Start Your Prospecting Journey
Whether you've never held a gold pan or you're looking to level up your skills, this is your roadmap to getting started the right way.
The Right Mindset
Here's the truth: you're probably not going to get rich prospecting. What you will get is time outdoors, a connection to history, the satisfaction of learning a real skill, and—yes—the genuine thrill when you see gold flash in your pan.
The best prospectors we know started simple, learned the fundamentals, and built their skills over years. They didn't rush out and buy thousands of dollars in equipment. They bought a pan, found a creek, and got their hands wet.
That's exactly what we recommend you do too.
Your Beginner Checklist
- Get a basic gold pan (14-inch, plastic)
- Learn the panning technique (practice at home first!)
- Research public lands and regulations in your area
- Start with a known gold-bearing stream
- Join a local prospecting club like GPAA
- Don't buy expensive equipment until you're sure you love it
Total investment to get started: $30-50 for a basic kit. Everything else can wait until you know this hobby is for you.
Recommended First Reads
Getting Started with Gold Prospecting
Of all the good reasons for taking up the hobby of Gold Prospecting the first and foremost is the FUN!
Getting Started with Gold Panning: A Beginner's Complete Guide
Everything you need to know to start finding gold, from choosing your first pan to reading the creek.
Sluice Box Basics: Setup, Operation, and Maximizing Recovery
Learn how to properly set up and run a sluice box to capture the finest gold without losing flour gold.
Join a Prospecting Club
One of the best decisions a new prospector can make is joining a club like the Gold Prospectors Association of America (GPAA). You'll get access to claims, learn from experienced members, and have a community to share your discoveries with.
Learn about GPAAJoin the Prospector Community
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