As we were driving closer, the 1,000-foot-high column of rock called Weaver's Needle, came into focus. Treasures In America spent several months researching and planning this trip. The crew I was with reached the area of interest and we noticed a couple of old-looking rock monuments off the trail. Superstition Mountain has an elevation of 5,024 feet. federal government theyll say 'thats nice.' It turned out to be a very narrow and shallow canyon, but it seemed to be a great spot for Dave to make his first attempt to dive. Some believe that he fell to his death, but once again, that is not conclusive. That's hot. 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. Compiled and edited by Kathy Weiser-Alexander / Legends of America, updated July 2021. A man named Harry LaFrance was said to have been hiking in the Superstitions, and when he took refuge in a cave from a sudden storm, he found a very large pile of gold bars. 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. This area is believed to contain the richest gold mine in the world. 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. 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. from simple to very rugged. 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. Thousands have searched, some have died, all in pursuit of one thing: treasure. He would vanish into thin air for his efforts. No one can dig or build on it. 3 Sights Not to Miss Along the Apache Trail 1. All Rights Reserved. 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. The elevation gain is also gradual. A deeper dive - Related reading from the 101. Some say the mountains are About 40 minutes later I could see them making their way back down a steep hill. Ft. 3060 S Primrose Ct, Gold Canyon, AZ 85118. He had back surgery that morning but was determined to see us and show us how to work and manage the camping trailers. 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. We had rented a boat and Dave was preparing to go diving in the lake to look for clues and lost history. We'll be in touch if we look into your question. 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. Regardless of gold, the Superstition Wilderness offers a much better treasure: a stunning desert environment to explore. One of the best treasure tales in the history of the American West is the Lost Dutchman Mine. Over the years, many people have tried to find the Lost Dutchman's mine, and several have lost their lives searching for gold hidden in the Superstition Mountains. 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. Trust at your own peril if you dare to tread into HISTORYs Legend of the Superstition Mountains. Were here for more than what the average person has heard or studied by looking up The Lost Dutchman Mine Legend. Treasures In America have been in contact with many historians, geologists, researchers, and treasure hunters alike that have spent years researching and studying this area. No suspects or motive were ever found. Your contact infoWe'll be in touch if we look into your question. The mountain range is indeed one of the most scenic sights in the vicinity of the city. We stopped by the closest gas station to buy some coffee and drinks along with a few snacks for the journey. Following the discovery of what are believed to be maps engraved on stones which point the way to the Dutchmans treasure, many have gone hunting. Todd,Antonio,andIwere in one truck, whileShaun, David, andRyan were in the other. We woke up early to get everything packed up and ready for the trip to Canyon Lake, Arizona. 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 lode has lured thousands of treasure hunters and continues to claim the lives of those eager to decipher the legend's clues and riddles. Solve this simple math problem and enter the result. Jesse Capen, a 35-year-old bellhop. The only thing that seems to remain consistent is the location-- somewhere in the Superstition Mountains in Arizona. Several trails lead from the park into the Superstition Mountain Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest. 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. So firmly do the Pimas rely on this prophecy that they will not cross the Superstition Mountains, for there sits Cherwit Make-awaiting the culmination of their wickedness to let loose on the earth a mighty sea that lies dammed behind the range. There can be all kinds of clues to be found and explored under the water e.g., possible man-made structures, old trail routes, treasure symbols, and much more. . There have been countless such deaths and disappearances in the region over the years, many of them with missing heads or gunshot wounds to the head. Monday-Sunday: 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. (starting Nov. 1), Per Vehicle (1-4 Adults): $10 to find a little shaft thats been covered a least 6 feet in depth thats Moderate 4.6 (1800) Tonto National Forest. 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. . Id like to rewind a bit to explain why were here so that you may understand a few things. One such person is Adolph Ruth, a person who AZ Central described as someone who had a longstanding obsession for locating the fabled Lost Dutchman Mine. He elected to head into the mountain in search for the treasure. But this mountain range, less than an hour east of Phoenix, is famous for more than its beauty. Then head to Lost Dutchman State Park for a star party! When we arrived at our base camp, we were greeted by my cousin Courtney, who had set up the two trailers for us. Court, you made this trip possible and you did it during the time of your surgery and I want to say thank you. However, the doctor did not know the path to the place as he was blindfolded by those accompanying him. Skip this activity if you are claustrophobic. Superstition Mountain, Arizona by Kathy Weiser-Alexander. Formed 25 million years ago and involving violent steam-blast eruptions caused by magma pressure deep within the earth, the Superstition Mountains are a collapsed volcanic caldera. 2023, A&E Television Networks, LLC. the mine. This beautiful program is designed to start with a famous Arizona sunset draping gracefully over the Superstition Mountains, and end under the light of the full moon. Wilderness. Stars Keenan Johnston Mark Dodson Frank Augustine See production, box office & company info Watch on History S1 Go to history.com More watch options Add to Watchlist 27 User reviews Episodes 6 Top-rated Sun, Mar 15, 2015 S1.E6 I felt something shaking my legs as my eyes slowly started toopen. 