Gold Panning
Bagby Recreation Area
From Mariposa go North about 15 miles on Hwy. 49 to Bagby. Pan for gold for a day use fee. Info: MID Parks Department
(800) 468-8889
Briceburg Recreation Area
From Mariposa go East on Hwy.140 about 15 miles to Briceburg. Make a left on the road next to the right side of the Visitors Center and across the bridge from the parking area. You are allowed to pan down stream from the bridge.
(209) 966-3192
Coulterville Area
Local places to pan for gold. Stop by the North County Visitor Center on Main Street.
(209) 878-3704
Dial's Rock and Fossil Shop
From Mariposa go West on Hwy. 140, toward Merced, seven miles to Dial's Rock Shop. Pan for free with the permission of the owners John and Sue. John and Sue will also show you how to pan for gold.
(209) 966-2127
Jackson's Prospecting Supplies
Half or full day panning excursions, all equipment included.
5144 Fairgrounds Dr. in Mariposa
(209) 966-4827 - (800) 288-7759
Little Valley Gold Prospecting
Hands on Gold prospecting instructions in placer mining techniques. A five-hour class at a creek. Reservations required. Equipment sales by appointment.
(209) 742-6204 - (800) 889-5444
Paystreak Mining and Recreation
5057 Hwy. 140, in Mariposa. Gold panning during summer months only. $5.00 for a bag of dirt containing gold, you will be shown how to pan the gold out. For the more serious gold panner, maps of the high country hot spots are provided for those wanting to go it alone or reservations for a private prospecting lesson and tour can be made with advance notice. Gold panning equipment sold year round. Closed Mondays.
(209) 742-5777
Gold panning is in the Museum courtyard. Gold find is guaranteed. All gold panning equipment is furnished. May thru September. Hours: 10am - 4:30pm
5119 Jesse St.
(209) 966-2924