I did a 2 day 18 mile backpacking trip through the superstition mountains. 1. The place is HUGE. The distance between places you've identified on google maps is way further of a walk than you might think and the walking is hard with a backpack. Backpacking one mile in the superstition mountains is probably like hiking 2 miles on a normal hiking trail. Especially the deeper you go in. I totally believe that the mine is possibly there but just really hard to find. When you are out there, the place is huge and a mine could be hiding around any corner. Jacob Waltz reportedly said the mine is hard to find. 2. You are 100% correct. You better prepare very well before you go out here to spend any length of time. Depending on the time of year, weather and rainfail, the water you might expect to find in the few water holes or springs might not be there or might be hard to find. You might hike an hour to get to a water hole only to find it dry and have to hike to another. ( You MUST be able to filter water or you could run out and die !!!! ) 3. Its remote. The trails are rocky and you can get hurt on them easily. They are difficult. If you get hurt and you are by yourself, i don't think you will make it out. I would never go out there alone. Especially if you are hiking in a ways. Always, always take someone with you. 4. You might want to take a snake bite kit and leggings. We ran across a rattle snake on our hike hiding along the trail under a shrub. The trails are narrow and there could be snakes under any bush on the trail. Hiking poles are invaluable, you can use them to push the thorns a brush aside ahead of you and make lots of noise as you go to scare away the snakes that could be right on the trail 5. Take multiple navigation maps and hopefully someone who knows the area well if your going in for a long distance. The terrain on the trails can get confusing. The trails are marked with piles of stones where they cross open areas or streams but you don't always see the small piles. Satellite navigation with all-trails was the easiest navigation method because it would help you follow the trail and help you know if you went off the trail, but electronic devices take batteries and need to be working to use them. You need backup if you batteries go down so take maps and a compass as well. We carried a lithium ion solar charged battery pack with us. Plenty of sun out there and you can charge it while taking a rest in the shade. It is easy to lose the trails and it is easy to get lost. If you lose the trail, the terrain is rough and might not be easy to follow or traverse. 6. You have to be careful about travelling in the heat of the day, you'll go through all your water and water is hard to find and heavy to carry. There is almost no shade. The only shade you find in the middle of the day close to a trail is where there is very occasional tall brush and the only trees are at the watering holes. The almost non-existent tall trees can help you find water but there are no guarantees. 7. When you are out there, you really understand that if you wouldn't have prepared really really well, and if your are not careful. Things can turn really bad really fast. Be safe... Prepare... Prepare...Prepare...Prepare....
You have to Help Yourself, like you said no one is coming to save you. You have to be very smart about putting yourself in a position to be seriously injured...snakes are factor out in them hills, there are like 5 variety of rattlesnakes and the high in elevation you go, the smaller they get, so they are hard to see laying in the shade I spent several trips hauling water to a secondary base camp, leaving medical, water and canned food. If you plan for the worst you can expect the Best Results
Being from Arizona and then moving to Michigan I would have to say that someone needs to spend a few years there just to see if their body can indoor and adjust I've lived in Michigan 12 years now and still cannot adjust
As an Apache I heard from my grandma that people thought we were protecting gold and precious metals but that this was untrue and only apparent. It’s said The Creator or Black Water Grandfather had appointed Mountain Spirits(Gaan) to reside and protect the mountains. A lost band of Apache had made a pact with the Mountain Spirits to protect and watch one specific thing. Something deep in the flesh of the mountains something real old that don’t want to be bothered or dug up. The rumor is ancient dark energies made their home in the mountain long before people were created. It needed to be respected and sometimes appeased to quell it’s dangerous nature. It’s unclear exactly what it was but I hear there’s a hole like a small mouth of a cave up, a 5ft area clearing in front of the hole there where animals refuse to go. Spooky but mythology nonetheless
That makes way more sense than gold mines. If the Dutchman Mine was so productive, why wouldn’t there be more gold found? Too much of the silly lost mine stuff is just legend and lies. 😊
@frankedgar6694 the story is he buried the mine before he died. Oddly known gold from the mine has never been matched to any known mine if that is true also. It is entirely possible nobody will ever find the mine since he died before giving clear enough clues to its location.
I grew up out West, primarily Utah, and I can recall hearing stories about the lost Spanish gold that exists somewhere in the Uintah or Henry Mountains by older relatives who were absolutely intrigued by the stories. The valuable nuggets I ended up finding had nothing to do with physical gold, but rather the vast exciting history I learned in regards to the Spanish and I've even seen some trees carved by these explorers as markers or guides of some kind that are absolutely fascinating. I never even believed my relatives as a young kid that the Spanish had made their way throughout Utah and other Western States long before the land was settled by early pioneers. So,, just discovering that bit of history was true sparked an interest within me to learn even more. How many interesting lives and tales have transpired over time by such explorer's who left their homeland and ended up on new continents among strange people at a time where the world was still a giant mystery for anyone brave enough to to set sail. Like I said..... history is absolutely fascinating and rewarding itself without the need to search for such lost mines.
I totally agree with your statement but think of it like this if no one goes out to find and explore places such as this mine I’m this case then there would be no history for people to learn about and enjoy like you said 😊
I've been interested in the lost Dutchman's mine since I was a little kid, and my grandfather read me stories of lost treasures! Thanks for covering this 👍
I've been hiking and Backpacking in the Superstitions for about 45 years even as a little kid. I never thought they are anymore dangerous then any place else I hike. As a matter of fact, I went hiking there this morning.
@@marcellaarieta2222 These tales are old, from the times when the superstition territory was fought over. It's a very popular hiking area and on any given weekend during season the most popular trail heads will be overflowed. That being said, many people underestimate how the summer heat can affect the body. 115 degrees might just sound like a really hot day compared to typical summer temps but your body cannot maintain a safe internal temp below 100 with such high ambient temperatures. You also lose water twice as fast as your body can absorb it, even worse if you are not acclimated. The scariest thing is that many of these conditions (dehydration, hyponatremia, heat stroke, etc) come on quick and you don't realize how dire your situation is until your body starts shutting down on you.
I LIVE IN THE FOOTHILLS OF THE SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN AND CAN TELL YOU THERE ARE SASQUATCH WHO LIVE OUT HERE. I ENCOUNTERED ONE BEHIND MY HOME. MASSIVE WITH AMBER EYES. I ALSO KNOW SOMEONE WHO ALSO ENCOUNTERED ONE DURING A HUNTING TRIP. HE LIVES IN FLORENCE A TOWN NEAR BY. THE ENCOUNTER WAS REALLY TERROR FILLED . IT RAN AFTER HE AND HIS UNCLE.
Thank you Mark, I appreciate that! I've had a hard time lately with a broken foot, and am trying to keep up with my uploads. This was a story I always have found so interesting and bizarre..I appreciate your kind words and support 🙏
@@shano4104 yes exactly..as the mine has never been proven to exist. So i said" supposedly" located..."I wasn't saying supposedly about the location; that's just how you interpreted it..
There are hiking trails all over the Superstitions. Including the lost dutchmans trailhead. Other than typical trail deaths we get in AZ(dehydration, heat stroke, over exertion) It seems the only people dying in these mountains are the ones whose intention is to find the lost gold mine. Either thats because they are putting themselves in dangerous situations on cliffs or again, not prepared for the AZ heat. Its a gorgeous area to hike around with some really nice trails. Obviously not the first guy who was shot but back then, AZ was still the wild west.
