Mule Canyon

California

Find: Selenite, possible serpentine

GPS: 34.93335, -116.84026

Nearest city: Barstow, CA

Summary:

While I left with some nice selenite crystals, Mule Canyon was more of a great adventure than anything else. There is an immense amount of desert junk in this spot. From bowling pins to styrofoam heads, Mule Canyon isn’t just a place to go rockhounding - it’s a popular California desert shooting range.

Because of this, I would recommend wearing bright clothing and scope out your area in a vehicle before venturing out on foot. The selenite occurs in vertical seams within the soft sedimentary rock. Climbing on the hills is treacherous, as the rock and clay easily crumbles. Be extra conscious about safety here - I left with some scrapes and cuts.

This spot can be reached in any vehicle, although it’s on rocky dirt roads. Some durable tires are a nice thing to have.

Video Guide

Check out the video for a better look at what can be found when exploring this spot.

The selenite occurs in seams, between layers of sedimentary rock. Thickness ranged from paper-thin to a few inches wide.

Selenite has a really intense luster to it.

The selenite crystals are only a small part of the treasure here.

This is what you will be hiking through. Plan a route, rather than wandering. It's hot and remote here.

The selenite is very fragile, but has beautiful layers that look really unique in the light.

My better pieces tended to be harder and almost glassy, rather than wafer-like. These held up better, especially after a few thousand miles in a car.