Pine Tree Canyon: Barite Rockhounding in Kern County, California

Updated June 2026

Pine Tree Canyon is a mapped rockhounding spot in Kern County, California. Reported finds include barite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Kern County
State: California
Nearest road: Pine Tree Canyon Road (MK55)
Coordinates: 35.23089, -118.08664

Geology at Pine Tree Canyon

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. Plutonic rock like this weathers slowly into grus and boulders, and the most productive collecting is typically in weathered zones and drainages.

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: 2,730 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 Pine Tree Canyon

Best months: September to May. Typical highs run 97°F in midsummer and 58°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 33°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, MOJAVE station (13 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 California — Recreational mineral collecting
California Geological Survey
CDFW — Suction Dredge Mining Permit Program
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Pine Tree Canyon

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

Barite Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Pine Tree Canyon.

Pine Tree Canyon FAQ

Where is Pine Tree Canyon?+

Pine Tree Canyon is in Kern County, California, at 35.23089, -118.08664. Nearest road: Pine Tree Canyon Road (MK55).

What rocks and minerals can you find at Pine Tree Canyon?+

Pine Tree Canyon is reported to produce Barite.

Is collecting allowed at Pine Tree Canyon?+

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 Pine Tree Canyon?+

A rock hammer, gloves, and safety glasses cover old mining-district ground. Stay out of shafts and adits; the best specimens typically come from dump piles.

When is the best time to visit Pine Tree Canyon?+

The most comfortable months at Pine Tree Canyon are September to May. Summer heat here is intense, so carry more water than you think you need and work the early morning.

How do I get to Pine Tree Canyon?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 35.23089, -118.08664 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Pine Tree Canyon Road (MK55).

More rockhounding in California

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Open Pine Tree Canyon on the map

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