Woodward Ranch Rock Shop
No plans yet for Labor Day Weekend? I have a family adventure for you here in the Lone Star State in Brewster County, Texas. Head south out of downtown Alpine, Texas on Hwy 118 for 16 miles.
Cathedral Mountain
Watch for the sign and take a right hand turn on Calamity Creek Rd, travel west 2 miles on this dirt road under the watchful presence of Cathedral Mountain, looming at 6,800 feet and you will arrive at the entrance to Woodward Ranch, established in 1884. Woodward Ranch is a rock hunters paradise. These lands are the only source of the famed Red Plume Agate. There are also 60 different kinds of other agates to be found along with various types of gemstones. The fee to hunt rocks on the Woodward Ranch is $5 per person/per day however if you stay the night the rock hunting fee is included in your overnight stay and you only pay $2 per pound for the rocks you decide to keep. RV camping is available for $30 per night, tent camping is $15 or two cabins on the banks of Calamity Creek are available for rent at $175 or $125 nightly. You may set out on foot however if you want to explore the entire 3,000 acre ranch a high clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle is necessary. When you return from your day of rock hunting the proprietor will go through your rock finds with you and identify them as you decide which ones will be the keepers! If you want more a rock shop has a collection of rocks and jewelry items on display and for sale. woodwardranch.com 432-364-2271
I hunted Woodward ranch 35 years ago, the last time I visited the ranch it was closed up there was no one there, it’s a long drive from Fort Worth to find no one there, when is the best time to come back to look for rocks. Please send info on best time to visit, who to contact
Very interested in rock hunting this Spring/Summer.