Agates near Phoenix, AZ
11 of the mapped rockhounding spots within 150 miles of Phoenix report agate. The closest is Agua Fria River Gravels, about 19 miles out (24 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 11 agate collecting spots within 150 miles of Phoenix, Arizona
Closest agates spots to Phoenix
- Agua Fria River GravelsMaricopa County, Arizona19 mi · 24 min driveAgate, Chalcedony, Jasper
- ~4 mi. SW of Cave Creek townMaricopa County, Arizona23 mi · 29 min driveAgate, Gold, Jasper
- New River Area StreamsMaricopa County, Arizona33 mi · 41 min driveAgate, Chalcedony, Jasper
- Area around hotelYavapai County, Arizona40 mi · 50 min driveJasper, Agate, Quartz
- Area S of Horseshoe DamMaricopa County, Arizona41 mi · 51 min driveAgate
- All along both sides of road from Morristown to Castle Hot SpringsYavapai County, Arizona42 mi · 53 min driveAgate, Chalcedony, Chert
Types of agates reported near Phoenix
Counts reflect how many spots in this radius mention each variety.
- Agate10
- Pink Agate1
Every agate spot within 150 miles of Phoenix
Sorted by distance from Phoenix. Tap a row for directions, access status, and nearby trips.
| Spot | County | Minerals | Coordinates | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agua Fria River GravelsNorth Coyote Lakes Parkway | Maricopa County | 33.6437, -112.3159 | Public | |
| ~4 mi. SW of Cave Creek townBrawling Badger Trail | Maricopa County | 33.7824, -111.9979 | Public | |
| New River Area StreamsWest New River Road | Maricopa County | 33.9194, -112.1047 | Public | |
| Area around hotelCastle Hot Springs Road | Yavapai County | 33.9815, -112.3624 | Public | |
| Area S of Horseshoe DamHorseshoe Dam Road | Maricopa County | 33.9652, -111.7176 | Public | |
| All along both sides of road from Morristown to Castle Hot SpringsCastle Hot Springs Road | Yavapai County | 33.9533, -112.4910 | Public | |
| Seven Springs-Bloody Basin RoadWillow Springs Trail #223 | Yavapai County | 34.0773, -111.7073 | Public | |
| Along North Creek TrailNorth Peak Trail #24 | Gila County | 34.1775, -111.4476 | Public | |
| Date Creek area | Yavapai County | 34.2126, -113.0498 | Public | |
| Area around Ellison Creek | Gila County | 34.3473, -111.2735 | Public | |
| Under Burro Creek BridgeBurro Creek Bridge | Mohave County |
| 34.5448, -113.4432 | Public |
Agates near Phoenix FAQ
Where can I find agates near Phoenix?+
11 mapped spots within about 150 miles of Phoenix report agate. The closest is Agua Fria River Gravels in Maricopa County County, roughly 19 miles away (24 min drive). The full list with coordinates is on this page.
Can I collect agates on public land near Phoenix?+
11 of the 11 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 Phoenix do I need to drive?+
The nearest agate spot is about 19 miles out, and the farthest on this list is 109 miles. Most fall inside a normal weekend day-trip radius.
Keep exploring from Phoenix
Agates near other cities
Hunt agates around Phoenix 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.
