Little Acorn Mine: Epidote & Quartz Rockhounding in Kern County, California

Updated June 2026

Little Acorn Mine is a mapped rockhounding spot in Kern County, California. Reported finds include epidote, quartz, smoky quartz, scheelite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Kern County
State: California
Nearest road: Chaparral Court
Postcode: 93285
Coordinates: 35.71667, -118.50000

Geology at Little Acorn Mine

This spot sits on granitic rocks, unit 3 (Sierra Nevada, Death Valley area, Northern Mojave Desert and Transverse Ranges), mapped as granodiorite that formed roughly 260 to 3 million years ago. Granitic ground like this typically carries quartz veins and pockets, and weathered crystals tend to collect in the soils and drainages below.

Mapped unit: granitic rocks, unit 3 (Sierra Nevada, Death Valley area, Northern Mojave Desert and Transverse Ranges)
Age: 260–3 Ma (Lopingian to Tertiary)
Rock types: granodiorite
Elevation: 3,870 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 Little Acorn Mine

Best months: September to June. Typical highs run 94°F in midsummer and 56°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 27°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, KERN RIVER PH 3 station (6 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 Little Acorn Mine

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 Little Acorn Mine.

Little Acorn Mine FAQ

Where is Little Acorn Mine?+

Little Acorn Mine is in Kern County, California, at 35.71667, -118.50000. Nearest road: Chaparral Court.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Little Acorn Mine?+

Little Acorn Mine is reported to produce Epidote, Quartz, Smoky Quartz, Scheelite.

Is collecting allowed at Little Acorn Mine?+

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 Little Acorn Mine?+

A rock hammer, a small pry bar, gloves, and safety glasses cover most crystal ground. A screen helps in loose pocket soil, and newspaper protects points on the way out.

When is the best time to visit Little Acorn Mine?+

The most comfortable months at Little Acorn Mine are September to June.

How do I get to Little Acorn Mine?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 35.71667, -118.50000 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Chaparral Court.

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Open Little Acorn Mine on the map

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