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 . It seemed to be a man-made meadow, flat like a work area for a mine perhaps. Yes, the famous Dutchman mine and its glory Legend is well known, but thats not exactly the real reason were here. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. We turned on our 2-way radios and both teams wished each other luck as we separated. We were set up, for sure, the most comfortable base camp I have ever had in my treasure hunting days. Since 1880 records show many have died or disappeared. Photos of the Superstition Mountains and others relating to the miner known as the "Dutchman" set to the music of Walter Brennan's rendition of "Dutchman's G. It was a job well done. We arrived at Shauns house at 7:30 am in St. George Utah. The Superstition Mountains is a range of mountains in Arizona located to the east of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Theres still a lot we need to do in the next couple of days. The elevation gain is also gradual. Besides the campsites for both RVs and tents, you can also rent a cabin for a more comfortable but still rustic experience. Monday-Sunday: 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. (starting Nov. 1), Per Vehicle (1-4 Adults): $10 Spurgin said the men have been in the Superstition Mountains -- where the . After some time on the lake, we had located and made our way to our first area of interest. 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. How many parks have you been to? Superstition Mountain, Arizona by Kathy Weiser-Alexander. On Saturday, years after Capen's Jeep, wallet, backpack and cellphone were found by hikers, volunteers from the Superstition Search and Rescue finally located what they believe is Capen's body.. The remains found in late November in the Superstition Mountains east of Phoenix have been identified as those of Jesse Capen . No suspects or motive were ever found. Next to the Grand Canyon, the Superstition Mountains are Arizona's most photographed landmark. There is a well-developed trail system, and the western end of the wilderness receives heavy use during the cooler times of the year. GREGORY DAVIS: You Several. Among all things mysterious and eerie stands Superstition Mountains, a mountain range located to the east of Phoenix, Arizona in the United States of America. Stayed tuned for the 4th-day blog, our last day. As the mountains have a desert climate and few water resources, there is not much vegetation here. Superstitions, found gold or knew where the golden spots were located. Softcover, 112 pages. X., who seemed to be guarding the area. That's hot. Customary to most mysterious stories, there are several takes on how the mountain became the housing place of the legendary Dutchmans mine. 8. The Superstition Mountains, as the name implies, are shrouded in legends and myth. 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. Thousands have searched, some have died, all in pursuit of one thing: treasure. Did Ellis Island Really Change Peoples Names? I jumped out of bed, had a good stretch to shake off the night and I quickly got dressed and headed outside. We met up with Shaun and the rest of the group and they were set up and ready to climb. Several trails lead from the park into the Superstition Mountain Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest. We have the information we need now to be more successful next time. For questions about programming, membership or anything else about KJZZ, please visit kjzz.org/contact. We parked the trucks in the area we were to search, only to find that there were a LOT of people around. are filled with treasures. 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, We woke up early to get everything packed up and ready for the trip to Canyon Lake, Arizona. The site is said to have been mined by a . In this case the body was found first, with the rest of the body following a full 6 months later. We had a very aggressive trip planned and we needed to stay on task and reach our goals if we were to see and research everything we had planned for. You dont have to rush to experience all that the Superstitions have to offer in one day. Between Ryans filming gear and Daves scuba equipment, it seemed like there was tons of equipment to unload. How might you and your family have benefited from their interest in promoting public lands? Bring a chair to sit around a campfireand ignite your curiosity for this historical narrative of the old fire tower system and how nature recovers. I do enjoy "Mysteries of the Superstition Mountain" episodes. . Arizona's birds have adapted and evolved to thrive in desert habitats, and have made an impact on the environment and even the local cultures. 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. Todd wanted to pan for gold in the area with David, while Ryan filmed it. ARROYO In as much as the range of mountains is recognized for its breathtaking canyons and beautiful volcanic peak, its reputation for being spooky precedes it, oftentimes overshadowing its natural beauty. We'll be in touch if we look into your question. Privacy Policy | FCC Public File | Contest Rules ARROYO Superstition Mountains, Tonto National Forest In the 1930s, you might have seen Arthur Weber wandering around Peralta Canyon. View of two Native American Apache women outside their cloth covered wickiups in a camp in Arizona. I kept saying, Pretty soon guys, its coming up here. But, in order to discover any of that, we first had to see how clear the water was. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2015. 