About Black Hills Rockhound Area
This rockhound area makes a great day adventure for rock collectors. The principal attraction for rock collectors here is fire agate. Fire agate is a relatively new gemstone, only identified and formally recognized in the 1930s. It has the color play of precious opal with gem quality reds, greens, and blues. The desert regions of Arizona, southern California, and central Mexico are the only areas of the world where fire agate is known to occur. Although its origin is unknown, it is always associated with volcanic deposits. The site is open for digging by the public without fees or permits. Camping throughout the area is allowed for up to two weeks. Black Hills Rockhound Area is open year-round, but the summers can be hot and dry with temperatures reaching above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Fees: None
- Managed by: Bureau of Land Management, BLM
- Where: 12 mi west of York, AZ · 32.87397, -109.39496
Weather by month
Typical daily highs and lows (°F), 1991–2020 NOAA normals. Best months: Mar–May & Oct–Nov (comfortable days, mild nights, little rain). Nights below freezing: None.
Fly over it in 3D, check today's weather and fire news, plan the drive and print a trip plan.
Good to know
Verizon 4G · AT&T 5G · T-Mobile 5G
From the carriers' FCC coverage maps, which tend to be generous.The Milky Way shows rich detail, horizon to horizon.
Class 2 of 9, from NASA/NOAA night-light data.Propane: 17.9 mi
Nearest of each within 25 miles, straight-line.Camps nearby
- Riverview Campground 5 mi
- Owl Creek Campground 8.1 mi
- Clifton Ranger District 13.4 mi
- Campsite · 2 mi NW of Clifton 13.5 mi
- Campsite · 2 mi E of Morenci 14 mi
- Hacienda Campground 19.7 mi