Agates near Moab, UT
17 of the mapped rockhounding spots within 150 miles of Moab report agate. The closest is Colorado River, about 3 miles out (3 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 17 agate collecting spots within 150 miles of Moab, Utah
Closest agates spots to Moab
- Colorado RiverGrand County, Utah3 mi · 3 min driveAgate, Chalcedony, Chert
- SE Grand CountyGrand County, Utah5 mi · 7 min driveAgate, Chalcedony, Chert
- Thompson SpringsGrand County, Utah18 mi · 23 min driveAgate, Agatized Clams, Jasper
- Thompson SpringsGrand County, Utah22 mi · 27 min driveAgate, Agatized Clams, Anhydrite
- AgateGrand County, Utah35 mi · 43 min driveAgate, Chalcedony, Chert
- San Rafael RiverEmery County, Utah50 mi · 1 hr 2 min driveAgate, Anhydrite, Carnotite
Every agate spot within 150 miles of Moab
Sorted by distance from Moab. Tap a row for directions, access status, and nearby trips.
Agates near Moab FAQ
Where can I find agates near Moab?+
17 mapped spots within about 150 miles of Moab report agate. The closest is Colorado River in Grand County County, roughly 3 miles away (3 min drive). The full list with coordinates is on this page.
Can I collect agates on public land near Moab?+
17 of the 17 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 Moab do I need to drive?+
The nearest agate spot is about 3 miles out, and the farthest on this list is 123 miles. Most fall inside a normal weekend day-trip radius.
Keep exploring from Moab
Agates near other cities
Hunt agates around Moab 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.
