Area 54 Rockhounding (California): 10 Tips For A Successful Trip

by

If you have been rockhounding in California, you may have heard the rumors about Area 54.

It is no secret that it is one of the best new places to find gems.

So, let us go over where it is, what kind of minerals it contains, and any tips for hounding there.

Area 54 Rockhounding (California): 10 Tips

Where Is Area 54?

Now, this is the most troubling thing about Area 54.

Its exact location is disputed.

This is either because it is a jealously guarded secret, or it is just that many rock collectors have made their way there already.

Maybe people found multiple spots with gemstones.

Starting with what we do know, Area 54 is in the Panoche Hills.

More specifically, it is on the bank of Little Panoche Creek.

It is supposedly a few miles off I-5 and a few hours’ drive from the bay area.

Beyond that, it is hard to say. But, do not worry.

The entire river bed is apparently filled with collectible minerals and stones.

What Kinds of Stones are Found at Area 54?

Jadeite, nephrite, serpentine, agate, jasper, chert, and benitoite are the kind of stones that collectors find in Area 54.

These stones include a variety of different types of quartz and both kinds of jade.

The minerals, rocks, and gems are mostly mixed in with the gravel near or in the river.

The area is on public land and also has great spots for camping if you are interested in that.

It is actually the main reason people go to the Panoche Hills, so expect to run into campers while your there.

Tips For Going to Area 54

1. Bring food and water with you.

If you wish to camp near the spot, bring all the camping supplies you need with you.

Area 54 is out in the middle of nowhere, so bring supplies.

These supplies include food, water, and any other items you will need.

You may want to bring extra water to wash off your finds or yourself when you are done.

Remember also to clean up after yourself. No littering. It could harm the local ecosystem.

2. Wear appropriate clothing

Dress for a hike. That means something like jeans, a tee-shirt, a jacket (depending on the weather), work gloves, and hiking boots.

Seeing that you will probably have to wade into the water, you might want to have water-proof boots too.

A hat is also recommended to prevent sunstroke.

On a related note, remember to use plenty of sunscreen while hiking to Area 54.

3. Avoid private claims

Most of the land in the Panoche Hills is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and is, therefore, public land.

Any private claims in the area should be labeled with clear signage.

Avoid these areas so you don’t end up trespassing.

4. Park your car within 15 feet of the road

This tip comes from the Bureau of Land Management’s own website.

This is to minimize any effect of us being there on the environment.

You could destroy an animal burrow or even run one over.

The last thing any of us want to do is hurt the local ecosystem or have any road-killings on our conscience.

It will also make it easier to find your car and the way out once you are done collecting rocks.

5. Bring a shovel.

This is also from the Bureau’s website.

Aside from the sanitary reasons you would want to bring a shovel, you also use it to put out any fires you start.

This is particularly useful if you decide to camp near Area 54.

California’s woods are very flammable, especially in the summer months.

Remember, only you can prevent forest fires.

Most of the rocks in Area 54 are on the surface, so you will not need a shovel to dig for them.

Some of these roads in the hills are unpaved and rugged.

Some areas may be inaccessible to smaller cars.

Area 54 is also far from any repair shops.

You do not want to have to get your car towed that distance.

It could be very expensive and even dangerous if you get stranded.

7. Bring a physical map, if possible.

Cell phone network signals are spotty at best in the Panoche Hills.

Physical maps also will not use up your cell phone’s battery.

You could always use your phone in conjunction with it if your signal holds out.

Bringing a compass is also a good idea.

8. Bring your rockhounding supplies.

This one should be obvious, but people commonly forget stuff.

Bring a bucket, a camera, a magnifying glass, and a streak plate with you so you can collect with maximum efficiency. Wrapping material and individual containers might be recommended for the more fragile samples. Paper towels will work as wrapping material. We recommend using a checklist to make sure that you bring everything that you will need.

9. Give someone else your location.

This is a general safety tip. You will want someone to know where you are if you need to be tracked down due to an emergency.

Keep your location up to date with this person, even if you are just moving locations for a little while.

If you get lost or hurt, people will know where to start looking for you.

10. Do not over-pack

There is only so much you can carry, so do not try to carry more with you than you can comfortably hike with.

Remember, you will also be carrying a bucket full of rocks, and you will need to plan accordingly.

You should also take plenty of breaks while hiking and collecting rocks.

You do not want to get too tired for the trip back to the car or the drive home.

Conclusion

Follow these tips, and you can have an unforgettable trip collecting rocks in California’s Area 54. Remember to stay safe out there. Good luck with your hounding and happy digging.

California Rockhounding Resources

If you like to have a physical book in hand (like when there’s no cell service), here’s a few popular options:

Rockhounding California: A Guide To The State’s Best Rockhounding Sites

Gem Trails of Southern California

Gem Trails of Northern California

Smithsonian Rocks and Minerals Identification Guide

Disclosure: These are links to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

You might also like the following articles if you are interested in Rockhounding California:

Area 54 Rockhounding