at Skunk Creek

This spot sits on Late and middle Pleistocene surficial deposits, mapped as gravel and sand 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: Late and middle Pleistocene surficial deposits
Age: 3 Ma to present (Pleistocene)
Rock types: gravel and sand
Elevation: 1,420 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 Skunk Creek

Best months: October to April. Typical highs run 104°F in midsummer and 66°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 44°F. Monsoon storms peak in July and August and can flood washes fast.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, PHOENIX DEER VALLEY MUNI AP 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 Skunk Creek

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

Pink Chalcedony Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Skunk Creek.

Skunk Creek FAQ

Where is Skunk Creek?+

Skunk Creek is in Maricopa County, Arizona, at 33.71117, -112.12710. Nearest road: West Happy Valley Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Skunk Creek?+

Skunk Creek is reported to produce Pink Chalcedony.

Is collecting allowed at Skunk Creek?+

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 Skunk Creek?+

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 Skunk Creek?+

The most comfortable months at Skunk Creek are October to April. Monsoon storms peak in July and August and can flood washes fast.

How do I get to Skunk Creek?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 33.71117, -112.12710 in Google Maps. The nearest road is West Happy Valley Road.

More rockhounding in Arizona

See all 53 Arizona spots →

Open Skunk Creek on the map

Use the RockHoundR app for live land overlays, weather, geology, directions, and saved finds.