Rockhounding – Varascite and Turquoise in Tonopah, NV October 29-30, 2022

Tonopah, NV
October 29-30, 2022
Varascite, Turqoise, Apache Tears, Chalcedony, Opalite Multi-Colors
Two days
$100 per person paid dig for the Varascite and Turquoise
YOU MUST CONTACT DENNIS GIBBS:
poppyrocks987@gmail.com
TO SIGN UP.
PLEASE LET HIM KNOW IF YOU PLAN TO STAY MORE THAN TWO DAYS.

Day 1 – We will meet at 11:00 am at the Dinky Diner in Goldfield, NV. This diner is on the right after you come into town and is recognizable by two outhouses out front. It is approximately 5 1/2 hours from Yucaipa to Goldfield via I-15, State Route 127 at Baker and continuing on I-95. We will visit a rock shop in Goldfield and then continue to Gemfield. For supper, we will meet for pizza and the location will be announced later.

Day 2 – We will meet at 8:00 am at the gas station next to Burger King. There we will meet our group leader and sign the waivers for our half day dig. At the end of the half-day dig you are welcomed to head back to Yucaipa. If you choose to stay, we will take you to Crow Springs which has an extremely large obsidian field with many sizes of Apache tears. There are also many interesting rocks on this route. When you go back through Tonopah, you might stop at the Tonopah Historical Mining Park in town that tells the history of mining in the area and has many displays.
Note: From Tonopah, the journey home via I-95 will take six hours. If you choose this route you might take a small detour at Beatty and visit the ghost town of Rhyolite. If you choose to take US-6 to Bishop and continue on US395 the time is roughly 6 1/2 hours. Be sure to stop at Schatt’s Bakery and get your San Francisco extra-sourdough bread and a turkey sandwich.
Remember, you are in the desert, so carry plenty of liquid, snacks, and your lunch. Your vehicle should be in good shape with good tires and a full tank of gas. Also remember the rattlesnakes are out!!
Overnight Lodging (trips over one day in length)
There are many motels in Tonopah. A popular one is the Clown Motel, which is close to the city cemetery and is said to be haunted. If you prefer a historic hotel, the Mizpah is a good place to stay and has good food. Oh by the way, the fourth floor is also haunted. For those with an RV, we suggest American Quality Suites RV Park (775) 482-1700 in the north end of town. They also have 2-bedroom or 3-bedroom cabins available.
Collection Difficulty
3-4: Flat ground, unpaved sections, handicap access with some help.
Vehicle Restrictions
3-4: Vehicle access and parking good for most vehicles and RVs, no specific handicap parking
FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are held monthly, and can be collecting trips, educational trips (both in the field and/or to local museums), or simply to another club’s show. Many times, we join with other clubs to share experiences. For many, going on a field trip is the joy of getting out and enjoying nature. Some field trips will include natural wonders and historical sites along with rock hounding.
YVGMS members and non-members are welcome to join us on any field trip, provided that everyone signs a waiver prior to beginning the trip. Anyone under 18 must have a guardian on the trip who signs the waiver. To sign up for a field trip, email Dennis Gibbs
poppyrocks987@gmail.com. Please make sure to include your name, telephone number, and any message to the trip organizer.
​ If you are unable to attend the field trip, please notify the field trip chairman, Dennis Gibbs via email poppyrocks987@gmail.com . Please note: if there are not enough participants or the weather is bad, the trip may be cancelled.