Life in a Mining Camp: Hardship, Hope, and the Pursuit of Fortune
What daily life was really like for the miners who chased gold across the frontier.
The pursuit of gold has drawn people to the mountains and streams of Colorado and Arizona for over 150 years. Whether you're looking for a relaxing outdoor hobby or hoping to find something that glitters, gold panning remains one of the most accessible ways to connect with this rich history.
What You'll Need to Get Started
Here's the truth that veteran prospectors know: you don't need much gear to find gold. In fact, overloading yourself with equipment is one of the most common beginner mistakes. Start simple:
- A 14-inch gold pan (green or blue shows gold best)
- A small shovel or hand trowel
- A classifier/screen (1/4 inch mesh)
- Snuffer bottle for picking up fine gold
- Glass vials for your finds
Field Tip
Start with a plastic pan rather than steel. They're lighter, don't rust, and the textured riffles help trap fine gold better for beginners.
The best prospectors spend as much time reading the water as they do panning. Understanding where gold concentrates will do more for your success than any piece of equipment.
Start simple. Learn the basics. Get out there. The FUN is in the pursuit, and there's gold waiting to be found.
Johnny Walker
Johnny has been prospecting Colorado and Arizona for over 20 years. He runs Prospector Center with his wife Laurie, sharing practical knowledge gained from countless hours in the field.
