17 Best Places to Metal Detect in Colorado

Ever wondered where hidden treasures lie in Colorado’s vast landscapes? Join us as we uncover the most thrilling metal detecting spots in the Centennial State!

Best Places to Metal Detect in Colorado

Anyone interested in metal detecting knows the importance of rivers, state parks, and ghost towns for the metal detecting. It presents an excellent chance to take a shot at uncovering valuable items.

During our last family vacation, we went to Colorado, a picturesque state. As an avid metal detecting enthusiast, I didn’t forget to take my metal detectors too.

Little did I know, this decision would turn out to be a stroke of genius.

I became aware of Colorado’s abundance of exploration opportunities while I was there, including its Rivers, State Parks, and Ghost Towns.

I enlisted the help of local expert detectorists to enhance my trip by providing expert guidance on an exciting treasure hunt.

Based on my experience and the details I collected from Coloradans, let me tell you the best locations for treasure hunting.

Here are the best places to metal detect in Colorado,

  1. Arkansas River
  2. La Plata River
  3. Uncompahgre River
  4. State Forest State Park
  5.  Chat Filed State Park
  6.  Navajo State Park
  7. Capitol City
  8. Gilman
  9.  St. Elmo
  10. Clear Creek Canyon
  11. Cripple Creek
  12. Lake County
  13. San Juan Mountains
  14. Front Range
  15.  Loveland
  16. Fort Garland
  17. Fort Lyon

But there’s a lot more to know about those locations!

In the following sections, I will go over the best places to metal detect in Colorado, focusing on their appeal to metal detectorists.

We will also take a closer look at the legal framework governing, Notable Discoveries, The Metal Detecting Communities, and Colorado’s Buried Secrets.

Let’s begin the journey to uncover the enigmatic treasures!

Metal detecting friendly places in Colorado
Metal detecting friendly places in Colorado

Best Places to Metal Detect in Colorado

Colorado offers diverse metal detecting locations with unique discovery potential, including some of the best locations for metal detecting in the state.

To ensure a safe metal detecting experience, check local regulations, obtain permits, respect the environment and private property rights, and leave no trace of your activities.

If possible you can join a local metal detecting club for insights and to connect with other enthusiasts in Colorado.

It’s crucial to follow specific regulations and ethical and environmental guidelines while pursuing treasure hunting in these areas.

Things you should consider when metal detecting in Colorado
Things you should consider when metal detecting in Colorado

You might feel confused when choosing where to go metal detecting in Colorado due to the many abandoned communities.

Having visited numerous places, I’ve simplified the selection for all of you.

With my experience, I have gathered some best places following:

1. Arkansas River

As experts say, particularly Iowa Gulch and California Gulch, are renowned for their gold deposits, making it a popular spot for gold prospectors and metal detector enthusiasts seeking treasures from Colorado’s mining history.

Arkansas River Colorado
Arkansas River Colorado

How to get to the Arkansas River 

The Arkansas River, originating in the Sawatch Range near Leadville, Colorado, flows into eastern Arkansas at the Mississippi River confluence, where Napoleon, a town, once existed.

Did you know fact about places in Colorado for metal detecting
Did you know fact about places in Colorado for metal detecting

Things You Can Find in Arkansas River

There is extremely little gold in the river’s lower sections, which pass through Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.

Old jewelry found when metal detecting in Colorado
Old jewelry found when metal detecting in Colorado

Check out the Best Metal Detecting Finds in Colorado!

2. La Plata River

When searching for the history of this, In 1873, placer gold was discovered along the La Plata River, with early production likely being small. 

La Plata River Colorado
La Plata River Colorado

Lode gold was also discovered in 1873, with numerous locations established by 1881. 

Despite small output from lodes until 1901, new deposits in 1902 increased output, and annual gold production exceeded $100,000 by 1914.

How to get to La Plata River 

70-mile tributary of the San Juan River, is named after the Navajo language and is situated near Durango, Colorado.

Things You Can Find in La Plata River

It’s known for its telluride ores, which are minerals containing gold and tellurium.

3. Uncompahgre River

Since I got to know that panning gold in Uncompahgre River is very popular, I have reached there super quick.

