Nipomo Area: Moss Agate & Jasper Rockhounding in San Luis Obispo County, California

Updated June 2026

Nipomo Area is a mapped rockhounding spot in San Luis Obispo County, California. Reported finds include moss agate, jasper, petrified wood, stibnite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: San Luis Obispo County
State: California
Nearest road: South Dana Foothill Road
Coordinates: 35.03507, -120.45300

Geology at Nipomo Area

This spot sits on marine rocks, mapped as sandstone and mudstone that formed roughly 34 to 3 million years ago. Sedimentary beds like these are the typical host for petrified and silicified wood, which weathers out as durable float on slopes and in washes.

Mapped unit: marine rocks
Age: 34–3 Ma (Oligocene to Pliocene)
Rock types: sandstone and mudstone
Elevation: 400 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 Nipomo Area

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 63°F in winter to 78°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, TWITCHELL DAM station (8 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 Nipomo Area

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 Nipomo Area.

Nipomo Area FAQ

Where is Nipomo Area?+

Nipomo Area is in San Luis Obispo County, California, at 35.03507, -120.45300. Nearest road: South Dana Foothill Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Nipomo Area?+

Nipomo Area is reported to produce Moss Agate, Jasper, Petrified Wood, Stibnite.

Is collecting allowed at Nipomo Area?+

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 Nipomo Area?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, and a padded bag cover petrified wood hunting. Most pieces are surface float, so walking slopes and washes beats digging.

When is the best time to visit Nipomo Area?+

Nipomo Area is workable year-round.

How do I get to Nipomo Area?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 35.03507, -120.45300 in Google Maps. The nearest road is South Dana Foothill Road.

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Open Nipomo Area on the map

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