Castle Peak Mine: Mercury Rockhounding in Storey County, Nevada

Updated June 2026

Castle Peak Mine is a mapped rockhounding spot in Storey County, Nevada. Reported finds include mercury. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Storey County
State: Nevada
Nearest road: Jeep Trail
Coordinates: 39.40928, -119.65036

Geology at Castle Peak Mine

This spot sits on Younger andesite and intermediate flows and breccias, mapped as andesite 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 andesite and intermediate flows and breccias
Age: 23–5 Ma (Miocene)
Rock types: andesite and dacite
Elevation: 6,020 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 Castle Peak Mine

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 85°F in midsummer and 42°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 28°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, VIRGINIA CITY station (7 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 Castle Peak Mine

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

Mercury

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Castle Peak Mine.

Across the state line from Castle Peak Mine

Castle Peak Mine is close enough to the Nevada border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Shady Run GravelsPlacer County, California · 60 mi awayGarnet, Serpentine

Castle Peak Mine FAQ

Where is Castle Peak Mine?+

Castle Peak Mine is in Storey County, Nevada, at 39.40928, -119.65036. Nearest road: Jeep Trail.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Castle Peak Mine?+

Castle Peak Mine is reported to produce Mercury.

Is collecting allowed at Castle Peak Mine?+

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 Castle Peak Mine?+

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 Castle Peak Mine?+

The most comfortable months at Castle Peak Mine are March to November.

How do I get to Castle Peak Mine?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 39.40928, -119.65036 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Jeep Trail.

More rockhounding in Nevada

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Open Castle Peak Mine on the map

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