Panning For Gold: Best Spots In Clear Creek

Gold prospectors and treasure hunters have long been visiting Clear Creek in Colorado, a site known for its rich gold deposits. Located just west of Golden, Colorado, Clear Creek offers a 10-mile stretch of gold-bearing waterway that is open to the public for gold panning. The area has a rich mining history, dating back to the 19th century, and has produced significant amounts of gold over the years. While finding gold nuggets is rare, prospectors can still discover small bits of gold dust and flakes in the creek. With the right equipment and determination, anyone can try their hand at gold panning in Clear Creek and experience the thrill of discovering this precious metal.

Clear Creek Canyon Park

One of the park's main attractions is the Clear Creek rafting experience. The river features a variety of rapids suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters, making it a thrilling activity for all. Local outfitters provide guided tours during the summer months, allowing visitors to navigate the rapids while soaking in the stunning surroundings.

In addition to these adventurous activities, the park also offers more relaxed pursuits such as hiking, cycling, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The Peaks to Plains Trail, a wide and paved path, is a popular choice for hikers and cyclists, offering breathtaking views of the towering cliffs and the rushing waters of Clear Creek. The trail is accessible for all, with smooth surfaces and partial edge barriers, making it a great option for families.

For those interested in the area's mining history, gold panning is a fun activity. The creek has long been known for its rich gold deposits, and visitors can try their hand at prospecting. However, it is important to note that gold dust can be challenging to capture, so quality gear is necessary. The park's owners, Jefferson County Open Space, provide simple gold prospecting rules on their website.

With its diverse range of activities and natural beauty, Clear Creek Canyon Park has something for everyone. Whether you're an adventure seeker or a nature enthusiast, the park offers a unique and memorable experience just a short drive from Denver.

Gold panning equipment

Gold panning requires a good eye, a lot of patience, and the right equipment. While basic equipment will get the job done, investing in higher-quality equipment will yield better results.

The most important piece of equipment is the pan, which comes in a variety of sizes and riffle patterns. Plastic pans are cheaper and lighter, but steel pans are more durable. A classifier, which is a sieve or screen, can be placed on top of your pan to screen out large rocks.

Gold panning kits are available for beginners and often include a variety of equipment, such as a sniffer bottle, tweezers, and a sand magnet, in addition to a pan and classifier. For a more advanced setup, you can purchase a sluice box, which uses running water to separate gold from other materials. These can range from simple and inexpensive models to more complex and costly options.

If you're looking to do some serious gold prospecting, consider investing in a Gold Cube. This piece of equipment is specifically designed to capture fine gold dust, which can be difficult to extract using basic methods. It's a bit of an investment, but it will significantly increase your yield.

Other useful tools include a hand shovel, glass vials, a rock pick hammer, and a magnetic separator.

Gold prospecting rules

Gold prospecting is a thrilling activity that can lead to valuable discoveries. However, to ensure a successful and lawful experience, it is essential to follow certain rules and guidelines. Here are some general gold prospecting rules to keep in mind, especially if you're planning to pan for gold in Clear Creek, Colorado:

• Know the relevant laws and regulations: Gold prospecting laws vary from state to state in the US. It is crucial to familiarize yourself with the specific regulations of the state you plan to prospect in, such as Colorado. Understand the permitted prospecting areas, equipment restrictions, and allowable methods.
• Obtain necessary permits: Many states have designated agencies that manage mineral resources and issue permits for prospecting. In Colorado, for example, Clear Creek Canyon Open Space Park has simple gold prospecting rules available on their website. Additionally, if you plan to use motorized or gravity siphon mining equipment, you may need an Individual Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
• Respect private property: Always seek permission from landowners before prospecting on private property. This is a crucial step to ensure you are complying with the law and respecting the rights of landowners.
• Be mindful of protected areas: Federal restrictions apply in wilderness areas, national parks, and other federally protected lands. For example, National Parks are generally closed to prospecting. Understand the regulations that govern entry into lands under the jurisdiction of the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management.
• Consider environmental impact: Environmental protection is a key concern. Familiarize yourself with environmental regulations such as the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act. Ensure that your prospecting activities do not harm fish or other wildlife.
• Keep proper records: Adhere to record-keeping and reporting requirements to ensure compliance with state and federal laws. This helps demonstrate your commitment to responsible and ethical prospecting.
• Understand potential penalties: Be aware of the consequences of violating prospecting laws, which may include fines or legal action. By understanding the potential penalties, you can ensure that your activities remain within the bounds of the law.
• Invest in quality equipment: Gold, especially in Clear Creek, often occurs in fine particles known as "gold dust." To capture this fine gold, you will need quality equipment designed for this purpose, such as the Gold Cube or a simple gold pan for more basic operations.
• Be patient and persistent: Gold prospecting requires patience and a careful technique, especially when dealing with tiny gold particles. Be prepared to spend time learning the proper techniques and refining your skills.

