Gold panning or rock hounding, which is a faster return, Both have great adventures Options

[dbdweller]

I am new to Colorado hunting but have been all over the state since 1984. I am planning on taking the Summer off and going on a adventure.
The flooding in California has really done wonders for panning since 97 so something in me is tugging to head that way. I have done a lot of research for gems and nuggets over the years for Colorado and thinking I might as well do something i can spend while having fun.

My understanding with gems will be knowledge and luck i think. I only hear about 10% of gems that really make any money? I know panning is the same thing but at least you know what you have when you find it and it is the same price pretty much for everyone.

I also have 2 dogs going and one is 13 so she does not run the mountain any more so that kind of hurts for the gems a little i think.

Any help and info would be greatly appreciated and sorry if this is crude, this is my first post.