Silver Reef: Lead & Silver Rockhounding in Washington County, Utah

Updated June 2026

Silver Reef is a mapped rockhounding spot in Washington County, Utah. Reported finds include lead, silver. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Washington County
State: Utah
Nearest road: Silver Reef Drive
Postcode: 84746
Coordinates: 37.25412, -113.37155

Geology at Silver Reef

This spot sits on Springdale Sandstone Member, mapped as sandstone that formed roughly 200 to 175 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: Springdale Sandstone Member
Age: 200–175 Ma (Early Jurassic)
Rock types: sandstone
Elevation: 3,810 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 Silver Reef

Best months: September to May. Typical highs run 96°F in midsummer and 50°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 27°F. Summer heat here is intense, so carry more water than you think you need and work the early morning.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, LA VERKIN station (7 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 Silver Reef

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 Silver Reef.

Across the state line from Silver Reef

Silver Reef is close enough to the Utah border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Silver Reef FAQ

Where is Silver Reef?+

Silver Reef is in Washington County, Utah, at 37.25412, -113.37155. Nearest road: Silver Reef Drive.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Silver Reef?+

Silver Reef is reported to produce Lead, Silver.

Is collecting allowed at Silver Reef?+

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 Silver Reef?+

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 Silver Reef?+

The most comfortable months at Silver Reef are September to May. Summer heat here is intense, so carry more water than you think you need and work the early morning.

How do I get to Silver Reef?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 37.25412, -113.37155 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Silver Reef Drive.

More rockhounding in Utah

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Open Silver Reef on the map

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