Pay-To-Dig Gem Mines in Montana

Dig and pan for sapphires along the Missouri River near Helena. El Dorado Bar is a classic Montana alluvial sapphire locality where flood gold and corundum are found in ancient river gravels. Open to fee digging from late spring through early fall. Sapphires range from small water-worn crystals to gem-quality stones.

The famous Yogo Gulch in Judith Basin County is home to the only American-mined sapphires with GIA-certified natural cornflower blue color requiring no heat treatment. Fee-dig access through licensed operators. These vivid blue sapphires are prized by collectors worldwide and rival Kashmir sapphires in color quality.

Wash gravel from the ancient Rock Creek deposits to find sapphires in every color of the rainbow — pink, orange, yellow, green, teal, and blue. Gem Mountain Sapphire Estate provides a family-friendly fee-dig experience with covered sluice facilities. Machine concentrate is available for purchase.

Dig for sapphires, garnets, and common minerals in native Montana soil at Crystal Park near Dillon. This BLM-managed fee-dig site is one of the most accessible public dig sites in the Northern Rockies. Bring your own tools or rent on-site.

Wash sapphire and garnet-bearing gravel from Montana's Rock Creek sapphire deposit. A smaller, more intimate operation than Gem Mountain with excellent finds.

Family-operated sapphire mining operation near Helena. Wash gravel from the Missouri River terraces for genuine Montana sapphires. Overnight accommodations available.

Montana's most popular sapphire mine. Screen buckets of pre-washed alluvial gravel from the Rock Creek sapphire deposit. Montana sapphires come in blue, green, yellow, and parti-color.

Pan and sluice for gold along the Missouri River near Helena. One of the most accessible gold panning operations in Montana.

Wash gravel for Montana sapphires from the Missouri River drainage. Beautiful blue, green, and parti-colored Montana sapphires.

Famous for its beautiful Yogo sapphires — unique blue sapphires found only in Montana.

Collect quartz crystals, agates, and other minerals in Polaris, Montana.

Screen bags of gem-bearing gravel from Montana's famous sapphire deposits.

Pan for gold and search for gems along Montana's famous gold rush rivers.