Metal Detecting In Colorado?

You Should Know The Law

Metal detecting in Colorado follows the ARPA (Archeological Resources Preservation Act).

Please click on the link below for the ARPA explanation and some of the problems people face who break this law.

ARPA and You

For metal detecting in State Parks, below is the law you need to follow.

Metal detecting in town, village and city parks, you'll need to check with those local officials.

Reg.#100(b)(2) "It shall be prohibited to remove, destroy, mutilate, modify or deface any structure, water control device, poster, notice, sign or marker, tree, shrub, or other plant or vegetation, including dead timber and forest litter, or any object of archaeological, geological, historical, zoological or natural / environmental value or interest on Parks and Outdoor Recreation Lands. (This regulation does not include removal of firewood from designated firewood areas, noxious weeds as defined by statute, or recreational gold mining within the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, except where prohibited as indicated by posted signs."

Detecting in Colorado State parks is allowed only at the discretion of the park manager. You need to check with each park manager before detecting. Metal detecting is not specifically addressed by Colorado State Park Regulations

Park managers can restrict use in certain areas.