Diamond Point
Rockhounding Payson Arizona Diamond Point is basically crystal shopping without the overpriced gift shop. Quartz crystals sparkle right out of the dirt here, waiting for you to squat, dig, and question why your knees hurt more than they used to. From clear shards that catch the sunlight to chunky points that look like nature’s bling, Diamond Point is a crystal hunter’s playground. Forget buying “healing crystals” online—these beauties come straight out of the ground, with zero shipping fees and only a little bit of dirt under your nails.
Best place to find crystals: the dry creek that runs along the road behind the campsites on the left.
How to Get There
From Payson
Reaching Diamond Point is straightforward and makes for a pretty drive through Tonto National Forest.
1. Head out of Payson on Highway 260. Drive east about 14–15 miles until you see the sign for Fire Control Road (Forest Road 64).
2. Turn left onto Fire Control Road. This road is dirt, but usually fine for most cars when the weather is dry.
3. Stay on Fire Control Road for around 4–5 miles. You’ll come to a junction with Forest Road 65.
4. Turn onto Forest Road 65 – you will see pull offs and camping spots along the left. Pull into any of those empty spots and you will see the, hopefully dry, creek bed. That is where you will look for the quartz crystals.