Montpelier: Gypsum Rockhounding in Bear Lake County, Idaho

Updated June 2026

Montpelier is a mapped rockhounding spot in Bear Lake County, Idaho. Reported finds include gypsum. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Bear Lake County
State: Idaho
Nearest road: Montpelier Canyon Road
Coordinates: 42.32764, -111.22798

Geology at Montpelier

This spot sits on Sedimentary rocks (Triassic), mapped as mudstone, sandstone, and limestone that formed roughly 250 to 200 million years ago. Carbonate rock like this dissolves and weathers readily, so fresh road cuts, quarries, and creek exposures are typically the most productive ground.

Mapped unit: Sedimentary rocks (Triassic)
Age: 250–200 Ma (Triassic)
Rock types: mudstone, sandstone, and limestone
Elevation: 7,010 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 Montpelier

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 81°F in midsummer and 25°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 3°F. At about 7,010 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, BERN 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

Idaho Panhandle National Forests — Emerald Creek
Idaho Geological Survey
Spencer Opal Mines (fee-dig operator)
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Montpelier

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Gypsum Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Montpelier.

Across the state line from Montpelier

Montpelier is close enough to the Idaho border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Montpelier FAQ

Where is Montpelier?+

Montpelier is in Bear Lake County, Idaho, at 42.32764, -111.22798. Nearest road: Montpelier Canyon Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Montpelier?+

Montpelier is reported to produce Gypsum.

Is collecting allowed at Montpelier?+

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 Montpelier?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, safety glasses, and a collecting bag cover the basics here. Add a spray bottle: wet rock shows color and pattern that dry rock hides.

When is the best time to visit Montpelier?+

The most comfortable months at Montpelier are April to October. At about 7,010 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

How do I get to Montpelier?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 42.32764, -111.22798 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Montpelier Canyon Road.

More rockhounding in Idaho

See all 115 Idaho spots →

Open Montpelier on the map

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