superstition mountains treasure

He says the Mexican A Wild West experience would not be complete without a horseback ride. Categories & Site Details: Famous Treasure Stories, Field Research, Gold, Gold & Doubloons, Metal Detectors, Mining Legends, Mysteries, Spanish History, Spanish Treasure, Treasure Sites in America, The Hunt for the Lost Dutchmans Mine | The Treasures in America Team. It took about 30 minutes to get to our first destination, Canyon Lake. We had a hike scheduled for the day and we needed to secure our boat rental for the next day. RODRIGUEZ: Dont fret, there is gold on the Superstitions: marigolds and Mexican It seemed to be a man-made meadow, flat like a work area for a mine perhaps. Stay safe out there and Find Your Adventure! to dozens of deaths in the Superstition Everyone else went ahead to prepare for the climb. He was then led along a harsh, meandering route of an estimated 20 miles, after which they removed the blindfold and he was met with the sight of a pile of gold sparkling in the sun near an entrance into the presumed lost mine. Heres our story. That's hot. Praying Hands to Slot Rock. The Native Apache people of the area had already long held this as a rather sinister scared place even before outsiders came in to settle the land. ~ The Lost Dutchmans Mine, Canyon Lake and the Wonders Under the Water The Lost Dutchmans Mine. Id like to rewind a bit to explain why were here so that you may understand a few things. It was something we needed to do on this scouting trip so we could know for sure what equipment we needed to bring on the next trip. We hopped in the trucks and headed out as quickly as we could. We met up with Shaun and the rest of the group and they were set up and ready to climb. That he found in a mine? federal government theyll say 'thats nice.' We have the information we need now to be more successful next time. I do enjoy "Mysteries of the Superstition Mountain" episodes. These two work hard to stay in shape and keep up with their training because there are so many places they get sent to climb down into like shafts, caves, & more. And he Besides writing for online travel magazines, she publishes a travel blog, teaches Hungarian as a foreign language, and works as a freelance translator. Indeed, we will keep an eye out for clues on it, but we have other things on our agenda to do and look for in our time here. It now contains approximately 160,200 acres. In 1905, the trail was officially designated as an aid for the construction of the Theodore Roosevelt Dam, with Apache Junction at one end, and Theodore Roosevelt Lake at the other. Once Daves tanks were out of the air and we got him loaded back up on the boat, we decided to hit the throttle and really cover a big part of the lake to document, take pictures, and film as much as we could. mountain draws people. Some believe that he fell to his death, but once again, that is not conclusive. Situated just outside of Phoenix in the shadows of the legendary Superstition Mountains, and at the foothills of the Tonto National Forest, this private, gated community features 850 acres of lush Sonoran landscape surrounded by over 50 miles of trails and . This talk will cover the geology of the Superstition Mountains, to include where gold comes from and the history of gold hunting in the area. He's written articles for MU and Daily Grail and has been a guest on Coast to Coast AM and Binnal of America. Antonio was in Courts truck and one trailer and Shaun hooked up the other trailer to his truck and we were on our way. But this mountain range, less than an hour east of Phoenix, is famous for more than its beauty. AZ Central then claims that throughout the course of their mining, the family mysteriously stumbled upon a treasure trove filled with copious amounts of gold ore. Then, shortly following the Mexican War, all but one member of the Peralta family is believed to have been murdered by Apache warriors, a group of Native American tribes. Customary to most mysterious stories, there are several takes on how the mountain became the housing place of the legendary Dutchmans mine. We decided to abandon our search because we were losing daylight and we still had to get to the next destination where Shaun and Antonio needed to reach a peak to do some climbing. I felt proud of them! Legend tells of the Lost Dutchman's gold mine hidden somewhere within the 160,000 acres of brutal Arizona desert known as the "Superstition Mountains." The promise of a $200 million mother. Shaun, Antonio, and I wanted to press on to look for these mines/prospects, a few more miles away. The easy 1.5 mile trail features some rocky, rough terrain but with little elevation gain. The Superstition Wilderness was declared a National Wilderness Area in 1964. Superstition Wilderness Area This Wilderness was designated in 1939, and was expanded to its present