GLITTER MOUNTAIN
Address: Old Gypsum Crystal Mine, Littlefield, AZ 86432
SITE INFO
Glitter mountain as it is sometimes called The Old Gypsum Mine, or Sparkle Mountain, and is about a 25 minute drive from St. George and is just across the Arizona border. The mountain is more like a mound of dirt that is covered in pieces of gypsum that glitters when the sun is shining and then a large pit where you can see the gypsum in the ground. The owner of the mineral rights has asked that visitors just enjoy the site from outside the pit, but there are plenty of small pieces on the ground for you to take as a souvenir. This is a fun and interesting outing especially for kids!
***Please read this update on site access before going***
Directions:
From Warner Valley Exit
- Head East on Warner Valley Road
- Take the first Right onto the dirt frontage road
- Continue South for about 3 miles to a fork in the road
- Stay to the Left and continue 1 mile to another fork in the road
- Turn Right and cross over the dry wash
- Continue South for .7 miles to another fork in the road
- Stay Left. This will be Sunshine Trail Rd
- Continue on Sunshine Trail Rd for 1 mile and Glitter Mountain will be on the Right!
CONTACT DETAILS
LOCAL SERVICES
Link to: Hiking
HIKING
Link to: Outfitters
GEAR
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Couldn’t find the exit. 🤷♀️
Which exit were you not able to find?
We went there today. Please do not hit the drive directions above. They do not take you to the pit. Just read the directions above only.
Thought it was also free but saw the sign when got there.
Prices are as follows:
Handful $2
1/2 gallon bucket $10
1gallon $20
2 gallon $40
5 gallon $100
I did get a few nice pieces and will be paying on venmo soon.
Please stay out of the pit.
Hi Ron, are we allowed to bring our own tools & bucket? Thank you 😊
We were bummed out today, We tried to visit Glitter Mountain and came to a Locked Gate with a No Trespassing sign. We were coming from Mesquite Nevada and following our GPS which took us to hwy 7 off the 15 just like your directions say here. We’ll try to find another way on another day and hope we can get there. I’ve heard the best time to see it is at Sunrise as the sun hit’s the Gypsum Quarts.
The rules have slightly changed (not that I blame them) but it’s not “free”. We went up there thinking it was and it’s not. They are really super nice and I’m just glad I brought some cash.
Thanks for the update Missy! How much did they charge, and was it an entrance fee, or a fee for taking out the crystals?
These directions were spot on! Thanks.
We stayed out of the pit for safety, used just a small tool to dig a little, paid for our bucket & had a great time!
Do you have to pay to mine for the rocks and take them home?
There is an active mining claim on this pit mine, so there is no mining allowed on the site. You can go and enjoy the glittering rocks and they don’t mind if you take out fragments that are laying around, but ask that you do not break out big chunks and take them home.
Please read the sign, and pay for what you take
$25 a 5 gallon bucket. Small tools only.
Ok so am I allowed to look for minerals in the surrounding area.
Hello, do you need reservations to visit the park?
No, this is not a park, it is a pit mine that is not in production. Signage is posted at the entrance to the mine with information about how to respectfully enjoy it.
How strenuous is this hike? Is it fairly easy for pregnant women to do?
Chris, this is more of a pull in and enjoy area than it is a hike… That being said, there is a decent into the pit that can be a little strenuous for someone who is pregnant. The road to the site can be a little rough in areas as well, that might not be too enjoyable for her. Fun site to explore though! Let us know if you decide to check it out!
This site is not open to the public.. it is an active mining claim and has been for years. anyone going there and taking rocks is Claim Jumping
Art, thanks for your comment! I’ve updated the page after having a conversation with the BLM agent over the area. You can read it here.