This is a beautiful spot.  But, at around 10000' in elevation, and where NM gets the most snowfall, it's May thru October at best.  Also, the forest service has closed the roads that take you there, so it a bit of a hike.  I've only been there twice... the first time was in the seventies, the second was last summer.  I've never found anything there, but I know people who have.

Thanks for the reply Mike. Well I'm in the Oklahoma panhandle so all of the claims are a bit of a drive for me. I have some family in the Red River NM area though not far from this site. I wouldn't mind checking out the CO sites as well. I am just green and was hoping maybe to meet some people in these areas that could let me know what equipment I might need and things of that nature. Even if I don't find much or any gold it's just the thrill of adventure. Where are you from if you don't mind me asking.

Placer creek is open from June 1st to September 1st and New Mexico has some registration permits you may want to check into depending on what you are using there are exemptions. Check with New Mexico Energy, Mining and Minerals at (505) 476-3400

I will definitely check into that Thanks Walter