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All the United States Utah Dugway Geode Beds

Dugway Geode Beds

Ancient volcanic activity made this into an exciting rockhounding site.

Terra, Utah

Added By
moegrow8
Pink quartz crystal from broken geode at Dugway   moegrow8 / Atlas Obscura User
Desert globemallow   moegrow8 / Atlas Obscura User
Antelope in the area of the geode beds   moegrow8 / Atlas Obscura User
Brown-headed cowbird at the geode beds   moegrow8 / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Around six to eight million years ago, volcanoes spewed molten rock, which trapped gas inside as it hardened. Over time, as the gas expanded within the rock and reacted with minerals that seeped through its porous exterior, crystals formed inside. The ancient Lake Bonneville then deposited these rocks, called geodes, in what is today Utah’s West Desert.

Anyone with a shovel can come to the geode beds to search for buried geologic treasure. Geodes and geode fragments, each with unique quartz crystals, abound.

It can be quite a trek to get there but the area is teeming with life, from desert globemallow to antelope.

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Deserts Rocks Geology

Know Before You Go

The nearest gas station is an hour and a half away. Bring your own tools, sun protection, and lots of water. It's important as well to stay on established paths to avoid disturbing wildlife.

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moegrow8

Published

September 29, 2025

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