I do enjoy "Mysteries of the Superstition Mountain" episodes. The legend says there are millions of dollars in gold in those mountains. There have been other mysterious and ominous disappearances as well, including an abandoned campsite found in the mountains in 1958 complete with blood-soaked blankets, but no bodies and no suspect. An easy to moderate day hike, Treasure Loop is a must-do for all outdoor enthusiasts. We made a few stops along the way to do a little sightseeing and to fill our stomachs. After eating breakfast I called my cousin Court and talk to him we were ready to pack up. We had a 7-hour drive ahead of us and we wanted to start early. One of the best treasure tales in the history of the American West is the Lost Dutchman Mine. Shaun, Antonio, and I wanted to press on to look for these mines/prospects, a few more miles away. 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. ARROYO We took a few pictures of the sunrise and quickly finished uploading the two trucks. 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. The Lost Dutchman gold mine of the Superstition Mountains. Interestingly it was found that he had amassed a small fortune in a short amount of time after starting his forays into the mountains, urging suspicions that he had found the lost mine. What will we see and learn about today? We spent at least 2 hours looking and we had had no luck, not a clue! We had rented a boat and Dave was preparing to go diving in the lake to look for clues and lost history. 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. The drive there was full of excitement and anticipation, we discussed our individual plans and got pumped up while listening to our favorite music. KRISTOF: Its very Join MU Plus+ and get exclusive shows and extensions & much more! RODRIGUEZ: Davis ~ The Lost Dutchmans Mine, Canyon Lake and the Wonders Under the Water The Lost Dutchmans Mine. We have a lot to do tomorrow. ~ The Lost Dutchmans Mine. Compiled and edited by Kathy Weiser-Alexander / Legends of America, updated July 2021. it. unique features like the Weavers Needle stand at 4,000 feet. We wanted to be there now, and it seemed like it took forever. As a sort of reward for this generosity, he was apparently one day asked to put on a blindfold, after which he was told he would be led to the mythical lost cavern of gold. ~ The Lost Dutchmans Mine, The Return Home to Utah The Lost Dutchmans Mine. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 13 min to complete. Depending on the season, you'll see not only gorgeous desert vegetation but also wildlife. Now let me remind you, this was late February and even in Arizona, this water was COLD! Waltzs caregiver, a Julia Thomas, apparently listened to all of this but had no idea what to think of any of it. Discover this 2.3-mile loop trail near Apache Junction, Arizona. The Jesuit priests were the most educated and loyal orders to the King of Spain (and to the Pope). Your contact infoWe'll be in touch if we look into your question. Weve spent months preparing for this trip and I have spent years researching this area. The trail is well defined and every trail junction is well signed. We were set up, for sure, the most comfortable base camp I have ever had in my treasure hunting days. Print/PDF map. Top ways to experience Superstition Mountains and nearby attractions Happy Cactus Tour to Apache Trail & Superstition Mtn 39 Recommended Art Classes from $125.00 per adult LIKELY TO SELL OUT* Apache Trail Day Trip Including Dolly Steamboat 8 Bus Tours from $215.00 per adult (price varies by group size) LIKELY TO SELL OUT* The mysterious deaths and disappearances go on and on. We were heading out for the day and we were ready! Of all the Superstition Mountains hiking trails, Flat Iron can be the most demanding in the shortest distance, but also the most rewarding. Cursed, blighted, tainted, whatever you want to call it. However, before Jacob could bear witness to the expanse of gold ore hidden in the mountain, another person is believed to have gone to the treasure site. Covering over 160,000 acres, the Superstition Wilderness contains an abundance of cactus, wildflowers, and perennial water sources interwoven with the soaring mountain tops of granite, basalt and dacite.. Summer days may offer unforgiving heat or violent thunderstorms. 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. At this point, we split into two separate trucks and we were on our way to Apache Junction, looking for the Lost Dutchman Mine. I kept saying, Pretty soon guys, its coming up here. The saloon offers Western-style food and drinks, and if you visit on a weekend, you can even see a gunfight. 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. Some believe that he fell to his death, but once again, that is not conclusive. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. 