Monarch: Beryl Rockhounding in Cascade County, Montana

Updated June 2026

Monarch is a mapped rockhounding spot in Cascade County, Montana. Reported finds include beryl. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Cascade County
State: Montana
Nearest road: Trail 122
Postcode: 59463
Coordinates: 47.09727, -110.81613

Geology at Monarch

This spot sits on Lodgepole Formation, mapped as limestone that formed roughly 360 to 330 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: Lodgepole Formation
Age: 360–330 Ma (Mississippian)
Rock types: limestone
Elevation: 4,930 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 Monarch

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 82°F in midsummer and 38°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 17°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, NEIHART 8 NNW 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.

State guidance last verified: April 1, 2026

BLM Montana — Recreational mineral collecting
Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology
Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine (fee-dig operator)
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Monarch

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

Beryl Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Monarch.

Monarch FAQ

Where is Monarch?+

Monarch is in Cascade County, Montana, at 47.09727, -110.81613. Nearest road: Trail 122.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Monarch?+

Monarch is reported to produce Beryl.

Is collecting allowed at Monarch?+

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 Monarch?+

A rock hammer, a pry bar, gloves, and safety glasses suit pegmatite ground. Work weathered zones and check dump piles; coarse crystals often sit in decomposed rock.

When is the best time to visit Monarch?+

The most comfortable months at Monarch are March to November.

How do I get to Monarch?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 47.09727, -110.81613 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Trail 122.

More rockhounding in Montana

See all 87 Montana spots →

Open Monarch on the map

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