Late October to the end of March is a pretty good time to be in the desert areas if you don't want to be melted by the sun. Prescott area is fine during the summer, due to the higher elevation. It can get fairly cold up there in the winter and even the desert areas can get very cold.

Rich Hill area is good if you know the area and have a claim. Many GPAA claims in the area and some are good and others not so good. It is a very rough area and access can be a challenge. Suggest you check with the Phoenix chapter first. November to middle of March is best because snakes are in their dens.

Thank you for the advice. I would like to try out Rich Hill for a few days and the cold doesn't bother me much, I would rather that than 100 degrees and snakes. I had not thought to contact the Phoenix chapter as I am sketchy on the geography there so did not know who would be closest to the Prescott area. I have purchased the topos for the area and begun marking up the GPAA claims and am hoping to find some areas friends know about. Looking forward to spending time out there. I hope to run into you all.

Your LDMA so Stanton would be a given for a base of operations depending on the time of year. From south(Phoenix) of Rich Hill (Stanton) to the north the elevation changes very quickly and with it the temps. If it is hot in Phoenix it is cooler in Prescott. If it is cold in Phoenix then it is very cold in Prescott. However I am not an expert on the area. I would suggest that you contact the Phoenix GPAA and the Stanton onsite people for better information. The Sierra Vista in Congress, AZ is a good place to stay and close to Stanton. I will be there sometime in January or February, God willing and the creeks don't rise.

I am definitely going in February. I have a trailer so staying at Stanton if they openings is an option. I have been picking brains of some people I know that live in Prescott area. I will also try and get to Southern California to see some friends. And then up to Italian Bar for a few days as I have friends with claims in that area.

I am planning a trip to Prescott in March of 2016, I have a friend there who is not a member but I am trying to convince him to become a member, Can I get him a guest pass or something of this nature and also I would like to use my detector in addition to doing some panning , any advise I could get would be welcomed,

Thanks Andy

Joseph I do believe they still have the 3 day pass good for one time only .You will have to call the office to get the pass .

ok Great Thanks

As mentioned, Stanton area is good.  GPAA claims close, get a pass for Weaver claims if at Stanton, lots of them around with good gold.  There is more than enough places to prospect in the area.  Advice, dress in layers, can get very cold, get warm  to cold quickly, so you need to be able to add and shed as needed,  Water always.  Is going to be a little cooler looks like this year with some moisture possible.  Not complaining we need the moisture.  If you have time the GPAA Congress area claims are good also.  With our fall rains may find some areas new to prospect with the wash outs.

Good Luck, see you at Stanton,

Jeff