Brumley Ridge: Apatite & Augite Rockhounding in San Juan County, Utah

Updated June 2026

Brumley Ridge is a mapped rockhounding spot in San Juan County, Utah. Reported finds include apatite, augite, magnetite, orthoclase, sodalite, 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: Brumley Ridge Trail
Coordinates: 38.47837, -109.33226

Geology at Brumley Ridge

This spot sits on ground mapped as Brushy Basin Member of Morrison Formation that formed roughly 160 to 145 million years ago. Fresh exposures, cuts, and drainages are typically the most productive places to look on ground like this.

Mapped unit: Brushy Basin Member of Morrison Formation
Age: 160–145 Ma (Late Jurassic)
Elevation: 7,680 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 Brumley Ridge

Best months: March to October. Typical highs run 85°F in midsummer and 29°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 8°F. At about 7,680 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, CASTLE VALLEY 1SE station (10 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 Brumley Ridge

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 Brumley Ridge.

Brumley Ridge FAQ

Where is Brumley Ridge?+

Brumley Ridge is in San Juan County, Utah, at 38.47837, -109.33226. Nearest road: Brumley Ridge Trail.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Brumley Ridge?+

Brumley Ridge is reported to produce Apatite, Augite, Magnetite, Orthoclase, Sodalite, Sphene.

Is collecting allowed at Brumley Ridge?+

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 Brumley Ridge?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, safety glasses, and a collecting bag cover the basics here. Add a spray bottle: wet rock shows color and pattern that dry rock hides.

When is the best time to visit Brumley Ridge?+

The most comfortable months at Brumley Ridge are March to October. At about 7,680 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

How do I get to Brumley Ridge?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 38.47837, -109.33226 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Brumley Ridge Trail.

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