South Temple Wash: Autunite & Carnotite Rockhounding in Emery County, Utah

Updated June 2026

South Temple Wash is a mapped rockhounding spot in Emery County, Utah. Reported finds include autunite, carnotite, corvusite, uvanite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Emery County
State: Utah
Nearest road: Wild Horse Canyon
Coordinates: 38.64591, -110.66713

Geology at South Temple Wash

This spot sits on Bluff Ss, Summerville Fm, Curtis Fm, Entrada Ss, and Carmel Formation, mapped as sandstone that formed roughly 175 to 145 million years ago. Sedimentary rock like this erodes unevenly, so the most productive collecting is typically along fresh cuts, badland slopes, and active drainages.

Mapped unit: Bluff Ss, Summerville Fm, Curtis Fm, Entrada Ss, and Carmel Formation
Age: 175–145 Ma (Middle Jurassic to Late Jurassic)
Rock types: sandstone
Elevation: 5,200 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 South Temple Wash

Best months: February to June. Typical highs run 94°F in midsummer and 40°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 16°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, GOBLIN VALLEY SP 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: 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 South Temple Wash

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 South Temple Wash.

South Temple Wash FAQ

Where is South Temple Wash?+

South Temple Wash is in Emery County, Utah, at 38.64591, -110.66713. Nearest road: Wild Horse Canyon.

What rocks and minerals can you find at South Temple Wash?+

South Temple Wash is reported to produce Autunite, Carnotite, Corvusite, Uvanite.

Is collecting allowed at South Temple Wash?+

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 South Temple Wash?+

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 South Temple Wash?+

The most comfortable months at South Temple Wash are February to June.

How do I get to South Temple Wash?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 38.64591, -110.66713 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Wild Horse Canyon.

More rockhounding in Utah

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Open South Temple Wash on the map

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