Address: 37304 Magee Rd, Pala, CA 92059, USA
Phone: +17604159143
Sunday: 10AM–3PM
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 10AM–3PM
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 10AM–3PM
Andrew Schneider
Nice experience. I'd you're looking for amazing gems it wasn't that. But it was a nice alternative activity for the kids. Ours are 7 and 9. I might recommend slightly older. Staff was mostly great. Views were incredible.
Blaine Jester
Gem hunting is always fun. This was my first trip to this particular spot, but my second hunt overall. I found lots of cool rocks but nothing spectacular. In contrast with my first experience, this visit produced a great volume of interesting pieces but not as many fine pieces as my first hunt. It felt more commercialized to the gem hunting crowd. It makes me think that maybe searching for those "diamond in the rough" type mines, off the beaten path, might be better opportunities if you're looking for some really fine stuff
Stacey Knight
What an amazing day we had at Pala Chief. We plan to come back to do Oceanview next. Found some really cool specimens, met nice people and learned alot. The staff went above and beyond to make our visit great. Thanks again for the wonderful memories and cool crystals :)
Marilyn Edwards
Really a lot of fun and a great experience! I was really hoping to find more than I did but I did end my day with a huge clear Quartz about the size of my hand. A few tiny pieces of Watermelon Tourmaline but that’s about it. One thing I didn’t like was some adults and all the kids not following the dig rules. It made it a bit unfair for the rest of us. I would encourage the staff to enforce their own dig rules and really do what is necessary to make the dig fair for everyone. All in all I thought it was a great experience. I really appreciated the clean bathrooms too.
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Yes, if recommend the ocean view over the pala, unless you really enjoy digging over getting something more for your money, I did both and enjoyed both, but got four times the material at the ocean view
Yes you get to keep what you find, people find gems every day, some better then others I have been 3 times and seen very good finds every time.
For the screening at Oceanview they will provide you with everything you need to screen, bucket, shovel, trowel, and a small brush. Remember the key is to screen as much material as you can.
Well I'm not sure how safe it is but we stayed in Fallbrook at the Econolodge for one night it was alright and ate at El Jardin across the street. Hope this helps. Alternatively the Pala Casino is really close by that's all I have for now :)
Oceanview provides tables with 2 mesh sizes to sift through the tailings which are full of fine dirt, most of the gem crystals there are larger than what you'd pan for, I had a great time!
Right about $75
No
Yes but we have a dog that roams around so we must watch them
Your local Gem and Mineral club would be a good source on finding someone in your area.
I just checked out the website and according to the calendar they are open all winter. Digforgems.com
No. You drive right up to the mine itself. You need to make reservations at www.digforgems.com. it's a very good time to go since it rained so much. Hope you make it up there. Have fun.
If you take the Pala Chief option. On the Oceanview gem dig, they bring gem-bearing material to a central location for guests to screen at tables set up for them. You're almost certain to find some nice tourmaline, moganite, kunzite, quartz, and possibly aquamarine with either option, assuming you work at it and ask for help with your technique if you get off to a slow start.
They're open year round
They are 75 per adult and 60 per child i believe..they also sale a family of 4 pack. If you visit their website you can find out more
How much dose it cost to mine for gemstones
Closed toe shoes and clothes you don't mind covered in a thick layer of dust. Bring gloves too and a hat if you don't have a table umbrella
Yes, my 7 year old enjoyed it thoroughly. I probably wouldn't bring kids much younger than that but at 6 and up I'd say they've have a great time
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