Gold Mountain: Alunite & Barite Rockhounding in Piute County, Utah

Updated June 2026

Gold Mountain is a mapped rockhounding spot in Piute County, Utah. Reported finds include alunite, barite, garnet, gypsum. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Piute County
State: Utah
Coordinates: 38.44230, -112.39340

Geology at Gold Mountain

This spot sits on volcanic rocks, undivided, mapped as felsic volcanic that formed roughly 28 to 12 million years ago. Volcanic ground like this weathers into rocky slopes and float, and fresh exposures in cuts and drainages are usually the most productive places to look.

Mapped unit: volcanic rocks, undivided
Age: 28–12 Ma (Late Oligocene to Middle Miocene)
Rock types: felsic volcanic
Elevation: 11,620 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 Gold Mountain

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 75°F in midsummer and 28°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 1°F. At about 11,620 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, MARYSVALE 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 Gold 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 Gold Mountain.

Gold Mountain FAQ

Where is Gold Mountain?+

Gold Mountain is in Piute County, Utah, at 38.44230, -112.39340.

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

Gold Mountain is reported to produce Alunite, Barite, Garnet, Gypsum.

Is collecting allowed at Gold 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 Gold 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 Gold Mountain?+

The most comfortable months at Gold Mountain are April to October. At about 11,620 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

How do I get to Gold Mountain?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 38.44230, -112.39340 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Utah

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Open Gold Mountain on the map

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