I am in AZ, and was in the Superstitions a little over a week ago hiking and camping. This is a very popular areas to visit, _within about a mile or two of any road_ . That's the key. You can get really out there if you want, but I fully agree with Julie. By far, most people who end up in trouble are because of exposure. You could get shot there I suppose, but the odds seem more likely you'll be shot in Phoenix or Tucson if you go there, to be honest. I think your chances of running into some type of drug runner or "bandit" are a lot higher in the wide open area between I-19 around Rio Rico, west towards and beyond Organ Pipe Cactus Monument. Even then, I've never felt unsafe down there, and that area is so desolate your odds of seeing _anyone_ in some of that backcountry is slim. You're also a lot more likely to die from dehydration, heat stroke, falling off a cliff, etc. there as well. I was near Coyote Mountains Wilderness and Baboquivari Peak this week (almost no legal access, no trails. Much of this area is miles from anyone or anything) and let me tell you, if you got lost and died there, from exhaustion or bullet hole, it could be years before someone came across your skeleton picked clean and bleached from the sun. The Superstitions are tame by comparison.
@@timothycontreras8424 That's not true. The southern Huachuca Mountains, where the AzTrail begins, has a border wall and is heavily monitored by border patrol. It a migrant does get on the trail they are apprehended before they get north of Parker Canyon Lake. Most crossers will follow the San Pedro river north or try their luck at Organ Pipe or in the Cabeza Prieta where they will most likely die from exposure. I've hiked the entire AzTrail and have never seen any migrant north of the Huachucas. It's one of the most diverse and rugged trails in the country. It's dangerous because of the terrain not because of bandits or migrant families.
This is a very intriguing story. Something that I have been interested in for over 50 years. I have watched numerous documentaries, read books and even visited the museum near the Superstitions. I equate this to climbing Mt Everest. Both situations have a certain romanticism, of which both would/could end with great rewards or tragedy. However with both situations there have been hundreds of deaths and at the end of the day what do you really have; a really good story if you are fortunate enough to summit Everest or locate the infamous Lost Dutchman’s mine. What many people may not realize however is that the Dutchman’s gold is protected by Federal Law. For me I throughly enjoy the documentaries on both subjects from my living room with a nice glass of wine with no one shooting at me or frost bite and possibly falling thousands of feet. A person needs to realize their limitations. Great story.
Having hiked up the area and around weavers needle (very beautiful area) I have never really realized how many people have died just trying to go and find the location, and especially how recent some of them are. Weavers needle hike isn't too difficult but the areas around it are really difficult, since I live in the area I should really check out other areas, intrigues me now.
Nicely done as usual Bryan! I've always been enthralled with this particular legend for most of my 76 yrs, but that's all it is or ever will be to me, a legend!
This one is close to my heart Bryan. I grew up near these mountains in Mesa Arizona. My brother and i would hike up to the Ramparts but never further due ro our Elders warnings. Many back then claimed a band if Apache would hunt you if you trespassed further. Creep. Thanks for an awesome job researching this old Nugget!
Just something to keep in mind: -a huge gold strike on federal property cannot be claimed so what do you think will happen when people born in those mts finally do find the mine? Those people will make sure no one else ever finds it. Or even gets near it. That is IMHO the most dangerous part of looking for the Lost Dutchman mine.
I was born n raised Arizona.. last 30 years most of which was on property I used to own in the boonies off grid in the high country in Navajo county. I miss the Desert.. the Superstitions is just plain Awesome. The treasure is the beauty of the region. Things sure changed back in there . I had a friend tht prospected in the 50s back in there he said killings was not an uncommon thing ther was still killings goin on till the 70s . The rugged beauty is second to none in the Superstitions. You dont have to worry of catching a bullet by a crazed miner or killed by Apaches like the old days but the Mountain still claims lives tht Desert Heat in summer months ain't nothn nice. An one wrong step can send you over a 3 thousand foot shear cliff or gorge the area is one of the most rugged mountain ranges on the planet. Great video an narration.
The bummer is that jacob waltz was lying. He was working for another gold mine in the area and was stealing nuggets out of THAT mine. He used excuse of finding a mine in the mountains as his plausible excuse for having the gold nuggets.
Interesting and yes very plausible, and that's why I said that there's never been anything but tragedy from people going looking for this mine, that we don't even know exist/ existed.. and since so much time has passed, who knows what's fact and what's fiction.. the only truth I have found is the loss of life of people trying to find this mine, which of course is very sad and like I said: at least in my opinion, no treasure is worth your life. 🙏🙏 thank you for your thoughts and feedback on this. I appreciate it 🙏
Actually, this has been repeatedly debunked because the assayer who verified Waltz's gold was the same assayer for the Silver King mine, which is the mine that Jacob Waltz supposedly worked. The real theory is that Waltz stumbled upon old Doc Thorne's lost hoarde as Jacob was part of the 60 something men in the search party that went looking for it but when they disbanded, Waltz was seen heading back into the mountains alone. Rumor had it that the Apache weren't interested in a lone searcher so they allowed him passage expecting him to die from the elements. Anyway, there are multiple channels that specialize in nothing but stories from the Supes. My favorite is Mysteries of the Superstition Mountains. I also like Wayne Tuttle's channel, Legends of the Superstition Mountains.
The gold from the matchbook case, the last known gold from the box under his bed, was analyzed and it is not the same gold from the mine. That's what's reported it may not mean anything it may mean a lot.
Hello Bryan! Thank you for your interesting stories! You have a caring heart and treat each victim and their families with decency and respect. I look forward to all your cases. Thank you for your hard work!
Bryan, I always get excited when a notification from you pops up. You did a lot of research on this video, and it shows. You really paint a great picture of of this mysterious goldmine and people associated with it. Thanks for a very interesting story. Love your channel.
Thank you Susan, I really appreciate the kind words and support 🙏 it means a lot to me because a lot of work and hours go into these videos. I know I still have a lot to learn and a lot I can improve on, but it's nice having positive reinforcement along the way, so thank you so much🙏🙏
Okay. The Superstitions are 10 miles North to South and 17 miles East to West. There are monumented and maintained trails all through the range. You can easily hike from Canyon Lake down to Peralta Trailhead in a day (easily). If you Off-Trail Hike, things get very different. If you just want a great hike, you can go all through the mountains. You can also do that Off-Trail, but it takes a bit longer and can be far more dangerous. That said, I have overnighted tons of times. You don't need more than two or three days (unless you find something interesting).
I used to camp, hike, and backpack in the Superstitions. It's a gorgeous location but brutal despite the time of year. If you're experienced, prepared, and safe, you'll be fine.
My dads place is right across the street from superstition MTN , APACHE JUNCTION IS AWESOME !!! I got lost 2nd day i was there for the first timee 5 yrs ago search and rescue came but luckily i found my way down off trail all cut up from cacti ..... The energy attracted me to this valley / gorge and before you know it your off trail / i went up by jacobs cross cut trail off Broadway
There is no way I would go looking for this mine. So many people have already failed and died. Bless all their souls and may they rest in peace. I don't know that I've heard this story before. Very interesting and well told.
Thank you! It's so much information, so I tried to include the basics and the main info.. but it's crazy how deep this story goes. Thank you for your support and kind words 🙏
You are right about people risking their lives searching for this; but to a lot of people it sounds like easy money. This was very interesting. Thank you for sharing!
I lived there for years. if people would listen to the Apaches, the lost dutchman mine was buried under thousands of tons of rock when the mountain collapsed during an earthquake. it's gone. the mine was originally used by the Apaches to hide and mine gold they stole.
@@indigenousaquarian3112 no! Mexico, the Spanish stole the gold from the Indians via forced labor. the gold was then transported north into Arizona. the Apaches raided the travelers, took the stolen gold, and hid it. the Spanish also had gold there. this is my home ground. I spend more time in those mountains than I do at home.
Years ago, spent a few days exploring the Superstitions on horseback with a group. It’s beautiful, hard, country. We didn’t find the mine, but it was a good time.
Thank you Jean for sharing your experience. I'm sure it was a beautiful trip and I'm happy that you returned safe. Personally I think there might have been a mine at one point, however, there are mines all over the place out west, and with this one, it got romanticized and people have actually been willing to risk their lives finding something that we don't even know even exists..I feel like with all the modern technology, we probably would have found it by now. I'm not saying it can't be there, but I just think unfortunately too many people have put their whole lives into finding it, only to be met with the worst outcome. Thank you for sharing your experience and feedback🙏🙏
This is a great story. Hope your foot is healing Brian. Ice is your friend. Take care of yourself. Thank you so much for all your great content. Researched very well.
