Marianne Martinez
Gold panning in Utah is a fun activity for all ages and a great way to get outdoors and explore the state's beautiful backcountry. While you won't get rich, you can still find gold flakes and small amounts of gold in many of Utah's streams and creeks. In this guide, we will cover the best spots for gold panning in Utah, the equipment you'll need, and the regulations you need to follow to pan legally and safely. So, grab your pan and let's get started on your gold panning adventure!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Equipment | Pan, shovel, sluice box, pickaxe |
| Techniques | Swirl dirt in the pan to catch the heavier gold |
| Locations | Mary Ellen Gulch, American Fork Canyon, Willard area, small spring runoff canyons along the Wasatch front, streams downhill from old mines |
| Permits | Not required for recreational gold panning on BLM or Forest Service land; required for recreational dredging on any stream |
| Regulations | Varies depending on the federal or state agency that administers the land; School & Institutional Trust Lands require a lease for recreational gold panning and dredging |
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What You'll Learn
No permit needed on BLM or Forest Service land
Gold panning in Utah can be a fun activity for all the family, and you don't need a permit to get started. If you're looking for an area to pan without a permit, then BLM or Forest Service land is the place to go. These areas are administered by the US Bureau of Land Management and the US Forest Service, and they allow recreational gold panning without the need for a permit, as long as you follow the relevant regulations.
So, what do you need to get started? Well, a gold pan is a must, and you'll also need a shovel and perhaps a sluice box. You'll want to find a stream that is downhill from where mining has existed in the past. As gold is carried downhill by erosion, you're more likely to find it in these spots.
There are a few places in Utah where you can try your luck. One is American Fork Canyon, where you can find small bits of gold that add up quickly. Another is Mary Ellen Gulch, also in American Fork Canyon. There are also gold deposits in the many small spring runoff canyons along the Wasatch Front, although many of these are claimed by sand and gravel companies.
It's important to remember that while you don't need a permit for recreational gold panning on BLM or Forest Service land, you do need to follow the relevant regulations. For example, recreational dredging on any stream requires a permit from the Utah Division of Water Rights. You can obtain land-ownership maps for the entire state from US Bureau of Land Management offices, which will help you understand which agency administers the land you wish to pan on and what the relevant regulations are.
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Regulations for recreational dredging
Recreational gold panning is a fun activity for nature lovers and those fascinated by the prospect of finding gold. In Utah, there are several spots where you can try your luck at gold panning. Before you grab your shovel and pan, it's important to understand the regulations in place for recreational dredging to ensure you're complying with the law and respecting the environment. Here are the key regulations for recreational dredging in Utah:
Permits and Applications:
As of 2009, an application processing fee is required for all stream alteration proposals, including recreational dredging in Utah. The Utah Division of Water Rights manages the permitting process. Applications are typically available from April 1st of each year, and they must be submitted by January 31st for review by the appropriate agencies for the following year. A new permit is required annually, and it is reviewed and reissued every April. The application process can be completed in person, by mail, or online with a credit card payment.
Areas for Recreational Dredging:
When it comes to choosing a location for recreational dredging, it's important to select areas that are open for this activity. The Utah Division of Water Rights provides a map of streams open to recreational dredging on their website. If you wish to request that additional streams be opened for dredging, you can send an email to the designated email address provided by the Division of Water Rights. Your request should include the stream name, location, reason for the request, and your contact information.
Environmental Considerations:
Recreational dredging can have an impact on the environment, so it's important to follow best management practices to minimize any potential damage. Ensure that you are familiar with the regulations and guidelines provided by the Utah Department of Natural Resources to protect the state's natural resources. Always make sure you have permission to prospect in a particular area and respect private property and protected lands.
Equipment and Techniques:
Utah law may have specific regulations regarding the type of equipment allowed for recreational dredging. Familiarize yourself with the permitted tools and techniques to ensure compliance. Additionally, be mindful of the impact your activities may have on the surrounding environment and try to minimize any potential damage.
Recreational dredging can be an enjoyable and rewarding activity, but it's important to respect the environment and follow the regulations set forth by the state of Utah. By obtaining the necessary permits, educating yourself about responsible prospecting, and adhering to the guidelines, you can have a positive and legal gold panning experience in Utah.
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Gold prospecting spots
Gold prospecting in Utah has been ongoing since 1847, when Mormon settlers first arrived in the state. However, it wasn't until 1858 that gold was first discovered in the state, at Gold Hill in Tooele County.
Since then, several other gold prospecting spots have been discovered in Utah, including the following:
- Mary Ellen Gulch in American Fork Canyon: This spot is known for having gold in the stream beds, and prospectors can try their luck by panning in the streams downhill from old mining sites.
