Fernley: Agate Rockhounding in Lyon County, Nevada

Updated June 2026

Fernley is a mapped rockhounding spot in Lyon County, Nevada. Reported finds include agate. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Lyon County
State: Nevada
Nearest road: US 50 ALT;US 95 ALT
Postcode: 89480
Coordinates: 39.53146, -119.23418

Geology at Fernley

This spot sits on Older gravels, mapped as gravel and sand that formed within roughly the last 5 million years. Gravels like these concentrate whatever survives the river: agate, jasper, and other tough silica typically show up as rounded, waxy stones.

Mapped unit: Older gravels
Age: 5 Ma to present (Pliocene to Pleistocene)
Rock types: gravel and sand
Elevation: 4,490 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 Fernley

Best months: September to June. Typical highs run 95°F in midsummer and 46°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 24°F. Summer heat here is intense, so carry more water than you think you need and work the early morning.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, LAHONTAN DAM station (10 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 Fernley

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

Agate Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Fernley.

Fernley FAQ

Where is Fernley?+

Fernley is in Lyon County, Nevada, at 39.53146, -119.23418. Nearest road: US 50 ALT;US 95 ALT.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Fernley?+

Fernley is reported to produce Agate.

Is collecting allowed at Fernley?+

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 Fernley?+

Most agate and jasper is surface float: bring a spray bottle, a pick or small shovel, and a sturdy bag. Wet stones show their banding and translucence.

When is the best time to visit Fernley?+

The most comfortable months at Fernley are September to June. Summer heat here is intense, so carry more water than you think you need and work the early morning.

How do I get to Fernley?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 39.53146, -119.23418 in Google Maps. The nearest road is US 50 ALT;US 95 ALT.

More rockhounding in Nevada

See all 119 Nevada spots →

Open Fernley on the map

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