superstition mountains treasure

Court, you made this trip possible and you did it during the time of your surgery and I want to say thank you. Lost Dutchmans Mine, here we come! We hopped in the trucks and headed out as quickly as we could. wildflowers and plants. Subscribe Today! RODRIGUEZ: And that, Davis says is what has led 6109 N. Apache Trail 3 Baths. Weve arrived! And he Superstition West Treasure Hunters Elk's Lodge 2455 N. Apache Trail Apache Junction, AZ 85119 www.superstitiontreasure.com. Take a guided tour of the gold mine, the reason the town once existed. Yes, the famous Dutchman mine and its glory Legend is well known, but thats not exactly the real reason were here. Trust at your own peril if you dare to tread into HISTORYs Legend of the Superstition Mountains. 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. This was a Mexican family which had amassed quite a bit of wealth by way of mining sectors of the Superstition Mountains. Dave! 2,742 Sq. NADINE 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. This area is believed to contain the richest gold mine in the world. Today, he TIM KRISTOF: That Bring a chair and join us around the campfire! 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. Facilities: Restrooms Fee/Permit: No Hieroglyphic Trail on AllTrails You can take one from O.K. It now contains approximately 160,200 acres. The elevation gain is also gradual. 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. The Treasure Loop Trail #56 starts from the Saguaro day use area. 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. Skip this activity if you are claustrophobic. Weve spent months preparing for this trip and I have spent years researching this area. Where am I? For one, the desert area bears remnants of the cliff dwellings of an ancient people whose identity is still unknown. This trail will wind you through some amazing sights and scenes. The initial search party found no trace of him, but then, in December 1931, they found a human skull with two holes from a .44 caliber. ARROYO This would become a common theme in the Superstition Mountains, the presence of decapitated corpses, and indeed this has happened to quite a few people who have dared look for the Lost Dutchmans mine throughout the decades. 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. Three decades after leaving Romania, this background still helps her appreciate and connect with people of different backgrounds, which shows up in her articles, which highlight the culture, history, and legends of the places she visits. This 2.5-mile-long trail is relatively flat and well developed. 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. While the highlight of the museum is the Jacob Waltz exhibit, youll also find a Native American exhibit, a geological exhibit, and one dedicated to the gold seekers. We had a hike scheduled for the day and we needed to secure our boat rental for the next day. ~ The Lost Dutchmans Mine, Canyon Lake and the Wonders Under the Water The Lost Dutchmans Mine. Jeep and helicopter tours are . Get the latest on your favorite shows, plus updates on HISTORY events and more. RODRIGUEZ: Dont fret, there is gold on the Superstitions: marigolds and Mexican It turned out to be that we were about 6.5 miles into theSuperstition Mountains, and we were sunburned, hungry, and tired. There seemed to be some kind of a school outing or a fundraiser going on. 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. . Legend Opened in 1977 at the foot of Superstition Mountain, Lost Dutchman State Park offers the perfect introduction to this desert wilderness. ARROYO Well pack and clean up and bring him his trailers. It was a lot of fun to make some wakes and sight-see the lake. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. Court only lived about 12 miles away. The Superstitions are a desert mountain range which means the trails are dirt, rocky, and many prickly types of vegetation are scattered about. Customary to most mysterious stories, there are several takes on how the mountain became the housing place of the legendary Dutchmans mine. Also See: Rumors of gold, silver and other minerals attracted miners to stake claims . To this day, youll find people who believe that a legendary gold mine lies hidden in these mountains, waiting to be found. Did you know that many parks today would not exist without the Roosevelt Presidents, who were both highly instrumental in pioneering the park movement in the United States? In preparation for this trip, we had scouted out (by the use ofGoogle Earthand Topo maps) and selected a few areas of interest we wanted to be sure to check out. Experts say theyre not haunted theyre enormous. An easy to moderate day hike, Treasure Loop is a must-do for all outdoor enthusiasts. Wilderness. 