Old Wasta Bridge

The Old Wasta Highway Bridge is one of the few places to access the Cheyenne Gravel Beds near Wasta. This stretch has produced word class agates in the past.

When to visit: Spring, Fall, Summer (if cool)

What you can find: Fairburn agate, prairie agate, bubblegum agate, petrified wood, jasper, rose quartz, ammonite, barite

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

Where to stay: The town of Wall is 15 minutes to the East and offers hotels and camping. The town of Wasta has a small motel as well. There is Boondocks camping spots available near Wall.

Getting there: From Wall, South Dakota head west on I-90 for 8.3 miles and take exit 101 for Jensen Rd. Travel 0.4 miles on the off-ramp then turn left onto Jensen Rd and drive 0.6 miles. Turn left onto Hwy 1416 and go 0.9 miles to reach Site A. This is a good place to park to explore the west side of the river. Rockhounds also park on the east side of the River on the Highway to access the Gravel Beds on the east side of the River.

(Site A: 44°04’50.1″N 102°24’07.3″W)
(Site B: 44°04’54.8″N 102°24’08.2″W)

Rockhounding

The stretch of Cheyenne River near Wasta has been host to some Legendary Fairburn Agate finds. Parking at Site A allows access to the River, however there is not much for rock on the West side. By crossing the river when its shallow or parking on the east side of the bridge you can access more gravel beds (Site B) that have potential for a prize. Try to visit the area in the spring after winter melt off to find freshly exposed rock. Hunting shortly after heavy a rain storm can improve your odds as well.  There is also good potential to find ammonite or baculite specimens in mud balls that have eroded from the river banks.

Gallery

(Sample gallery from Railroad Buttes– Red Shirt Gallery Coming Soon.)

Check out these similar Rockhound Locations.