Golconda (petrified area): Chalcedony & Petrified Wood Rockhounding in Humboldt County, Nevada

Updated June 2026

Golconda (petrified area) is a mapped rockhounding spot in Humboldt County, Nevada. Reported finds include chalcedony, petrified wood. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Humboldt County
State: Nevada
Nearest road: Eden Valley Road
Coordinates: 40.97870, -117.48338

Geology at Golconda (petrified area)

This spot sits on Alluvium, undifferentiated, mapped as coarse alluvium and fine alluvium that formed within roughly the last 3 million years. Petrified wood typically travels as tough float, and worked gravels like these are exactly where weathered pieces tend to collect.

Mapped unit: Alluvium, undifferentiated
Age: 3 Ma to present (Pleistocene to Holocene)
Rock types: coarse alluvium and fine alluvium
Elevation: 4,350 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 Golconda (petrified area)

Best months: February to June. Typical highs run 94°F in midsummer and 42°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 20°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, GOLCONDA station (2 mi away).

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 Golconda (petrified area)

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 Golconda (petrified area).

Golconda (petrified area) FAQ

Where is Golconda (petrified area)?+

Golconda (petrified area) is in Humboldt County, Nevada, at 40.97870, -117.48338. Nearest road: Eden Valley Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Golconda (petrified area)?+

Golconda (petrified area) is reported to produce Chalcedony, Petrified Wood.

Is collecting allowed at Golconda (petrified area)?+

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 Golconda (petrified area)?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, and a padded bag cover petrified wood hunting. Most pieces are surface float, so walking slopes and washes beats digging.

When is the best time to visit Golconda (petrified area)?+

The most comfortable months at Golconda (petrified area) are February to June.

How do I get to Golconda (petrified area)?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 40.97870, -117.48338 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Eden Valley Road.

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