Gem Mining, Gold Panning & Rockhounding in Colorado
Where can you go gem mining in Colorado? We list 5 sites in Colorado (3 mine tours, 2 gold panning sites), including Bachelor Syracuse Mine Tour (Ouray, CO), Cascade Campground (Chaffee County, CO) (Chaffee County, CO), Chalk Lake Campground (Chaffee County, CO) (Chaffee County, CO).
Listings come from operators' official websites, OpenStreetMap, the federal RIDB database and the Bureau of Land Management.
Verify before visiting. Hours, fees, access and collecting rules change, and some listings come from community-edited data. Call or check the operator's official page before you go. Details we could not confirm are marked "call to confirm".
Gold Panning Spots in Colorado (2)
Cascade Campground (Chaffee County, CO)
Gold panningChaffee County, CO · Recreation Information Database (RIDB)Chalk Lake Campground (Chaffee County, CO)
Gold panningChaffee County, CO · Recreation Information Database (RIDB)
Mine Tours in Colorado (3)
Bachelor Syracuse Mine Tour
Mine tourOuray, CO · OpenStreetMapHidee Gold Mine
Mine tourGilpin County, CO · OpenStreetMapHopemore Mine Tour
Mine tourLeadville, CO · OpenStreetMap
FAQ
How many gem mining and rockhounding sites are in Colorado?
This directory lists 5 in Colorado: 3 mine tours, 2 gold panning sites.
Can I keep what I find in Colorado?
At pay-to-dig mines, usually yes, under the mine's own rules. On BLM land you may generally collect reasonable amounts for noncommercial use. Rules for state parks, national forests and private land differ, so check with the manager.
Also see: Pay-to-Dig Gem Mines · Gold Panning Spots · Rockhounding & Fossil Sites · Mine Tours · Gear checklist