Unnamed Location (Mariposite): Mariposite Rockhounding in Mariposa County, California

Updated June 2026

Unnamed Location (Mariposite) is a mapped rockhounding spot in Mariposa County, California. Reported finds include mariposite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Mariposa County
State: California
Nearest road: CA 132
Postcode: 95311
Coordinates: 37.71323, -120.21223

Geology at Unnamed Location (Mariposite)

This spot sits on marine rocks, unit 1 (Western Sierra Nevada and Western Klamath Mountains), mapped as slate and graywacke that formed roughly 250 to 145 million years ago. Metamorphic rock like this weathers into resistant float, and minerals that survive transport typically concentrate in nearby drainages.

Mapped unit: marine rocks, unit 1 (Western Sierra Nevada and Western Klamath Mountains)
Age: 250–145 Ma (Triassic to Late Jurassic)
Rock types: slate and graywacke
Elevation: 1,580 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 Unnamed Location (Mariposite)

Best months: September to June. Typical highs run 96°F in midsummer and 58°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 35°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, GROVELAND 2 station (9 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 Unnamed Location (Mariposite)

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

Mariposite

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Unnamed Location (Mariposite).

Unnamed Location (Mariposite) FAQ

Where is Unnamed Location (Mariposite)?+

Unnamed Location (Mariposite) is in Mariposa County, California, at 37.71323, -120.21223. Nearest road: CA 132.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Unnamed Location (Mariposite)?+

Unnamed Location (Mariposite) is reported to produce Mariposite.

Is collecting allowed at Unnamed Location (Mariposite)?+

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 Unnamed Location (Mariposite)?+

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 Unnamed Location (Mariposite)?+

The most comfortable months at Unnamed Location (Mariposite) are September 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 Unnamed Location (Mariposite)?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 37.71323, -120.21223 in Google Maps. The nearest road is CA 132.

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