Big Cottonwood mining district: Actinolite & Barite Rockhounding in Salt Lake County, Utah

Updated June 2026

Big Cottonwood mining district is a mapped rockhounding spot in Salt Lake County, Utah. Reported finds include actinolite, barite, orthoclase, bornite, chalcopyrite, 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: Cardiff Fork Trail
Postcode: 84138
Coordinates: 40.60774, -111.65152

Geology at Big Cottonwood mining district

This spot sits on ground mapped as Ophir Formation that formed roughly 510 to 495 million years ago. Copper minerals typically show as green and blue staining where mineralized rock has weathered and oxidized.

Mapped unit: Ophir Formation
Age: 510–495 Ma (Middle Cambrian)
Elevation: 9,060 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 Big Cottonwood mining district

Best months: May to October. Typical highs run 72°F in midsummer and 29°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 14°F. At about 9,060 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 (1 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 Big Cottonwood mining district

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 Big Cottonwood mining district.

Big Cottonwood mining district FAQ

Where is Big Cottonwood mining district?+

Big Cottonwood mining district is in Salt Lake County, Utah, at 40.60774, -111.65152. Nearest road: Cardiff Fork Trail.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Big Cottonwood mining district?+

Big Cottonwood mining district is reported to produce Actinolite, Barite, Orthoclase, Bornite, Chalcopyrite, Galena, Magnetite, Malachite, Pyrite, Cerussite, Limonite, Rhodochrosite, Sphalerite.

Is collecting allowed at Big Cottonwood mining district?+

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 Big Cottonwood mining district?+

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 Big Cottonwood mining district?+

The most comfortable months at Big Cottonwood mining district are May to October. At about 9,060 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

How do I get to Big Cottonwood mining district?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 40.60774, -111.65152 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Cardiff Fork Trail.

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