Prospecting Tips
Essential Prospecting Equipment for Colorado Mountains
From gold pans to metal detectors, here's the gear you need for productive prospecting in Colorado's high country.
From the Field
Mining news, prospecting tips, Colorado geology, and specimen finds from the Rocky Mountain Mining team.
Prospecting Tips
How to File a Mining Claim with the BLM: Step by Step
A detailed walkthrough of the federal mining claim filing process, from identifying open land to recording your location notice.
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Prospecting Tips
Fairplay's Middle Fork Gold Panning Park: Reading Dredge Tailings Like a Map
Bucket-line dredges reshaped the Middle Fork of the South Platte for nearly a century, leaving piles of tailings that still hold gold today. Here's how to read those piles, find pay streaks, and stay legal at Fairplay's gold panning park.
Prospecting Tips
Hunting Aquamarine on Mount Antero: What You Need to Know
At 14,269 feet, Mount Antero is the highest gem-bearing locality in North America. Here's what to expect on a collecting trip.
Prospecting Tips
Mining Claims 101 (Colorado Edition): Casual Use vs. Notice vs. Plan of Operations
Understanding the three levels of BLM mining operations in Colorado is essential before you break ground.
Prospecting Tips
A Beginner's Guide to Mining Claims in Colorado
Everything you need to know about lode claims, placer claims, BLM filings, and annual maintenance fees.