Marianne Martinez
Gold panning is a popular activity in Colorado Springs, with many spots to try your luck. Gold is found in the foothills northwest of Colorado Springs, in Blair Athol, and in the gravel deposits of the area's gulches. Southwest of the city, via Gold Camp Road, the St. Peter's Dome district is home to old mines that produced lode gold, with placer gold often found below them. It's important to be aware of federal and state laws and respect private property when prospecting. Some popular spots include Cache Creek, smaller creeks in Park County, Ralston Creek, and Goldstrike Park. For those seeking a guaranteed souvenir, the Arapahoe bar in Denver offers a sure chance to find gold, while also providing gemstone panning options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gold Panning Locations | Blair Athol, Gold Camp Road, St. Peter's Dome district, Jefferson County, Clear Creek, South Platte, Cripple Creek, Denver, Arapahoe Bar, Goldstrike Park, Ralston Creek, Cache Creek, Fairplay, Idaho Springs, Park County, San Juan Mountains |
| Gold Panning Tips | Be aware of federal, state and local laws, get permission from landowners, join the Facebook group 'Finding Gold in Colorado', check the Colorado Geological Survey website, be aware of varying water levels, avoid hot areas in summer, dress appropriately for cold weather |
| Gold Panning Lessons | Included in tour ticket price at Argo Mill & Tunnel Tour, keep what you find, learn techniques used by prospectors, gemstone panning option also available |
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What You'll Learn
Blair Athol, 6 miles northwest of Colorado Springs
Blair Athol, located 6 miles northwest of Colorado Springs, was once a popular destination for gold panning. The area is characterised by mesas and canyons surrounding the Garden of the Gods, which was once the home of General William Jackson Palmer, the founder of Colorado Springs.
Gold panning in Blair Athol dates back to at least the late 19th century, when it was a legendary destination for day travellers. The area is known for its natural beauty and rustic style, including stone bridges, benches, and paths built by Scottish-born landscape architect John Blair. Blair Athol was also the site of a copper mine that operated from around 1914 to the 1930s, which significantly altered the look of the area.
Today, Blair Athol remains a popular spot for gold panning enthusiasts. The area's gulches contain placer gold in the gravel deposits, making it a prime location for prospectors. However, it is important to note that gold panning in Colorado requires careful evaluation of the collecting site, as some areas may be staked claims or private land that requires permission from the landowner.
The Blair Athol Mine, located in the Manitou Mining District of El Paso County, is part of the Pike National Forest. While the mine is currently closed with no known plans to reopen, the surrounding area still offers opportunities for gold panning. It is important to follow all federal, state, and local laws, as well as respecting the wishes of landowners when accessing private property.
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St. Peter's Dome district, southwest of Colorado Springs
St. Peters Dome district, located in the Pike National Forest, is a popular destination for gold panning enthusiasts. It is situated about 8 miles (13 km) southwest of Colorado Springs and can be accessed via Gold Camp Road, a beautiful drive especially during autumn. This area is known for its old mines that produced lode gold, and it is common to find placer gold deposits below them.
To reach the St. Peters Dome Trail, start by driving on Old Stage Road (FDR 368) for 6.5 miles from the intersection of Penrose Boulevard and Cheyenne Mountain Boulevard in Colorado Springs. Then, turn onto Gold Camp Road (FDR 370) and continue for another mile. The trailhead will be on the right (north) side of the road. The trail is approximately 1.2 miles long and is considered a moderately challenging route, taking an average of 42 minutes to complete. It offers incredible views of Gold Camp Road and Colorado Springs, and is a popular spot for hiking and running.
The entire area, including the trail, is located within the Pike National Forest. It is important to note that camping is not suitable along the trail or at the trailhead due to limited spaces. However, occasional camping opportunities can be found along Gold Camp Road. The trail can be climbed anytime the trailhead is accessible, but it is important to exercise caution as the upper section and final summit scramble can be dangerous due to steepness and exposure.
St. Peters Dome, standing at 9,528 feet (2,904 meters), offers a breathtaking view from the summit. The hike involves some scrambling and rope assistance, and it is not recommended for beginners or children due to the potential for severe injuries. The ropes are occasionally cut by local officials, so it is advisable to check their availability before embarking on the hike. The trail can be challenging to follow, but online reviews can provide helpful navigation tips.
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Gold Camp Road, southwest of Colorado Springs
Gold Camp Road is accessible from North Cheyenne Canyon Park, which offers well-maintained roads and beautiful scenery. From there, the road continues into the Pike National Forest, where all nine tunnels can be found. The first three tunnels are about a thirty-minute journey from the centre of downtown Colorado Springs. To access the tunnels, head west on Cheyenne Road to Cheyenne Canyon Road and make your way up the mountain to the Buckhorn trail parking lot (4415 Gold Camp Road), which is the main parking area.
