A sizable gold nugget can still be found in New Mexico, but rarely.
Although known for its silver, New Mexico also has a long history of gold mining. Extraction of gold began with the Spanish settlers, boomed during the same period as the Gold Rush in California, and continues today at a number of mines. New Mexico ranks 12th among all 50 states in gold production, according to the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources. Because of gold's high prices, treasure hunters are combing the state in search of the ore.
Enchanted Circle Gold Excursions
You can arrange day trips in a Jeep Wrangler to a private gold claim above Red River, New Mexico, through the Enchanted Circle Gateway Museum. The vehicle accommodates four people and your guide. While the gold recovered by most participants is only flakes, pea-sized and larger nuggets have been found, which become the property of the finder. The excursion provides all the necessary equipment, but customers should bring a lunch, water and snacks. Expect a rough trip, as the Jeep follows an old pack mule trail. Since the elevation of the claim is 10,400 feet, the tour operators advise those who have just come from lower altitudes should spend three days in the area prior to the tour to adjust to the thinner air.
Roadrunner Gold Panning Horse Tours
Guides from this Angel Fire-based tour company will accompany clients on horseback to visit several creeks in the area that historically have been good sources of gold. Tourists are taught pan in the streambeds adjoining the Kit Carson National Forest. Roadrunner provides the horses and all the necessary prospecting equipment. The tour lasts three hours, and participants should bring water and a snack.
Other Places to Search
Many gold hunters prefer to plan their own trips. The New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources advises prospectors to contact state or federal agencies with jurisdiction over their proposed sites to find out about required permits. Placer deposits usually appear in riverbeds, settling out in layers of sand and fine rock, as gold is heavier than any other element. Panning for gold is allowed in the Lincoln National Forest, the Gila National Forest and in the Red River, north of Taos. Pinos Altos, just north of Silver City, is the site of an old gold mining camp and a popular gold-panning site even today. You can sometimes spot gold in the streets after a rain, and nearby Bear Creek and Cherry Creek are often sources of flakes and nuggets, according to Onroute Destinations.
Safety Precautions and Legal Restrictions
New Mexico has a harsh climate, with broiling days under the desert sun giving way to chilly nights. When panning for gold, flash floods are always a threat. Bring appropriate clothing and be prepared to seek higher ground in a hurry, if necessary. Carry food and plenty of water, as well as a compass. Besides honoring the regulations about where gold panning is legally allowed, know that New Mexico strictly enforces laws pertaining to the collection of artifacts. The removal of ancient relics, such as arrowheads, stone tools and pottery, is prohibited.
Tags: National Forest, Bureau Geology, Bureau Geology Mineral, Enchanted Circle, Geology Mineral
