Roadside Attraction Sunstone Knoll
Delta
Overview
|
Sun 52 | 21 |
Mon 52 | 28 |
Tue 50 | 25 |
Wed 44 | 27 |
Thu 40 | 20 |
| View Full Weather Details | ||||
|
Sun 52 | 21 |
Mon 52 | 28 |
Tue 50 | 25 |
Wed 44 | 27 |
Thu 40 | 20 |
| View Full Weather Details | ||||
Examples of sunstones
Sunstones are a translucent yellowish rock that looks quite similar to glass shards. The sunstone crystals were formed as part of the volcanic eruptions in the area. Sunstone Knoll is an old volcanic vent, the source of the sunstones in the area.
The area on top of Sunstone Knoll and mainly the flats to the east of the knoll is littered with small crystals of sunstone. When visiting, the land glints in sunlight from the abundance of crystals. Most are small, though on our visit we found a few up to about 1/3 of an inch or so in length. On the south end of the knoll, a volcanic outcropping has sunstones still embedded in the rock, to be weathered out in the future.
Sunrise across the west desert from Sunstone Knoll
Getting There
From Delta, head west on US-50 toward Ely, NV. About 5 miles from downtown Delta, turn left (south) on UT-257. Follow this 13.3 mile to mile post 55.9. Sunstone Knoll is on the left (east) side of UT-257, across the tracks.
Note: On our visit the road across the tracks was quite rutted. This can be walked. From the tracks, either drive due east to the high part of the knoll, or simply park and walk around.
Sunrise to the east at Sunstone Knoll.
Route
From the parking area, wander around! The stones are abundant and easy to find.
Photos
Maps
| Turn Off |
12S 351409mE 4334762mN N39° 08' 58" W112° 43' 10" |
| Sunstone Knoll |
12S 351678mE 4334676mN N39° 08' 55" W112° 42' 59" |