where to prospect in Boulder CO?

[steveh2112]

hi all,

I'm new to boulder area and wonder where's the gold at? any suggestions about rivers and creeks in the area to get my pans out?

thx steve

 

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[3xflyfisher]

Hi Steve,
Your best bet would be to head south to Golden and explore Clear Creek up the canyon. It is open to the junction of Hwy 119 - ~12 miles or so.

Good luck

 

[GoldpannerDave]

Boulder County is the most pro-environment area in Colorado and the most anti-mining in the state. Therefore the suggestion to head outside of the county to pan by 3xflyfisher is a good one. I am not sure what the fine currently is, but don't dip a pan anywhere in the county if you are not on private land with written permission.

In addition to the fine, equipment can/will be confiscated. From another site, "Make sure you STAY OUT of Boulder County unless you are on open public FEDERAL LAND, as even carrying a pan can get your pan confiscated. Their new ordinance does not allow for any type of prospecting. ALL PROSPECTING OR MINING OPERATIONS THAT ARE NOT ON FEDERAL LAND ARE FORBIDDEN IN BOULDER COUNTY. NOT EVEN PANNING IS ALLOWED. YOU RISK LOSING YOUR EQUIPMENT, ARREST, AND FINES IF YOU TRY IT. IF YOU PROSPECT IN BOULDER COUNTY MAKE SURE YOU ARE ON FEDERAL LAND THAT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AND NOT SOMEONE'S ACTIVE CLAIM. I have not heard if these restrictions pertain to private property or to Patented claims, but if you have a simple mining claim, it could very well apply. Check with the county if you are in doubt so you are on top of their regulations."

That said, the Boulder Ranger District, west of Boulder, says you can pan there, but lots of restrictions including a possible NOI. It is easier to go to Clear Creek, the South Platte, etc. At least you can sluice there and you can even dredge parts of Clear Creek west of Golden.

 

[KevinInColorado]

The advice on that website is a gross exaggeration Dave. There are places it's ok to dig, quite a few in fact. It's not the whole county that's the issue, just the Boulder County Open Space (BCOS) Authority. Unfortunately they do "own" and manage lot of gold bearing waterway thru Boulder Canyon and downstream of there which is off limits to almost every activity except biking and walking on established trails.

However it's a big county! Get on mylandmatters.org to look at Boulder Canyon, Lefthand Canyon and all forks of Boulder Creek for spots that are not private and not claimed...then use the BCOS site to see what land they manage so you avoid it.

PS I have friends who dredge Left Hand Canyon in Boulder Co all the time...on their claim. The sheriff deputies often stop to chat...all good.