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Lynx Creek Gold Pan Day Use Area: Strike Gold in Arizona's Past

Experience the thrill of the Gold Rush! Pan for gold in a historic creek surrounded by Arizona's natural beauty.

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Experience the thrill of the Gold Rush at Lynx Creek Gold Pan Day Use Area, where visitors can pan for real gold in a scenic and historic setting. Located near Prescott, Arizona, this area offers a unique blend of outdoor recreation and a chance to connect with the past.

A brief summary to Lynx Creek Gold Pan Day Use Area

Local tips

  • Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and cooler temperatures.
  • Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
  • Bring your own gold panning equipment or rent from a local shop.
  • Pack a picnic lunch and plenty of water, as there are no food or drink services available.
  • Check the Prescott National Forest website for current conditions and any restrictions before your visit.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From Prescott, head east on Highway 69. Pass the shopping mall on the right and turn right (south) onto Walker Road, near Costco. Continue south on Walker Road for approximately 1.5 miles. Turn left onto the Gold Pan/Lynx Creek Ruins dirt road. Follow this road for about 0.75 miles; the Day Use Area will be on your right. Parking is free.

  • Public Transport

    Take a bus to Prescott from nearby cities like Phoenix or Flagstaff. From the Prescott bus station, use a rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) or rent a car to reach the Lynx Creek Gold Pan Day Use Area. Head south from Prescott on Iron Springs Rd, then turn left onto S Lynx Creek Rd and follow the signs to the destination. Note that public transportation options may be limited, so check local schedules to ensure you can arrive when you need to. Rideshares from Prescott to the Day Use Area will likely cost $15-25.

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Discover more about Lynx Creek Gold Pan Day Use Area

Lynx Creek Gold Pan Day Use Area invites visitors to step back in time and experience the allure of the American Gold Rush. Nestled in the Prescott National Forest, this area was once a bustling hub for gold miners in the mid-1800s after Sam Miller discovered gold in Lynx Creek in 1863. Today, it offers a unique opportunity to try your luck at gold panning in a location rich with history and natural beauty. The creek itself meanders through a picturesque canyon, surrounded by towering trees and rugged rock formations. The Day Use Area provides access to a section of Lynx Creek where recreational gold panning is permitted. Visitors can bring their own equipment or rent it from nearby suppliers to sift through the creek's gravel, hoping to find flakes or even small nuggets of gold. While the area has been heavily prospected over the years, persistence and a bit of luck can still lead to a rewarding experience. Beyond gold panning, the Lynx Creek Gold Pan Day Use Area offers a serene escape into nature. Visitors can enjoy a picnic by the creek, explore hiking trails in the surrounding area, and appreciate the diverse wildlife that inhabits the canyon. Keep an eye out for deer, elk, and even bald eagles. The site provides basic facilities, including vault toilets, but lacks picnic tables, fire pits, drinking water, and garbage service, so it's important to pack accordingly. Remember to follow the rules and regulations for gold panning in the Prescott National Forest, which include using only hand tools such as pans, picks, and shovels, and filling in any excavations before leaving.

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