Last weekend, a couple from Billings, Montana, had an exciting experience hunting for “rubies” at Ruby Reservoir in southwest Montana. The pair had booked an Airbnb in Virginia City for a weekend getaway and decided to explore the reservoir. Ruby Reservoir, nestled between Ennis and Dillon in Madison County, offers a picturesque setting against the Tobacco Root Mountains, making it a hotspot for outdoor activities like fishing, boating, hiking, and garnet hunting.
The couple took a short drive from Virginia City to Ruby Reservoir, enjoying the scenic route and stopping for photos in the quaint town of Alder. Upon arrival at the reservoir, they found a sandy spot at the boat launch and began their gem-hunting adventure. Using an improvised pan made from a plastic cooler lid, they spent a couple of hours collecting tiny red garnets along the water’s edge.
Despite not having proper equipment like shovels or gold pans, the couple successfully gathered about 20 garnets, each about the size of coarse sea salt. They also received tips from locals to visit later in the summer when the water level is lower for better success. Overall, the experience of hunting for gemstones at Ruby Reservoir was described as fun, free, and enjoyable.
For those looking to feel like treasure hunters, a visit to Ruby Reservoir in southwest Montana is highly recommended. The experience of searching for gemstones in this hidden gem of a location promises to be a memorable and exciting adventure for nature lovers and gem enthusiasts alike.
Source
Photo credit kbulnewstalk.com
