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San Rafael Swell: Agatized Wood & Amethyst Rockhounding in Emery County, Utah

Updated June 2026

The San Rafael Swell is a broad exposed anticline where Morrison, Curtis, and Cedar Mountain strata carry local agate, jasper, chalcedony, petrified wood, and dinosaur-bone material. BLM manages the Swell as a major public recreation area, and UGS describes the same formations as part of the area's collectible rock and mineral resource base. Reported finds include agatized wood, amethyst, carnotite, petrified wood, agate, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

San Rafael Swell photos

Public image records connected to this spot or its reported material.

2 photos

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Emery County
State: Utah
Coordinates: 38.92207, -110.53088

Geology at San Rafael Swell

This spot sits on Cutler Group, mapped as sandstone that formed roughly 305 to 275 million years ago. Sedimentary beds like these are the typical host for petrified and silicified wood, which weathers out as durable float on slopes and in washes.

Mapped unit: Cutler Group
Age: 305–275 Ma (Late Pennsylvanian to Cisuralian)
Rock types: sandstone
Elevation: 6,240 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 San Rafael Swell

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 90°F in midsummer and 36°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 12°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, GOBLIN VALLEY SP station (26 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 San Rafael Swell

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 San Rafael Swell.

San Rafael Swell FAQ

Where is San Rafael Swell?+

San Rafael Swell is in Emery County, Utah, at 38.92207, -110.53088.

What rocks and minerals can you find at San Rafael Swell?+

San Rafael Swell is reported to produce Agatized Wood, Amethyst, Carnotite, Petrified Wood, Agate, Chalcedony, Chert, Petrified Dinosaur Bone, Jasper.

Is collecting allowed at San Rafael Swell?+

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 San Rafael Swell?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, and a padded bag cover petrified wood hunting. Most pieces are surface float, so walking slopes and washes beats digging.

When is the best time to visit San Rafael Swell?+

The most comfortable months at San Rafael Swell are March to November.

How do I get to San Rafael Swell?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 38.92207, -110.53088 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

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