Best spot

Devils Head (Rampart Range): Smoky Quartz & Topaz Rockhounding in Douglas County, Colorado

Updated June 2026

Devils Head sits in the Pikes Peak granite of the Rampart Range, where weathered pegmatite pockets have produced large topaz and smoky quartz crystals along with amazonite and fluorite. The locality lies on Pike National Forest land, and personal-use specimen collecting with hand tools is allowed on open ground. It is one of the classic crystal-pocket areas of the Front Range. Reported finds include smoky quartz, topaz, amazonite, fluorite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Devils Head (Rampart Range) photos

Public image records connected to this spot or its reported material.

1 photo

Amazonite and smoky quartz from the Pikes Peak granite at Crystal Peak, Colorado

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Douglas County
State: Colorado
Coordinates: 39.27560, -105.10770

Geology at Devils Head (Rampart Range)

This spot sits on Rocks of Pikes Peak Batholith (1000-m.y. age group), mapped as granite and alkali feldspar granite that formed roughly 1600 to 1000 million years ago. Granitic ground like this typically carries quartz veins and pockets, and weathered crystals tend to collect in the soils and drainages below.

Mapped unit: Rocks of Pikes Peak Batholith (1000-m.y. age group)
Age: 1600–1000 Ma (Mesoproterozoic)
Rock types: granite and alkali feldspar granite
Elevation: 8,810 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 Devils Head (Rampart Range)

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 77°F in midsummer and 38°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 7°F. At about 8,810 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, CHEESMAN station (10 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.

Sources: RockHoundR public spot dataset, app land overlays, and local agency review before each trip.

Found at Devils Head (Rampart Range)

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 Devils Head (Rampart Range).

Devils Head (Rampart Range) FAQ

Where is Devils Head (Rampart Range)?+

Devils Head (Rampart Range) is in Douglas County, Colorado, at 39.27560, -105.10770.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Devils Head (Rampart Range)?+

Devils Head (Rampart Range) is reported to produce Smoky Quartz, Topaz, Amazonite, Fluorite.

Is collecting allowed at Devils Head (Rampart Range)?+

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 Devils Head (Rampart Range)?+

A rock hammer, a small pry bar, gloves, and safety glasses cover most crystal ground. A screen helps in loose pocket soil, and newspaper protects points on the way out.

When is the best time to visit Devils Head (Rampart Range)?+

The most comfortable months at Devils Head (Rampart Range) are March to November. At about 8,810 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

How do I get to Devils Head (Rampart Range)?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 39.27560, -105.10770 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

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