FossilTX
Coetas Creek
Fossil collection site in the Coetas, Potter County, Texas. Environment: terrestrial indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.
View detailsRockhounding sites near Amarillo
17 rockhounding collecting sites within about 120 miles of Amarillo, Texas.
This page lists 17 natural rockhounding sites near Amarillo, Texas, sorted by distance within about 120 miles.
Where can you collect near Amarillo?
Near Amarillo, Texas, our directory maps 17 natural rockhounding sites within about 120 miles of the city center — including 15 fossilss and 2 others. The closest mapped spot is Coetas Creek (13 mi straight-line). Distances are not drive time; open each listing for directions, fee notes, access rules, and safety context before you travel.
At a glance — rockhounding sites near Amarillo
| Central place | Amarillo, Texas |
|---|---|
| Search radius | About 120 miles |
| Mapped spots | 17 |
| Closest listing | Coetas Creek (13 mi) |
| Specimen types | Fossils (15), Other (2) |
| Typical fees | 17 varies |
All rockhounding sites near Amarillo
17 rockhounding collecting sites in Texas, sorted by distance from the city center. For live GPS sorting, use rockhounding sites near me.
FossilTX
Palo Duro Falls
Fossil collection site, Randall County, Texas. Environment: terrestrial indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.
View detailsFossilTX
City Of Canyon
Fossil collection site, Randall County, Texas. Environment: fluvial-lacustrine indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.
View detailsFossilTX
Palo Duro Canyon
Fossil collection site, Armstrong County, Texas. Environment: terrestrial indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.
View detailsFossilTX
Sanford Pit
Fossil collection site in the Ogallala, Carson County, Texas. Environment: terrestrial indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.
View details
Alibates FlintTX
Along Plum Creek
Along Plum Creek is a documented mineral occurrence near TX. Reported specimens include Alibates Flint. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.
View detailsAgatized woodTX
Prairie Dog Town Fork Of Red River
Prairie Dog Town Fork of Red River is a documented mineral occurrence near TX. Reported specimens include Agatized wood. Verify land access and collecting rules before visiting.
View detailsFossilTX
Deadman's Creek
Fossil collection site in the Tule, Swisher County, Texas. Environment: terrestrial indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.
View detailsFossilTX
Mill Iron Ranch
Fossil collection site, Hall County, Texas. Environment: terrestrial indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.
View detailsFossilTX
Parcell Ranch
Fossil collection site, Roberts County, Texas. Environment: terrestrial indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.
View detailsFossilTX
Rocking Chair Mounds, Shamrock, Collinsworth County (dozier Lens, Newell 4)
Fossil collection site, Texas. Environment: shallow subtidal indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.
View detailsFossilTX
Estelline-memphis Road, Hall County (dozier Lens, Newell 8b, Roth 361-h)
Fossil collection site, Texas. Environment: shallow subtidal indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.
View detailsFossilTX
Bull Lake
Fossil collection site in the Kiamichi, Lamb County, Texas. Environment: marine indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.
View detailsFossilTX
Three Lakes
Fossil collection site in the Kiamichi, Bailey County, Texas. Environment: marine indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.
View detailsFossilTX
Sweetwater
Fossil collection site in the Dog Creek, Texas. Environment: shallow subtidal indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.
View detailsFossilTX
Smart Ranch
Fossil collection site in the Bridwell, Lubbock County, Texas. Environment: terrestrial indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.
View detailsFossilTX
Childress Terrace
Fossil collection site, Childress County, Texas. Environment: terrestrial indet.. Source: Paleobiology Database (PBDB), CC BY 4.0.
View detailsMap of rockhounding sites near Amarillo
Pins within about 120 miles — open a listing for fees, access, and directions.
