Rainbow Ridge Opal Mine
Nevada
black fire opalprecious opalopalized woodlimb casts
Fee dig · Fee, seasonal
Rainbow Ridge Opal Mine
Rainbow Ridge is the oldest of the Virgin Valley fee mines and the one that produced the specimens that made Nevada black opal famous. The distinctive move here is buying a load of virgin bank material that the operators dump for you to work through at your own pace, which beats tailings odds considerably. Tailings raking is still on offer for a day rate and needs no reservation, but you must be through the gate before the 9 am cutoff.
The card catalog
| What you can find | black fire opal, precious opal, opalized wood, limb casts |
|---|---|
| Access | Fee dig — Fee, seasonal |
| Fees | Tailings $100 per person per day, no half-day rate; children 10-15 half price and children under 10 free with an adult. A virgin ground load is $900 for up to three adults, with half loads on a limited basis for $600 and additional adults $100 each; minor children are included. Load reservations are required and must be made by phone. |
| Season & hours | 2026 season May 1 through September 27, 8 am to 4 pm, closed Wednesdays and Thursdays. Be at the mine at 8 am — the cutoff for tailings digging is 9 am. Reservations for virgin loads opened February 15, 2026. The operators warn the roads become impassable quickly when it rains and the mine closes in really wet conditions. |
| Kids | Family-friendly — Minor children are included free on a family's virgin ground load and dig free or half price in tailings, so a family can make a real day of it. Wet clay, sharp tools and full sun mean hats, water and boots for everyone. |
| Official source | Rainbow Ridge Opal Mine (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 Rainbow Ridge Opal Mine cost?
Tailings $100 per person per day, no half-day rate; children 10-15 half price and children under 10 free with an adult. A virgin ground load is $900 for up to three adults, with half loads on a limited basis for $600 and additional adults $100 each; minor children are included. Load reservations are required and must be made by phone. Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
When is Rainbow Ridge Opal Mine open?
2026 season May 1 through September 27, 8 am to 4 pm, closed Wednesdays and Thursdays. Be at the mine at 8 am — the cutoff for tailings digging is 9 am. Reservations for virgin loads opened February 15, 2026. The operators warn the roads become impassable quickly when it rains and the mine closes in really wet conditions. Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
Is Rainbow Ridge Opal Mine good for kids?
Yes — Rainbow Ridge Opal Mine works for families. Minor children are included free on a family's virgin ground load and dig free or half price in tailings, so a family can make a real day of it. Wet clay, sharp tools and full sun mean hats, water and boots for everyone.