South Fork Solomon River: Moss Agate Rockhounding in Sheridan County, Kansas

Updated June 2026

South Fork Solomon River is a mapped rockhounding spot in Sheridan County, Kansas. Reported finds include moss agate. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Sheridan County
State: Kansas
Coordinates: 39.30963, -100.40072

Geology at South Fork Solomon River

This spot sits on Alluvium, mapped as sand, silt, and clay that formed within roughly the last 3 million years. Gravels like these concentrate whatever survives the river: agate, jasper, and other tough silica typically show up as rounded, waxy stones.

Mapped unit: Alluvium
Age: 3 Ma to present (Pleistocene to Holocene)
Rock types: sand, silt, and clay
Elevation: 2,610 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 South Fork Solomon River

Best months: February to November. Typical highs run 90°F in midsummer and 42°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 19°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, HOXIE station (4 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 South Fork Solomon River

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

Moss Agate Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of South Fork Solomon River.

Across the state line from South Fork Solomon River

South Fork Solomon River is close enough to the Kansas border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Republican RiverRed Willow County, Nebraska · 61 mi awayJasper

South Fork Solomon River FAQ

Where is South Fork Solomon River?+

South Fork Solomon River is in Sheridan County, Kansas, at 39.30963, -100.40072.

What rocks and minerals can you find at South Fork Solomon River?+

South Fork Solomon River is reported to produce Moss Agate.

Is collecting allowed at South Fork Solomon River?+

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 South Fork Solomon River?+

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 South Fork Solomon River?+

The most comfortable months at South Fork Solomon River are February to November.

How do I get to South Fork Solomon River?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 39.30963, -100.40072 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Kansas

See all 50 Kansas spots →

Open South Fork Solomon River on the map

Use the RockHoundR app for live land overlays, weather, geology, directions, and saved finds.