The weekend before Fathers Day we went camping with friends up Carr Canyon to the Reef Townsite Campground. We had a great time camping and took some time to look for quartz crystals as well. The last time we were here looking for crystals was during the government shutdown of 2013. We found a few small crystals, but not much else. This time we had a lot more success. There's a streambed that runs along the east side of the campground, in and around the streambed is where we looked for the crystals.
On the east side of the streambed there are abundant piles of white quartz. You can see many pieces that have the crystalline shape, but finding the crystals is the hardest. If you look where others have been digging, you're in generally the right spot. Now you just need to find one! Often when I'm rockhounding, the most difficult fossil or mineral specimen to find is the first one, and after that it's easier to find others. We found several pretty decent crystals without looking terribly hard. I'd be interested in looking further south in the area of the old mines that are southeast from the campground, but I haven't looked up there. Heading up to the top of Carr Canyon is definitely a good escape from the summer heat down in the valley. If you're looking for something to do, take a drive and see what you can find!
Nearest City: Sierra Vista, AZ
Location: Drive up Carr Canyon Road to the Reef Townsite. If you don't want to pay for a site, park across the street in the Sawmill Spring Parking Area. Look on the east side of the creek near the campground.
Time Needed:
varies
Difficulty:
varies
Kid Friendly:
yes
Additional Info:
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