Where to Find Geodes in Colorado: Top Rockhounding Sites

Colorado offers several well-known locations for geode hunting. Always verify land ownership, regulations, and permit requirements before collecting.

Prime Locations

• Garden Park (near Cañon City): Limestone cliffs yield abundant geodes; accessible via hiking.
• Red Canyon (near Gunnison): Sandstone formations produce colorfully banded geodes.
• Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument: Geodes occur in the Florissant Formation alongside Eocene fossils. Collecting may be restricted—check monument rules.
• Soap Creek (near Fairplay): Creek beds and surrounding hills yield small crystal-lined geodes.
• Arkansas River Valley: Diverse geology along the river corridor; geodes in limestone and sandstone.
• Chalk Cliffs State Park (near Morrison): Pierre Shale formation contains geodes among hoodoos and chalk cliffs.
• Crystal Mountain (near Nathrop): Popular for quartz, calcite, and amethyst geodes.
• Gem Village (near Nathrop): Fee-dig private property with abundant minerals and geodes.

Reminder: Many sites are on public land with collecting limits; others are private or protected. Research current BLM/USFS rules and obtain permission where needed.