Monte Cristo Range: Variscite Rockhounding in Esmeralda County, Nevada

Updated June 2026

Monte Cristo Range is a mapped rockhounding spot in Esmeralda County, Nevada. Reported finds include variscite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Esmeralda County
State: Nevada
Coordinates: 38.15030, -117.63062

Geology at Monte Cristo Range

This spot sits on Younger rhyolitic flows and shallow intrusive rocks, mapped as rhyolite, hypabyssal quartz latite, and dacite that formed roughly 23 to 5 million years ago. Volcanic ground like this weathers into rocky slopes and float, and fresh exposures in cuts and drainages are usually the most productive places to look.

Mapped unit: Younger rhyolitic flows and shallow intrusive rocks
Age: 23–5 Ma (Miocene)
Rock types: rhyolite, hypabyssal quartz latite, and dacite
Elevation: 5,590 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 Monte Cristo Range

Best months: February to November. Typical highs run 90°F in midsummer and 43°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 24°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, TONOPAH station (22 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 Monte Cristo Range

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Variscite

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Monte Cristo Range.

Monte Cristo Range FAQ

Where is Monte Cristo Range?+

Monte Cristo Range is in Esmeralda County, Nevada, at 38.15030, -117.63062.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Monte Cristo Range?+

Monte Cristo Range is reported to produce Variscite.

Is collecting allowed at Monte Cristo Range?+

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 Monte Cristo Range?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, safety glasses, and a collecting bag cover the basics here. Add a spray bottle: wet rock shows color and pattern that dry rock hides.

When is the best time to visit Monte Cristo Range?+

The most comfortable months at Monte Cristo Range are February to November.

How do I get to Monte Cristo Range?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 38.15030, -117.63062 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Nevada

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Open Monte Cristo Range on the map

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