Simpson Springs: Geode Digging in Tooele County, Utah

Updated June 2026

Simpson Springs is a mapped rockhounding spot in Tooele County, Utah. Reported finds include geode, nodules, morganite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Tooele County
State: Utah
Nearest road: Simpson Springs Road
Coordinates: 40.03594, -112.77670

Geology at Simpson Springs

This spot sits on Prospect Mountain Quartzite, mapped as arenite that formed roughly 540 to 510 million years ago. Metamorphic rock like this weathers into resistant float, and minerals that survive transport typically concentrate in nearby drainages.

Mapped unit: Prospect Mountain Quartzite
Age: 540–510 Ma (Early Cambrian)
Rock types: arenite
Elevation: 5,330 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 Simpson Springs

Best months: March to June. Typical highs run 92°F in midsummer and 36°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 13°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, DUGWAY 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 Simpson Springs

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 Simpson Springs.

Simpson Springs FAQ

Where is Simpson Springs?+

Simpson Springs is in Tooele County, Utah, at 40.03594, -112.77670. Nearest road: Simpson Springs Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Simpson Springs?+

Simpson Springs is reported to produce Geode, Nodules, Morganite.

Is collecting allowed at Simpson Springs?+

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 Simpson Springs?+

Bring a crack hammer, a chisel, safety glasses, and a bucket. Candidates are rounder and lighter than solid rock; a soil pipe cutter opens them cleaner than a flat smash.

When is the best time to visit Simpson Springs?+

The most comfortable months at Simpson Springs are March to June.

How do I get to Simpson Springs?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 40.03594, -112.77670 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Simpson Springs Road.

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