top of page

Crackleback Gold

20 Acre
Gold Claim on Park Creek

$4,250

Crackle 1a; 1920x1280.jpg

Prospecting for Gold on Park Creek

Nestled within the rugged terrain of Mineral County, Colorado, Park Creek offers a serene yet historically rich setting for gold prospectors. This tributary of the Rio Grande River meanders through the San Juan Mountains, a region renowned for its mineral wealth and vibrant mining history.​

A Glimpse into the Past

The San Juan Mountains, encompassing Mineral County, were at the heart of Colorado's mining boom in the late 19th century. While Park Creek itself may not have been the epicenter of large-scale mining operations, its proximity to prolific mining districts like Creede suggests that prospectors likely explored its waters for placer gold deposits. The area's geological makeup, characterized by volcanic activity and mineral-rich veins, made it a prime location for gold seekers during the Colorado Gold Rush.

​

Geological Setting & Provenance

  • Park Creek flows through the eastern San Juan volcanic field, an area underlain by Oligocene-to-Miocene volcanic rocks—part of the same magma-tectonic system that hosts the Summitville caldera and mine.

  • Placer gold in the region was initially derived from weathering and erosion of these volcanic and epithermal vein-hosting rocks—particularly quartz-latitic veins mineralized with gold ± silver ± lead/zinc.

​

Placer Deposit Characteristics

  • Like most Colorado placer deposits, Park Creek's gold occurs in alluvial and paleo-terrace gravel deposits. These formed both during the Quaternary and during earlier Pleistocene incision events.

  • The process is classic gravity sorting: dense gold particles (often mixed with magnetite black sand) settle out in stream-bed traps, natural riffles, and inside bends—and may persist in abandoned benches.

​

Geologic Summary Table​​​​​​​​​
Feature
Description
Depoist Types
Active stream (alluvium) + related terraces
Transport medium
Streams such as Park Creek—active alluvial erosion
Host Geology
Tertiary volcanic rocks (calderas, flows) rich in quartz-latite veins
Gold Source
Eroded vein-hosted gold in volcanic terrain
Implications for Prospectors

  • Target zones are inside bends, natural riffles, or gravel bars along Park Creek—particularly where stream energy slows.

  • Terrace remnants above current creek levels preserve older placer gold.

​

Park Creek’s placer gold deposits fit the classic Colorado pattern: derived from epithermal veins in volcanic terrain, concentrated naturally by water, and historically exploited on a modest scale. Today, both active creek gravels and paleo-terrace benches hold the best potential.

Quick Facts

BLM Serial Number

CO106709099

Elevation

8,773 feet

Acres

20

Claim Type​

Unpatented Placer Claim

County

Mineral County

Legal Land Description

E1/2SW1/4NW1/4, Sec 1, T38N, R2E

Commodities

Gold

Access​

Park Creek Road

GPS

NE: 37.569849,-106.724946

NW: 37.569803,-106.72725

SW: 37.566189,-106.727229

SE: 37.566241,-106.724917

Adventure and Recreation on Park Creek

​

Park Creek offers a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a blend of tranquility and adventure. This region, characterized by its pristine wilderness and diverse recreational opportunities, is a gateway to the natural splendors of the Rio Grande National Forest. The area boasts a diverse array of recreational opportunities, from serene fishing spots to exhilarating trails.

 

Fishing: Angler's Paradise

Anglers will find Park Creek and its surroundings to be a fishing paradise. The creek itself is known for its abundance of eager trout, making it an enjoyable spot for both novice and experienced fishermen. Nearby, the Rio Grande River offers over 30 miles of "Gold Medal" waters, renowned for their high-quality trout fishing.​​

​

Hiking and Backpacking

The Rio Grande National Forest encompasses nearly 2 million acres, offering a plethora of hiking and backpacking trails. The proximity to the Continental Divide and the Weminuche Wilderness provides access to some of Colorado's most pristine and remote hiking experiences.

​
Mountain Biking and ATV Trails

For those seeking adventure on wheels, the area boasts numerous mountain biking and ATV trails. The Stone Quarry Trail System, located between Monte Vista and Del Norte, offers 7.4 miles of purpose-built trails through rugged terrain and large boulder formations. Additionally, Pass Creek Road #390 provides a 13-mile multi-use trail.

​
Winter Recreation

When snow blankets the landscape, Park Creek transforms into a winter wonderland. Park Creek Road offers routes for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The nearby Wolf Creek Ski Area provides downhill skiing and snowboarding across 1,600 acres of terrain.

​
Scenic Drives and Wildlife Viewing

The Silver Thread Scenic Byway, a 75-mile route that passes through South Fork, Creede, and Lake City, offers breathtaking views of the Continental Divide, historic sites, and abundant wildlife. Travelers can enjoy the vibrant fall colors, spot elk and deer, and explore the rich history of the region.​

bottom of page