A Good List of What to bring–
For rocks…
- Rock hammer and sheath
- Hand lens
- Chisels
- Trowel
- Small Shovel
- Hoe/Rake
- Specimen Containers
- Spray Bottle Filled with Water
- Toothbrush
- Chopsticks
- Sledge Hammer
- Buckets
- Pick
Health…
- Lots of Water
- First Aid Kit
- Safety Goggles
- Medication
- Food and Snacks
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Gloves
- Sunglasses
- Insect Repellant
- Chapstick
Car specific…
- Spare Tire and Tools to Fix a Flat
- Extra Gasoline
- Tow Cable
Miscellaneous…
- Maps
- Identification Guide
- Guide Books
- Toilet Paper
- Garbage Bags
- Notebook and Pencil
- Rockhounding Buddy
- Camping Gear (tent, sleeping bag, pad, etc.)
- Hiking Shoes
- Camera
- GPS/Compass
- Headlamp/flashlight
- Knife
- Fire-starting Tools
- Raingear
Hello!
My kids are super interested in Geodes! We’ve been buying them from amazon and are really excited to find our own.
Do you know if there is any dispersed camping near Dugway?
Dude!
I’ve never rockhounded before, but I am certainly attracted to going to remote places in the desert. This seems like a very neat thing! As stated above, you’ve definitely got a list of awesome places and tips for ethics/what to bring, ect.
I do have a couple questions- you mention limits, and items that are illegal to collect. Is there a resource that states these rules in a more defined manner?
My other question relates what you do with the rocks when you get home. I noticed you mention ‘avoid smashing them with a hammer, they’ll look better with a clean cut and polish’.
What tools do you use to cut the samples, and what is the process like for polishing them?
Cheers!
Rob
Dude,
I am going rock hounding this weekend your site has valuable information on the types of rocks that interest me. However, none of these places say if they are free to rock hound or if there is a fee for that location. I am looking to go to the Wendover Agate area, does this site require a fee – where would I go to pay?
Thank you so much
Jo
Hi Jo! Almost all areas I mention on this site are free unless otherwise indicated or if someone else updates us in the comments. Wendover agate should be open and free as far as I know. Lots of places to hunt out there!
Dude, I echo John’s sentiments. I too am planning a trip through Utah in a few days and your site has been invaluable for information. Friends online in Utah have also recommended your site. I can’t tell you how excited I am to hound Utah. Thanks a ton!
Hi Patrice! That is very nice of you. I’m glad it is a good resource for you. I’m just sorry I haven’t been able to update it more often. I was hoping to get out more this summer, but having a second kid is proving to be quite the journey ha ha. This website isn’t going anywhere anytime soon though and there are hundreds more locations I want to add.
I plan on getting out to Utah for Rockhounding this summer. I have never done it before, and this is exactly the kind of info. I need. I want to thank you for your time and effort putting this great site together.
Hi John! Thanks for reading and glad to help. Let us know how your summer adventures turn out!