Explore Montana: Crystal Park
We didn’t hit the jackpot, but we had fun trying! If you are looking for a day of dirt, digging, and maybe even some treasure, then you have to visit Crystal Park!
With our shovels ready, we headed out for a day trip with family to Crystal Park. From Missoula, there are a couple different routes to get there, each being about 3.5 hours. With a 6 year old and 1 year old in tow, we knew that it was a bit of a drive, so we planned to drive through Hamilton to get there (with a stop for breakfast) and then were going to head home through Phillipsburg (with a stop at The Sweet Palace, obviously).
Despite the smoke, it was a beautiful trip traveling through the Bitteroot Valley and past Lost Trail and Elkhorn Hotsprings. Next time, I think we would plan a whole weekend so we could stop and enjoy some more of the sights.
We were amazed when we arrived at the Crystal Park day use area. It literally looks like a scene from the movie Holes (starring Shia Lebouf). The hillside is literally covered in craters where other adventurers had dug in the past, with a handful of other families out trying their luck. We trekked straight up the mountainside to try to find the best digging spot, completely bypassing the nice asphalt path that makes it stroller friendly. Other patrons were so friendly, showing off their finds, offering tips and one family even gifted us their homemade screen to sift dirt through as they were leaving the park!
We dug for about an hour and found handfuls of tiny, dime sized crystals. We hiked to top of the hill where the ground was a little more flat, so that we didn’t have to worry as much about a toddler rolling down the hill into a hole. Our kids insisted on bringing home any colorful rock that they were sure might be hiding quartz or diamonds (spoiler alert, they were just pretty rocks). We took a lunch break at one of the picnic tables, and set out for digging in a few other spots.
By the end, we were covered in dirt, with no real treasure to speak of, but had a great time.
One other thing to note is that there is no cell service there. So make sure you have your route home planned before you arrive. We did not, and ended up getting a little turned around, so we had to bypass our Philipsburg plans and head straight home.
Next time, I think we will make a point to camp or stay somewhere else. There are some great nearby attractions including Coolidge Ghost Town, Bannack Ghost Town, and Elkhorn Hot Springs.
About Crystal Park
Crystal Park is a unique 220-acre recreation area located in the Pioneer Mountains near Polaris, Montana.
Clear, white, gray and purple quartz crystals are scattered through the decomposed granite for budding rockhounds to find. Although most of the crystals have little value, they are a fun collector’s items.
The day use area is open June-November, with a $5 per vehicle fee.
What to Pack
Shovel: we found that having one large shovel, plus small hand shovels and trowels worked best.
Gloves: we didn’t wear gloves, and although it wasn’t a problem, next time I think would make the sorting and sifting a bit easier.
A bucket: gotta get those rocks, dirt, and the occasional crystal home somehow!
A sifter: Another family gave us a homemade sifter made of a couple 2x4’s and 1/4’ screen to help find smaller crystals. It worked great, and we ended up passing it along to another family before we left.
Lunch: it is a bit of a drive to the nearest anything, so pack a lunch and enjoy the picnic area.
Clothes: While it doesn’t hurt to wear long pants or closed toed shoes, the important thing is to have something to change into afterwards. We were so dusty, my entire vehicle has a permanent layer of dust now hiding in every corner.
