About Us

✯ Guided Electronic Prospecting Trips - Metal Detecting For Gold Nuggets ✯

At Motherlode Prospecting, we offer fully guided electronic prospecting adventures as well as 1-on-1 or group training on how to not only effectively use your metal detector to find gold nuggets, but also read geological & mine data maps and other indicators to locate gold deposits.

✯ Don't forget a pan & sluice box (it's ok, we have extras!) ✯

Take a break from the mid day heat, or give your legs a rest after a morning hike to enjoy panning or sluicing in one of the picturesque creeks flowing through the world famous Sierra Nevada foothills while we cook up lunch for you and discuss the history of the region and ranch, dating back not just to 19th century gold rush, but all the way back to when the Sierra Nevada was formed and the foothills were the floor of an ancient sea..

✯ Our mission... ✯

...with teaching nugget hunting is to ensure every client leaves with a new set of skills or tricks for using their equipment and locating gold.  One of the greatest moments is when a client reaches out weeks or months after a trip with us, and shows off their success in the field as a result of what they learned from us.  We don't guarantee you will find gold on our trips.  In fact, we recommend clients come with the mindset of learning, not finding.  When you're too focused on finding, you make mistakes, overlook quiet targets, and move too fast.  I make the same mistakes and have to reel myself back and get back to good practices.

✯ Hard work pays off! ✯

Nugget hunting is a niche and difficult style of metal detecting where it isn't uncommon to spend an entire day working a piece of land less than 1/4ac  When experienced coin and relic hunters join us, the first thing we teach them is to forget everything they know about metal detecting, which is easier said than done.  We will do everything to give you the best opportunity at locating that nugget of a lifetime.

✯ Rare opportunity to prospect on premium, gold-rich ground. ✯

We offer access to some of the richest gold fields on earth on proven ground in California's Sierra Nevada Motherlode.  Our selection of ranches in Calaveras, Tuolumne, Amador, Mariposa, and El Dorado Counties have been carefully selected and tested thoroughly.  We only purchase or lease or ground that consistently produces quality gold. 

✯ High end equipment found nowhere else. ✯

We also have a secure platform where you can buy top of the line prospecting gear including ultralight metal detecting picks, crevacing tools,  pans, and backpack sluice boxes.  We build gear that will lighten your load, give you the ability to go that extra mile in pursuit of gold, all without sacrificing quality so your equipment will last generations.  This is made possible by using Grade 5 (6AL-4V) & Grade 9 (3Al-2.5V) titanium.  Get the strength of steel with weight just a hair over aluminum.

✯ Looking to sell or buy gold? ✯

We buy and sell natural gold nuggets, fine gold, flakes, rare gold & mineral specimens, and certified gold coins and bars.

✯ Our commitment to quality. ✯

Our team of experts ensures all our products meet the highest standards of purity and quality. We offer competitive prices and fast shipping to ensure a hassle-free experience for our customers.