Hunting for meteorites in California is an exciting adventure and a chance to uncover pieces of history from outer space. Every year, thousands of meteorites crash to Earth, landing in deserts, mountains, and open fields.

Finding them isn’t always easy, but with the right tips, it can be a fun and rewarding experience. California’s deserts and rocky hillsides make it one of the best places to search for these cosmic treasures.

Whether you’re walking through a desert or checking out a dry lake bed, there’s always the chance to discover something incredible. With a bit of guidance, you could be the one to find a piece of space right here at home.

The Types Of Meteorites You Can Find

When you’re out searching there are several types of meteorites that you can find and need to be aware of. They each have their own characteristics and compositions that can make identifying them a bit different.

These are the main types to keep an eye out for:

Iron meteorites

Iron meteorites are fragments of ancient metallic cores from planetesimals, the building blocks of planets. These meteorites are primarily made of iron and nickel, with small amounts of other metals like cobalt.

They are thought to originate from the cores of differentiated celestial bodies that were destroyed by collisions in space billions of years ago.

Iron meteorites are nearly entirely metallic. This gives them a high density and makes them magnetic. They are also more resistant to weathering, which is why they are often found in better condition than other types of meteorites.

When discovered, iron meteorites often have a dark, rusted exterior due to oxidation. If freshly fallen, they may exhibit a shiny, metallic fusion crust formed as they burned through Earth’s atmosphere.

Pallasites

Pallasite meteorites are a rare and beautiful type of stony-iron meteorite that captures attention with their unique appearance and fascinating origins. They are composed of a mix of metal and silicate minerals, primarily olivine, a greenish-yellow crystal that is often gem-quality.

These crystals are embedded within a matrix of nickel-iron metal, giving pallasites a striking, almost gemstone-like look when cut and polished.

Scientists believe pallasites originate from the boundary layer of an asteroid’s core and mantle, forming when molten metal and silicate material mixed during a catastrophic impact or asteroid disruption billions of years ago.

When found in the field, pallasites often appear as irregular, weathered masses with a rusty exterior caused by the oxidation of their metal content.

However, once sliced open, their interior reveals the mesmerizing olivine crystals encased in a shiny metallic framework, offering a glimpse into the dynamic processes that shaped our solar system.

Mesosiderites

Mesosiderites contain a unique mix of metal and silicate material. They are composed roughly of equal parts nickel-iron metal and silicate rock, which includes minerals like pyroxene, plagioclase, and olivine.

This unusual combination suggests a complex history, possibly involving a violent collision between an asteroid with a metallic core and another asteroid with a rocky crust. The impact mixed their materials, forming the distinctive structure of mesosiderites.

Unlike other meteorites, mesosiderites stand out because they don’t have the same layered or uniform appearance as most stony or iron meteorites. Instead, their structure is a jumbled mixture of shiny metallic chunks embedded in a rocky matrix.

When found in the field, mesosiderites often appear as dark, irregular masses. They may have a fusion crust from their fiery entry into Earth’s atmosphere, but their internal structure is what truly defines them.

Carbonaceous chondrite

Carbonaceous chondrite meteorites are believed to be some of the oldest and most primitive materials in the solar system, forming about 4.6 billion years ago. These meteorites are thought to originate from asteroids in the outer regions of the asteroid belt and possibly from comets.

Their composition is unique compared to other meteorites as they contain high levels of carbon and organic compounds, including amino acids, which are essential for life. They also often include water-bearing minerals, tiny silicate grains, and small, round structures called chondrules.

They often have a dark, black, or gray appearance due to their carbon content, and their surfaces can be rough or brittle. When freshly fallen, they may have a thin fusion crust caused by the intense heat of atmospheric entry, but this crust can erode over time if the meteorite is exposed to the elements.

When found, they often appear as dark rocks, sometimes with a powdery or crumbly texture, and they stand out in contrast to surrounding terrain, especially in deserts or icy regions. Their fragile composition means they must be handled carefully to preserve their unique features.

Ordinary chondrite

Ordinary chondrite meteorites are the most common type of meteorite, making up about 80% of all meteorites that fall to Earth. They are stony meteorites and are primarily composed of silicate minerals, such as olivine and pyroxene, along with varying amounts of nickel-iron metal and sulfides.

Their name comes from the small, round particles called chondrules found within them. Chondrules are tiny, spherical grains that formed as molten droplets in the early solar system over 4.5 billion years ago.

These meteorites originate from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. They are fragments of larger asteroids that broke apart due to collisions.

