Garnet Hill Nevada

Garnet Hill Nevada Overview

Designated as a rock hunting area in 1970, officially known as Garnet Fields Rockhound Area but is more popularly known as Garnet Hill by the locals of White Pine County due to the garnets found by rockhounds.

Address

Garnet Hill Recreation Area – US-50 – Ely, NV 89301

GPS Coordinates

39.2851, -114.95123

How to Get to Garnet Hill Nevada

Garnet Hill is located approximately 7.5 miles northwest of Ely, Nevada.

Ely – 7.5 miles – 13 minutes
Caliente – 140 miles – 2 hours 15 minutes
Crystal Springs – 140 miles – 2 hours 15 minutes
Las Vegas – 248 miles – 4 hours

Check your mapping service as it could take you to an area nearby but not where you search for garnets.

Elevation

The elevation is approximately 7,000′ and offers visitors an amazing view of the copper mine and the town below.

Area Size

Approximately two square miles.

Hours Open

Garnet Hill is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What to Take to Garnet Hill Nevada

While visitors are encouraged to bring their own gear to uncover garnets from the stones that contain them, gear isn’t necessarily required as many garnets can be found already uncovered on the ground.

Bucket to move the rock
Chisel
Hand sanitizer
Hiking chair
Hat
Lunch, snacks, drinks
Pick
Protective eyewear
Rock hammer
Shovel
Sunscreen
Toilet paper
Trash bag
Water (if possible, take several gallons to use to pour over the rocks)
Work gloves (the thicker the better)

Fees

There is no fee to enjoy digging for garnets at Garnet Hill in Ely, Nevada.

Garnet Search Tips

First, realize that you are not going to find a garnet that you can retire from the profits of selling it. They are not that big and are not “gem quality” as almost all are significantly flawed.

There are two types of garnets found in the area, Almandine and Spessartine.

Easy, no gear needed method: Walk the area and search for dark-colored stones on the surface and in drainage areas. The loose garnets will collect in drainage areas and where water collects as they are heavier than other rocks found in the area.
More work, gear needed method: Using round hound gear, crack open the unweathered rhyolite stones.

Nearby Things to Do

One of my FAVORITE road trip planning websites/mobile apps is RoadTrippers. Check out their website, download the app, and start exploring! (Use the Road Trippers promo code BTR5QTP and save $5 when you sign up!)

Click here to view other recommended mobile apps to help you explore Southwest.