Monticello mining district: Anhydrite & Carnotite Rockhounding in San Juan County, Utah

Updated June 2026

Monticello mining district is a mapped rockhounding spot in San Juan County, Utah. Reported finds include anhydrite, carnotite, gypsum, pyrite, chalcopyrite, 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: Cooley Pass Trail
Coordinates: 37.83127, -109.46702

Geology at Monticello mining district

This spot sits on Morrison Formation (Brushy Basin and Salt Wash Members), mapped as sandstone mudstone that formed roughly 160 to 145 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: Morrison Formation (Brushy Basin and Salt Wash Members)
Age: 160–145 Ma (Late Jurassic)
Rock types: sandstone mudstone
Elevation: 10,860 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 Monticello mining district

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 71°F in midsummer and 24°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 3°F. At about 10,860 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, MONTICELLO #2 station (7 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 Monticello 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 Monticello mining district.

Monticello mining district FAQ

Where is Monticello mining district?+

Monticello mining district is in San Juan County, Utah, at 37.83127, -109.46702. Nearest road: Cooley Pass Trail.

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

Monticello mining district is reported to produce Anhydrite, Carnotite, Gypsum, Pyrite, Chalcopyrite, Galena, Gold, Sphalerite, Azurite, Bornite, Limonite, Calcite.

Is collecting allowed at Monticello 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 Monticello 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 Monticello mining district?+

The most comfortable months at Monticello mining district are April to October. At about 10,860 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

How do I get to Monticello mining district?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 37.83127, -109.46702 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Cooley Pass Trail.

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