Uncompahgre River Colorado
Uncompahgre River Colorado

Based on the experts’ experience, the entire 75-mile stretch of the river is identified as having potential for gold panning

How to get to Uncompahgre River 

The Uncompahgre River, a 75-mile tributary of the Gunnison River, serves as an irrigation source for the Uncompahgre Valley in southwestern Colorado.

Things You Can Find in Uncompahgre River

Since I reached out the time, unable to discover gold, however,  the area near Ouray, known for its gold deposits, presents a promising spot for gold prospectors and metal detecting enthusiasts to explore placer gold and related artifacts.

4. State Forest State Park

Since it is known as a public park I went there for metal detecting and was able to find many treasures thanks to the local experts.

State Forest State Park Colorado
State Forest State Park Colorado

However, It’s crucial to follow specific regulations and ethical and environmental guidelines while pursuing treasure hunting in this area.

How to get to State Forest State Park 

State Forest State Park, located 20 minutes south of Walden, is a year-round recreational site with a secluded landscape that resembles a national forest.

Things You Can Find in State Forest State Park

Renowned for its natural beauty, it yields intriguing treasures like coins, jewelry, relics, and other artifacts from past visitors through metal detectorists.

Old coin found when metal detecting in Colorado
Old coin found when metal detecting in Colorado

5. Chat Filed State Park

Due to the constant crowding, you are likely to encounter different types of metal-detecting stuff. 

How to get to Chat Filed State Park 

Located southwest of Denver, offers an outdoor oasis surrounded by the 1,500-acre Chatfield Reservoir, providing a serene escape from the city’s urban life.

Things You Can Find in Chat Filed State Park

It is crucial to practice responsible and ethical metal detecting when locating various items such as coins, jewelry, and relics here.

6. Navajo State Park

The Navajo, originally hunter-gatherers, settled in the Southwest US, primarily in New Mexico, foraging and hunting native animals.

Navajo State Park Colorado
Navajo State Park Colorado

As they hold a rich history, this state park is the best place for visitors.

How to get to Navajo State Park 

Navajo State Park is situated near the expansive Navajo Lake, which spans over 25 miles and extends south into New Mexico.

Things You Can Find in Navajo State Park

The park offers a unique opportunity for metal detectorists to uncover historical items and artifacts, including coins, lost jewelry, relics, tokens, keys, locks, and other items that provide insights into the park’s past.

7. Capitol City

I had the opportunity to visit this location alongside fellow members of a local metal-detecting club that I recently became a part of. 

Capitol City Colorado
Capitol City Colorado

During the visit, I had the chance to learn about the rich history of this remarkable place. 

Capitol City served as the state capital at the time of Colorado’s attainment of statehood in 1877. 

Back then, it was a bustling hub, boasting a substantial mill, numerous productive silver mines, and a population of around 800 families.

How to get to Capitol City 

This is located in Hinsdale County. You can take the US-285 South towards Poncha Springs to Capitol City. Then, continue on the CO-17 South. 

Things You Can Find in Capitol City

Since this place was rich in silver production, I was eager to explore it in search of silver-related items. 

Unfortunately, I didn’t find any silver but ended up finding various artifacts and belongings from past civilians.

8. Gilman

As I  explored the history of Gilman, a charming ghost town on a picturesque mountain edge. 

Gilman Colorado
Gilman Colorado

They discover a once-thriving zinc supplier in the US, showcasing deserted offices, houses, and mines, indicating a vibrant and prosperous past in the area.

Based on my experience and the things that I’ve found, Gilman is one of the best ghost towns in Colorado to metal detect.

How to get to Gilman 

Can be reached by taking the I-70 west from Denver, exiting at 171 for US-24 East, continuing towards Minturn, and then accessing Gilman via Forest Service Road 747.

Things You Can Find in Gilman

During its heyday, the area was abundant with mining operations, allowing for the discovery of mining equipment, tools, and personal items of miners, as well as coins and jewelry through 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.

Rusted soda can found when metal detecting in Colorado
Rusted soda can found when metal detecting in Colorado

9. Animas Forks

I visit this place because of the view and the desire of my metal-detecting enthusiasts.

