Denver’s cost of living isn’t going to be decreasing anytime soon, so we don’t blame you if you’ve dreamt of heading for the hills to look for precious metals like Colorado’s prospectors of yore. Here are a few nuggets of wisdom to help you avoid fool’s gold.

1. Find a small hand shovel (a garden trowel will work) and a gold pan, which can be procured for less than $20 online. Just make sure the latter is at least 16 inches wide and has ribs to catch any gold flakes.

5280 August 2024
5280 August 2024
More From The Issue

2. Panning is allowed on much of Colorado’s public lands, but to ensure your find is legal tender, check with the local land manager to see if there are any special permits, fees, or regulations. Beginners can’t do much better than Jefferson County’s Clear Creek Canyon Park: Its namesake watershed was home to the first gold strike in the region.

3. In a real-world example of trickle-down economics, rushing waters carry gold flakes downstream until the water slows enough for them to sink. So search for sand along the inside bends of your chosen stream to fill your pan.

4. After picking out any large pebbles, submerge your pan back in the water deep enough to cover the sediment, then rock it in a slow, circular motion just hard enough for the sand to slip over the edge a little at a time. Don’t worry about losing your payday. The heavy gold should stay put.

5. Once you’re left with a thin layer of particles, inspect your haul: The real thing will shimmer, even in the shade. Before long, your technique will be golden.

Read More: You Can Strike Gold Right Here in Colorado

This article was originally published in 5280 August 2024.
Jay Bouchard
Jay Bouchard
Jay Bouchard is a Denver-based writer and a former editor on 5280's digital team.