Agates near Bozeman, MT
18 of the mapped rockhounding spots within 150 miles of Bozeman report agate. The closest is Mount Blackmore, about 16 miles out (20 min drive).
Agates are banded chalcedony nodules that survive long after their volcanic host rock rots away, which is why they concentrate in gravel bars, beaches, and glacial deposits far from where they formed.
Map of 18 agate collecting spots within 150 miles of Bozeman, Montana
Closest agates spots to Bozeman
- Mount BlackmoreGallatin County, Montana16 mi · 20 min driveAgate, Chalcedony, Hyalite Opal
- Yellowstone RiverPark County, Montana23 mi · 29 min driveAgate, Montana Agate, Moss Agate
- CarbellaPark County, Montana32 mi · 40 min driveAgate, Jasper, Petrified Wood
- MinerPark County, Montana34 mi · 42 min driveAgate, Chalcedony, Jasper
- Jefferson RiverMadison County, Montana59 mi · 1 hr 14 min driveAgate, Chalcedony, Jasper
- Yellowstone River - Pelican Fishing AccessSweet Grass County, Montana62 mi · 1 hr 17 min driveMontana Moss Agate, Petrified Wood, Jasper
Types of agates reported near Bozeman
Counts reflect how many spots in this radius mention each variety.
- Agate10
- Montana Moss Agate6
- Montana Agate2
- Dry Head Agate1
- Moss Agate1
Every agate spot within 150 miles of Bozeman
Sorted by distance from Bozeman. Tap a row for directions, access status, and nearby trips.
Agates near Bozeman FAQ
Where can I find agates near Bozeman?+
18 mapped spots within about 150 miles of Bozeman report agate. The closest is Mount Blackmore in Gallatin County, roughly 16 miles away (20 min drive). The full list with coordinates is on this page.
Can I collect agates on public land near Bozeman?+
14 of the 18 spots here sit on land mapped as publicly accessible. Casual hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed on most BLM and Forest Service land with limits set by the local field office; national parks and most state parks are closed to collecting. Confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.
What is the fastest way to spot an agate in a gravel bed?+
Look for waxy luster and translucence rather than color. Wet the stone or look right after rain: agate glows softly at thin edges when backlit, while jasper and chert stay opaque. Banding clinches it but is often hidden until the stone is cracked or tumbled.
How far from Bozeman do I need to drive?+
The nearest agate spot is about 16 miles out, and the farthest on this list is 150 miles. Most fall inside a normal weekend day-trip radius.
Keep exploring from Bozeman
Agates near other cities
Hunt agates around Bozeman with the map in your pocket
RockHoundR shows these spots on an offline map with public land overlays, geology layers, weather, and a log for your finds.
