Prospecting Tips for the Anza Borrego Area

Almost all of the gold that has been found in the area has been placer gold. There is an indication though of a lode deposit in the story of Peg Leg but this probably only consists of hard rock discovery. The placer gold that was found in this area most likely came from the veins of the Julian Banner belt and was probably deposited by an old or ancient river that flew past here millions of years in the past. This area has two different kind of black gold to be sought for which consist of placer gold in black lava and the other is gold that is covered by a black coat which is actually oxide from an alloy of copper or silver that has become brought up to the surface. The lode of gold of the Peg Leg story was said to have been found in dark brown quartz. There are a good number of prospectors that have gone to this area and have found some good pockets in the area. If you just so happen to be looking, look for the smaller looking volcanoes and gold has been found in them at times. Prospectors can also try to dig down in the dry washes for the pockets.

Anza Borrego historical facts
The Anza Borrego Desert is not actually a gold bearing area but there have been some important gold events that took place in the area. This area does have some placer and lode gold though and some of the most interesting stories of gold have come from this place. Some of the interesting places this area has includes Warner’s Ranch, San Felipe Valley and Stage Station, Box Canyon, Vallecito State Station, El Vado and Los Puertecitos, the Butterfield Overland Mail Route, Palm Springs Stage, and not to forget Peg Leg’s Monument. Some pictographs have been carved by the early Indians and fossils can be found that the sea has left. There is a great deal to see in the Anza Borrego area.