Is there anywhere near Albuquerque or Sante Fe to pan for gold ? Do you know of the name and location of a creek or canyon in the area where gold has been found ?
Try the Pecos River above Terrero. Understand there were some old mines and tailings where some color has been found. Even tho it's in the Santa Fe National Forest, there is alot of "private property" so check first and ask permission where needed.
SE of Santa FE in the Ortez mountains, there is a working gold mine, but I've heard that you need to careful cause they might shoot at you, or so I been told