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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 located on the north side of Arizona route 191, between Safford and Clifton, about 18 miles north of Safford. Access is easiest from U.S. Highway 191, just east of milepost 141.
Super remote. Bring lots of water, hats, shade. It was gorgeous! 2 miles of dirt road in...I went in my 2008 Honda Civic. I made it just fine. Super slow, ruts.
fun spot to bring the kids! go in the suggested way or have a high clearance if you want to come in the back way through the scenics route. also make sure you close the ranchers gate please!
Great Rockhounding location and beautiful to boot! Not a bad drive taking the two mile route from highway 191, rough and rutted in places but doable in a standard 2 wheel drive vehicle. Camping would be nice but I wouldn’t want to negotiate the road with a standard RV. Car and tent camping would be wonderful. Agate material scattered all over the place!
The area is beautiful! Not far from Safford and only two miles off the highway, this is an easily accessible area to search for fire agates. Unfortunately, the area has been picked over pretty hard. Most anything sizable (larger than the size of a quarter) with good fire color has been collected. There are so many really small (finger nail) sized pieces with really beautiful color. This is a beautiful area with great desert vistas, views of Mt. Graham, and access to the rest of the blackhills scenic byway.
Love this place. Very few people, an ok road, beautiful scenery, and fire agates. You don't have to walk far to find agates, and the road is walkable if you have mobility issues. No restrooms , spotty cell service. You can find agates at the side of the road where the berms from blading are.
