Ever dreamt of unearthing hidden treasures in Colorado’s enigmatic ghost towns? What secrets and relics do these abandoned places hold, just waiting for your metal detector to discover? Dive in to find out!
If you are someone who has been in the metal detecting game for some time, you might already know the importance of a good ghost town for a metal detector.
Ghost towns are like a gold mine for metal detectors.
I was invited to a party of one of my relatives in Colorado last summer. Since I had never been to Colorado, I also considered taking my metal detector.
It turned out to be a smart decision to bring my medical detector. During the stay, I learned there are abundant ghost towns in Colorado that you can visit and spend time in.
With that in mind, I explored these ghost towns of Colorado with the local expert detectorists.
Here are the best ghost towns in Colorado to Metal Detect,
- Capitol City
- Crystal
- Dearfield
- Gilman
- Independence
- St. Elmo
- Teller City
- Vicksburg
- Ashcroft
- Animas Forks
But there is so much to learn about the ghost towns in Colorado!
In the rest of the article, I will explore the best ghost towns in Colorado in detail with their importance towards metal detecting.
I will discuss the laws prevailing in these ghost towns and the restrictions that metal detecting enthusiasts have to undergo before detecting in these ghost towns.
So, without further ado, let’s jump into the article!
Is Metal Detecting Legal on Colorado Ghost Towns?
Yes, it is legal to Metal detect Colorado ghost towns.
Here is a breakdown of rules and regulations upheld in these ghost towns that may affect the action of metal detecting enthusiasts.
The Bureau of Land Management owns all the ghost towns in Colorado. This makes all the ghost towns in Colorado the property of the federal government of the USA.
As this belongs to the federal government, acts like the Archeological Resources Protection Act and the National History Preservation Act prevail in these parts of the state.
As the ghost towns are part of federal land, metal detectors must obtain a license or permission from the governing body, in this case, the Bureau of Land Management.
There are specific permissions for metal detectors in these ghost towns provided by the Bureau of Land Management.
With the granting of permission, all metal detecting activities are bound by the rules of the permit.
One such rule is the Leave no Trace rule. This rule means that the area or the ghost town, in this case, should look the same as before you entered the ghost town after you leave.
Another rule prevailing in ghost towns is that any item uncovered or discovered belongs to the United States Government.
So, without proper authorization, we can neither keep them with us nor trade them with vendors.
Apart from these laws, there are some other laws put out by the local government of Colorado. Some of these ghost towns are very historically and culturally important.
Due to these facts, some lands are prohibited from metal detection at all costs.
So, any metal detecting enthusiasts who try to metal detect in the ghost towns of Colorado should obey these rules, get the necessary permission, and start the process.
Upon uncovering any item, you should report them to local authorities, and only with proper authorization and permissions should you take ownership of them.
Best Ghost Towns in Colorado to Metal Detect
There are twenty or so ghost towns in the state of Colorado. A ghost town has been inhabited before but is now abandoned for various reasons.
As there are a bunch of ghost towns in Colorado, you might feel overwhelmed in selecting where to go and metal detect. Don’t worry; I have made it easier for all readers.
Here are some of my favorite ghost towns to metal detect in Colorado,
1. Capitol City
Capitol City was the state capital when Colorado achieved state status in 1877. As this was the capital, a large mill, abundant silver mines, and 800 or so families lived there.
With it being close to the wilderness, Capitol City began its downfall. This is located in the Hinsdale County.
You can take the US-285 South towards the Poncha Springs to Capitol City. Then, continue on the CO-17 South.
Then turn left into County Road 30, and from there on, there will be signs to reach Capitol City.
Capitol City’s rich mining history presents perfect metal-detecting opportunities for metal-detecting enthusiasts.  It is one of the best metal detecting places in Colorado.
In the area, you could find miners’ tools, equipment, coins, and pieces of jewellery of residents, and even if you are lucky, you can find some silver pieces, too.
2. Crystal
Crystal is located in the Gunnison County. This is a very picturesque old town with a popular mill.
This was a former silver mining town. Even today, you can see the remnants of the mining practices in the town.
You can reach Crystal City by taking the I-70 West from Denver towards Glenwood Springs. Then, take the CO-82 East towards Aspen.
At Aspen, turn left onto the Crystal River Road, continue on this road, and then you will stumble upon the town of Crystal after a few miles.
As this was a mining city, you could find stuff like old mining equipment and tools, coins, jewelry of residents who lived in the past, and artifacts from those eras.
Like any other ghost town in Colorado, you must have permission to metal detect in this ghost town, too.
