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San Juan Riffle Gold

20 Acre
Gold Claim on the West San Juan River

$4,750

Riffle 1;625x625.jpg

West Fork San Juan Gold

Welcome to your golden opportunity on the West Fork of the San Juan River, one of Colorado’s most scenic and historically rich placer gold regions. Nestled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, these premium mining claims offer breathtaking beauty and proven potential for gold recovery.​

1. Geological Setting & Drainage Context

  • The West Fork San Juan River, located in San Juan County near Pagosa Springs, drains part of the San Juan Mountains within the broader Colorado Mineral Belt—a northeast‑striking zone that hosts much of the state's gold‑silver lode deposits.

  • Regional bedrock comprises volcanic and intrusive rocks associated with the San Juan volcanic field, as well as lacustrine and fluvial sedimentary units in the San Juan Basin.

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2. Source & Nature of the Placer Mineralization

  • Placer gold in the West Fork originates primarily from erosion of upstream lode‑gold and silver veins in the San Juan mountain range—particularly near Silverton and Eureka, where historic hard‑rock mining was intense.

  • Gravel benches and alluvial bars along tributaries and river terraces contain fine‑grained gold in Quaternary gravels, similar to other Colorado mountain stream placers.

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3. Historical Prospecting & Mining

  • While never a major producer, placer prospecting occurred in late 1800s to early 1900s along the West Fork and neighboring drainages, often by small claim‑holders using pans, sluices, and occasionally hydraulic mining methods.

  • By mid‑20th century, Colorado placer mining declined significantly, with most production concentrated in regions like Clear Creek and South Platte; the West Fork saw minimal ongoing operations by the 1950s.

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4. Geomorphology of Gold Deposition

  • Gold in the river is concentrated in bedrock cracks, flanking gravel benches, and point bars where flow velocity slows. These features trap dense gold particles.

  • Elevated river terraces and ancient alluvial benches hold older Quaternary deposits, sometimes richer than modern flood gravels.

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5. Modern Prospecting Outlook

  • Recreational gold panning remains viable in the West Fork, especially after high‑water events that scour overburden and expose fresh gravels.

  • Expect typical sizes of flakes and fine grains, rather than nuggets. Target bedrock pockets, cracks in boulders, and gravel sorted zones along inside bends.

  • Modern equipment like sluices or dry washers (for wetter or drier conditions, respectively) can yield small recoveries, largely for recreation rather than commercial production.

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Geologic Summary Table​​​​​​​​​
Aspect
Key Points
Source
Eroded lode deposits in the San Juan Mountains
Gold Type
Fine grained alluvial gold in slumped gravels
Deposits
River bars, bedrock traps, terraces/benches
Historic Mining
Small-claim placer and hydraulic operations
Modern Prospectors
Recreational recovery from exposed gravels

The West Fork San Juan River carries a legacy of placer gold derived from the richly mineralized San Juan Mountains. Fine‑grained gold persists in its gravels, representing both a window into Colorado’s mining heritage and an opportunity for modern-day recreational prospectors.

Quick Facts

BLM Serial Number

CO106385678

Elevation

8,773 feet

Acres

20

Claim Type​

Unpatented Placer Claim

County

Mineral County

GPS

NE: 37.451637,-106.907871

NW: 37.451563,-106.919142

SW: 37.447944,-106.910128

SE: 37.448018,-106.907856

Commodities

Gold

Access​

County Road 033

Legal Land Description

E1/2NE1/4NE1/4, Sec 18, T37N, R1E

Adventure and Recreation on the West Fork San Juan

​If you're looking to explore the great outdoors near the West Fork of the San Juan River in southwestern Colorado, you're in for a treat. This area combines rugged wilderness, serene rivers, hot springs, and access to some of Colorado’s best natural scenery and recreation.

 

Fishing the West Fork

Cast your line into adventure on the West Fork of the San Juan River, a hidden gem tucked into the rugged beauty of southwest Colorado. Teeming with wild trout and framed by towering peaks, this pristine stretch of water offers world-class fly fishing in a serene alpine setting.

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Hiking & Day Trips

West Fork Trail: Known as the Rainbow Trail, this route begins just beyond the campground and leads into the pristine Weminuche Wilderness. Hikers can continue to Rainbow Hot Springs or connect with the Continental Divide Trail at Piedra Pass.

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Across U.S. 160 are trailheads to Windy Pass and Treasure Mountain, plus the striking Treasure Falls, about 3 miles from the campground—a 100‑foot waterfall with a short and accessible trailhead path.

 

Mountain Biking, Horseback Riding & More

San Juan National Forest offers top-tier mountain biking, horseback riding, and OHV trails throughout the region. The forest boasts over 30 trailheads and extensive multi-use terrain for all skill levels.

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Wilderness Access: Weminuche Wilderness

As Colorado’s largest wilderness area at nearly half a million acres, the Weminuche Wilderness offers over 500 miles of hiking and horse trails. It’s the perfect destination for multi-day backpacking or connecting with the Continental Divide Trail—beginning at Wolf Creek Pass or West Fork trailheads.

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Surrounding Attractions & Day Activities

  • Pagosa Springs Hot Springs: Only a short drive away, these thermal pools offer a relaxing end to active days on the river or trails. The main resort has 25 pools with mineral-rich water and new geothermal expansion in progress.

  • Rafting and Tubing on the Main San Juan River: Outfitters offer guided rafting, tubing, paddleboards and rentals in nearby Pagosa Springs.

  • Scenic Drives and Railroads: Explore the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway, and hop aboard the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for spectacular views and wildlife sightings through the San Juan Mountains.​

Activity
Details
FIshing
Trout fishing on West Fork and Wolf Creek
Hiking
West Fork Trail to hot springs; Windy Pass & Treasure Mt
Scenic Exploration
Drives like San Juan Skyway; historic Silverton railroad
Hot Springs & Rafting
Pagosa Springs region offers mineral pools and float trips
Camping
West Fork Campground: forested, river-adjacent, quiet
Hunting
Big game species like elk, mule deer, black bear
Backpacking
Entry to Weminuche Wilderness trail network
Mountain Biking & Horseback
Extensive trails in San Juan NF

From peaceful forest camping and small-stream trout fishing to wilderness backpacking and hot‑spring soaking, the West Fork area delivers rugged serenity and outdoor variety. Perfect for those craving solitude, classic mountain landscapes, and a side of Colorado adventure.

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