Gold Mountain: Citrine & Quartz Rockhounding in Esmeralda County, Nevada

Updated June 2026

Gold Mountain is a mapped rockhounding spot in Esmeralda County, Nevada. Reported finds include citrine, quartz. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Esmeralda County
State: Nevada
Coordinates: 37.25679, -117.30441

Geology at Gold Mountain

This spot sits on Older felsic phaneritic intrusive rocks, mapped as granitic, granodiorite, and quartz monzonite that formed roughly 200 to 145 million years ago. Granitic ground like this typically carries quartz veins and pockets, and weathered crystals tend to collect in the soils and drainages below.

Mapped unit: Older felsic phaneritic intrusive rocks
Age: 200–145 Ma (Jurassic)
Rock types: granitic, granodiorite, and quartz monzonite
Elevation: 7,430 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 Gold Mountain

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 84°F in midsummer and 39°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 17°F. At about 7,430 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, GOLDFIELD station (31 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 Nevada — Recreation
Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology
Royal Peacock Opal Mine (fee-dig operator)
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Gold Mountain

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 Gold Mountain.

Gold Mountain FAQ

Where is Gold Mountain?+

Gold Mountain is in Esmeralda County, Nevada, at 37.25679, -117.30441.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Gold Mountain?+

Gold Mountain is reported to produce Citrine, Quartz.

Is collecting allowed at Gold Mountain?+

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 Gold Mountain?+

A rock hammer, a small pry bar, gloves, and safety glasses cover most crystal ground. A screen helps in loose pocket soil, and newspaper protects points on the way out.

When is the best time to visit Gold Mountain?+

The most comfortable months at Gold Mountain are March to November. At about 7,430 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

How do I get to Gold Mountain?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 37.25679, -117.30441 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Nevada

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