A good source of information on gold panning,
including prospecting tips, panning instructions, and maps to
public panning areas, can be found in the Department's
publication, Mineral Report 7 - Gold Panning in Arizona.
Go to the
publication list.
In general, gold panning is allowed on Bureau
of Land Management and Forest Service Land where there are no
existing claims. Determining ownership of surface and mineral
rights of a particular location can be a complex process. Two
DMMR publications will be of assistance, Laws and Regulations
Governing Mineral Rights in Arizona and Manual for the
Determination of Status andOwnership, Arizona Mineral and
Water Rights.
One suggested location is the
Lynx Lake Area.
This area
(see map)
has been set aside for
recreational gold panning. Gold pans and hand tools may be used, but not
mechanized equipment. No permit is required. From Highway 69 4 miles east of
Prescott, turn south on the Walker Road (FS197). The Lynx Lake turn off is
approximately 3 miles on the left (east).