Hard-rock silver and gold mining was a major industry in Animas Forks, which was first founded in 1874 and incorporated in 1881.

How to get to 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.

Things You Can Find in Animas Forks

There used to be a mining town in this region. As a result of my experience, you can find items related to mining activity as well as some residents’ stuff. 

As federal laws protect this land, it is required to have permission before metal detecting the land. 

10. St. Elmo

Since I couldn’t reach there, I got to know from my friend that this place was originally Forest City, and it was established in the 1870s due to silver mining in Chalk Creek

St. Elmo Colorado
St. Elmo Colorado

It experienced prosperity in the 1880s with the Denver South Park & Pacific and Denver & Rio Grande railroads.

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. 

How to get to 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.

Things You Can Find in St. Elmo

During the process, detectors can find everyday items like cutters, tools, coins, jewelry, and campers’ tools.

Although not owned by the federal government, the town is open to anyone, but permission may be required from landowners.

11. Clear Creek Canyon

When I visited there, the notice board at the entrance noted that George A. Jackson made the first significant gold discovery in Colorado during the Colorado Gold Rush on January 5, 1859, at the present site of Idaho Springs.

Clear Creek Canyon Colorado
Clear Creek Canyon Colorado

How to get to Clear Creek Canyon 

Clear Creek, starting at Loveland Pass in the Rocky Mountains, ascends over two miles above sea level and flows to Clear Creek Canyon, a popular outdoor recreation area west of Golden.

Things You Can Find in Clear Creek Canyon

I was unable to find rich gold there. However, I ended up finding coins, some broken tools that metal detectors used and coins.

12. Cripple Creek

Guidebook noted that the Cripple Creek mining district, with 500 mines by 1900 and 22.4 million gold ounces by 1910, was home to around 50,000 people between 1894 and 1902, with 35,000 in Cripple Creek, making it the fourth most populous town in Colorado.

Cripple Creek Colorado
Cripple Creek Colorado

How to get to Cripple Creek 

Cripple Creek, a historic city in Teller County, is situated 5 miles north of Victor and 20 miles southwest of Colorado Springs in central Colorado.

Things You Can Find in Cripple Creek

Is home to various gold resources, most of which are underground, although gold nuggets can occasionally be unearthed on the surface, providing a fascinating exploring experience.

Native American artifact found when metal detecting in Colorado
Native American artifact found when metal detecting in Colorado

13. Lake County

In the 1870s, the Lake County mining area of Leadville was a prominent silver producer

Even though most mines are no longer in operation.

How to get to Lake County 

Lake County, located in California’s North Coast region, is named after the 2.5 million-year-old Clear Lake, the oldest lake in North America, and is part of California Wine Country.

Things You Can Find in Lake County

You can still unearth little silver nuggets, preserving the area’s heritage.

14. San Juan Mountains

One of my metal-detecting forum members shared their idea about this mountain and he mentioned that the San Juan Mountains are part of the Rocky Mountains and are located in northwest New Mexico and southwest Colorado. 

San Juan Mountains Colorado
San Juan Mountains Colorado

The Colorado Mineral Belt, a highly mineralized region, had a role in early Colorado’s gold and silver mining industry.

How to get to the San Juan Mountains 

The San Juan Mountains span 150 miles from Ouray to Northern New Mexico, 120 miles west to east, and 75 miles south to major towns like Creede, Lake City, Silverton, Ouray, and Telluride.

Things You Can Find in the San Juan Mountains

The region is known for its high-grade silver ore deposits, and attractive places for silver nugget hunting include Ouray’s Red Mountain District, Telluride’s Sneffels Red Mountain District, and Silverton District.

15. Front Range

Front RangeFront Range is a large area that spans several different counties which is a hotspot for metal detecting.

Front Range Colorado
Front Range Colorado

Some of the best areas where silver nuggets could be found are Boulder County and Gilpin County. 

This area also has a few abandoned silver mines that might still have silver ores and silver nuggets.

How to get to the Front Range 

The Front Range, the easternmost part of the Southern Rocky Mountains, spans approximately 300 miles from Casper, Wyoming, to Fremont County, Colorado.