A couple of guys, a geologist and a archaeologist I think, did a series a few years ago on mysteries like these. They looked into this. They followed various leads. To the best of their abilities, it appears due to erosion, the gold apparently in a cave or mine is gone. To find it, you would have to search the countryside.
Christian Easter, Hi! I like your name! Do you know, I wouldn't even want that gold, not after so many lives were lost. This is too much to be just a little "coincidence". Some antiques, ancient treasure, artifacts of all kinds can be loaded down with some really bad Juju. I think we're all better off staying home and watching those places on RUclips. Good wishes!
Folks may as wells ! Chase pot of gold's at the end of rainbows !! Lifetime is what folks wants !doing those things!! As longs as there happy & enjoy it !just realize your limits !think of your families back homes !
Hiked up to Massacre Falls about 4 years ago. There had been a record snowfall and the falls were roaring. Beautiful place. Hadn't heard any of the history then. Thanks!
Massacre Falls? I would never ever hike to a place with Massacre in the name! I bet there was a massacre there & probably still got bad evil residual energy left there! F*ck that! Those type of spirits can attach to you & follow you home
Really feel like a lot of these old treasure stories were based on truth but more than likely the riches or “gold” has already been found by someone in secret.
Somethings are not meant to be found Agree totally it's not worth losing your life over very sad It should stay a mystery If it's there and meant to be found it will be and I'm sure it will be found by those not looking for it Very interesting content God Bless all those who have lost there life's looking for this mine 🙏
Thank you for your fabulous channel, the details are always brilliant and narrated so clearly. Only found your channel a few weeks ago and subscribed after listening to the very first one from the UK. Totally agree with your comments here, nothing is worth risking your life over. Riches, fame or recognition do nothing if you're not around to enjoy the rewards. Thank you, keep well and stay safe
Thank you for this interesting video. Searching for a mine in that terrain sounds like a supreme challenge. One would be searching for an opening perhaps no more than six to ten feet square. One would have to be nearly within arm's reach of it to spot it. In my very limited experience hiking and backpacking in the Southwest, I can definitely state with complete confidence that, if one is not prepared for the conditions, one will expire rather quickly. The heat can be lethal, even in April and May. The Southwest does not suffer fools gladly. Small errors in judgment swiftly create life-or-death situations. Again, thanks for the video.
I always loved this legend. And yes, those people and others were murdered up there. Someone or something is either guarding something or just fucked in the head and preying on people. Dangerous either way. If anyone does go looking for this… I recommend a large group, armed, and rotating a night watch. Going up there alone is basically suicide
I hear that have a cool old "Superstition Mountains" museum near Apache Junction. I can't hike the trail, but I can visit the museum 🥴 Another great video. Thank you.
An old man out there told me if the mine was real the searchers for missing persons would have found it by now. There have been massive searches of the Superstitions.
Many years ago when we hiked the Superstition Mountain trails, we saw many people carrying guns. Some were on horseback. We were shocked but I guess that was pretty common in Arizona. We actually discussed about getting shot and no one would even know.
Byran, you sure did a great job on this story. For all you know, by doing this video, that you might have unknowingly, changed some people's mind about going there, thus, saving their lives. You did a great job on investigating this story. Thank you.
I really like your approach to these stories. Thank you! It's refreshing to not hear it all hyped up and fast glorifying violence instead of approaching it with compassion like you have. I am grateful for your style and content. There are rumors about those mountains and how they got their name they say the dead haunt those mountains and there is a creepy feeling even when you drive by them!
Thank you young fella for a most intriguing video, I've been there & respect the wilderness can be brutal to the unprepared. I explore our wilds many times even @ 74 I try to be prepared especially when our temperatures can fall to minus -30s up here 🇨🇦 Canada. 74+🍁hunter Yorkshire expat
It is the old adage that people think "It cannot or won't happen to me". In those mountains, in that heat, and with the other threats human, animal, and terrain, people often do not seem to realize what they are facing out there. If people do decide to go looking for the mine, they should keep in mind that Jacob Waltz was an older individual and was still traveling to the mine. He still had to be in good shape, but it also has to be where an older individual can reach it. Even he, however, did not travel to it in the Summer heat and waited for the cooler seasons
Hermit friend spent 8 years there with his mule in AZ looking for the Lost Dutchman Mine.. Has every book and pamphlet on the "Lost Dutchman Mine" including the yellow pamphlet worth hundreds of dollars. He has even written one.. He believes that was all a real estate ploy! 1) The map of AZ is identical, turned upside down, to the map of White Plains County NV only larger. 2) The Dutchmans partner is buried in Ely, White Plains County NV. 3) The mountains range west of Ely entering Railroad Valley are IDENTICAL in shape to the picture on the back of yellow "Lost Dutchman Mine" pamphlet! 4) One mountain is named "Beaver" which is the Dutchman's last name in english... 5) Theres lots more including the river where the Dutch might have hung onto tree, including huge old dead tree, right below mountain range..!
I was born in Maricopa county. #1 The mine is a mix of outright lies, wishful thinking, scam, and unfounded rumors. #2 the desert is far far more dangerous than newbies can believe. Unprepared, unequipped and thoughtless is GUARANTEED to kill you in ONE day unless one is extremely lucky. My sister's girl scout leader died within walking distance of her own home within 24 hours for instance and a friend of mine and myself survived wandering away from our group once because we saw the nearby orange groves happened to be getting irrigated (and drank like dogs on our hands and knees.) Neither case involved anywhere near the same idiocy that these mine lookers are guilty of and one still cost a beautiful woman her life. Please don't become another statistic or rescue victim. Stay in Idaho. We really don't like the soft little -insert your state here- people coming around us anyway and are honestly tired of sending helicopters and firemen to hopefully save them. Maybe this will save a life. Rude or not the point must be driven home. YOU WILL DIE.
So very interesting. I've read about the Superstitions, watched some videos, and it is a fascinating area. Very harsh ecosystem, lots of fatalities, and a perfect place for criminal activity. Legends are always mysterious and intriguing, but most of them turn out to be exactly that...legends. Thank you! 🙏🏻💗🙏🏻
I live next to the superstition mountains and as teenagers we use to go up to a cave filled with bats. Plus a cave called geronimos cave. It's not dangerous if you bring enough water and dont go just wondering off. There are trails stick to them and it's something anyone is decent shape can do
I assume the tour guide is a local native & knows what areas to avoid on the mountain! If he won't go there then nobody should go there! If the local tour guide won't go that means it's not safe! People should f*cking listen to the tour guide & local natives
@@indigenousaquarian3112 There is a short video on RUclips made by a Superstition Mountains tour guide, can't say that it is the same one, but he was chased out of his area by a flying figure that dive bombed him. But I agree. People should pay more attention to local legend and lore of the people who know these areas best.
@@vixendoe2545 I live next to the superstition mountains I see them everyday. Most of the videos about them are just made up garbage to get views. If you have plenty of water with you you'll be fine the only real danger out there are diamondback rattlesnakes possibly cougars and wild boars but I've only seen rattlesnakes myself. The heat kills more than anything else.
Bryan please check into a story here locally in the Sangre De Cristo area of Colorado. An interesting story of gold discovered by the Conquistadors. They used the Ute Indians as slaves to mine the gold. The Utes eventually rebelled and blew up the cave entrance. If the Lost Dutchman mine was meant to be found it would be.
Watched a documentary on the this - great historical to up-to date video. There are some who went up and found nothing - dead end. So not everyone who went up to look for it died.
I wonder if there will be a televised series on hunting for The Lost Dutchmab's Goldmine. Investigated in the same way as Skin Walker Ranch. If so I would watch it. Tbh I lived in AZ years ago and those mountains always gave off a mystical vibe. I love hiking and the mountains; however, I would never hike the Superstitions.
