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Meteorites Found in California: 269 Documented

California has 269 officially recognized meteorites5 witnessed falls and 264 finds. The largest, Owens Valley (Iron, IIIABiron meteorite — nickel-iron metal), weighed 192.8 kg. The record here spans 152 years — from Shingle Springs in 1869 to Coyote Dry Lake 351 in 2021.

233 ordinary chondrites16 carbonaceous chondrites15 iron meteorites3 meteorites1 ureilite1 martian meteorite
NameClassificationMassFell / FoundYearGPS
Owens ValleyIron, IIIAB192.8 kgFound191337.467, -118.000
BrucevilleL683 kgFound199838.295, -121.405
IvanpahIron, IIIAB58 kgFound188035.333, -115.317
Red RockIron, IIIAB47.6 kgFound197635.417, -117.917
NeedlesIron, IID45.3 kgFound196234.444, -114.832
Shingle SpringsIron, ungrouped39 kgFound186938.667, -120.933
San EmigdioH436 kgFound188736.000, -119.000
OcotilloIron, IAB-MG28.6 kgFound199032.833, -116.067
OrovilleIron, IIIAB24.5 kgFound189339.683, -121.633
Twentynine PalmsL19.7 kgFound194434.075, -116.017
LittlerockH619.1 kgFound197934.517, -117.983
Halloran SpringIron, IIIAB18.2 kgFound201935.427, -115.927
Pinto MountainsL617.9 kgFound195434.000, -115.783
NeenachL613.8 kgFound194834.800, -118.500
Danby Dry LakeH69 kgFound200034.217, -115.050
Canyon CityIron, IIIAB8.6 kgFound187540.900, -123.100
VenturaIron, IAB-ung7.7 kgFound195334.250, -119.300
Coyote Dry Lake 033H55.2 kgFound199935.056, -116.776
EssexH55 kgFound200234.612, -115.033
Coyote Dry Lake 349H64 kgFound201535.057, -116.768
North EdwardsL63 kgFound197635.055, -117.811
Cargo Muchacho MountainsCO32.9 kgFound200032.917, -114.767
Coyote Dry Lake 024H52.4 kgFound199935.072, -116.772
BorregoL62.1 kgFound193033.267, -116.383
Coyote Dry Lake 061H52.1 kgFound199935.052, -116.767
Grass FlatIron, IAB-MG2.1 kgFound197939.679, -120.949
WinterhavenHowardite2.1 kgFound32.950, -114.667
ChuckwallaIron, IAB-MG1.8 kgFound199235.250, -118.091
Nova 062L51.5 kgFound2016withheld
Surprise SpringsIron, IAB-sLL1.5 kgFound189934.167, -115.917
Coyote Dry Lake 115H5-61.4 kgFound199935.059, -116.769
Coyote Dry Lake 064H51.4 kgFound199935.058, -116.774
Ivanpah Dry LakeH41.1 kgFound201435.486, -115.341
Cleghorn LakesLL31.1 kgFound201834.257, -115.786
Sutter's MillC993 gFell201238.804, -120.908
Rosamond Dry LakeL850 gFound194034.833, -118.067
Chocolate MountainsUreilite699 gFound200433.012, -114.867
Los AngelesMartian (shergottite)698 gFound1999withheld
CrestonL6688 gFell201535.570, -120.472
IndioH5566 gFound201333.772, -116.139
Willow WashH3.5552 gFound200635.374, -115.344
Coyote Dry Lake 223L6512 gFound200435.038, -116.758
Lake Los AngelesH6445 gFound201334.647, -117.811
Coyote Dry Lake 067L6412 gFound199935.038, -116.753
Coyote Dry Lake 054H5393 gFound199935.077, -116.747
Stewart Valley 009LL5375 gFound200336.176, -116.159
Coyote Dry Lake 040H4344 gFound199935.094, -116.763
Coyote Dry Lake 001H5338 gFound199535.050, -116.767
Superstition MountainH5333 gFound200032.871, -115.782
NovatoL6314 gFell201238.109, -122.611
Superior Valley 020L6308 gFound200335.239, -117.026
Dale Dry LakeL3.7300 gFound195734.083, -115.783
Coyote Dry Lake 351H5292 gFound202135.076, -116.748
Coyote Dry Lake 338H6282 gFound201335.057, -116.771
Coyote Dry Lake 080H5278 gFound199935.074, -116.761
El Mirage Dry Lake 004LL6271 gFound201134.658, -117.599
San Bernardino WashL5258 gFound201034.001, -115.730
Coyote Dry Lake 003H5256 gFound199835.088, -116.754
Muroc Dry LakeL6223 gFound193634.917, -117.833
Cargo Muchacho Mountains (c)L4219 gFound202032.922, -114.767
Silver Dry Lake 001L4219 gFound200035.373, -116.125
