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. Evening view of Superstition Mountains near Phoenix, Arizona. Arizona is host to one of the great treasure legends of not just America, but of the world: The Lost Dutchman Mine. 2,742 Sq. KRISTOF: Its very That night, we sat around the campfire to talk about our day and to plan the rest. Societys Gregory Davis, theres some truth to that legend. TIM KRISTOF: That are filled with treasures. A deeper dive - Related reading from the 101. There seemed to be some kind of a school outing or a fundraiser going on. I jumped out of bed, had a good stretch to shake off the night and I quickly got dressed and headed outside. Long before Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and grifter-socialite Anna Delvey, we had the Gold Rush and even today, plenty of Americans are still fixated on an either long-lost or fictional gold mine in Arizona's Superstition Mountains.For more than a century, adventurous souls have sought the Lost Dutchman Mine, and since 1891 . Let me push pause here for a minute. Discover this 2.3-mile loop trail near Apache Junction, Arizona. When I reached the spot I had left them, I noticed that they werent answering my hollering for them. With its jagged ridges growing straight up from its surroundings, the volcanic range is recognizable from a distance. 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. Will We Ever Be Able to Sleep Our Way to the Stars? Within 20 minutes, we had our gear and were back on the trail. We reachedCanyon Lake and we stood there in awe when we saw it. Individual/Bicycle: $3.00, Download the Commercial Filming/Photography Application. I could hear the rest of the crew talking about how beautiful the sunrise was and I didnt want to miss out. Where am I? Parks near 9321 E Superstition Mountain Dr #50 include Silly Mountain Park, Mesa / Apache Junction KOA Journey, and Lost Dutchman State Park. Time for bed boys. An easy to moderate day-hike, Treasure Loop is a must-do for all outdoor enthusiasts. Cooler temperatures also make hikes at these times of day more pleasant. But this mountain range, less than an hour east of Phoenix, is famous for more than its beauty. To learn more about our adventures and treasures, please visit our blogs to learn more. We wanted to be there now, and it seemed like it took forever. 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. exist. They believed that the entrance to the underworld itself lay somewhere in among these peaks, and that powerful spirits roamed the withered landscape. ARROYO Bring all your burning questions! It was a fairly short hike, only 1 1/2 miles to the search area. August 16, 1896: George Carmack finds gold in the Yukon | History 101 Many believe the Superstition Mountains Arizona > Superstition Mountains Highlights: Rough, rocky mountains east of Phoenix, covered by saguaro and other cacti, and split by many canyons. 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. Dave was so visibly excited and filled with energy, we decided to have a sit-down interview with him in hopes to capture his thoughts and excitement on film before heading out onto the lake. visible from the Valley and theres nothing else like it. Case History: The Lost Dutchman Mine is possibly one of the famous lost treasures in history. 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. He had this excitement in his voice like a kid on Christmas morning. This was a Mexican family which had amassed quite a bit of wealth by way of mining sectors of the Superstition Mountains. poppy wildflowers that is. We stopped by the closest gas station to buy some coffee and drinks along with a few snacks for the journey. Whats touching me? We spent at least 2 hours looking and we had had no luck, not a clue! . Then in 1984 to discourage treasure hunters from going in there the federal government passed a law forbidding. Its very name derives from the mystery surrounding it. . During that time, the rest of the team transferred all the gear from the truck to the docks. COVID update: Superstition Mountain Museum has updated their hours and services. You can take one from O.K. Stayed tuned for the 4th-day blog, our last day. We did it, were here boys, I said. View of two Native American Apache women outside their cloth covered wickiups in a camp in Arizona. federal government theyll say 'thats nice.' After some time on the lake, we had located and made our way to our first area of interest. 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. The Superstition . miners, as well as Spanish settlers, and Native Americans who lived in the 2023, A&E Television Networks, LLC. Between Ryans filming gear and Daves scuba equipment, it seemed like there was tons of equipment to unload. 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. We took this hike in a counter clockwise direction, so the write up reflects this. Join MU Plus+ and get exclusive shows and extensions & much more! We arrived at Shauns house at 7:30 am in St. George Utah. Morning image of the Superstition Mountains of Arizona. says theres more than one mine in the Superstitions. Privacy Policy | FCC Public File | Contest Rules Is someone or something trying to keep this treasure hidden? He said the bars were all stamped with what appeared to be a crown. RODRIGUEZ: Davis According to historians like Superstition Mountain Historical Try this 4.3-mile loop trail near Apache Junction, Arizona. Weve spent months preparing for this trip and I have spent years researching this area. Solve this simple math problem and enter the result. We met up with Shaun and the rest of the group and they were set up and ready to climb. 2023 Treasures in America. Compiled and edited by Kathy Weiser-Alexander / Legends of America, updated July 2021. It is said to be one of the most famous treasures in America. This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions. Also See: All Rights Reserved. I told Antonio and Shaun to be mindful of man-made structures and I was on my way once again. 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 dont have to rush to experience all that the Superstitions have to offer in one day. We woke up early to get everything packed up and ready for the trip to Canyon Lake, Arizona. After carefully scoping out the area, we headed down the road as there was so much to do and only so much daylight. The Apache warriors who had massacred them are then said to have reburied the entrance to this enormous trove of gold, and to this day the area where this is believed to have happened has been labeled the Massacre Grounds, and there are other places names that denote this grim history such as Massacre Falls and others. Berardi, Joe. Some places have long been thought to be simply no good. 