If you have booked a trip to Texas and you are passionate about prospecting, you are probably wondering whether you can make your holiday a little more profitable. Texas, while boasting vast oil reserves, is not one of the wealthiest US States when it comes down to finding gold. However, knowing where to look can help.
The best locations to pan gold in Texas are the Llano River, Goler Gulch (El Paso Mountains), Bonanza Gulch, Guadalupe Mountains, the Lost Spanish Mine (Riley Mountains), Guadalupe River near Kerrville, Sandy Creek, Shafter Historic Mining District, the mouth of the Rio Grande, and Gulf Coastal Plain.
Panning for gold in Texas can undoubtedly be an exciting experience that catches the hearts of many prospectors. But there is a little more to know to increase your chances of finding gold in this arid State, so read on!
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Gold Prospecting in Texas: An Overview
While gold can be found in some specific locations in Texas, this country is not known for its abundant gold deposits. Therefore, finding gold during your panning trips can be a little more challenging than you were expecting.
However, there are some locations like the ones that we are about to see that do boast placer golds and other mineral deposits.
In these cases, genuinely understanding the geology[1] of the location you are searching can make a difference in whether you will find gold or not on your outings.
Indeed, most of these gold particles derive from ancient glaciers[2] in Canada. Here the gold particles are likely to have become separated from the lode and swept across states, landing in Texas.
There are chances that it would have been crushed from the glaciers and the transportations process in the case of gold deriving from glaciers. These complex Dynamics tend to turn larger gold flakes into tiny, sand-like particles, which are fine gold[3].
The Best Ways to Prospect for Gold in Texas
As we have seen, when you are prospecting for gold in Texas, you are likely to have to deal with fine gold. Prospectors who are attempting to recover fine gold from placers and streambed materials, they are likely to face several obstacles and challenges.
In this case, having the proper prospecting knowledge and equipment can help you understand what type of gold you are looking for and how to extract it.
First of all, it will be essential to have alternative prospecting tools with you aside from your gold pan. Indeed, such pans are extremely helpful to practice prospecting, sample terrains, and recover heavy concentrates from the streambed.
However, when it comes down to finding gold, it can easily be mixed with the black sand[4] lingering at the bottom of your pan. While you usually would attempt to remove the flakes that you can notice on the pan through a pair of magnifying tweezers, the matter can be different in the case of fine gold.
Indeed, such particles could be so small to be barely visible. So, instead of using tweezers, you could opt to invest in a micro sluice box such as the Fine Gold Recovery Mini Sluice Box. Once you have completed the processing of all of your streambed material through the pan, you can store away the concentrates – which include black sand and potentially gold – and then run them through this small device.
The difference between such sluice boxes and your standard ones is that with these models, you can select the right water velocity to separate the black sand from the gold without losing any gold particles.
Lastly, any prospector looking at recovering gold in Texas should be fully equipped with magnifying tweezers, a suction bottle, and vials for storing gold.
The Best 11 Locations to Pan Gold in Texas
As we have mentioned, Texas does not present the ideal geology for extensive gold placers or pay streaks. However, you will be able to recover fine gold from the streambed material you have selected with the right skills and knowledge.
Knowing where to start your research is the most critical step when you are attempting to prospect a location such as Texas.
The Llano River
The Llano River is undoubtedly the most common gold prospector when it comes down to panning for gold in Texas. Indeed, the little prospecting activity that does exist in Texas seems to be concentrated around the course of this river. And for a reason! This location has been the most consistently productive area in the State.
The 105 miles (169 km) long Llano River is a tributary of the vast Colorado River and runs through Texas’s heart. Indicatively, the river flows northwest of Austin and then through Kingsland, Maso, and eventually, Llano.
While this is considered the most common location in Texas to retrieve the gold, it is worth noting that only a little gold can be found on this site. And even if larger placers are located, the gold usually comes under the form of fine gold. To increase your chances of identifying fine gold, prospectors should proceed to check the rocks’ crevices and cracks.
Additionally, it is essential to understand the geology of this river. The Llano River boasts a sandy streambed that, over time, has allowed the gold particles to sink underneath it. So, when you are looking for the material to process, you should aim at digging a little deeper than the sand.
Another tip is to look for black sand deposits. These indicate an accumulation of heavier materials – such as gold and iron – and this is where you are the most likely to find gold particles.
Goler Gulch (El Paso)
In 1893, a placer gold at the foothills of the mountains surrounding El Paso was discovered. Of the areas in which these mountains drain, one has been found to contain fine gold and nuggets. The total amount of gold retrieved from this area adds to over $500,000, and some of the largest nuggets found here weighted over 57 ounces (1.6kg).
Undoubtedly the history of this place and statistics tell us that it is entirely possible to find gold in this location. However, only a few prospectors have been attempting it since the original mine founded by the prospector who discovered the mine had been shut for decades.
If you wish to attempt prospecting in this area, you should keep in mind that the best tool to use in such a dry land is a metal detector. Rivers and creeks at the foothills of the mountain can be analyzed through pans, yet this technique does not allow you to search more substantial portions of the ground.
Bonanza Gulch
Located only 11 miles (17km) away from Goler Gulch, Bonanza Gulch is not one of the most popular ones among the prospector of Texas. However, as the name gives away, gold has been found here in the past.
When gold was first found in this area in 1893, over $50,000 in gold were retrieved from Goler Gulch and Bonanza Gulch together in only one year of operation. At the time, the site and the surrounding area were among the most developed locations in the State.
However, once the gold in the placer started to diminish, the city could not sustain its fast development rate. Since then, the mines began to close down and, with them, the prospecting culture in that part of Texas.
However, history and pieces of evidence tell us that there is indeed gold to be recovered in that location.
