Coyote Point: Chert & Jasper Rockhounding in San Mateo County, California

Updated June 2026

Coyote Point is a mapped rockhounding spot in San Mateo County, California. Reported finds include chert, jasper. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: San Mateo County
State: California
Postcode: 94401
Coordinates: 37.59149, -122.32045

Geology at Coyote Point

This spot sits on ground mapped as Franciscan Complex, Greenstone that formed roughly 200 to 66 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, Greenstone
Age: 200–66 Ma (Jurassic to Cretaceous)
Elevation: 40 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 Coyote Point

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 58°F in winter to 72°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, SAN FRANCISCO INTL AP station (3 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 Coyote Point

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 Coyote Point.

Coyote Point FAQ

Where is Coyote Point?+

Coyote Point is in San Mateo County, California, at 37.59149, -122.32045.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Coyote Point?+

Coyote Point is reported to produce Chert, Jasper.

Is collecting allowed at Coyote Point?+

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 Coyote Point?+

Most agate and jasper is surface float: bring a spray bottle, a pick or small shovel, and a sturdy bag. Wet stones show their banding and translucence.

When is the best time to visit Coyote Point?+

Coyote Point is workable year-round.

How do I get to Coyote Point?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 37.59149, -122.32045 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in California

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Open Coyote Point on the map

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