- San Juan River: Gold was prospected intermittently by Bluff residents in the 1880s.
- Tushar, Henry, La Sal, and Abajo Mountains: Gold placer mining was conducted in these mountains in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
- Colorado, Green, and Bingham Canyon: Gold was discovered in these areas in the late 1800s, leading to increased mining activity.
- Mercur (previously Camp Floyd) district in Tooele County: Gold-bearing ores were discovered here in 1883, and from 1890 to 1900, over 380,000 ounces of gold were produced.
- Spring Creek, Gold Mountain, Gold Springs, State Line, Clifton, Park Valley, American Fork, and San Francisco: These are early gold-producing districts, some mining gold as a byproduct of other metals.
In addition, there are likely many other spots in Utah where gold can be found, as one source mentions that gold comes out of many of the small spring runoff canyons along the Wasatch front.
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Techniques for panning
Gold panning is a fun activity that can be done anywhere there is water and dirt, and it can even result in finding some gold! The basic equipment you will need is a pan, a shovel, waterproof boots, warm socks, and a sniffer bottle. The type of pan does not matter, but it should be large enough to hold gravel, sand, and water.
The first step in panning for gold is to find a good spot. Recreational gold panner Dave Armstrong says that "the key is to find a stream that is downhill from where mining has existed in the past." He suggests looking for streams in the backcountry where gold mining has previously taken place, as the water will have carried the gold downhill and into the streams. American Fork Canyon in Utah is one such location.
Once you have found a spot, the next step is to load your pan with gravel and sand. Submerge the pan in the water and shake it vigorously back and forth several times. Be careful not to shake too hard, or you may lose some of the gold. Then, switch to gentle circular motions until the heavier gold sinks to the bottom and the lighter substances, such as dirt, sand, or clay, wash away.
If you are using a plastic pan, you can also use a magnet to separate the gold from the black sand, as black sand is magnetic. Place a magnet on the bottom of the pan and slowly move it around. The black sand will be attracted to the magnet and can be scooped out or sucked up with a sniffer bottle.
Finally, pour the remaining contents of the pan, which should now mostly be gold, into a bottle. You can use a funnel to make sure you don't lose any of your findings. And that's it! You've now learned the basic techniques for panning for gold.
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Gold in Utah vs Colorado
Gold panning in Utah is a fun activity for many, but it is important to note that the state does not have extensive gold prospecting opportunities compared to other western states. Most gold in Utah is obtained as a byproduct of silver, lead, copper, and zinc mining. The largest mine in the United States, Bingham Canyon Copper Mine, is located in Utah and is the state's largest gold producer.
Gold panning is permitted in Utah as long as it is done on BLM or Forest Service land and follows the necessary regulations. National parks, monuments, state parks, Indian reservations, military reservations, wildlife refuges, and designated wilderness areas are off-limits for prospecting. The entire Utah stretch of the Green, Colorado, and San Juan Rivers is also closed to dredging and sluicing due to the presence of threatened and endangered aquatic species.
Some popular spots for gold panning in Utah include the creeks near the Bingham Mine in the Oquirrh Mountains, Johnson Creek, and Recapture Creek in the Abajo Mountains. Gold has also been found in the Colorado River, but it is extremely fine and challenging to recover. American Fork Canyon is another well-known spot for gold panning, and prospectors have reported success in this area.
In contrast, Colorado offers a range of gold prospecting opportunities. The state has a rich history of gold mining, with many active and abandoned mines scattered throughout its landscape. While Colorado may have more areas for gold prospecting than Utah, it is important to note that specific regulations and restrictions may apply to gold panning activities in Colorado.
Both states have guidebooks and online resources available to help prospectors find the best locations for gold panning. These resources can provide valuable information on mining rights, regulations, and techniques unique to each state. Additionally, there are online communities, such as Facebook groups and Reddit forums, where prospectors can connect, share experiences, and gain insights into finding gold in Utah and Colorado.
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Frequently asked questions
You do not need a permit for recreational gold panning on BLM or Forest Service land, as long as you follow the regulations. However, recreational dredging on any stream requires a permit from the Utah Division of Water Rights.
Gold can be found in many of the small spring runoff canyons along the Wasatch front. American Fork Canyon is also a popular spot for gold panning.
You will need a gold pan, a shovel, and access to moving water and dirt.
Gold is a soft metal that can be cut with a knife. It has no odor and will flatten or change shape without breaking when struck with a steel hammer.
While it is possible to find gold in Utah, the amount is usually small and may not make you rich. However, some people have reported finding decent amounts of gold, such as 33.55 grams of fine flower gold in a season.