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. Yet the mountains and their cursed treasure would get their most well-known mystery with the arrival of a German immigrant named Jacob Walz, also often spelled Waltz, who was a gold prospector in the Phoenix valley in the late 1800s. Even before the Dutchman story ever came about, and these things are right down our alley. After we packed up the gear and hiked back down to the cars we decided to go to the famous Lost Dutchman Mine restaurant. These characteristics have earned the Superstition Mountains the designation of a Protected Jesse Capen, a 35-year-old bellhop. 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. He never came home. The group of men and women, young and old, emphasized the importance of preserving the history of the legend and the mountains. The Lost Dutchman gold mine of the Superstition Mountains. What an awesome find! We loaded the truck and made our way to Mesquite, Nevada. 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. Contain several lakes and camping areas Nearest cities with hotels: Apache Junction, Gold Canyon Management: USFS - part of Tonto National Forest Location: We had a 7-hour drive ahead of us and we wanted to start early. 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. Since 1880 records show many have died or disappeared. 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. 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. Id like to rewind a bit to explain why were here so that you may understand a few things. We'll be in touch if we look into your question. 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. 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. 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. Arizona Superstition Wilderness Topo Atlas Paperback. Photos (4,320) Directions. Length 4.3 miElevation gain 944 ftRoute type Loop. I could hear the rest of the crew talking about how beautiful the sunrise was and I didnt want to miss out. 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. It now contains approximately 160,200 acres. Facilities: Restrooms Fee/Permit: No Hieroglyphic Trail on AllTrails This area is truly a beautiful place, one for the record. 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. No suspects or motive were ever found. 8. Regardless of gold, the Superstition Wilderness offers a much better treasure: a stunning desert environment to explore. This was the moment that I knew that TIA was going to become more than just a group of treasure hunters. It was a lot of fun to make some wakes and sight-see the lake. (Tobias) has to do with Jesuit treasure, and this area is represented by the Priest stone. The mine's location remains a mystery to this day. Golden Girls Themed Cruise to set sail in 2020, Police arrest a 72-year-old suburban grandfather suspected of being the Golden State Killer, Im not dead yet: some Buddhist monks followed self-mummification, Project Azorian: Howard Hughes secret mission, 1960s U.S. satellite that started transmitting again in 2013, The Walk of Shame in Game of Thrones historical inspiration, The only unsolved skyjacking case in U.S. history might have a break, Kurt Gdel became too paranoid to eat and died of starvation, Little Ease: One of the most feared torture devices in the Tower of London, The humble English girl who became Cora Pearl, Walt Disney softened the original Snow White story. If you appreciate native flora, join a ranger as they guide you on an easy going and informative hike highlighting some of the Sonoran Desert's staple (and seasonal!) Superstition Mountain Home for Sale: Fabulous views from this . 1:00. Superstition Mountains in Lost Dutchman State Park outside of Phoenix, Arizona. 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 we got to Courts house we parked the two trailers and had some coffee with him. 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. It was a small cliff dwelling that we still need to investigate to determine the time frame of use. 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! One mystery of the legendary Lost Dutchman gold mine has been solved. I knew that we would go far and do it together. A group of modern day treasure hunters search for the Lost Dutchman mine in the Superstition mountain range of Arizona. Take a guided tour of the gold mine, the reason the town once existed. Join us on a journey to discover the birds of the Sonoran Desert! It took about 30 minutes to get to our first destination, Canyon Lake. Out in the remote badlands of the U.S. state of Arizona, just to the east of the Phoenix metropolitan area lies a sun scorched, dried up, arid moonscape of twisted peaks and sprawling expanse of badlands called the Superstition Mountains, at one time called the Sierra de la Espuma by Spanish settlers. Excellent hiking opportunities. It was Dave that was waking me up. When waking up in the morning I could feel hesitation to get up and then I realized that it was because it was time to pack up and go home. But this was an important part of thegameand Dave was determined to get down in there so he could see what the visibility was. . How might you and your family have benefited from their interest in promoting public lands? 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. As the mountains have a desert climate and few water resources, there is not much vegetation here. 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. Well pack and clean up and bring him his trailers. 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. Several trails lead from the park into the Superstition Mountain Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest. Read another story from us: Legends Surrounding Devils Tower Americas First National Monument. Many believe the Superstition Mountains are filled with treasures. . The Superstition Mountains ( Yavapai: Wi:kchsawa) is a range of mountains in Arizona located to the east of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Antonio was in Courts truck and one trailer and Shaun hooked up the other trailer to his truck and we were on our way. Today, he And he had gold? The legend says there are millions of dollars in gold in those 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. 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. looking to find one of the oldest legends: a gold mine. Weve arrived! What Ive read if you actually find the mine and told the 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. A native Hungarian from Transylvania (Romania), Emese grew up surrounded by multiple cultures and speaks several languages. We searched around the area, leaving no stone unturned. Goldfield Ghost Town . Depending on the season, you'll see not only gorgeous desert vegetation but also wildlife. We hopped in the trucks and headed out as quickly as we could. After a few attempts of going under, Dave could tell that his visibility was very slim. Stroll through the native plant garden or challenge yourself to reach the Flatiron, Lost Dutchman State Park has trails to suit any hiking enthusiast. Important part of thegameand Dave was determined to get down in there he. In one day extensions & much more the other trailer to his truck and we stood there awe! 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