The trail offers spectacular views and a gentle climb from east to west, making it a great option for hikers and bikers looking for a challenging yet rewarding experience. The first tunnel is closed, so you will need to go around it by going up and over the hill. There are a total of six tunnels on the eastern end, so bringing a headlamp is recommended.
For those interested in gold panning specifically, the St. Peter's Dome district southwest of Gold Camp Road was once home to many old mines that produced lode gold, and it is usually possible to find placer gold below them. It is important to note that gold panning may be restricted to certain areas, and it is essential to be aware of federal, state, and local laws, as well as to respect private land and obtain permission where necessary.
In addition to gold panning, Gold Camp Road offers other attractions such as rock climbing near Tunnels #7 and #8, with popular areas including Hurricane Ridge and St. Peter's Overlook. The Captain Jacks Trail system, accessible from the Lower Gold Camp Road trailhead, allows hikers, bicyclists, equestrians, and motorcycles. The Chutes trail, accessible from Gold Camp Road, is also a popular option for cyclists due to its winding curves and fast descent.
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Ralston Creek, Denver
Ralston Creek is a tributary of Clear Creek in central Colorado, approximately 32 miles (51 km) long. It was the site of the first documented discovery of gold in the Rocky Mountain region on June 22, 1850, when Lewis Ralston, a Georgia prospector, found about 1/4 troy ounce (8 g) of gold in the creek. Ralston Creek is located in the City of Arvada's Gold Strike Park, and while you can no longer pan for gold there, it is a beautiful spot to visit. The creek has since been rerouted around a mine site after high levels of uranium were discovered in the water.
There are still places in Colorado where you can pan for gold, and Denver, which is close to Ralston Creek, is one of them. Jefferson County permits panning in some of their open spaces, and there are some spots right in or near the city. Clear Creek, a tributary of Ralston Creek, is one place to try, as is the South Platte River, where several miners found gold upstream in 1858.
If you're looking for a guaranteed souvenir, head to the Arapahoe bar in Denver, where you can pan for gold. The Argo Mill and Tunnel in Idaho Springs also offers gold panning lessons with each tour ticket, and you get to keep what you find.
It's important to be aware of federal, state, and local laws, as well as landowners' wishes, when prospecting for gold. A given mineral locality may actually be a staked claim, so always get permission before collecting.
Ralston Creek Trail is a 13.9-mile trail located in Ralston Central Park. It is considered an easy route with an elevation gain of 262 ft, taking approximately 4.5–5 hours to complete. The trail is open year-round and is good for kids and families. It is also wheelchair-friendly and paved, with wildlife spotting opportunities.
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Cache Creek, Park County
Cache Creek is a popular prospecting site in Park County, Colorado, where you can try your luck at gold panning. The site is located near Granite, between Leadville and Buena Vista, and can be accessed by following US-24 to Granite and then turning west off the highway at Lost Canyon Road. Motor vehicle access to the main parking area is restricted by a gate, which is typically open from just before Memorial Day weekend through November to protect the winter habitat of an elk herd.
Cache Creek offers dispersed camping with no drinking water or hookups available for up to 14 days. Gold can be found throughout the area, including in the dirt, artificial hills left by hydraulic mining, and the steep hillsides of the valley edge. It is important to note that Cache Creek is off-limits for any motorized equipment, gas or electric, and there are no highbanking activities allowed.
When prospecting in Cache Creek, it is crucial to be mindful of the boundaries and avoid the small green rectangle in section 36, which is an old cemetery with legal protection. Additionally, always follow federal, state, and local laws, and respect the landowner's wishes, as collecting from a staked claim without permission is considered stealing.
For those new to gold panning, the Argo Mill and Tunnel in Idaho Springs, Colorado, offers gold panning lessons as part of their tour. Visitors can learn techniques, keep what they find, and even try gemstone panning. Reservations may be required during COVID-19 restrictions.
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Frequently asked questions
Gold panning is available at the Argo Mill and Tunnel Tour in Idaho Springs, CO. Gold panning lessons are included in each tour ticket, and you get to keep what you find. You can also purchase extra miner's bags if you want to test your skills again.
Yes, there are a surprising number of places in Colorado where you can dig for free or for a token fee. Some of these places include Goldstrike Park in Arvada City, Ralston Creek, Cache Creek, and Fairplay Town Prospecting Park. You can also find gold in almost every waterway in Metro Denver that is big enough to have a name.
Yes, it is important to be aware of federal, state, and local laws, as well as the wishes of landowners. Some spots can also get dangerous to the point of being life-threatening during the snow melt season and heavy rains, so always check for updates and be cautious.
It is recommended to join the Facebook group 'Finding Gold in Colorado' to connect with other prospectors and adventurers and get your questions answered. You can also refer to guidebooks that cover the 18 gold rush areas of Colorado and provide information on over 180 public access, unclaimable dig sites.
