Courtland Turquoise Mine (Full day Avalon Mine)

Experience a rare opportunity to step into an authentic turquoise mining landscape where individual digging is welcomed and history surrounds every trail. This guided journey leads through scenic terrain rich with colorful turquoise found in surface tailings, offering the chance to uncover gem quality pieces by hand. The hike requires steady effort at higher elevation, rewarding participants with sweeping desert views and direct connection to the land. Along the route you will encounter traces of early Native American life including ancient grinding sites and long used pathways that speak quietly of centuries of presence and tradition.

Discover a deeper story as the tour unfolds through historic mining areas where later settlers worked turquoise by hand and left behind modest structures and tools. Knowledgeable guides share insights into cultural heritage, mining history, and modern preservation challenges. Transportation, supplies, and support are thoughtfully provided so guests can focus on learning, exploring, and enjoying the experience. The day begins early and includes a meaningful stop at a nearby historic site to set the context for the region before continuing on to the mining area and returning together at the end of the journey.