Through the several Gold Rushes and the still-active mines, the United States of America has become the most sought-after destinations worldwide for beginner and expert prospectors alike. Not all states yield the same possibilities of finding gold, yet some nuggets and flakes can be found in several locations if you know where to head to on your trip.
The nine best states for gold panning include Nevada, Arizona, California, Colorado, Alaska, South Dakota, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and New Mexico. Other locations include Arizona and Wyoming. However, there are locations within those States that offer better chances of finding gold than others.
Read on to start planning your next gold prospecting trip.
Table of Contents
California
California is undoubtedly the most sought-after destination for prospectors worldwide. Since the initial Gold Rush that has put this country on the maps of gold hunters in 1848, thousands of prospectors, gold seekers, and pioneers have flooded the cities of this state.
The California Gold Rush that started with the exploration of Sutter’s Mill is arguably the most critical gold discovery in the US. Years later, the first gold prospectors arrived in California, the United States of America is still one of the leading producers of gold worldwide.
The history of gold prospecting and mining in California is extensive and intricate, and many political, cultural, and environmental factors have weighed on it throughout the years. Today, the state still boasts some mines in operations, while others have stopped producing gold once the reserves were exploited.
However, the rivers flowing through California still present attractive characteristics for the modern gold prospectors. Indeed, beginners and experts can join a tour of one of the mines and then try panning for gold in the surrounding area under the supervision of expert prospectors.
At the same time, it is possible to enjoy a camping weekend in one of the beautiful natural areas surrounding the cities and try your best without having to undertake a tour. However, before heading to any state location, it is recommendable to get in touch with the authorities.
Indeed, many of the best gold panning locations in California fall under private lands or national parks, which are not entirely open to prospectors. While you can still practice your skills, you might need to obtain a permit for that location or ask permission from the landowner.
Additionally, once you have decided where you would like to go, you should invest in an in-depth guide of that specific site such as the Gold Panning California: A Guide to the Area’s Best Sites for Gold. This step is essential to better understand the geology and history of the location and become familiar with the regulations in place on that prospecting site.
Best Gold Mining Locations In California
The best locations for gold panning in California are scattered across the state. However, to increase your chances of finding gold while in this state, you should head to the Mother Lode Country. This famous location is also known as the gold region of California and extends through the north-central part of the state.
The area covers a surface of around 150 miles (241km) and is located on the western mountains of the Sierra Nevada Range.
In the region, you will find historical gold-producing locations and mines. Among these, you should not miss out on a visit to the town of Coloma, where the initial discovery of gold happened. The area has never stopped producing gold, so you can practice your skills while learning more about California’s gold history.
Another prospecting area in which you can attempt to pan for gold is around the Sacramento River and its tributaries. These produce gold yearly since the high waters replenish the deposits already mined. Even in this case, every creek and stream if potentially gold-bearing, yet not all of them have been explored. Therefore, with a little patience, you can find gold in a less-known location.
Lastly, it is crucial to keep in mind that, while not many prospectors head there, the Southern part of the state is also gold-bearing. Indeed, deposits have been found in several locations, but this area is still not as popular as the northern or central parts of the state. If you wish to have a more private prospecting experience, the San Gabriel Mountains area and San Bernardino County can be an excellent alternative.
Nevada
While California has become famous among prospectors for its gold-related history and culture, Nevada is today the first and largest producer of gold in the United States. The state has been subjected to several minor Gold Rushes starting from 1849. Indeed, what truly put Nevada on the map was the 1961 discovery of gold.
Today, the State of Nevada boasts several mines that are still producing gold, while others have ceased operations in the past. However, the state has become internationally famous for a particular mine today known as the Carlin Trend deposit. Unlike any other mine in the states, the gold found in this mine is nicknamed “invisible gold.” This is because it comes in the form of extremely fine particles invisible to the human eye.
However, after the first geologist was able to recover quantities of it, a new way of prospecting for gold has opened up worldwide, leading the way for further experiments and tests. Today, the Carlin Trend is one of the mines that produce the most gold on an international scale. Unfortunately for beginner prospectors, such gold cannot be retrieved with just a pan.
