Sides of creek: Pyrite Rockhounding in Ellis County, Texas

Updated June 2026

Sides of creek is a mapped rockhounding spot in Ellis County, Texas. Reported finds include pyrite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Ellis County
State: Texas
Nearest road: East US Highway 287
Postcode: 76065
Coordinates: 32.44553, -96.92207

Geology at Sides of creek

This spot sits on Austin Chalk, mapped as marlstone and chalk that formed roughly 100 to 66 million years ago. Carbonate rock like this is the classic host for lead, zinc, and fluorite mineralization, which typically follows old cavities and replacement zones.

Mapped unit: Austin Chalk
Age: 100–66 Ma (Late Cretaceous)
Rock types: marlstone and chalk
Elevation: 620 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 Sides of creek

Best months: September to June. Typical highs run 95°F in midsummer and 57°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 34°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, WAXAHACHIE station (5 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

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Bureau of Economic Geology — Texas geology
Big Bend National Park — Rules
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Sides of creek

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

Pyrite Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Sides of creek.

Sides of creek FAQ

Where is Sides of creek?+

Sides of creek is in Ellis County, Texas, at 32.44553, -96.92207. Nearest road: East US Highway 287.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Sides of creek?+

Sides of creek is reported to produce Pyrite.

Is collecting allowed at Sides of creek?+

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 Sides of creek?+

A rock hammer, gloves, and safety glasses cover old mining-district ground. Stay out of shafts and adits; the best specimens typically come from dump piles.

When is the best time to visit Sides of creek?+

The most comfortable months at Sides of creek 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 Sides of creek?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 32.44553, -96.92207 in Google Maps. The nearest road is East US Highway 287.

More rockhounding in Texas

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Open Sides of creek on the map

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