Sunrise: Arsenopyrite & Barite Rockhounding in Platte County, Wyoming

Updated June 2026

Sunrise is a mapped rockhounding spot in Platte County, Wyoming. Reported finds include arsenopyrite, barite, copper. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Platte County
State: Wyoming
Nearest road: Sunrise Highway
Postcode: 82215
Coordinates: 42.33581, -104.70157

Geology at Sunrise

This spot sits on ground mapped as Metadolomite that formed roughly 2800 to 1600 million years ago. Carbonate rock like this dissolves and weathers readily, so fresh road cuts, quarries, and creek exposures are typically the most productive ground.

Mapped unit: Metadolomite
Age: 2800–1600 Ma (Neoarchean to Paleoproterozoic)
Elevation: 4,930 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 Sunrise

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 87°F in midsummer and 37°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 12°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, GUERNSEY DAM #2 station (4 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 Sunrise

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 Sunrise.

Across the state line from Sunrise

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

Sunrise FAQ

Where is Sunrise?+

Sunrise is in Platte County, Wyoming, at 42.33581, -104.70157. Nearest road: Sunrise Highway.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Sunrise?+

Sunrise is reported to produce Arsenopyrite, Barite, Copper.

Is collecting allowed at Sunrise?+

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 Sunrise?+

A rock hammer, gloves, and safety glasses are enough for oxidized copper ground. Look for green and blue staining on weathered rock and in old dump piles.

When is the best time to visit Sunrise?+

The most comfortable months at Sunrise are March to November.

How do I get to Sunrise?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 42.33581, -104.70157 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Sunrise Highway.

More rockhounding in Wyoming

See all 82 Wyoming spots →

Open Sunrise on the map

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