Where to Find Jasper in California

California jasper concentrates in the Mojave Desert and along the central coast. The Wiley's Well district in Riverside County yields red, brecciated, and plume jasper near the Hauser geode beds, and the Cady Mountains in San Bernardino County add picture jasper and brown landscape patterns. Stoddard Wells north of Victorville produces orbicular and brecciated jasper in fault zones. Along the coast, Big Sur in Monterey County yields the Marin/Cambria red-and-brown landscape jasper, often beach-tumbled. Most desert jasper is exposed as float in dry washes; coast jasper concentrates after winter storms. The most productive ground is in Wiley's Well district (Riverside County), Cady Mountains (San Bernardino County), Big Sur coast (Monterey County).

Casual hand collection of common rocks and minerals like jasper is allowed on most BLM and U.S. Forest Service land in California, with daily and annual limits set by the local field office. National parks, most state parks, and tribal land are off-limits. Always confirm rules before a trip.

Wiley's Well district (Riverside County) is the standout. Other strong ground includes Cady Mountains (San Bernardino County), Big Sur coast (Monterey County).