Topaz Mountain Rockhound Recreation Area
Utah
topazbixbyitered berylpseudobrookitehematiteamethystgarnetopal
BLM collecting area · Free
Topaz Mountain Rockhound Recreation Area
Utah's state gem comes out of rhyolite gas cavities here in the Thomas Range, and BLM's Fillmore Field Office manages the ground expressly as a rockhound recreation area, with dispersed camping permitted throughout and no facilities of any kind. Crystals weather out amber or sherry-colored and fade to clear after enough sunlight, so the ones lying loose in the washes are already colorless while fresh cavity finds still carry the tint. Marked mining claims and a section of state trust land sit inside the broader area; read the postings and stay off both.
The card catalog
| What you can find | topaz, bixbyite, red beryl, pseudobrookite, hematite, amethyst, garnet, opal |
|---|---|
| Access | BLM collecting area — Free |
| Fees | Free; no permit or fee. Collect for personal, non-commercial use only. BLM's page for this area does not post a specific weight ceiling, so keep it to reasonable hobbyist amounts and call the Fillmore Field Office at 435-743-3100 if you intend to take a lot. |
| Season & hours | Open year-round. Spring and fall are best; summer in the west desert is punishing and winter storms make the last dirt miles rough. BLM notes there are no facilities in the area at all — no water, no services, no toilets. |
| Kids | Family-friendly — Kids can pick colorless topaz crystals straight out of the washes without swinging a hammer, which is the whole trip for most families. Splitting rhyolite for the amber crystals means safety glasses for everyone standing nearby. |
| Official source | Bureau of Land Management, Fillmore Field Office |
| 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.
More drawers in Utah
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obsidian, snowflake obsidian, mahogany obsidian
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geodes, quartz crystals, amethyst
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smoky quartz, microcline feldspar, limonite pseudomorphs after pyrite
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sunstone (labradorite), basalt
Before you go
What does Topaz Mountain Rockhound Recreation Area cost?
Free; no permit or fee. Collect for personal, non-commercial use only. BLM's page for this area does not post a specific weight ceiling, so keep it to reasonable hobbyist amounts and call the Fillmore Field Office at 435-743-3100 if you intend to take a lot. Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
When is Topaz Mountain Rockhound Recreation Area open?
Open year-round. Spring and fall are best; summer in the west desert is punishing and winter storms make the last dirt miles rough. BLM notes there are no facilities in the area at all — no water, no services, no toilets. Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
Is Topaz Mountain Rockhound Recreation Area good for kids?
Yes — Topaz Mountain Rockhound Recreation Area works for families. Kids can pick colorless topaz crystals straight out of the washes without swinging a hammer, which is the whole trip for most families. Splitting rhyolite for the amber crystals means safety glasses for everyone standing nearby.