Castle Butte Field Trip Oct 2026

 On October 3, Tehachapi Valley Gem and Mineral Society (TVGMS) members traveled to Castle Butte near California City for its first field trip of the Fall season. The dirt road (Proctor Ave) was a little rough in spots with one notable area of soft sand requiring you to keep up the momentum to navigate through it.

The weather cooperated with seasonally warm high 70s deg temperatures when we arrived around 9:30am and the crystal-clear weather provided spectacular desert views for the ~15 members who could attend. A variety of Jasper, Agate, Chert, and Chalcedony were found in various colors as well as some nice green with red Bloodstone - Castle Butte rarely disappoints.

Most of the group departed shortly after noon temperatures approached a breezy 90 degrees. Many members were able to swing by Mojave on the way home and support the TVGMS booth at the Gold Rush days festival. It was an enjoyable and productive rockhounding day with a great group of newbies and seasoned veterans.

Ron Ray

Field Trip Leader

For More Information: 

Castle Butte on RockHoundR