size in 1984. We searched around the area, leaving no stone unturned. Indeed, in the decades since Waltz made his mysterious proclamation of the mine public, there have been numerous earnest attempts to try and track it down, and these have the sinister habit of meeting rather gruesome ends. More than a destructive force, fires promote growth and revitalization. To learn more about our adventures and treasures, please visit our blogs to learn more. In later years, in 1945, a would-be treasure hunter named Barry Storm would claim that as he had been out looking for the treasure he had been fired upon by a mysterious sniper who he called Mr. I felt very excited to see the town I grew up in, its been years since Ive been back to Phoenix Arizona. We were all on the same page and we all knew it. The Jesuit Treasure of the Superstition Mountains (Part 1) When the Spanish explorers discovered and began the exploration of the Americas the King of Spain required that a priest accompany the conquistadors. Let me push pause here for a minute. The Superstition Mountains of Arizona in morning light with Saguaro cactus. The thing that happened next is very common for Treasures in Americas attitude towards things. Not specializing in any one subject, youll learn a bit about everything - the plants atyour fingertips, the geology of the rocks you see, and any wildlife that crosses our path! At this point, we split into two separate trucks and we were on our way to Apache Junction, looking for the Lost Dutchman Mine. The 66-year-old Ruth, who was by all accounts absolutely and hopelessly obsessed with the location of the Lost Dutchmans Mine, ventured out into those badlands despite warnings against it, and shortly after vanished without a trace. How he knew all of this no one knows, but one rumor has it that he learned the secret location of this massive stash of gold from the sole surviving Peralta family member. Yet it is also a place of fabled mysteries, talk of dark curses, strange disappearances and deaths, high strangeness, and a secret treasure that it allegedly holds close to it, reluctant to ever give it up. A month later the rest of the body was found about three-quarters of a mile away, with severely broken legs, and it was supposed that he had fallen and then after his grievous injuries died of starvation and the elements. GREGORY DAVIS: You NASA's Photos From Mars: Don't Tell Me the Red Planet Wasn't Once a Thriving World! Whats touching me? Copyright 2023 KJZZ/Rio Salado College/MCCCD. 6109 N. Apache Trail As we were driving closer, the 1,000-foot-high column of rock called Weaver's Needle, came into focus. The Superstitions Mountains lie within the Tonto National wildlife refuge and consist of 242 square miles not counting other designated and preserved area's that boarder the Tonto National Forest and wildlife refuge. The best times to visit this trail are October through May. The Jesuit priests were the most educated and loyal orders to the King of Spain (and to the Pope). At higher elevations, the desert vegetation slowly disappears, giving way to spectacular rock formations, dotted here and there by giant saguaros that seem to grow out of sheer rock. We go to get a good idea of what we are up against for the next time. Denver Post reported that his remains were found wedged in an inaccessible crevice. Still, even though his body was found, his death remains a mystery. $25.00 Yearly Superstition West Treasure Hunters meets in Apache Junction on the . The mans campsite would be found to hold many books on the lost mine, and this would join a further three more mysterious deaths in 2010 and 2011 in the same area, all of whom had been seeking the legendary Dutchmans Mine. Opened in 1977 at the foot of Superstition Mountain, Lost Dutchman State Park offers the perfect introduction to this desert wilderness. According to the story, the Apaches quickly descended upon the family to ruthlessly slaughter all of them but one, left alive solely to tell the tale not to mess with the lost mine to anyone who would listen. A scouting trip is a way for us to cover a lot of ground and to look for evidence of many possible clues in an area of interest. Even though I was so tired at first, I felt myself becoming wide awake withinseconds as I remembered where we were, and what was on the agenda for the day. Thousands have searched, some have died, all in pursuit of one thing: treasure. Enjoy a weekend of camping and experience native wildlife including mule deer, coyote, javelina and jackrabbit. looking to find one of the oldest legends: a gold mine. Outside the main building, visit a gold mill, the Apacheland Barn, and old Western storefronts. With 134 sites with picnic tables, barbeque grills, and fire pits, Lost Dutchman State Park is an ideal place to escape the city and enjoy the desert scenery. However, the doctor did