Rockhounding in Arizona

3 verified locations for rockhounding in Arizona. Each page includes exact permit requirements, restrictions, and what to know before you go.

2 Allowed

1 Prohibited

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Prohibited

Petrified Forest National Park

Arizona, Navajo·Rockhounding

Petrified wood and fossils cannot be collected at Petrified Forest National Park under any circumstances. Federal law under 16 U.S.C. § 1866(b) and NPS regulations prohibit all collection of natural or cultural objects — including petrified wood — from national parks. Taking even a small piece is a federal violation with fines up to $325. The park exists specifically because of historic over-collection; current protection is strict and actively enforced.

All collection of petrified wood, fossils, rocks, minerals, and any natural objects is strictly prohibited within Petrified Forest National Park under 36 CFR § 2.1(a)(1)
16 U.S.C. § 1866(b) (Petrified Forest Act) specifically prohibits collection of petrified wood from the park

Allowed

Quartzsite BLM Open Desert

Arizona, La Paz·Rockhounding

Rockhounding is allowed on BLM-managed open desert around Quartzsite under the federal casual-use rule: up to 25 lbs per day for personal, non-commercial use. No permit required for casual collecting. Active mining claims in some areas — verify before collecting.

Federal casual-use rule allows up to 25 lbs per day of rocks and minerals for personal, non-commercial use — no permit required (43 CFR § 8365.1-5(b)(2))
Annual limit of 250 lbs per person; casual use may not be conducted for commercial purposes

Allowed

Vulture Mine Area

Arizona, Maricopa·Rockhounding

The desert washes and BLM lands surrounding the historic Vulture Mine near Wickenburg, Arizona, are open for recreational rockhounding and gold prospecting under BLM casual use rules (43 CFR § 3809). The Vulture Mine ghost town itself is privately owned and requires paid admission for tours. BLM limits apply: 25 lbs per day plus one specimen, not to exceed 250 lbs per year. Always verify claim status via BLM LR2000 before prospecting in specific washes — the Wickenburg Mining District has active claims.

No permit required for casual-use rockhounding and gold prospecting on open BLM land surrounding the Vulture Mine area under 43 CFR § 3809
BLM personal-use limits: 25 lbs per day plus one specimen piece, not to exceed 250 lbs per year