Just the population of rattlesnakes in that area should be enough of a deterrent! I remember the first time I saw the Superstition Mountains on a road trip from New Mexico to California. They are quite visible from the main highway. I was very young and asked my mother what the foreboding land formation was. She informed me of the name and explained that very few explorers who went there ever came back.
@@lizardstillruntheworldliza4883 I've heard that! I believe I saw a documentary about a place called Snake Island off the coast of Australia. Truly frightening.
Boy, what a legend! I was there a week ago, it's a very popular hiking area, and fairly hard to get lost there. You could do it of course, people have, but there are plenty more wild and remote areas in Arizona. As to rattlesnakes, there are two things to know: They are pretty uncommon in the cool months, and rare in true winter. Even in other months, where you are likely to hear, even see them, you need to understand they are not a predator. They wait for small critters to show up in their area bite and eat, and are afraid of big critters (like, you!). That's why they have a rattle. The want nothing to do with you and want you to stay away. If you hear one, look, and slowly walk away. Works virtually every time. People who tend to get bit are ones who accidentally kick them or step on them when just hiking along. There are a lot of aggressive snakes in the world, Black Mamba, Fer de Lance, Saw Scaled Viper. But even those snakes, while apt to easily strike, aren't going to look for and hunt humans. It just doesn't happen, period. All rattlesnakes are even more timid than this.
@@lizardstillruntheworldliza4883 True! Many more venemous snakes in Australia than in the US. Significantly more. While many are very timid, very shy, that doesn't mean I'd want to get bit by one!
It would be interesting to compare the percentage of people who returned uninjured but unable to locate the mine v the percentage of those who died looking for it? I imagine some go looking without letting others know their intention as well. It does sound like there have been appointed guards over time ... unless the deaths from bullets in the head were unrelated, but that would be strange. I think mankind plunder the Earth way too much ... maybe the mountains evoke their own protection 🙌
you can die for nothing, like elvis sitting on a toilet, or you can die pursuing your dream. we would have never landed on the moon if we chose the former.
@@bobs5596 Thank you for using the actual word for death: DIE!! So sick of the politically correct "pass/passing"....you pass a football or a car in the left lane. And Elvis was PASSING stool (or attempting to) when he DIED. I hate political correctness. Call it what it IS !!
I live in Apache Junction AZ. Goldfield is about ten miles from where I live. I love hiking but there is something about the Superstitions that freak me out. I just look at them. I won't go into them.
I've lived near the Superstitions for 47 yrs. Im a avid outdoorsman and off-roader. I think the best information out there is on the RUclips channel "Mysteries of the Superstition Mountains".Study the history of this beautiful area. The real history of this area is far more interesting than this mine. I myself don't believe it ever existed. The media distorted and made up information even way back then.
No way it's not a place that you could survive off grid. I live next to the superstition mountains. I can open my door and see them now. Summer it gets 115°F in town and if you dont have water out in the desert its 100% fatal. And in those mountains there isnt a single water source. If you know the right cactuses you might survive. But even that is dangerous because some are edible others are deadly
I believe, for a few people, it's locating the mine, and finding the treasure. But, for most people, I believe it's locating the mine, and being the first person to solve the mystery.
The famed pirate Blackbeard's hidden treasure is supposedly buried where I grew up, and these stories just reminded me of that legend I used to dream about as a child. This sort of hidden treasure curiosity is something that affects so many people tho and folks go to great lengths to find something that may just be unfindable. Every local knows every detail and thousands travel from all over just to see if they can find it. Wild.
Hike area frequently, plan on it in 2days. Water filter bottle very handy to extend hike. Knowing where water holes are is handy. The west is no joke. Eastern hikers have no worries until you come here! Be prepared! Lots of helo rescues here and Camelback Mountain , I bet mostly tourists.
Great story, thank you. Really enjoy your channel and have binge watched every story since finding you a couple of months ago. You might be interested in an Australian story (similar story, similar time to this one) of Harold Lasseter who declared he had found a Gold Reef in Central Australia. Subsequent searches he organised ended in tragedy for him and the reef has never been located ... so they say ....
Thank you! You're very kind! And yes I'll look into that case and start researching it. Thank you for the information and thank you for being so supportive 🙏
I did a 2 day 18 mile backpacking trip through the superstition mountains. 1. The place is HUGE. The distance between places you've identified on google maps is way further of a walk than you might think and the walking is hard with a backpack. Backpacking one mile in the superstition mountains is probably like hiking 2 miles on a normal hiking trail. Especially the deeper you go in. I totally believe that the mine is possibly there but just really hard to find. When you are out there, the place is huge and a mine could be hiding around any corner. Jacob Waltz reportedly said the mine is hard to find. 2. You are 100% correct. You better prepare very well before you go out here to spend any length of time. Depending on the time of year, weather and rainfail, the water you might expect to find in the few water holes or springs might not be there or might be hard to find. You might hike an hour to get to a water hole only to find it dry and have to hike to another. ( You MUST be able to filter water or you could run out and die !!!! ) 3. Its remote. The trails are rocky and you can get hurt on them easily. They are difficult. If you get hurt and you are by yourself, i don't think you will make it out. I would never go out there alone. Especially if you are hiking in a ways. Always, always take someone with you. 4. You might want to take a snake bite kit and leggings. We ran across a rattle snake on our hike hiding along the trail under a shrub. The trails are narrow and there could be snakes under any bush on the trail. Hiking poles are invaluable, you can use them to push the thorns a brush aside ahead of you and make lots of noise as you go to scare away the snakes that could be right on the trail 5. Take multiple navigation maps and hopefully someone who knows the area well if your going in for a long distance. The terrain on the trails can get confusing. The trails are marked with piles of stones where they cross open areas or streams but you don't always see the small piles. Satellite navigation with all-trails was the easiest navigation method because it would help you follow the trail and help you know if you went off the trail, but electronic devices take batteries and need to be working to use them. You need backup if you batteries go down so take maps and a compass as well. We carried a lithium ion solar charged battery pack with us. Plenty of sun out there and you can charge it while taking a rest in the shade. It is easy to lose the trails and it is easy to get lost. If you lose the trail, the terrain is rough and might not be easy to follow or traverse. 6. You have to be careful about travelling in the heat of the day, you'll go through all your water and water is hard to find and heavy to carry. There is almost no shade. The only shade you find in the middle of the day close to a trail is where there is very occasional tall brush and the only trees are at the watering holes. The almost non-existent tall trees can help you find water but there are no guarantees. 7. When you are out there, you really understand that if you wouldn't have prepared really really well, and if your are not careful. Things can turn really bad really fast. Be safe... Prepare... Prepare...Prepare...Prepare....
Fascinating information that could save someone’s life!Thank you!
Solid advice! Can never be too careful
You have to Help Yourself, like you said no one is coming to save you. You have to be very smart about putting yourself in a position to be seriously injured...snakes are factor out in them hills, there are like 5 variety of rattlesnakes and the high in elevation you go, the smaller they get, so they are hard to see laying in the shade
I spent several trips hauling water to a secondary base camp, leaving medical, water and canned food. If you plan for the worst you can expect the Best Results
Being from Arizona and then moving to Michigan I would have to say that someone needs to spend a few years there just to see if their body can indoor and adjust I've lived in Michigan 12 years now and still cannot adjust
As an Apache I heard from my grandma that people thought we were protecting gold and precious metals but that this was untrue and only apparent.
It’s said The Creator or Black Water Grandfather had appointed Mountain Spirits(Gaan) to reside and protect the mountains.
A lost band of Apache had made a pact with the Mountain Spirits to protect and watch one specific thing.
Something deep in the flesh of the mountains
something real old that don’t want to be bothered or dug up.
The rumor is ancient dark energies made their home in the mountain long before people were created.
