Best spot

Crystal Hill: Amethyst & Quartz Rockhounding in Saguache County, Colorado

Updated June 2026

Crystal Hill near La Garita is documented by the USGS as a source of clear rock crystal and pale lavender amethyst in brecciated volcanic rock, a San Luis Valley collecting site worked since the 1880s. The BLM reclaimed the old mine workings around 2009 and allows public collecting on the reclaimed ground. Smoky quartz and manganese oxides occur in the same host. Reported finds include amethyst, quartz, smoky quartz. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Crystal Hill photos

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

1 photo

Banded amethyst quartz, like the amethyst found at Crystal Hill

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Saguache County
State: Colorado
Coordinates: 37.84331, -106.28480

Geology at Crystal Hill

This spot sits on Ash-flow tuff of main volcanic sequence, mapped as volcanic that formed roughly 34 to 23 million years ago. Cavities and seams in volcanic rock like this are the kind of setting where quartz and amethyst crystals tend to grow.

Mapped unit: Ash-flow tuff of main volcanic sequence
Age: 34–23 Ma (Oligocene)
Rock types: volcanic
Elevation: 7,980 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 Crystal Hill

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 80°F in midsummer and 34°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 7°F. At about 7,980 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, DEL NORTE 3ENE station (11 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.

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

Found at Crystal Hill

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 Crystal Hill.

Crystal Hill FAQ

Where is Crystal Hill?+

Crystal Hill is in Saguache County, Colorado, at 37.84331, -106.28480.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Crystal Hill?+

Crystal Hill is reported to produce Amethyst, Quartz, Smoky Quartz.

Is collecting allowed at Crystal Hill?+

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 Crystal Hill?+

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 Crystal Hill?+

The most comfortable months at Crystal Hill are March to November. At about 7,980 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

How do I get to Crystal Hill?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 37.84331, -106.28480 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

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