Big Pinto Spring: Alunite Rockhounding in Beaver County, Utah

Updated June 2026

Big Pinto Spring is a mapped rockhounding spot in Beaver County, Utah. Reported finds include alunite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Beaver County
State: Utah
Coordinates: 38.14898, -113.83327

Geology at Big Pinto Spring

This spot sits on Isom Fm, Needles Range Fm, Escalante Desert Fm, Sawtooth Peak Fm, and Tunnel Springs Tuff, mapped as felsic volcanic and mafic volcanic that formed roughly 38 to 23 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: Isom Fm, Needles Range Fm, Escalante Desert Fm, Sawtooth Peak Fm, and Tunnel Springs Tuff
Age: 38–23 Ma (Late Eocene to Oligocene)
Rock types: felsic volcanic and mafic volcanic
Elevation: 8,310 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 Big Pinto Spring

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 81°F in midsummer and 35°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 2°F. At about 8,310 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, SPRING VALLEY SP station (20 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 Utah — Rockhounding overview
Utah Geological Survey — collecting guidelines
SITLA — surface use rules
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Big Pinto Spring

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

Alunite

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Big Pinto Spring.

Across the state line from Big Pinto Spring

Big Pinto Spring is close enough to the Utah border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Big Pinto Spring FAQ

Where is Big Pinto Spring?+

Big Pinto Spring is in Beaver County, Utah, at 38.14898, -113.83327.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Big Pinto Spring?+

Big Pinto Spring is reported to produce Alunite.

Is collecting allowed at Big Pinto Spring?+

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 Big Pinto Spring?+

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 Big Pinto Spring?+

The most comfortable months at Big Pinto Spring are March to November. At about 8,310 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

How do I get to Big Pinto Spring?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 38.14898, -113.83327 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Utah

See all 246 Utah spots →

Open Big Pinto Spring on the map

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