Can you metal detect in Utah state parks? Utah State Parks require a permit from the park manager for metal detecting (R651-620-6); parks may restrict or deny it.
Key rules
- Check in with park staff and follow permit conditions.
- Turn in found items; historic or cultural items may not be kept.
Federal land in Utah
National Park Service areas prohibit possessing or using metal detectors. National forests and BLM land generally allow low-impact detecting, but digging up or removing archaeological resources is illegal under ARPA. Federal rules →
Frequently asked
Can you metal detect in Utah state parks?
Utah State Parks require a permit from the park manager for metal detecting (R651-620-6); parks may restrict or deny it.
Where do these Utah rules come from?
From the official sources listed on this page: Utah Admin. Code R651; Utah State Parks – example metal detecting page. Last checked 2026-10-16.
Can I metal detect on federal land in Utah?
Not in National Park Service areas. National forests and BLM land generally allow low-impact detecting, but archaeological resources are protected under ARPA.
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