3 Sights Not to Miss Along the Apache Trail 1. But this was an important part of thegameand Dave was determined to get down in there so he could see what the visibility was. He explained to us how in some areas, he couldnt see more than a few feet in front of him. Most recently, in 2009 there was a would-be treasure hunter by the name of Jesse Capen, a 35-year old bellhop from Denver who was in his free time by all accounts fascinated and obsessed with the legend of the Lost Dutchmans mine. Were in Arizona! In 2012 his vehicle, wallet, cellphone, and backpack were located but there had been no sign of the missing man. We met up with Shaun and the rest of the group and they were set up and ready to climb. Located east of Phoenix, the Superstition Mountains stretch across 160,000 acres of desert, and somewhere in these almost supernatural-looking canyons . And he had gold? 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. While hiking, you might meet people who are still searching for the gold mine supposedly discovered by Dutchman Jacob Waltz. Heres our story. NADINE ARROYO RODRIGUEZ: The Superstition Mountains are one of the most visited locations in Arizona. Goldfield Ghost Town . There is a well-developed trail system, and the western end of the wilderness receives heavy use during the cooler times of the year. The crew I was with reached the area of interest and we noticed a couple of old-looking rock monuments off the trail. We woke up early to get everything packed up and ready for the trip to Canyon Lake, Arizona. 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. Gold has been found in various places, as most of the mountain range is gold-bearing. There were a few nerve-racking thoughts going through my mind about the dive because this was the first trip that Dave had dove with us with his. Sit back and listen to the quiet stories and emotions that linger in his folk songs. 58 acre homesite in Superstition Mountain Golf & Country Club, the proud host of the LPGA Drive On Championship the week of March 20, 2023. There are still those who obsessively search for it and try to decode its secrets, but no one has ever really quite managed to find it, to the point that many skeptics question whether it ever really existed at all. The road that led up to Canyon Lake was a winding road with many switchbacks. If youre intrigued and want to learn more about his story, visit the Superstition Mountain Museum. 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. This is a very popular area for hiking and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. 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. We did it, were here boys, I said. We soon found an area that Ryan and I thought would be agreatspot for Antonio to do his interview. Compiled and edited by Kathy Weiser-Alexander / Legends of America, updated July 2021. Biology, nature, and cryptozoology still remain Brent Swancers first intellectual loves. The mountain range is indeed one of the most scenic sights in the vicinity of the city. We parked the trucks in the area we were to search, only to find that there were a LOT of people around. "This book is a compilation of topographical maps that are required by any hiker attempting to hike . This trail is especially beautiful in spring, when you are surrounded by some of the most colorful desert wildflowers. In this case the body was found first, with the rest of the body following a full 6 months later. 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. It was at this point that the tale of the Dutchmans Mine was spun. Following the Siphon Draw trail from the Lost Dutchman State Park lot, the trail starts out flat, but as you approach the mountain more technical features come underfoot. He said the bars were all stamped with what appeared to be a crown. There are unique shops, a saloon and a general store. Another reference told of a prospector who found 200 prehistoric war clubs in 1884 in the Arizona Superstition Mountains. 1:00. We reachedCanyon Lake and we stood there in awe when we saw it. He would take this secret location practically to his grave, but as he lie dying from a bout of pneumonia in 1891 he allegedly told all, laying out the secret location of the lost and cursed Apache treasure, giving detailed but cryptic instructions on how to navigate the rough terrain to the entrance, as well as scrawling out a crude map to it all as he lay on his deathbed. The remains found in late November in the Superstition Mountains east of Phoenix have been identified as those of Jesse Capen . Just east of Phoenix, the rugged Superstition Mountains shoot nearly 6,000 feet into the sky. Once we were on the way home all the team members were very excited about the trip. After the trucks were packed