The Gold Prospectors of Colorado (GPOC) was founded around 1974 as a non-profit organization for recreational gold prospectors in the Colorado area. Our membership at any given time has grown to over 600 members and continues to grow across the Front Range, the nation, and even the world!

A major goal of GPOC is education.  We teach our members to respect the land while they have fun searching for gold.  We show the government agencies that manage public land that recreational gold prospecting can be done in a responsible manner.  We present a variety of educational programs for schools, scout troops, and the like.

GPOC is committed to educating the general public on gold prospecting and the science behind gold recovery.  We demonstrate and teach gold panning at a variety of events, such as the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo in Colorado Springs, Burro Days in Fairplay, and the Denver Gem and Mineral Show.

The organization has several claims, where GPOC members can participate in a variety of prospecting and rockhounding activities.  In addition, we help the Bureau of Land Management oversee recreational gold panning areas.

Each year, GPOC organizes outings and tours for our members.  The outings are to GPOC claims, and many of them focus on demonstrating specific recreational prospecting methods, such as use of highbankers, and long toms.  We also organize tours of points of interest to gold prospectors.  Many of our tours are to places that have limited general public access.   Other tours are to places like the Cripple Creek and Victor Mine where we arrange for special access, group rates, and special guides.

The GPOC offers small scale miners a public forum in which to talk about common interests. Members are able to discuss the latest technology in prospecting, listen to guest speakers, and have the access to tips and tricks at our monthly meetings in Colorado Springs.

The GPOC sponsors the annual Colorado State Gold Panning Championship.  The event is normally held the first weekend of August and draws gold panners from around the world.  The three-day event is an excellent opportunity to see a variety of panning techniques and learn from some of the best.

Our website has a “members’ forum” section that requires a user ID and password to access.  That’s where we have the most current copies of our monthly newsletter, the QUILL, and variety of “member only” information, such as maps of the GPOC claims and sign up lists for special events.  If you decide to become a member, you will be able to request a user ID and password to access this expanded part of the website.  A link to our “membership application form” is on the “membership” page.  You can fill it out on line, print it, sign it, and either mail it to us or bring it to the next general membership meeting.

Hope to see you soon.

General Membership meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7pm. Meetings are at Elks Lodge, 3400 North Nevada Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80907