Split Rock: Ruby Rockhounding in Natrona County, Wyoming

Updated June 2026

Split Rock is a mapped rockhounding spot in Natrona County, Wyoming. Reported finds include ruby. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Natrona County
State: Wyoming
Nearest road: Oregon Trail
Coordinates: 42.48061, -107.52931

Geology at Split Rock

This spot sits on mapped bedrock that formed roughly 4600 to 540 million years ago. Hard resistant minerals typically weather out of the bedrock and concentrate in nearby soils and creek gravels.

Age: 4600–540 Ma (Precambrian)
Elevation: 7,190 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 Split Rock

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 84°F in midsummer and 29°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 11°F. At about 7,190 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, MUDDY GAP station (9 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 Wyoming
Wyoming State Geological Survey
Fossil Butte National Monument
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Split Rock

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Ruby Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Split Rock.

Split Rock FAQ

Where is Split Rock?+

Split Rock is in Natrona County, Wyoming, at 42.48061, -107.52931. Nearest road: Oregon Trail.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Split Rock?+

Split Rock is reported to produce Ruby.

Is collecting allowed at Split Rock?+

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 Split Rock?+

A rock hammer, a sieve, and a small shovel work well for garnet-type minerals, which concentrate as resistant grains in soils and creek gravels.

When is the best time to visit Split Rock?+

The most comfortable months at Split Rock are April to October. At about 7,190 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

How do I get to Split Rock?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 42.48061, -107.52931 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Oregon Trail.

More rockhounding in Wyoming

See all 82 Wyoming spots →

Open Split Rock on the map

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