Best spot

Kirwin Mine: Azurite & Barite Rockhounding in Park County, Wyoming

Updated June 2026

Kirwin is the strongest metallic-mineral contrast to Wyoming's agate and wood localities, with USGS work documenting the district's copper, gold, lead, zinc, molybdenum, and silver mineralization. The specimen suite, including chalcopyrite, galena, sphalerite, pyrite, quartz, azurite, and malachite, makes it a focused historic mining-district stop rather than another chalcedony field. Reported finds include azurite, barite, chalcopyrite, cuprite, galena, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Kirwin Mine photos

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

1 photo

Mineshaft in Kirwin, Wyoming at Kirwin Mine, Park County, Wyoming

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Park County
State: Wyoming
Nearest road: Wood River
Coordinates: 43.87455, -109.28483

Geology at Kirwin Mine

This spot sits on Absaroka Volcanic Supergroup: Thorofare Creek Group - Wiggins Formation, mapped as conglomerate and volcanic that formed roughly 48 to 41 million years ago. Gold in volcanic terrain like this is usually tied to old vein systems and the gravels that drain them, so nearby washes tend to carry the color.

Mapped unit: Absaroka Volcanic Supergroup: Thorofare Creek Group - Wiggins Formation
Age: 48–41 Ma (Middle Eocene)
Rock types: conglomerate and volcanic
Elevation: 10,030 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 Kirwin Mine

Best months: June to September. Typical highs run 64°F in midsummer and 21°F in midwinter, with winter lows near -6°F. At about 10,030 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, SUNSHINE 3NE station (22 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 Kirwin Mine

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 Kirwin Mine.

Kirwin Mine FAQ

Where is Kirwin Mine?+

Kirwin Mine is in Park County, Wyoming, at 43.87455, -109.28483. Nearest road: Wood River.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Kirwin Mine?+

Kirwin Mine is reported to produce Azurite, Barite, Chalcopyrite, Cuprite, Galena, Gold, Limonite, Malachite, Pyrite, Quartz, Sphalerite.

Is collecting allowed at Kirwin Mine?+

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 Kirwin Mine?+

A gold pan, a classifier screen, a small shovel, and a snuffer bottle cover the basics. Motorized equipment and sluices fall under separate rules in most states, so start with hand tools.

When is the best time to visit Kirwin Mine?+

The most comfortable months at Kirwin Mine are June to September. At about 10,030 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

How do I get to Kirwin Mine?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 43.87455, -109.28483 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Wood River.

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