Cody Casey
Arizona is one of the best states in the U.S. for gold prospecting, and there are several places near Prescott where you can try your hand at gold panning. The Bradshaw Mountains, located south of Prescott, are known for being one of the most mineralized mountain ranges in the world, and the area has a rich history of gold mining. Gold panning and prospecting opportunities can also be found in the nearby Lynx Lake Recreation Area, the Wickenburg Mountains, the Hassayampa River, the Weaver/Rich Hill District, and the Agua Fria River, among other locations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gold Panning Locations in Prescott, Arizona | Rose Creek, Lynx Creek, Weaver/Rich Hill District, Wickenburg, Bradshaw Mountains, Hassayampa River, Cave Creek, Agua Fria River, Bighorn Mountains, Stanton, Black Canyon City |
| Gold Panning Clubs in Prescott, Arizona | Prescott Gold Panning and Metal Detecting, Arizona Association of Gold Prospectors |
| Gold Panning Tours in Prescott, Arizona | Adventures of a Lifetime ATV |
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What You'll Learn
Lynx Creek Gold Pan Day Use Area
The Lynx Creek Gold Pan Day Use Area is located within the Prescott National Forest in Arizona. The area is primarily used for recreational gold panning. The Bradshaw Mountains, located south of Prescott, are known for being one of the most mineral-rich mountain ranges in the world. The Lynx Creek area is easily accessible from Prescott, AZ. Head east on Highway 69, passing a shopping mall on your right, then turn right (south) onto Walker Road (by Costco). Continue south on Walker Road for approximately 1.5 miles, and you'll find the turnoff for Gold Pan (and Lynx Creek Ruins) on your left. It is important to note that potable water is not available at this site, so visitors should plan accordingly.
The Prescott National Forest offers a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities year-round due to Central Arizona's mild climate. Visitors can enjoy camping, fishing, picnicking, hiking, and riding while exploring the area's rich history and natural beauty. The nearby Bradshaw Mountains, nestled in Central Arizona, offer a cool escape from the desert below and boast elevations ranging from 3,000 to nearly 8,000 feet. Mount Union, in the Bradshaws, stands as the highest point in the forest.
Gold panning enthusiasts will find that the Lynx Creek area, along with other sites in Arizona, provides an enticing prospect for their hobby. The state has a long and fascinating history of gold mining, with many legends and locations to explore. Remember always to seek permission before entering private property, as all land is owned by someone.
In addition to Lynx Creek, prospectors might try their luck at other popular spots in Arizona, such as the Wickenburg Mountains, the Hassayampa River, Cave Creek, the Agua Fria River, the Bighorn Mountains, Stanton (Rich Hill), and Black Canyon City. With gold scattered across the state, adventurers can embrace the saying, "Gold is where you find it," and embark on their own gold-finding journeys.
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Weaver/Rich Hill District
The Weaver/Rich Hill District, located about 50 miles south of Prescott, has been one of the major gold producers in Arizona. Covering over 40 square miles, the area was discovered in the 1860s and had produced gold worth more than a million dollars by the 1880s. The district is very popular among metal detectorists, as it has a history of producing large nuggets. Placers can be found at Weaver and Antelope Creeks, with placer gold from Antelope Creek being usually more silver-rich than placer gold from Weaver Creek.
The Rich Hill area, also known as the Weaver II Mining District, has produced at least 100,000 ounces of placer gold and 80,000 ounces of lode gold. Placer and Lode mining has occurred continuously at Rich Hill for almost 150 years.
Gold panning and metal detecting are popular activities in Prescott, with the area's rich gold mining history dating back to the mid-1800s. The Bradshaw Mountains, located south of Prescott, are known for being one of the most mineralized mountain ranges in the world. The Hassayampa/Groom Creek District, on the west side of the Bradshaw Mountains, has yielded significant amounts of gold from placers on the Hassayampa River and lode mines.
For those interested in gold prospecting, there are local clubs that provide access to private claims and offer tips on locations and equipment. Additionally, the Arizona Association of Gold Prospectors provides access to commercial placer mining operations and lessons to improve the odds of finding gold nuggets.
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Gold panning in Prescott rivers
Arizona has a rich history of gold mining, and the city of Prescott is a popular destination for gold panning due to its favourable climate and geography. The Bradshaw Mountains, located south of Prescott, are known for being one of the most mineralized mountain ranges in the world, attracting settlers to this part of Arizona as early as the mid-1800s.
Gold panning in Prescott's rivers is a recreational activity that many enjoy. The Lynx Creek Gold Pan Day Use Area, located in the Prescott National Forest, is a designated spot for gold panning. The Weaver/Rich Hill District, about 50 miles south of Prescott, is another popular area for gold prospecting, with a history of producing large nuggets.
For those looking for a more guided experience, Adventures of a Lifetime ATV offers gold-panning tours in Wickenburg, 68 miles south of Prescott. They provide all-terrain vehicles, gold detectors, and gold pans for visitors to use while exploring the area's gold-panning potential.
