Part 2: How to dig for geodes
We took a journey with some relatives out to the Dugway Goede Beds on a recent Saturday afternoon. We were accompanied by my sister-in-law’s family, who had been there before and knew where and what to look for, which was a necessity for first-timers like us. We found lots of geodes, which made the trip even more worth it, took lots of pictures, and after an appetizing dinner of smashed peanut butter and jelly sandwiches – Why is it that the bottom of a youngster’s foot is ALWAYS drawn directly to the bag of sandwichesfi – we headed back home. WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Geodes are fairly easy to collect if you know what you are doing and what to look for. Once you have reached the site, pick a place – almost any place – and dig, dig, dig. You want to find a layer of clay, which may be as far as 4 feet down. The geodes are under the clay.
At the Dugway Geode Beds there is an area with huge crater-like holes, big enough to walk into and all around in, created by some commercial companies using back hoes to dig out the dirt and uncover the unpretentious buried treasure. That made it a lot easier for those of us working by hand to search and dig. Most of the “dirty work” had already been done for us. We just had to look for that clay layer and hopefully find geodes beneath that.
There are plenty of rocks to be hunted, but you want to find the ones that are kind of egg-shaped and fairly lightweight. If they are heavy, they are probably solid. The lighter ones are the ones that are more than likely hollow and hopefully have crystals in the center. The only way to really know is to open them up. It is always fun to use a hammer and break a few open right then and there just to see what’s inside. If there are crystals, this may damage them, but it will give you an idea of what is and isn’t a geode. Your best option is to take them to a rock shop and have them cut open. This will provide an even cut and protect any crystals that may be inside – probably your best option if you want to display your geodes at home. This usually can be done for a small fee.
All in all, it was a fun family adventure. There are places where the dirt is softer and the kids can just dig out little goedes with their hands. Of course, there is no guarantee that you will be successful in your hunt, but pack a picnic lunch and make an outing of it with the whole family. It will be a day no one will forget!
WHAT YOU NEED
It is absolutely necessary to have a few things on hand if you want to go geode hunting. You definitely need to have shovels, picks and rock hammers. All of these are needed to dig through the dirt and pry out the geodes. Rock hammers are the size of a hammer but look like a pick, great for when you think you have spotted what might be a geode and getting it out of the dirt – not always an easy task. A chisel is also handy. You can find rock hammers and chisels at most any rock shop for a fairly reasonable price.
It also is a good idea to have a plastic bucket to carry any rocks you may find. We had plastic bags which easily tore under the weight of the rocks. Gloves are another good idea. Anyone who has worked in the yard or garden can attest to the fact that your hands can get pretty sore after using a shovel or pick for a while.
Be sure to bring a first-aid kit and safety goggles and if you are going to the Dugway Geode Beds, you will also need to have a truck or other vehicle with bigger tires that are able to withstand the rough, bumpy roads. We had a four-wheel drive truck and still ended up stopped on the side of the road on the way back with a flat tire. Oh yeah, make sure you also know where all of the parts are that you would need to change a tire on your vehicle. If not, you may be looking at a pretty long pit stop!
Plan to get dirty. Very dirty. Wear clothes that can withstand a beating. And also keep in mind that just about everything you have will be dusty when you get home. When we went, the wind was blowing the whole time we were there, making it kind of chilly. We were glad to have warm clothes and coats with us. I would recommend bringing coats or sweatshirts and hats, even if the weather is nice at home. You never know what it will be like out there.
If You Go
1. From I-15, take the Lehi Main Street exit.
2. Head west on SR 73 (Main Street) for 27 miles.
3. Turn left onto Route 66 (the only direction you can turn) and follow for 13 miles.
4. Turn south on SR 36.
5. After 1 mile, turn right onto the Pony Express Trail.
6. Once the paved road ends, you will follow the dirt road for 42 miles until you reach the Dugway Geode Beds.
7. Follow the roads until you find your “lucky spot.” You can dig most anywhere, but we drove for over a mile before we found the main digging grounds.
