Is it legal to prospect or not?

[Just a metal detectorist]

I have various maps and locations I would like to prospect for gold at, particularly Randsburg, Kern county, San Bernardino county, and a various other places in social. At first I was pretty excited because I had all these new locations that look very promising. But when I go to databases that have all the current claims it seems as though there's barely any land that is public to prospecting without having a claim. Is that true or am I just interpreting the locations of the claims wrong. also I'm most likely going to join a club that has various claims in SoCal so does anyone recommend any in particular?

 

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[russau]

I personally think that initially joining a club to learn the ropes is a good idea ! Learning the ins/outs , pros and cons of acquiring a claim for yourself should be the end game. They aren't making anymore land and what's out there is being snapped up by people (wacoenviromentalistterriorist's) that don't want you prospecting . Chose wisely on the club !

 

[leadnugget]

Orange County 49er's. 85 bucks a year to play on there 8 claims seems reasonable.
looking at https://mlrs.blm.gov/s/ i see a few areas that look interesting that are not under claim.

 

[Mine Shaft]

I have various maps and locations I would like to prospect for gold at, particularly Randsburg, Kern county, San Bernardino county, and a various other places in social. At first I was pretty excited because I had all these new locations that look very promising. But when I go to databases that have all the current claims it seems as though there's barely any land that is public to prospecting without having a claim. Is that true or am I just interpreting the locations of the claims wrong. also I'm most likely going to join a club that has various claims in SoCal so does anyone recommend any in particular?

Hi JAMD, I have a claim on the West fork of the Mojave River up around Silverwood Lake, just west of our claim is wide open with lots of places to prospect. Only problem is the River dries up around mid June so only options are "Dry washing or metal detecting. The River usually starts flowing good around November - December if we get rain and a little snow. Good luck.

 

[KevinInColorado]

All of the online tools will show you which quarter section a claim is (probably) in. However a claim is 20 acres and a quarter section is 160! So if you are interested in an area, get copies of the actual claim maps to see what’s still open to prospecting and even claiming. Maps are available at the state BLM office or the local county clerk/recorder office. Good luck and “find your gold!”