Temple Mountain: Ankerite & Carnotite Rockhounding in Emery County, Utah

Updated June 2026

Temple Mountain is a mapped rockhounding spot in Emery County, Utah. Reported finds include ankerite, carnotite, dolomite, galena, pyrite, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Emery County
State: Utah
Nearest road: BLM 849
Coordinates: 38.68867, -110.68159

Geology at Temple Mountain

This spot sits on Chinle Shale and Shinarump Conglomerate Member, mapped as sandstone mudstone that formed roughly 235 to 200 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: Chinle Shale and Shinarump Conglomerate Member
Age: 235–200 Ma (Late Triassic)
Rock types: sandstone mudstone
Elevation: 6,370 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 Temple Mountain

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 (8 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 Temple Mountain

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 Temple Mountain.

Temple Mountain FAQ

Where is Temple Mountain?+

Temple Mountain is in Emery County, Utah, at 38.68867, -110.68159. Nearest road: BLM 849.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Temple Mountain?+

Temple Mountain is reported to produce Ankerite, Carnotite, Dolomite, Galena, Pyrite, Tetrahedrite, Uraninite.

Is collecting allowed at Temple Mountain?+

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 Temple Mountain?+

A rock hammer, gloves, and safety glasses cover old mining-district ground. Stay out of shafts and adits; the best specimens typically come from dump piles.

When is the best time to visit Temple Mountain?+

The most comfortable months at Temple Mountain are March to November.

How do I get to Temple Mountain?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 38.68867, -110.68159 in Google Maps. The nearest road is BLM 849.

More rockhounding in Utah

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Open Temple Mountain on the map

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