20 Acre Mining Claim on the West Fork San Juan River

Welcome to your golden opportunity on the West Fork of the San Juan River, one of Colorado’s most scenic regions. Nestled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, these premium mining claims offer breathtaking beauty and the excitement of prospecting for gold. This 20- acre unpatented mining claim in the San Juan Mountains is only 17 miles from Pagosa Springs, CO, three ( 3) miles to beautiful Treasure Falls, and five (5) miles to Wolf Creek Valley Overlook. The West Fork San Juan drains part of the San Juan Mountains within the broader Colorado Mineral Belt—a northeast striking zone that hosts much of the state's gold silver lode deposits. This area combines rugged wilderness, serene rivers, hot springs, and access to some of Colorado’s best natural scenery and recreation. With excellent access, you can camp on your claim with tent or RV. A claim owner does not need permission or a permit to camp and prospect. Skullybugger has excellent campsites. Teeming with wild trout and framed by towering peaks, the West Fork San Juan offers world-class fly fishing in a serene alpine setting. Starting just one mile from the claim, the West Fork Trail leads into the pristine Weminuche Wilderness. Hikers can continue to Rainbow Hot Springs or connect with the Continental Divide Trail at Piedra Pass. San Juan National Forest also offers top-tier mountain biking, horseback riding, and OHV trails throughout the region. The forest boasts over 30 trailheads and extensive multi-use terrain for all skill levels. Pagosa Springs Hot Springs: Only a short drive away, these thermal pools offer a relaxing end to active days on the river or trails. The main resort has 25 pools with mineral-rich water and new geothermal expansion in progress. Rafting and Tubing on the Main San Juan River: Outfitters offer guided rafting, tubing, paddleboards and rentals in nearby Pagosa Springs. Scenic Drives and Railroads: Explore the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway, and hop aboard the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for spectacular views and wildlife sightings through the San Juan Mountains. From peaceful forest camping and small-stream trout fishing to wilderness backpacking and hot spring soaking, the West Fork area delivers rugged serenity and outdoor variety. Perfect for those craving solitude, classic mountain landscapes, and a side of Colorado adventure. Gold Prices Are High—And Still Rising With the price of gold regularly topping $3,400 per ounce, placer mining is no longer just a hobby—it’s a potentially profitable endeavor. As inflation persists and global instability rattles financial markets, gold continues to shine as a reliable store of value. That means: • Your gold finds are worth more than ever. • A productive claim becomes a valuable investment. • Demand for gold-rich properties is growing, making claims a resalable asset. True Ownership Under the 1872 Mining Law When you purchase a properly filed and maintained placer mining claim, you're not just leasing access or getting permission—you’re securing exclusive mineral rights under the General Mining Law of 1872, still in full force today. This law guarantees U.S. citizens the right to explore and extract minerals on public lands, and it gives claim holders powerful protections: • Exclusive Rights to Gold and Other Minerals: Only the claim holder can mine and remove valuable minerals. • Generational Asset: A claim can be passed down, sold, or leased—creating a family legacy. Acquiring a mining claim is more than just the right to access and valuable minerals, it is an opportunity to experience the adventures of an old-time prospector, taking you back in time to experience life in the rugged West in historic Colorado mining country. Although we never guarantee what you will find, the claim is located in a region that has produced millions of dollars in precious metals, and the same mineralized veins that supplied those historic hard rock mines continue to shed placer gold into the Dolores River system. A mining claim is an affordable way to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors, combined with the adventure of exploring the forest and panning for gold. This is an unpatented mining claim. You are purchasing the rights to locatable placer minerals (gold) on the claim, with incidental rights to surface access and use for prospecting and extraction. The Federal government owns the land.