Coaly Wash: Jet Rockhounding in Wayne County, Utah

Updated June 2026

Coaly Wash is a mapped rockhounding spot in Wayne County, Utah. Reported finds include jet. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Wayne County
State: Utah
Nearest road: Blue Valley Road
Coordinates: 38.28141, -110.86056

Geology at Coaly Wash

This spot sits on Mancos Shale, mapped as shale that formed roughly 100 to 72 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: Mancos Shale
Age: 100–72 Ma (Late Cretaceous)
Rock types: shale
Elevation: 4,780 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 Coaly Wash

Best months: February to May. Typical highs run 97°F in midsummer and 41°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 14°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, HANKSVILLE station (10 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 Coaly Wash

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 Coaly Wash.

Coaly Wash FAQ

Where is Coaly Wash?+

Coaly Wash is in Wayne County, Utah, at 38.28141, -110.86056. Nearest road: Blue Valley Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Coaly Wash?+

Coaly Wash is reported to produce Jet.

Is collecting allowed at Coaly Wash?+

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 Coaly Wash?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, safety glasses, and a collecting bag cover the basics here. Add a spray bottle: wet rock shows color and pattern that dry rock hides.

When is the best time to visit Coaly Wash?+

The most comfortable months at Coaly Wash are February 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 Coaly Wash?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 38.28141, -110.86056 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Blue Valley Road.

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