It needed to be respected and sometimes appeased to quell it’s dangerous nature.
It’s unclear exactly what it was but I hear there’s a hole like a small mouth of a cave up, a 5ft area clearing in front of the hole there where animals refuse to go.
Spooky but mythology nonetheless
Thank you for sharing! Who are the most band of Apaches? Do they still exist?
That makes way more sense than gold mines. If the Dutchman Mine was so productive, why wouldn’t there be more gold found? Too much of the silly lost mine stuff is just legend and lies. 😊
@frankedgar6694 the story is he buried the mine before he died. Oddly known gold from the mine has never been matched to any known mine if that is true also. It is entirely possible nobody will ever find the mine since he died before giving clear enough clues to its location.
Those mountain spirits are actually nature beings that inhabit the mountain itself, or watch over
I live next to the tonto national forest in a town called Apache junction. I see the superstition mountains out my window right now
My dad too im here too , rock shadows !!!!!
I grew up out West, primarily Utah, and I can recall hearing stories about the lost Spanish gold that exists somewhere in the Uintah or Henry Mountains by older relatives who were absolutely intrigued by the stories.
The valuable nuggets I ended up finding had nothing to do with physical gold, but rather the vast exciting history I learned in regards to the Spanish and I've even seen some trees carved by these explorers as markers or guides of some kind that are absolutely fascinating. I never even believed my relatives as a young kid that the Spanish had made their way throughout Utah and other Western States long before the land was settled by early pioneers. So,, just discovering that bit of history was true sparked an interest within me to learn even more.
How many interesting lives and tales have transpired over time by such explorer's who left their homeland and ended up on new continents among strange people at a time where the world was still a giant mystery for anyone brave enough to to set sail. Like I said..... history is absolutely fascinating and rewarding itself without the need to search for such lost mines.
I totally agree with your statement but think of it like this if no one goes out to find and explore places such as this mine I’m this case then there would be no history for people to learn about and enjoy like you said 😊
I've been interested in the lost Dutchman's mine since I was a little kid, and my grandfather read me stories of lost treasures! Thanks for covering this 👍
I've been hiking and Backpacking in the Superstitions for about 45 years even as a little kid. I never thought they are anymore dangerous then any place else I hike. As a matter of fact, I went hiking there this morning.
This made me feel better. I am getting scared with people dying out there.
@@marcellaarieta2222 These tales are old, from the times when the superstition territory was fought over. It's a very popular hiking area and on any given weekend during season the most popular trail heads will be overflowed.
That being said, many people underestimate how the summer heat can affect the body. 115 degrees might just sound like a really hot day compared to typical summer temps but your body cannot maintain a safe internal temp below 100 with such high ambient temperatures. You also lose water twice as fast as your body can absorb it, even worse if you are not acclimated.
The scariest thing is that many of these conditions (dehydration, hyponatremia, heat stroke, etc) come on quick and you don't realize how dire your situation is until your body starts shutting down on you.
I LIVE IN THE FOOTHILLS OF THE SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN AND CAN TELL YOU THERE ARE SASQUATCH WHO LIVE OUT HERE. I ENCOUNTERED ONE BEHIND MY HOME. MASSIVE WITH AMBER EYES. I ALSO KNOW SOMEONE WHO ALSO ENCOUNTERED ONE DURING A HUNTING TRIP. HE LIVES IN FLORENCE A TOWN NEAR BY. THE ENCOUNTER WAS REALLY TERROR FILLED . IT RAN AFTER HE AND HIS UNCLE.
I always look forward to Bryan’s Mysteries they are well researched and well read.
Thank you Mark, I appreciate that! I've had a hard time lately with a broken foot, and am trying to keep up with my uploads. This was a story I always have found so interesting and bizarre..I appreciate your kind words and support 🙏
@@bawattsyl Good luck with the broken foot we want to see you back on the trail enjoying the great outdoors for yourself.
So well researched that right off the bat he starts off with... The Lost Dutchman's mine is "supposedly" located in Arizona. 🙄
@@shano4104 yes exactly..as the mine has never been proven to exist. So i said" supposedly" located..."I wasn't saying supposedly about the location; that's just how you interpreted it..
@@bawattsyl pp
There are hiking trails all over the Superstitions. Including the lost dutchmans trailhead. Other than typical trail deaths we get in AZ(dehydration, heat stroke, over exertion) It seems the only people dying in these mountains are the ones whose intention is to find the lost gold mine. Either thats because they are putting themselves in dangerous situations on cliffs or again, not prepared for the AZ heat. Its a gorgeous area to hike around with some really nice trails. Obviously not the first guy who was shot but back then, AZ was still the wild west.
That doesn’t explain the bullet holes to the head tho?
It still is the Wild west! We've found transient camps DEEP, into the Desert mountains.
I am in AZ, and was in the Superstitions a little over a week ago hiking and camping. This is a very popular areas to visit, _within about a mile or two of any road_ . That's the key. You can get really out there if you want, but I fully agree with Julie. By far, most people who end up in trouble are because of exposure. You could get shot there I suppose, but the odds seem more likely you'll be shot in Phoenix or Tucson if you go there, to be honest.
I think your chances of running into some type of drug runner or "bandit" are a lot higher in the wide open area between I-19 around Rio Rico, west towards and beyond Organ Pipe Cactus Monument. Even then, I've never felt unsafe down there, and that area is so desolate your odds of seeing _anyone_ in some of that backcountry is slim. You're also a lot more likely to die from dehydration, heat stroke, falling off a cliff, etc. there as well. I was near Coyote Mountains Wilderness and Baboquivari Peak this week (almost no legal access, no trails. Much of this area is miles from anyone or anything) and let me tell you, if you got lost and died there, from exhaustion or bullet hole, it could be years before someone came across your skeleton picked clean and bleached from the sun. The Superstitions are tame by comparison.
@@PhilAndersonOutside The "New " route is Arizona Ho chi minh trail, right hrough center of the state, look it up Phil! I track for living 🤫
@@timothycontreras8424 That's not true. The southern Huachuca Mountains, where the AzTrail begins, has a border wall and is heavily monitored by border patrol. It a migrant does get on the trail they are apprehended before they get north of Parker Canyon Lake. Most crossers will follow the San Pedro river north or try their luck at Organ Pipe or in the Cabeza Prieta where they will most likely die from exposure. I've hiked the entire AzTrail and have never seen any migrant north of the Huachucas. It's one of the most diverse and rugged trails in the country. It's dangerous because of the terrain not because of bandits or migrant families.
This is a very intriguing story. Something that I have been interested in for over 50 years. I have watched numerous documentaries, read books and even visited the museum near the Superstitions. I equate this to climbing Mt Everest. Both situations have a certain romanticism, of which both would/could end with great rewards or tragedy. However with both situations there have been hundreds of deaths and at the end of the day what do you really have; a really good story if you are fortunate enough to summit Everest or locate the infamous Lost Dutchman’s mine. What many people may not realize however is that the Dutchman’s gold is protected by Federal Law. For me I throughly enjoy the documentaries on both subjects from my living room with a nice glass of wine with no one shooting at me or frost bite and possibly falling thousands of feet. A person needs to realize their limitations. Great story.
Having hiked up the area and around weavers needle (very beautiful area) I have never really realized how many people have died just trying to go and find the location, and especially how recent some of them are. Weavers needle hike isn't too difficult but the areas around it are really difficult, since I live in the area I should really check out other areas, intrigues me now.
Nicely done as usual Bryan! I've always been enthralled with this particular legend for most of my 76 yrs, but that's all it is or ever will be to me, a legend!
This one is close to my heart Bryan. I grew up near these mountains in Mesa Arizona. My brother and i would hike up to the Ramparts but never further due ro our Elders warnings. Many back then claimed a band if Apache would hunt you if you trespassed further. Creep. Thanks for an awesome job researching this old Nugget!
