Where to Find Gold in Utah

Utah gold production tracks three corridors: the Oquirrh Mountains (Bingham), the Tintic-East Tintic mining districts, and the Mercur-Marysvale belt in the southwest. Bingham is closed to collecting, but the surrounding canyons and the West Mountain district carry workable placer ground. Tintic gold occurs in tellurides (calaverite, sylvanite) on the old dumps near Eureka, not as free gold. The Henry Mountains in Garfield County and the La Sal placer ground in San Juan County hold scattered placer flake gold. The American Fork drainage in the Tibble Fork area is the most consistently productive recreational panning ground. The most productive ground is in American Fork canyon (Utah County), Tintic district tellurides (Juab County), Henry Mountains placer (Garfield County).

Casual hand collection of common rocks and minerals like gold is allowed on most BLM and U.S. Forest Service land in Utah, with daily and annual limits set by the local field office. National parks, most state parks, and tribal land are off-limits. Always confirm rules before a trip.

American Fork canyon (Utah County) is the standout. Other strong ground includes Tintic district tellurides (Juab County), Henry Mountains placer (Garfield County).