Geode Hunting
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'11, '12
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"5 Stars for the family who likes to get dirty"
If your family isn’t afraid to get dirty consider visiting Dugway’s geode beds for some rock hounding in Utah’s west desert. This trip requires a full day or overnight camping as the drive is a good 2-3 hours from Salt Lake City each way. Please note that the drive is a 50 mile one-way drive along the Pony Express trail’s dirt road through desolate remote country so prepare accordingly before you attempt. The dirt road is fairly groomed and straight but it does have some areas with wash board surfaces. There are some Pony Express trail markers along the route, but unfortunately many of these markers have been vandalized.
Simpson Springs, which is an approximate midpoint along the route, is a good place to stop for a picnic, or set up camp. Simpson Springs was established a mail station in 1858 and used by the Pony Express. There is a replica station built at this spot and a Pony Express trail marker.
The turn off for Dugway’s geode beds is 50.1 miles from the start of the Pony Express road. There is a sign for the turn off on the north side of the road. The road from here is fairly rough and some parts of the road may require 4-wheel drive. However, you can park and walk along the road and find decent spots to dig for treasures so a 4-wheel drive is not required. Also, there is no special permit required to collect small amounts of geodes for your personal collection.
Our family stopped at some of the pits that were previously excavated and just started digging. We spent a few hours exploring and playing in the dirt but only found a few geode pieces. The kids soon realized that the clay soil was more fun than Play Doh. My son was pretty amazed that I would get so involved in rock hounding. I surprised myself how much I enjoyed this outing. That evening we made a fire ring, roasted hot dogs and felt completely alone in this desolate country. On the drive home a wild mustang crossed the road in front of us, then the sun set behind us. I thought that only happened in the movies!
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"Geode Hunting"
This was an adventure. The Geode Beds are approximately 80 miles from Tooele, Utah. The area has an active clam and where you are digging is where the overburden has been deposited. You can go into the holes that may hold more deposits. Check out the web page for more information and directions. Make sure you take plenty of water, fuel and a spare tire for just in case. The closest services are approximately 50 miles from this site. The roads are graded gravel and will take out tires with questionable tread depth. It can be very hot and dry so take the sunscreen, hat and some kind of shade!
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