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Hanksville: Agate & Jasper Rockhounding in Wayne County, Utah

Updated June 2026

The Hanksville and Caineville stretch of Wayne County is a strong public-land agate and petrified-wood area because weathering has released chalcedony, chert, jasper, and silicified wood from Mesozoic sedimentary rocks. UGS describes BLM public land where specimens can be found close to the road, while Utah collecting rules make clear that petrified wood has personal-use limits and protected park or private lands must be avoided. Reported finds include agate, jasper, petrified wood. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Hanksville photos

Public image records connected to this spot or its reported material.

1 photo

Desert badlands with Factory Butte in the background, north of town on Route 24, at Hanksville, Wayne County, Utah

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Wayne County
State: Utah
Nearest road: Fairview Ranch Road
Coordinates: 38.36147, -110.71126

Geology at Hanksville

This spot sits on Bluff Ss, Summerville Fm, Curtis Fm, Entrada Ss, and Carmel Formation, mapped as sandstone that formed roughly 175 to 145 million years ago. Sedimentary beds like these are the typical host for petrified and silicified wood, which weathers out as durable float on slopes and in washes.

Mapped unit: Bluff Ss, Summerville Fm, Curtis Fm, Entrada Ss, and Carmel Formation
Age: 175–145 Ma (Middle Jurassic to Late Jurassic)
Rock types: sandstone
Elevation: 4,400 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 Hanksville

Best months: February to May. Typical highs run 98°F in midsummer and 43°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 15°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 (1 mi away).

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 Hanksville

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 Hanksville.

Hanksville FAQ

Where is Hanksville?+

Hanksville is in Wayne County, Utah, at 38.36147, -110.71126. Nearest road: Fairview Ranch Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Hanksville?+

Hanksville is reported to produce Agate, Jasper, Petrified Wood.

Is collecting allowed at Hanksville?+

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 Hanksville?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, and a padded bag cover petrified wood hunting. Most pieces are surface float, so walking slopes and washes beats digging.

When is the best time to visit Hanksville?+

The most comfortable months at Hanksville 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 Hanksville?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 38.36147, -110.71126 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Fairview Ranch Road.

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