Panning for gold in Texas involves two fun activities that are ideal in the summer: treasure hunting and getting wet.
Where to find gold: The Llano River is perhaps the best gold-bearing stream in the state as it drains much of the mineral-rich Llano Uplift geological formation. One of the most productive gold mines in the state was about 5 miles northwest of Llano.
The most popular spot to pan for gold is the Kingsland Slab (pictured) on the Llano River off RR 1431 outside of Kingsland. Slab Road changes from RR 3404 to RR 307 at the river and can also be accessed from State Highway 71.
The river spreads out at the low-water crossing into a series of shoots and streams sluicing between mounds of sand and rock. Because this is a popular swimming hole, parking along the road can get congested, especially on weekends.
Another spot to pan for gold is in the town of Llano below the dam in Grenwelge Park along the southern bank. Sift through the piles of sand and under rocks for tiny flakes of the yellow mineral.
How to find gold: Panning for gold involves swishing the lighter pebbles around in a pan (a heavy-duty pie pan would work) and letting the yellow flakes settle to the bottom. You’re not likely to find gold nuggets. What you might find are shiny flakes or “flour” gold. Flour gold is very fine yellow dust often mixed with black sand.
Besides a pan you’ll need tweezers to handle the small flakes. You might consider getting a snuffer bottle, a small, flexible plastic squeeze bottle used by gold prospectors to collect fine gold particles. Bring along a small bottle or plastic bag to carry home your discoveries.
For advice on prospecting, stop by the Llano Visitor Center or the Llano River Railroad and Mining Museum at 100 Train Station Dr.
1,806th in a series. Everywhere is a day trip from somewhere. Follow “Day Trips & Beyond,” a travel blog, at austinchronicle.com/day-trips.
This article appears in May 15 • 2026.
