Howlands Landing (Catalina Island): Albite Rockhounding in Los Angeles County, California

Updated June 2026

Howlands Landing (Catalina Island) is a mapped rockhounding spot in Los Angeles County, California. Reported finds include albite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Los Angeles County
State: California
Nearest road: West End Road
Coordinates: 33.45757, -118.51667

Geology at Howlands Landing (Catalina Island)

This spot sits on Franciscan Complex, unit 2 (Southern California), mapped as schist and metasedimentary that formed roughly 115 to 94 million years ago. Metamorphic rock like this weathers into resistant float, and minerals that survive transport typically concentrate in nearby drainages.

Mapped unit: Franciscan Complex, unit 2 (Southern California)
Age: 115–94 Ma (Early Cretaceous to Late Cretaceous)
Rock types: schist and metasedimentary
Elevation: 130 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 Howlands Landing (Catalina Island)

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 67°F in winter to 82°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, AVALON CATALINA AP station (7 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 Howlands Landing (Catalina Island)

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

Albite Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Howlands Landing (Catalina Island).

Howlands Landing (Catalina Island) FAQ

Where is Howlands Landing (Catalina Island)?+

Howlands Landing (Catalina Island) is in Los Angeles County, California, at 33.45757, -118.51667. Nearest road: West End Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Howlands Landing (Catalina Island)?+

Howlands Landing (Catalina Island) is reported to produce Albite.

Is collecting allowed at Howlands Landing (Catalina Island)?+

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 Howlands Landing (Catalina Island)?+

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 Howlands Landing (Catalina Island)?+

Howlands Landing (Catalina Island) is workable year-round.

How do I get to Howlands Landing (Catalina Island)?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 33.45757, -118.51667 in Google Maps. The nearest road is West End Road.

More rockhounding in California

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Open Howlands Landing (Catalina Island) on the map

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