Alta: Apatite & Biotite Rockhounding in Salt Lake County, Utah

Updated June 2026

Alta is a mapped rockhounding spot in Salt Lake County, Utah. Reported finds include apatite, biotite, barite, cerussite, limonite, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Salt Lake County
State: Utah
Nearest road: Flagstaff Mountain Trail
Postcode: 84138
Coordinates: 40.59661, -111.63740

Geology at Alta

This spot sits on ground mapped as Maxfield Limestone that formed roughly 510 to 495 million years ago. Carbonate rock like this is the classic host for lead, zinc, and fluorite mineralization, which typically follows old cavities and replacement zones.

Mapped unit: Maxfield Limestone
Age: 510–495 Ma (Middle Cambrian)
Elevation: 9,480 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 Alta

Best months: May to October. Typical highs run 70°F in midsummer and 28°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 12°F. At about 9,480 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, ALTA station (0 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 Alta

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 Alta.

Alta FAQ

Where is Alta?+

Alta is in Salt Lake County, Utah, at 40.59661, -111.63740. Nearest road: Flagstaff Mountain Trail.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Alta?+

Alta is reported to produce Apatite, Biotite, Barite, Cerussite, Limonite, Rhodochrosite, Galena, Magnetite, Hornblende, Prehnite, Pyrite, Quartz, Sphene, Scheelite, Silver, Stilbite, Zircon.

Is collecting allowed at Alta?+

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 Alta?+

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 Alta?+

The most comfortable months at Alta are May to October. At about 9,480 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

How do I get to Alta?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 40.59661, -111.63740 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Flagstaff Mountain Trail.

More rockhounding in Utah

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Open Alta on the map

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