Go Rock Hunting! Garnet Hill

There is more to Ely, Nevada, than meets the eye. The stagecoach settlement turned historical hotspot is surrounded by outdoor splendor. Connor Fields explores the town’s rich railway history in this episode of “Outdoor Nevada,” and the town is also known for its proximity to Great Basin National Park. But keep reading for an off-the-beaten-path adventure you can have when you’re in the area.

Right outside Ely is a rock-hounder’s paradise: Garnet Hill. Considered the place to be for gem collectors, the hills around town are rich with deep-colored stones attached to small cavities in rhyolite rock. Garnet Hill, at 7,000 feet, was an active volcano many moons ago (40 million years, to be precise). As lava cooled, it left pockets in which garnet can grow. Discovering them is a huge delight for serious diggers and families alike. Sometimes, they’ll wash right out with a good storm, but half the fun is breaking something open to reveal geological beauty. 

Destination: Garnet Hill

Getting there: From Ely, head west on Highway 50, then turn right on the graded access road after the Ruth turnoff. Follow that for three miles.

Distance: 4.5 miles, or about 15 minutes, from Ely. 

Equipment needed: The road is suitable for sedans, but an off-road vehicle won’t hurt, as it can be steep. For the activity, bring gloves, a rock or chisel hammer, a bucket, shovels, and goggles for safety, as well as sunscreen or other sun protection.

Pro-tip: Visit after a nice rain, when you can sometimes find garnet rocks just sitting on top of the soil or deposited in wash areas. If you plan to make a day of it, the area also has picnic tables, a restroom, and barbecue grills. But remember, there’s no water.

Photo credit: AdventuresWithRocks™ | CC License