East Erickson mining district: Galena & Pyrite Rockhounding in Tooele County, Utah

Updated June 2026

East Erickson mining district is a mapped rockhounding spot in Tooele County, Utah. Reported finds include galena, pyrite, quartz, sphalerite, cerussite, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Tooele County
State: Utah
Nearest road: Joes Canyon Road
Coordinates: 39.91097, -112.51125

Geology at East Erickson mining district

This spot sits on ground mapped as Granite of Sheeprock Mountains that formed roughly 23 to 5 million years ago. Granitic ground like this typically carries quartz veins and pockets, and weathered crystals tend to collect in the soils and drainages below.

Mapped unit: Granite of Sheeprock Mountains
Age: 23–5 Ma (Miocene)
Elevation: 6,150 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 East Erickson mining district

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 88°F in midsummer and 37°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 10°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, VERNON station (13 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 East Erickson 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 East Erickson mining district.

East Erickson mining district FAQ

Where is East Erickson mining district?+

East Erickson mining district is in Tooele County, Utah, at 39.91097, -112.51125. Nearest road: Joes Canyon Road.

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

East Erickson mining district is reported to produce Galena, Pyrite, Quartz, Sphalerite, Cerussite, Silver, Hematite, Limonite, Pyrolusite, Barite, Jasper.

Is collecting allowed at East Erickson 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 East Erickson mining district?+

A rock hammer, a small pry bar, gloves, and safety glasses cover most crystal ground. A screen helps in loose pocket soil, and newspaper protects points on the way out.

When is the best time to visit East Erickson mining district?+

The most comfortable months at East Erickson mining district are March to November.

How do I get to East Erickson mining district?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 39.91097, -112.51125 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Joes Canyon Road.

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