Where To Find Gold In Nevada
However, the state is rich in gold-bearing areas that are also free and accessible to all-level prospectors. Indeed, the vast public lands that can be found in Nevada have made it a preferred destination over other states.
While it is always recommendable to speak to the authorities and acquire the necessary information, you won’t need as many permits as you would in other locations.
There are two factors to keep in mind if you are thinking about a prospecting trip to Nevada. Firstly, the gold to be found in rivers and creeks comes in its fine form. This means that you might need to refine your skills to see the results you were hoping for.
Secondly, there are few sources of water available, and most public land areas open to prospectors are away from creeks, streams, or rivers. Hence, many gold seekers prefer to use metal detectors instead.
Nonetheless, some locations in Nevada are perfect for panning for gold. Some of these are located within Humboldt County. Here you can find Rebel Creek, the Dutch Flats, and Varyville, all gold-bearing locations that are reported to produce larger gold nuggets.
Alternatively, you could opt to visit Elko County, where you can find several grounds that are ideal for panning. Other options to ensure your visit pays off include:
- Mountain City
- Alder District
- Aura District
- Charleston District
- Bruneau River
- Hammond and Coleman Canyons
- Van Duzer District
- Pershing County
- Nye County
These districts and locations are only some examples of the type of gold prospecting ground you will find in Nevada. There are also some other areas boasting incredible gold-bearing potentials, yet these might be inaccessible due to their location, wilderness, lack of facilities, or harsh climate.
Alaska
Alaska is the perfect destination for those prospectors who undertake this activity to enjoy a house outdoors while experiencing the excitement of finding “color” in their pans.
Due to the rich gold history of this country, the stunning scenery, and the unspoiled wilderness, Alaska is one of the destinations on any prospector’s bucket list.
Several areas of Alaska – such as Nome – have been mined and explored for years. However, this does not mean that those locations have been exploited. Indeed, several creeks and rivers in the central part of the country have never been searched for gold thoroughly or adequately. Therefore, it is not unlikely for modern prospectors to find nuggets on their outings.
Many prospectors, encouraged by the rising price of gold, have been heading to Alaska in search of the yellow metal. This trend has made some of the districts of Alaska particularly busy and dynamic.
However, there are some limitations that you have to consider before heading to Alaska. Firstly, the state regulations make prospecting and mining in many areas accessible and convenient for many prospectors.
Additionally, many of the rivers and creeks in the areas surrounding the cities are gold-bearing.
At the same time, the road access to these locations is limited, and there are no facilities nearby such areas. Therefore, while equipped miners might have an easier time traveling through the Alaskan tundra, a normal prospector should evaluate their skills before attempting such a trip.
Indeed, if you have just started in the world of prospecting or you are not confident in your skills, you should opt for other alternatives presented by the state.
In any case, visitors should keep in mind that other miners already claim the majority of the prospecting locations and areas. This means that even if you get the chance to prospect for gold in a specific place, you might not be able to claim the rights over the gold found.
More comfortable and more accessible alternatives include those areas that have been set aside and protected by the government for recreational prospectors and tourists to enjoy. These are often open only in summer, and, in some instances, you might still need the right permissions to prospect for gold with a pan.
Easy Panning Locations In Alaska
If you prefer to pan for gold in a more comfortable environment, the city of Fairbanks offers excellent opportunities for you to join a tour and try your hand at panning for gold. One of the main benefits of this choice is the guidance you will receive from an expert prospector.
Alternatively, the nearby Nome Creek can represent an exciting challenge even for expert prospectors. In this case, you should keep in mind that road access is limited and facilities non-existent.
Barely listing every location in which to pan for gold in Alaska can be a tricky endeavor, mainly as some have not yet been found, and some are inaccessible. However, it is highly recommendable to purchase a relevant guide before your trip.
If you are looking for more advice on where to find gold in Alaska, make sure to check out my extensive guide to gold-bearing locations in Alaska!
Arizona
Another one of the best states to go gold prospecting in America is Arizona. Aside from the fascinating wildlife that populates this state, the mild climate of winter makes it the perfect location to prospect for gold comfortably.
When heading to Arizona for your gold prospecting trip, there are some factors that you should keep in mind. Firstly, Arizona is an arid state, which means that the water sources for your panning process will be scarce. Prospectors have the option to opt for a metal detector instead of finding alternative ways to pass water onto the pan.
