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San Rafael Swell — Rockhounding in Emery County, Utah

The San Rafael Swell is a broad exposed anticline where Morrison, Curtis, and Cedar Mountain strata carry local agate, jasper, chalcedony, petrified wood, and dinosaur-bone material. BLM manages the Swell as a major public recreation area, and UGS describes the same formations as part of the area's collectible rock and mineral resource base. Reported finds include agatized wood, amethyst, carnotite, petrified wood, agate, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

San Rafael Swell photos

Public image records connected to this spot or its reported material, with source and license attribution.

2 photos

Map showing San Rafael Swell in Emery County, Utah

Quick details

Access
Public area
State
Utah

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:

Found at San Rafael Swell

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 San Rafael Swell.

San Rafael Swell FAQ

Why is San Rafael Swell one of the best rockhounding spots in Utah?+
The San Rafael Swell is a broad exposed anticline where Morrison, Curtis, and Cedar Mountain strata carry local agate, jasper, chalcedony, petrified wood, and dinosaur-bone material. BLM manages the Swell as a major public recreation area, and UGS describes the same formations as part of the area's collectible rock and mineral resource base.
Where is San Rafael Swell?+
San Rafael Swell is in Emery County, Utah, at 38.92207, -110.53088.
What rocks and minerals can you find at San Rafael Swell?+
San Rafael Swell is reported to produce Agatized Wood, Amethyst, Carnotite, Petrified Wood, Agate, Chalcedony, Chert, Petrified Dinosaur Bone, Jasper.
Is collecting allowed at San Rafael Swell?+
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.
How do I get to San Rafael Swell?+
Open the directions link to navigate to 38.92207, -110.53088 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote — check road conditions before driving out.

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