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. Yes, the famous Dutchman mine and its glory Legend is well known, but thats not exactly the real reason were here. If this were true, it would substantiate the allegation. Waltzs caregiver, a Julia Thomas, apparently listened to all of this but had no idea what to think of any of it. Theres still more, Todds interview at Goldfield, Ryans film at the Superstition Museum, and more. Come learn about the iconic birds of the Sonoran Desert under the shade of the Palo Verde ramada. The remains found in late November in the Superstition Mountains east of Phoenix have been identified as those of Jesse Capen . Depending on the season, youll see not only gorgeous desert vegetation but also wildlife. We had spent many months planning and prepping for this but yet, the outcome was still unsure. 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. Superstition Mountain Home for Sale: Fabulous views from this . . The lost stash of gold, which has gone on to be rather oddly known as the Lost Dutchmans Mine, has catapulted itself into one of the most intriguing unsolved modern mysteries there is, and the allure of its undiscovered riches has led many people to their deaths, with some estimates saying that over 600 people have mysteriously died or vanished during attempts to try and pry it from its ancient resting place. The Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine (also known by similar names) is, according to legend, a rich gold mine hidden in the southwestern United States. Enjoy a live musical performance in the park by singer and songwriter Mark Fogelson. COVID update: Superstition Mountain Museum has updated their hours and services. 8. This was the moment that I knew that TIA was going to become more than just a group of treasure hunters. You dont have to rush to experience all that the Superstitions have to offer in one day. It is family and pet friendly, incredibly scenic, and . But this was an important part of thegameand Dave was determined to get down in there so he could see what the visibility was. 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! Mine. Next to the Grand Canyon, the Superstition Mountains are Arizona's most photographed landmark. Weve spent months preparing for this trip and I have spent years researching this area. Sometimes the treasure is a vein of pure gold, or the abandoned mine of the Peralta family, or a cache of goods stolen from Mexican miners. Theres a good chance its there waiting for someone to find it, but as Ive mentioned before, this was a scouting trip and we couldnt spend any more time on it. When we all met back at the trucks, we had many stories to tell each other. I jumped out of bed, had a good stretch to shake off the night and I quickly got dressed and headed outside. Then I heard a familiar voice say, Wake up! Arizona > Superstition Mountains Highlights: Rough, rocky mountains east of Phoenix, covered by saguaro and other cacti, and split by many canyons. Waltz would not have had . Discover this 2.3-mile loop trail near Apache Junction, Arizona. The trail is well defined and every trail junction is well signed. Now I do enjoy talking about the LDM and Dr. Thorne, but I always wondered about the lost dragoon pistols. She was oblivious, baffled, and would apparently later sell the map of the now dead treasure hunter to parties unknown. The area's history of ancient floods, pre-Columbian farming, boom and bust mining, stagecoach travel and 20th-century hydro power, is still evident today to the curious and informed. has it that in about the 1870s a German miner named Jacob Waltz found gold in Superstition Mountain is a dramatic expression of Arizona Living at its finest. miners, as well as Spanish settlers, and Native Americans who lived in the I could hear the rest of the crew talking about how beautiful the sunrise was and I didnt want to miss out. Want to learn more about the stars and planets? The curse of the treasure would continue in the 1940s, when a 62-year-old treasure hunter by the name of James A. Carvey journeyed into the Superstition Mountains and also ended up dead and with his head separated from his shoulders. The body of a man who was 'fueled by obsession' to find a legendary gold mine has reportedly been found in the remote Superstition Mountains of Arizona. Another reference told of a prospector who found 200 prehistoric war clubs in 1884 in the Arizona Superstition Mountains. Jeep and helicopter tours are . Praying Hands to Slot Rock. For one, the desert area bears remnants of the cliff dwellings of an ancient people whose identity is still unknown. Spurgin said the men have been in the Superstition Mountains -- where the . Located east of Phoenix, the Superstition Mountains stretch across 160,000 acres of desert, and somewhere in these almost supernatural-looking canyons . According to Legends of America, the Native Americans in the area believed the Thunder God of their religion lived in the Superstition Mountains, and thus they were required to protect it with lethal force, killing any who might set foot on the mountain and disturb their deity. Bring a chair and join us around the campfire! More experienced hikers should try the Siphon Draw Trail, the most scenic in the area. Legend in the Superstition Mountains Documented by Timothy Draper Categories & Site Details: Famous Treasure Stories, Field Research, Gold, Gold & Doubloons, Metal Detectors, Mining Legends, Mysteries, Spanish History, Spanish Treasure, Treasure Sites in America Table of Contents "Many Have Tried and Many Have Died" - Timothy Draper Softcover, 112 pages. wildflowers and plants. He did have gold. We also were able to see how diving for clues at this location would take more advanced equipment than what we had brought with us this trip. Facilities: Restrooms Fee/Permit: No Hieroglyphic Trail on AllTrails The day was over and we needed to wind down, no better way than sitting at a dinner table, talking about our day and our accomplishments. Non one really knows, but the answers just may lie out there in the desolate reaches of those desert badlands. 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. ARROYO Everyone else went ahead to prepare for the climb. Also See: Several. RODRIGUEZ: Its He says the Mexican I knew we were about 1/2 of a mile away from the mines but the rock monuments needed to be researched and explored. The legend says there are millions of dollars in gold in those mountains. We all thanked him for his hospitality and for everything he did. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 13 min to complete. You might encounter coyotes and roadrunners, desert mule deer, and desert cottontail. TIM KRISTOF: That We were set up, for sure, the most comfortable base camp I have ever had in my treasure hunting days. We had only planned on hiking about 2 miles that day to reach the area we were interested in. 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. exist. I looked at a few of the pics they had shown me and we were able to pinpoint the area with our GPS. 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. Shrouded in mystery, the mine is not only allegedly rich in gold but is also said to have a curse upon it, leading to a number of strange deaths, as well as people who mysteriously go "missing . 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