Zulu QueenL3.7200 gFound197633.983, -115.683
Coyote Dry Lake 176H6187.6 gFound200335.055, -116.730
Lake Los Angeles (b)L6177.3 gFound201434.641, -117.801
Harper Dry Lake 007H5166.7 gFound200035.050, -117.264
Coyote Dry Lake 117H3162 gFound199935.050, -116.744
Robbers RoostH4161 gFound202035.555, -118.027
Paymaster MineL5159 gFound200433.187, -114.918
Superior Valley 002L6145 gFound200035.224, -117.114
Coyote Dry Lake 129H5140 gFound200035.069, -116.750
Valley WellsL6129.9 gFound192935.467, -115.667
Cuddeback Dry Lake 023H5123 gFound198635.325, -117.480
Harper Dry Lake 019L6118.7 gFound200735.040, -117.273
Coyote Dry Lake 134H5117.5 gFound200035.093, -116.761
Superior Valley 009L6116.4 gFound200135.236, -117.044
RandsburgL5112.9 gFound200535.401, -117.666
Coyote Dry Lake 002H5-6106.7 gFound199835.048, -116.731
Lucerne Valley 044L6106.2 gFound200434.484, -116.961
Cuddeback Dry Lake 007L496.7 gFound200035.311, -117.453
Cuddeback Dry Lake 002L695 gFound200035.276, -117.478
Harper Dry Lake 003L695 gFound199935.042, -117.308
Coyote Dry Lake 151H690 gFound200135.056, -116.724
Harper Dry Lake 036L685.5 gFound201035.033, -117.283
Coyote Dry Lake 235LL681.4 gFound200435.056, -116.734
Superior Valley 006H678.5 gFound200135.239, -117.027
Superior Valley 008L677.4 gFound200135.236, -117.044
Coyote Dry Lake 160H576.9 gFound200235.062, -116.763
Stewart Valley 001H675.6 gFound200136.206, -116.170
Coyote Dry Lake 249H471.8 gFound200435.088, -116.746
Nova 064H570.9 gFound2016withheld
Coyote Dry Lake 110H468 gFound199935.046, -116.735
Coyote Dry Lake 063H467.6 gFound199935.059, -116.773
Superior Valley 007L667.2 gFound200135.238, -117.033
Superior Valley 003H665.6 gFound200135.247, -117.100
JohannesburgH463 gFound201235.378, -117.637
Sheephole ValleyH462.1 gFound199934.125, -115.563
Coyote Dry Lake 105H561.5 gFound199935.051, -116.767
SomesbarH660 gFound197741.383, -123.500
San Juan CapistranoH656 gFell197333.485, -117.662
Coyote Dry Lake 221H454.3 gFound200335.057, -116.721
Stewart Valley 014LL454.3 gFound200336.198, -116.180
Blackhawk Mountain (b)L652.4 gFound201634.413, -116.773
SunfairL649.8 gFound200634.189, -116.231
Stewart Valley 011H649.6 gFound200336.210, -116.168
Coyote Dry Lake 276H647.2 gFound200635.071, -116.772
Silurian Dry LakeLL643.8 gFound200035.518, -116.176
Lucerne Valley 120L643.1 gFound201034.484, -116.950
Coyote Dry Lake 164H543 gFound200235.058, -116.774
Coyote Dry Lake 165L642.6 gFound200235.069, -116.762
Old Dominion MineH442 gFound200034.860, -116.221
Stewart Valley 010H541.7 gFound200336.185, -116.143
Cuddeback Dry Lake 004H640 gFound200035.302, -117.460
Harper Dry Lake 018H639.7 gFound200735.042, -117.275
Stewart Valley 016H639.1 gFound200636.220, -116.190
Superior Valley 022H538.9 gFound200435.237, -117.016
Lucerne Valley 045L638.6 gFound200434.487, -116.965
Lucerne Valley 004L637.4 gFound196334.500, -116.950
Harper Dry Lake 004LL337 gFound199935.055, -117.303
Coyote Dry Lake 175H636.3 gFound200235.055, -116.754
Cuddeback Dry Lake 005H535 gFound200035.312, -117.453
Superior Valley 005H632.9 gFound200135.238, -117.037
Cuddeback Dry Lake 001L632.5 gFound199935.296, -117.467
Coyote Dry Lake 142H432.2 gFound200035.067, -116.749
Emerson Dry LakeL632 gFound200634.441, -116.413
Cuddeback Dry Lake 021L631.7 gFound200435.300, -117.460
Lucerne Valley 090L530.7 gFound200734.488, -116.978
Lucerne Valley 047L630.4 gFound200434.486, -116.974
Stewart Valley 002L628.9 gFound200136.208, -116.169
Lucerne Valley 006H426.9 gFound196334.500, -116.950
Superior Valley 010L426.3 gFound200135.236, -117.043
