Where To Find Geodes In Arizona: A Guide To the 3 Most Likely Places

Arizona is one of the best states for rock hounding.

The state attracts rock hunters from all corners of the world in search of rocks, gems, minerals and fossils.

This article is directed to those who are interested in finding geodes in Arizona.

Where To Find Geodes In Arizona (A Guide)

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article by YesDirt.com is for informational purposes and is subject to change. Laws are updated. Accessibility guidelines and restrictions change. Be sure to confirm the land status and collection rules before you travel to an unfamiliar location or collect any material.

Hauser Geode Beds

The world famous Hauser Geode Beds are located in the Wiley’s Well District.

Situated about 15 miles south of Interstate 10, take the Wiley’s Well Road exit.

The exit is about 20 miles west of Blythe.

After taking the exit, continue driving south until you reach a dirt road located just past the state prison.

This site is situated just east of the Arizona border to California.

Rock hunters should use an all-terrain vehicle, such as a 4×4, and head to Coon Hollow Campground (9 miles south of I-10).

Alternatively, trucks or SUVs are also suitable.

The area consists of paved and rough terrain. Drive along the dirt road and turn right at the sign that says Hauser Geode Beds.

Note that the road is very uneven and can get very rough in places.

TIP: It may be a bit challenging to find this location.

For this reason, get the AAA map for Imperial County.

There is a site known as USGS which has an online map locater and downloader.

Access the Wiley Well – 7.5 and 15 minute topo map. The free version is a PDF.

The Geode Beds were discovered in the late 1930s by Joel Hauser, a resident of Blythe.

Mr. Hauser explored the hills in his Ford truck looking for gems to collect.

Stone lovers who enjoy collecting geodes will not be disappointed at this location.

From small geodes to larger stones, there are plenty of geodes to be found here.

Stone lovers may find ThunderEgg/Nodule type geodes here.

These geodes are packed with jasper or agate.

Jasper and agate are basically solid crystal arrangements within the geode.

Also, many geodes are rimmed with amethyst crystals.

And black or white calcite crystals cover many of the geodes in the area.

Rock hunters have the opportunity to take a hike in search of scattered geodes.

Keep in mind, however, that these geodes may not be the best quality.

Rock hunters should be well equipped for this adventure.

Rock hounds need a pick and a shovel for digging.

You will also need a hammer and a bucket.

The hammer will help with crushing the rocks.

Furthermore, you will need fresh water, a first aid kit, food, cell phones with map abilities, and anything else you think you may need that will not make your bag too heavy.

GPS coordinates:

South end: 33° 22.567’N 114° 59.383’W The decimal degrees 33.376117 -114.989717 Stay on the dirt roads.

Finding the location may be somewhat tricky. Get an early start to the day. You will want to leave the area before dark as it is much more difficult to see on the roads after dark.

There is accommodation available in two of the nearby cities, Blythe and Indio.

Additionally, there are two campgrounds close to the area, Coon Hollow Campground and Wiley’s Well Campground.

Due to summer heat, the best time to visit is from late October to late March.

Cinnamon Geode Beds, Arizona

The Cinnamon Geode Beds are located roughly 16 miles west of Blythe, California.

Rock hounds can take the Wiley’s Well exit from interstate10.

Continue driving 2.9 miles until you reach a stop sign.

Do not take the paved road that turns right towards the two state prisons.

Instead, continue southward for approximately another 10.4 miles until you reach the Riverside-Imperial county line.

In Imperial county, Wiley’s Well road becomes Milpitas Wash Road.

There will be a sign indicating that the Hauser Geo Beds are west.

Follow the sign and turn right after reaching the south side of the county line.

This leads to Black Hills Road.

Continue until you reach a sign post that reads, Ashley Flats.

Continue driving again until you reach a second metal sign post that also reads Ashley Flats. There will be a fork in the road.

Take the south fork.

Then continue until you cross the gravel bed of Black Hills Wash.

There should be another junction approximately one mile ahead.

It is unmarked but is known as Potato Patch Junction. There is a short, rough stretch of road ahead.

Take a right at Potato Patch Junction and cross a small wash.

There will be a dead end ahead about roughly three quarters of a mile.

This point is called Nodule Junction. Take a left turn here.

You will see tracks that go off the road just up ahead.

This is where regular cars will park. 4×4’s will be able to continue from here.

Continue on the rough patch. About one tenth of a mile ahead, take the foot path. These will lead directly to digging sites.

GPS coordinates:

33°23.460′ N by 114°59.044′ W

A 4×4 can be very helpful on this trip. Although it is not a requirement. A car with a low clearance will also be able to do the trick.

Though it is not certain, it is estimated that Mr. Hauser is also responsible for finding this geode location back in the early 1900s.

TIP: Since digging can be strenuous and somewhat tedious, look for spots where other rock hounds have already dug. Most of these spots are on the west side of the hills. Look for trails that lead in that direction.

There is accommodation in the nearby town of Blythe. Hotels and motels that cater to rock hounds and other tourists.

Rock hounds should bring a shovel, hammer, pick, gloves and a GPS. Other items include sunblock, food, and water. Due to summer heat, the best time to visit is from late October to late March.

Potato Patch, Arizona

The Potato Patch is located in close proximity to Cinnamon geo beds and the Hauser geo beds. It is situated in Yavapai County, Arizona.

It is another geological gem where rock hounds can expect to easily find treasures.

There is a campsite where rock hounds can set up a tent for the night.

Rock hounds should be sufficiently stocked with water, food, and other supplies, including a mobile phone with a map feature and sunblock.

There are other forms of accommodation in the nearby town of Blythe.

Travel to the northern parts of the Potato Patch geode beds for geodes that have colorful agate interiors.

Rock hounds can travel in a car that has a high clearance or by using a 4×4. Though it should be mentioned that a 4×4 is not really necessary.

To get to Potato Patch, drive west on interstate-10 for approximately 16 miles to the Wiley’s Well exit. Then continue for 13.3 miles south until you reach the Riverside-Imperial county line.

In Imperial county, Wiley’s Well road becomes Milpitas Wash Road. There will be a sign indicating that the Hauser Geo Beds are west.

Follow the sign and turn right after reaching the south side of the county line. This leads to Black Hills Road. Continue until you reach a sign post that reads, Ashley Flats.

Continue driving again until you reach a second metal sign post that also reads Ashley Flats. There will be a fork in the road. Take the south fork. Then continue until you cross the gravel bed of Black Hills Wash. There should be another junction approximately one mile ahead. It is unmarked but is known as Potato Patch Junction. There is a short, rough stretch of road ahead.

From Potato Patch Junction take a left to the Owl’s Roost area. This will lead to the upper western slope of the area.

GPS location:

33°23.232′ N by 114°58.589′ W.

Rock hounds have the option to camp in Coon Hollow campground for convenience.

Arizona 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 Arizona: A Guide To 75 Of The State’s Best Rockhounding Sites

Gem Trails of Arizona

Southwest Treasure Hunter’s Gem and Mineral 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.

Conclusion

These three locations are in very close proximity to each other. Rock hounds can opt for accommodation in Blythe and spend a few days in the area looking for gems.

All three locations are rich in geodes and rock hounds will be pleasantly surprised by their finds in these areas.