Colorado Gold PanningPanning for gold fascinates all those young and old with the idea of striking it rich. Even if you don’t hit the “gold mine,” a day in the outdoors with the possibility of hitting it rich is enough to spark some interest in anyone.Gold prospecting in Colorado got its start in 1858 with the earliest gold findings coming straight from the Denver area. Later, prospectors began to find larger gold deposits farther west around Idaho Springs, and all further explorations for this precious metal were directed towards the mountains around Black Hawk and Central City. Colorado is known to be the nation’s second largest producer of gold and for this reason many opt to try their luck at Colorado Gold Panning.  Beginner gold prospectors typically use either a pan or a sluicer during their search. The process for panning requires sediment to be scooped into the pan and gently shaken in the water, typically in rivers and streams. This causes the lighter materials to flow out of the pan, while the heavier materials stay to the bottom. Inspection of the remains usually includes black magnetite sand and possibly gold! A sluice box operates on the same principle as the pan except more sediment can be scanned in a shorter amount of time. In this case a box is used that has barriers on the bottom that trap heavier particles. The shifting of the water cleans the gold and other materials so the contents can be seen. The majority of the areas for gold panning in Colorado are out of service mines. These spots are usually open year round and the cost to gain access for a day is fairly reasonable (about $10). Most places allow you the option to bring your own materials such as pans, sluice boxes, and shovels or the option to rent. The Phoenix Gold Mine in Idaho Springs, CO (40 min. west of Denver) is open year round and offers both tours and panning. Tours are $10, panning $8, and only $15 for both. It is recommended that you call before your planned visit to make sure the weather will not call for a closure. (303)-567-0422. Vic’s Gold Panning is found on Highway 119, just below Blackhawk and is also open year round. Panning cost only $10/adult, children are free with an adult ticket, and a 3 foot sluice box can be rented for only $15. (303) 582-0710. The Country Boy Mine in Breckenridge, CO charges $18.95/adult, $12.95/child for mine tours and $9.95 for a pan of dirt and a lesson on how to find the gold. They’re open May 23rd to October 15th. (970) 453-4405. Gold panning in Colorado can even be a free activity at this location: Clear Creek (West of Golden, before tunnel #1) is located on Highway 6 and is now classified as Jefferson County Open Space. All of this area is free to sluice and pan, except for a private claim 1 mile up from Elk Creek. This is one of those Colorado activities that I keep promising myself that I’m going to do. I’ve always been intrigued by gemstones, minerals, and those types of things but have never made my way to a mine. Hopefully sometime soon, I’ll get myself out to one of these spots to try Colorado Gold Panning! New! CommentsHave your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below. |