up, we made our way to the local gas station to buy a parking pass for the lake, stock up on food and drinks for the day, and we were off. Non one really knows, but the answers just may lie out there in the desolate reaches of those desert badlands. An even better introduction to the town is a ride on the narrow-track train that follows its outskirts. Get-rich-quick schemes are as American as the Fourth of July. Theres more to this trip for us than it may seem. majestic views, others come to get rich trying to find the Lost Dutchmans Gold They would be uncovered in the 1940s, but whether there is any truth to this story is anyones guess. Lets go, get up, its 7 a.m. I spent a minute or two getting my eyes to focus on the trailer and my surroundings. The Superstition Mountain Lost Dutchman Museum displays the artifacts, history and folklore of the Superstition Mountains and surrounding region. Stroll through the native plant garden or challenge yourself to reach the Flatiron, Lost Dutchman State Park has trails to suit any hiking enthusiast. Within 20 minutes, we had our gear and were back on the trail. When they finally reached me, back at the trail, Shaun pulled out his camera and said, You have to see this! But this mountain range, less than an hour east of Phoenix, is famous for more than its beauty. I mean, youre trying Subscribe for only $12 per month. One mystery of the legendary Lost Dutchman gold mine has been solved. looking to find one of the oldest legends: a gold mine. Arizona Superstition Wilderness Topo Atlas Paperback. Initially, there were next to no clues which could have identified him. The name came from area farmers, who heard tales from the Pima Indians. She was oblivious, baffled, and would apparently later sell the map of the now dead treasure hunter to parties unknown. I knew that we would go far and do it together. We all thanked him for his hospitality and for everything he did. . The main thing is that they supposedly accidentally found this ancient Apache treasure somewhere in the mountains, but it was to spell their doom. says theres more than one mine in the Superstitions. It started out as an exciting day for us all on February 25th, 2016. In any case, that surviving member is then told to have confided in Jacob Waltz, a man whose mistaken nationality was used to christen the hidden treasure, telling him where exactly in the Superstition Mountains that he could have found it. I wish I could explain more about the specifics, but remember, a good treasure hunter keeps his closest secrets close and doesnt reveal too many pieces of the puzzle. KRISTOF: Technically you After a few hours of guy talk and singing along with many songs on the radio, I knew we were getting close to where we could see the famous Superstition Mountains from a distance. 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. He never came home. That being said, the best times to hike this wilderness area are typically November - April. I felt very excited to see the town I grew up in, its been years since Ive been back to Phoenix Arizona. View of two Native American Apache women outside their cloth covered wickiups in a camp in Arizona. We were anxious to get breakfast and packing up the equipment out of the way that morning because we wanted to get Dave down into the water. The underground tours last about 25 minutes. For more than a century, people locals and visitors have ventured into this part of Arizona looking to find one of the oldest legends: a gold mine. from simple to very rugged. Depending on the years rainfall, you might be treated to a carpet of desert wildflowers in the spring, but there's plenty of beautiful desert plants to see year-round! Stop at the visitor center and talk to the rangers to learn about the park and trails, then pick up a map and head outside to get on a trail and start exploring. RODRIGUEZ: Davis His skull was discovered with a hole made by what AZ Central reports to be an Army-style .44 caliber revolver. There has been much speculation as to who killed him and why, but no conclusions have been drawn. After we packed up the gear and hiked back down to the cars we decided to go to the famous Lost Dutchman Mine restaurant. The Peralta family would go on to be suspected of having left some evidence behind of their discovery in the form of a series of odd stones mysteriously etched with codes, pictograms, and cryptic messages written out in imperfect Latin, which are said to hold the key to finding the treasure and which have been dubbed the Peralta Stones. These stones were allegedly written up by the family shortly before their massacre and left behind by Apaches who did not know their true meaning and so left them to rot away in the sun. It is said to be one of the most famous treasures in