Finding Geodes at the Hauser Geode Beds in California and Getting Them Cut
Finding Geodes at the Hauser Geode Beds in California and Getting Them Cut
The Hauser Geode Beds is a popular spot for rockhounds. Decades ago, geodes and agates were everywhere. These days, finding them takes a little more work. Come along as my friend Tony and I take you on a rockhounding adventure and come away with some truly amazing pieces, which we have cut by the one-and-only Joe from Sticks and Stones Rock Shop.
*Drone footage courtesy of Airscape Media, LLC
(AirscapeMedia.com)
*Big thanks to Joe at Sticks and Stones Rock Shop (www.SticksAndStones.Online)
Did you guys go down Hauser Geode Bed Rd or did you take the longer path?
I sure hope they recover this stuff from the homes when they can….
Hydrazite!!!
All the way out in the Abyss; it looked like a massive vacant Lot out there, just ash & gravel. So glad that towards the end of the long day you were rewarded with some wonderful gifts from Mother Nature. I glad Tony went with you as it was a long trip. Joe did a great job polishing those Geodes up, it’s who you know out there. Stunning photographs at the end, displaying the beauty within. Great video & production mate and also thanks to Tony & Joe. Rog. 👍😀😎
Thanks for your video. It was really cool to see the nice geodes at the end!
Great video!
We’re heading out there this month.
Get you a man shovel dude. You’re breaking your back with that little tiny thing bending over and digging on your knees.
You really found some nice specimens. Thank you for taking us along. Have a good week.
I busted my tire out there but I found some beautiful agates and some with baby crystals
Was just out there – something to note is that BLM has a lot of road markers but they use numbers. The old "Black Hills Road" on old maps is EC 557, and the spur south from the old "Middle Camp" to the Hauser Beds is EC 559. There is (as of this writing) a Hauser Geode Beds sign at the turnoff from Wiley’s Well Rd. to EC 557 but much of the signage (etc.) in old guides isn’t there anymore. Google BLM Routes of Travel for Eastern Imperial County for BLM’s road map. Note very spotty cell service – cache any data you need.
Spent a few days out digging. You guys were right on it with that last spot but needed to work down a bit deeper below a layer of basalt then you’ll start finding the primo softball and occasion football size geode. It’s hard work but you need to get below the basalt cap where the geodes formed. Gorgeous red crystals in some.
There is a great spot out there but you must enter of of the Bradshaw Trail and have a 4×4 rig with a decent lift…pretty much the best places are the harder to get to. 🏜️👋
I still look at the thumbnail Geode every day. It’s amazing to have been gifted such a beautiful specimen.
We’ve hunted Hauser on/off for past 20 years. It’s been probably 5 or so years since we hunted there. I’m sure there have been many rockhounds that have found their treasures there also but I bet there will be plenty for everyone for years. I tried to look on Google Maps to see if I could recall which areas we dug at – but we always took home several 5 gal buckets full. Many were large grapefruit sized and tons of them that fill your hand. My rock saw appreciated it when I gave it a break!! Love this place. Check out Potato Patch too! Lots of awesome Chalcedony around the area also.
Are you allowed to use power equipment?
I can see why you guys were having trouble. Your shovels are too big. You would have gone to walmart to get those kits that kids use for making sand castles. The plastic shovel is easier to carry.