Otteson Brothers Turquoise Mining Tours
Nevada
turquoiseroyston turquoisevariscitehost rhyolite
Fee dig · Fee
Otteson Brothers Turquoise Mining Tours
Three generations of Ottesons have mined the Royston district, and their tour drops you into turquoise-bearing ground where veins of the real thing still run through the host rock. Royston color ranges from deep aquamarine through emerald green to pale blue, often with dramatic brown host-rock webbing, and whatever you pull out is yours. The mine is 26 miles outside Tonopah with the last five on dirt, so you drive yourself in something with clearance and confirm the meeting arrangement when you book.
The card catalog
| What you can find | turquoise, royston turquoise, variscite, host rhyolite |
|---|---|
| Access | Fee dig — Fee |
| Fees | $150 per person for a half day and $300 per person for the all-day tour. Children 13 and under dig free with a paying adult. Mine tour gift certificates are available. |
| Season & hours | Tours run year round, Monday through Saturday, weather permitting and excluding holidays. Morning tours start at 8 am and afternoon tours at 1 pm; the all-day tour is listed as 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. |
| Kids | Family-friendly — All ages are welcome and 13-and-under dig free, but the operators are explicit that children must be supervised at all times or you may be asked to leave without a refund. The last five of the 26 miles out from Tonopah are dirt, so the family vehicle needs clearance — the operators recommend an SUV or truck, AWD or 4WD preferred. |
| Official source | Otteson Brothers Turquoise (operator) |
| Last checked | Checked against its source August 16, 2026 |
Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
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Before you go
What does Otteson Brothers Turquoise Mining Tours cost?
$150 per person for a half day and $300 per person for the all-day tour. Children 13 and under dig free with a paying adult. Mine tour gift certificates are available. Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
When is Otteson Brothers Turquoise Mining Tours open?
Tours run year round, Monday through Saturday, weather permitting and excluding holidays. Morning tours start at 8 am and afternoon tours at 1 pm; the all-day tour is listed as 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
Is Otteson Brothers Turquoise Mining Tours good for kids?
Yes — Otteson Brothers Turquoise Mining Tours works for families. All ages are welcome and 13-and-under dig free, but the operators are explicit that children must be supervised at all times or you may be asked to leave without a refund. The last five of the 26 miles out from Tonopah are dirt, so the family vehicle needs clearance — the operators recommend an SUV or truck, AWD or 4WD preferred.