South Pass City: Gold Prospecting in Fremont County, Wyoming

Updated June 2026

South Pass City is a mapped rockhounding spot in Fremont County, Wyoming. Reported finds include gold. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Fremont County
State: Wyoming
Nearest road: Atlantic City Road
Coordinates: 42.47049, -108.76920

Geology at South Pass City

This spot sits on Metasedimentary rocks, mapped as metasedimentary that formed roughly 4030 to 2500 million years ago. Gold in metamorphic belts like this is typically tied to quartz veins and shear zones, with placer color in the creeks that cut them.

Mapped unit: Metasedimentary rocks
Age: 4030–2500 Ma (Archean)
Rock types: metasedimentary
Elevation: 8,160 ft

Geologic mapping via Macrostrat and the underlying state geological survey maps (CC BY 4.0). Bedrock at the surface can vary within a mapped unit.

Best time to visit South Pass City

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 76°F in midsummer and 27°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 1°F. At about 8,160 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, SOUTH PASS CITY station (2 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

Land & collecting status

Generally open to casual rockhounding

Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig.

Public-land rules vary by agency, season, and field office. The RockHoundR app pulls live BLM, USFS, NPS, and tribal overlays so you can see exactly which agency manages the ground at this spot.

Sources & verification

Spot details combine the public RockHoundR location dataset, normalized mineral labels, agency land-status checks in the app, and community submissions. Coordinates are approximate until verified in the field.

State guidance last verified: April 1, 2026

BLM Wyoming
Wyoming State Geological Survey
Fossil Butte National Monument
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at South Pass City

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Gold Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of South Pass City.

South Pass City FAQ

Where is South Pass City?+

South Pass City is in Fremont County, Wyoming, at 42.47049, -108.76920. Nearest road: Atlantic City Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at South Pass City?+

South Pass City is reported to produce Gold.

Is collecting allowed at South Pass City?+

Generally open to casual rockhounding. Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.

What tools should I bring to South Pass City?+

A gold pan, a classifier screen, a small shovel, and a snuffer bottle cover the basics. Motorized equipment and sluices fall under separate rules in most states, so start with hand tools.

When is the best time to visit South Pass City?+

The most comfortable months at South Pass City are April to October. At about 8,160 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

How do I get to South Pass City?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 42.47049, -108.76920 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Atlantic City Road.

More rockhounding in Wyoming

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Open South Pass City on the map

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