Metal Detecting in Utah

[Mike in MN]

My wife has decided she wants to take a vacation in Utah. I'm wondering if it would be worthwhile bringing my detector along. Does anyone know where detecting is allowed in Utah? So far, her planned itinerary would include several national parks (I know those are off limits), and Salt Lake City.

Anyone from Utah want to chime in?

 

[doc holiday232]

Always take your MD and you will be happy.

 

[Tom_in_CA]

Since I own the entire state of Utah, I authorize you to detect anywhere you want. Provided, of course, that you send me 30% (I accept paypal). Just avoid obvious historic sensitive monuments. And avoid bored archie-minded rangers. However, if you still get hassled , just tell them you're looking for the ring you lost their last week. If that doesn't work, tell them "Tom in CA" said you could. Good luck !

 

[HaloEffect426]

......If it were me, and I know absolutely nothing about Utah....
I have never been disappointed by taking my detector along on any vacation...slash...
Road trip!
Even as a nine year old...a christmas trip to St.Petersburg with my entire family
(Using only a d-tex....tiny tex...BFO..).landed me a $1,200.00 white gold/loaded with diamonds ring
Beeping along on the beach!! True! Then....from THAT day forward to today
I love dirt fishing w my metal detector!
....just saying..... This was 1974 lol!
Take it...!
Best of luck and HH
HaloEffect426.

 

[UtahRich]

Hi Mike,

Have you ever been out this way before? What time of year do you plan on visiting?

Lots of opportunities out there. As mentioned above, we have a few areas you need to keep the detector in the vehicle, like the National Parks, Monuments, State Parks. Shoot me a PM and I can give you some basic directions. If you're timing is REALLY good, you might be able to meet up with a few of us for some ghost towning just over the western border in Nevada (Monte's WTHO).

Lots of possibilities out there to knock some of those biggies off your bucket list. (or at least give it a try)

Rich (Utah)

 

[UtahRich]

Since I own the entire state of Utah, I authorize you to detect anywhere you want. Provided, of course, that you send me 30% (I accept paypal). Just avoid obvious historic sensitive monuments. And avoid bored archie-minded rangers. However, if you still get hassled , just tell them you're looking for the ring you lost their last week. If that doesn't work, tell them "Tom in CA" said you could. Good luck !

Tom isn't that far off the mark here. The various agencies of the federal government administer 66.5% of the land in Utah. Only Nevada has a larger percentage of their state managed by the Feds (81%). Much of the lands out West are managed by the BLM and National Forests, but we do have an abundance of National Parks as well as Military Bases, Depots and bombing ranges that would be off limits to recreational metal detecting.

As US citizens and adventuring souls we have an obligation to take long road trips and explore this vast Nation of ours.


Rich (Utah)


did somebody say ROADTRIP! ???

 

[Doc Holliday]

Just remember what makes those rocks red...same thing down here in Arizona, especially in Sedona...red rocks=iron oxide, green rocks=copper, can mess with your detector (ground balance)

 

[TreasureHunterTim]

There are definitely many different locations that would be great for metal detecting. I've lived here in Utah for many years now and I've been treasure hunting for over 20 years. I live in St. George Utah and love going detecting at the old pioneer homesteads, ghost towns, and my favorite, the old Spanish history left behind in Utah. I've found old coins, Spanish artifacts, mining tools and just so much more here. If you're ever in the area, let me know. I can show you so much in this area.

 

[Tom_in_CA]

This post is several years old. And the last time this O.P. has checked in was several months ago.

Would love to see some or your show & tell @ "Spanish artifacts" in Utah !! We get the 1770s to 1800-ish Spanish stuff in CA (d/t their mission effort along the coast here). But always thought that .... barring fluke explorations .... there wasn't a heck of a lot going on in the Utah area till ..... at the earliest ...... 1840's ?

 

[peteybob35]

Hey I'm down in St. George for a few days, I'd ove to hear about some good places to check out.

Thanks,