Big Indian Wash: Coffinite & Doloresite Rockhounding in San Juan County, Utah

Updated June 2026

Big Indian Wash is a mapped rockhounding spot in San Juan County, Utah. Reported finds include coffinite, doloresite, uraninite, azurite, chalcocite, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: San Juan County
State: Utah
Nearest road: Homestake Spur
Coordinates: 38.23082, -109.28105

Geology at Big Indian Wash

This spot sits on ground mapped as Wingate Sandstone that formed roughly 200 to 175 million years ago. Sedimentary rock like this erodes unevenly, so the most productive collecting is typically along fresh cuts, badland slopes, and active drainages.

Mapped unit: Wingate Sandstone
Age: 200–175 Ma (Early Jurassic)
Elevation: 6,820 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 Indian Wash

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 86°F in midsummer and 37°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 17°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, LA SAL 1SW station (5 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 Big Indian Wash

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 Indian Wash.

Big Indian Wash FAQ

Where is Big Indian Wash?+

Big Indian Wash is in San Juan County, Utah, at 38.23082, -109.28105. Nearest road: Homestake Spur.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Big Indian Wash?+

Big Indian Wash is reported to produce Coffinite, Doloresite, Uraninite, Azurite, Chalcocite, Chalcopyrite, Cuprite, Malachite, Pyrite, Vanadium, Carnotite, Cerussite, Galena, Fluorite.

Is collecting allowed at Big Indian Wash?+

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 Indian Wash?+

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 Indian Wash?+

The most comfortable months at Big Indian Wash are March to November.

How do I get to Big Indian Wash?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 38.23082, -109.28105 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Homestake Spur.

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Open Big Indian Wash on the map

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