Vic's Gold Panning, about an hour's drive west of Denver, has been around since 1957. According to the Colorado Prospector website, the area was featured in National Geographic in 1969. A bare-bones establishment, Vic's does not offer camping or any other activities. You can bring your own pans or you can use the pans provided at Vic's. The owners of Vic's keep any gold that you miss. This site is open seven days a week, weather permitting.
Vic's Gold Panning
PO Box 146
Black Hawk, CO 80422-0146
303-582-0710
The Country Boy Mine is open all year, making it a diversion for families needing a quick break from skiing during the winter. In addition to panning for gold (panning lessons are available), you can go on a mine tour or a sleigh ride here. The mine also offers dinner events. Though it's no longer in operation, the mine still has a great deal of gold ore. The Country Boy Mine's website states that mining the gold would cost more than the gold itself is worth, thus making it more suitable for casual panning.
Country Boy Mine
PO Box 2332
0542 French Gulch Road
Breckenridge, Colorado 80424
970-453-4405
countryboymine.com
The original Phoenix Gold Mine dates from 1871, and has been worked by a variety of miners since. The mine is no longer in use, but tours of the various parts of the mine are available. Gold, silver and copper are among the minerals that can be found. The price for panning includes equipment and a basic lesson. Panning is included in the price of the mine tour, or can be purchased separately. Additionally, there are nature trails on the property that guests can access.
Phoenix Gold Mine
800 Trail Creek Road
Idaho Springs, CO 80452
303-567-0422
phoenixmine.com
