Try your hand at gold panning in Colorado’s storied Central City with expert instruction and real gold ore. Discover the art of separating gold flakes in a scenic, wildlife-rich setting and keep the treasures you find.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels; mostly standing and light hand work
Wildlife
History
Central City was the heart of Colorado’s gold rush in the 1850s, once producing over $200 million in gold, making it one of the richest mining districts in the U.S.
Conservation
Hidee Gold Mine practices sustainable mining education by encouraging low-impact activities and promoting respect for the region’s natural and historical resources.
Hidee Gold Mine
Try your hand at gold panning in Colorado’s storied Central City with expert instruction and real gold ore. Discover the art of separating gold flakes in a scenic, wildlife-rich setting and keep the treasures you find.
Hidee Gold Mine is a hands-on mining attraction located in Central City, Colorado. The business offers guided underground ore tours and supervised gold panning sessions that let visitors handle tools, learn techniques, and take home their finds. The underground tour invites guests to descend into real mine workings to hand mine gold ore under guided supervision, while the surface panning experience focuses on learning traditional gold panning methods in an open, scenic setting.
Tours at Hidee Gold Mine include interpretation of local geology and mining history, including references to the area often called the "Richest Square Mile on Earth." Guides provide instruction on safe mining practices and gold recovery techniques. The underground areas are described as well-lit and supervised for visitor safety, and equipment is provided for hands-on participation. Guests may keep any gold or gems they recover during panning and mining activities.
Hidee Gold Mine structures its offerings for broad appeal: families, history enthusiasts, and visitors exploring Colorado’s mountain mining towns can choose from an underground mining experience or an instructional surface panning session. The combination of practical activity, historical context, and an emphasis on safety and education supports a reliable, memorable experience in Central City. All descriptions are based on the mine’s published trip summaries and location information.
Location
Central City, CO
Historic mountain mining town
Tours Offered
2 unique experiences
Underground and surface panning
Keep Finds
Keep your finds
Take home real gold and gems
Family Friendly
All ages welcome
Hands-on instruction for everyone
Reserve an underground ore tour or a gold panning session in Central City — hands-on instruction, safe environment, and take-home finds.
Wear waterproof footwear
You’ll be working with water and sediment, so sturdy shoes or boots that can get wet and muddy are best.
Bring sunscreen and a hat
Central City’s elevation and open panning area can expose you to strong sun; protect your skin during summer trips.
Follow instructor guidance carefully
Proper panning technique preserves the ore and increases your chance of finding gold flakes to keep.
Keep an eye out for wildlife
The area is home to hummingbirds and ground squirrels—wildlife encounters can add a special touch to your visit.
Waterproof boots
Protects your feet during wet panning activities and uneven terrain.
spring|summer|fall|winter
Sun hat
Helps shield your face and neck from intense sun exposure.
summer
Sunscreen
Prevents sunburn during outdoor sessions at higher elevations.
spring|summer|fall
Light jacket
Keeps you warm during cooler mornings or breezy conditions.
spring|fall|winter