Wamsutter — Rockhounding in Sweetwater County, Wyoming
Wamsutter is the practical Wyoming stop for dark fossiliferous lapidary material sold as Turritella agate, more accurately tied to silicified Green River Formation gastropods. The locality stands out because the material is both fossil-rich and polishable, but BLM fossil rules still matter because vertebrate fossils and scientifically significant specimens are not casual-collecting targets. Reported finds include turritella agate. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.
Wamsutter photos
Public image records connected to this spot or its reported material, with source and license attribution.
Map showing Wamsutter in Sweetwater County, Wyoming
Quick details
- Access
- Public area
- County
- Sweetwater County
- State
- Wyoming
- Coordinates
- 41.56993, -108.00756
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 Wyoming
- Wyoming State Geological Survey
- Fossil Butte National Monument
- Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules
Found at Wamsutter
Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.
- Turritella AgateEncyclopedia →
Nearby rockhounding spots
Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Wamsutter.
- Red DesertSweetwater County, Wyoming · 22 mi awayAgate, Chalcedony, Chert
- Bitter CreekSweetwater County, Wyoming · 28 mi awayTschermigite
- BaggsCarbon County, Wyoming · 40 mi awayCoffinite, Ilsemannite, Autunite
- Creede MineCarbon County, Wyoming · 56 mi awayCobaltite, Erythrite, Linnaeite
- Green MountainFremont County, Wyoming · 56 mi awayBanded Agate, Moss Agate, Aventurine
- Steamboat MountainSweetwater County, Wyoming · 56 mi awayAgate, Chalcedony, Jasper
- Sierra MadreCarbon County, Wyoming · 57 mi awayCopper, Cobalt
- Fremont CountyFremont County, Wyoming · 57 mi awaySweetwater Agate, Nephrite Jade, Jade
Across the state line from Wamsutter
Wamsutter 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.
Wamsutter FAQ
Why is Wamsutter one of the best rockhounding spots in Wyoming?+
Where is Wamsutter?+
What rocks and minerals can you find at Wamsutter?+
Is collecting allowed at Wamsutter?+
How do I get to Wamsutter?+
More rockhounding in Wyoming
See all 82 Wyoming spots →Open Wamsutter on the map
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