Ennis: Andalusite & Kyanite Rockhounding in Madison County, Montana

Updated June 2026

Ennis is a mapped rockhounding spot in Madison County, Montana. Reported finds include andalusite, kyanite, sillimanite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Madison County
State: Montana
Coordinates: 45.19307, -111.93937

Geology at Ennis

This spot sits on Mission Canyon Limestone, mapped as limestone that formed roughly 360 to 325 million years ago. Carbonate rock like this dissolves and weathers readily, so fresh road cuts, quarries, and creek exposures are typically the most productive ground.

Mapped unit: Mission Canyon Limestone
Age: 360–325 Ma (Early Mississippian to Late Mississippian)
Rock types: limestone
Elevation: 8,830 ft

Geologic mapping via Macrostrat and the underlying state geological survey maps (CC BY 4.0). Bedrock at the surface can vary within a mapped unit.

Best time to visit Ennis

Best months: May to October. Typical highs run 72°F in midsummer and 26°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 4°F. At about 8,830 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, VIRGINIA CITY station (7 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

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: April 1, 2026

BLM Montana, Recreational mineral collecting
Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology
Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine (fee-dig operator)
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Ennis

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 Ennis.

Across the state line from Ennis

Ennis is close enough to the Montana border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Ennis FAQ

Where is Ennis?+

Ennis is in Madison County, Montana, at 45.19307, -111.93937.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Ennis?+

Ennis is reported to produce Andalusite, Kyanite, Sillimanite.

Is collecting allowed at Ennis?+

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.

What tools should I bring to Ennis?+

A rock hammer, a sieve, and a small shovel work well for garnet-type minerals, which concentrate as resistant grains in soils and creek gravels.

When is the best time to visit Ennis?+

The most comfortable months at Ennis are May to October. At about 8,830 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

How do I get to Ennis?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 45.19307, -111.93937 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Montana

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Open Ennis on the map

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