Gold panning recreation in Arizona
Arizona has a history of keeping some of the gold deposits of the most productive in the United States. Gold panning can be a good opportunity to go out and spend time with family and friends. There are several great places for recreational gold panning scattered throughout the state of Arizona. Some of these areas are very scenic and will happen within a relatively short driving distance of major cities such as Phoenix, Prescott and Flagstaff.
In the central part of the country, Yavapai County is one among the largest producers of gold districts gold lode 3.5 million ounces and 350,000 ounces of placer gold found in others. The placers can be found everywhere on the banks of Lynx Creek near Prescott and Prescott Valley. In fact, some sections of the river were removed and preserved as scenic recreational areas. There is ample parking available and access to many streams. While there are usually plenty of water available during the winter, cold and snow storms are regularly less than ideal conditions for outdoor activities.
Before you rush to your first adventure, you’ll need some supplies, which will increase your chances of success. While it is possible to use a pot core, it is strongly recommended that you invest a few extra dollars to get a pan with built in riffles to trap with gold. Another useful tool is a sieve or a sieve pan. Finally, a small shovel, but strong and a glass vial to hold your results are always useful to have. You can line your equipment or a local dealer in advance if you have the time or things like planning ahead. For a spur of the moment trip, there are several shops along Highway 69 prospect located in the community of Prescott Valley, and they carry everything you need for your first trip pan.
A bit of career guidance can go a long way. Books and video tutorials are useful, but they are not a substitute for practical instruction. Local stores prospecting staff during business hours and are usually happy to provide tips and advice in return for your business casual. Be patient on your first trip, even recreational prospecting may take some time to learn. With a little persistence and experience gold panning can be a hobby fun and rewarding.
