Burro Creek

Arizona

Find: Pastelite (purple/blue chalcedony) and chalcedony of many different colorations, green tuff, chalk?

GPS: 34.60983, -113.5234

Nearest city: Lake Havasu City, AZ

Recommended Vehicle: Any

Summary:

Believe it or not, I was truly woken up by the sounds of donkeys when camping overnight at Burro Creek. If you’ve never seen wild donkeys (burros) they hang out in little packs and make plenty of noise.

The GPS coordinates I listed take you to where Burro Creek Crossing Road meets HWY 93. I headed East down Burro Creek Crossing Road probably about 10 miles or so. I got out of the car repeatedly to check for chalcedony. Once I found some, I headed down a wash to explore.

This is a vast area and there is no one “vein” or “hotspot” to explore. I wish I had spent more time here. Make sure you have ample food and water, and be mindful of snakes. This spot is very hot and remote.

 

Video Guide

For the best experience, check out the video guide. I show how I found my best pieces and challenges you might face along the way.

"Donna" prior to digging.

"Donna" prior to digging.

The ground is a sandy dirt mix here - a basic geology pick is a nice tool to have.

The ground is a sandy dirt mix here - a basic geology pick is a nice tool to have.

Here's "Donna" fully unearthed. 2 years later, I've yet to find anyone with a saw large enough to cut her to confirm if it's pastelite or just chalcedony.

Here's "Donna" fully unearthed. 2 years later, I've yet to find anyone with a saw large enough to cut her to confirm if it's pastelite or just chalcedony.

Chalcedony here exhibits many different colors and patterns. It has similarities to a water-level agate.

Chalcedony here exhibits many different colors and patterns. It has similarities to a water-level agate.

If you can get lucky enough to catch an overcast, it's comfortable out here.

If you can get lucky enough to catch an overcast, it's comfortable out here.

Another colorful chalcedony sample, with some reds and oranges.

Another colorful chalcedony sample, with some reds and oranges.

There are some absolutely massive pieces of chalcedony here. Even just off the road, this one likely weighed 200+ lbs.

There are some absolutely massive pieces of chalcedony here. Even just off the road, this one likely weighed 200+ lbs.

I believe this is naturally occurring chalk. Looks like it'd make for nice carving stone.

I believe this is naturally occurring chalk. Looks like it'd make for nice carving stone.

I am unsure on this stuff - my best guess is a volcanic rock known as "tuff" for now.

I am unsure on this stuff - my best guess is a volcanic rock known as "tuff" for now.