Ophir: Gold Prospecting in Tooele County, Utah

Updated June 2026

Ophir is a mapped rockhounding spot in Tooele County, Utah. Reported finds include galena, gold, pyrite, silver, sphalerite, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Tooele County
State: Utah
Nearest road: Ophir Canyon Road
Coordinates: 40.37387, -112.26408

Geology at Ophir

This spot sits on Maxfield Limestone and Ophir Formation, mapped as dolostone and limestone that formed roughly 510 to 495 million years ago. Carbonate rock like this dissolves and weathers readily, so fresh road cuts, quarries, and creek exposures are typically the most productive ground.

Mapped unit: Maxfield Limestone and Ophir Formation
Age: 510–495 Ma (Middle Cambrian)
Rock types: dolostone and limestone
Elevation: 7,080 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 Ophir

Best months: March to October. Typical highs run 84°F in midsummer and 31°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 13°F. At about 7,080 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, TOOELE station (12 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 Ophir

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 Ophir.

Ophir FAQ

Where is Ophir?+

Ophir is in Tooele County, Utah, at 40.37387, -112.26408. Nearest road: Ophir Canyon Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Ophir?+

Ophir is reported to produce Galena, Gold, Pyrite, Silver, Sphalerite, Quartz.

Is collecting allowed at Ophir?+

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 Ophir?+

A gold pan, a classifier screen, a small shovel, and a snuffer bottle cover the basics. Motorized equipment and sluices fall under separate rules in most states, so start with hand tools.

When is the best time to visit Ophir?+

The most comfortable months at Ophir are March to October. At about 7,080 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

How do I get to Ophir?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 40.37387, -112.26408 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Ophir Canyon Road.

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Open Ophir on the map

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