Ernst Quarries / Sharktooth Hill
The classic California Miocene site. Guided quarry access to the Round Mountain Silt still produces broad makos, tiger sharks, and the occasional megalodon.
Work the spoil and matrix slowly with hand tools, screening if allowed by the operator. The best material often comes from patient surface work, not frantic digging.
Access is through paid guided trips or private operator dig days near Bakersfield; reserve in advance.
Collect only through authorized tours or operators. This is not open casual public land collecting.
- Summer heat and no shade
- Dust and loose spoil
- Need to bring all water and tools
- Cloudy spring days are ideal — the quarry becomes dangerous and exhausting in peak summer heat
- Bring a soft brush and a small bag for matrix-rich finds that need prep at home
- The best day here is almost always the day after fresh spoil has been turned
Shark teeth findable here
Trophy = headline find · Rare = real score · Uncommon = some trips · Common = most trips.
Also findable here
The beachcomber's bonus round — what else the geology gives up.
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