Yogo Gulch: Gold Prospecting in Judith Basin County, Montana

Updated June 2026

Yogo Gulch is a mapped rockhounding spot in Judith Basin County, Montana. Reported finds include gold, ruby, sapphire. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Judith Basin County
State: Montana
Nearest road: Yogo Trail
Coordinates: 46.92189, -110.45484

Geology at Yogo Gulch

This spot sits on Three Forks through Maywood Formation: Three Forks, Jefferson, and Maywood Formations or Palliser and Alexo Formations, and Fairholme Group in northwestern Montana near Canadian border, mapped as limestone, dolostone, and shale that formed roughly 370 to 345 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: Three Forks through Maywood Formation: Three Forks, Jefferson, and Maywood Formations or Palliser and Alexo Formations, and Fairholme Group in northwestern Montana near Canadian border
Age: 370–345 Ma (Late Devonian to Mississippian)
Rock types: limestone, dolostone, and shale
Elevation: 6,100 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 Yogo Gulch

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 74°F in midsummer and 33°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 10°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, LEWISTOWN 42 WSW 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

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 Yogo Gulch

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 Yogo Gulch.

Yogo Gulch FAQ

Where is Yogo Gulch?+

Yogo Gulch is in Judith Basin County, Montana, at 46.92189, -110.45484. Nearest road: Yogo Trail.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Yogo Gulch?+

Yogo Gulch is reported to produce Gold, Ruby, Sapphire.

Is collecting allowed at Yogo Gulch?+

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 Yogo Gulch?+

A gold pan, a classifier screen, a small shovel, and a snuffer bottle cover the basics. Motorized equipment and sluices fall under separate rules in most states, so start with hand tools.

When is the best time to visit Yogo Gulch?+

The most comfortable months at Yogo Gulch are April to October.

How do I get to Yogo Gulch?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 46.92189, -110.45484 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Yogo Trail.

More rockhounding in Montana

See all 106 Montana spots →

Open Yogo Gulch on the map

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