Bald Mountain: Copper & Mercury Rockhounding in Lander County, Nevada

Updated June 2026

Bald Mountain is a mapped rockhounding spot in Lander County, Nevada. Reported finds include copper, mercury, platinum, silver, tungsten. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Lander County
State: Nevada
Coordinates: 40.39560, -116.72115

Geology at Bald Mountain

This spot sits on ground mapped as Basin Assemblage - Shale, chert, quartzite, greenstone, and limestone that formed roughly 495 to 360 million years ago. Carbonate rock like this dissolves and weathers readily, so fresh road cuts, quarries, and creek exposures are typically the most productive ground.

Mapped unit: Basin Assemblage - Shale, chert, quartzite, greenstone, and limestone
Age: 495–360 Ma (Furongian to Devonian)
Elevation: 6,370 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 Bald Mountain

Best months: February to June. Typical highs run 93°F in midsummer and 40°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 15°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, BATTLE MOUNTAIN 4SE station (17 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 Bald 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 Bald Mountain.

Bald Mountain FAQ

Where is Bald Mountain?+

Bald Mountain is in Lander County, Nevada, at 40.39560, -116.72115.

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

Bald Mountain is reported to produce Copper, Mercury, Platinum, Silver, Tungsten.

Is collecting allowed at Bald 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 Bald Mountain?+

A rock hammer, gloves, and safety glasses are enough for oxidized copper ground. Look for green and blue staining on weathered rock and in old dump piles.

When is the best time to visit Bald Mountain?+

The most comfortable months at Bald Mountain are February to June.

How do I get to Bald Mountain?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 40.39560, -116.72115 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Nevada

See all 119 Nevada spots →

Open Bald Mountain on the map

Use the RockHoundR app for live land overlays, weather, geology, directions, and saved finds.