Granite Mountain: Actinolite & Albite Rockhounding in Iron County, Utah

Updated June 2026

Granite Mountain is a mapped rockhounding spot in Iron County, Utah. Reported finds include actinolite, albite, amethyst, azurite, apatite, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Iron County
State: Utah
Nearest road: Iron Springs Road
Coordinates: 37.73399, -113.23504

Geology at Granite Mountain

This spot sits on ground mapped as Carmel and Temple Cap Formations, undivided that formed roughly 200 to 145 million years ago. Quartz crystals typically weather out of veins and pockets and end up in nearby soils and creek beds.

Mapped unit: Carmel and Temple Cap Formations, undivided
Age: 200–145 Ma (Jurassic)
Elevation: 5,770 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 Granite Mountain

Best months: February to November. Typical highs run 90°F in midsummer and 42°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 17°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, CEDAR CITY AP 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 Granite 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 Granite Mountain.

Across the state line from Granite Mountain

Granite Mountain is close enough to the Utah border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Granite Mountain FAQ

Where is Granite Mountain?+

Granite Mountain is in Iron County, Utah, at 37.73399, -113.23504. Nearest road: Iron Springs Road.

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

Granite Mountain is reported to produce Actinolite, Albite, Amethyst, Azurite, Apatite, Barite, Chalcedony, Cinnabar, Galena, Hematite, Limonite, Malachite, Pyrite.

Is collecting allowed at Granite 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 Granite Mountain?+

A rock hammer, a small pry bar, gloves, and safety glasses cover most crystal ground. A screen helps in loose pocket soil, and newspaper protects points on the way out.

When is the best time to visit Granite Mountain?+

The most comfortable months at Granite Mountain are February to November.

How do I get to Granite Mountain?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 37.73399, -113.23504 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Iron Springs Road.

More rockhounding in Utah

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Open Granite Mountain on the map

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