Kids Outing, 3/26-3/28 Options

[nate]

My sister is bringing my nephews 7 and 12 years old out here from south carolina. I told them i would take them digging while they are out here, so they can find some cool stuff of their own. My initial thought was otero county for the calcites and fossils. Downside of that is its quite the drive out there. I was hoping to get some permission for private land, but it hasnt worked out yet. If it does, ill have a spot less than an hour away for some nodules. I figure if they get bored of digging we can hike around checking out the limestone for fossils and hematite?(brown shinies).

Has anyone taken any kids out that have had a blast in areas an hour or 2 from colorado springs or denver?

Ive also considered some hiking and agate hunting. Thoughts?

Trying to have options to give them, but also to dodge the days of storms that may be coming this way.

[Crusty]

Go to the yellow rock shop in hartsel. They charge $5 a head and will give you directions to their property with barite. Easy access and guaranteed finds. Great place for kids!

[nate]

Crusty, thank you.

Do you have any info on that place? Looked it up and couldn't find anything.

[Crusty]

Crusty, thank you.

Do you have any info on that place? Looked it up and couldn't find anything.

Here is their website: http://www.rockymountaingiftsandrocks.com/

[nate]

thanks for that crusty. I ended up emailing them and they will not be opening up their claim for another few weeks....based on weather.

We ended up going out towards la junta in otero county, i believe a little further west than we were before. Found some pretty great calcites, though nothing of size, tons of clam looking shell fossils, and several nice ammonite fossils. Also found what looked to be some larger bone fossils(didnt take anything but pictures) Ill post some pictures later of that trip, but a good time was had by all. Ill probably go check out hartsel soon after they open as i have several other kids that id like to take out sometime......gotta get them started young.

[Crusty]

thanks for that crusty. I ended up emailing them and they will not be opening up their claim for another few weeks....based on weather.

We ended up going out towards la junta in otero county, i believe a little further west than we were before. Found some pretty great calcites, though nothing of size, tons of clam looking shell fossils, and several nice ammonite fossils. Also found what looked to be some larger bone fossils(didnt take anything but pictures) Ill post some pictures later of that trip, but a good time was had by all. Ill probably go check out hartsel soon after they open as i have several other kids that id like to take out sometime......gotta get them started young.

Bummer. Glad you came up with a good plan B!

Let me know when you make another run at it. I've got some neighbor kids I'd like to get out!