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. 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. The Superstition Mountains (their name inspired by Pima Indian legends) have been a source of mystery and legend since early times. Superstition Mountains in Lost Dutchman State Park outside of Phoenix, Arizona. August 16, 1896: George Carmack finds gold in the Yukon | History 101 Skip this activity if you are claustrophobic. Legend The mine's location remains a mystery to this day. Good job guys! 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. It is said to be one of the most famous treasures in America. Trust at your own peril if you dare to tread into HISTORYs Legend of the Superstition Mountains. We were feeling pretty good as we made our way back to Todd, Dave, and Ryan. Stroll through the native plant garden or challenge yourself to reach the Flatiron, Lost Dutchman State Park has trails to suit any hiking enthusiast. 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? We hopped in the trucks and headed out as quickly as we could. #5. This was one of my best trips yet! 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. . This trail will wind you through some amazing sights and scenes. 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. I felt proud of them! The story of the Lost Dutchmans Mine would go on to become a persistent legend and obsession for many would-be treasure hunters over the years. 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. 2023, A&E Television Networks, LLC. He never came home. Superstition Mountain Hieroglyphic Trail Trail Length: 2.9 miles Elevation Gain: 564 ft Route Type: Out & back Difficulty: Moderate Kid-friendly: Yes Dog-friendly: Yes Parking: There is ample parking at the trailhead. 4 groceries, 44 restaurants, 39 parks. If youre intrigued and want to learn more about his story, visit the Superstition Mountain Museum. "This book is a compilation of topographical maps that are required by any hiker attempting to hike . This 2.5-mile-long trail is relatively flat and well developed. ~ The Lost Dutchmans Mine, Many Have Tried and Many Have Died Timothy Draper, Day 2 The Hunt for the Lost Dutchmans Mine, Day 4 The Lost Dutchmans Mine Another Day, Teknetics Metal Detectors and Accessories. Yes, the famous Dutchman mine and its glory Legend is well known, but thats not exactly the real reason were here. Waltz would claim to have been out prospecting when he had come across an unimaginably vast vein of gold out in the mountains, curiously supposedly near Weavers Needle. I felt something shaking my legs as my eyes slowly started toopen. We got in the trucks and made our way back down the mountain. 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. In 1848, Apaches massacred between 100 and 400 men because they wanted them off their sacred land. 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. Theyre bobcats, mountain lions, javelinas, It was a small cliff dwelling that we still need to investigate to determine the time frame of use. The Treasure Loop Trail #56 starts from the Saguaro day use area. A group of modern day treasure hunters search for the Lost Dutchman mine in the Superstition mountain range of Arizona. from simple to very rugged. to find a little shaft thats been covered a least 6 feet in depth thats Featuring desert plants with interpretive signs along the way, this trail acts as an introduction to the area. 2,742 Sq. The dump station and showers are closed to anyone not camping at the park. With their jagged peaks, ridges, and canyons, the Superstition Mountains rise in dramatic vertical lines above the surrounding flat desert. Therefore, they brought him to the burial site where he found a stack of gold nuggets which were worth a pretty penny. After an intensive search, Ruths skull was was found at the bottom of a remote ravine, sitting out there all alone in the unforgiving desert. This was a scouting trip for us and that meant we needed to get to know the area, and also put some legends and theories to the test. Time for bed boys. The name came from area farmers, who heard tales from the Pima Indians. Many believe the Superstition Mountains are filled with treasures. The group of men and women, young and old, emphasized the importance of preserving the history of the legend and the mountains. You might encounter coyotes and roadrunners, desert mule deer, and desert cottontail. The Superstition Mountain range is the biggest mountain range in the Phoenix Area and is mostly made up of true desert. 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. Then head to Lost Dutchman State Park for a star party! I slowly made my way out of the trailer and the team was sitting around that campfire and it seemed that everyone felt the same way, no one wanted to go home just yet. Everyone else went ahead to prepare for the climb. We didnt know where we were going, we had very little time to get there, and had just arrived barely 5 minutes before the store closed. While this is speculation and not necessarily factual, there was a report released indicating that in 1912, some lucky persons discovered $18,000 worth of gold ore in the general vicinity where the alleged murders happened. Opened in 1977 at the foot of Superstition Mountain, Lost Dutchman State Park offers the perfect introduction to this desert wilderness. Theres still more, Todds interview at Goldfield, Ryans film at the Superstition Museum, and more. After a few minutes, we noticed that the area looked like it had been worked. Mine. I looked at a few of the pics they had shown me and we were able to pinpoint the area with our GPS. Cursed, blighted, tainted, whatever you want to call it. