Pan for gold or spend a day rockhounding , or hire on as a ranch hand and ride with real cowboys on the range. These were important roles in Gold West's cultural heritage. Many working ranches, guest ranches and outfitters provide opportunities to experience some of that heritage. Take a trail ride for a few hours, or spend several days on a pack trip into the mountain back country. Move cattle, learn modern ranching methods firsthand or participate in a ranch rodeo.
Accommodations range from tents to deluxe lodges.
Most require early reservation. For rock collectors, Gold West Country is indeed a treasure chest. Please be aware that you must ask permission from landowners to be on private land and that you may be guilty of trespassing if you are on a mining claim that is on public land. It is best to get advice from the local Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management office about the area you want to explore for collecting purposes. However, as a general rule, you may collect fossils, gemstones, minerals and rocks on public lands without a permit if you are doing so as a recreational activity.