The geological conditions and formations in and around Yuma make this region a must for avid or casual rockhounding. Many exciting days of exploration and discovery await you in the picturesque desert regions and rugged mountains here in Southwestern Arizona.
Many excursions take a full day.
Some require two to three hours of driving over rough terrain in order to reach your planned destination. North of Yuma is Adair Range, where you can explore for quartz, sandstone, conglomerate and shales. Further north towards Quartzsite is Crystal Hill, which offers many interesting finds, including quartz crystals. Drive west past the enchanting sand dunes and discover the broken and complex features associated with the San Andreas Fault, as well as features associated with fault structures. Close by around the Salton Sea volcanic eruptions, pumice and obsidian can be viewed.