where are the best places to pan for gold and other precious metals and gems in Colorado?

metal detectors, recreational mining, panning, ghost town exploration the more detailed the better, I am moving to denver in a month but hate the city, I am a Vermonter now, I thought this would be a great way to combat the rat race, details and maps stories whatever you have is welcomed information.

Public Comments

1. I own a metel detector/gold rifter plate rental office in Colorado. Just give me a ring, 983-2344
2. go to the site www.49ermike.com click on (where to find gold) click on (Colorado) you will see about 43 counties listed where gold can be found. Pick the one near where you want to go.And it will tell you places to find gold in that county. you can go too www.gpaa.com and chat with miners from all over some may be near there .They will be glad to help. gpaa also has a forum there you can search the questions about your subject.As far as gems Colorado's state gem is the Aquamarine other gemstones found in the state include:Peridot,Topaz,Garnet,and Rose Quartz. Colorado is known as the silver state but it is second in the nation in gold production.producing 40 million ounces of gold. Most of the mines are in the mountainous western portion of the state. good luck!