Wiley’s Well Roadway
California
Find: Fire agates, chalcedony, Hauser Geodes (thundereggs), and giant spiders
GPS: 33.44937, -114.89322
Nearest city: San Diego, CA
Recommended Vehicle: 4x4 Truck/AWD, but you could probably get out here with a car.
Summary:
I had heard there were fire agates/chalcedony in the area. I ended up stumbling across a hotspot of them while setting up camp out here. I imagine there even better ones than I found, as I only searched about a 1 mile zone.
Oh… and the tarantulas. Apparently very large spiders call this area home as well. I actually heard the tarantula I encountered before seeing it, which is a first for me when it comes to spiders.
You will want at least an AWD SUV or a truck to get out here, especially if you plan on going further SW to the Hauser Geode Beds. The road transitions from a sandy gravel to rougher stone road slightly after you hit the Wiley’s Well Campground area, which is roughly where I’ve dropped the map pin.
Video Guide
Check out the video for a better look at what can be found when exploring this spot.
If I could only bring 3 tools…
Geology Pick
A geology pick was helpful to overturn agates that were stuck in the sandy mud.
Lightweight Backpack
I prefer a light backpack with a whole bunch of water in it. I hiked about a 1-square mile area out here.
Water Bladder
I use a 3L water bladder whenever I’m in the desert. A cheap one that is dishwasher safe is plenty good.