Chicago ValleyL526 gFound200436.002, -116.196
Harper Dry Lake 006H626 gFound199935.047, -117.308
Harper Dry Lake 005H624 gFound199935.051, -117.302
Cuddeback Dry Lake 017H623.1 gFound200835.285, -117.483
Coyote Dry Lake 222L522.5 gFound200435.040, -116.756
Cuddeback Dry Lake 029H422.2 gFound200835.296, -117.472
Cargo Muchacho Mountains (b)H421.3 gFound200932.921, -114.765
Coyote Dry Lake 277H521.3 gFound200635.074, -116.764
Lucerne Valley 025H421 gFound200334.511, -116.935
Blackhawk MountainH420.2 gFound201234.415, -116.789
Rabbit Dry LakeL620 gFound200034.446, -117.011
Cuddeback Dry Lake 028L519.5 gFound200835.296, -117.472
Cuddeback Dry Lake 009H519 gFound200035.318, -117.467
Coyote Dry Lake 120H518.5 gFound199935.059, -116.769
Lucerne Valley 020H618.4 gFound200234.492, -116.943
MurocL18.4 gFound193634.917, -117.833
Red Canyon LakeH518.4 gFell200738.137, -119.758
Coyote Dry Lake 138H518.3 gFound200035.053, -116.766
Nova 063H518.3 gFound2016withheld
Cuddeback Dry Lake 008L618 gFound200035.283, -117.483
Coyote Dry Lake 159H517.7 gFound200135.059, -116.769
Coyote Dry Lake 132H417.4 gFound200035.070, -116.748
Coyote Dry Lake 155H417 gFound200135.068, -116.769
Coyote Dry Lake 163H516.7 gFound200235.070, -116.770
Lucerne Valley 022LL416.5 gFound200234.491, -116.950
Silver Dry Lake 002H616.5 gFound200035.344, -116.115
Coyote Dry Lake 230H616.4 gFound200435.090, -116.750
Harper Dry Lake 017H616.4 gFound200735.041, -117.275
Troy Dry LakeL616.3 gFound201734.809, -116.551
Coyote Dry Lake 275H416.2 gFound200635.051, -116.767
Lucerne Valley 001L615.8 gFound196334.500, -116.950
Superior Valley 026L415.8 gFound200635.236, -117.046
Superior Valley 004L615.3 gFound200135.235, -117.100
Sunfair 002H514.6 gFound201334.191, -116.236
Coyote Dry Lake 121H414.2 gFound199935.059, -116.769
Buckhorn LakeH414.1 gFound200834.814, -118.003
Lucerne Valley 013L514 gFound199234.500, -116.950
Coyote Dry Lake 153H513.9 gFound200135.074, -116.764
Coyote Dry Lake 334LL313.6 gFound201335.069, -116.752
Lucerne Valley 057L613.1 gFound200534.486, -116.973
El Mirage Dry Lake 002H413 gFound200134.647, -117.581
Harper Dry Lake 001LL313 gFound199935.051, -117.307
Lucerne Valley 017L612.8 gFound199934.500, -116.950
Lucerne Valley 091H412.7 gFound200734.481, -116.979
HinkleyH412.6 gFound202134.985, -117.133
Harper Dry Lake 008H612.5 gFound200035.052, -117.261
Lucerne Valley 015LL612.5 gFound199834.510, -116.956
Harper Dry Lake 002H612 gFound199935.051, -117.301
Lucerne Valley 032CK411.9 gFound200434.490, -116.950
Harper Dry Lake 029H611.6 gFound200835.046, -117.267
Coyote Dry Lake 339H411.4 gFound201335.056, -116.776
RosamondLL311.1 gFound201234.828, -118.146
Coyote Dry Lake 152H510.8 gFound200135.056, -116.724
Cuddeback Dry Lake 011L610.7 gFound200035.276, -117.479
Cuddeback Dry Lake 010L510.5 gFound200035.311, -117.455
Coyote Dry Lake 139H410.4 gFound200035.053, -116.765
Lucerne Valley 046L610.3 gFound200434.487, -116.974
Cuddeback Dry Lake 019L610.1 gFound200835.305, -117.458
Lucerne Valley 029CK410.1 gFound200334.487, -116.956
Coyote Dry Lake 162H59.9 gFound200235.078, -116.768
Stewart Valley 018H69.9 gFound200736.206, -116.178
Coyote Dry Lake 341H49.7 gFound201335.073, -116.755
RidgecrestH59.7 gFound195835.583, -117.567
Lucerne Valley 049L69.2 gFound200434.485, -116.961
Superior Valley 032H59.1 gFound201435.237, -117.100
Cuddeback Dry Lake 018H48.5 gFound200835.286, -117.483
Lucerne Valley 023L67.6 gFound200234.491, -116.950
Coyote Dry Lake 274H47.5 gFound200635.059, -116.769
Cuddeback Dry Lake 003L67.5 gFound200035.292, -117.471
