You may have backpacked across Europe, heli-skied Whistler and maybe even snow-shoed the Yukon, but you haven’t really lived until you’ve explored ‘The Great Unfenced,’ in California. Tuolumne County stretches across several thousand square miles of wilderness; the elevation ranges from 1400 feet in Jamestown to almost 10,000 feet at Sonora Pass. Glacial cliffs punctuated with thousand foot waterfalls flank Yosemite Valley, the showstopper. Whether it’s hiking a lung-busting trail in the high sierras or catching your breath in a grove of Wawona sequoias, the adventure wouldn’t be complete without panning for gold at the original Mother Lode.

On January 24, 1849, James Marshall discovered gold at Sutter’s Mill and started the California gold rush. Thousands of desperate souls left their lives behind and hitched their hopes and dreams to this untamed land. Although they sluiced every stream, dredged up boulders and tore gaping holes into the landscape, experts estimate they uncovered less than 10 percent of the gold. The rest remains buried in these hills; what are you waiting for? To read more, click here.

"Wood’s Creek is the richest creek in Tuolumne County and still holds gold today," says Bryant Hock, prospector and guide for Gold Prospecting Adventures in Tuolumne. "With just a few tools you can find something. We have a picture in the shop of a mother and son holding a 17-pound nugget." He says prospecting is about paying attention to the clues left by nature and using science and geology to find the source of gold. For example, a nugget with jagged edges is likely newly released from its quartz prison from a storm or spring run-off. "Gold is very malleable, so older nuggets will be rounded because as they’re pushed down the stream the edges wear off."

Hock is also a bit of a philosopher and believes we don’t take enough time to commune people who share our lives, nature and anything that’s not connected to a modem. He says gold panning is less about finding the gold than working together as a team or family. Hock counsels people to be observant for relics like old belt buckles, locks and pieces of pottery. "There are two principles in prospecting: patience and not looking at your finds monetarily," he says. "Just being here is rewarding and everything else is secondary."

Most outfitters offer actual prospecting school courses that run 1-5 days as well as afternoon outings. There’s a lot of bending but no heavy lifting (unless you find a 20-pound nugget) and it’s a suitable activity for all ages. Boots and pans are supplied, as are the regulatory hats that complete the outfit. And remember, most of the gold sits on public domain; so feel free to do some prospecting on your own and venture away from the touristy places. For blogs, click here. Unlike 1849, personal territory no longer extends as far as the owner’s rifle can shoot – in any direction.

Before heading outside to pan for gold or hike Half Dome, gear up properly. A few things you’ll want to consider:

• Consider weather – The High Sierras can be cool in the morning and stifling by mid-afternoon, so always dress in layers.

• Refine choices – If you’re visiting during cold weather consider investing in high-tech outwear to reduce the bulk you’ll be carrying when the temperature climbs.

• Think about storage – Whether you’re heading out for an afternoon or a full-day trip, choose a backpack large enough to store any treasures you may find. For backpacks and gear ideas, click here.

• Pack a spare – If you’re driving, pack a change of clothes in the trunk. Tripping in the creek can ruin a whole day if you’re not prepared.

• Don’t be a drip – Decide how much water you’ll need for the day and add 50 percent more.