When found, ordinary chondrites typically have a thin, dark fusion crust formed by the intense heat of atmospheric entry. The interior is a mix of light-colored silicate minerals and shiny metal flakes.

They are often denser than terrestrial rocks and may attract a magnet due to their metallic content. Over time, weathering can alter their appearance, causing the metal to rust and the surface to develop a reddish-brown patina.

Enstatite chondrite

Enstatite chondrite meteorites are a rare type of stony meteorite that are composed primarily of the mineral enstatite, a magnesium-rich silicate, along with other unique minerals like oldhamite, schreibersite, and troilite, which are rare on Earth.

These meteorites are highly reduced, meaning they contain very little oxygen compared to other meteorite types, and often include metallic iron and sulfides.

Their chemical composition suggests they formed in a low-oxygen environment, likely close to the young Sun.

Enstatite chondrites are thought to represent the building blocks of certain planetary bodies, including Mercury and possibly the Earth itself.

When found, enstatite chondrites often appear weathered and may have a dull, gray to brown color due to oxidation. Freshly fallen specimens, however, display a dark fusion crust from atmospheric entry and may show metallic specks or small crystals when broken open.

Achondrites

Achondrites are a rare type of stony meteorite that originate from asteroids, planets, or moons. They are composed primarily of silicate minerals, like pyroxene, olivine, and plagioclase, and often resemble volcanic rocks found on Earth.

Achondrites are thought to come from large celestial bodies that underwent heating and differentiation, a process where heavier materials, like metals, sink to the core, while lighter silicates form a crust.

For example, some achondrites are believed to come from the crust of asteroids like Vesta, while others may have originated on Mars or the Moon.

When found, achondrites often have a dark, fusion-crusted surface caused by their fiery entry through Earth’s atmosphere. Inside, they can display a range of colors, from light gray to green or black, depending on their mineral content.

They are usually dense and have a fine-grained texture, similar to igneous rocks on Earth, making them harder to identify as meteorites compared to iron-rich types.

Where Finding Meteorites Can Be Easier

Now that you have a better idea of WHAT you’re looking for let’s talk about some of the more general locations you should target first.

After this, we’ll dive into specific places around the state that are particularly good places to start.

Strewn fields

Before you start hunting individual meteorites you might want to try hunting in a strewn field. These are areas where fragments of a single meteorite fall have been scattered across the ground.

When a large meteorite enters Earth’s atmosphere, it often breaks apart due to intense heat and pressure, causing pieces to spread out along its trajectory. These areas, known as strewn fields, are concentrated with meteorite fragments, making them a logical and rewarding target for meteorite hunters.

Most strewn fields are on private land and will charge a fee to search but it can be well worth it, especially for a novice hunter just getting started.

Dry lake beds

Dry lake beds are excellent places to search for meteorites because they are flat, open, and have minimal vegetation, making it easier to spot unusual rocks that may have fallen from space. These environments also have limited water flow and erosion, which helps preserve meteorites over time.

When water was present in the past, it often carried lighter materials away, concentrating denser meteorites on the surface or just below it.

Start by scanning for rocks that seem out of place compared to the native geology of the area. Meteorites often appear darker and have a smoother fusion crust, which is a thin, glassy layer formed as the meteorite burns up in Earth’s atmosphere.

Rooftops

Large rooftops, especially from industrial buildings, are great places to find meteorites because they act as natural collectors for small debris falling from the sky. Over time, particles from meteorites that survive their journey through Earth’s atmosphere can settle on flat, open rooftops where they remain undisturbed.

Industrial rooftops are particularly good because they often have wide, flat surfaces with minimal human activity, reducing the chances of meteorite particles being swept away or covered by other materials.

When searching a rooftop, look for tiny black or dark metallic particles that are magnetic, as most meteorites contain iron. You can use a strong magnet wrapped in cloth to pick up these particles without damaging them.

Finding rooftops that haven’t been cleaned in years is your best bet but always make sure you have permission to search and investigate any potential hazards associated with the building or associated businesses.

Agricultural fields

Agricultural fields are regularly plowed, which can bring buried meteorites to the surface. The open, flat landscape of a field also makes it easier to spot unusual rocks that don’t match the local geology.

Since most meteorites are dense and magnetic, they stand out from typical soil and rocks found in agricultural areas. Over time, meteorites can sink into the ground, but farming activities, like plowing or tilling, help expose them again.

Many fields will have had most rocks removed over time so any rock that you do find is worth taking a look at.

Dry riverbeds and creeks

Dry riverbeds and creeks act as natural channels that collector heavy objects. Over time, flowing water moves lighter materials like sand and small rocks downstream, while heavier objects, such as meteorites, tend to settle in bends, depressions, or behind obstacles like large rocks.