Things You Can Find in the Front Range

The Front Range is a possible place for silver nugget finding, with Boulder and Gilpin counties being especially promising due to the prevalence of abandoned mines.

16. Loveland

If you are interested in finding coins from various countries, I recommend this place.

Loveland Colorado
Loveland Colorado

When it comes to the origin, White Ash Coal Co. reactivated the Loveland mine shaft in 1891 and mined coal at levels of 372 feet, 452 feet, and 532 feet. 

A coal vein is reached after each level has traveled 128 feet. 50 tons are produced each day.

How to get to Loveland 

According to the city’s official statistics, Loveland, which is 46 miles north of Denver, has the 14th-highest population in the state of Colorado and is the second-most populated municipality in Larimer County.

Things You Can Find in Loveland

North Lake Park and Benson Sculpture Garden are great coin-detection places owing to their combination of natural beauty and historical value, making them appealing coin-hunting destinations.

17. Fort Garland

As experts idea, The Silver Tip Mine, located in Fort Garland, Colorado, is an inactive historical mining district with no reopening plans. 

Fort Garland Colorado
Fort Garland Colorado

It extracted chalcocite and chalcopyrite, associated with copper. The mine is situated within the Southern Rocky Mountains physiographic province. 

How to get to Fort Garland 

On the road to Taos and Santa Fe, New Mexico, Fort Garland is located at an elevation of 7,936 feet in northern Costilla County, at the junction of U.S. Route 160 and Colorado State Highway 159.

Things You Can Find in Fort Garland

A former military fort holds great potential for uncovering Civil War-era military relics due to its historical significance.

Map of Metal Detecting Friendly Places in Colorado

Findable Hidden Treasures Buried Over the Years in Colorado

Colorado has a rich history, and stories of hidden treasures and lost valuables can be found all over the state. Among these are the following:

TreasuresAbout
Robber‘s Roost Buried TreasureOutlaws buried $60,000 in gold near Fort Collins on the east side of Horsetooth Reservoir.
The Gold Hill Ghost TownsGold Hill Ghost Towns, Crisman, Gold Hill, Salina, and Sunshine, are situated on Route 119 between Boulder and Nederland. Access to these ghost towns is restricted, and permission is required.
Jamestown Buried TreasureGold coins were discovered in various locations near Jamestown in the 1930s, with a farmer in the 1960s discovering a $10,000 jug containing these coins.
The Jim Reynolds Gang TreasureIn the 1860s, the Jim Reynolds Gang buried gold and silver coins worth $175,000 along the South Platte River and Hardcart Creek.

Treasure hunters have been pursuing these captivating tales for years, with varying success rates.

However, many of these stories remain elusive myths, making it crucial to remember that many of these treasures remain mostly unverified.

Tip for detecting metals in Colorado
Tip for detecting metals in Colorado

That’s it, folks! Now you know all the best places to metal detect in Colorado with the importance of those locations, mining industries, and a lot more.

Now let me share with you several tips that I learned during the time I was metal detecting in Colorado which helped me to find cool treasures from the above locations.

Some of the below tips were collected by interviewing some expert local metal detectorists in Colorado based on their adventures.

So, just keep reading!

Tips for Successful Metal Detecting in Colorado.

Before you begin your metal-detecting adventures in Colorado, keep the following points in mind:

  • Know the Rules before you head into metal detecting in Colorado: Understand Colorado’s metal detecting regulations, as some locations require permits or prohibit metal detecting entirely. Familiarize yourself with the specific rules for your chosen location.
  • Make sure to choose the right equipment: To maximize success, choose a depth-sensitive detector, quality headphones for faint signals, and a durable small scoop, as metal shovels are not allowed in some Colorado areas.
  •  Focus on historical sites and try your luck: Colorado’s rich history is evident in its old mines, towns, and historic sites, which often yield valuable finds like coins, jewelry, and relics.
  •  Explore more on public areas: In Colorado, public parks and beaches are ideal locations for metal detecting, with some parks requiring permits and others allowing unrestricted areas. Focus on heavily used areas with a higher concentration of items.
  • Make sure to join a metal detecting club: Join a local metal detecting club to connect with experienced enthusiasts, share knowledge, and participate in hunting activities and educational events.
  • Keep in mind to respect nature: In Colorado, when metal detecting, respect the environment by leaving no trace or litter, filling in holes, and restoring the area to its original condition to help the local environment recover and thrive.