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. There is a well-developed trail system, and the western end of the wilderness receives heavy use during the cooler times of the year. Skip this activity if you are claustrophobic. The thing that happened next is very common for Treasures in Americas attitude towards things. All Rights Reserved. After we packed up the gear and hiked back down to the cars we decided to go to the famous Lost Dutchman Mine restaurant. Is this all just a spooky legend or id there something more to it? miners, as well as Spanish settlers, and Native Americans who lived in the Court only lived about 12 miles away. 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. 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. Here is a place of sprawling rugged wilderness, encompassing the Superstition Wilderness Area and drawing in hikers, rock climbers, campers, and all manner of those looking to enjoy the natural splendor and outdoor activities on offer. Opened in 1977 at the foot of Superstition Mountain, Lost Dutchman State Park offers the perfect introduction to this desert wilderness. Length 4.3 miElevation gain 944 ftRoute type Loop. We hopped in the trucks and headed out as quickly as we could. August 16, 1896: George Carmack finds gold in the Yukon | History 101 State Park near the Superstition Mountains. 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. RODRIGUEZ: Dont fret, there is gold on the Superstitions: marigolds and Mexican Please join us as we dive into the geologic past and bring you into the future. You can take one from O.K. Thousands have searched, some have died, all in pursuit of one thing: treasure. The group initially was made up of young men from . 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. When we reached our destination area, we found an old abandoned ranch and it remains. As to why his head had been carried off no one knows. 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. When I reached the spot I had left them, I noticed that they werent answering my hollering for them. Read another story from us: Legends Surrounding Devils Tower Americas First National Monument. Within 20 minutes, we had our gear and were back on the trail. Today, he It was a small cliff dwelling that we still need to investigate to determine the time frame of use. The Weaver's Needle is a landmark for the Lost Dutchman's Mine where many have mysteriously died or vanished while searching for its golden treasure trove. coyotes and black bears roaming the mountains. About 40 minutes later I could see them making their way back down a steep hill. The road that led up to Canyon Lake was a winding road with many switchbacks. 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. That being said, the best times to hike this wilderness area are typically November - April. 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. The day was getting later, faster than I had wanted it to, so I abandoned my search to head back to Shaun and Antonio. 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. We had hiked about 3 miles in and decided to take a break in a small meadow. from simple to very rugged. A Wild West experience would not be complete without a horseback ride. claimed he found the gold in the Superstitions that had been run by some I reached the spot but unfortunately, I only found a few clues to these prospect mines, but no mine dump or mine openings. If youre intrigued and want to learn more about his story, visit the Superstition Mountain Museum. Phoenix: Wilson Austin Surveys and Maps, 1960. Superstition Mountains in Lost Dutchman State Park outside of Phoenix, Arizona. Individual/Bicycle: $3.00, Download the Commercial Filming/Photography Application. Rumors of gold, silver and other minerals attracted miners to stake claims . We were all on the same page and we all knew it. Regardless of gold, the Superstition Wilderness offers a much better treasure: a stunning desert environment to explore. The Superstition Mountain range is the biggest mountain range in the Phoenix Area and is mostly made up of true desert. Arizona Superstition Wilderness Topo Atlas Paperback. He did have gold. Despite all the uncertainty surrounding the history of the Superstition Mountains and some of the inexplicable occurrences which have happened there, people generally agree on one thing: mysterious, eerie, and strange all are descriptions which adequately describe the Superstition Mountains. This was the moment that I knew that TIA was going to become more than just a group of treasure hunters. cant touch this. It now contains approximately 160,200 acres. Here, we decided to split up again. Yes, the famous Dutchman mine and its glory Legend is well known, but thats not exactly the real reason were here. to cash in on it? 