Arkansas' 'Quartz Crystal Capital Of The World' Offers Breathtaking Mountain Views, Trails, And Mines

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Tucked away in west-central Arkansas' Ouachita Mountains, Mount Ida is a literal hidden gem, a tiny town that got its nickname — the "Quartz Crystal Capital of the World" — thanks to the abundance of crystal quartz mining operations in the area. Rock hounds from all over come in search of the perfect crystals, set against a backdrop of mountains covered in pine trees and nearby lakes.

Unlike the most scenic gold rush towns in California, Mount Ida's quartz rush took hold in the 1980s, peaking in 1987 when miners removed a whopping 44,000 pounds of crystal-clear rock. At the time, the Los Angeles Times attributed the crystal craze to New Ageism, writing, "belief in the power of crystals quickly translated into a multimillion-dollar industry for Arkansas, where 99% of the quartz in this country is mined." Formed millions of years ago, quartz veins, some up to 60 feet wide and hundreds of feet long, run through the nearby Ouachitas Mountains. Although commercial mining operations have since slowed down, remnants of the town's mining past can be seen everywhere.

As you drive into Mount Ida, you can't help but notice gem shops lining the roads. Rows of dusty mining sluice boxes (wooden troughs used to sift through mining remnants) display rocks and crystals sparkling in the sun. Stop at Jay's Crystal Bonanza for an array of crystals and rocks that would be at home in any museum, plus insider tips from the owner. But to see the magnitude of the area's crystal bounty, you need to start digging yourself.

With a population hovering around 1,000, Mount Ida has dozens of mines that are open to the public. Here, visitors can dig and chip for some of the highest quality crystals with their own hands. Visit Wegner Crystal Mines' "Crystal Forest," a 40-acre open-air mine (like a field), for jewelry-quality crystals and gorgeous views of the surrounding pine-dotted peaks. If you value quantity, visit Twin Creek Crystal Mine. Starting at $25, you can pick through already open pits. If you drop some more cash (up to several hundred dollars), the staff will open a quartz pocket with their backhoe, so your group can hand-mine a brand-new area.

Generally speaking, you pay a flat rate at mines in the area, sit and dig up treasures for hours, and keep what you find. "It's a wonderful way to connect with our planet and the miraculous offerings it provides," shared the proprietor of Crystals of Arkansas with the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism. "There is no prior experience or knowledge needed, so it can be a satisfying activity for the youngest and oldest members of the family." 

Be warned: Crystal mining is hard work. Your neck and shoulders will ache from hunching forward, and your hands dry out from sifting through soil and tailings. Make sure to wear old clothes, gardening gloves, a hat, and a bandana or something to keep dust out of your mouth and nose. Some visitors recommend bringing a gardening pad like this Gorilla Grip kneeling pad, while zealous quartz collectors suggest a wagon to transport your haul back to the parking area. 

You don't need to be a crystal fanatic to appreciate Mount Ida. The same mountains that hide an untold number of crystals brim with vista points and trails — many of which can be found in Arkansas' extensive Ouachita National Forest. Embark on the Crystal Vista Auto Tour Scenic Drive, a 25-mile drive that showcases some of the forest's most beautiful scenery, including 300-year-old trees in the Crystal Mountain Scenic Area. Allow about 2 hours and use this Forest Service brochure for guidance. 

For epic mountain views with a chance of crystal-spotting, hike appropriately-named Crystal Vista Trail. Approximately 1.8 miles (out and back), this 1.8-mile trail scales Gardner Mountain, leading to the site of a former mine. Hikers warn that the path goes straight up and that it's easy to slip on small stones during the descent. But the crystal hunting is next level. "The quartz is endless," enthused a hiker on AllTrails. "Dug 72 specimens and had the workout of a lifetime." The best time to find crystals is on a sunny day after a rain. The water washes the dirt away, making crystal chunks easier to see in the sunlight.

Visitors recommend staying overnight in Hot Springs and driving 45 minutes to Mount Ida. There are more accommodation options, and tired miners can soak in the bathhouse at Hot Springs National Park in the middle of the city.