3. Dearfield
Dearfield is a ghost town where formerly the majority of black people lived. These are plains in the northern part of Colorado, which helped the growth of Colorado as a state.
Dearfield is located in the Weld County. You can reach Dearfield by taking the I-76 east toward Fort Morgan from Denver.
Then continue East towards Greenly in US-34. Then, take the CO-52 east towards the Keenesburg and follow the County Road 49. You will reach Dearfield after a few miles.
As this is a cultural ghost town rather than a mining town, you can find various artifacts and daily tools used by the black communities at that time.
From coins to jewelry to tools used for agriculture are the most prominent finds you can detect in Deerfield.
Read to know, Best Metal Detecting Finds in Colorado!
This ghost town also requires permission or licensing by the federal governing body before metal detecting in the area.
As this is more of a cultural site, you cannot claim anything you uncover in this area. But, you can have the pleasure of detecting in Deerfield.
4. Gilman
Gilman was once a top contributor of Zinc in the country. This picturesque ghost town is located off a cliffside in a beautiful mountain.
With abandoned offices, houses, and mines, we can conclude that this glorious city had a rich past.
Gilman is located in Eagle County near the town of Minturn. To reach this glorious city, take the I-70 west from Denver to exit at 171 for US-24 East.
In US-24, continue towards the town of Minturn. Once in Minturn, you can access Gilman via the Forest Service Road 747.
As there were abundant mining operations during its glory days, you could find mining equipment, tools, and personal items of miners in the area.
Apart from these, the residents’ usual stuff like coins and jewelry could also be found by metal detecting.
Due to the peculiar nature of this location, the officials are hesitant to permit metal detectors.
But if you can ensure your safety, you can get permission, and you have to obey all the laws put forward by the government, as explained earlier.
5. Independence
Independence is located in Pitkin County. To reach Independence from Denver, take the I-70 West towards Glenwood Springs.
Then, take the CO-82 West towards the Independence Pass. Then, you will see the signs towards the town of Independence.
Independence was a large silver mining town in the past.
Due to its rich mining history, you might find remnants of mining equipment and tools, coins, jewelry of the residents, artifacts belonging to residents, and even some silver if you are lucky.
As with every other ghost town, adhering to the rules and regulations is also a must in this area. So make sure to have proper permission before commencing the meal-detecting activities.
6. St. Elmo
St. Elmo is located in Chaffee County. You can reach St. Elmo by taking the US-285 from Denver towards the South to Buena Vista.
Then, Continue to the Co-24 West. At County Road 162, turn left and continue until you meet the town of St. Elmo.
This is one of the best-preserved ghost towns in Colorado. There are multiple buildings, campsites, and old railroad tracks that you can metal detect.
During metal detecting, you can stumble upon everyday items like cutters and tools, coins, jewelry, and tools campers use.
This is one of the ghost towns not owned by the federal government. But it is open to anyone.
We might have to get permission from the landowners before commencing any metal-detecting activities.
7. Teller City
Teller City is located in Jackson County near Walden. You can reach Teller City by taking the I-70 West from Denver to US-40 West towards Steamboat Springs.
Then, continue in the CO-14 West towards Walden. Then, you can see signs directing towards the city of Teller.
This is one of the sites where gold mining took place heavily. Even today, you can see the remaining abandoned mines.
So you can find equipment and tools related to the mining operations, coins, and jewelry of the residents, and if you are lucky, you can find some gold pieces, too.
The federal government governs this lad, so check with the authorities for permission and laws before starting metal detecting in Teller City.
8. Vicksburg
Vicksburg is located in Chaffee County. To reach Vicksburg, take the US-285 Suth from Denver towards Buena Vista.
Then you have to take the CO-24 West. After traveling for a few miles, you will find County Road 390. Take the left towards County Road 390 and continue.
Then, you will see the signs directing towards Vicksburg.
Vicksburg was also a mining town. Even though not specified for a certain element, there were abundant mining operations back in the day in Vicksburg.
You could find mining-related artifacts and artifacts from the residents who had lived here previously.
The federal government also owns this. So, all the rules and regulations apply to this area, too. Make sure that you have proper permissions before starting metal detecting.
9. Ashcroft
Ashcroft is located in Pitkin County. Take the I-70 West towards Glenwood Springs from Denver, then the CO-82 East towards Aspen.
You will be able to locate Ashcroft, situated off Castle Creek Road.
Ashcroft was a silver mining town with rich mining history.
The area around the town, the buildings, the campsites, and mines can be metal detected to uncover potential findings.
You might be able to find mining-related artifacts, personal belongings, and money from the site.
As a historical and cultural factor is involved with the county, it is better to have all the proper legal documents and knowledge of the laws before metal detection in Ashcroft.
10. Animas Forks
Animas Forks is located off the San Juan Mountains in San Juan County. Take the US-285 South from Denver towards Poncha Springs. Then continue onto the US-50 towards Gunnison.
Then, you have to take CO-149 South toward Lake City. Then, you will be able to see signs leading to Animas Forks.
This area was also a former mining town. So you can find stuff relating to mining activities and some personal stuff from the area.
As federal laws protect this land, it is required to have permission before metal detecting the land.
Congrats folks! Now you have a crystal clear knowledge about the bets ghost towns in Colorado to metal detect based on experts’ suggestions.
Now I’m going to share with you some tips that I’ve larned when metal detecting in ghost towns in Colorado to gather cool treasures.
The below tips will help you to succeed in treasure hunting in Colorado ghost towns without making any mistakes, especially because they come from myself and local expert detectorists.
Just keep reading!
Tips For Successful Metal Detecting in Colorado Ghost Towns
Here are some of the tips and tricks I use to have a successful metal-detecting session in the ghost towns of Colorado.
- Make sure you have researched the area where you will detect metal. This will help you to understand the terrain and the laws prevailing in the land.
- Have necessary permissions and legal documents before metal detecting. Remember to obey the federal laws of ownership and leave no trace rule.
- Make sure to pay attention to the surroundings. As these are old abandoned sites, they might be fragile, too. So, make sure to secure your safety before anything else.
So, this is the end of the article about the best ghost towns to detect in Colorado.
If you’re interested to learn more about metal detecting in Colorado, I highly suggest you join a metal detecting club in Colorado.
Colorado is home to over 1,500 ghost towns, many abandoned during the Gold Rush, leaving behind untold stories and hidden treasures.
www.coloradoinfo.com
Let’s answer some frequently asked questions.
FAQs
Is it legal to metal detect in Colorado’s ghost towns?
Yes, metal detecting is legal in Colorado’s ghost towns, but enthusiasts must obtain permission from the Bureau of Land Management, as these towns are on federal land. Adhering to the Archeological Resources Protection Act and the National Historic Preservation Act is mandatory.
How do I get permission for metal detecting in these towns?
Obtain permission by applying to the Bureau of Land Management, ensuring you’re informed about and agree to adhere to all the rules and regulations, including the Leave No Trace principle and the stipulation that discovered items belong to the U.S. government.
What can I expect to find in Colorado’s ghost towns?
Findings can include mining tools, coins, jewelry, and other artifacts from the era when these towns were active, given their rich historical and mining background. However, all found items are subject to federal laws and regulations.
Is it safe to metal detect in these areas?
Yes, but always prioritize safety, as these abandoned sites may be fragile or hazardous. Conduct thorough research on the terrain and existing conditions of the selected ghost town before venturing out.
Can I keep the items I find?
No, any item uncovered belongs to the U.S. government, unless proper authorization is obtained. Reporting finds to local authorities is a requisite.
Are there specific ghost towns known for successful metal detecting?
Capitol City, Crystal, and Gilman are popular, each offering unique artifacts due to their historical background in mining and settlement, but permission and adherence to laws are crucial for a legal and ethical metal detecting experience.
Do I need special equipment for metal detecting in Colorado’s ghost towns?
Standard metal detecting equipment is typically sufficient, but ensure to prepare for varied terrains and weather conditions of Colorado, considering the elevation and geographical diversity of the area.
Can I metal detect in ghost towns not owned by the federal government?
Yes, but you might need permission from the landowners or local authorities. Always ensure to respect private property and adhere to the legal and ethical guidelines of metal detecting.
Did I cover all you wanted to know about: Best Ghost Towns in Colorado to Metal Detect
In this article I’ve deeply discussed the best ghost towns in Colorado to metal detect with their exact locations, possible treasures you can find and what are the necessary steps for permission.
The best ghost towns in Colorado to metal detect include Capitol City, Crystal, Dearfield, Gilman, Independence, St. Elmo, Teller City, Vicksburg, Ashcroft, and Animas Forks. Always obtain permission and adhere to laws for a legal and ethical treasure hunting experience.
Furthermore, I’ve answered some frequently asked questions as well.
I hope I covered all you wanted to know about the best ghost towns in Colorado to metal detecting with experts’ tips.
You can learn more about ghost towns in Colorado for metal detecting by joining metal detecting online forums in Colorado.
Now it’s time to book your next trip to your nearest ghost town in Colorado and start treasure hunting like a champ!