Once the water dries up, the meteorites can remain in these spots, making them easier to find.

When searching in a dry riverbed or creek, pay special attention to areas where heavier rocks will settle like cracks and depressions. These are the places you’re most likely to find meteorites and heavier materials like gold and iron.

Rocky outcrops

Rocky outcrops are good places to find meteorites because they are areas where erosion has removed softer materials, leaving harder rocks exposed. This natural process can bring meteorites to the surface and make them easier to spot.

Since meteorites are often denser and more durable than many Earth rocks they can survive in these environments for long periods without breaking down completely.

The open, exposed nature of rocky outcrops also minimizes plant cover and soil that might otherwise hide a meteorite.

High Plains And Arid Grasslands – ONLY INCLUDE IN STATES WITH THEM

High plains and arid grasslands to be wide, open areas with sparse vegetation and relatively flat terrain. This makes it easier to spot meteorites, which often stand out as dark or unusual rocks compared to the lighter soil and local rocks.

The lack of heavy forest cover or dense plant growth means that meteorites are less likely to be hidden or buried under debris. Additionally, these areas often have minimal erosion and weathering, so meteorites can remain preserved for long periods.

It’s also helpful to look in areas where water or wind might naturally concentrate rocks, like small gullies or depressions. Searching systematically and being patient are key to finding these space treasures on the high plains.

Deserts – ONLY INCLUDE IN STATES WITH DESERTS

The dry climate found in most deserts helps preserve these space rocks for thousands or even millions of years. In wet or humid environments, meteorites can quickly rust or weather away, especially if they contain a lot of metal.

Deserts also have minimal vegetation and open, flat areas, which make it easier to spot unusual rocks on the surface.

The light-colored sand and soil in many deserts provide a stark contrast to the typically dark or metallic appearance of meteorites, making them stand out.

The hard, dry surface of many desert environments will often remain unchanged for years at a time. This makes it possible to spot the small impact craters of recent meteorites.

How To Find Meteorites – Tips & Tricks

Before we get into specific locations I wanted to share a few techniques that will make your search a LOT easier. These are tried and true tips and tricks that have worked for a lot of meteorite hunters over the years.

Fusion crusts are a dead giveaway

A fusion crust is a thin, dark outer layer that forms on the surface of a meteorite as it passes through Earth’s atmosphere. During its fiery descent, the intense heat generated by friction melts the outermost layer of the rock, creating this distinctive crust.

The melted material quickly cools and solidifies once the meteorite slows down, leaving behind a smooth or slightly textured coating. This fusion crust is one of the key features that helps identify a meteorite.

To recognize a meteorite by its fusion crust, look for a dark, often black or dark brown layer that appears different from the interior of the rock (as you can see in the image above).

The crust may be shiny or dull, depending on how weathered it is, but it usually contrasts sharply with the meteorite’s inner material.

On some meteorites, the fusion crust can show small cracks or a network of fine lines, caused by shrinking as the crust cooled.

Look for Regmaglypts

Regmaglypts are shallow, thumbprint-like depressions found on the surface of many meteorites. They form as the meteorite travels through Earth’s atmosphere at high speeds, causing its outer layer to melt and flow unevenly due to intense heat and pressure.

The air resistance creates these unique, dimpled patterns as material is ablated, or burned away, during entry. These features are one of the key ways to identify a meteorite because they are rarely seen in Earth rocks.

While regmaglypts can vary in size and shape, they usually look smoother than the jagged, broken surfaces of terrestrial rocks. These patterns are most common on iron meteorites but can also be found on stony or stony-iron meteorites.

Surprising weight

Meteorites are often much heavier than regular Earth rocks of the same size because they usually contain high amounts of metal, such as iron and nickel.

This density makes weight a key factor in identifying them. When you pick up a meteorite, it will feel unexpectedly heavy for its size compared to typical rocks.

For example, a meteorite the size of a baseball can weigh as much as 2 to 4 times more than an ordinary rock of the same size. This is especially true for iron-rich meteorites, which are nearly entirely made of metal.

Even stony meteorites, which contain more silicate minerals, are denser than most Earth rocks because of their unique composition.

Check for magnetism – You will want a magnetic pickup tool like this

Since most meteorites that survive impacting Earth will have a reasonably high iron content they will typically stick to a decently high-powered magnet. A magnetic pickup tool (basically a stick with a magnet at the end) will make your life a lot easier.

