Tillie Doyle
Colorado is known for its towering Rocky Mountains, breathtaking landscapes, and gold. Gold is one of the state's most celebrated features, and there are many places where you can pan for gold for free. In most of Colorado's National Forests and BLM areas, recreational gold panning does not require a permit, but it's important to minimize disturbances to the natural surface of the earth. Some popular spots for gold panning in Colorado include Arapahoe Bar Gold Panning Park, the South Platte River in Steele Street Park, and the town of Fairplay. In addition, there are many mine tours available that offer interactive gold panning experiences, such as the Argo Gold Mine and Mill Tour in Idaho Springs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Free panning areas | Arapahoe Bar Gold Panning Park, Clear Creek, Big Bend of the South Platte River, Fairplay Prospecting Park, Texas Creek BLM Prospecting Site, Piñon Bridge Recreational Placer Mining Area, Norwood Bridge Recreational Placer Mining Area, Cache Creek |
| Permits | Not required in most National Forests and BLM areas |
| Tools | Pans, sluice boxes, picks, and shovels |
| Best time to visit | Fall, especially in high-country river sites |
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What You'll Learn
Arapahoe Bar Gold Panning Park
Arapahoe Bar is a great site to learn about Colorado's history. In the 1860s, the town of Arapahoe City was built here, and miners would come down from the mountains in the winter months to live here as there was enough gold in the creek bed to feed themselves. It was the first city in Jefferson County. The city was destroyed between 1906 and 1908 when a mining company bought up the land to process the 40-foot-thick deposit of gold-bearing gravel underneath. Today, a bronze plaque marks the spot on 44th Avenue.
To get to Arapahoe Bar Gold Panning Park, take exit 264 from I-70 and go west on 32nd Avenue. Then, go one block to Youngfield Service Road and head north on the service road to its end. Park along the west side of the dirt parking lot by the historical sign. Note that no motorized equipment is allowed, but you can use battery-operated equipment.
Arapahoe Bar is a very easy-access hotspot and has become quite popular. It is advised to stay to the right as you will be sharing the path with many bicyclists and joggers.
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South Platte River in Steele Street Park
The "Big Bend" area of the South Platte River in Steele Street Park (also known as Steele Street Open Space Park) is a popular spot for recreational gold prospecting. It is located northeast of Downtown Denver, with a parking lot on the east side of Steele Street just north of 78th Ave. From there, you can walk to the rec path that runs alongside the river.
While the park doesn't look like much from the parking lot, you'll find a large cobble bar across the river. It can be challenging to get to the bar legally, as you have to ford the river with your gear, and there is a stripe of private property between the river and the road posted with "No Trespassing" signs. However, there are other options within the park for gold panning.
The South Platte River is known for having gold, and you can expect to find a flake or two in almost every pan, similar to the amount found by early prospectors during the Gold Rush. You are allowed to keep any gold you find.
In most of Colorado's National Forests and BLM areas, recreational gold panning does not require a permit. However, visitors are encouraged to minimise disturbance to the natural surface of the earth and only use simple, non-motorised tools such as pans, sluice boxes, picks, and shovels.
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The Fairplay Prospecting Park
The park is conveniently located within walking distance of the local National Forest Service Ranger Station, grocery stores, and auto parts stores, as well as several restaurants. You can enjoy the beer and live music at the microbrewery next door. Fairplay is also a great place to enjoy other Colorado attractions such as fishing, hunting, and hiking.
Gold panning at the park can be a rewarding experience, as one visitor reported finding fine gold while digging dredge tailings upstream. The park provides a comfortable panning area near the dig zone, and you can also try your luck at sluicing by hauling dirt to the west side of the park, where the South Platte River runs.
If you're looking for more gold panning opportunities in the area, you can check out the Middle Fork RV Resort, located right upstream on the other side of Highway 285. The resort offers gold panning and allows guests to dig virgin dirt and pan or sluice it.
Remember, when engaging in recreational gold panning in Colorado's parks, it's important to minimize disturbances to the natural surface of the earth and to use only simple, non-motorized tools like pans, sluice boxes, picks, and shovels.
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Texas Creek
Gold panning at Texas Creek does not require a permit, making it easily accessible to the public. Visitors are encouraged to use simple, non-motorized tools such as pans, sluice boxes, picks, and shovels to minimise disturbance to the natural environment. It is important to note that for power equipment, such as gas-powered gear, permits may be required, and checking with the BLM office in Cañon City is advisable.
In recent years, Texas Creek has seen changes, with the closure of Barry's Den, a local restaurant, due to the unfortunate passing of its owner. Despite this, access to the creek and the surrounding area remains open to the public, offering uninterrupted opportunities for gold panning and exploration. The closure of the restaurant may impact the overall experience, as it was once a popular gathering spot for prospectors and adventurers.
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Norwood Bridge Recreational Placer Mining Area
Gold plays a significant role in Colorado's history, and the state is full of the coveted rock. There are several places in Colorado where you can dig for free or for a small fee. One such place is the Norwood Bridge Recreational Placer Mining Area.
To get to the Norwood Bridge Recreational Placer Mining Area, take Highway 145 easterly and southerly from the town of Norwood in western Colorado. The area is over a mile long, and you can only park along it. If you don't have a permit from the Montrose BLM, you should only pan and sluice within 100 feet of the bridge. You can get the permit by visiting the office in Montrose during business hours or printing the form from their website, signing it, and sending it via email.
The Arkansas River is a great place to prospect for gold. The Colorado Fish & Wildlife folks say you can do non-motorized prospecting at all the public access areas along the Arkansas River. Try the one next to the Texas Creek confluence, then branch out along the river.
In most of Colorado's National Forests and BLM areas, recreational gold panning does not require a permit. However, visitors are encouraged to minimize disturbing the natural surface of the earth. Without a permit, participants are only permitted to use simple, non-motorized tools such as pans, sluice boxes, picks, and shovels.
If you want to use battery or gas-powered equipment, check with the landowner first. You can usually do this via their website, but a phone call may be needed. Consider joining the Facebook group 'Finding Gold in Colorado' to connect with other prospectors and adventurers.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several places in Colorado where you can pan for gold for free. Some of these include the Arapahoe Bar Gold Panning Park, the "Big Bend" of the South Platte River in Steele Street Park, and the Fairplay Prospecting Park.
In most of Colorado's National Forests and BLM areas, recreational gold panning does not require a permit. However, visitors are encouraged to minimise disturbance to the natural surface of the earth.
You will need a pan, a garden spade, and two five-gallon buckets. You can also purchase a basic tool set, which includes a second finishing pan and screen to separate sand from gold.
Yes, it's important to know the laws and regulations before beginning to pan for gold. For example, in certain parks, such as Arapahoe Bar, gold panning is only allowed within designated boundaries. If you're in a state park, any gold nuggets you find are considered state property and must be reported to park staff.
