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.

Remember, you can metal detect in Arkansas, however, you just can’t dig any artifact that is one hundred years old.

Detecting on State beaches is allowed if you get a permit. Be careful. You need to ask if your permit is just for the beach area. Some States do not allow detecting outside of the beaches even with a permit.

Do Not Let These Laws Stop You From Metal Detecting In Colorado

I receive many emails from people who are upset with the laws that restrict our ability to enjoy the hobby. Many individuals just give up, and their detectors end up in the closet, never to be used again. That’s the wrong approach.

Giving up the hobby of metal detecting is a defeatist attitude that only gives more power to the bureaucrats. Giving up is exactly what they want us to do. I’m not saying that we should break the laws by going on to State Lands and dig up as many finds as we can. What I am saying is that we should all follow the law, but challenge them by speaking out against them. I know many instances where the laws that govern detecting in certain areas have been reduced to allow it. But this change came only after individuals spoke loud and clear.