Rockhounds-hounding : Rockhounds swap notes atop a mesa on the o6 .

30 people in attendance , with several outings taking place each week . Day adventures turned into three-day camping events as the buzz quickly spread throughout the rockhounding community that a new place opened its doors .

The excursions have attracted seasoned second- and third-generation rockhounds , globetrotters in search of new agates , folks from the gem and mineral show circuit , as well as casual rock collectors looking for good company and a nice hike . Kokernot agates have been described as the most diverse in color and pattern to be found anywhere .

It ’ s given the ranch new life with a steady stream of interest and a modest revenue .

The draw for rockhounds is more than the prospect of a good find . It ’ s also the assurance that they will meet likeminded people to enjoy the great outdoors . And the outdoors of the o6 really are great .

There ’ s something special about driving slowly on rough , unpaved ranch roads in a dusty caravan of excited rockhounds across land that ’ s seen few human visitors during the past century and a half . It ’ s a place to really get lost in . The only recognizable landmarks are distant landforms like Mitre Peak , the Glass Mountains , or Mount Locke on a clear day .

Other than the dirt road and occasional fence line , things look the same now as they did hundreds of years ago . The land bears undeniable signs of indigenous activity ; flakes of worked flint and other lithic scatters are hints of past inhabitants .

“ We ’ re not the first rockhounds hunting for these rocks ,” Aaron postured . “ There is evidence everywhere . Ancestors point us in the right direction ,” he said .

The hiking can be quite challenging for those who are game . A mesa top offers incredible views of distant mountains and a creek in the valley far below . Fresh mountain air and the privilege to access this private land create a bonding experience . But the campfires during the overnight trips really bring folks together .

The camping trips feature decadent menus that leave tired hikers happy and satisfied ,

spinning rockhound yarns around the campfire , and stargazing until they can ’ t stay awake any longer . The campsite is located at one of the historic round-up sites , and guests might be surprised to find plumbed restrooms and a fully equipped cowboy kitchen . The restful evenings are not unlike what the cowboys must have experienced after a long day gathering cattle on the range , grateful for a well-stocked chuckwagon , comfy bedroll and crisp night air .

Rockhounding and guided hikes signal a new era of ecotourism on the Kokernot . After dedicating a decade to ranch endeavors , James is hopeful about where Take-A-Hike is going . “ I ’ m still excited to be here ,” he said .

To find out more about hiking , camping , and rockhounding on the Kokernot o6 , visit TakeAHikeTexas . com . To see more examples of cut and polished o6 agates , visit the Texas Rockhounds Facebook page .