• Haystack Butte is a remote area known for its distinctive colorful brecciated jasper
Haystack Butte, also known as Haystack Rock, is a remote high desert destination within the Owyhee area, located approximately 24 miles southeast of Nyssa and 30 miles south of Vale. This rugged landscape, covered with sagebrush, is a haven for rock enthusiasts with promises of extraordinary discoveries, including colorful jasper-agate, jasper, clear, white, or gray mossy agate, petrified wood, chalcedony, and occasionally common opal.
Haystack Butte Jasper, also referred to as Jellybean Jasper, is famous for its diverse array of hues including red, green, and yellow. This brecciated jasper is prized for its ability to take on a brilliant polish, making it ideal for crafting cabochons.
Agate can be found in clear, white, or gray variations, often adorned with a mossy appearance or intricate botryoidal or crystalline cavities.
The landscape is rich with float material, offering ample opportunities for exploration. Spend some time searching steep hillsides, traversing dry washes, and hounding around washed gullies. Dig into old pits left behind by others if you find promising chips nearby.
Exercise caution and respect any claim markers encountered to avoid trespassing.
Know Before You Go
The Twin Springs area is a remote desert destination that requires careful preparation. Here are some essential tips for a safe and rewarding rockhounding experience:- Lack of Services: No services, including gas stations, drinking water, or cell reception, are available within 20-30 miles of the site. Ensure your vehicle is fully fueled and stocked with all essentials before you go.
- Wildlife Precautions: Rattlesnakes are common in this area. Stay alert and keep an eye on your surroundings to avoid encounters.
- Weather Caution: Avoid visiting during rainy conditions or when the roads are wet, as the terrain can quickly become treacherous and dangerous.
- Vehicle Requirements: A rugged, high-clearance 4WD vehicle is recommended, along with some off-road driving experience.
- Supplies: Bring spare tires, sunscreen, and plenty of water. Due to limited cell service, inform someone of your travel plans or carry a satellite communication device for emergencies.
- Safety Preparations: Familiarize yourself with desert safety practices to better prepare for the unique challenges of this remote and stunning landscape.
Haystack Butte Rockhoundin Area: Camping, Lodging, and Vacation Rentals
Camping is allowed throughout of BLM land. The closest campground, Twin Springs is located 15 miles away. This campground is a great base for exploring other rock collecting sites in the area such as Twin Springs and Negro Rocks.
Lodging is available 50 miles east in Homedale, Idaho or 50 miles northeast in Ontario, Oregon.
Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay in Homedale, ID
Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay in Ontario, OR
Haystack Butte Rockhounding Area | Facts
Best time: May through October
Managed by: Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
Rocks & Minerals: Jellybean jasper, agate, petrified wood, chalcedony, and common opal
Tools: Shovel, geology pick, hammer, and chisel
Amenities: None
Activities: Rockhounding, camping, and wildlife observing
Distance from the parking: Vary
Road access: A high-clearance 4WD vehicle
Day-use fees: None
Elevation: 2,700 ft (820 m)
Haystack Butte is located:
- 24 miles southeast of Nyssa
- 270 miles east of Bend
- 400 miles southeast of Portland.
Adventures Nearby
Driving Directions to Haystack Butte Rockhounding Area
The road from Vale (Highway 20/26) is longer and bumpier, so we recommend starting from Nyssa instead for a smoother drive.
From Nyssa,
- Take Highway OR 201 and drive for 8 miles to Owyhee Avenue
- Turn right onto Owyhee Avenue and head 6 miles east to Mitchel Butte Road
- Turn left onto Mitchel Butte Road and continue 0.5 miles to a fork; at the fork, bear right
- Drive 4.9 miles to another fork and take the left road
- Continue 2.5 miles to the next fork
- Bear left onto Haystack Road and follow for approximately 1.5 miles.
Check any promising dry washes and gullies on your way.
GPS coordinates were taking along the road at one of a dry wash where we found great specimens during our recent trip.