We all know that Colorado is one of our nation’s cherished treasures. The mountain majesty of Pikes Peak, the glimmering snow-swelled Arkansas River and the hold-your-breath Royal Gorge canyon comprise unparalleled beauty and awe. But what about the things your eyes cannot see? The loot? The gold? The gems?
It’s all here. And it’s been here for over a century. Famous outlaws such as Butch Cassidy are rumored to have hidden a stash of $100,000 from their bank robberies near Monument, just north of Colorado Springs. Some locals believe that Jesse James’ stolen wealth is hidden in the area of Half Moon Gulch, near Leadville. Gold miners created a frenetic movement in Colorado when gold was first uncovered in the Pikes Peak region. Silver came next with its discovery in Leadville nearly 20 years later.
Today the Cripple Creek and Victor Gold Mine remains the only active large-scale mining operation in the state. To find gold, you need to look for it the old-fashioned way—by putting on your waders, grabbing a shovel and heading to a river. Gold panning kits range from $20-$50 and may be purchased at outdoor sporting outlets, online or from any local rock shop. Popular prospecting areas along the sediment-rich Arkansas River include the Texas Creek BLM site near Cañon City and Point Barr outside of Salida. Both offer dispersed and/or camping sites. For the weekend “panner” or amateur gold prospector, expect to find some gold flakes and maybe a small tidbit or two.
But some words of caution: many areas have staked claims making it illegal to search for gems on what is considered private property. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has access to legalized staked claims which can be located on their website. Otherwise, the BLM states that gemstone hunting for personal use is allowed on most public lands with the maximum yield of 25 pounds per person, per day.
blm.gov
STRIKING IT RICH AT 14,000 FEET
Colorado is home to North America’s richest and most abundant gem fields, with more than 30 varieties of gemstones scattered across its landscape. Where gold miners left off, modern day prospectors have kept up the pace as semi-precious jewels have been discovered throughout the state, including the state’s official gemstone, aquamarine. In fact, the largest aquamarine ever found in North America—measuring 37 by 25 inches—was unearthed on Mt. Antero near Buena Vista in 2004. And that’s not all that can be found on the most gem-prolific peak in the lower 48; smoky quartz, blue topaz, phenakite crystals and purple and blue fluorite are all cherished finds among rockhounds and prospectors.
But beware: Mt. Antero is not for the faint of heart. At 14,000 ft., this mountain is rugged and unforgiving. It achieved star-status notoriety on The Weather Channel’s reality hit series “Prospectors,” in which a group of miners sought their fortune while sometimes risking their lives. It’s tricky hunting, even for the professionals who must respect the many unpatented claims (think private property) that are scattered over the summit.
Brian Busse, one of TWC’s “Prospector” stars, is a legend in the gem hunting world. His mining claim on Mt. Antero, named “Thank You Lord,” is famous for its yield of aquamarine stones. Busse, who describes himself as a “proverbial mountain man,” has worked his family claim for over 30 years while at the same time acting as tour guide for over 20,000 wannabes in mountainous Chaffee County. But for Busse, it’s more about posterity than prospecting. “I just want to educate and pass my knowledge on to others,” he says, adding an encouraging note to novice rockhounds: “there are more than enough gems in Colorado.”
Gem hunters may find the North Tarryall Peak and Topaz Mountain on the eastern edge of South Park to be a little more user-friendly at a mere 11,906 feet. Still a rugged climb, but the views of the Mosquito Mountain range are rich, even if you leave empty-handed. Further down the mountain, it is rumored that smoky quartz and topaz may be found near Tarryall Creek.
The slopes of Pikes Peak are riddled with deposits of Amazonite—an eggshell bluish-green gem sought after for its metaphysical healing powers—and Smoky quartz, treasured for its solid, monochromatic hues in gray, brown and black. It’s often faceted and made into rings, pendants and earrings. Other prevalent minerals reside in the Gold Camp Road area between Helen Hunt Falls and St. Peter’s Dome, and include fluorite, cryolite and tysonite.
There are scores of rockhounding clubs and Facebook groups with information and opportunities for striking it rich. The Pikes Peak Gem Show, held in June at the Norris Penrose Event Center and sponsored by the Colorado Springs Mineralogical Society, is the perfect place to explore a new hobby.
pikespeakgemshow.com
Perhaps the best advice for beginners comes from Busse himself, who tells the story of two hikers on Pikes Peak who found a blue topaz right off their path. “Just go out and hike, and if you see something shiny, just pick it up.”
You never know.
Additional Gem Resources
The Gold Mine Rock Shop in Canon City offers both panning supplies and pointers for those looking to strike it rich or just bring home a few souvenirs. According to the shop’s owner, Mike Tesak, gold may be found panning in the area, but the most prolific areas are further up the Arkansas River near Salida. “Our customers find a lot of fine flour gold, and maybe a few nuggets,” says Tesak. A simpler and almost as fun alternative is to purchase the shop’s “bucket of rocks,” filled with hidden surprises for personal small-scale gem mining.
coloradogoldminerockshop.com
If you want to skip the drive, both the Western Mining Museum and Ghost Town Museum in Colorado Springs offer hands-on gold panning experiences that kids of all ages can enjoy.
wmmi.org
ghosttownmuseum.com