Metal detecting in Colorado offers a rewarding and enjoyable experience, with stunning views and beautiful locations.

Tip for detecting metals in Colorado state
Tip for detecting metals in Colorado state

Is Metal Detecting Legal in Colorado?

Metal detecting in Colorado is legally permissible, but permission or permits may be required.

It’s crucial to research local guidelines, respect historical and environmental resources, and consult authorities and property owners to ensure compliance.

Colorado follows the Archaeological Resources Protection Act, a federal law that governs treasure hunting in the United States.

It forbids the removal of man-made objects over 100 years old from public lands, whereas, on private property, items of any age or origin can be taken with proper permissions.

Is it Legal to Metal Detect in Colorado’s State Parks?

Metal detecting is permitted in some Colorado state parks, but only around 20 of them consistently allow it, and permission must be obtained before attempting to do so, as it is at the discretion of the Park Manager.

Colorado has 11 national forests, allowing metal detecting, but proper authorities must be consulted. 

Found coins or jewelry can be kept, but certain relics, like Native American artifacts, may not be legal.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Colorado manages 173 public lands, allowing modern items over 100 years old but not older ones.

Is it Legal to Metal Detecting in Colorado’s Ghost Towns?

Yes, it is legal to metal detect in Colorado ghost towns, but only with permission from property owners or local BLM offices.

Historic sites like abandoned towns, railroads, and mining areas may not be open for metal detecting, so property owners or local BLM offices must be contacted to ensure metal detection in these areas.

Metal detecting is permitted in many areas throughout Colorado, but it is prohibited in others, including county and regional open spaces, national parks, historic sites, and recreational areas.

Is it Legal to Metal Detecting in Colorado’s Rivers and Creeks?

Yes, it is legal to metal detect in Colorado’s rivers and creeks.

Environmental laws may be in place in some places, especially those near water bodies where they are intended to safeguard species and ecosystems. Respect these guidelines at all costs.

Contacting local offices to ensure compliance is critical, as breaking the law can result in fines or jail time.

In Colorado, the largest silver nugget ever discovered in the United States, weighing 1,840 pounds and valued at nearly $700,000 today, was found at Smuggler Mine near Aspen.

www.aspentrailfinder.com

So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.

FAQs

Are there any specific metal detectors recommended for Colorado’s terrain?

For detecting gold in Colorado, sensitive detectors like the Fisher Gold Bug 2 and Minelab’s Gold Monster 1000 are recommended due to their efficiency in finding small gold nuggets and flakes.

Is it legal to metal detect in Colorado’s national forests?

Metal detecting is generally permitted in Colorado’s national forests, particularly in campsites and picnic areas, but it’s advisable to check for any specific restrictions.

Did I cover all you wanted to know about: Best Places to Metal Detect in Colorado

In this article, I deeply discussed the best places to metal detect in Colorado, how to get those locations from the nearest airport, and what treasures are likely to be found based on historical data.

The best places to metal detect in Colorado include Cochetopa Creek, Shelf Road, various campgrounds, and numerous state parks like Barr Lake and Eleven Mile. Always ensure to obtain necessary permissions and follow local regulations, especially in state parks and national forests.

Plus, I’ve clearly stated what rules and regulations you should follow when entering each location for metal detecting to avoid any issues.

Furthermore, I answered some frequently asked questions as well.

Hope you learned all you wanted to know about the best places to metal detect in Colorado including experts’ tips.

Plan your next trip to the nearest location mentioned above in Colorado and treasure hunting like a champ. 

Don’t forget to leave feedback in the comment section. Happy treasure hunting!

Hi! I’m the treasure hunter and adventurer behind DetectingTreasures.com. I'm here to share my knowledge, inspire your adventures, and provide practical guides to help you succeed in your own treasure hunting journey. Read More...

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