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. E.g. But in this case, the area of the possible arrastra looked right for Spanish mining activity and we still believe that its there, but we didnt find any clues of it this time. We all thanked him for his hospitality and for everything he did. 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. They would be uncovered in the 1940s, but whether there is any truth to this story is anyones guess. 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! Will We Ever Be Able to Sleep Our Way to the Stars? ARROYO There were also strange stories among the Apache of a magnificent, hidden cavern full of gold, said to be a vast treasure long buried within the mountains and protected by spirits, troll-like beasts called Tuar-Tums, and even their Thunder God himself. Goldfield Ghost Town . Softcover, 112 pages. Spurgin said the men have been in the Superstition Mountains -- where the . Enjoy a live musical performance in the park by singer and songwriter Mark Fogelson. Todd,Antonio,andIwere in one truck, whileShaun, David, andRyan were in the other. Registration required. 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 had only planned on hiking about 2 miles that day to reach the area we were interested in. 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. You might encounter coyotes and roadrunners, desert mule deer, and desert cottontail. Almost everyone either knows or has heard of the Lost Dutchman Mine. 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. The Lost Dutchman's Mine has gone on to become a pop cultural legend, written of in countless books and appearing on numerous TV shows. JULY 14, 2010 -- The search for three missing treasure hunters in a deadly, mountain area near Phoenix, . Let me push pause here for a minute. 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. We reachedCanyon Lake and we stood there in awe when we saw it. One of the few ghost towns in the Southwest, Goldfield showcases a gold mine and authentic-looking historic buildings on the main street, along with gorgeous views of the Superstition Mountains. 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. 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. To learn more about our adventures and treasures, please visit our blogs to learn more. Within the refuge are 14 trail heads that cover 190 miles. 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. $25.00 Yearly Superstition West Treasure Hunters meets in Apache Junction on the . His body would later be found with a bullet hole to the head. For Sale: 9321 E Superstition Mountain Dr #50, Gold Canyon, AZ 85118 $225,000 MLS# 6508119 Hurry on over and check this lot out! The best times to visit this trail are October through May. What Ive read if you actually find the mine and told the Kristof, says these has become the Superstition Mountains golden attraction today. Este programa bella, siguiendo el famoso atardecer de Arizona, termina bajo la luz de la luna llena que sube las montaas misteriosos de las Superstition. We made our way past Goldfield and the Superstition Museum and then on to Canyon Lake. ARROYO Even before the Dutchman story ever came about, and these things are right down our alley. With cursed mountains said to drive men mad and a hidden fortune of gold worth killing for, the treasure hunters greatest danger may be the man at his side. Arizona is host to one of the great treasure legends of not just America, but of the world: The Lost Dutchman Mine. The area is dotted with ancient cliff dwellings and caves, many showing signs of former habitation. All Rights Reserved. The mountain range is indeed one of the most scenic sights in the vicinity of the city. RODRIGUEZ: Tim Kristof is an Arizona Park Ranger stationed at Lost Dutchman 3 Beds. Just east of Phoenix, the rugged Superstition Mountains shoot nearly 6,000 feet into the sky. It was a job well done. 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. Canyon Lake is a very pretty place and we cant wait to come back for another trip and try again. wildflowers and plants. Almost everyone either knows or has heard of the Lost Dutchman Mine. Subscribe Today! For questions about programming, membership or anything else about KJZZ, please visit kjzz.org/contact. Spooky legend or id there something more to it Apache Junction, Arizona very Join Plus+. Of America, but thats not exactly the real reason were here have searched, some have,. Road that led up to Canyon Lake and Maps, 1960 group initially was made of. Planned on hiking about 2 miles that day to reach the area is dotted with ancient dwellings! To complete Treasures in Americas attitude towards things in awe when we saw it the most scenic sights in Court... A steep hill sure, the most comfortable base camp I have ever had my. Some believe that he fell to his death, but once again, that is not.! 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