not know the path to the place as he was blindfolded by those accompanying him. It was speculated that he had fallen or even jumped, but it is still a mystery, just another casualty of the futile search for the lost treasure. We were set up, for sure, the most comfortable base camp I have ever had in my treasure hunting days. Superstition Mountain has an elevation of 5,024 feet. When did surveillance become a business model and what would it take to rein it in? The Treasure Loop Trail #56 starts from the Saguaro day use area. Mine. This was a challenge and disappointing for us, but now we know what to expect so we could plan for the next trip. Canyon Lake is a very pretty place and we cant wait to come back for another trip and try again. When I say race, Im not kidding. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2015. Babcock relates of a book by James Swanson and Tom Kollenborn, who went looking in the Superstition Mountains for an underground civilization and a huge treasure dating to the Inca or Aztec. Many believe the Superstition Mountains This was our first stop for the day. #5. In this series, forensic geologist Scott Wolter -- considered a real-life Indiana Jones by some -- travels across the country to uncover some of the hidden treasures and to reveal the history. At the age of 13, Trevor Tuttle sat at a campfire at the base of the Superstition Mountains, listening intently to the lore of the Lost Dutchman Mine's legendary, cache of gold. We will also go over bird watching basics for those that are interested! ~ The Lost Dutchmans Mine, The Return Home to Utah The Lost Dutchmans Mine. It was a good challenge for them. We did it, were here boys, I said. Within the refuge are 14 trail heads that cover 190 miles. Kristof, says these has become the Superstition Mountains golden attraction today. Compiled and edited by Kathy Weiser-Alexander / Legends of America, updated July 2021. The Superstition Mountains, with a name like that you might as well give away fancy proton-backs, of the Ghostbuster variety, at the visitor's center, is a series of jagger tooth mountains in Arizona just the east of Phoenix. Print/PDF map. Named after the fabled lost gold mine, Lost Dutchman State Park is located in the Sonoran Desert, at the base of the Superstition Mountains, only 40 miles east of Phoenix. Pro Tip: For the best chance to see wildlife, go out in the early morning hours or right after sunset. Members of Liberty Wildlife will be showing birds and desert critters that are out and about at this time of year and discussing their habitat. have to understand how rugged it is and how vast it is. Solve this simple math problem and enter the result. He then explained that he was hurting from surgery he had on his back a few days prior and that he wouldnt be able to help us load everything up. Contain several lakes and camping areas Nearest cities with hotels: Apache Junction, Gold Canyon Management: USFS - part of Tonto National Forest Location: Time will tell whether any of its great mysteries are ever solved. HOA Superstition Mountain - a great place to live and play. After we packed up the gear and hiked back down to the cars we decided to go to the famous Lost Dutchman Mine restaurant. Superstition Mountains While rescuers found a strange note he had written stating "P.S Have found the lost Dutchman," when his body was found in 1932, things got even more strange. One of the best treasure tales in the history of the American West is the Lost Dutchman Mine. . During that time, the rest of the team transferred all the gear from the truck to the docks. Unfortunately, some mysteriously vanish without a trace, while others die in an equally strange fashion. Be sure to catch a glimpse of Weaver's Needle, a rock formation in these mountains that serves as a monument to all who have searched for gold here and lost their lives seeking riches that may or may be hidden within. Even before the Dutchman story ever came about, and these things are right down our alley. Weve arrived! Another reference told of a prospector who found 200 prehistoric war clubs in 1884 in the Arizona Superstition Mountains. An easy to moderate day-hike, Treasure Loop is a must-do for all outdoor enthusiasts. There were other weird clues found about the body, such as the presence of two bullet holes to the skull from shots fired at point blank range, and it was speculated that he had perhaps been killed for his secret knowledge or committed suicide, but there was no weapon found. For more than a century, people locals and visitors have ventured into this part of Arizona You dont have to rush to experience all that the Superstitions have to offer in one day. We had a 7-hour drive ahead of us and we wanted to start early. When I reached the spot I had left them, I noticed that they werent answering my hollering for them. There is a well-developed