Gold can still be found in New Mexico by those who persevere. Here is how to get started.
Gold in New Mexico is found mainly in what are called placer deposits. Placer deposits occur when heavy gold settles to the bottom of a stream or river and collects over time. To search for placer gold you will need a gold panning kit. This usually consists of a wide, flat bottomed pan and instruction manual. You can find videos of the proper gold panning technique by searching youtube.com
Next you will want to find a location to pan for gold. You will find gold bearing sand in areas such as the Gila National forest and north of Taos New Mexico. Some gold panning locations can be found in the resources section below. Always get permission from the park ranger's office before panning for gold. In many parks there are locations and times of year when it is prohibited due to fish spawning.
You can also use a metal detector to search for gold in New Mexico. Gold can be found in gullies and ravines in places like the Lincoln National forest. You will need a metal detector that is lightweight but powerful enough to penetrate several inches into the ground. Choose a metal detector with a "discriminator" feature to help you avoid digging up trash items such as pop can tabs. When searching for gold in New Mexico be careful of rattlesnakes. Wear sunscreen and carry a good supply of water. Always get permission and don't trespass.
