Pan For Treasure | Your Guide to Gold Panning & Prospecting 2025

A man in a hat is kneeling on rocks next to a river panning for gold - Gold panning in a riverbed with prospecting tools

Pan for Treasure – Unleash Your Inner Prospector!

Pan for Treasure is a resource built for anyone interested in gold panning-whether you’ve been doing it for years or you’re just getting started.

We share practical tips, real-world advice, and tools to help you learn more, get outside, and enjoy the search for gold.

Gold Prospecting Laws by State

A worn U.S. flag overlays a map of the United States with the text: "Is it Legal to Pan for Gold in the United States?" and a "Pan For Treasure" logo in the corner.
A map of the central United States displays the question, “Where can you not pan for Gold in the United States,” with a “Pan For Treasure” logo in the top left corner.
A textured image of the American flag features a round "Pan For Treasure" logo in the top left and the text "Gold Panning Laws in United States" displayed at the bottom.
Desert landscape with cacti and rocky mountains under a blue sky. Text reads "Gold Panning Laws in Arizona," highlighting the state's unique regulations for prospectors, with a "Pan for Treasure" logo in the corner.
Downtown skyline of an Alabama city surrounded by trees, with a "Pan for Treasure" logo and the text "Gold Panning Laws in Alabama" featured prominently. Learn about local gold panning laws in Alabama amidst a scenic urban backdrop.
Rocky California coastline at sunset with waves and a misty sky; “Gold Panning Laws in California” is displayed across the bottom, highlighting where you can pan legally, with a “Pan for Treasure” logo in the top left corner.
A calm river winds through autumn trees and hills, with a bridge in the distance. "Gold Panning Laws in Connecticut" is displayed, alongside a "Pan for Treasure" logo in the corner.
A foggy marsh landscape with tall grasses, a winding stream, and the text "Gold Panning Laws in Delaware" highlights where you can pan for treasure responsibly under local regulations.
A river scene with mountains and trees under a cloudy sky; text reads "Gold Panning Laws in Georgia" to highlight the state's regulations, with a "Pan for Treasure" logo in the corner.

Explore Gold Panning Laws in Your State

Make sure you understand the local rules and regulations before you begin gold panning in any area.

Regulations vary across the country-some states allow recreational panning in public areas, while others may require permits or limit how much you can collect.

Our state-by-state guides outline the key laws to help you stay informed and avoid any legal issues while prospecting.

Click here to view gold panning laws in all 50 states

Is There Gold in Your State?

A river flows through a hilly landscape under a partly cloudy sky. Text reads, "Best Places to Pan for Gold and Gemstones in America." Logo in the corner says, "Pan for Treasure.
A wide view of rolling hills beneath a cloudy sky, featuring the text “Top Gold-Producing Countries” and the “Pan for Treasure” logo in the corner, highlights regions known for their rich gold resources.
Looking for the top states to pan for gold? Look no further! Discover the best locations in these amazing states and uncover your fortune in the heart of nature's treasure troves.
A rocky waterfall surrounded by trees and calm water, with text asking, "Is there gold in Arkansas?" and a "Pan for Treasure" logo in the corner invites you to explore the state's hidden treasures.
A river winds through a desert landscape of trees and a rocky mesa, with the text "Is There Gold in Arizona?" sparking curiosity about hidden treasure, and a "Pan for Treasure" logo in the corner.
A snowy, mountainous landscape in Alaska features the question “Is there gold in Alaska?” alongside a circular “Pan for Treasure” logo in the corner.
A river winds through a forest of bare trees; the text "Is There Gold in Alabama?" invites curiosity, while a "Pan for Treasure" logo appears in the top left corner.
A highway winds along the mountainous California coastline under a blue sky, while the text "Is There Gold in California?" invites you to explore the state’s legendary gold rush history. A "Pan For Treasure" logo sits in the corner.
A gravel road runs alongside a lake framed by autumn trees and a wooden fence. The text asks, “Is there gold in Connecticut?” beside a “Pan for Treasure” logo in the corner.

Explore the Best States to Pan for Gold

Curious about where to start your treasure-hunting journey? Look no further!

