Learning how to find jasper is a journey in itself. In Utah, jasper can be hidden in various places – from riverbanks and desert plains to mountainous terrains. 

Finding jasper isn’t always easy; it requires patience, knowledge, and sometimes the guidance of experienced rockhounds. We’re here to share our expertise and take you through some of the best spots in Utah for finding this beautiful stone.

Places like Juab County, Cedar Mountain, and Moab are known for their abundance of jasper. We’ve got lots of great tips to help you successfully discover jasper in these areas and many more around the state.

What Is Utah Jasper Anyway?

Jasper is part of the quartz family and is known for its beautiful colors and patterns. It can be found in all sorts of colors like red, yellow, brown, and even green. Identifying jasper is a fun part of rock hunting.

We often find jasper in places like riverbeds, deserts, and areas with volcanic rocks. Jasper forms when silica-rich waters flow through rocks, and over time, this silica gets hard and turns into jasper.

The price of jasper can vary a lot. It depends on things like its color, pattern, and how rare it is. Some types of jasper are more common, so they might not cost as much.

But other kinds, especially those with unique and bright patterns, can be more valuable.

The Types Of Jasper Found In Utah

Utah is home to a wide variety of jasper types. Here are the ones you can find in the state:

• Botryoidal jasper
• Fantasia jasper
• Yellow cat jasper
• Indian blanket jasper
• Hyacinth jasper
• Yellow feather jasper
• Picasso jasper
• Wonderstone jasper
• Picture jasper
• Brecchia jasper
• Zebra jasper
• Fancy jasper

For those interested in learning more about jasper and the other minerals you can find, check out our guide to crystals in Utah. It has information and tips for anyone looking to explore the state.

The Best Places To Find Jasper in Utah

It’s not always easy to spot jasper. This is why having information about where to look makes a big difference. We’ve learned that the right guidance and a keen eye are key to successfully finding jasper.

For those eager to dive deeper into this exciting hobby, we suggest checking out our guide on how to mine gems in Utah. It has a lot of useful tips and insights to help you on your journey to discover the hidden gems of the natural world.

Cedar Mountains

The Cedar Mountains area is characterized by rugged terrain, with a mix of steep, rocky hills and flat valleys. There’s a variety of wildlife habitats, from dense forests to open sagebrush flats.

The mountains are composed mainly of sedimentary rocks, with fascinating layers that tell a rich story of the Earth’s past. There are also areas where volcanic activity has left its mark, adding to the geological diversity.

Before you start exploring, it’s essential to check with the Utah Bureau of Land Management (BLM). They provide the necessary information on what can be collected and the best practices to follow.

Where we found jasper at the Cedar Mountains

You can find jasper in the Cedar Mountain Mining District. This area is known for its rocky terrain, which exposes a variety of minerals including jasper. The dry creek beds and hill slopes in this area are also good places to search for jasper.

Moab

Moab is surrounded by stunning red rock landscapes that are not only beautiful to look at but also rich in geological history. The geography here is dominated by towering cliffs, deep canyons, and massive rock formations.

Geologically, Moab is a showcase of layers of sandstone, shale, and limestone. This area is famous for its natural arches, sculpted by erosion over time. These layers are also filled with fossils, giving us clues about ancient life.

Moab is fairly accessible, with roads leading to many of the popular sites. However, some areas require hiking or off-road vehicles to reach.

Where we found jasper in Moab

The areas near riverbeds and wash areas are good places to look. These spots are where water has moved and deposited different rocks over time, including jasper.

Also, you’ll usually find jasper embedded in the softer sandstone or lying among other pebbles and rocks.

San Rafael Swell

The San Rafael Swell is characterized by a giant dome-like uplift of land, creating a mix of deep canyons, towering cliffs, and rolling hills. This is a place where you can clearly see layers of Earth’s history in the exposed rock formations.

The area boasts layers of sedimentary rock. These layers often contain fossils, as well as a variety of rocks and minerals.

Erosion over millions of years has sculpted the landscape into dramatic natural features, like slot canyons and buttes.

Where we found jasper at the San Rafael Swell

You can find jasper along the canyon walls and dry riverbeds. Focus on areas with less vegetation, because you’ll have higher chances of finding exposed jasper.

Juab County

The geography in Juab County is diverse, with vast deserts, rugged mountains, and unique rock formations. These varying landscapes not only offer a challenge but also reveal the county’s rich geological makeup.

Geologically, Juab County is diverse. It’s known for its rich mineral deposits, including various types of crystals and rocks. The terrain here varies greatly, from mountains to low, rolling hills.

Access to most of Juab County is relatively easy, with main roads leading to the larger towns and well-marked trails for more remote areas.

Where we found jasper in Juab County

You can find jasper in several key areas, including Jericho, the Tintic Mountains, and various mining districts. If you’re wondering where to mine for jasper, these spots in Juab County are worth exploring.

Hanksville

Hanksville is nestled between the Fremont River on one side and a vast expanse of desert on the other. This contrasting landscape provides a variety of geological features to explore.

Surrounding Hanksville are national parks and remarkable geological formations. The proximity to national parks means Hanksville is surrounded by some stunning and diverse geological formations.

Accessibility to Hanksville is quite good, with roads that lead directly into the desert and various national parks.

Where we found jasper in Hanksville

The best spots to find jasper are typically found in the more remote parts of the badlands and along dry riverbeds. Our most successful finds of jasper have been in places like eroded hillsides and washes.

Other Great Places To Find Utah Jasper

Aside from the five places we mentioned above, we also have a list of places that we’ve had success with when searching for jasper and other minerals.

Our recommendations by county

Common Jasper-Hunting Questions

We’ve compiled some of the most commonly asked questions to help everyone from beginners to seasoned rockhounds in their quest for jasper.

Collecting jasper in Utah is generally legal, but the key thing to remember is that it depends on where you are.

On public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, collecting Utah jasper and other rocks and minerals for personal use is usually allowed without a permit. This means you can collect a reasonable amount, but it’s not for selling or trading. 

However, if you’re on National Park Service lands or Native American reservations, removing any rocks, including jasper, is illegal. It’s crucial to know the ownership and rules of the area you’re in.

On state lands, the rules can vary, so it’s best to check with local authorities. For private lands, you always need the landowner’s permission to collect any rocks.

The Best Places To Buy Jasper In Utah

Below is a list of some of the best rock shops that we’ve come across, where the variety and quality of jasper and other minerals for sale stand out:

• Bryson’s Rock Shop – 326 S Washington Blvd, Ogden, UT 84404
• Orderville Mine Rock Shop – 430 W State St, Orderville, UT 84758
• Dixie Rocks and Fossils – 946 W Sunset Blvd # I, St. George, UT 84770
• Escalante Rock Shop – 1075 N Reservoir Rd, Escalante, UT 84726
• Wandering Stones Crystal Warehouse – 439 S Pleasant Grove Blvd, Pleasant Grove, UT 84062