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Pilot Range: Alunite & Azurite Rockhounding in Box Elder County, Utah

Updated June 2026

Pilot Range is a mapped rockhounding spot in Box Elder County, Utah. Reported finds include alunite, azurite, barite, cerussite, chrysocolla, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Map showing Pilot Range in Box Elder County, Utah

Quick details

Access
Public area
State
Utah
Nearest road
Tunnel Springs Rd

Geology at Pilot Range

This spot sits on Ely Springs Dm, Eureka Qtz, Crystal Peak Dm, Watson Ranch Qzt, and the Pogonip Group, mapped as limestone and siltstone mudstone that formed roughly 485 to 445 million years ago. Carbonate rock like this dissolves and weathers readily, so fresh road cuts, quarries, and creek exposures are typically the most productive ground.

Mapped unit
Ely Springs Dm, Eureka Qtz, Crystal Peak Dm, Watson Ranch Qzt, and the Pogonip Group
Age
485–445 Ma (Early Ordovician to Late Ordovician)
Rock types
limestone and siltstone mudstone
Elevation
6,340 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 Pilot Range

Best months: March to October. Typical highs run 88°F in midsummer and 33°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 4°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, MONTELLO - 7NE 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:

Found at Pilot Range

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 Pilot Range.

Across the state line from Pilot Range

Pilot Range 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.

Pilot Range FAQ

Where is Pilot Range?+
Pilot Range is in Box Elder County, Utah, at 41.24811, -114.03967. Nearest road: Tunnel Springs Rd.
What rocks and minerals can you find at Pilot Range?+
Pilot Range is reported to produce Alunite, Azurite, Barite, Cerussite, Chrysocolla, Copper, Galena, Limonite, Malachite, Variscite, Wulfenite, Hematite, Pyrite, Sphalerite.
Is collecting allowed at Pilot Range?+
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 Pilot Range?+
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 Pilot Range?+
The most comfortable months at Pilot Range are March to October.
How do I get to Pilot Range?+
Open the directions link to navigate to 41.24811, -114.03967 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Tunnel Springs Rd.

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