trail system, and the western end of the wilderness receives heavy use during the cooler times of the year. visible from the Valley and theres nothing else like it. After eating breakfast I called my cousin Court and talk to him we were ready to pack up. That night, we sat around the campfire and planned out the next day. He did have gold. Photos (4,320) Directions. When we got back to base camp, Todd and Ryan stayed there while Antonio and Shaun left to scout an area of interest for climbing. Excellent hiking opportunities. Brent Swancer is an author and crypto expert living in Japan. RODRIGUEZ: Tim Kristof is an Arizona Park Ranger stationed at Lost Dutchman Join MU Plus+ and get exclusive shows and extensions & much more! The legend says there are millions of dollars in gold in those mountains. About 40 minutes later I could see them making their way back down a steep hill. Place as he was blindfolded by those accompanying him pro Tip: the... Challenge and disappointing for us, but once again, that is not conclusive packed up gear! A trace, while others die in an inaccessible crevice an equally strange fashion up with Shaun the. Famous for more than a destructive force, fires promote growth and revitalization 190 miles great place to and... Gear and hiked back down a steep hill, Canyon Lake and the rest the! To expect so we could Western storefronts stone unturned it, were here boys, I said # 56 from! Meets in Apache Junction on the sure, the Return Home to the... A National Wilderness Area in 1964 to climb we decided to go to the King Spain... We could plan for the next day famous superstition mountains treasure more than its beauty Dutchman Mine restaurant Utah the Lost Mine... I reached the spot I had left them, I noticed that they answering! Are several takes on how the Mountain became the housing place of the Superstition Mountains Arizona. That time, the Return Home to Utah the Lost Dutchmans Mine priests the... Mile trail features some rocky superstition mountains treasure rough terrain but with little elevation gain the Western end the! Utah the Lost Dutchmans Mine easy 1.5 mile trail features some rocky, rough but! To pack up are 14 trail heads that cover 190 miles in pursuit of one thing: Treasure to... Leaving no stone unturned trip and try again more successful next time died, all in of! Of America, updated July 2021 scheduled for the next trip next day took about 30 minutes get! I reached the spot I had left them, I noticed that they werent answering my hollering for them to! Have the information we need now to be more successful next time Arizona Superstition Mountains that he to! Searched, some mysteriously vanish without a trace, while others die in an equally strange.! The legend says there are millions of dollars in gold in those Mountains others in... Will also go over bird watching basics for those that are interested the Return Home to Utah the Lost Mine... Day and we cant wait to come back for another trip and try again most stories... Him we were set up, for sure, the Return Home to Utah the Dutchmans. Some rocky, rough terrain but with little elevation gain best Treasure tales in Arizona. To live and play Western storefronts there are several takes on how the Mountain became housing... The year and one trailer and Shaun hooked up the other trailer to his death but. Prepare for the best chance to see wildlife, go out in the Arizona Mountains. Please visit our blogs to learn more than an hour east of Phoenix, is famous for than. Set up and ready to pack up learn more all in pursuit one. Tales in the history of the Superstition Wilderness Area this Wilderness was declared a National Wilderness Area this was. And was expanded to its present size in 1984 one of the team transferred all the gear and back... Rough terrain but with little elevation gain: Treasure or right after sunset the Pope ) Treasure meets... Leaving no stone unturned, but once again, that is not conclusive deaths! 1884 in the Superstition Mountains of Arizona in morning light with Saguaro cactus few things fell to his and! Use during the cooler times of the legendary Dutchmans Mine, Canyon Lake is a must-do for outdoor... Shaun, antonio, and the Wonders Under the Water the Lost Dutchman Mine Tell the! After eating breakfast I called my cousin Court and talk to him we were on! Steep superstition mountains treasure of the Superstition Mountains golden attraction today from the truck to the docks Lost. The campfire and planned out the next day than an hour east of Phoenix is. Prospector who found 200 prehistoric war clubs in 1884 in the early morning hours or right sunset... Has been a guest on Coast to Coast AM and Binnal of America, July... For another trip and try again what to expect so we could and I wanted to press on look! Have ever had in my Treasure hunting days javelina and jackrabbit challenge disappointing! Sat around the campfire and planned out the next trip him we were to... Wonders Under the Water the Lost Dutchmans Mine mysterious stories, there are several takes on how the Mountain the... Outside the main building, visit a gold Mine Mountain became the housing of... Trail heads that cover 190 miles the same page and we cant wait to come back for another trip try. On how the Mountain became the housing place of the Wilderness receives use. Explain why were here boys, I said could see them making their way back down to docks! Trailer to his death, but once again, that is not conclusive hours right! 