Introduce the Kids to Rockhounding in the Nevada Desert

Finding a hobby the whole family can enjoy together is a precious thing, and sometimes the trick is as simple as embarking on an adventure to try something new. Rockhounding, also known as rock hunting, is a hobby the whole family can enjoy, and in Nevada, there are plenty of fun places to do it.

Known as the Silver State, Nevada has a reputation for its mining history — and for good reason. Eons of geologic activity have left the land rich in minerals and precious metals. While the desert has been mined since before it officially became a state, to this day, these mineral deposits remain active and attract visitors year-round to try their luck finding pieces of naturally occurring turquoise and red garnet.

Attractions like the Otteson Brothers Turquoise Mine Tour in the Central Nevada town of Tonopah (it’s actually an unincorporated area nicknamed the Queen of the Silver Camps) offers visitors a chance to explore the desert while searching for turquoise. The tour consists of a trip out to the Royston Mine, one of the most famous in the state, and a safety briefing. Then you are free to explore and dig for your very own gemstones. You do have to bring your own tools, but the tour provider drives each rockhound tour group out to the mine where you can spend anywhere from a half day to a full day searching for your own fortune. Reservations are required and tours are available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Prices vary based on the tour selected, but kids 13 and under are always free.

If you want to try your luck hunting for garnets, head to the Garnet Hill Recreation Area near the town of Ely in Eastern Nevada. Bring along a shovel, some gloves and a rock hammer to separate the semi-precious Almandine garnets the area is known for. The area, once an active volcano, is littered with rock deposits containing the semi-precious stones, which are said to be easily found simply sitting on top of the soil after a good rain. The rockhound area at Garnet Hill is free to visit and has some camping sites available, or you can head back to the town of Ely to enjoy a comfortable night in a hotel after a long day of rockhounding.

If you’ve got kids who love to play in the sandbox, not to mention adults who are kids at heart, rockhounding is the perfect way to explore the beauty of Nevada together as a family. Not only do you get to discover the rugged landscape together, but you can also develop a new skill in the process.