Gold Panning: Accessing Arapahoe's North Side

Gold panning is a popular activity in Colorado, with many spots to find gold across the state. One of the most popular spots is the Arapahoe Bar Gold Panning Park in Wheat Ridge, just west of Denver. This park is family-friendly and offers easy access to a gold-bearing stretch of Clear Creek. To get to the north side of Arapahoe Bar, you can park at the Youngfield Trailhead Parking Lot at 4100 Youngfield St. and walk west on the Clear Creek Trail. From there, you can follow the trail to the north side of the creek, where recreational gold panning is allowed. It's important to note that there are some rules and regulations for gold panning in this area, such as no digging on the south side of the creek and no gas-powered equipment allowed.

Gold panning equipment

Gold panning requires a variety of specialist equipment to help you sift through the dirt and mud, and find those elusive nuggets. Here is a list of the essential gold panning equipment you will need to get started:

Gold Pans

The most important piece of equipment is, of course, the gold pan itself. These are usually made from durable plastic or steel and come in a range of sizes, from around 8" to 16" in diameter. Some pans have a double-riffle feature which can help make the gold separation process easier.

Classifiers

Classifiers are used to size your gravel/dirt as you sift it through the sieve. They come in a range of mesh sizes to help separate the gold from the sediment.

Sluice Boxes

A sluice box is a long, narrow box with a series of ridges and grooves to help trap the gold. Water is poured through the box, and the ridges trap the gold, making it easier to collect. Sluice boxes are available in a range of sizes and materials, including aluminium, rubber, and steel. Some are designed to be portable and fold up for easy transportation.

Tools

You will need a range of tools to help with digging and collecting. These include:

• Shovels
• Rock picks/hammers
• Digging chisels
• Crevice and digger tools
• Magnet to help separate magnetic sand from gold
• Tweezers
• Snifter bottle
• Vials to store your gold

Other Equipment

Other useful items include a backpack to carry your equipment, and a metal detector to help locate gold deposits.

Gold panning kits are available, which include a range of these items, offering a good way to get started with the essential equipment.

How to find gold

Gold is often found in rivers, creeks, and streams. When prospecting in a river, look for both fast and slow-moving water, as well as bends in the river where gold can get trapped. Gold is found where water flow is altered by obstacles such as boulders and logs or by watercourse contours. It can also be found where two rivers or streams come together, known as a "confluence zone". In these areas, water is slowed down by sandbars, causing gold to drop out and build up. Look for signs of gold like black sands, pyrite, small quartz, and garnets, which are usually good indicators of gold in the area.

Gold tends to settle and sink to bedrock, so depressions may hold rich pockets of gold. Bedrock that is fissured and shattered, acting as riffles, also holds potential for finding gold. Keep an eye out for old stream beds or river beds, and look for areas where the water would have been altered. Any gold that may exist is likely to have settled in desert washes and alluvial areas.

In addition to rivers and streams, gold can also be found in dried-up riverbeds, coastal beaches, and even the ocean. Gold can travel long distances from its water source, transported by runoff, flash floods, and rare rainstorms. When beach prospecting, look for where streams and rivers drain onto the beach and the appearance of black sand.

When prospecting for gold, it is important to check public land records to ensure you are prospecting in a permitted location.

What to wear gold panning

Gold panning is an activity that can be done in rivers or streams, and it requires specific gear to protect yourself from the elements and the water. Here is a list of what to wear and bring for a gold panning adventure:

• Footwear: Rubber boots are ideal as you will be wading in small streams. You want to keep your feet dry and comfortable, so consider affordable, no-frills rubber boots.
• Socks: Opt for ski socks, which may seem counterintuitive in warm weather. However, ski socks like the Darn Tough brand offer calf height protection, preventing your boots from rubbing against your legs. They also wick away moisture while keeping your feet warm.
• Pants: Consider work pants made from durable materials with utility pockets, an extra "crouch" gusset, and built-in spandex for comfort. These features will allow you to kneel, scoop, and bend easily throughout the day.
• Sun protection: A wide-brimmed hat with a microfiber and suede blend is a good choice to protect your face and neck from the sun. Look for one that is crushable so you can easily pack it in your bag.
• Shirt: Go for a shirt that keeps you cool and dry, like the Western Rise Eureka Shop Shirt. Look for features such as antimicrobial fabric, water resistance, quick-dry fabric, and built-in SPF protection.
• Eyewear: Polarized sunglasses are essential to protect your eyes from the sun's glare and reduce the rays bouncing off the water. Look for lightweight sunglasses that offer good coverage and durability.
• Backpack: You'll need a sturdy backpack to store your panning supplies, snacks, beverages, and extra socks and clothes. Opt for a backpack with plenty of internal storage, a nylon exterior, and loops for attaching extra gear.
• Gloves: Consider a thin pair of fabric gloves with rubber-coated palms and fingers for protection and grip. If you're panning in cold water, waterproof dishwashing gloves can be a good option.
• First aid kit: Always bring a first aid kit for any accidents or injuries that may occur during your gold panning adventure.

