The Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine

Just east of Phoenix in the heart of the Sonoran Desert lays a vast piece of land that is shrouded with mystery and allure. Now designated as a Wilderness Area, The Lost Dutchman State Park still peaks the interest of many. As a child growing up in this desert town I remember hearing stories of the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine that was supposedly located somewhere hidden within the Superstition Mountains. One detail that I remember more than anything as a child was the fact that those who try to find the mine usually don't come back. Many have gone on to insinuate that the mine is either cursed or protected by "unknown forces," while others doubt its very existence.

The lost mine was named after German immigrant Jacob Waltz who came to America in 1845 to explore the riches promised out West. Waltz mined several regions of the area and ended up settling in the Rio Satillo Valley, which is the northern side of the Superstition Mountain. His story is a true testament to life in the West, fully equipped with stories of Indians, treasure, and danger. According to legend, Waltz and his partner Jacob Weiser either stumbled upon the "lost mine" or were given the map to its secret location as a gift from a thankful miner that owed his life to Waltz. One thing is certain, speculation began to rise when Waltz and Weiser began paying for items with gold nuggets in Phoenix. It was said that Waltz had the purest gold anyone had ever seen. When curious onlookers would try to get information from Waltz regarding the wherabouts of this gold mine it is said that he would confuse them by giving them contradictory directions.

In an even more interesting twist, it is rumored that the aging Waltz became involved with a woman by the name of Julia Elena Thomas who owned a small business in Phoenix. Apparently, Waltz told her that he would take her to his secret mine, "in the spring" but she never saw it.

Waltz eventually passed away and treasure hunters began the search for the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine. For over 25 years no one had any luck finding any trace of the secret mine.

Accounts dating all the way back to 1900 record the lives of men and women who set out on foot in search of the mine only to never be seen or heard from again. Some vanished without a trace while others were found shot dead on the desert floor for no apparent reason.

As for me, I understand enough to know that someone or something does not want you up exploring those mountains. I am cool, I get it but for those thrill seekers if you must -- enter at your own risk, and understand the dangers that may be on hand.

Information:

Lost Dutchman State Park

6109 N. Apache Trail

Apache Junction, AZ 85219

(480) 982- 4485

Fees:

Park Entrance Fees:
Per Vehicle (1-4 Adults): $5.00
Individual/Bicycle: $2.00

Camping Fees:
Non-Electric site: $12

Summer Fees

In effect Friday before Memorial Day through the end of Labor Day.

Park Entrance Fees:
Per Vehicle (1-4 Adults): $3.00