Arizona Gold Metal Detecting

Arizona Gold: Chasing the Motherlode Near Phoenix

For those of us living in the 85373 ZIP code, we aren’t just living in a beautiful desert—we’re sitting on one of the most productive gold-bearing regions in the American West. While many people think they have to drive hours into the mountains to strike it rich, some of the best metal detecting ground is right in our backyard.

If you’re looking to get out this weekend for a little “nugget shooting,” here are the top spots near the West Valley and Wickenburg.

Arizona Gold Metal Detecting

This small gold nugget was located near the San Domingo Wash w/Minelab gpx6000

1. San Domingo Wash (The Hidden Gem)

Located just southeast of Wickenburg and north of Morristown, San Domingo Wash is arguably the most famous placer gold area in Maricopa County.

• Why it’s great for detecting: Unlike other areas where gold is microscopic “flour,” San Domingo is known for coarse nuggets. Many prospectors have pulled 1/4-ounce to 1-ounce nuggets out of the benches and side gulches here using metal detectors.

• Where to look: Focus on Old Woman Gulch (a southern tributary) and the gravelly mesas between the main washes. The gold here is often found on or near the bedrock, so keep your eyes peeled for areas where the soil is shallow.

• Pro Tip: This area is heavily claimed. If you aren’t a member of a club like the GPAA or Roadrunners, make sure you are checking land status on the BLM’s MLRS system or stick to the pay-to-prospect sites like the 1899 Hotel/Luxury Gold Mine nearby.

2. Wickenburg Mountains & The Hassayampa

Wickenburg is the gateway to gold country. While the Vulture Mine is the most famous lode mine in the state, the surrounding desert is littered with placer gold that eroded from those same mountains over millions of years.

• The Hassayampa River: Legend says once you drink from the Hassayampa, you can never tell the truth again. The “truth” for prospectors is that the dry riverbanks below Wickenburg still hold gold flakes and small nuggets, especially after the heavy monsoon rains we’ve seen.

• Detector Strategy: Search the “inside bends” of the dry washes. Gold is heavy and drops out of the water flow exactly where the current slows down.

3. Cave Creek & The New River District

Just a short drive northeast of Peoria/85373, the Cave Creek Mining District was a massive producer in the late 1800s.

• Rackensack & Go John Mines: The hills surrounding these old mines are perfect for metal detecting. While much of the gold here was originally “hard rock” (in quartz veins), erosion has left plenty of “float” gold in the surrounding soil.

• Local History: If you want to see how the old-timers did it, stop by the Cave Creek Museum on the second Saturday of the month to see the only fully operational ten-stamp ore mill in Arizona!

Safety First in the Southwest

Before you head out from the 85373, remember the “Desert Prospector’s Rules”:

1. Water is Gold: Pack twice as much as you think you’ll need.

2. Watch for “Local Residents”: Rattlesnakes and Gila Monsters love the same rocky outcrops where gold hides.

3. Claim Check: Always verify you aren’t “claim jumping.” Join a local club to get access to the best proven ground legally.

Have you found any “yellow butter” in the San Domingo lately? Post your pictures and videos in the group—we want to see those finds!

Arizona Gold Metal Detecting

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  • Visit our gold prospecting site to view of collection of natural gold nuggets,

    silver and many other unique precious metals collectibles and great gift ideas:

     https://california-gold-rush-miner.us

    A few examples from our site:

    High Grade Silver Ore Slab

    

    silver slab – example only

    Nice sawn vein specimen of fresh, unaltered high grade silver ore from the world-class Cobalt Ontario deposits. Sawn on one side only.  The deposit was described in Mineralogical Record, Volume 43, Number 6.  In general, veins are predominantly composed of carbonates (calcite and/or dolomite) with arsenides and sulpharsenides of Co, Ni and Fe with native Ag and Bismuth.  Most of this material has been squirreled away in collections by now, although specimens do occasionally come to market.

    

    There are a few of these silver slabs available. The very bright silver really makes this piece stand out, but, unfortunately makes it all so hard to photograph. As an example the one pictured above is 66 grams for $85.

    

    Silver, Bornite

    There are a few of these beautiful native silver w bornite specimens available. Here is a 2 inch x 1 inch, Apx. 17.5 grams – Native Silver on Bornite thumbnail specimen from San Martin, Mexico. As an example the one pictured above is 17.5 grams for $120. 

    Avon Gold Rush Collectible stein

    

    1987 8 1/2” tall  San Francisco Gold Rush Handcrafted in Brazil for Avon. Each one of is individually numbered (#32017) this is the last one. $35.

    For further information on these: seo711@gmail.com

    All the items shown here are very limited and subject to prior sale without notice.

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    Also see the most expensive type of gold nuggets, the Crystalline Gold Nuggets

    

    Crystalline gold

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    • • DISCLAIMER:

        Some of the links in this description and in our videos may be affiliate links, and pay a small commission if you use them, but never increase the basic cost. I really appreciate the support. The content in my Youtube videos & blog posts SHALL NOT be construed as tax, legal, insurance, construction, engineering, health & safety, electrical, financial advice, prospecting or other & may be outdated or inaccurate; it is your responsibility to verify all information. I am a not financial adviser. I only express my opinions based on my experiences. Your experience may be quite different. Investing of any kind involves risk. While it is possible to minimize risk, your investments are solely your responsibility. You must conduct your own research. There is NO guarantee of gains or losses on any investments. My produced videos are for entertainment purposes ONLY. DO NOT make buying or selling decisions based on these videos. If you need advice, please contact a qualified CPA, attorney, insurance agent, contractor/electrician/engineer, financial advisor, or the appropriate professional for the subject you would like help with.

      • Keep in mind land use and land boundaries are constantly changing,  before going to a unknown location you must do extensive research not only into the current weather conditions, access and current land status.  Keep In mind private property owners and mining claim owners do not take kindly to trespassers and or claim jumpers. Always follow local laws and regulations related to prospecting and land use. Regulations and restrictions are constantly changing on BLM lands, State lands, National Monuments  and tribal lands. It is your responsibility to totally investigate any potential prospecting area  prior to heading out.  Failure to do so, could not only result in massive fines but also imprisonment and confiscation of all your equipment.