Colorado River: Gold Prospecting in Grand County, Utah

Updated June 2026

Colorado River is a mapped rockhounding spot in Grand County, Utah. Reported finds include chromite, gold. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Grand County
State: Utah
Nearest road: Beards Road
Coordinates: 38.95980, -109.24055

Best time to visit Colorado River

Best months: September to June. Typical highs run 96°F in midsummer and 46°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 20°F. Summer heat here is intense, so carry more water than you think you need and work the early morning.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, GLADE PARK 17W station (10 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 Utah, Rockhounding overview
Utah Geological Survey, collecting guidelines
SITLA, surface use rules
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Colorado River

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 Colorado River.

Across the state line from Colorado River

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

Colorado River FAQ

Where is Colorado River?+

Colorado River is in Grand County, Utah, at 38.95980, -109.24055. Nearest road: Beards Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Colorado River?+

Colorado River is reported to produce Chromite, Gold.

Is collecting allowed at Colorado River?+

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 Colorado River?+

A gold pan, a classifier screen, a small shovel, and a snuffer bottle cover the basics. Motorized equipment and sluices fall under separate rules in most states, so start with hand tools.

When is the best time to visit Colorado River?+

The most comfortable months at Colorado River are September to June. Summer heat here is intense, so carry more water than you think you need and work the early morning.

How do I get to Colorado River?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 38.95980, -109.24055 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Beards Road.

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