Swan Creek: Azurite & Barite Rockhounding in Rich County, Utah

Updated June 2026

Swan Creek is a mapped rockhounding spot in Rich County, Utah. Reported finds include azurite, barite, cerussite, galena, wulfenite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Rich County
State: Utah
Nearest road: West Swan Creek Spring Road
Postcode: 83287
Coordinates: 41.98606, -111.41752

Geology at Swan Creek

This spot sits on ground mapped as Side-stream alluvium and fan deposits that formed within roughly the last 3 million years. Loose deposits like these are float-collecting ground: erosion keeps moving durable rocks and minerals into gravel bars, cutbanks, and washes.

Mapped unit: Side-stream alluvium and fan deposits
Age: 3 Ma to present (Pleistocene to Holocene)
Elevation: 6,020 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 Swan Creek

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 83°F in midsummer and 33°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 15°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, BEAR LAKE SP station (2 mi away).

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 Swan Creek

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 Swan Creek.

Across the state line from Swan Creek

Swan Creek 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.

Swan Creek FAQ

Where is Swan Creek?+

Swan Creek is in Rich County, Utah, at 41.98606, -111.41752. Nearest road: West Swan Creek Spring Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Swan Creek?+

Swan Creek is reported to produce Azurite, Barite, Cerussite, Galena, Wulfenite.

Is collecting allowed at Swan Creek?+

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 Swan Creek?+

A rock hammer, gloves, and safety glasses are enough for oxidized copper ground. Look for green and blue staining on weathered rock and in old dump piles.

When is the best time to visit Swan Creek?+

The most comfortable months at Swan Creek are April to October.

How do I get to Swan Creek?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 41.98606, -111.41752 in Google Maps. The nearest road is West Swan Creek Spring Road.

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