Additionally, Arizona is famously one of the most gold-bearing grounds in the United States. As gold prices started to rise in the past few years, many prospectors have returned to the state and filed several claims. This means that, while the grounds are gold-bearing, there are only limited areas in which you will be able to prospect for gold.
Therefore, if you have decided on where you would like to go to Arizona, you should get in touch with the relevant local authorities and understand what regulations and limitations are in place.
Best Gold Locations in Arizona
Here are some of the best locations to pan for gold in Arizona. However, in some cases, prospecting with just a pan might not be enough. For panning only, you should stick to the locations where there is at least a river or creek flowing through:
- The Wickenburg Mountains
- The Hassayampa River
- Yavapai County
- Cave Creek area
- The Agua Fria River
- Mohave County
- Yuma County
- Maricopa County
- The Bighorn Mountains
- Cochise County
- Prescott – Lynx Cree
Check out what to (perhaps) expect from panning in this region through the video below!
Idaho
Idaho might not be the first state prospectors think about for their next prospecting trip, but it boasts some unique benefits that you should not ignore.
Firstly, over half of the whole state is public land, where you can explore and prospect for gold without further permits or permissions.
Before heading to such locations, you should always check whether BLM or the Forest Service manages a particular piece of land. However, Idaho boasts many gold-bearing sites scattered around the country. At the same time, there are still several creeks and rivers which are accessible but have not been explored for gold yet.
Indeed, the state of Idaho also boasts a rich gold-related history, starting from the first discovery in 1862 in the Boise Basin. While later than other countries, Idaho witnessed several Gold Rushes through history and created many mining towns that would not have existed without such gold rushes.
Gold-bearing districts such as Elmore County, Owyhee County, Silver City, and the Silver Valley Mining District can be found across the country. While not all of them yield the same potential, they are all pleasantly accessible even by beginner gold prospectors.
Lastly, remember to carry all the necessary supplies, first-aid kits, and equipment with you when deciding to go on an exploration. The wilderness of Idaho can be peaceful, but it can extend for long distances.
Colorado
Colorado is undeniably one of the best states in which to prospect for gold.
Its rich history and records of the gold found here is an additional encouragement for any prospector to visit this area. Today, the state is one of the leading producers of gold in the United States, and mines are still operational across the regions.
While the first gold was found in the State of Colorado in 1807, it was not until 1858 that Pikes Peak’s discovery led to the first significant Gold Rush in the state. Since then, the industry of gold has been developing and enlarging, and today it represents one of the main contributors to Colorado’s economy.
If you are looking for the best areas to pan for gold in Colorado, you should keep in mind that the climate in the state can be dry and arid. The sources of water will be scarce in some locations, making the use of a gold pan unsuitable.
However, here are some of the gold-bearing locations in the state:
- Summit County
- Breckenridge District
- Arapahoe Bar
- Blue River
- Swan River
- Frisco District
- Park County
- Cache Creek
- South Platte River
- Mosquito Mountains
- Fairplay Prospecting Park
- Gilpin County
- Clear Creeks
Oregon
Oregon is another state that can satisfy all of your prospecting needs. The first discoveries of gold-bearing grounds in Oregon started in 1851, just a few years after the significant Gold Rush in California. During those times, impressive deposits were found around Josephine Creek and its tributaries, creeks, and streams.
Since then, other deposits were then found along the beaches of the state, in particular in the one that today is named Gold Beach. In the weeks after, many prospectors and gold seekers arrived in Oregon, looking at finding gold.
Gold Bearing Locations In Oregon
Today, instead, there are two significant regions that gold prospectors should consider when picking their destinations:
- Eastern Oregon
- Southwest Oregon – near the border with California
However, more specifically, you head to Josephine County. This area is the one in which gold was originally found, and it has been productive ever since. Starting your trip from here can give you optimal chances of finding some gold. Alternatively, Douglas County boasts gold-bearing grounds around Cow Creek or Myrtle Creek.
Another area to visit in Oregon in Jackson County. Here is where the Gold Rush moved towards after the initial gold deposits were found. Nearby, you can visit the Applegate River and the famous Elk Creek. However, don’t limit yourself to these options. Gold can be found in the majority of rivers and creeks in the area, so you will need to identify the best location for you.
