Visit Bonanza This Year. Get Dirty and Have Fun Digging for Opals.
WORLD FAMOUS PRECIOUS OPAL MINES AND CLAIMS
The Bonanza Opal Mine is renowned for its fire opals. Since the early 1900s, the Virgin Valley has had a reputation for producing unique, world-class precious gemstones.
At Bonanza, you can dig for opals amidst the rugged beauty of the Virgin Valley in northern Nevada. Opal digging is a great family event, or just fun on your own. Besides opal digging, the mine is surrounded by fantastic high-desert landscape and wildlife, with plenty to do and explore for the outdoor enthusiast, rockhound, and adventurer.
Bonanza Opal Mines is easy to find. There's free camping near the mine and a hotel less than 30 miles from the Virgin Valley.
Come join us for a day or whole weekend.
- Dig for Opals -- Memorial Day through Labor Day
- Wednesday Through Sunda (weather permitting)
- Closed Monday and Tuesday
Our fee-digging material is fresh from our own mining operations and has not been screened!
RESERVATIONS ARE NOT NECESSARY!
We'll show you what to look for and how to find it. The only tool required is a small hand rake, which is available for rent or purchase at the digging site.
Call our friendly staff with your detailed questions. When we're open this season: (775) 941-0111; or any time of year: (775) 375-5955. We've got the answers you need!
Don't want to spend the time finding your own opals? We have dry opals ready for cutting, ranging in sizes and grades to suit your requirements! We also have wet opal for specimens. All opals can be purchased onsite.
Please bring cash or a checkbook—there is no electricity or cell reception at the mine itself, so we can't process debit/credit cards.