Chess Ridge: Carnotite Rockhounding in San Juan County, Utah

Updated June 2026

Chess Ridge is a mapped rockhounding spot in San Juan County, Utah. Reported finds include carnotite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: San Juan County
State: Utah
Nearest road: Brumley Loop Trail
Coordinates: 38.47440, -109.32347

Geology at Chess Ridge

This spot sits on ground mapped as Salt Wash Member of Morrison Formation that formed roughly 160 to 145 million years ago. Volcanic ground like this weathers into rocky slopes and float, and fresh exposures in cuts and drainages are usually the most productive places to look.

Mapped unit: Salt Wash Member of Morrison Formation
Age: 160–145 Ma (Late Jurassic)
Elevation: 7,550 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 Chess Ridge

Best months: March to October. Typical highs run 86°F in midsummer and 29°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 8°F. At about 7,550 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 (11 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 Chess Ridge

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Carnotite Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Chess Ridge.

Chess Ridge FAQ

Where is Chess Ridge?+

Chess Ridge is in San Juan County, Utah, at 38.47440, -109.32347. Nearest road: Brumley Loop Trail.

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

Chess Ridge is reported to produce Carnotite.

Is collecting allowed at Chess 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 Chess 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 Chess Ridge?+

The most comfortable months at Chess Ridge are March to October. At about 7,550 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

How do I get to Chess Ridge?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 38.47440, -109.32347 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Brumley Loop Trail.

More rockhounding in Utah

See all 246 Utah spots →

Open Chess Ridge on the map

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