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 13 min to complete. The mysterious deaths and disappearances go on and on. As we followed the stream for about a half-mile, I looked around to see how everyone else was doing, the team was spread out walking in an orderly fashion to cover and search the best that we could. 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. Kristof, says these has become the Superstition Mountains golden attraction today. Based on the report from Prairie Ghosts, the general take on this story is that he, along with a miner by the name of Jacob Weiser, was given a map to the treasure site by the surviving Peralta whose life the two are reported to have saved. Along with the body was found a mysterious note ensconced within a bottle, which said that he had broken his leg and needed help, but which also stated that he had had managed to find the legendary Lost Dutchmans Mine. $25.00 Yearly Superstition West Treasure Hunters meets in Apache Junction on the . RODRIGUEZ: Its 3 Beds. 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! Yet there are still all of these mysterious disappearances and death, these enigmatic decapitated corpses and their bullet-ridden heads. The Apache Trail is a 40-mile circular route right through the Superstition Mountains. ARROYO Pretty soon., When we saw it for the first time, it was like there was already a feeling of accomplishment. Now I do enjoy talking about the LDM and Dr. Thorne, but I always wondered about the lost dragoon pistols. Of all the Superstition Mountains hiking trails, Flat Iron can be the most demanding in the shortest distance, but also the most rewarding. ARROYO 6109 N. Apache Trail It now contains approximately 160,200 acres. 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. We had hiked about 3 miles in and decided to take a break in a small meadow. State Park near the Superstition Mountains. 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 I told the team that we were on our own and that we had to figure out how to pack up the equipment, they all said, Lets get to Work. After a few hours, we finally had everything ready to go. Local singer, guitarist, & songwriter from Copper Country will be performing all original stories and songs focusing on our local areas, animals, and characters. federal government theyll say 'thats nice.' While hiking, you might meet people who are still searching for the gold mine supposedly discovered by Dutchman Jacob Waltz. You can take one from O.K. 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. We made a few stops along the way to do a little sightseeing and to fill our stomachs. Lost Dutchmans Mine, here we come! The Apaches told him he could grab as much of the gold as he could carry on his person, which he did before being led back out, never knowing the precise location, although he did mention a sharp peak of rock, which is thought to have perhaps been Weavers Needle, a popular landmark in the area. Well pack and clean up and bring him his trailers. At the time he had ventured out into the Tonto National Forest in search of the legendary treasure, having looked for it on several occasions in the past and accumulating hundreds of books and hundreds of pages of research on the matter. 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. Pan for gold at Prospectors Palace, visit the historical museum and a reptile museum, stop at one of the curio shops, and visit the Bordello and the church on top of the hill. NASA's Photos From Mars: Don't Tell Me the Red Planet Wasn't Once a Thriving World! rises to more than six thousand. Depending on the season, youll see not only gorgeous desert vegetation but also wildlife. After careful consideration, we agreed that we believe we have many clues, evidence, and time phases of history that go back for a very long time in this area. I took a break to wait and listen to them. This is a very popular area for hiking and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The Superstition Mountains are located about 35 miles southeast of Phoenix and east of Apache Junction. Arizona Superstition Wilderness Topo Atlas Paperback. Unfortunately, some mysteriously vanish without a trace, while others die in an equally strange fashion. 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. Legend tells of the Lost Dutchmans 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 legends clues and riddles. The trails in the Superstition Mountains range from short, easy strolls in the desert to strenuous climbs of some of the most dramatic volcanic peaks and everything in between. It was at this point that the tale of the Dutchmans Mine was spun. Although the speculation and uncertainty surrounding the validity of these stories does contribute a great deal to the mystery of the Superstition Mountains, the slew of disappearances and even deaths of those who have gone searching for its treasures adds a great deal of eeriness to it. unique features like the Weavers Needle stand at 4,000 feet. 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 have a lot to do tomorrow. ~ The Lost Dutchmans Mine. 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. It is said to be one of the most famous treasures in America. He did have gold. 