Hells Hole Canyon: Analcite & Apophyllite Rockhounding in Uintah County, Utah

Updated June 2026

Hells Hole Canyon is a mapped rockhounding spot in Uintah County, Utah. Reported finds include analcite, apophyllite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Uintah County
State: Utah
Coordinates: 39.97149, -109.13085

Geology at Hells Hole Canyon

This spot sits on Stream alluvium, mapped as unconsolidated sand, gravel, and silt that formed within roughly the last 12,000 years. Loose deposits like these are float-collecting ground: erosion keeps moving durable rocks and minerals into gravel bars, cutbanks, and washes.

Mapped unit: Stream alluvium
Age: < 1 Ma (Holocene)
Rock types: unconsolidated sand, gravel, and silt
Elevation: 5,020 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 Hells Hole Canyon

Best months: March to June. Typical highs run 93°F in midsummer and 32°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 4°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, RANGELY 1E station (21 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 Hells Hole Canyon

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 Hells Hole Canyon.

Across the state line from Hells Hole Canyon

Hells Hole Canyon 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.

Hells Hole Canyon FAQ

Where is Hells Hole Canyon?+

Hells Hole Canyon is in Uintah County, Utah, at 39.97149, -109.13085.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Hells Hole Canyon?+

Hells Hole Canyon is reported to produce Analcite, Apophyllite.

Is collecting allowed at Hells Hole Canyon?+

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 Hells Hole Canyon?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, safety glasses, and a collecting bag cover the basics here. Add a spray bottle: wet rock shows color and pattern that dry rock hides.

When is the best time to visit Hells Hole Canyon?+

The most comfortable months at Hells Hole Canyon are March to June.

How do I get to Hells Hole Canyon?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 39.97149, -109.13085 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in Utah

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Open Hells Hole Canyon on the map

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