Rockhounding.org

Bel Air Ridge

San Diego County, California
Directions
Next site in CaliforniaRancho Del Rey · 1 mi

Can I collect here?

Pro
See who owns this land and whether it is claimedPro shows the owner, the claim on this spot and every claim within a mile.
Read the collecting rules by land type

Based on our latest records, with claims updated from the BLM on Oct 3, 2026. Land and claims can change quickly, so check before you go.

Minerals on record here

1 mineral

Recorded here: fossil.

Nearby sites

All of California
1 miRancho Del ReyFossil2 miSDNHM 3158CFossil4 miSDSNH 3550Fossil

More fossil sites in California

See them all

More sites in California

View all California sites
The Market

New on the Market

Native American arrowheadNative American arrowhead$20cubedmoons3Browse the Market

Found something here? List it for sale

About Bel Air Ridge

Bel Air Ridge is a fossil collection site in San Diego, California, cataloged in the Paleobiology Database. Fossils here come from the San Diego Formation, dated to the Piacenzian (3.6–2.58 million years ago). The depositional environment is recorded as offshore shelf. Documented finds include Herpetocetus morrowi.

Geologic setting

Formation
San Diego
Geologic interval
Piacenzian
Age
3.6–2.58 Ma
Depositional environment
offshore shelf
Recorded occurrences
1
Geology notes

shoreface to middle shelf

Locality notes

Chula Vista

Fossils found here

Herpetocetus morrowi
Mammalia · Cetotheriidae

Records and references

Data: Paleobiology Database collection 154930 (CC BY 4.0) — view the source record

Getting there

No directions yet.

How hard is it?

Getting there
– / 5
Finding anything
– / 5
Votes
0

Trip reports

No trip reports yet.

Questions about Bel Air Ridge

Can you collect at Bel Air Ridge?

It depends on who owns the land and whether a mining claim covers it. BLM land usually allows hand collecting for personal use, national parks allow none, and private land needs the owner’s permission. Pro members see the owner and any claims at this spot.

What minerals are found at Bel Air Ridge?

Fossil.

Comments

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

No comments yet.

What to bring

The whole kit
  • Estwing E3-22P Rock PickThe industry-standard 22oz geological hammer. One-piece forged steel with shock-reduction grip.See it on AmazonCompare picks
  • Clear Anti-Fog Safety Glasses (4 Pack)Adjustable, anti-fog lenses for clear vision in any conditions.See it on AmazonCompare picks
  • Watertight Medical KitCompact, waterproof first aid kit with bandages, moleskin, and field essentials.See it on AmazonCompare picks
  • Southwest Treasure Hunter's Gem and Mineral GuideWhether you're digging for the first time or are an experienced rockhound or "prospector," with a simple rock hammer and...See it on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Source: Paleobiology Database.