Montezuma Peak: Chalcedony & Chert Rockhounding in Esmeralda County, Nevada

Updated June 2026

Montezuma Peak is a mapped rockhounding spot in Esmeralda County, Nevada. Reported finds include chalcedony, chert, jasper, quartz, obsidian, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Esmeralda County
State: Nevada
Coordinates: 37.66257, -117.36111

Geology at Montezuma Peak

This spot sits on Younger silicic ash flow tuffs, mapped as volcanic that formed roughly 23 to 5 million years ago. Petrified wood typically comes from volcanic ash beds like the ones associated with this ground, where buried forests were slowly replaced by silica.

Mapped unit: Younger silicic ash flow tuffs
Age: 23–5 Ma (Miocene)
Rock types: volcanic
Elevation: 6,480 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 Montezuma Peak

Best months: February to November. Typical highs run 87°F in midsummer and 42°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 20°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, GOLDFIELD station (8 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 Nevada, Recreation
Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology
Royal Peacock Opal Mine (fee-dig operator)
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Montezuma Peak

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 Montezuma Peak.

Montezuma Peak FAQ

Where is Montezuma Peak?+

Montezuma Peak is in Esmeralda County, Nevada, at 37.66257, -117.36111.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Montezuma Peak?+

Montezuma Peak is reported to produce Chalcedony, Chert, Jasper, Quartz, Obsidian, Opalized Wood.

Is collecting allowed at Montezuma Peak?+

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 Montezuma Peak?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, and a padded bag cover petrified wood hunting. Most pieces are surface float, so walking slopes and washes beats digging.

When is the best time to visit Montezuma Peak?+

The most comfortable months at Montezuma Peak are February to November.

How do I get to Montezuma Peak?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 37.66257, -117.36111 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Nevada

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Open Montezuma Peak on the map

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