Striking Gold in the San Gabriel Mountains

 Striking Gold in the San Gabriel Mountains: A Modern Prospector's Playground

By Michael Mick Webster

Tucked away just northeast of Los Angeles, where rugged peaks meet rushing waters, lies one of California's most underrated gold-hunting spots: the San Gabriel Mountains in the Los Angeles National Forest. While many people come here to hike, camp, or take in the dramatic mountain views, a growing number of adventurers are rediscovering something much shinier beneath the surface — gold.

A Legacy Written in Gold Dust

Long before skyscrapers dotted LA’s skyline, this region buzzed with the dreams of prospectors. The Gold Creek tributary of Alden Creek was once a hive of mining activity, where hopefuls spent days panning for precious flakes and nuggets. Decades have passed, but the allure remains. Today, modern prospectors still report finding gold in the very same streams.

Where to Start Your Treasure Hunt

If you're new to gold prospecting or just looking for your next great location, here are a few hot spots to start swirling that pan:

• Piru Creek – Flowing from the northwestern edge of the Angeles National Forest, this creek is not just scenic — it’s known to carry placer gold. Look for spots with exposed bedrock or natural riffles where gold can settle.
• Santa Clara River – One of Southern California's largest rivers, this waterway and its tributaries are historically rich with gold. After a storm or high water flow, new material gets stirred up, increasing your chances of striking it rich.

And here’s a pro tip: according to local prospectors, areas marked in orange on prospecting maps (like the one below!) highlights top-rated gold-bearing zones. These zones typically indicate areas with known gold deposits or favorable geological conditions.

Why the San Gabriels Are Still Glittering

Unlike the overworked streams of the Gold Rush era in Northern California, the southern mountains didn’t see the same scale of industrial mining. That means there’s still untapped gold in the hills, creeks, and riverbeds. Combine that with the rugged terrain — which naturally traps and protects gold from erosion or discovery — and you’ve got a prospector’s dream.

Tips for Responsible Prospecting

Before you grab your pan and hit the trail, keep these tips in mind:

• Know the rules: The Los Angeles National Forest allows recreational gold panning, but only hand tools like pans, shovels, and sluice boxes are permitted — no dredging or mechanized mining.
• Respect the land: Always pack out your trash, fill in your holes, and avoid damaging vegetation or disturbing wildlife.
• Check for claims: Some areas may be under active mining claims. Avoid prospecting in those zones unless you have permission.

Bring a Pan, Leave With a Story

Even if you don’t strike it rich, the San Gabriel Mountains offer something that’s worth its weight in gold: adventure, connection to history, and the thrill of the hunt. Whether you're an old-school prospector or a weekend explorer with a gold pan and a dream, this region offers a glittering chance to step into California's golden past — and maybe even take a piece of it home.

Happy prospecting!  Check out the attached map with orange-marked hotspots, you’re already ahead of the game. So fill up your canteen, grab your gear, and head for the creeks — there’s gold in them thar hills!