Thomas Range, UT Mountain and Dugway Geode Beds

What to Collect: Topaz, Red , Bixbyite, , , Pale Amethyst, Hematite and Geodes Date: October 10-11. If you want to go out early, call to coordinate before the week of the trip. Meeting: Meet on Saturday the 10th at 9:00 AM at the turnoff from highway 174 leading to the ‘cove” (see map). There should be a sign saying topaz mountain rockhounding area. Anyone arriving late on Saturday should drive into the cove and take the west fork, leading toward the west wall, and look for a white Tacoma pickup with a white topper. Sunday we will go to the geode beds on the north end of the range. Travel Time: Approximately 12 hours from Denver and 1 hour from Delta. Directions: From Delta, UT, go northeast on US 6 and for about 10 miles to Highway 174. Turn left and follow Highway 174 west for about 37 miles. As you head west you’ll see mountains in the distance. Once you turn northwest, topaz mountain will be directly in front of you. The turnoff to the cove should be just before entering a group of small hills and you will see the circular shape of the cove below the highest point of the mountain. If you go to the end of the pavement you have gone too far. Essentials: water, sunscreen, hat, food Tools: crack hammer, chisels, pry bar, probe, rock pick, garden trowel, 1/8” screen. Hazards: remote location, heat, scorpions, black widows, tarantulas and possibly rattlesnakes. Environment: Remote, arid, desert. Scrub covered rhyolite mountains surrounded by salt flats. Vehicle: Any vehicle can make it to the base of the range. High clearance and 4 wheel drive may be needed in the cove and in other locations. ATV’s greatly improve mobility. Comments: Plenty of primitive campsites. Some hiking is necessary to reach the best spots, but faded topaz can be found close to roads. For those going out early we can visit the west side of the Thomas Range, the garnet basins, Maynard pit (reclaimed) or the best pseudobrookite locale. You are free to collect on BLM land. There are active claims in the cove and other places. Leader: Robert Boehm, 303-941-2625, [email protected]