Frequently Asked Questions
Please take the time to read this carefully if you have any questions. If you can't find what you're looking for, please use the "Contact Us" form to send us an email and we'll do our best to answer your question(s) as quickly as possible.
What does the dig cost?
see DigForGems.com for our current pricing.
What days are you open?
We're typically open Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. We occasionally add special days, like Memorial Day, Labor Day and others. We announce these on our Facebook page.
Do you have any special group packages?
Yes, we do have some group discounts. Please use the "Contact Us" form to email us about this. Please provide details about your group when you contact us.
Do you have a program for Scouts?
Yes, we do have a discount program for Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts/Brownies/Webelos. You will need at least one adult and one scout, and you will need some form of Scout ID. The fee is see DigForGems.com for our current pricing. for two people, and two share a screen. This is a significant discount off our standard dig fee. This is a very popular Scout outing. If you want to bring a troop, please use the "Contact Us" form and provide us with details.
Where are you located?
We are located just east of the town of Pala, California, in San Diego County. We don't give a precise location as our address is not in most GPS systems, and too many people get lost. We're also only open a few days of the week, and because we're an active mine we can't have people showing up when the public dig is closed. We provide detailed directions and a map when you sign up for a dig in our "Visitor Information Package."
What time do I arrive?
see DigForGems.com for our current days and hours.
What do I need to bring?
We have the details on this on the "All About the Dig" page. However, in short, we suggest plenty of water, sunscreen, gardening gloves (preferably with rubber or nitrile-coated fingers and palms), some ziplock baggies or containers for your gems and lunch. We provide the rest.
Can I bring my pet?
No, unfortunately due to liability issues we can't allow pets. If you require a service animal, please use the "Contact Us" form to email us and we can work with you to accommodate this.
What can I find?
Please see the "What Can I Find?" page to see what you can find at the dig.
Can I take gravel home with me?
You may take home one 5-gallon bucket of stones/gravel that you have screened and washed.
Do I have to pay for gems that I find?
NO! That's the wonderful thing--you can keep anything you find. We've had people find gems worth many of thousands of dollars on the pile, and all it costs you is the base fee for the dig.
What does the dig cost?
see DigForGems.com for our current pricing.
What days are you open?
We're typically open Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. We occasionally add special days, like Memorial Day, Labor Day and others. We announce these on our Facebook page.
Do you have any special group packages?
Yes, we do have some group discounts. Please use the "Contact Us" form to email us about this. Please provide details about your group when you contact us.
Do you have a program for Scouts?
Yes, we do have a discount program for Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts/Brownies/Webelos. You will need at least one adult and one scout, and you will need some form of Scout ID. The fee is see DigForGems.com for our current pricing. for two people, and two share a screen. This is a significant discount off our standard dig fee. This is a very popular Scout outing. If you want to bring a troop, please use the "Contact Us" form and provide us with details.
Where are you located?
We are located just east of the town of Pala, California, in San Diego County. We don't give a precise location as our address is not in most GPS systems, and too many people get lost. We're also only open a few days of the week, and because we're an active mine we can't have people showing up when the public dig is closed. We provide detailed directions and a map when you sign up for a dig in our "Visitor Information Package."
What time do I arrive?
see DigForGems.com for our current days and hours.
What do I need to bring?
We have the details on this on the "All About the Dig" page. However, in short, we suggest plenty of water, sunscreen, gardening gloves (preferably with rubber or nitrile-coated fingers and palms), some ziplock baggies or containers for your gems and lunch. We provide the rest.
Can I bring my pet?
No, unfortunately due to liability issues we can't allow pets. If you require a service animal, please use the "Contact Us" form to email us and we can work with you to accommodate this.
What can I find?
Please see the "What Can I Find?" page to see what you can find at the dig.
Can I take gravel home with me?
You may take home one 5-gallon bucket of stones/gravel that you have screened and washed.
Do I have to pay for gems that I find?
NO! That's the wonderful thing--you can keep anything you find. We've had people find gems worth many of thousands of dollars on the pile, and all it costs you is the base fee for the dig.