Afton Canyon — Rockhounding in San Bernardino County, California
Afton Canyon pairs documented BLM rockhounding access with a strong Mojave silica suite: Mindat lists opal, opalite, chalcedony, plume agate, agate-jasper, petrified wood, and jasper in the canyon area. The locality also has unusual field context because the Mojave River flows above ground here year-round, cutting through one of the region's more recognizable volcanic and sedimentary exposures. Reported finds include opalite, jasper. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.
Afton Canyon photos
Public image records connected to this spot or its reported material, with source and license attribution.
Map showing Afton Canyon in San Bernardino County, California
Quick details
- Access
- Public area
- County
- San Bernardino County
- State
- California
- Nearest road
- Mojave Road
- Coordinates
- 35.03910, -116.38534
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:
- BLM California — Recreational mineral collecting
- California Geological Survey
- CDFW — Suction Dredge Mining Permit Program
- Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules
Found at Afton Canyon
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 Afton Canyon.
- Midway Area (Lavic Jasper)San Bernardino County, California · 5 mi awayLavic Jasper
- Eagle CragsSan Bernardino County, California · 46 mi awayBlue Agate, Bentonite, Calcite
- Amboy CraterSan Bernardino County, California · 48 mi awayBoltwoodite, Jasper, Obsidian
- Lead Pipe Spring AreaSan Bernardino County, California · 53 mi awayBlue Agate, Chalcedony, Jasper
- Bristol Dry LakeSan Bernardino County, California · 57 mi awayCelestite Concretions
- Wingate PassSan Bernardino County, California · 61 mi awaySagenite Agate
- Searles LakeSan Bernardino County, California · 72 mi awayBorax, Aphthitalite, Halite
- Castle Butte FoothillsKern County, California · 81 mi awayAgate, Chalcedony, Chert
Across the state line from Afton Canyon
Afton Canyon is close enough to the California border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.
Afton Canyon FAQ
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More rockhounding in California
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