Promontory Point: Obsidian & Variscite Rockhounding in Box Elder County, Utah

Updated June 2026

Promontory Point is a mapped rockhounding spot in Box Elder County, Utah. Reported finds include obsidian, variscite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Box Elder County
State: Utah
Nearest road: South East Promontory Road
Coordinates: 41.22685, -112.41767

Geology at Promontory Point

This spot sits on ground mapped as alluvium, colluvium, and sand that formed within roughly the last 66 million years. Loose deposits like these are float-collecting ground: erosion keeps moving durable rocks and minerals into gravel bars, cutbanks, and washes.

Age: 66 Ma to present (Tertiary to Quaternary)
Rock types: alluvium, colluvium, and sand
Elevation: 4,740 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 Promontory Point

Best months: March to June. Typical highs run 93°F in midsummer and 36°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 19°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, OGDEN SUGAR FACTORY 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 Promontory Point

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 Promontory Point.

Across the state line from Promontory Point

Promontory Point 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.

Bear LakeBear Lake County, Idaho · 79 mi awayFossil

Promontory Point FAQ

Where is Promontory Point?+

Promontory Point is in Box Elder County, Utah, at 41.22685, -112.41767. Nearest road: South East Promontory Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Promontory Point?+

Promontory Point is reported to produce Obsidian, Variscite.

Is collecting allowed at Promontory Point?+

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 Promontory Point?+

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 Promontory Point?+

The most comfortable months at Promontory Point are March to June.

How do I get to Promontory Point?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 41.22685, -112.41767 in Google Maps. The nearest road is South East Promontory Road.

More rockhounding in Utah

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Open Promontory Point on the map

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