Thorpe Hills: Azurite & Malachite Rockhounding in Utah County, Utah

Updated June 2026

Thorpe Hills is a mapped rockhounding spot in Utah County, Utah. Reported finds include azurite, malachite, sylvanite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Utah County
State: Utah
Coordinates: 40.20728, -112.15367

Geology at Thorpe Hills

This spot sits on Oquirrh Group, including Bridal Veil Limestone, mapped as sandstone that formed roughly 325 to 275 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: Oquirrh Group, including Bridal Veil Limestone
Age: 325–275 Ma (Pennsylvanian to Cisuralian)
Rock types: sandstone
Elevation: 5,760 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 Thorpe Hills

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 87°F in midsummer and 36°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 10°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, FAIRFIELD station (5 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 Thorpe Hills

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 Thorpe Hills.

Thorpe Hills FAQ

Where is Thorpe Hills?+

Thorpe Hills is in Utah County, Utah, at 40.20728, -112.15367.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Thorpe Hills?+

Thorpe Hills is reported to produce Azurite, Malachite, Sylvanite.

Is collecting allowed at Thorpe Hills?+

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 Thorpe Hills?+

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 Thorpe Hills?+

The most comfortable months at Thorpe Hills are March to November.

How do I get to Thorpe Hills?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 40.20728, -112.15367 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Utah

See all 246 Utah spots →

Open Thorpe Hills on the map

Use the RockHoundR app for live land overlays, weather, geology, directions, and saved finds.