Directions: The Gem Trails map is good, but the photo is out of date. The turn is between the 1 mile marker and a bridge over a small wash just to the south. It looks like you are turning into a ranch.
The turn to reach Moore Canyon. Wash & bridge just to right.
The prominent mountain Steeple Peak to the north can be seen beyond the canyon. A short distance in, bear to the right into the wash.
Bear to right into wash. Steeple Peak in background.
You have to drive nearly a mile up the wash to reach the canyon, so depending on conditions, you may need 4-wheel drive. When we were there, the wash was dry and had been recently graded, so most vehicles would probably have made it. After about a mile you leave the wash onto a graded gravel road, in good condition when we were there. We drove into the canyon about a mile, not far enough to know how far the road goes.
GPS: Entrance to canyon – 32 42 20; 109 01 14
Google Map
Date: March 2009
Notes: We found no petrified wood at all. There was a variety of jasper, agate and chalcedony, though not plentiful. Very little cutting quality material, but in a couple of hours at 3 different locations we collected a couple pounds of tumblers and some other interesting rocks (see photo). There was some low quality malachite, but most of the green rocks were loose aggregates or pumice-like. We found more agates on the canyon walls and side drainages than in the main wash or canyon floor. We didn’t see any mines or tailings as far as we went.
Mixed bag from Moore Canyon.
You must log in to post a comment.