Big Foot Pass

Southeast of Wall off 1-90 guarded by a sea of cactus, these discrete beds are known to produce fairburns. 

When to visit: Spring, Fall, Winter (if dry)

What you can find: Fairburn agate, prairie agate, bubblegum agate, petrified wood, jasper.

What to bring: Rock hammer, spray bottle, backpack, water, snacks.

Where to stay: The town of Wall is 14 miles Northwest and offers hotels, camping, and food. Dispersed camping is allowed in the National Grasslands in select areas near Wall. Reference the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands map for legal camping areas.

Getting there: From Wall, South Dakota merge onto I-90 east toward Kadoka. Drive 10.8 miles then take exit 121 for Big Foot Pass Rd. Turn north on Big Foot Pass Rd and travel 2.0 miles. A closed gravel road turn off on your left is the best place to park.

(Site A: 43°56’11.8″N 102°03’33.9″W)
(Site B: 43°56’19.3″N 102°03’45.9″W)

Rockhounding

The rock to the west of Big Foot Pass Rd is a spot known by the locals that has produced nice fairburns in the past. This walk-in area is sprawling with with low cover cactus and is not recommended to hunt with your pups. Although the area looks inconspicuous at first glance, a short distance off the old closed gravel road and you will start to see a lot of rock. I have found my better pieces where there is some grass and cactus cover as opposed to the bare exposed rock. Although a fairburn is always to goal, really pretty jasper as well as bubblegum agates, petrified wood, and prairie agates can be collected here.

Gallery

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