Claim Details
Location: Gold Basin, Mohave County, Arizona
Size: 20 Acres
Type: Unpatented Placer Mining Claim on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Historical Context
The Mohave Star #1 placer mining claim is located in the historic Gold Basin Mining District of northwestern Arizona, approximately one hour north of Kingman and near the community of Meadview.
Gold Basin has a rich history of gold mining and prospecting dating back to the early 1870s, when prospectors first discovered gold-bearing quartz veins in the surrounding White Hills. By the 1880s, mining activity had expanded, with operations such as the Eldorado Mine contributing to the district’s early gold production.
Placer mining became more widespread during the early 1930s, when prospectors began working the region’s gold-bearing washes and gravel deposits. Dry washing became a popular recovery method due to the area’s arid desert climate and limited water availability.
According to historical reports from the U.S. Geological Survey, gold-bearing gravels in the Gold Basin district occur in washes and tributaries draining the White Hills, including the well-known White Elephant Wash drainage system.
Today, Gold Basin remains a popular destination for recreational gold prospectors, particularly those interested in dry washing, metal detecting, and exploring historic gold-bearing desert washes.
Gold Potential
Our prospecting and sampling on Mohave Star #1 have successfully recovered both fine placer gold and small gold pickers. Some of our recoveries were made using a Minelab Gold Monster 1000 metal detector, demonstrating the claim’s potential for continued metal detecting and gold recovery.
One of the most attractive features of this property is the tributary wash running through the claim. This drainage has been our primary area of exploration and is where we have personally recovered gold.
In addition to the tributary wash, a small portion of Elephant Wash crosses the claim. Elephant Wash is part of the historically gold-bearing drainage country of Gold Basin, providing another area worth investigating through additional sampling.
The claim also features ample exposed bedrock, offering excellent opportunities to search natural cracks, crevices, and pockets where placer gold may accumulate.
Mohave Star #1 is particularly well suited for:
- Dry washing the gravels within the tributary wash.
- Metal detecting for gold pickers and potential nuggets.
- Crevicing exposed bedrock for trapped placer gold.
- Panning and sampling gravel deposits using recirculating equipment.
- Exploring the portion of Elephant Wash located within the claim.
Although our gold recoveries have primarily come from the tributary wash, other areas of the property remain open for further prospecting and exploration.
Meteorite Hunting Potential
Gold Basin is also known for something beyond its historic gold deposits: meteorites.
In 1995, a gold prospector using a metal detector discovered meteorite fragments in the Gold Basin area. The discovery led to the identification of the Gold Basin meteorite strewn field, where thousands of meteorite specimens have subsequently been recovered.
This unique history adds another interesting dimension to the region for metal detecting enthusiasts.
While we have not confirmed any meteorite discoveries on Mohave Star #1, its location within the broader Gold Basin region makes meteorite hunting another potential activity worth exploring, subject to applicable public-land regulations.
Terrain and Access
Access to the Gold Basin area is relatively straightforward, with a generally well-maintained dirt road leading into the district.
Before reaching the smaller road that leads toward the claim, there is a convenient parking area with ample room for vehicles and RVs. This provides a practical staging location for visitors who prefer not to drive farther into the desert.
From this parking area, the road leading toward Mohave Star #1 becomes rougher. A Jeep, side-by-side, ATV, or truck with decent ground clearance is recommended.
For those without an off-road vehicle, the claim can also be reached with a relatively short walk from the parking area.
The surrounding terrain consists of open desert, gravel washes, exposed bedrock, and scenic mountain views. The generally dry conditions make this an appealing property for dry washing and metal detecting.
With access to nearby parking and plenty of ground to explore, Mohave Star #1 offers a convenient opportunity to prospect within one of Arizona’s historic gold-producing regions.
Nearby Amenities
Despite its remote desert setting, Mohave Star #1 is within reach of several nearby services and communities.
- Nearby Gas Station: A gas station and convenience stop offering fuel, snacks, and basic supplies is approximately 15–20 minutes away.
- Meadview, Arizona: A nearby community offering additional amenities and lodging options for visitors looking to spend several days prospecting in the area.
- Kingman, Arizona: Approximately one hour south of Gold Basin, Kingman offers a wider selection of restaurants, hotels, grocery stores, hardware stores, and other supplies.
The nearby parking area also provides a convenient location for those traveling with an RV to stage their vehicles or set up camp before heading out to explore the claim.
Why Choose Mohave Star #1?
Offered at $6,500, this 20-acre placer claim provides:
- Fine placer gold and small pickers personally recovered during our prospecting.
- Successful metal detecting with a Minelab Gold Monster 1000.
- A gold-bearing tributary wash where we have recovered gold.
- A portion of Elephant Wash offering additional exploration opportunities.
- Ample exposed bedrock for crevicing and searching for trapped gold.
- Excellent terrain for dry washing and metal detecting.
- Access by off-road vehicle or a relatively short walk from the nearby parking area.
- Convenient nearby RV parking and camping opportunities.
- A location within the historic Gold Basin Mining District, known for both placer gold and meteorite discoveries.
Whether you’re an experienced prospector searching for new ground or someone looking to purchase your first Arizona gold mining claim, Mohave Star #1 offers an appealing combination of documented gold recoveries, exposed bedrock, multiple areas to explore, and access to one of northwestern Arizona’s historic gold-bearing districts.
For more information on Mohave Star #1, contact us at Patriot Mining Claims by calling 928-499-5275 or emailing patriotminingclaims@gmail.com.
