Giltedge: Gold Prospecting in Fergus County, Montana

Updated June 2026

Giltedge is a mapped rockhounding spot in Fergus County, Montana. Reported finds include gold. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Fergus County
State: Montana
Nearest road: Maiden Road
Coordinates: 47.14585, -109.23543

Geology at Giltedge

This spot sits on Madison Group: Mission Canyon and Lodgepole Formations; or Castle Reef and Allan Mountain Formations, mapped as limestone, dolostone, and black shale that formed roughly 360 to 330 million years ago. Carbonate rock like this dissolves and weathers readily, so fresh road cuts, quarries, and creek exposures are typically the most productive ground.

Mapped unit: Madison Group: Mission Canyon and Lodgepole Formations; or Castle Reef and Allan Mountain Formations
Age: 360–330 Ma (Mississippian)
Rock types: limestone, dolostone, and black shale
Elevation: 5,470 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 Giltedge

Best months: April to October. Typical highs run 76°F in midsummer and 31°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 13°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, LEWISTOWN 11ESE station (10 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.

State guidance last verified: April 1, 2026

BLM Montana — Recreational mineral collecting
Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology
Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine (fee-dig operator)
Community submissions reviewed against published agency rules

Found at Giltedge

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

Gold Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Giltedge.

Giltedge FAQ

Where is Giltedge?+

Giltedge is in Fergus County, Montana, at 47.14585, -109.23543. Nearest road: Maiden Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Giltedge?+

Giltedge is reported to produce Gold.

Is collecting allowed at Giltedge?+

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 Giltedge?+

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 Giltedge?+

The most comfortable months at Giltedge are April to October.

How do I get to Giltedge?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 47.14585, -109.23543 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Maiden Road.

More rockhounding in Montana

See all 87 Montana spots →

Open Giltedge on the map

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