Santaquin & Silver Lake mining districts: Actinolite & Andradite Rockhounding in Utah County, Utah

Updated June 2026

Santaquin & Silver Lake mining districts is a mapped rockhounding spot in Utah County, Utah. Reported finds include actinolite, andradite, argentite, cordierite, galena, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Utah County
State: Utah
Nearest road: Yankee Mine Road
Postcode: 85092
Coordinates: 40.54315, -111.63204

Geology at Santaquin & Silver Lake mining districts

This spot sits on ground mapped as Big Cottonwood Formation that formed roughly 1600 to 1000 million years ago. Ore minerals here are typically tied to veins and replacement zones, with old workings marking the productive ground.

Mapped unit: Big Cottonwood Formation
Age: 1600–1000 Ma (Mesoproterozoic)
Elevation: 9,060 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 Santaquin & Silver Lake mining districts

Best months: May to October. Typical highs run 72°F in midsummer and 29°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 14°F. At about 9,060 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, ALTA station (3 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 Santaquin & Silver Lake mining districts

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 Santaquin & Silver Lake mining districts.

Santaquin & Silver Lake mining districts FAQ

Where is Santaquin & Silver Lake mining districts?+

Santaquin & Silver Lake mining districts is in Utah County, Utah, at 40.54315, -111.63204. Nearest road: Yankee Mine Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Santaquin & Silver Lake mining districts?+

Santaquin & Silver Lake mining districts is reported to produce Actinolite, Andradite, Argentite, Cordierite, Galena, Garnet, Gold, Prehnite, Scheelite, Silver, Sphene, Zircon.

Is collecting allowed at Santaquin & Silver Lake mining districts?+

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 Santaquin & Silver Lake mining districts?+

A rock hammer, gloves, and safety glasses cover old mining-district ground. Stay out of shafts and adits; the best specimens typically come from dump piles.

When is the best time to visit Santaquin & Silver Lake mining districts?+

The most comfortable months at Santaquin & Silver Lake mining districts are May to October. At about 9,060 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

How do I get to Santaquin & Silver Lake mining districts?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 40.54315, -111.63204 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Yankee Mine Road.

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