Road cut on E side of US 87: Fossil Hunting in Gillespie County, Texas

Updated June 2026

Road cut on E side of US 87 is a mapped rockhounding spot in Gillespie County, Texas. Reported finds include fossils. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Gillespie County
State: Texas
Nearest road: South US Highway 87
Coordinates: 30.16111, -98.89342

Geology at Road cut on E side of US 87

This spot sits on Edwards Limestone, mapped as limestone that formed roughly 115 to 100 million years ago. Limestone like this typically forms in ancient seas, so marine fossils such as brachiopods, corals, and crinoids tend to weather out of fresh exposures.

Mapped unit: Edwards Limestone
Age: 115–100 Ma (Early Cretaceous)
Rock types: limestone
Elevation: 1,900 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 Road cut on E side of US 87

Best months: September to June. Typical highs run 93°F in midsummer and 59°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 33°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, FREDERICKSBURG station (5 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

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 Road cut on E side of US 87

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

Fossils Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Road cut on E side of US 87.

Road cut on E side of US 87 FAQ

Where is Road cut on E side of US 87?+

Road cut on E side of US 87 is in Gillespie County, Texas, at 30.16111, -98.89342. Nearest road: South US Highway 87.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Road cut on E side of US 87?+

Road cut on E side of US 87 is reported to produce Fossils.

Is collecting allowed at Road cut on E side of US 87?+

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 Road cut on E side of US 87?+

A rock hammer, a cold chisel, safety glasses, and newspaper or foam for wrapping finds cover most fossil ground. A trowel and a sieve help in soft exposures.

When is the best time to visit Road cut on E side of US 87?+

The most comfortable months at Road cut on E side of US 87 are September to June.

How do I get to Road cut on E side of US 87?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 30.16111, -98.89342 in Google Maps. The nearest road is South US Highway 87.

More rockhounding in Texas

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Open Road cut on E side of US 87 on the map

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