17 sites mapped near Amarillo
Closest sites by distance
- Coetas Creek — 13 mi · Fossil
- Palo Duro Falls — 15 mi · Fossil
- City Of Canyon — 17 mi · Fossil
- Palo Duro Canyon — 21 mi · Fossil
- Sanford Pit — 27 mi · Fossil
- Along Plum Creek — 33 mi · Alibates Flint
- Prairie Dog Town Fork Of Red River — 36 mi · Agatized wood
- Deadman's Creek — 50 mi · Fossil
- Mill Iron Ranch — 65 mi · Fossil
- Parcell Ranch — 75 mi · Fossil
- Rocking Chair Mounds, Shamrock, Collinsworth County (dozier Lens, Newell 4) — 87 mi · Fossil
- Estelline-memphis Road, Hall County (dozier Lens, Newell 8b, Roth 361-h) — 88 mi · Fossil
- Bull Lake — 97 mi · Fossil
- Three Lakes — 99 mi · Fossil
- Sweetwater — 100 mi · Fossil
Types of rockhounding sites near Amarillo
Browse by specimen type in Texas — each link opens the full state directory for that category.
Fossils (15)
Trilobites, brachiopods, petrified wood, and other paleontological collecting on public land.
Other (2)
Mixed or specialty collecting — zeolites, fluorescent minerals, thundereggs, and unique regional finds.
Natural collecting sites in the Amarillo area
Amarillo is a practical launch point for day trips to natural rockhounding sites in Texas. Within about 120 miles you will find 17 mapped destinations in our directory, starting with Coetas Creek about 13 mi from the city center.
The mix spans fossils, other — related terms searchers use include creek gravel collecting, desert washes, road cuts, and field collecting.
How distances work near Amarillo
Every card on this page is a verified directory entry in Texas with map coordinates. We measure straight-line distance from the Amarillo city center — not driving time. A creek rockhounding site 12 miles away on forest roads can take longer than a river access point 20 miles away on a highway.
Field collecting near Amarillo includes informal gravel bars, dry washes, quarry faces, and developed park collecting areas. Rules, fees, and seasonal access differ by land manager. Never assume collecting is allowed without checking the listing and posted signs the day you visit.
Safety and field conditions near you
Field conditions near Amarillo change after rain, snowmelt, and summer heat. Unstable slopes, heat exhaustion, loose rock, and flash floods are real risks at creek and quarry rockhounding sites — most sites have no supervision. Check weather and local advisories before you start digging.
We publish original planning copy, safety tips, and last-updated dates on each listing. See our editorial policy for sourcing standards, or contact us if access or conditions have changed.
Rockhounding sites near Amarillo — FAQ
Where can you collect near Amarillo?
Near Amarillo, Texas, our directory lists 17 natural rockhounding sites within about 120 miles — mainly 15 fossilss and 2 others. Each listing links to directions, fee notes, and safety context. Use near me on your phone for live distance sorting from your location.
How many rockhounding sites are near Amarillo, Texas?
This page shows 17 mapped rockhounding collecting sites within about 120 miles of Amarillo. The full Texas directory may list additional holes farther out or awaiting coordinates. Counts update as we verify new listings.
What is the closest rockhounding site to Amarillo?
The closest mapped spot to Amarillo is Coetas Creek (13 mi straight-line). Open that listing for driving directions, access notes, and current fee information — unofficial holes can change without notice.
Are rockhounding sites near Amarillo free?
17 have variable or unverified fees. Open each spot page for current fee details.
What types of rockhounding sites are near Amarillo?
Near Amarillo, documented specimen types include fossilss, others. A rockhounding site is a natural outcrop, wash, or creek gravel bar — not a fee dig or shop. Filter by type on the Texas state page or open each card for specimen and access details.
When is the best time to visit rockhounding sites near Amarillo?
Late spring through early fall is the usual field season near Amarillo, but snowmelt, drought, and weekend crowds change conditions week to week. Check each listing before you drive — storms can make washes and creek banks unsafe.
Is it safe to collect near Amarillo?
Field collecting near Amarillo carries real risks: unstable slopes, heat, loose rock, and no rangers at most unofficial sites. Check weather and posted warnings the day you visit. Read our rockhounding safety basics guide and each listing's safety section before you dig.
Listing data last updated across spots on this page.