Instead of constantly bending over and looking at rocks you can run your magnet over it. If you don’t feel any resistance you can move on to the next rock.

If you do, or something sticks to the magnet. You’ve found something worth examining further.

You can make this yourself with a magnet, tape and a stick or find one cheaply online like this one.

Check out the Fireball report

The Fireball Report is a record of bright meteors, also called fireballs, that enter Earth’s atmosphere and are visible as they burn up. These reports are often compiled by organizations like the American Meteor Society (AMS) or other scientific groups that track meteor activity.

Fireball reports provide important details about the event, such as the time, location, brightness, and trajectory of the fireball. They are based on observations from witnesses and sometimes enhanced by data from specialized cameras, satellites, or radar systems.

Fireball reports can help you find meteorites by identifying areas where meteoroids may have survived their journey through the atmosphere and landed on Earth.

When a fireball is large enough, it may break apart, creating a strewn field—a region where fragments are scattered.

Using the data from the report, such as the estimated impact zone and direction of travel, meteorite hunters can narrow down their search to specific locations.

A metal detector can be very handy

Much like a magnetic pickup tool, a metal detector helps you find meteorites by picking up the metal content that is common in many types of these space rocks.

Since most meteorites, especially iron meteorites and some stony meteorites, contain significant amounts of iron and nickel, a metal detector can save you a lot of time searching.

Using a metal detector is especially useful in areas where meteorites might not stand out visually, such as regions with lots of rocks or vegetation.

Some detectors are better than others for this purpose, so choosing a model that can detect a wide range of metal types, including iron, is important. You can adjust the sensitivity to filter out small pieces of junk metal and focus on larger, denser objects.

By methodically scanning an area, a metal detector increases your chances of finding meteorites, even those that are not visible on the surface.

Where To Hunt Meteorites In The State

Here are five great places to start hunting. After we go in-depth with these we’ll provide even more places to search.

Lucerne Valley

Lucerne Valley is a great spot to hunt for meteorites because of its wide, open desert. The flat landscape makes it easier to spot unusual rocks on the sandy or rocky ground.

Many meteorites have been found in this area, including pieces of chondrites, which are common but exciting to discover. Nearby dry lake beds are also worth exploring, as their smooth surfaces make searching much simpler.

For better results, look for darker rocks that stand out against the light desert sand. After a rainstorm is an even better time to search since wet meteorites are easier to spot and identify.

Cajon Pass

Cajon Pass is a great place to search for meteorites thanks to its mix of rocky terrain and high desert landscape. Natural erosion and exposed rock layers make it easier to uncover hidden meteorites.

Over the years, people have found fragments of chondrites and other meteorite types in this area. Its location near busy paths and geological activity adds to the chances of finding meteorites that have been left behind.

For better results, look in areas where the ground has recently shifted, like landslides or spots affected by rain. Gravelly washes and small ravines are also good places to check since meteorites can collect there after being moved by water.

Sutter’s Mill Area

The area around Sutter’s Mill is a great spot for meteorite hunting, thanks to its unique history and varied terrain. With wooded areas, open fields, and rocky ground, there are plenty of places to search.

This location became famous in 2012 when a rare carbonaceous chondrite meteorite fell here, and pieces were quickly found. Its fascinating history and the chance of finding more fragments make it a favorite for meteorite hunters.

For better results, check stream beds or natural pathways where water may have carried meteorite fragments. Keep an eye out for rocks that feel heavier than usual, as meteorites are often denser than normal stones.

Antelope Valley

Antelope Valley is a fantastic place to hunt for meteorites because of its open desert and little vegetation. The sandy and rocky ground makes spotting meteorites easier than in areas with lots of plants.

Over the years, many meteorites have been found here, including smaller pieces of chondrites. Its steady record of discoveries makes it an exciting spot for anyone searching for space rocks.

To improve your chances, look in areas where the wind has blown away lighter materials, revealing hidden meteorites. Watch for rocks with a smooth, melted look, as this is a sign of their fiery journey through the atmosphere.

Barstow

Barstow is a great place to look for meteorites, with its wide desert landscapes and dry weather. The open, sandy ground makes it easier to spot unusual rocks that might be meteorites.

This area is close to where the Old Woman Meteorite, one of the largest in the U.S., was found. While that discovery was nearby, Barstow has its own history of smaller meteorite finds, showing its potential for more discoveries.

For the best results, check rocky spots where debris tends to gather, like at the base of hills or in gullies. Look for clusters of unusual rocks, as meteorites often stand out in these areas.

The Full List Of Meteorite Hot Spots

Here is the full list to check out: