Ever dreamt of unearthing Colorado’s hidden treasures? Dive into our guide on the best metal detecting clubs where adventures await you!
Colorado is popular among metal detectors as it is known to be one of the best places for metal detecting in the USA.
Colorado has a rich history of mining and relic hunters have found a lot of metal objects there.
The state also has a lot of outdoor areas where people camp, hike, and go fishing. This is another reason why it is a great place for metal detecting.
If you are struggling to find the best places to detect metal in Colorado or if you don’t know what the rules are, the best thing is to join a club.
Clubs can be helpful in so many ways. I have gathered some information from some of my friends who are professional metal detectorists in Colorado.
Here are the Best metal detecting clubs in Colorado,
- Gold Prospectors of Colorado
- Eureka treasure hunters
- G.P.A.A. Colorado Western chapter
- Uncompahgre Treasure Club
- Denver Mining Club
- Colorado Archaeological Society- Denver chapter
These are so far the active clubs around Colorado that have started for metal detecting.
In this article, I’ll explore each of the above metal detecting clubs in Colorado in detail.
I have some more good information about them with their contact details. If you are interested, scroll down to know.
Let’s jump in!
Best Metal Detecting Clubs In Colorado
It is always a better idea to join a metal detecting club because clubs have a bunch of people who are interested in the same activity.
You might probably come across people who have better experiences and knowledge of metal detecting in a specific area of Colorado.
So here are some more information on the best metal detecting clubs around Colorado.
This will help you to go through the club’s goals and other important information and you will be able to find one or a few that will suit you.
1. Gold Prospectors of Colorado
Gold Prospectors of Colorado (GPOC) is a non-profit organization that is specially created aiming the gold prospectors around Colorado.
There are so many members around the world who have joined this club and enjoy the experience.
The club was founded in 1963 by a group of miners and prospectors who wanted to share their experiences and knowledge with others.
Gold Prospectors of Colorado is dedicated to educating people on gold prospecting and the science behind gold recovery.
So they have school-based programs as well as public programs on these topics.
For the members, there are so many activities including outdoor hunting activities, camping, championships, metal finding, selling events, meetings, and even annual trips.
For an individual member, it will cost $25 per annum and for a family that has parents with children under 18 years, it will cost $30 for an annual membership.
Postcard reminders will be sent when the memberships expire.
The members of this club should follow ethics and respect the land while prospecting. The land should be left the same way as it was when they left it.
The club meets every second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m.
Contact Info
- Address: American Legion Post 38, 6685 Southmoor Dr, Fountain, CO 80817
- Contact number: 719-651-7930
- People: President- Marty Allen (gpocpresident@gmail.com)
- Membership application: Membership form
- Website: Gold Prospectors of Colorado
2. Eureka Treasure Hunters
Eureka Treasure Hunters club was founded over 50 years ago in 1973. The aim of creating this club at that time was to bring people in the Denver area together who were interested in this hobby.
It was initiated by a metal-detecting shop owner.
The club is focused on more ethical detecting practices, historical research and community involvement.
The slogan of the Eureka Treasure Hunters club is ‘search with care’.
It means the members have to be cautious and follow the ethics while detecting metals.
Members gather once a month to show their findings and to discuss them.
And also they discuss the new rules or any alterations of the remaining rules to keep the members informed.
People here also get chances to participate in events such as hunts, lost and founds, breakfast clubs, and much more.
The cost of the membership for an individual is $33 and for a family with two adults or a single parent and children under 18 is $42 per year.
The renewal of the membership should be done in April every year. The payments have to be made to the club treasurer.
The members are required to abide by the code of ethics and the bylaws of the club.
Meetings are held every second Friday of each month at 7.30 pm.
Contact Info
- Address: Clements Community Center,1580 Yarrow Street, Lakewood, CO.
- Contact email:eureka.eurekaweb@gmail.com
- Membership application: Membership form
- Website: Eureka Treasure Hunters
3. G.P.A.A. Western Colorado Chapter
Gold Prospectors Association of America- Colorado chapter is a group of individuals who share the passion of detecting precious metals including gold in Western Colorado.
This chapter is a part of a large club called GPAA. The chapter was formed to provide educational opportunities for members to learn more about metal detecting.
It aims to practice good ethics, protect public lands, and encourage the preservation and conservation of natural resources.
The cost of the membership is not known. But you can check with them through the number and other information.
Members from GPAAC gather every third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m.
Contact Info
- Address: 115 W. Main Street, Olathe, CO.
- Contact number: +1-970-596-9184
- Website: G.P.A.A. Western Colorado Chapter
4. Uncompahgre Treasure Club
This is a group of metal detectors and treasure-hunting enthusiasts who are practicing metal detecting hobby at Uncompahgre Valley which is located in southwestern Colorado at the foot of the San Juan mountains.
The main goal of this treasure club is to stimulate the spirit of adventure.
The members work on educating people on metal detecting, discussing rules and regulations, and hold seminars on different topics of metal detecting.
They have a bunch of different events such as annual picnics, treasure hunts, raffles, lost and found, and even night time hunting.
They also hunt for gold in the San Miguel river area which is a short distance from Placerville, Colorado.
Members of this club are allowed to search for gold and take them home from this area.
The club meets every second Monday of each month from 7 pm to 9 pm.
Contact Info
- Address: Community Building, Lions Park, 602 N. Nevada Ave, Montrose, CO 81401
- Contact number: (970) 258-1955
- Website: Uncompahgre Treasure Club
5. Denver Mining Club
This is the local chapter of the international order of ragged ass miners.
Denver Mining Club was established in 1891 and is known to be the oldest active metal detecting club in Colorado.
The beginning of this club occurred as a group of men who gathered at lunchtime to discuss different topics under metal detecting.
So it is a strictly luncheon club to date.
The discussion topics are geology, mine development, metal hunting, metallurgy, prospecting and exploration, etc.
The club gathers every Monday except for holidays at 11.30 am.
Contact Info
- Address: Golden Corral Buffet & Grill (in a private room), 3677 South Santa Fe Drive, Sheridan, CO 80110
- Contact person: Ed Crabtree- Program Chair (303-322-7460)
- Contact email: crabtree@viawest.net.
- Website: Denver Mining Club
6. Colorado Archaeological Society- Denver Chapter
This is one of the nine chapters located statewide. And it is more active than the other chapters.
Most of the members are premier individuals who are passionate about archeology in Colorado.
There are volunteers, professionals, archeologists, and a lot of other individuals who are interested in archeology.
Their aim is to bring together the hobbyists and professional archeologists to educate and preserve Colorado’s rich history.
There are member meetings, field trips, different activities, and annual meetups to encourage people to do archeology-based metal detecting.
The membership fee for a single member is $30, family $55 and for students $16 with a valid identity. This membership should be renewed annually.
The monthly meetup of the club is on every second Monday of the month except for holidays, at 7 pm.
Contact Info
- Address: Emery Archeology Laboratory, History Colorado Center, 1200 N., Broadway, Denver 80203.
- Contact person: Craig Dengel- craig.dengel@usda.gov
- Website: Colorado Archaeological Society- Denver Chapter
- Membership application: Membership form
Now you know what clubs you should go with. Let’s focus on tips and tricks that are important for you when choosing a club.
The following tips are incredibly useful for newbies from Colorado who are willing to metal detection and for people who are about to travel to Colorado for treasure hunting.
I learned below tips and tricks below by facing practical scenarios during my early metal detecting days.
Tips for Selecting Metal Detecting Club in Colorado
As per the personal experiences of my friends and what I have found, most of the metal-detecting clubs around Colorado are not very active.
So you will have to pick one from the available ones that are active.
I have some tips to share with you so that it will be easy for you to choose one from a few available clubs.
Look for a club that is strongly active
A metal detecting club that has an active group of people with a website that updates at least once a month, a social media page and email or newsletters is likely to be more organized and have a strong community.
Check for these clues thoroughly and see if they have regular events and meetups, a list of official members including the president, and a forum or a group chat.
Joining this type of club will make you feel more energetic and interested in metal detecting with their continuous activities and meetups.
If you’re not interested in joining a club, join metal detecting forums in Colorado to gather almost the same info from experts just using your mobile phone.
Consider the Location
Choose a club that is located near the area that you live in Colorado or a closest place to you to travel.
This location has to be a place where you are planning to do metal detecting frequently. Traveling a long distance would be impractical and costly.
Membership Fees
Make sure that the membership fee is reasonable for you.
It should be reasonable and fit your budget. Some clubs have discounts for students and families as well.
Club Activities and Events
Consider joining a club that has a variety of events and activities.
A great club will offer more than a monthly meeting.
Look for clubs with monthly hunts, educational events, outings, and picnics.
Focus On the Experience Level of the Club
Some clubs welcome newcomers while others look for experienced Metal detectors. So make sure that you find a club according to your level of perfection.
If you are a beginner, go for a club that has more lessons and teaching support. It will enhance your skills and knowledge.
Get Recommendations From Friends
Ask friends or fellow detectors about the club. Because word of mouth is an excellent method to find a perfect club.
Ask anyone who is in the clubs or has been in the clubs before. Get their recommendations.
You can also read testimonials from current or past members of the club to get an idea of the strengths and weaknesses of the club.
It will make it easy for you to decide.
Attend a Meeting
Some of the clubs welcome newbies to their monthly meetings. There are also separate events organized for new people to introduce the club.
These will give you an opportunity to know more about the club, meet other members, and see what’s going on.
It is a good chance to learn about the atmosphere of the club and the members.
Look for the Club’s Interests
Different clubs are focused on different interests. Some have coil hunting, relic hunting, beach hunting or underwater detecting.
Find a club that will align with your interests.
Read to know Best Metal Detecting Finds in Colorado!
Affiliations
Check for the affiliations of the club. Some clubs are affiliated with national or international metal-detecting associations.
This might indicate the legitimacy, professionalism, and adherence to ethics.
That’s it, folks! Now you have a good knowledge of the best metal detecting clubs in Colorado with their functions.
Read to know, Best Ghost Towns in Colorado to Metal Detect!
So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.
FAQs
Why should I join a metal detecting club in Colorado?
Joining a club provides an excellent opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, participate in organized hunts and events, and acquire knowledge and expertise from seasoned metal detectorists in Colorado.
What kind of activities do these clubs offer?
Clubs offer a plethora of activities including educational programs, outdoor hunting excursions, camping trips, annual meetings, and championships, allowing members to thoroughly enjoy and enrich their metal detecting experience.
Are there any clubs focused on archaeological metal detecting?
Yes, the Colorado Archaeological Society – Denver Chapter is particularly focused on archaeology-based metal detecting, working to preserve and educate people on Colorado’s rich history through various field trips and activities.
How do I choose the best club for my interests and experience level?
When choosing a club, consider factors such as location, membership fees, activity variety, and experience level focus. It’s also beneficial to get recommendations from friends or read testimonials from current or past members to make an informed decision.
What are the ethics followed by these clubs during metal detecting?
Clubs emphasize ethical detecting practices, which include respecting the land, adhering to rules and regulations, and promoting community involvement and the conservation of natural resources.
How can I get in touch with these clubs for membership?
Each club has different contact information including address, email, and phone number, which you can find in the article above. They also have websites and membership forms available online for easy access and application.
What is the usual cost for becoming a member of these clubs?
Membership fees vary between clubs, generally ranging from $25 to $55 annually, with some clubs offering family and student discounts. Specific details about the fees can be found in the contact details of each club.
Did I cover all you wanted to know about: Best Metal Detecting Clubs in Colorado
In this article, I’ve deeply discussed the best metal detecting clubs in Colorado in detail with what they specialize in, how to become a member and lot more.
Plus, I’ve included the contact details of each metal detecting club which you can contact to get more details about their activities.
The best metal detecting clubs in Colorado are the Gold Prospectors of Colorado, Eureka Treasure Hunters Club, and the G.P.A.A. Western Colorado Chapter, renowned for their community activities, educational programs, and promoting ethical detecting practices.
Furthermore, I’ve answered some frequently asked questions as well.
Hope you’ve learned all you wanted to no about the best metal detecting clubs in Colorado without any doubt.
Now it’s time to join the club you prefer the most engage with expert metal detectorists and sharpen your treasure hunting knowledge. Let’s give them a try!
