The Needles: Barite & Calcite Rockhounding in Grand County, Utah

Updated June 2026

The Needles is a mapped rockhounding spot in Grand County, Utah. Reported finds include barite, calcite, manganite, pyrolusite, rhodochrosite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Grand County
State: Utah
Nearest road: The Needle Road
Coordinates: 38.68535, -109.91652

Geology at The Needles

This spot sits on ground mapped as Dewey Bridge Member of Carmel Formation that formed roughly 175 to 160 million years ago. Ore minerals here are typically tied to veins and replacement zones, with old workings marking the productive ground.

Mapped unit: Dewey Bridge Member of Carmel Formation
Age: 175–160 Ma (Middle Jurassic)
Elevation: 5,210 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 The Needles

Best months: February to June. Typical highs run 94°F in midsummer and 36°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 15°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, MOAB CANYONLAND AP station (9 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 The Needles

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 The Needles.

The Needles FAQ

Where is The Needles?+

The Needles is in Grand County, Utah, at 38.68535, -109.91652. Nearest road: The Needle Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at The Needles?+

The Needles is reported to produce Barite, Calcite, Manganite, Pyrolusite, Rhodochrosite.

Is collecting allowed at The Needles?+

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 The Needles?+

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 The Needles?+

The most comfortable months at The Needles are February to June.

How do I get to The Needles?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 38.68535, -109.91652 in Google Maps. The nearest road is The Needle Road.

More rockhounding in Utah

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Open The Needles on the map

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