Lucerne Valley 003H67.5 gFound196334.500, -116.950
Lucerne Valley 096L57.3 gFound200834.487, -116.956
Coyote Dry Lake 318H57.2 gFound200935.075, -116.750
El Mirage Dry Lake 003H66.9 gFound201034.634, -117.562
Lucerne Valley 050H46.8 gFound200534.487, -116.958
Stewart Valley 003H46.8 gFound200136.212, -116.168
Lucerne Valley 097CK46.5 gFound200834.486, -116.957
Lucerne Valley 010H46.4 gFound196534.500, -116.950
Lucerne Valley 124H56.4 gFound201434.510, -116.935
Lucerne Valley 123H46.3 gFound201434.510, -116.936
Coyote Dry Lake 130H46.1 gFound200035.068, -116.749
Lucerne Valley 051L56 gFound200334.525, -116.953
Lucerne Valley 002LL45.8 gFound196334.500, -116.950
Lucerne Valley 026L55.6 gFound200334.500, -116.942
Stewart Valley 021H55.6 gFound201336.213, -116.191
Lucerne Valley 040L65.2 gFound200434.492, -116.943
Lucerne Valley 007OC4.8 gFound196334.500, -116.950
Coyote Dry Lake 116H64.4 gFound199935.058, -116.769
Harper Dry Lake 037L64.4 gFound201435.052, -117.318
Sheephole Valley 002L44.4 gFound199934.125, -115.563
Lucerne Valley 030CK44.1 gFound200434.487, -116.958
Lucerne Valley 016L54.1 gFound199834.513, -116.951
ImperialH44 gFound190832.867, -115.583
Lucerne Valley 101CK44 gFound200834.486, -116.956
Lucerne Valley 093L63.9 gFound200734.489, -116.979
Lucerne Valley 021H63.9 gFound200234.493, -116.947
Lucerne Valley 019L63.9 gFound200234.489, -116.950
Lucerne Valley 011L63.8 gFound196834.500, -116.950
Lucerne Valley 094CK53.5 gFound200834.487, -116.961
Coyote Dry Lake 319H53.4 gFound200635.076, -116.765
Lucerne Valley 014L53.4 gFound199834.501, -116.965
Superior Valley 001H53.4 gFound200035.254, -117.110
Lucerne Valley 031CK43.2 gFound200434.487, -116.958
Coyote Dry Lake 119H53.2 gFound199935.038, -116.753
Lucerne Valley 099CK53.2 gFound200834.487, -116.961
Lucerne Valley 005L63.1 gFound196334.500, -116.950
Lucerne Valley 027L63.1 gFound200334.487, -116.953
Lucerne Valley 009H43 gFound196534.500, -116.950
Lucerne Valley 028CK43 gFound200334.487, -116.956
Stewart Valley 022LL62.8 gFound201336.199, -116.177
Superior Valley 013L52.7 gFound200235.233, -117.039
Superior Valley 018H52.7 gFound200235.237, -117.039
Lucerne Valley 024L62.7 gFound200334.496, -116.947
Lucerne Valley 089L52.6 gFound200734.490, -116.981
Superior Valley 011H62.5 gFound200135.236, -117.043
Lucerne Valley 036CK42.5 gFound200434.488, -116.956
Lucerne Valley 122H52.3 gFound201234.515, -116.937
Lucerne Valley 048H42.3 gFound200434.487, -116.958
Lucerne Valley 042L62.2 gFound200434.486, -116.964
Lucerne Valley 008H42 gFound196434.500, -116.950
Superior Valley 014Acapulcoite1.8 gFound200235.236, -117.042
Lucerne Valley 043L41.8 gFound200434.485, -116.963
Cuddeback Dry Lake 013H41.6 gFound200835.312, -117.453
El Mirage Dry Lake 001H51.5 gFound200034.654, -117.596
Lucerne Valley 098CK41.5 gFound200834.487, -116.956
Coyote Dry Lake 194L61.5 gFound200435.088, -116.753
Lucerne Valley 012H61.2 gFound196834.500, -116.950
Goldstone Dry LakeH61.1 gFound199935.373, -116.908
Lucerne Valley 095CK51.1 gFound200834.487, -116.959
Lucerne Valley 018H61 gFound200234.488, -116.949
Lucerne Valley 035CK40.9 gFound200434.487, -116.958
Lucerne Valley 037CK40.9 gFound200434.489, -116.952
Lucerne Valley 058L60.9 gFound200634.511, -116.940
Lucerne Valley 041L60.8 gFound200434.490, -116.943
Lucerne Valley 100CK50.8 gFound200834.487, -116.961
Cuddeback Dry Lake 012H50.7 gFound200235.312, -117.453
Lucerne Valley 092H50.6 gFound200734.481, -116.953
Cuddeback Dry Lake 006H60.5 gFound200035.312, -117.453
Goose LakeIron, IAB-sLLFound193841.980, -120.542
Old WomanIron, IIABFound197634.467, -115.233

