Apache Tears Trail (Perlite Caves)
Approximate — check official site before visiting
Popular hiking trail leading to perlite caves where Apache tears (black obsidian nodules) can be collected. Easy 1-mile hike from parking area off Highway 60 near Superior. Part of Tonto National Forest. Access may be restricted — the perlite mine area is private property with unstable ground and no trespassing signs posted. Tonto Recreation Day Pass required for vehicle parking.
🪨 What You Can Find Here
Obsidian (Apache Tears)
Also found at:
- No other locations listed yet
Perlite
Also found at:
- No other locations listed yet
📍 Nearby Locations in Arizona
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Opal Basin
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Petrified Forest BLM Area
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BLM land outside Petrified Forest National Park where limited petrified wood collecting is permitted for personal use. Check current BLM regulations.
⛏️ Recommended Gear
Make the most of your visit to Apache Tears Trail (Perlite Caves) with the right equipment.
Rock Hammer
The most essential rockhounding tool. Choose a hammer with both a flat striking face and a pointed pick end.
Typical: $25-45
Safety Glasses
Mandatory protective gear. Rock chips fly unpredictably when hammering.
Typical: $10-20
Chisel Set
Cold chisels in 3-4 sizes for precise extraction from matrix rock.
Typical: $15-30
Geologist's Pick
A heavier crack hammer for splitting hard rock. Essential for hard rock mining areas.
Typical: $35-60
Sifting Screen
Stackable mesh screens for sifting gravel and dirt. Essential for gem and fossil hunting.
Typical: $20-40
UV Flashlight
Long-wave UV light for finding fluorescent minerals and Yooperlites.
Typical: $15-35