Gunnison Gold Belt Mines: Gold Prospecting in Gunnison County, Colorado

Updated June 2026

Gunnison Gold Belt Mines is a mapped rockhounding spot in Gunnison County, Colorado. Reported finds include gold, copper. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Gunnison County
State: Colorado
Nearest road: Old Huntsman Mesa Road
Coordinates: 38.30777, -107.09247

Geology at Gunnison Gold Belt Mines

This spot sits on Intra-ash flow andesitic lavas, mapped as andesite that formed roughly 34 to 23 million years ago. Gold in volcanic terrain like this is usually tied to old vein systems and the gravels that drain them, so nearby washes tend to carry the color.

Mapped unit: Intra-ash flow andesitic lavas
Age: 34–23 Ma (Oligocene)
Rock types: andesite
Elevation: 8,490 ft

Geologic mapping via Macrostrat and the underlying state geological survey maps (CC BY 4.0). Bedrock at the surface can vary within a mapped unit.

Best time to visit Gunnison Gold Belt Mines

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 79°F in midsummer and 22°F in midwinter, with winter lows near -5°F. At about 8,490 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, BLUE MESA LAKE station (12 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

Land & collecting status

Generally open to casual rockhounding

Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig.

Public-land rules vary by agency, season, and field office. The RockHoundR app pulls live BLM, USFS, NPS, and tribal overlays so you can see exactly which agency manages the ground at this spot.

Sources & verification

Spot details combine the public RockHoundR location dataset, normalized mineral labels, agency land-status checks in the app, and community submissions. Coordinates are approximate until verified in the field.

Sources: RockHoundR public spot dataset, app land overlays, and local agency review before each trip.

Found at Gunnison Gold Belt Mines

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Gunnison Gold Belt Mines.

Gunnison Gold Belt Mines FAQ

Where is Gunnison Gold Belt Mines?+

Gunnison Gold Belt Mines is in Gunnison County, Colorado, at 38.30777, -107.09247. Nearest road: Old Huntsman Mesa Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Gunnison Gold Belt Mines?+

Gunnison Gold Belt Mines is reported to produce Gold, Copper.

Is collecting allowed at Gunnison Gold Belt Mines?+

Generally open to casual rockhounding. Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.

What tools should I bring to Gunnison Gold Belt Mines?+

A gold pan, a classifier screen, a small shovel, and a snuffer bottle cover the basics. Motorized equipment and sluices fall under separate rules in most states, so start with hand tools.

When is the best time to visit Gunnison Gold Belt Mines?+

The most comfortable months at Gunnison Gold Belt Mines are April to October. At about 8,490 ft, snow can block access from late fall well into spring, so check conditions outside of summer.

How do I get to Gunnison Gold Belt Mines?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 38.30777, -107.09247 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Old Huntsman Mesa Road.

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Open Gunnison Gold Belt Mines on the map

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