Sentinel Rock and Specimen Rock: Amazonite & Fluorite Rockhounding in El Paso County, Colorado

Updated June 2026

Sentinel Rock and Specimen Rock is a mapped rockhounding spot in El Paso County, Colorado. Reported finds include amazonite, fluorite, goethite, hematite, quartz. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: El Paso County
State: Colorado
Coordinates: 38.80464, -104.91777

Geology at Sentinel Rock and Specimen Rock

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: 8,840 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 Sentinel Rock and Specimen Rock

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 75°F in midsummer and 39°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 13°F. At about 8,840 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, RUXTON PARK station (4 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 Sentinel Rock and Specimen Rock

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 Sentinel Rock and Specimen Rock.

Sentinel Rock and Specimen Rock FAQ

Where is Sentinel Rock and Specimen Rock?+

Sentinel Rock and Specimen Rock is in El Paso County, Colorado, at 38.80464, -104.91777.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Sentinel Rock and Specimen Rock?+

Sentinel Rock and Specimen Rock is reported to produce Amazonite, Fluorite, Goethite, Hematite, Quartz.

Is collecting allowed at Sentinel Rock and Specimen Rock?+

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 Sentinel Rock and Specimen Rock?+

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 Sentinel Rock and Specimen Rock?+

The most comfortable months at Sentinel Rock and Specimen Rock are March to November. At about 8,840 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

How do I get to Sentinel Rock and Specimen Rock?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 38.80464, -104.91777 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Colorado

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Open Sentinel Rock and Specimen Rock on the map

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