I really loved this one. I grew up in Tucson AZ. I always love to hear these stories. This place is such a mystery that people are drawn to. Thanks 🙏
Just something to keep in mind:
-a huge gold strike on federal property cannot be claimed so what do you think will happen when people born in those mts finally do find the mine? Those people will make sure no one else ever finds it. Or even gets near it. That is IMHO the most dangerous part of looking for the Lost Dutchman mine.
Adventure, mystery, riches, they have always lured people and always will. Thanks for a good video.
Fascinating Tale!! Always Enjoy Your Telling of These Intriguing Stories. Thank You.
I was born n raised Arizona.. last 30 years most of which was on property I used to own in the boonies off grid in the high country in Navajo county. I miss the Desert.. the Superstitions is just plain Awesome. The treasure is the beauty of the region. Things sure changed back in there . I had a friend tht prospected in the 50s back in there he said killings was not an uncommon thing ther was still killings goin on till the 70s . The rugged beauty is second to none in the Superstitions. You dont have to worry of catching a bullet by a crazed miner or killed by Apaches like the old days but the Mountain still claims lives tht Desert Heat in summer months ain't nothn nice. An one wrong step can send you over a 3 thousand foot shear cliff or gorge the area is one of the most rugged mountain ranges on the planet. Great video an narration.
Great coverage brother, I once lived in Phoenix, was close to the Superstition Mts. many times...they are very intimidating, to say the very least.
Mysterys of the superstition mountains is one of my favorite podcast. I'm all about our southland desert . .. good show ty!!
The bummer is that jacob waltz was lying. He was working for another gold mine in the area and was stealing nuggets out of THAT mine. He used excuse of finding a mine in the mountains as his plausible excuse for having the gold nuggets.
Sounds very plausible.
Interesting and yes very plausible, and that's why I said that there's never been anything but tragedy from people going looking for this mine, that we don't even know exist/ existed.. and since so much time has passed, who knows what's fact and what's fiction.. the only truth I have found is the loss of life of people trying to find this mine, which of course is very sad and like I said: at least in my opinion, no treasure is worth your life. 🙏🙏 thank you for your thoughts and feedback on this. I appreciate it 🙏
Actually, this has been repeatedly debunked because the assayer who verified Waltz's gold was the same assayer for the Silver King mine, which is the mine that Jacob Waltz supposedly worked.
The real theory is that Waltz stumbled upon old Doc Thorne's lost hoarde as Jacob was part of the 60 something men in the search party that went looking for it but when they disbanded, Waltz was seen heading back into the mountains alone. Rumor had it that the Apache weren't interested in a lone searcher so they allowed him passage expecting him to die from the elements.
Anyway, there are multiple channels that specialize in nothing but stories from the Supes. My favorite is Mysteries of the Superstition Mountains. I also like Wayne Tuttle's channel, Legends of the Superstition Mountains.
Thank you. That is very interesting and would explain a lot.
The gold from the matchbook case, the last known gold from the box under his bed, was analyzed and it is not the same gold from the mine. That's what's reported it may not mean anything it may mean a lot.
Thank you, for sharing this story Bryan. Prayers to the family and friends 🙏
Hello Bryan! Thank you for your interesting stories! You have a caring heart and treat each victim and their families with decency and respect. I look forward to all your cases. Thank you for your hard work!
Thank you Greer, I appreciate your kind words and feedback🙏 thank you so much for taking the time to comment🙏
Bryan, I always get excited when a notification from you pops up. You did a lot of research on this video, and it shows. You really paint a great picture of of this mysterious goldmine and people associated with it. Thanks for a very interesting story. Love your channel.
Thank you Susan, I really appreciate the kind words and support 🙏 it means a lot to me because a lot of work and hours go into these videos. I know I still have a lot to learn and a lot I can improve on, but it's nice having positive reinforcement along the way, so thank you so much🙏🙏
Okay. The Superstitions are 10 miles North to South and 17 miles East to West. There are monumented and maintained trails all through the range. You can easily hike from Canyon Lake down to Peralta Trailhead in a day (easily). If you Off-Trail Hike, things get very different. If you just want a great hike, you can go all through the mountains. You can also do that Off-Trail, but it takes a bit longer and can be far more dangerous. That said, I have overnighted tons of times. You don't need more than two or three days (unless you find something interesting).
I used to camp, hike, and backpack in the Superstitions. It's a gorgeous location but brutal despite the time of year. If you're experienced, prepared, and safe, you'll be fine.
Excellent video. I have seen the Superstition Mountains. Beautiful. 😇🙏
My dads place is right across the street from superstition MTN , APACHE JUNCTION IS AWESOME !!! I got lost 2nd day i was there for the first timee 5 yrs ago search and rescue came but luckily i found my way down off trail all cut up from cacti ..... The energy attracted me to this valley / gorge and before you know it your off trail / i went up by jacobs cross cut trail off Broadway
There is no way I would go looking for this mine. So many people have already failed and died. Bless all their souls and may they rest in peace. I don't know that I've heard this story before. Very interesting and well told.
I've always liked this story, really enjoyed you covering it
Thank you! It's so much information, so I tried to include the basics and the main info.. but it's crazy how deep this story goes. Thank you for your support and kind words 🙏
Very well done.. I had heard some of this but I like how you put it all together . Thank you 🙏🙏
Thank you so much! I appreciate you always saying kind things and your feedback 🙏
You are right about people risking their lives searching for this; but to a lot of people it sounds like easy money. This was very interesting. Thank you for sharing!
Chalk People love easy money!!! So they die. Oh well.
@@robertchandler2124 who are the Chalk People? New term I have not heard of, thks.
I lived there for years. if people would listen to the Apaches, the lost dutchman mine was buried under thousands of tons of rock when the mountain collapsed during an earthquake. it's gone. the mine was originally used by the Apaches to hide and mine gold they stole.
So are you saying The Apaches mined & stole Gold from their own land!?
Sorry I'm bit confused!? Who's land were they mining on!?
@@indigenousaquarian3112 in Arizona 90% of the land belongs to the federal/state government.
@@indigenousaquarian3112 no! Mexico, the Spanish stole the gold from the Indians via forced labor. the gold was then transported north into Arizona. the Apaches raided the travelers, took the stolen gold, and hid it. the Spanish also had gold there. this is my home ground. I spend more time in those mountains than I do at home.
@@indigenousaquarian3112 open land no owners
Years ago, spent a few days exploring the Superstitions on horseback with a group. It’s beautiful, hard, country. We didn’t find the mine, but it was a good time.
Thank you Jean for sharing your experience. I'm sure it was a beautiful trip and I'm happy that you returned safe. Personally I think there might have been a mine at one point, however, there are mines all over the place out west, and with this one, it got romanticized and people have actually been willing to risk their lives finding something that we don't even know even exists..I feel like with all the modern technology, we probably would have found it by now. I'm not saying it can't be there, but I just think unfortunately too many people have put their whole lives into finding it, only to be met with the worst outcome. Thank you for sharing your experience and feedback🙏🙏
What a fascinating legend! If there were ever a story that can carry a daydream, this is it!
A good reason to take a personal location beacon with you on such adventures.. It seems easier to find deseaced searchers than finding the mine.
This is a great story. Hope your foot is healing Brian. Ice is your friend. Take care of yourself. Thank you so much for all your great content. Researched very well.
A couple of guys, a geologist and a archaeologist I think, did a series a few years ago on mysteries like these. They looked into this. They followed various leads. To the best of their abilities, it appears due to erosion, the gold apparently in a cave or mine is gone. To find it, you would have to search the countryside.
Christian Easter, Hi! I like your name! Do you know, I wouldn't even want that gold, not after so many lives were lost. This
is too much to be just a little "coincidence". Some antiques, ancient treasure, artifacts of all kinds can be loaded down
with some really bad Juju. I think we're all better off staying home and watching those places on RUclips. Good wishes!