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. I could hear the rest of the crew talking about how beautiful the sunrise was and I didnt want to miss out. In 1952 there was a man named Joseph Kelley, who went out into the mountains to find the treasure and proceeded to vanish from the face of the earth. ~ The Lost Dutchmans Mine, The Return Home to Utah The Lost Dutchmans Mine. Look what we found high up on this hill. Deep off the trail, with no sign of modern-day trash, footprints, or graffiti, they found Indian ruins. 3 Sights Not to Miss Along the Apache Trail 1. One of the best treasure tales in the history of the American West is the Lost Dutchman Mine. When we all met back at the trucks, we had many stories to tell each other. 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. The Superstition Mountains were so beautiful and green that morning and we couldnt wait to get to the dock so we could accomplish all that we had planned to do for so long. Moderate 4.6 (1800) Tonto National Forest. Once we got to Courts house we parked the two trailers and had some coffee with him. Arizona > Superstition Mountains Highlights: Rough, rocky mountains east of Phoenix, covered by saguaro and other cacti, and split by many canyons. KRISTOF: Its very Biology, nature, and cryptozoology still remain Brent Swancers first intellectual loves. These characteristics have earned the Superstition Mountains the designation of a Protected After you learn a thing or two about the gold rush in Arizona, the Apache tribes, and the lost Dutchman, you might want to experience a gold-mining ghost town. As we were driving closer, the 1,000-foot-high column of rock called Weaver's Needle, came into focus. 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. We searched around the area, leaving no stone unturned. Throughout history, foresters have had an interesting relationship with wildfires as they learned more about their ecological impact. Weve spent months preparing for this trip and I have spent years researching this area. ~ The Lost Dutchmans Mine, Canyon Lake and the Wonders Under the Water The Lost Dutchmans Mine. 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. Contain several lakes and camping areas Nearest cities with hotels: Apache Junction, Gold Canyon Management: USFS - part of Tonto National Forest Location: As recent as January 2011, the Arizona Republic reported more remains found in the Superstition Mountains, suspected to be three Utah friends who disappeared the . Ft. 3060 S Primrose Ct, Gold Canyon, AZ 85118. coyotes and black bears roaming the mountains. 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. We hopped in the trucks and headed out as quickly as we could. A deeper dive - Related reading from the 101. Dave! There are unique shops, a saloon and a general store. Jeep and helicopter tours are . This comes as no surprise, especially considering that this mountain range is believed to have a pretty odd history which all centers around an alleged hidden treasure: the fabled Dutchmans mine, a treasure which has taken the lives of many who have gone in search of it. A Spanish Arrastra After docking the boat, no time was wasted in loading up the truck to head out to our next destination, a possibly lost Spanish arrastra site within the Superstition Mountains. We soon found an area that Ryan and I thought would be agreatspot for Antonio to do his interview. It was a good challenge for them. 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. To learn more about our adventures and treasures, please visit our blogs to learn more. One mystery of the legendary Lost Dutchman gold mine has been solved. With its jagged ridges growing straight up from its surroundings, the volcanic range is recognizable from a distance. claimed he found the gold in the Superstitions that had been run by some And he had gold? We had a 7-hour drive ahead of us and we wanted to start early. Home to the legend of the Lost Dutchman's cave, the Superstition Mountains indeed have captured the interest of many prospectors. Consider the severe elements in the Superstition Mountains, during that past 250-300+ years, and the fact that the marker in that area would not be made of granite, but of porous stone that would severely deteriorate. When they finally reached me, back at the trail, Shaun pulled out his camera and said, You have to see this! We met up with Shaun and the rest of the group and they were set up and ready to climb. His body would later be found with a bullet hole to the head. In June 1931, Dr. Adolph Ruth set out on a two-week voyage through the legendary Superstition Mountains in search for the lost treasure. 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. We woke up early to get everything packed up and ready for the trip to Canyon Lake, Arizona. Read another story from us: Legends Surrounding Devils Tower Americas First National Monument. E Superstition Mountain Drive Property Records (Gold Canyon, Arizona) View property records for 20 addresses located on E Superstition Mountain Drive in Gold Canyon, Arizona, including property ownership, deeds, mortgages, titles & sales history, current & historic tax assessments, legal, parcel & structure description, land use, zoning & more. Individual/Bicycle: $3.00, Download the Commercial Filming/Photography Application. She was oblivious, baffled, and would apparently later sell the map of the now dead treasure hunter to parties unknown. It took about 30 minutes to get to our first destination, Canyon Lake. In later years there is the story of the adventurous Spanish born Doctor Abraham Thorne, who was at the time living among the Natives of the region and studying their medical practices.