Our Story

One of my earliest memories is of walking across rocks in the Owens Valley looking for arrowheads with my grandmother.  I don't remember finding any, but I do remember the feeling of anticipation; the possibility that just around the next tuft of grass, or maybe half buried in the sand, would be a shiny black piece of obsidian chipped into an arrowhead by someone from a long time ago.

I grew up in Orange County, away from all of the fancy rocks.  In school I learned that there was a silver mine in nearby Silverado Canyon.  When I moved to the quaint rural community later on, it was only a matter of time until I discovered my first specimens of sulfide ores.

With the flame ignited, I eventually drifted farther north to Wrightwood, CA.  A gateway to the Mojave Desert, this location put me within reach of many new rockhounding opportunities.  By this time, I had acquired so many books on the geology of California that I had no problem getting going.  With access to agates, jaspers, geodes, and other gems that could be cut and polished, I began to fully succumb to my inherited addiction.  

All Picked Up is a continuation of the great American rockhounding tradition.  While Southern California is home to many wonderful and well-established rock clubs with invaluable information, it can be difficult to make meetings and trips on the calendar if you don't live in the area.  All Picked Up is here for those who desire a more personalized or on demand experience.  We adhere to the rules for rockhounds and only collect where it is legal and lawful to ensure that that rockhounding can be enjoyed in its fullest by all for years to come.

-Ryan Fawley

All Picked Up 2023