The parking lots are for day use ONLY.  Any one who was in the area in '09 please note that the no camping signs may be moved this spring approximately 200 feet farther back from the day use parking areas. This is to further separate the prospecting and camping areas and help with congestion on the road. The usual 14 day limit on camping used state wide will be observed.  The parking space directly to the east of the kiosk is reserved for the Camp Host, which is the only camp allowed in the parking lot and may be used ONLY by the designated host for the week.

Cache Creek requires a special 10 day limit use permit for motorized highbankers.  Permit papers can be downloaded from the BLM link below and sent in to be returned to you.  If you do not apply before you come to the area, you can fill them out and pay the fee in Salida at the Headwaters Group building.

New for '09:  Volunteer 'Camp Hosts' will be setting up at Cache Creek to help new people with questions and to help with any problems that might arise.  These hosts will cover the season as best they can, and will try very hard to be available from about 8:00a.m. until 5:00 p.m.  If they are camping, they will be the only camp allowed in the parking lot, and will be using the parking space directly to the east of kiosk. 'Camp Hosts' will have their camp or vehicle clearly marked, and they will have identifying hats to wear.  Some of these volunteers may be in the area when they are NOT there as hosts, so if you need the camp host, please make sure you know who those people are for that day.

The 'camp hosts' are not there for enforcement, but will be checking permits and be able to contact BLM or law enforcement should the need arise.  All of the volunteers are prospectors and are looking forward to working with all of you.

Also, there will be a port-a-potty (we have two now!) available for use this year.  We have worked very hard and long to get this facility up there, so do not abuse it.  The 'Camp Host' will be able to contact the potty contractor if problems with it arise.

The pond work was completed last September with a couple of small ponds put in to help catch sediments before they get to the pond.

GOLD was found in an old bank to the south and east of the parking lot in the late spring of '07.  Many prospectors brought out some very nice gold from this old placer area that the old timers left due to values being too low for them to process.  There are also several places where sluices ran over and spilled gold in their tailings.  The BLM has assessed the use of this area in the Fall of '07, '08, and '09, and has determined, in conjunction with the Gold Prospectors of Colorado, that they will implement some further restrictions for this area.  Since the area was acquired by the BLM with conservation funds, certain regulations must be adhered to, to continue to have this area open to the public.   They are developing them now, and have published the page below as a first step to that end.  We will keep you informed of the changes as they occur.  In the mean time, click on http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/rgfo/minerals/locatable_minerals/placer_mining/cache_creek.html to see what is happening.   Further regulations will be implemented before permits or use fees are finalized for 2010.  Watch for updates.

The small stream that runs to the south of the parking lot seems to have enough water to accommodate prospectors if they cooperate with each other and not run it all out of the stream, but return it quickly.  Bonding and permitting for use of this area is in the process of being changed.  Be aware that last year's regulations will not be the same as this year's.