Pike & San Isabel National Forests
Cimarron & Comanche National Grasslands

USDA Forest Service
Pike & San Isabel
National Forests
Cimarron & Comanche
National Grasslands
2840 Kachina Drive
Pueblo, CO 81008
719-553-1400

Telephone for the
Hearing Impaired
719-553-1404

South Platte Ranger District

Prospecting

Most of the National Forests in the western states are open to prospecting and mining, including panning for gold.  However, it is important that you recognize the following:

• First, within the boundaries of most National Forests there is a considerable amount of privately owned land.  These private lands are not open to prospecting or mining without the owner's permission.  National Forest visitor maps, for sale at all Forest Service offices, show the general location of these privately owned tracts.
• Secondly, some areas of the National Forests are not available for prospecting and mining, including panning for gold.  The local District Ranger's office can provide information about these specific areas.
• Lastly, the more easily found mineral deposits have already been discovered and 'claimed' by other prospectors.  Entering onto these claims for the purpose of prospecting or removing any mineral is 'claim jumping' or trespassing.

Before you begin prospecting, you should check the local county records for any claims in the area in which you are interested.  Then, you should check the area on the ground for any evidence of a claim that may have been staked recently.

Regulation Governing Prospecting & Mining In The National Forests

Anyone proposing to conduct operations which might cause a disturbance of surface resources on the National Forest must file a "Notice of Intent" with the local District Ranger.  The District Ranger then has 15 days to determine whether or not the proposed operations will likely cause a 'significant' disturbance of the surface.  If he determines that a significant disturbance is likely, the operator will be required to prepare a plan of operations which includes provisions for the protection and rehabilitation of the surface resources.

A 'Notice of Intent' is not needed to simply 'pan' for gold when it will not cause significant surface disturbance.  However, a 'Notice of Intent' is required for any operation which will involve the cutting of trees or the use of mechanical earth moving equipment.  When the 'Notice of Intent' is filed, the District Ranger will be able to advise you of any permits which may be required by local, state or other federal agencies