It is important to note that all land is owned by someone, so it is essential to get permission before entering anyone's property, especially if you intend to prospect for gold. The Gold Prospectors Association of America (GPAA) owns several private claims in Arizona, and joining local clubs can provide access to these areas and valuable tips on locations and equipment.
Additionally, the Forest Service has rules and restrictions regarding equipment used for gold panning in Prescott's rivers. While standard equipment like picks and shovels are allowed, mechanical mining equipment such as suction dredges, highbankers, drywashers, and sluice boxes are restricted. Any holes that are dug must be filled in before leaving the area, and recreational use is limited to gold panning and metal detecting.
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Gold prospecting clubs and associations
Arizona is one of the best states for gold prospecting, and there are several clubs and associations in the state that cater to this activity. Here are some of the notable gold prospecting clubs and associations:
Arizona Association of Gold Prospectors
The Arizona Association of Gold Prospectors is a club that provides access to a commercial placer mining operation in the Wickenburg and Hieroglyphic mountains near the town of Wickenburg. Members can keep any gold they find. The club also provides lessons on improving the odds of finding gold nuggets, offers discounts on gold-prospecting equipment, and organises group gold digs. Membership starts at $200.
Gold Prospectors Association of America (GPAA)
The GPAA is the world’s largest gold prospecting organisation, with over 250 properties and 750,000 acres of mining claims across 37 US states and several Canadian provinces. They have mining claims in several Arizona counties. The GPAA also has affiliations with other prospecting clubs, such as the Lost Dutchman’s Mining Association (LDMA) and the Gold Prospectors Association of Tucson (GPAT).
Lost Dutchman’s Mining Association (LDMA)
The LDMA is affiliated with the GPAA but has its own claims. They own an ever-growing number of private properties and claims in several western states, as well as in Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Notably, they own the historic ghost town of Stanton, Arizona, with 125 acres of claims in the Rich Hill area.
The Weaver Mining District
This is a non-profit club with yearly dues of $75 per family. They have approximately 1,100 acres of mining claims in the old Weaver Mining District near Stanton, Arizona. Day passes are available for short-term guests at $10 for three days. The group holds monthly meetings on the first Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM.
The Mohave Prospectors Association
This association has over 300 acres of gold-bearing claims in the northwestern part of Arizona, spanning from Lake Havasu to Meadview. They exchange claim access with other clubs, and this area is known for containing both gold and meteorites.
Local Clubs in Prescott
Talking Rock mentions the existence of local clubs in the Prescott area, which provide access to private claims and tips on locations and equipment. However, they do not specify the names of these clubs. Remember to always get permission before entering private property, especially when prospecting for gold.
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Gold King Mine Museum and Ghost Town
The Gold King Mine Museum and Ghost Town is a popular attraction in Jerome, Arizona, just outside of the city. It is a true relic, shaggy and disheveled, full of history and nostalgia, attracting visitors from around the world. The site is a time capsule, offering a glimpse into the past with its original buildings and equipment from the town's origins as a copper mine.
The story of the Gold King Mine began in 1890 when the Haynes Copper Company dug a 1270-foot mine shaft in search of copper. Instead, they struck gold, and the town of Haynes developed around the diggings. Haynes had a small population and even had its own post office from 1908 to 1922. Eventually, the gold ran out, and residents left. In 1981, the site was discovered by Don and Terry Robertson, who turned it into the attraction it is today.
The Gold King Mine and Ghost Town is home to many original structures, including a boarding house built in 1909, a one-room schoolhouse, a miner's cabin, an assay office, town laundry, shoe repair shop, gas station, and a "painless" dentist office, which resembles a torture chamber. The site also features mechanical treasures and mining tools, such as wrenches, chainsaws, a towering stamp mill, and vintage trucks. Visitors can explore the grounds, wander among the weathered buildings, and learn about Arizona's history.
The Gold King Mine and Ghost Town is usually open from 9 am to 5 pm, Wednesdays through Mondays, and is closed on Tuesdays and major holidays. Admission is $12 for adults and $7 for children ages 6 to 12. It is located at 1000 Jerome-Perkinsville Road, just outside of Jerome, Arizona, less than a mile from the visitor parking area and the Jerome Fire Department building. The road is paved all the way to the site.
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Frequently asked questions
Gold panning and metal detecting are permitted in the Prescott National Forest.
Yes, the Gold King Mine and Ghost Town in Jerome, about 35 miles north of Prescott, offers gold or gem panning for $5 per person.
Adventures of a Lifetime ATV offers gold-panning tours in Wickenburg, about 68 miles south of Prescott.
Yes, there are local clubs in Prescott, Arizona, that provide access to private claims and tips on locations and equipment. One such club is the Arizona Association of Gold Prospectors, where membership starts at $200.
You will need a gold pan, which can be purchased from Amazon or Gold Fever Prospecting. You may also use a metal detector. The Forest Service restricts mechanical mining equipment such as suction dredges, highbankers, drywashers, and sluice boxes.
