Clark Valley (North Side): Epidote Rockhounding in Fresno County, California

Updated June 2026

Clark Valley (North Side) is a mapped rockhounding spot in Fresno County, California. Reported finds include epidote. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Fresno County
State: California
Coordinates: 36.77288, -119.34707

Geology at Clark Valley (North Side)

This spot sits on gabbroic rocks, unit 2 (undivided), mapped as diorite and gabbro that formed roughly 250 to 66 million years ago. Plutonic rock like this weathers slowly into grus and boulders, and the most productive collecting is typically in weathered zones and drainages.

Mapped unit: gabbroic rocks, unit 2 (undivided)
Age: 250–66 Ma (Triassic to Cretaceous)
Rock types: diorite and gabbro
Elevation: 780 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 Clark Valley (North Side)

Best months: October to June. Typical highs run 96°F in midsummer and 56°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 42°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, BALCH PWR HOUSE station (17 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 California — Recreational mineral collecting
California Geological Survey
CDFW — Suction Dredge Mining Permit Program
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Clark Valley (North Side)

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

Epidote Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Clark Valley (North Side).

Clark Valley (North Side) FAQ

Where is Clark Valley (North Side)?+

Clark Valley (North Side) is in Fresno County, California, at 36.77288, -119.34707.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Clark Valley (North Side)?+

Clark Valley (North Side) is reported to produce Epidote.

Is collecting allowed at Clark Valley (North Side)?+

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 Clark Valley (North Side)?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, safety glasses, and a collecting bag cover the basics here. Add a spray bottle: wet rock shows color and pattern that dry rock hides.

When is the best time to visit Clark Valley (North Side)?+

The most comfortable months at Clark Valley (North Side) are October to June. Summer heat here is intense, so carry more water than you think you need and work the early morning.

How do I get to Clark Valley (North Side)?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 36.77288, -119.34707 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

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