San Rafael River

Several varieties and colors of sandstone from Mesozoic rock formations tumble down from the cliffs, including stones from the Navajo and Wingate Sandstones, and the Kayenta and Chinle Formations. The rocks at the valley surface include ripple sandstone from the Moenkopi Formation.

The San Rafael River Community Pit is located in Sections 19 and 30 of T20S, R12E. The southernmost point of the butte on the northwest side of Red Canyon marks the eastern boundary of section 30. The western boundary of section 19 is one and two-thirds miles on Mexican Mountain Road (San Rafael River Road) from the butte. Collecting is allowed on either side of the road.

Note: Collecting is not allowed on the southern side of the San Rafael River in Section 30, a Wilderness Study Area.