Cactus Mine: Azurite & Barite Rockhounding in Beaver County, Utah

Updated June 2026

Cactus Mine is a mapped rockhounding spot in Beaver County, Utah. Reported finds include azurite, barite, chalcopyrite, goethite, limonite, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Beaver County
State: Utah
Nearest road: Ely Highway
Coordinates: 38.48965, -113.29537

Geology at Cactus Mine

This spot sits on Intrusions, chiefly granitic, of various dates, mapped as granodiorite that formed roughly 38 to 16 million years ago. Plutonic rock like this weathers slowly into grus and boulders, and the most productive collecting is typically in weathered zones and drainages.

Mapped unit: Intrusions, chiefly granitic, of various dates
Age: 38–16 Ma (Late Eocene to Early Miocene)
Rock types: granodiorite
Elevation: 6,320 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 Cactus Mine

Best months: February to June. Typical highs run 91°F in midsummer and 39°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 8°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, WAH WAH RCH 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 Utah — Rockhounding overview
Utah Geological Survey — collecting guidelines
SITLA — surface use rules
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Cactus Mine

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

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Cactus Mine.

Across the state line from Cactus Mine

Cactus Mine 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.

Cactus Mine FAQ

Where is Cactus Mine?+

Cactus Mine is in Beaver County, Utah, at 38.48965, -113.29537. Nearest road: Ely Highway.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Cactus Mine?+

Cactus Mine is reported to produce Azurite, Barite, Chalcopyrite, Goethite, Limonite, Magnetite, Malachite, Pyrite, Quartz, Selenite, Siderite, Stilbite, Tourmaline, Wollastonite.

Is collecting allowed at Cactus 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 Cactus Mine?+

A rock hammer, gloves, and safety glasses are enough for oxidized copper ground. Look for green and blue staining on weathered rock and in old dump piles.

When is the best time to visit Cactus Mine?+

The most comfortable months at Cactus Mine are February to June.

How do I get to Cactus Mine?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 38.48965, -113.29537 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Ely Highway.

More rockhounding in Utah

See all 246 Utah spots →

Open Cactus Mine on the map

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