Gold Panning: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

Everything you want to know about panning for gold and how to do it

Photo by Matt Seymour on Unsplash

For the past year, I’ve been exploring new hobbies. Not just normal ones though, the weirder the better.

And what could be weirder than buying some cheap equipment, jumping in a car with a buddy, and heading out to pan for gold in hills of old mines?

For anyone else that’s curious about gold panning, here’s a full breakdown of what it is, how to do it, and where you can find spots to gold pan near you too!

This article isn’t meant for the professionals out there.

It’s an overview and breakdown for those new to the fun, interesting — and perhaps profitable — hobby.

Let’s get started!

**My first semi-successful gold panning trip, check it out!

Table of contents

1. What is gold panning?
2. How to pan for gold?
3. Basic steps to gold panning
4. Gold panning equipment, tools, and supplies
5. Where to pan for gold?
6. Is there gold panning near me?
7. Best places to pan for gold
8. Places to pan for…