Agates near Hays, KS
14 of the mapped rockhounding spots within 150 miles of Hays report agate. The closest is South Fork Solomon River, about 65 miles out (1 hr 21 min drive).
Agates are banded chalcedony nodules that survive long after their volcanic host rock rots away, which is why they concentrate in gravel bars, beaches, and glacial deposits far from where they formed.
Map of 14 agate collecting spots within 150 miles of Hays, Kansas
Closest agates spots to Hays
- South Fork Solomon RiverSheridan County, Kansas65 mi · 1 hr 21 min driveMoss Agate
- Smoky Hill River (moss agate)Logan County, Kansas83 mi · 1 hr 44 min driveMoss Agate, Chalk
- ConcordiaCloud County, Kansas106 mi · 2 hr 12 min driveAgate, Moss Agate, Banded Agate
- AshlandClark County, Kansas109 mi · 2 hr 16 min driveMoss Agate, Opal, Jasper
- Chikaskia RiverKingman County, Kansas121 mi · 2 hr 32 min driveAgate, Jasper, Petrified Wood
- Platte RiverBuffalo County, Nebraska124 mi · 2 hr 35 min driveAgate, Chalcedony, Jasper
Types of agates reported near Hays
Counts reflect how many spots in this radius mention each variety.
Every agate spot within 150 miles of Hays
Sorted by distance from Hays. Tap a row for directions, access status, and nearby trips.
| Spot | County | Minerals | Coordinates | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Fork Solomon River | Sheridan County | 39.3096, -100.4007 | Public | |
| Smoky Hill River (moss agate)Butterfield Overland Trail | Logan County |
| 38.8019, -100.8640 | Public |
| Concordia | Cloud County | 39.5784, -97.5687 | Public | |
| AshlandClark County Lake Road | Clark County | 37.3347, -99.7421 | Public | |
| Chikaskia River | Kingman County | 37.4378, -98.0528 | Public | |
| Platte RiverHuron Drive | Buffalo County | 40.6611, -99.0708 | Public | |
| Aetna | Barber County | 37.0737, -98.9573 | Public | |
| Sharon SpringsKS 27 | Wallace County | 38.9367, -101.7499 | Public | |
| Republican RiverRiver Walk | Geary County | 39.0640, -96.8538 | Public | |
| Medicine Lodge RiverBethel Road | Barber County | 37.0491, -98.4800 | Public | |
| BuffaloUS 64;US 183 | Harper County | 36.8499, -99.6278 | Check locally | |
| FairburyLittle Blue River Trail | Jefferson County | 40.1320, -97.1844 | Public | |
| Steel CityRomeo Road | Jefferson County | 40.0404, -97.0348 | Public | |
| AlvaN2445 Road | Woods County | 36.7842, -98.6551 | Check locally |
Agates near Hays FAQ
Where can I find agates near Hays?+
14 mapped spots within about 150 miles of Hays report agate. The closest is South Fork Solomon River in Sheridan County County, roughly 65 miles away (1 hr 21 min drive). The full list with coordinates is on this page.
Can I collect agates on public land near Hays?+
12 of the 14 spots here sit on land mapped as publicly accessible. Casual hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed on most BLM and Forest Service land with limits set by the local field office; national parks and most state parks are closed to collecting. Confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.
What is the fastest way to spot an agate in a gravel bed?+
Look for waxy luster and translucence rather than color. Wet the stone or look right after rain: agate glows softly at thin edges when backlit, while jasper and chert stay opaque. Banding clinches it but is often hidden until the stone is cracked or tumbled.
How far from Hays do I need to drive?+
The nearest agate spot is about 65 miles out, and the farthest on this list is 149 miles. Most fall inside a normal weekend day-trip radius.
Keep exploring from Hays
Agates near other cities
Hunt agates around Hays with the map in your pocket
RockHoundR shows these spots on an offline map with public land overlays, geology layers, weather, and a log for your finds.