By following these rules and guidelines, you can ensure a safe, responsible, and rewarding gold prospecting experience, whether in Clear Creek or elsewhere. Remember to stay informed and always prospect lawfully and ethically.

Gold panning locations

There are several locations where you can go gold panning in Clear Creek, Colorado. Here are some of the top spots to try your luck:

Clear Creek Canyon Park

Clear Creek Canyon Park, just west of Golden, Colorado, is a popular spot for gold prospectors. The park offers easy access to Clear Creek, with a 10-mile stretch of gold-bearing waterway available for visitors. The creek has a rich history of gold mining, dating back to the 1850s, and continues to yield gold dust and small flakes. The park allows various recreational activities, including gold panning, sluicing, and suction dredges up to four inches in diameter. It's important to familiarise yourself with the park's rules and regulations before beginning your search.

Arapahoe Bar Gold Panning Park

Arapahoe Bar Gold Panning Park in Wheat Ridge is another favourite destination for gold prospectors in the Denver area. This park is unique because it was not heavily worked during the Colorado gold rush, leaving potential gold deposits for modern-day prospectors. Gold panning is permitted within designated boundaries, and it's essential to follow the park's rules and regulations.

Clear Creek Canyon

In addition to the designated parks, there is a stretch of Clear Creek itself where gold panning is permitted. This area can be a bit challenging to access, especially with a lot of gear, but it's worth the effort. The gold-rich section of the creek is located between Tunnels 1 and 3, just off Highway 6 west of Golden. You can park near the first tunnel and then walk down to the creek, where you're free to prospect anywhere between the tunnels.

When visiting these gold panning locations, it's important to come prepared with the right equipment. Basic tools include a pan, a finishing pan, a screen, testing bottles, a garden spade, and buckets. For more advanced prospecting, consider investing in a Gold Cube or similar equipment designed to capture fine gold dust. Always be mindful of the rules and regulations in each area, and remember that striking gold is a combination of luck, persistence, and technique.

Gold panning tips

Gold panning in Clear Creek Canyon, just west of Golden, Colorado, can be a rewarding endeavour for prospectors. Here are some tips to maximise your chances of finding gold:

Know the Area

Clear Creek Canyon Park offers about 10 miles of gold-bearing waterways to explore. The area has a rich mining history, with the first gold discovered in the region in 1859. While most gold deposits have been mined, smaller bits of gold "dust" can still be found. Occasionally, prospectors may also find larger "picker"-sized flakes. The gold in Clear Creek comes from the gold veins that eroded out of the hard rock in the surrounding mountains.

Timing and Conditions

The water levels in the canyon vary throughout the year. High water levels during spring (especially May and June) can make prospecting dangerous and challenging. Late summer is ideal, as the water levels drop, allowing safe access to the creek. Winter access can also be good, but ice may block the best spots near the banks. Aim for the centre of the creek during winter, where the best gold can be found when the water is higher and faster.

Equipment

Quality gear is essential for capturing fine gold dust. While basic equipment like a shovel and a gold pan can be used, investing in specialised tools like the Gold Cube can significantly improve your yield. Other useful items include waterproof boots, warm socks, a classifier (sieve or strainer), digging tools like shovels and screwdrivers, a sniffer bottle, tweezers, gloves, and buckets.

Panning Technique

The fundamental principle behind gold panning is that gold is heavy, so it settles at the bottom of the pan while lighter sediment is gently washed away. Observe successful panners' techniques, and practice by placing small pieces of metal, such as copper wire, in sediment and panning them out. Gold is denser than copper, so mastering copper retrieval will make gold panning easier. When panning, be careful not to pour out gold accidentally. Use tools like tweezers and a sniffer bottle to retrieve larger gold flakes and pieces.

Frequently asked questions