Rockhounding

Collecting minerals or common invertebrate fossils can be enjoyed almost everywhere in Black Rock-High Rock Country.  Rock and mineral enthusiasts search the hills and canyons for petrified wood, geodes, agates, fossils and many other types of colorful and interesting specimens.

To protect mineral deposits and ensure long-term opportunities for collection, the following regulations apply:  

• All rock and mineral collection is limited to 25 lbs/day per/person, with up to one piece for a total of 250 lbs per/year.
• Common invertebrate fossils such as plants, mollusks and trilobites may be collected for personal use in reasonable quantities, but may not be sold or bartered.
• Petrified wood may not be traded or sold without a permit issued by BLM.
• Vertebrate fossils such as dinosaurs, mammals, fishes, and reptiles, and uncommon invertebrate fossils may be collected only by trained researchers under a BLM permit. These resources remain the property of all Americans and are placed with museums or other public institutions after study.
• Hanging Rock Petrified Forest and Charles Lund Petrified Forest are closed to rock hounds
• No new mining claims are allowed in the NCA or wilderness areas, but a few claims that predate congressional designation remain valid. All minerals found on an existing mining claim belong to the claim holder and permission must be obtained to rock hound there. Records of claims can be viewed at BLM offices or County Recorder Offices.