Colorado doesn’t post a blanket “no metal detectors” sign on its state parks — but it does prohibit digging and removing objects, which comes to nearly the same thing for recovery. Add a state law that reserves title to archaeological resources, and the practical rule is: get the park manager’s OK and don’t expect to keep finds. Here’s the detail.
At a glance
| State parks | Depends Using a detector isn’t explicitly banned, but CPW Regulation #100 prohibits digging and removing objects, so recovery is heavily constrained and park-manager permission generally applies. |
|---|---|
| State & public land | Restricted C.R.S. §24-80-401 et seq. reserves to the State title to all historical, prehistorical, and archaeological resources on state and political-subdivision land. |
| Public land & lakes | Depends Landlocked; reservoir/lake shorelines within parks fall under the same no-dig, no-removal rules. |
| Local & federal | Depends Municipalities vary (Colorado Springs permits detecting in some park areas); federal land is stricter. |
*Even where detecting is allowed, archaeological/historic sites are protected and you must fill holes and follow posted rules. Always confirm the current rule with the specific land manager.
Metal detecting in Colorado state parks
Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) regulates state parks under 2 CCR 405-1, Regulation #100, which prohibits “excavating or digging trenches, holes, or pits” and removing, defacing, or destroying “any object of archaeological, geological, historical, zoological or natural/environmental value.” There is no explicit ban on carrying a detector, but because you can’t dig or keep finds, recovery detecting is heavily constrained, and each park manager sets the rules — some require permission or prohibit detectors.
Colorado’s antiquities law
C.R.S. §24-80-401 et seq. reserves to the State title to all historical, prehistorical, and archaeological resources on lands owned by the state or any political subdivision, and §24-80-405 has the state archaeologist issue permits for archaeological work. So finds on public land aren’t the finder’s to keep.
Public land, lakes & local rules
Colorado is landlocked; reservoir and lake shorelines within state parks fall under the same CPW no-dig and no-removal rules. Municipalities set their own rules — Colorado Springs, for example, permits detecting in some park areas subject to conditions (City Code §9.9.106). Federal land (national forest, BLM, national parks/monuments) is separately and more strictly regulated. See our national guide.
Sources
Official and statutory sources this page is based on (last verified July 2026):
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Is metal detecting legal in Colorado state parks?
- There is no blanket statewide ban on using a detector, but CPW Regulation #100 prohibits digging and removing objects, and individual park managers control the activity. In practice, get the park manager’s permission and expect that you cannot dig or keep finds.
- Can you keep what you find in a Colorado state park?
- Generally no on state-parks land — removing objects of archaeological, geological, historical, or natural value is prohibited, and the state reserves title to archaeological and historical resources on public land under C.R.S. 24-80-401.
- What about national forest or BLM land in Colorado?
- Those are federal lands with their own, stricter rules; detecting for artifacts is prohibited without a federal permit, and national parks and monuments ban it entirely. Verify with the managing agency.
Find more, remember where
Download LuckyFind — free for iPhone and Android — to track your routes, log your finds, and keep your permitted spots organized.