Gold panning ethics

Land Access and Permissions

Before embarking on gold panning, it is crucial to respect land access rules and obtain the necessary permissions. This includes seeking permission from landowners, even if the land appears to be common or private. If access is denied, it is important to respect the landowner's decision and find an alternative location. In the case of Arapahoe Bar, gold panning is restricted to the north side of Clear Creek, and it is important to stay within the designated area to avoid trespassing on private property.

Environmental Impact

Gold panners should aim to minimise their environmental impact and leave the site in a respectful manner. This includes refilling any large holes dug down to the bedrock and avoiding digging into the banks of rivers, streams, or their tributaries. Panners should also refrain from throwing rocks onto the stream banks and ensure they take all their rubbish with them when leaving. Additionally, campfires should be fully extinguished, and the burnt area should be cleaned and redistributed to blend in with the surroundings.

Equipment Restrictions

It is important to adhere to any equipment restrictions in place. In the Arapahoe Bar area, only battery-operated equipment is permitted, and gas-powered equipment is prohibited. This is to ensure the activity does not cause excessive noise or pollution.

Safety Considerations

Gold panning can be dangerous, especially when done in flood-prone areas or around large rocks and boulders. Panners should always be aware of potential risks and never put themselves or others in harm's way. When panning with family, it is crucial to supervise children closely, as there can be hazards such as falling rocks or strong currents.

Respecting Rules and Regulations

Gold panners should respect and abide by all rules and regulations set by local authorities and landowners. In the case of Arapahoe Bar, it is important to follow the regulations outlined on the historical sign at the site, which include restrictions on the areas where panning is permitted. These rules are in place to maintain the site's accessibility for all visitors and to preserve its historical significance.

Gold panning tips

Gold panning is hard work but can be a rewarding hobby. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Equipment

You will need a gold pan, a sniffer bottle, a classifier (or sieve/strainer), digging tools such as a shovel and a small spade, a small plastic pail for collecting concentrates, and a five-gallon bucket. It is also recommended to have a pair of rugged gloves to protect your hands, warm socks, and waterproof boots to keep your feet dry and warm.

Location

Look for a stream with a history of producing placer gold. You can either prospect streams that haven't been mined before, but the odds of finding gold are slim. It is best to go where gold has been found previously. Check if the stream is on public land and get permission from the owner if it is not. Also, ensure there are no active mining claims in the area.

Digging

Gold is heavy, so it will settle in areas where the water slows down, such as the inside of bends or behind disruptions in the flow like big rocks. Dig behind and under large rocks and in any cracks or crevices where gold may have fallen and become trapped.

Classifying

Use your classifier to strain out the bigger rocks and discard them. This step is optional but will make your life easier by keeping big rocks out of your pan. Submerge your pan and classifier in the water and shake the classifier over the pan to allow the smaller material to fall through.

Panning

Agitate the material in the pan to stratify it with the heaviest items at the bottom and the lightest at the top. Wash away the lighter material at the top of the pan by moving the pan, being careful not to pour anything with gold out. Periodically stop washing and re-stratify the material. Eventually, you should be left with heavy black sand and gold at the bottom of your pan.

Separating Gold from Black Sand

Use a sniffer bottle to suck up the gold bits from the black sand, trying to get as little sand as possible. You can also use tweezers to pick out larger pieces of gold.

Clean-up

Use a magnet inside a plastic bag to remove any remaining black sand, which is often made of magnetite, an iron mineral that is magnetic. Then, suck up the clean gold with your sniffer bottle and transfer it to a storage vial.

Bonus Tip:

If you are panning in the Arapahoe Bar area, specifically on the north side of Clear Creek Trail, there are some additional guidelines to follow. No digging is allowed on the south side of the creek, and only vertical digging is permitted on the north side. Stay to the right on the path, as it is shared with bicyclists and joggers.

Frequently asked questions