At least once a month between April and October, members go out in the field to collect and learn about rocks and minerals. Day trips to multi-day outings are led by an experienced member of the society, and are a great way to meet other members and gain some useful knowledge!
Field Trips
Field Trips 2025!
Wonderstone Mountain – April 5th day trip
Dead Camel Mountains – April 19th day trip
Lovelock – TBD
Crystal Peak - TBD
Luning – TBD
Gabbs – TBD
Fairview – June 7th - 8th
Austin - September 20th - 21st
Black Rock - October 3rd - 5th
- Wonderstone – Lead by Steve Smith, this trip is 20 minutes from our meetup in Fallon. Collecting Wonderstone. Most vehicles okay, but no street-only vehicles.
- Dead Camel Mountains – Collecting Dead Camel Jasper. Anything but street-only vehicles. 4WD recommended. Out by Lahontan Reservoir.
- Lovelock – Collecting rainbow jasper, light blue agate and Apache tears. Anything but street-only vehicle to rainbow jasper. 4WD and high clearance required for Apache tears. Will do the jasper and agate in the morning, Apache tears after lunch. 2 hours from Reno.
- Luning – Collecting ammonites and other sea fossils. First overnight trip on Memorial Day weekend. RV campsites in Mina with showers! 4WD high clearance vehicles only. Plan to visit Luning Rock Shop! 3 hours from Reno. Could be done as a day trip (Along one).
- Gabbs – Lead by the Metzgers for a variety of rocks including jasper, agate, and petrified wood from Gabbs Valley. 4WD high clearance vehicles only. Camping at Quartz Mountain on Hwy 361. 2 hours from Reno. Easily done as a day trip.
- Fairview – Collecting blue agates. 2 hours from Reno, high clearance 4WD only. Campsite near dig site with good road able to tow campers. Very difficult digging only.
- Austin – Collecting Mt. Airy geodes, fluorite, and snakeskin agate. 3 day weekend, but any day can be done as a day trip. High clearance 4WD only. Camping/RV near the Mt. Airy site. Motels or RV sites available in Austin.
- Black Rock Desert – collecting Black Rock geodes. 4WD high clearance vehicles. The playa must be dry as we have to cross the entire thing! Camping on the playa. 4 hours from Reno.