Guadalupe Mountains
The Guadalupe Mountains are one of the locations appreciated for the wild beauty, but not as much for prospecting activities. While no recent discoveries tell us that prospectors should head to these mountains for their gold recovery activities, gold has been found here in the past.
Ancient stories might not be perfectly matching. However, there was indeed a mine in the area that operated briefly near the Guadalupe Mountains. General locations are still not certain at this point, and many prospectors need to explore enough to find the most suitable site for their needs.
In this case, you need to evaluate your prospecting knowledge, skills, and fitness level before attempting this exploration.
The Lost Spanish Mine (Riley Mountains)
Located right in the heart of Texas, the Riley Mountains hide the secret of the Lost Spanish Mine. The discovery of this site is based on a legend. In 1753, the Spanish Soldiers patrolling the Llano River heard of gold stories being on a hill in the area. Three years later, Bernardo de Miranda found metals in the mountain and opened a mine.
Guadalupe River Near Kerrville
Kerrville, a small city just north of Sant Antonio, has become the latest hotspot for prospectors in Texas. Here, along the course of the Guadalupe River that cuts through the city, local prospectors have been able to recover flakes and gold nuggets in the past years.
However, it is crucial to notice that these prospectors have carried out their activities through the use of dredges rather than just panning for gold. Nonetheless, if you are in the area and have your gold pan with you, you should attempt to recover some of the particles in the river.
Sandy Creek
Many prospectors have started to discover the potential of this small creek located just south of Llano. Indeed, much of the gold found here so far is powdery and comes in the form of sand-like particles.
However, with the right prospecting tools and skills to recognize where such powder could be among the rocks, prospectors can retrieve considerable amounts.
Shafter Historic Mining District
Located within Presidio County, this gold-bearing location has been playing a fundamental role in the development of the whole Texas region. Prospecting started here in the 19th Century, with the foundation of the mining town named Shafter. Right within the heart of the city, prospectors will find the Presidio Mine.
Today the mine’s resources have for the large parts been exploited. However, at the peak of its productivity, it has produced over 5,000 ounces (141kg) of gold per year. These statistics tell us that this mine is responsible for most of the gold in Texas throughout history.
After the mine started to decrease in productivity, the residents of Shafter have started to slowly leave the town, which is today a ghost town. However, this fact does not stop prospectors from across the State from coming to this location looking for gold.
If you are thinking about prospecting in this area, you should keep in mind that minimal resources such as hotels and rest areas can be found in the surroundings. Therefore, prospectors might have to reach the location with their vehicles.
The Mouth of the Rio Grande
The Rio Grande River is known to be a gold-bearing body of water that is leveraged correctly in New Mexico along its banks. While the river does flow through Texas, the geological factor necessary for such a large accumulation of gold might be missing.
However, it is not unlikely for prospectors to find fine gold and particles when attempting to prospect near the mouth of the river.
Gulf Coastal Plain
Prospectors have been able to recover gold from the Gulf Coastal Plain surprisingly. However, using just a gold pan might not be enough to retrieve the gold particles. In any case, these are not consistent enough to make a trip there completely worth for recreational prospectors.
At the same time, when in Texas, if you find yourself in the area, you should aim here to test your planning skills.
Legalities and Regulations of Panning in Texas
When panning and prospecting in Texas, there are some regulations and laws that all gold prospectors should follow to practice this activity in all safety. Firstly, it is important to keep in mind that most of the lands in the State of Texas are privately owned.
Therefore, if you decide to prospect in a specific area, you should get in touch with the owner and let her or him know about the prospecting activities you will be carrying out on their grounds. This simple step should be completed before you start prospecting.
Additionally, it is essential to keep in mind that if the owner has rights on the property, he will also hold the rights on any mineral and metals you will find on your outings. Therefore, as you are asking permission to work on their land, you should also discuss the rights of any potential finding.
If you have been able to obtain such permission to prospect on someone else’s land, you won’t need to ask a permit to the local relevant authorities. Indeed, the land’s owner will have all the right to grant you or refuse you the license you need to prospect on such grounds.
However, it is essential to notice that some of the mining laws apply for larger-scale operations, which means that you will still need to require the right permits from the authorities. Yet, recreational prospectors will rarely need to upgrade to such licenses.
State-Owned Land
If the land you are planning to prospect on does not belong to a person, you should continue your research to verify whether this is part of the properties owned by the government. These lands can range from natural areas to other locations dedicated to research and development.
In this case, you will need to obtain a permit from the Texas General Land Office (GLO). Before getting in touch with them, you can check whether an area is available or not by checking the dedicated page on their website. If the land is indeed open for prospecting, you will need to ask for relevant prospecting permission.
Equipment
Most recreational prospectors will carry a gold pan and a sluice box, which are non-motorized tools permitted in most lands. However, it is vital to keep in mind the following rules when prospecting:
- Dredges are allowed in public waterways, but the nozzles should not be larger than 5in (12cm).
- Independently on what type of land you are planning to pan for gold, you should keep in mind that all operations should be conducted at least 100ft (30mt) away from constructions like bridges.
- It is illegal to prospect under the banks of a river or waterway and trees. Failing to respect this prospecting regulation can put you in breach of the law and cause a significant health hazard.
- National Parks and Texas State Parks are not open to prospecting. This regulation means that you will not be able to collect streambed material, minerals, or metals from them.
Conclusion
Panning in Texas will offer prospectors a completely different experience from the one they would have in other countries. Undoubtedly, the natural areas of Texas are rather impressive and bound to captivate any outdoorsmen.
However, when it comes down to prospecting for gold with just a pan, you should be prepared to travel to Llano to have the best chances to find valuable deposits. In the other locations mentioned, it is unlikely to find gold, but these recoveries have not been consistent enough for novice gold prospectors to find gold.