Clifton mining district: Agate & Azurite Rockhounding in Tooele County, Utah

Updated June 2026

Clifton mining district is a mapped rockhounding spot in Tooele County, Utah. Reported finds include agate, azurite, dolomite, malachite, garnet, and more. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Tooele County
State: Utah
Coordinates: 40.17097, -113.81270

Geology at Clifton mining district

This spot sits on Alluvium and colluvium, mapped as unconsolidated alluvium and colluvium that formed within roughly the last 3 million years. Gravels like these concentrate whatever survives the river: agate, jasper, and other tough silica typically show up as rounded, waxy stones.

Mapped unit: Alluvium and colluvium
Age: 3 Ma to present (Quaternary)
Rock types: unconsolidated alluvium and colluvium
Elevation: 5,250 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 Clifton mining district

Best months: September to June. Typical highs run 95°F in midsummer and 45°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 13°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, IBAPAH station (15 mi away).

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 Clifton mining district

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 Clifton mining district.

Across the state line from Clifton mining district

Clifton mining district 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.

Clifton mining district FAQ

Where is Clifton mining district?+

Clifton mining district is in Tooele County, Utah, at 40.17097, -113.81270.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Clifton mining district?+

Clifton mining district is reported to produce Agate, Azurite, Dolomite, Malachite, Garnet, Rutile, Bornite, Calcite, Chalcedony, Diopside, Galena, Limonite, Opal, Pyrite.

Is collecting allowed at Clifton mining district?+

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 Clifton mining district?+

Most agate and jasper is surface float: bring a spray bottle, a pick or small shovel, and a sturdy bag. Wet stones show their banding and translucence.

When is the best time to visit Clifton mining district?+

The most comfortable months at Clifton mining district 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 Clifton mining district?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 40.17097, -113.81270 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

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