Miner's Basin: Actinolite & Calcite Rockhounding in Grand County, Utah

Updated June 2026

Miner's Basin is a mapped rockhounding spot in Grand County, Utah. Reported finds include actinolite, calcite, chalcedony, chrysocolla, chalcopyrite, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Grand County
State: Utah
Nearest road: Miners Basin Road
Coordinates: 38.54565, -109.28162

Geology at Miner's Basin

This spot sits on ground mapped as Alluvial-fan deposits that formed within roughly the last 129,000 years. Gravels like these concentrate whatever survives the river: agate, jasper, and other tough silica typically show up as rounded, waxy stones.

Mapped unit: Alluvial-fan deposits
Age: < 1 Ma (Late Pleistocene to Holocene)
Elevation: 8,460 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 Miner's Basin

Best months: March to October. Typical highs run 83°F in midsummer and 26°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 5°F. At about 8,460 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, CASTLE VALLEY 1SE 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 Miner's Basin

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 Miner's Basin.

Miner's Basin FAQ

Where is Miner's Basin?+

Miner's Basin is in Grand County, Utah, at 38.54565, -109.28162. Nearest road: Miners Basin Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Miner's Basin?+

Miner's Basin is reported to produce Actinolite, Calcite, Chalcedony, Chrysocolla, Chalcopyrite, Fluorite, Hematite, Malachite, Limonite, Quartz, Azurite.

Is collecting allowed at Miner's Basin?+

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 Miner's Basin?+

Most agate and jasper is surface float: bring a spray bottle, a pick or small shovel, and a sturdy bag. Wet stones show their banding and translucence.

When is the best time to visit Miner's Basin?+

The most comfortable months at Miner's Basin are March to October. At about 8,460 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

How do I get to Miner's Basin?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 38.54565, -109.28162 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Miners Basin Road.

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