Metal Detecting Hunts in California
California's hunts cover the state's whole range: a free natural low-tide beach hunt at Huntington Beach run by the Riverside Treasure Hunters Club, the free family-friendly North Yuba Nugget Hunt in Tahoe National Forest gold country, and the Valley Prospectors' VP Rendezvous near Barstow, which wraps a seeded detector hunt inside a desert camping weekend. Note the pattern — two of the three are hosted by prospecting-side clubs, where some of California's best detector events hide.
Upcoming hunts in California
AVTHS Rocky Road Chili Cook-off & Five and Dime Hunt
Oct 10, 2026 — Red Mountain (near Randsburg), CA · Seeded hunt · $20
The Antelope Valley Treasure Hunters Society's annual Rocky Road chili cook-off weekend at the club's AVT ("Rocky Road") claim — a cement pad off Osdick Rd just off US-395, south of Randsburg in the El Paso Mountains area of the Mojave. Hosted by Antelope Valley Treasure Hunters Society (AVTHS).
LDMA Digger's Detector Throwdown — Duisenburg Gold Camp
Oct 22–24, 2026 — Randsburg, CA · Seeded + natural · From $275
"A Gold Nugget Frenzy: High Stakes Edition" — a three-day gold-nugget metal-detecting event on private ground at LDMA's Duisenburg Gold Camp near Randsburg, California, October 22–24, 2026, part of LDMA's 50th-anniversary year. Hosted by Lost Dutchman's Mining Association (LDMA).
Valley Prospectors VP Rendezvous — Jim Straight Memorial Detector Hunt
Oct 23–25, 2026 — Barstow, CA · Seeded hunt · $20
The Valley Prospectors' annual VP Rendezvous — October 23–25, 2026 at the Ord Mountain Camping Area off Highway 247 near Barstow, CA (the club's 50th-anniversary year). The Jim Straight Memorial Metal Detector Hunt runs Saturday with 9:30 AM registration ($20), followed by a FREE Kids Metal Detecting hunt at 11:30 AM. Hosted by Valley Prospectors of San Bernardino.
Riverside THC Black Friday Natural Hunt
Nov 27, 2026 — Fontana, CA · Natural hunt · ~$7
The Riverside Treasure Hunters Club's annual Black Friday natural hunt — Friday, November 27, 2026, 10 AM to noon at Veterans Park, 17255 Merrill Ave, Fontana CA. "Unless you're out shopping on Black Friday for a new detector, get over to the hunt!" Every member who shows up gets a silver dime.
Riverside THC Christmas Seeded Hunt & BBQ
Dec 20, 2026 — Rancho Cucamonga, CA · Seeded hunt · $20
The Riverside Treasure Hunters Club kicks off the holidays with a seeded hunt and BBQ — Sunday, December 20, 2026, 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM at Church Street Park, 10190 Church St, Rancho Cucamonga CA. All are welcome; non-members pay $20. Bring a side dish for the BBQ and a chair.
Recent hunts
- 8th Annual North Yuba Nugget Hunt 2026 — Jul 25, 2026, Downieville, CA · Natural hunt · hosted by North Yuba Nugget Hunt (independent — coordinated by Tim). 8th Annual North Yuba Nugget Hunt at Union Flat Campground on Highway 49 between Downieville and Sierra City, CA, inside Tahoe National Forest. Free to attend, family-friendly.
- Riverside THC Low-Tide Natural Beach Hunt — Jul 18, 2026, Huntington Beach, CA · Natural hunt · hosted by Riverside Treasure Hunters Club. Natural low-tide beach hunt hosted by the Riverside Treasure Hunters Club at Huntington Beach CA, Saturday July 18, 2026, 5:30 AM–10 AM (low tide ~6:58 AM).
Recurring hunts to watch
All three listed events are annual: the North Yuba Nugget Hunt each July (2026 was the 8th), the VP Rendezvous each October (2026 marks the Valley Prospectors' 50th anniversary), and Riverside THC runs beach hunts through the year. California prospecting clubs' event pages are worth watching generally — detector hunts recur inside their rendezvous and outings.
Detecting in California: the short version
Organized hunts are the easy way in — the host has already secured land permission, and that's most of what your entry fee buys. Outside events, get landowner permission on private ground and check state and local rules for parks and beaches before digging. Seeded hunts are the friendliest start for beginners and kids; natural hunts reward experience. New to organized hunts? Start with the guide to metal detecting hunts and the FAQ.
Nearby states with listed hunts: Oregon, Arizona. Listings come from the DigRallies directory — dates and fees are checked against the hosts' own announcements, but always confirm with the host before traveling.