St. David

Rockhounding in St. David, Arizona is great whether you’re planning a weekend trip, searching for things to do in in the middle of no where, or adding new specimens to your rock collection, the area offers plenty of opportunities. Arizona rockhounding locations, desert rose crystal hunting, and gypsum collecting adventures make St. David a must-visit for any rockhound.

After turning off of Apache Power Rd and driving through what felt like the world’s longest wash we popped out onto a dirt road, not exactly sure where to go except “south” and keeping an eye out for gas lines (because apparently, those were our official landmarks). Somehow, we found the spot pretty quick. Just over the hill, the ground starts sparkling like someone sprinkled glitter everywhere. On the right, dirt mounds aren’t just hills—they’re where people dig for those elusive desert roses. Who knew dirt could be this fancy?

  • Agate (some pretty sweet colors too)

  • Chalcedony

  • Gypsum (what we were looking for)

  • Petrified wood

  • Fossils (especially marine fossils from ancient seas)

  • Location: 31°51’20.5″N 110°14’58.4″W
gypsum st david az
gypsum st david az
gypsum st david az
gypsum st david az
gypsum st david az
gypsum st david az

Getting there

The heart of the collecting area sits around 31°51’20.5″N 110°14’58.4″W. Pop those into your GPS and you’ll land in the exact spot we parked.

  • From Tucson: Head east on I-10 for about an hour, exit at Benson, and follow AZ-80 south toward St. David.

  • From Phoenix: Plan for 2.5–3 hours, cruising down I-10 through Tucson before turning south toward Benson and St. David.

  • From Tombstone: A quick 15-minute drive north on AZ-80 puts you almost on top of the site.

Most visitors park along the dirt pull-offs near the coordinates and walk in. A regular car can usually handle the approach, but if it’s rained, expect mud and ruts.