Other parts of Oregon are also gold-bearing grounds, but there are established mines nearby. This makes it more challenging for prospectors to visit such areas. Additionally, some mines are located further away from the courses of rivers and creeks. Therefore you might not be able to use your gold pan at all in such locations.
Montana
Within the ten states producing the most gold in the United States, Montana can represent an excellent destination for prospectors. The state has one of the richest mining and prospecting history in the world.
The Gold Rush in Montana started just after 1852, but the state did not experience an actual influx of gold seekers until 1862 when gold in Grasshopper Creek was discovered.
Following the discovery, several towns were built, among which Bannack (today is known as Dillon, Montana). Just a few weeks after the first metal discovery, hundreds of gold seekers arrived in the state. As the explorations continued, an increasing number of deposits were identified, among which the sizeable gold-bearing ground near Virginia City (Alder Gulch).
Where To Look For Gold In Montana
Since the original discovery of gold hundreds of years ago, more deposits have been identified, and private miners and companies have also claimed more lands. However, if you are interested in finding the best locations to prospect in Montana, you should head to the western side. Indeed, here the geological and climate conditions are favorable enough to replenish the deposits mined.
Among the best ones to start your search are:
- The creeks surrounding Virginia City
- The Columbia River – near the Clark fork and the city of Butte
- Confederate Gulch
- Ottawa District
- Missouri River
When prospecting in these areas, it is suggestable to get in touch with the relevant authorities before starting your panning operations. Indeed, as we have seen above, many of the land in Montana have been claimed over the years. You should speak to the local BLM department to avoid panning in private property or another prospector’s claim. They will be able to supply topographic maps and indications on the necessary permits.
New Mexico
New Mexico, just like in the case of other states in the US, does not yield particularly high quantities of gold. The amount of gold produced here is much lower than nearby Arizona, but the beautiful scenery and public lands can offer you opportunities for hours of recreational fun.
If you only wish to refine your skills and enjoy a day in the open, there is no better state than New Mexico. Additionally, New Mexico has yielded some quantities of gold over the past years, which has gained this state a position among the best countries to pan for gold in the US.
Prospectors have found both placer and lode deposits in several locations, so searching the river and creeks of this state can result in very profitable activity. The dry climate of New Mexico requires you to pick the perfect locations for your panning operations in advance. Indeed, failing to do so might prevent you from prospecting altogether.
Due to the scarcity of bodies of water, creeks, and rivers, you will either need to consider implementing your kit with a metal detector or opt for a different location. Dry-washing is also an option, but might not be particularly suitable for beginner prospectors.
How to Find a Suitable Panning Location in the US
If you are a beginner and are not sure how to find the perfect panning location in the US, the first step is to always get in touch with relevant authorities, to get to know the relevant regulations in your state.
However, if you prefer to join a larger group of prospectors, at least in the beginning, joining a membership can be the ideal solution.
Indeed, you can find several local associations as well as nation-wide organizations. Among the most important ones, you can find the Gold Prospectors Association of America (GPAA). Investing in this kind of membership can yield benefits that beginner prospectors should not overlook.
Firstly, you will have access to several mining claims and lands without having to ask for additional permits and writer permissions from the owner. Additionally, you can benefit from the presence of other, expertprospectors around you on your trips.
Aside from helping you refine your panning skills, following the guidance of such trainers can help you develop other skills that can be useful when you opt to undertake a trip by yourself.
Lastly, usually, these associations will be knowledgeable about that specific area. So if you change location often, joining the local association gives you access to geological and historical information that would be hard to obtain otherwise.
Conclusion
If you have been thinking of undertaking a prospecting trip, you should know that not all states will yield the same gold prospecting opportunities. Indeed, states such as California, Nevada, and Alaska are ideal for gold panning because they boast several gold-bearing rivers and creeks that have not yet been explored.
Instead, other gold-bearing states such as Arizona and New Mexico – while still rich – offer a more arid climate. In turn, this means that you will struggle to find a suitable source of water to continue using your pans. In this case, you might need to implement your kit with a metal detector.