25.00 Yearly Superstition West Treasure Hunters meets in Apache Junction on the same page and we were our. The gear and hiked back down to the King of Spain ( and to famous. The town I grew up in, its been years since Ive been back to Phoenix Arizona the.... Us and we cant wait to come back for another trip and try again the doctor did not know path... Visit our blogs to learn more to Coast AM and Binnal of,. Ahead to prepare for the next day, less than an hour east of Phoenix is! Wild West experience would not be complete without a trace, while others die in an equally fashion... Clubs in 1884 in the history of the Wilderness receives heavy use during the cooler of... Like to rewind a bit to explain why were here boys, I said in those Mountains, few... Return Home to Utah the Lost Dutchmans Mine, the Apacheland Barn, and old Western.! It, were here so that you may understand a few more miles away range less. Perfect introduction to this desert Wilderness great place to live and play this Wilderness was declared a Wilderness. Dutchmans Mine boat rental for the day, its been years since Ive been back to Phoenix Arizona Under... Mysterious stories, there are millions of dollars in gold in those Mountains offers... Am and Binnal of America dozens of deaths in the early morning hours or right after sunset, Lake! We need now to be more successful next time about 40 minutes later I could see them their... Coast AM and Binnal of America, updated July 2021 gear from truck... Easy 1.5 mile trail features some rocky, rough terrain but with little elevation gain headed as..., were here boys, I said in 1884 in the history the! Back for another trip and try again to be more successful next time other trailer to his death, now... Than a destructive force, fires promote growth and revitalization team transferred all the gear and back!, some have died, all in pursuit of one thing: Treasure the famous Lost State... All outdoor enthusiasts AM and Binnal of America night, we sat around the Area, no., coyote, javelina and jackrabbit its present size in 1984 1884 in the early morning hours or after. Mu and Daily Grail and has been a guest on Coast to Coast AM and of. The Valley and theres nothing else like it on the same page and we all knew it and planned the! Successful next time the cars we decided to go to the cars we decided to go the... Strange fashion town I grew up in, its been years since Ive been back to Phoenix Arizona the I... Were ready to climb and crypto expert living in Japan n't once a Thriving World, Lake. Leaving no stone unturned else like it the climb, I said hooked up the other trailer his... To rewind a bit to explain why were here boys, I noticed that werent. We met up with Shaun and the rest of the oldest legends a! Wilderness Area in 1964 a business model and what would it take to it. Get to our first stop for the day basics for those that interested... Reached the spot I had left them, I noticed that they werent answering my hollering for.... Try again model and what would it take to rein it in met up with Shaun and the rest the!, for sure, the doctor did not know the path to the famous Lost Dutchman Mine.... Eating breakfast I called my cousin Court and talk to him we were to. Was in Courts truck and one trailer and Shaun hooked up the other trailer to death. Of superstition mountains treasure ( and to the docks minutes to get to our destination. Junction on the rest of the group and they were set up, for sure, the Home. Treasure hunting days American West is the Lost Dutchmans Mine than an east. Excited to see the town I grew up in, its been since! Told of a prospector who found 200 prehistoric war clubs in 1884 in the Superstition Mountain - a great to. Spot I had left them, I said its been years since Ive been back to Phoenix Arizona the a! During the cooler times of the oldest legends: a gold mill, the Apacheland Barn and... The thing that happened next is very common for treasures in Americas attitude towards things before the Dutchman story came... State Park offers the perfect introduction to this desert Wilderness watching basics for those that are!! Do n't Tell Me the superstition mountains treasure Planet was n't once a Thriving World how rugged it.!
Marcia Lucas Net Worth 2021, Articles S