With it's mountainous, scenic background, Wyoming is home to several locations for enthusiasts who enjoy searching for rocks, gems and metals. Sometimes the perfect rock can lie underneath another, so before venturing out to seek rocks in Wyoming, know the state's best spots for rock hunting or simply enjoy the hunt. Don't forget the necessary tools to rock hunt, as well as a rock guide to help identify your treasure.
Do your research. Before you set out, know which areas feature which types of rocks. If you feel adventurous or do not know which types of rocks you're looking for, you may venture out without first doing some research. However, with a little legwork, you can find what specific minerals and rocks are found near Yellowstone National Park versus which ones are found in the Absaroka Range, for example.
Gather the necessary tools. To find rocks in Wyoming, you'll need certain types of tools to gather them. These include a rock hammer, a chisel, gloves and safety goggles. Other optional tools, but ones that may come in handy, include hand lenses to see special characteristics of the rock, a compass to help you find your way, and a field notebook where you can jot down notes for later reference when attempting to identify the rock.
Pick up a rock guide to help you identify the rocks. The National Audubon Society publishes a field guide to rocks and minerals, though there are several rock guides available on the market. The field guide will help you identify the rock based on its characteristics, such as its texture, hardness and color.
Consider a tour guide. If you don't feel comfortable venturing out on your own, but still want to have the rock hunting experience, pick up a self-guided book that details each stop you should make. There are also tour guides who take visitors on mountain tours or eco-tours where they learn about the landscape and what it has to offer.