Folks may as wells ! Chase pot of gold's at the end of rainbows !! Lifetime is what folks wants !doing those things!! As longs as there happy & enjoy it !just realize your limits !think of your families back homes !
Just waiting for next one, love the channel
I have been enthralled with lost mines since seeing MacKenna's Gold as a kid. I grew up on the prairie far from any gold mines.
Hiked up to Massacre Falls about 4 years ago. There had been a record snowfall and the falls were roaring. Beautiful place. Hadn't heard any of the history then. Thanks!
Massacre Falls? I would never ever hike to a place with Massacre in the name! I bet there was a massacre there & probably still got bad evil residual energy left there! F*ck that! Those type of spirits can attach to you & follow you home
@@indigenousaquarian3112 maybe, but there had been a 1 in 500 year snow fall 2 days before. I feel lucky!
I love your channel Bryan. Thanks for all you do
Really feel like a lot of these old treasure stories were based on truth but more than likely the riches or “gold” has already been found by someone in secret.
Very interesting,informative and respectful. Thank you.
Thanks so much for the story. Thanks for all the hard work you do.
Thank you Jon, I appreciate your kind words🙏
I'm so appreciative of how often you post your content! Love your channel.
This is about the very best video's on the missing with people who have heartfelt sorry for both victims and families.
I love the way you do the background music, nice and low. so many youtube videos have obnoxious, loud and oppressive music
Somethings are not meant to be found
Agree totally it's not worth losing your life over very sad
It should stay a mystery
If it's there and meant to be found it will be and I'm sure it will be found by those not looking for it
Very interesting content
God Bless all those who have lost there life's looking for this mine 🙏
Great video man, so nicely explained everything.
I have never heard of this story but this is really interesting story. Thanks for sharing it. Wonderful work.
Thank you for your fabulous channel, the details are always brilliant and narrated so clearly. Only found your channel a few weeks ago and subscribed after listening to the very first one from the UK. Totally agree with your comments here, nothing is worth risking your life over. Riches, fame or recognition do nothing if you're not around to enjoy the rewards. Thank you, keep well and stay safe
I hike the superstitions with my dogs all the time. One of the prettiest areas I have seen. I do stumble upon many Graves though lol
Thank you for this interesting video.
Searching for a mine in that terrain sounds like a supreme challenge. One would be searching for an opening perhaps no more than six to ten feet square. One would have to be nearly within arm's reach of it to spot it.
In my very limited experience hiking and backpacking in the Southwest, I can definitely state with complete confidence that, if one is not prepared for the conditions, one will expire rather quickly. The heat can be lethal, even in April and May. The Southwest does not suffer fools gladly. Small errors in judgment swiftly create life-or-death situations.
Again, thanks for the video.
I always loved this legend. And yes, those people and others were murdered up there. Someone or something is either guarding something or just fucked in the head and preying on people. Dangerous either way. If anyone does go looking for this… I recommend a large group, armed, and rotating a night watch. Going up there alone is basically suicide
Wow, best story yet. Thanks for sharing.
More great content! We’ve been following for a while and you’ve only gotten better. 😃
Thank you! I appreciate your support and following along; and thank you for your feedback🙏
I hear that have a cool old "Superstition Mountains" museum near Apache Junction. I can't hike the trail, but I can visit the museum 🥴 Another great video. Thank you.
Prescott, Arizona here🌵😃 Hi Bryan🙋 Love this subject and cant wait to see more of your content💯
🌟New Subscriber🌟
... They don't call it "Superstition Mountain"
for nothing
I really look forward to your uploads. Great content and channel Bryan.
An old man out there told me if the mine was real the searchers for missing persons would have found it by now. There have been massive searches of the Superstitions.
jacob waltz said you could be 8 feet from his mine and not see it
Many years ago when we hiked the Superstition Mountain trails, we saw many people carrying guns. Some were on horseback. We were shocked but I guess that was pretty common in Arizona. We actually discussed about getting shot and no one would even know.
So you hiked a mountain with Superstition in the name without a gun!? Man you got balls!!
I always carry a gun when I hike (AZ native)
So glad Arizona ready for battle low crime in apache county where I live. I don't carry myself but so super glad so many neighbors do.
Byran, you sure did a great job on this story. For all you know, by doing this video, that you might have unknowingly, changed some people's mind about going there, thus, saving their lives. You did a great job on investigating this story. Thank you.
I really like your approach to these stories. Thank you! It's refreshing to not hear it all hyped up and fast glorifying violence instead of approaching it with compassion like you have. I am grateful for your style and content. There are rumors about those mountains and how they got their name they say the dead haunt those mountains and there is a creepy feeling even when you drive by them!
Really enjoy your channel. Your content although scary fascinates me. Thanks for all that you do, be safe out there everyone!
Thank you Corey, I really appreciate the support 🙏
Thank you young fella for a most intriguing video, I've been there & respect the wilderness can be brutal to the unprepared. I explore our wilds many times even @ 74 I try to be prepared especially when our temperatures can fall to minus -30s up here 🇨🇦 Canada. 74+🍁hunter Yorkshire expat
Fascinating story! I have never heard of Superstition Mountains or the lore surrounding them. Thank you for sharing these stories!
Going backpacking there in December, so excited.
It is the old adage that people think "It cannot or won't happen to me". In those mountains, in that heat, and with the other threats human, animal, and terrain, people often do not seem to realize what they are facing out there. If people do decide to go looking for the mine, they should keep in mind that Jacob Waltz was an older individual and was still traveling to the mine. He still had to be in good shape, but it also has to be where an older individual can reach it. Even he, however, did not travel to it in the Summer heat and waited for the cooler seasons
Yup, you’re right, you don’t think my effort will cost me my life before you die….
the excitement and curiosity of looking no matter what
Hermit friend spent 8 years there with his mule in AZ looking for the Lost Dutchman Mine.. Has every book and pamphlet on the "Lost Dutchman Mine" including the yellow pamphlet worth hundreds of dollars. He has even written one..
He believes that was all a real estate ploy!
1) The map of AZ is identical, turned upside down, to the map of White Plains County NV only larger.
2) The Dutchmans partner is buried in Ely, White Plains County NV.
3) The mountains range west of Ely entering Railroad Valley are IDENTICAL in shape to the picture on the back of yellow "Lost Dutchman Mine" pamphlet!
4) One mountain is named "Beaver" which is the Dutchman's last name in english...
5) Theres lots more including the river where the Dutch might have hung onto tree, including huge old dead tree, right below mountain range..!
I was born in Maricopa county. #1 The mine is a mix of outright lies, wishful thinking, scam, and unfounded rumors. #2 the desert is far far more dangerous than newbies can believe. Unprepared, unequipped and thoughtless is GUARANTEED to kill you in ONE day unless one is extremely lucky. My sister's girl scout leader died within walking distance of her own home within 24 hours for instance and a friend of mine and myself survived wandering away from our group once because we saw the nearby orange groves happened to be getting irrigated (and drank like dogs on our hands and knees.) Neither case involved anywhere near the same idiocy that these mine lookers are guilty of and one still cost a beautiful woman her life. Please don't become another statistic or rescue victim. Stay in Idaho. We really don't like the soft little -insert your state here- people coming around us anyway and are honestly tired of sending helicopters and firemen to hopefully save them. Maybe this will save a life. Rude or not the point must be driven home. YOU WILL DIE.
We were 10 or 11 when we wandered off. I still remember thinking 'we might just die out here' 40 years later.
1887 earthquake may of buried it. Nice hiking in the Superstitions.
Great channel. Love the content
I was told by a native elder that the local tribe closed the mine entrance many decades ago. You're better off panning for gold in the river..
So very interesting. I've read about the Superstitions, watched some videos, and it is a fascinating area. Very harsh ecosystem, lots of fatalities, and a perfect place for criminal activity. Legends are always mysterious and intriguing, but most of them turn out to be exactly that...legends. Thank you!
