Trip leader: Robert A. Boehm, 303-763-9240, e-mail: JPegmatite@aol.com

Date & time: October 7 - 12, 2000, meet on Saturday the 7th at 9:00 AM at the turnoff from highway 174 leading to the “cove” (see map). There should be a sign saying topaz mountain rockhounding area, but the sign may be missing. Anyone arriving late on Saturday should drive into the cove and take the west fork, leading toward the west wall, and look for a white dodge pickup with a white shell. I will most likely be about half way up the west wall in the Red Beryl area. The rest of the weekend will be spent in the cove, with trips to the west side of the Thomas Range and the Dugway geode beds later in the week. The Flatirons, Gates and North Jeffco clubs will also be there at the same time. I have also spoke with the owner of the Maynard pit and he has agreed to allow collecting on his claims for a fee. Anyone interested should call or email me as soon as possible so that I can give him a headcount. The fee is dependent on the number of people and the number of days.

Directions: From Denver, take I-70 west to Salina Utah. Take a right (north) and follow US 50 to junction with I-15. Turn left (south) on I-15 and go about 12 miles to the Delta exit. Follow US 50 west about 27 miles to the town of Delta. At Delta, turn right (northeast) on US 6 and go about 10 miles to the junction with highway 174. Turn left (west) and follow the highway for about an hour. As you head down the highway you will see mountains in the distance. Once you start heading northwest, topaz mountain will be directly in front of you. The turnoff to the cove should be just before entering a group of small hills and you will see the circular shape of the cove below the highest point of the mountain. If you go to the end of the pavement you have gone too far.

What to collect: Topaz, Red beryl, Amethyst, Garnet, Bixbyite, Pseudobrookite, Hematite and Opal

Tools: rock pick, crack hammer, chisels, pry bar, probe, garden trowel, 1/8” screen.

Conditions: This is a remote, arid location. Civilization is over an hour away. Bring plenty of supplies, especially water and sunscreen. Caution must be exercised, as this location is home to rattlesnakes, scorpions and black widows. Some hiking is necessary to reach the best spots, but specimens can be found close to roads.

Note: I am also including a picture of me by the topaz mountain rockhounding sign
Also a picture of my truck so people know what to look for.