Reading the classifications

H, L, LL (ordinary chondrites)

The most common meteorites — stony, with visible metal flecks. H = high iron content, L = low, LL = very low. The digit (3–6) says how much the parent asteroid heated it: 3 is the most pristine.

Carbonaceous chondrites (CM, CV, CO…)

Primitive, carbon-bearing stones that predate the planets — some carry water-bearing minerals and amino acids. Fragile and rare on the ground.

Irons (IAB, IIIAB…)

Solid nickel-iron from the shattered cores of asteroids. Dense, magnetic, and the easiest meteorites to recognize — most of the biggest US finds are irons.

Pallasites & mesosiderites (stony-irons)

The showpieces: pallasites are gem-quality olivine suspended in polished metal, from the core-mantle boundary of destroyed asteroids.

Achondrites (eucrite, howardite…)

Volcanic rocks from bodies large enough to melt — most trace to the asteroid Vesta; the rarest are from the Moon and Mars.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many meteorites have been found in California?

269 meteorites from California are officially recognized in the scientific record — 5 witnessed falls and 264 finds. The largest is Owens Valley at 192.8 kg.

Can I hunt for meteorites in California?

On BLM-managed public land, casual collecting is legal without a permit: surface finds, up to 10 lb per person per year, personal use only. National parks prohibit all collecting, and on private land the meteorite belongs to the landowner. Always verify land status before hunting.

How do I know if a rock is a meteorite?

Quick field checks: meteorites are unusually dense, most attract a magnet (iron-nickel content), fresh ones have a thin black fusion crust, and many show regmaglypts (thumbprint-like depressions). Slag and magnetite are the common false alarms.

⚠️ Always verify current regulations, weather conditions, and access requirements before visiting any location. Information provided is based on community submissions and may not be current or accurate.

Coordinates are historical find locations from the scientific record, often approximate — not guaranteed collecting spots; verify land status and permissions before hunting. Source of record: Meteoritical Bulletin Database (Meteoritical Society).