How long can you rock hunt? My husband can spend all day looking for neat rocks. So can our two boys. I enjoy it, but my limit is half an hour. Clearly, I’m in the minority. When it’s rock hunting day, I make sure to bring the camera so I can take photos when I’m done searching and digging for rocks.
Our family rock hunts in backyards, along roads, on hikes. It can happen anywhere, and for nothing in particular, but simply to find neat looking rocks. When we do decide to go on a specific rock hunt, Sally Ann Creek near Elliston, Montana is a favorite place to go. And it is perfect for kids.
First, you do have to be a member of the Helena Mineral Society. An annual family membership is $20. No matter when you sign up, it ends on April 20, so it is best to get your membership in May so you have the entire year to enjoy it. Advance planning is necessary, as you do have to fill out a form and mail it in with your check. (Click here to be redirected to their website in a new tab.) After they cash the check, you will receive your membership cards in the mail.
The drive to Sally Ann is a beautiful one from Helena. We take Hwy 12 and turn at Little Blackfoot River Road. Follow the map below (starting from the Hwy turnoff), and you should be set! We always park at the pull-off right before the bridge. It’s a great place for kids to throw some rocks, too.
It is an easy 1 mile (approximately) hike into the mineral claim. There is really only one main trail, and it is well-used. Depending on the time of year you go, there are some crossings that are wet and muddy. During the summer, there are some pretty wildflowers (a field of shooting stars!) to enjoy. I’ve never been there when the strawberries are ripe, but I’m PRETTY sure if you time it right, you can enjoy some wild strawberries on your hike! Also be on the lookout for wildlife, such as moose, deer, elk, and bears. We’ve seen the first three, but have yet to see any bears.
As you approach the diggings, there will be signs indicating you are entering the crystal claim. There are some rules to follow, such as where NOT to dig. There are some deep pits, and the gravel can be slippery and steep, especially for little ones. We don’t find it is the best place to just let very young ones explore without supervision.
I’m going to offer a quick comparison of this digging area to Crystal Park in the Pioneer Mountains of southwest Montana. I personally prefer the Sally Ann claim to Crystal Park. It is less crowded. You do have to hike in, but again, it is an easy and enjoyable hike. There is more shade, so even on hot days, you can find some cooler areas. For young kids, it is much easier to find crystals at Sally Ann because you really don’t have to dig a whole lot. And if the kids (or adults) lose interest in the digging, there is still plenty to explore in the immediate area!
A few final tips:
- Bring a pickaxe and shovel if you really want to dig for some crystals. Last time we were there, there was a screening area to dump shovels of dirt and sift through to find bigger rocks and crystals. There are also plenty of ways to simply dig for crystals without equipment, though, especially for young ones.
- If you want to keep some of the crystals, you will need a pack. Or pockets if you want to limit what you take! 🙂
- Bring bug spray. Some days it is not necessary, but other times, the hike can be pretty buggy.
- As I said, we haven’t seen bears here, but I suggest bringing bear spray.
Happy crystal hunting, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors!