Arapahoe Bar

Just west of Denver is a monument to one of the first Colorado cities called “Arapahoe Bar” Established by George Andrew Jackson, John Hamilton Gregory and Thomas Golden.  Jefferson County, by direction of Gold Unlimited, has dedicated as a recreational gold prospecting park that still has some good fine gold.

Arapahoe Bar is family friendly and Across I-70, you will find a Walmart, King Soopers, Liquor store and several restaurants. Arapahoe Bar is a very easy access hot spot and has become quite popular with many local clubs. No motorized equipment is allowed, but you can still use any battery operated equipment. It is advised to stay to the right as you share the path as many bicyclists and joggers.

Stay-Cation

Arapahoe Bar is a wonderful place to take a mini-vacation at home or Stay-cation.  A Stay-cation is a way to enjoy a day or afternoon with your family and spend more time than money.  Gold Cube has the Banjo Pan (The Worlds Fastest Gold Pan) or the very popular Gold Prospecting Kit.

Taking the family out on a gold prospecting trip to Arapahoe Bar is quality entertainment for the whole family as well as a lesson on our Heritage.  The big sign posted right before you enter the park has some historical information and the rules of this “one of a kind” gold panning park.

Directions

From I 70 take exit 264 and go West on 32nd Avenue then, one block to Youngfield Service Road. Head North on the service road to its end and park along the West side of the dirt parking lot by the Historical Sign.

Please take a look at the Historical sign (donated by Gold Cube ) for a quick history on the site and in particular, the rules and regulations. Take the pedestrian path to Clear Creek and follow the signage. The regulations require you to prospect on the North side, but this may be impossible depending on runoff. As long a you stay in the creek and not on the south bank where the pedestrian path is you should be ok.

This is our heritage so let’s do what we can to protect it.  For more historical information, please check out Ryan Finley’s Blog post-Stolen Heritage .