Agates near Moab, UT
24 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 24 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
- Monitor ButteGrand County, Utah12 mi · 15 min driveAgate
- Thompson SpringsGrand County, Utah18 mi · 23 min driveAgate, Agatized Clam, Jasper
- Poison StripGrand County, Utah19 mi · 24 min driveCarnotite, Agate, Petrified Wood
- Dewey Bridge AgateGrand County, Utah21 mi · 27 min driveAgate
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?+
24 mapped spots within about 150 miles of Moab report agate. The closest is Colorado River in Grand 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?+
20 of the 24 spots here sit on land mapped as publicly accessible, and 1 is a fee-dig site where you pay for access and keep your finds. 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 150 miles. Most fall inside a normal weekend day-trip radius.