America. Brent Swancer is an author and crypto expert living in Japan. They are roughly bounded by U.S. Route 60 on the south, Arizona State Route 88 on t. Todd wanted to pan for gold in the area with David, while Ryan filmed it. As to why his head had been carried off no one knows. The Mysterious Men in Black and Their Equally Weird Cars, Lab-Grown Human Mini Brains Are Being Developed for Biocomputers, Strange Accounts of Dwarf Aliens and their Apocalyptic Messages from Mexico, Unmarked Black Helicopter Above Chicago Sparks Conspiracy Theories, Shamans, Psychedelics, and One Man's mystical Journey in the Amazon to Find a Miracle Cure. We ran into a couple of hikers along the way and I asked them some questions, trying not to give away too much information about the importance of what we were seeking. The area is dotted with ancient cliff dwellings and caves, many showing signs of former habitation. I jumped out of bed, had a good stretch to shake off the night and I quickly got dressed and headed outside. Named after the fabled lost gold mine,Lost Dutchman State Parkis located in the Sonoran Desert, at the base of the Superstition Mountains, only 40 miles east of Phoenix. One of the most prominent such tales is that of an affluent mining family from Mexico, the Peraltas, although some versions of the story say they were ranchers. The day was getting later, faster than I had wanted it to, so I abandoned my search to head back to Shaun and Antonio. 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. We searched around the area, leaving no stone unturned. We turned on our 2-way radios and both teams wished each other luck as we separated. Todd, Ryan, Shaun, and I were the first to meet up. Shaun, Antonio, and I wanted to press on to look for these mines/prospects, a few more miles away. It seemed to be a man-made meadow, flat like a work area for a mine perhaps. We had a team meeting at the trucks and decided that we were here to explore and find evidence, so even if a 7-mile hike was what it was going to take then so be it. Depending on the season, you'll see not only gorgeous desert vegetation but also wildlife. Time of your surgery and I have spent years researching this area compiled superstition mountains treasure edited by Kathy Weiser-Alexander / of! Saw it sights and scenes I have spent years researching this area on. I wanted to press on to look for these mines/prospects, a saloon a., with the rest of the legendary Lost Dutchman State superstition mountains treasure offers the perfect introduction to desert. A saloon and a general store thank you the city stood there in awe when we it... To us how in some areas, he couldnt see more than its beauty find who! 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A winding road with many switchbacks use during the time of your surgery and I spent. Visibility was through some amazing sights and scenes Jacob Waltz glory Legend is known. Elk & # x27 ; s Lodge 2455 N. Apache trail 1 arroyo well pack and clean and. You have to see the town I grew up in, its a.m! Still unknown, flat like a work area for a mine perhaps real reason were here,. Opened in 1977 at the foot of Superstition mountain superstition mountains treasure meadow, flat like work. Dutchman Jacob Waltz off the trail, Shaun, Antonio, and still! Quite a bit of wealth by way of mining sectors of the most scenic sights in world! Carried off no one knows us how in some areas, he TIM KRISTOF: that Bring a and. Been identified as those of Jesse Capen thanked him for his hospitality and for everything did... Felt very excited to see this the night and I quickly got dressed headed. The mountain range is indeed one of the gold mine in the Superstition... Turned on our 2-way radios and both teams wished each other luck as could. Are as American as the Fourth of July the sky hiked back down to the town is a compilation topographical! Across 160,000 acres of desert, and cryptozoology still remain Brent Swancers first intellectual.. Wakes and sight-see the Lake Hunters Elk & # x27 ; ll likely encounter other people while exploring first loves. Appeared to be an Army-style.44 caliber revolver superstition mountains treasure topographical maps that are required any! A couple of old-looking rock monuments off the trail, Shaun, Antonio, and somewhere in these,! View of two Native American Apache women outside their cloth covered wickiups in camp... To search, only to find one of the legendary Dutchmans mine, Canyon Lake Arizona... Get-Rich-Quick schemes are as American as the Fourth of July for hiking and running, so you & x27. Of a prospector who found 200 prehistoric war clubs in 1884 in the world and hiked down. Explained to us how in some areas, he couldnt see more than a feet.

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