We’ve scoured the nation to bring you a comprehensive list of the best states to pan for gold.

From the majestic mountains of Colorado to the historic rivers of California, discover the prime locations where gold is waiting to be discovered.

Recently Improved Resources

Wooden wall with Prospecting Picks and Shovels leaning against it, logo reading "Pan for Treasure" in the upper left, and text "Best Prospecting Picks and Shovels" at the bottom.
A green gold classifier screen rests on sandy ground with the text “Mastering Gold Classifiers” and a “Pan For Treasure” logo in the corner, highlighting essential tools for prospectors seeking to refine their gold panning skills.
Person with headphones holds a metal detector against a dusk sky; text reads "Understanding Metal Detector Signals," helping you decode what your device hears. The "Pan for Treasure" logo sits in the corner.
A small shovel with a wooden handle lies on dirt, featuring the text "Shovel Selection: Selecting the Perfect Shovel for Gold Panning" and a “Pan for Treasure” logo in the corner.
A person uses a metal detector on a sandy beach at sunset. The image features the text "Metal Detector Types" and a circular "Pan For Treasure" logo.
A cross-sectional diagram shows layers of alluvium, sedimentary rock, intrusive igneous rock, and a gold-bearing vein, with the text: "How Does the Geology of an Area Influence Gold Deposits?.

New to Gold Prospecting? Read These First

Step-by-Step Guides and Techniques

If you’re new to gold panning, don’t worry-everyone starts somewhere.

Our guides cover each part of the process, from picking the right tools to learning how to separate gold from gravel and sand.

You’ll get clear, practical instructions to help you recognize real gold and build your skills with every outing.

Essential Gold Prospecting Tools

Wooden wall with Prospecting Picks and Shovels leaning against it, logo reading "Pan for Treasure" in the upper left, and text "Best Prospecting Picks and Shovels" at the bottom.
A small shovel with a wooden handle lies on dirt, featuring the text "Shovel Selection: Selecting the Perfect Shovel for Gold Panning" and a “Pan for Treasure” logo in the corner.
A green gold classifier screen rests on sandy ground with the text “Mastering Gold Classifiers” and a “Pan For Treasure” logo in the corner, highlighting essential tools for prospectors seeking to refine their gold panning skills.

Must-Have Gear for Every Prospector

The tools you bring can strongly impact how successful and efficient your gold panning experience will be.

From gold pans and classifiers to shovels and snuffer bottles, each piece of equipment plays a role in helping you separate gold from gravel more efficiently.

If you’re just starting or upgrading your gear, our guides cover what you need and how to choose the best tools for your prospecting goals.

Helpful Resources and Support

Trusted Sources for Gold Panning Guidance

At Pan for Treasure, our mission is to provide you with all the resources you need to embark on your gold panning journey.

From recommended gear and equipment to permit information, gold panning tips, gold panning terms, and insights into the history of gold mining.

We also highlight the importance of environmental conservation to ensure responsible and sustainable prospecting.

For a broader look at mineral resources and geological data in the U.S., check out the U.S. Geological Survey’s Mineral Resources Program.

We are always ready to answer your questions and assist you every step of the way.

Recent Articles

Other Pages

Geology, a branch of earth science, focuses on the study of minerals and their formation. This field examines the composition, structure, and physical properties of rocks, as well as the processes that shape
An image of a bulldozer and a dump truck emphasizing Environmental Conservation.
Gold mining history - screenshot thumbnail.
Gold panning adventures in California featuring exciting gold panning adventures.
Educational resources for gold panning.
Gold nuggets and dust are two of the various gold types available.
Gold panning secrets for success.
Cold gold prospecting techniques.
Gold panning enthusiasts should always prioritize safety and adhere to the applicable regulations established for this recreational activity.

Ready to Try Gold Panning?

Gold panning is a rewarding way to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature.

From nearby streams to cross-country prospecting trips, Pan for Treasure offers the tips and resources you need to get started and stay informed every step of the way.

Embark on a treasure hunt as you pan for valuable hidden gems and riches. Pan for Treasure

Subscribe to Our Newsletter