While I was there there were several couples panning for gems. I read in some of the other reviews that it's tough to go on a hot day, but we went on a foggy June morning and it worked out great. Oh one more thing, they are only open Saturday and Sunday! The owners were helpful with answering questions. This is completely a mom and pop shop, super relaxed atmosphere. Just pretend you are in an old mining camp and it won't feel too shabby. There is no water on the premises though so remember hand sanitizer. They have a couple lunch tables so you could pack a lunch. I live in the Temecula area and Gem of Pala was only about 20 miles from my house.

There wasn't a lot of info on their website, so hoping my review helps other visitors. I ended up finding a pretty nice size chunk of green tourmaline. It was easy to sift through it with my children's sand toys. You can purchase one bucket and share or purchase as many as you want. This activity kept my son very entertained. My children can be a handful, but they were patient and VERY kid-friendly. They help you learn about what you are looking for specifically and extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Since I wasn't sure what this was all about or whether my kids would enjoy it, I wanted to try this option first, and to be honest, I don't think I'd try any other place.Īfter you fill your bucket, the staff helps you get set up with screens, water and the tools you need to get started. Other local gem mining businesses charge a lot more (as much as $75 per bucket). Guess we will have to return soon to see what we come home with.įor $20 you get to fill up a bucket with dirt and rocks from the local Stewart Mine, known for its tourmaline. Other people mining with us did find some pretty large chunks of tourmaline. We didn't 'strike it rich,' but we have enough gems and cool rocks to make it worth while. I took my 7 and 9 year-old children and it was a great way to spend the day together.

I wasn't sure if they were open because the website doesn't have links, but after calling the phone number and reading reviews I realized they were definitely open for business. This place is truly a hidden 'gem!' I had wanted to take my kids here last summer and we finally made it.

Camping near pala casino