The Arkansas River has lots of spots where prospecting is allowed in some form. The Texas Creek BLM site is a bit unique as you can see if you study the map – both parking and access are wedged in around private property. The north parking is also used by ATV enthusiasts since it is the starting point of some extensive ATV trails to the north. Whether you use the north parking site or the west one, please be sure to only park in a designated area. Both parking areas are quite close to the dig area. There’s only public access to the river here because the private land owner generously allows the public passage across their land. Be a good guest: stay on the established paths and only dig on the strip of public land.
The inside bend here, combined with the turbulence caused by the confluence with Texas Creek, makes this a productive panning site. As an aside, this site didn’t make it into my prospecting guidebook (learn more about the book Finding Gold In Colorado: Prospector’s Edition here) because the access across the private property was unresolved. Thanks to the BLM and the landowner for their support of prospecting! Please leave this dig site as you find it (or better!) so we continue to have access.
This site is 27 miles west of Cañon City on US-50 in Bighorn Sheep Canyon (Yes, there really are bighorns here!). I’ts easy to find if you look for the Barry’s Den restaurant on the highway, since there not much else around here. As the map shows, the bridge is just west of the intersection of US-50 and CO-69. You’ll see rafting company buildings on the highway side of the river. The Barry’s Den @ Texas Creek Restaurant is right at the intersection here. A family run restaurant, with great American comfort food, and a small grocery section, it’s easy to recommend! Support the local biz when you visit!
Barry’s Den at Texas Creek Junction
Phone: (719) 275-3275
27077 US HWY 50
Texas Creek, CO 81223
During rafting season the water here is really too high for much prospecting. This is a better dig site from August 16th into the autumn. The site is south facing, in a canyon, and low enough in elevation, to stay warm well into the fall so enjoy!
Here’s another site a bit further upstream: https://findinggoldincolorado.com/point-barr-prospecting-site/
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10 thoughts on “Texas Creek BLM prospecting site”
What types of prospecting are allowed at the Texas Creek site??
That’s a little unclear actually. I’d ask the BLM office in Cañon City before going if you want to use power equipment. They do permits for gas powered gear for example.
You don’t mention any towns in the area what are some towns that are close?
Good point! This area is a bit west of Cañon City, CO. If you follow the highway further west you get to Salida. Always happy to help so let me know if you have more questions!
I just talked to the folks down at the field office in Canon City and was informed that due to the way the land was acquired, that area is actually off limits to any prospecting. The only area there you can mine is downstream, squeezed in between a claim and the area shown on your map. The area highlighted in black on your map is off limits.
Weird since the map is from them!!
Are you sure they didn’t mean it can’t be claimed and mined (true) rather than visited for casual prospecting?
Apparently this is new info, when it changed I do not know, but even casual prospecting is prohibited. I spoke to them today, and only found out after talking with one of the BLM geologists. The gentlemen at the front desk didn’t even know that was the case. If I find out more I will post it.
I do have a map with the area that shows the acquired land boundary. Anything in that plot can not be prospected on. I can email you a picture if you want.
Yes please send me what you have. I’m at findinggoldincolorado@gmail.com