Lake Pleasant

Sure, most people head to Lake Pleasant for jet skis, wild burros, and questionable lake bar cocktails—but rockhounds know there’s more hiding in the desert dirt. The hills and washes around the lake are littered with chalcedony nodules that shimmer in soft whites, grays, and pale blues. While everyone else is floating on party pontoons, you can be filling your bucket with Arizona gemstones. Lake Pleasant isn’t just about summer chaos—it’s a rockhound’s detour worth bragging about.

Getting There

Finding chalcedony around Lake Pleasant is easier than people think—you just have to know where to pull over. From Phoenix, take I-17 north and connect to AZ-74 (Carefree Highway) west toward Lake Pleasant. The rockhounding spot sits just outside the recreation area in the desert washes north of the lake.

• Parking Pull-Off: 📍 33°53’28.5″N 112°19’40.5″W
  This is the roadside pull-off where you can safely park before heading into the wash. You can also drive right to the collecting area but would recommend a high clearance vehicle. 

• Collecting Area: 📍 33°53’41.3″N 112°19’44.0″W
  From the pull-off, walk a short distance up above the wash. This is the spot where chalcedony nodules regularly turn up in handfuls, especially after rains.