🙏🏻💗🙏🏻
I heard about this Mountain in Arizona. A tour guide I was watching wouldn't go there. So that alone tells you something.
There is a great RUclips channel called Superstition Mountains Chasing the Legend hosted by Wayne Tuttle
I live next to the superstition mountains and as teenagers we use to go up to a cave filled with bats. Plus a cave called geronimos cave. It's not dangerous if you bring enough water and dont go just wondering off. There are trails stick to them and it's something anyone is decent shape can do
I assume the tour guide is a local native & knows what areas to avoid on the mountain! If he won't go there then nobody should go there! If the local tour guide won't go that means it's not safe! People should f*cking listen to the tour guide & local natives
@@indigenousaquarian3112 There is a short video on RUclips made by a Superstition Mountains tour guide, can't say that it is the same one, but he was chased out of his area by a flying figure that dive bombed him. But I agree. People should pay more attention to local legend and lore of the people who know these areas best.
@@vixendoe2545 I live next to the superstition mountains I see them everyday. Most of the videos about them are just made up garbage to get views. If you have plenty of water with you you'll be fine the only real danger out there are diamondback rattlesnakes possibly cougars and wild boars but I've only seen rattlesnakes myself. The heat kills more than anything else.
I think because it's around/on Native American land. It's being protected by their sacred one's 1st. Thank you and I really enjoy your channel!
Makes sense!!
Thank you ! I saw a documentation in the german TV.
Please make a video about Ketil Ulvang, brother of Vegard Ulvang.
Great job 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
My family goes back a few generations from Arizona. Always heard the stories about the Superstitions, "people go in, but they don't come out."
Bryan please check into a story here locally in the Sangre De Cristo area of Colorado. An interesting story of gold discovered by the Conquistadors. They used the Ute Indians as slaves to mine the gold. The Utes eventually rebelled and blew up the cave entrance. If the Lost Dutchman mine was meant to be found it would be.
Watched a documentary on the this - great historical to up-to date video. There are some who went up and found nothing - dead end. So not everyone who went up to look for it died.
I wonder if there will be a televised series on hunting for The Lost Dutchmab's Goldmine. Investigated in the same way as Skin Walker Ranch. If so I would watch it. Tbh I lived in AZ years ago and those mountains always gave off a mystical vibe. I love hiking and the mountains; however, I would never hike the Superstitions.
It's not called Superstition Mountain for nothing! My intuition tells me not to go in there or any place with Superstition in it
I agree about the mystical vibes I feel there are portals in there
Heres a little more backstory of the details. ruclips.net/video/zka0Z4069vs/видео.html
@@portalofwisdom8858 thank you
A show has been made, a little dramatized but interesting
Great stories !
Just the population of rattlesnakes in that area should be enough of a deterrent!
I remember the first time I saw the Superstition Mountains on a road trip from New Mexico to California. They are quite visible from the main highway. I was very young and asked my mother what the foreboding land formation was. She informed me of the name and explained that very few explorers who went there ever came back.
If you want to see snakes come to Australia ! I nearly stood on one yesterday ! 😜👍🏻❤️🇦🇺
@@lizardstillruntheworldliza4883 I've heard that! I believe I saw a documentary about a place called Snake Island off the coast of Australia. Truly frightening.
Boy, what a legend! I was there a week ago, it's a very popular hiking area, and fairly hard to get lost there. You could do it of course, people have, but there are plenty more wild and remote areas in Arizona.
As to rattlesnakes, there are two things to know: They are pretty uncommon in the cool months, and rare in true winter. Even in other months, where you are likely to hear, even see them, you need to understand they are not a predator. They wait for small critters to show up in their area bite and eat, and are afraid of big critters (like, you!). That's why they have a rattle. The want nothing to do with you and want you to stay away. If you hear one, look, and slowly walk away. Works virtually every time. People who tend to get bit are ones who accidentally kick them or step on them when just hiking along.
There are a lot of aggressive snakes in the world, Black Mamba, Fer de Lance, Saw Scaled Viper. But even those snakes, while apt to easily strike, aren't going to look for and hunt humans. It just doesn't happen, period. All rattlesnakes are even more timid than this.
@@lizardstillruntheworldliza4883 True! Many more venemous snakes in Australia than in the US. Significantly more. While many are very timid, very shy, that doesn't mean I'd want to get bit by one!
I knew Curtis Ardene and Malcolm I was supposed to be there on that trip and he tried twice before not just once
I always wanted to go out there. Thanks Brian 🍻❤️
It would be interesting to compare the percentage of people who returned uninjured but unable to locate the mine v the percentage of those who died looking for it?
I imagine some go looking without letting others know their intention as well.
It does sound like there have been appointed guards over time ... unless the deaths from bullets in the head were unrelated, but that would be strange.
I think mankind plunder the Earth way too much ... maybe the mountains evoke their own protection 🙌
you can die for nothing, like elvis sitting on a toilet, or you can die pursuing your dream. we would have never landed on the moon if we chose the former.
@@bobs5596 Elvis did not die for nothing, regardless of where he was found. He is still entertaining millions of folks today...
@@sancho8521 He died for a handful of pills. pathetic.
@@bobs5596 Thank you for using the actual word for death: DIE!! So sick of the politically correct "pass/passing"....you pass a football or a car in the left lane. And Elvis was PASSING stool (or attempting to) when he DIED. I hate political correctness. Call it what it IS !!
@@bobs5596 if you believe that you're higher than 10 people
A hiker died there yesterday- R.I.P 1/25/22. He fell off the edge trying to take a picture from the top of flat iron.
Thank you for this-I had never heard the background stories.
I live in Apache Junction AZ. Goldfield is about ten miles from where I live. I love hiking but there is something about the Superstitions that freak me out. I just look at them. I won't go into them.
That's your intuition telling you that Superstition Mountain is not safe. I wouldn't go in there either! Intuitively I feel danger
I've lived near the Superstitions for 47 yrs. Im a avid outdoorsman and off-roader. I think the best information out there is on the RUclips channel "Mysteries of the Superstition Mountains".Study the history of this beautiful area. The real history of this area is far more interesting than this mine. I myself don't believe it ever existed. The media distorted and made up information even way back then.
I bet right now there are folks living off grid there in those mountains and they REALLY dont want to be disturbed.
No way it's not a place that you could survive off grid. I live next to the superstition mountains. I can open my door and see them now. Summer it gets 115°F in town and if you dont have water out in the desert its 100% fatal. And in those mountains there isnt a single water source. If you know the right cactuses you might survive. But even that is dangerous because some are edible others are deadly
I believe, for a few people, it's locating the mine, and finding the treasure. But, for most people, I believe it's locating the mine, and being the first person to solve the mystery.
Geologically it's very unlikely that there is even gold in Superstition Mountains, so no reason to go searching for a mine.
The famed pirate Blackbeard's hidden treasure is supposedly buried where I grew up, and these stories just reminded me of that legend I used to dream about as a child. This sort of hidden treasure curiosity is something that affects so many people tho and folks go to great lengths to find something that may just be unfindable. Every local knows every detail and thousands travel from all over just to see if they can find it. Wild.
No risk, no reward! You must be prepared, you must have water and a compass! You have to be a bush crafter!
Hike area frequently, plan on it in 2days. Water filter bottle very handy to extend hike. Knowing where water holes are is handy. The west is no joke. Eastern hikers have no worries until you come here! Be prepared! Lots of helo rescues here and Camelback Mountain , I bet mostly tourists.
Great pick R😏
Great story, thank you. Really enjoy your channel and have binge watched every story since finding you a couple of months ago. You might be interested in an Australian story (similar story, similar time to this one) of Harold Lasseter who declared he had found a Gold Reef in Central Australia. Subsequent searches he organised ended in tragedy for him and the reef has never been located ... so they say ....
Thank you! You're very kind! And yes I'll look into that case and start researching it. Thank you for the information and thank you for being so supportive 🙏