Sunstone Knoll | Delta

Roadside Attraction Sunstone Knoll - Delta Roadside Attraction Sunstone Knoll

Delta

Overview

RATING: Roadside Attractopm
LENGTH: 1 hour
MAPS: SUNSTONE KNOLL, UT

Sat

A slight chance of rain and snow between 11am and 5pm. Partly sunny. High near 48, with temperatures falling to around 44 in the afternoon. South southwest wind 6 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

48 | 23

Sun

A slight chance of snow before 11am. Sunny, with a high near 42. West northwest wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

42 | 23

Mon

Partly sunny, with a high near 42.

42 | 18

Tue

A slight chance of snow before 11am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 43.

43 | 21

Wed

Sunny, with a high near 40.

40 | 17

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SEASON: Any, though summers can be hot.
WATER: None

Sat

A slight chance of rain and snow between 11am and 5pm. Partly sunny. High near 48, with temperatures falling to around 44 in the afternoon. South southwest wind 6 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

48 | 23

Sun

A slight chance of snow before 11am. Sunny, with a high near 42. West northwest wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

42 | 23

Mon

Partly sunny, with a high near 42.

42 | 18

Tue

A slight chance of snow before 11am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 43.

43 | 21

Wed

Sunny, with a high near 40.

40 | 17

View Full Weather Details
Examples of sunstones

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.

Note: There is quite a bit of broken glass around the area. Keep an eye out if you are visiting with children to make sure they find sunstones, not broken glass!
Sunrise across the west desert from Sunstone Knoll

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.

Sunrise to the east at Sunstone Knoll.

Route

From the parking area, wander around! The stones are abundant and easy to find.


Photos

Maps

Printable Maps:

Turn Off

12S 351409mE 4334762mN

N39° 08' 58" W112° 43' 10"

Sunstone Knoll

12S 351678mE 4334676mN

N39° 08' 55" W112° 42' 59"

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