Mountain Treasures in Colorado
Colorado, a land of majestic peaks, sprawling plains, and rich history, has long been a magnet for adventurers, dreamers, and those seeking fortune. Beyond its stunning natural beauty, the state holds secrets whispered on the wind, tales of lost treasures hidden within its rugged terrain. From gold bars buried by Spaniards to silver coins secreted away by outlaws, the legends of Colorado’s hidden riches continue to captivate the imagination and inspire modern-day treasure hunters. This article delves into some of the most intriguing stories of Mountain Treasures in Colorado, offering a glimpse into the past and a tantalizing prospect for those willing to seek their fortune.
One such tale speaks of the Mountain Treasures in Colorado linked to an Arapaho Princess. Legend has it that long ago, Spanish explorers buried eight burro-loads of gold bars, each weighing approximately 50 pounds, somewhere in the stone cliffs overlooking the Purgatory River, roughly five miles east of present-day Las Animas. The story recounts that the gold was concealed about 300 feet from a peculiar rock formation, one resembling a doll and standing approximately 30 feet tall. The burial site was reportedly near a village established in the early 1800s in the foothills. However, tragedy struck before the Spanish could utilize or relocate their newfound wealth. They were reportedly killed, and the treasure remained unclaimed. The exact location of this potential bonanza remains shrouded in mystery, awaiting discovery.
Another compelling narrative centers around the Chacuaco Canyon Treasure. The year was 1858 when a wagon train, laden with an estimated 1,500 pounds of gold ingots, traversed the southeastern expanse of Colorado, within the boundaries of what is now Las Animas County. Their journey was abruptly interrupted by a violent ambush perpetrated by a band of outlaws and renegade Native Americans. Initially, the wagon train defended itself valiantly, repelling the attackers and causing them to retreat. To evade further pursuit, the travelers veered off course, seeking refuge within the winding confines of Chacuaco Canyon.
Unfortunately, their respite was short-lived. The outlaws, fueled by vengeance and greed, relentlessly pursued the wagon train. Recognizing the imminent threat, three members of the wagon train hastily loaded the precious gold ingots onto six mules and led the animals toward a rocky outcropping along a nearby creek. While these men were in the process of concealing the gold, the outlaws overtook the wagon train, unleashing their fury upon the remaining travelers. In a brutal act of savagery, every member of the wagon train was slaughtered.
Amidst the carnage, the three men managed to escape to a nearby Mexican village. They planned to return for the gold, but fate intervened. Before they could reach their hidden cache, they were ambushed and killed by Ute Indians. The Mountain Treasures in Colorado remained hidden, undisturbed by human hands.
Interestingly, in June 2009, an update to this legend emerged from a reader who claimed to have conducted extensive research and located a significant portion of the treasure. According to this account, the treasure consisted of small gold bars bearing Spanish insignias. While the veracity of this claim remains uncertain, it adds another layer of intrigue to the already captivating story. This discovery, if true, doesn’t negate the possibility of more hidden Mountain Treasures in Colorado.
Moving away from the plains and into the mountains, we encounter the legend surrounding Devil’s Head Mountain. Dominating the landscape thirty miles north of Woodland Park, Devil’s Head Mountain is visible for over 75 miles, a towering sentinel overlooking vast forests and picturesque meadows. The surrounding area, characterized by its wild gulches, mysterious caves, and dense timber, provided ideal hideouts for outlaws in the late 1800s. Consequently, numerous tales persist of buried treasure in the Devil’s Head vicinity. The area offers ample opportunities for exploration, with numerous jeep roads and hiking trails. Adding to its allure, the summit boasts the last operating fire lookout tower along Colorado’s Front Range. Built in 1912, the tower was constructed using materials transported up the mountain by mules. From its vantage point, the tower offers a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding Pike National Forest. Could some outlaw’s loot be hidden amongst the trails? This Mountain Treasures in Colorado lure visitors to the region.
Another intriguing location steeped in outlaw lore is Irish Canyon. During the late 1800s, Irish Canyon, situated in Moffat County, became a favored refuge for notorious outlaws such as Butch Cassidy and his Wild Bunch, as well as other figures like Matt Warner and Isom Dart. These outlaws frequented the Browns Park area, seeking shelter and respite from the law. Legend has it that $30,000 in silver coins remains buried somewhere within the canyon’s rugged confines.
Today, Irish Canyon offers more than just the allure of hidden treasure. Visitors can explore a network of excellent trails, perfect for hiking and mountain biking. The Irish Canyon Rock Art Site provides a glimpse into the past, showcasing Fremont rock art from an elevated platform. Moffat County, located in the extreme northwest corner of Colorado, is home to Irish Canyon, which lies northwest of Maybell. To reach the canyon, travelers can take US-40 to Colorado 318 from Maybell, then turn northwest onto 318 and continue to Moffat County Road 10N, which traverses the canyon. This rugged landscape promises both adventure and the potential to uncover forgotten Mountain Treasures in Colorado.
The story of Round Mountain offers another tantalizing prospect. Long ago, a group of four French-Canadian trappers were said to have been working along the Snake River near Round Mountain. Their activities were discovered by American trappers, who seized their furs and traps, forcing them to flee. The four trappers traveled south into western Colorado, where one of them stumbled upon a gold nugget in the headwaters of the Gunnison River.
For the next month, they diligently panned the gravel in the creek beds, amassing a considerable quantity of gold. However, their newfound fortune attracted unwanted attention. Ute Indians discovered the Frenchmen and launched an attack. In the ensuing battle, which lasted several days, three of the Frenchmen were killed. The fourth managed to escape over Cochetopa Pass, just west of Saguache. Sensing that his pursuers were closing in, he buried the gold on Round Mountain, intending to return for it later. Sadly, his plans were thwarted. The Indians caught and killed the lone French-Canadian near the summit of Poncha Pass. The treasure, buried somewhere on Round Mountain, has never been found, and the story has endured for centuries. The vastness of the area presents a challenge, but the potential reward of discovering this long-lost Mountain Treasures in Colorado is irresistible to some.
Finally, the tale of the Ten-Cent Treasure adds another layer to Colorado’s rich tapestry of lost riches. According to the legend, a wagon train transporting newly minted dimes from the Denver mint to Phoenix, Arizona, vanished somewhere between a Crawford ranch and Montrose. The cargo consisted of four to six wooden kegs of dimes, distributed among four separate wagons traveling together. Years later, treasure hunters stumbled upon the remnants of the four wagons at the rim of a canyon, where a side wash emptied into the ravine. Although they managed to collect several gallons of dimes along the Gunnison River near the north rim of Black Canyon, it is believed that a significant portion of the treasure remains undiscovered. The allure of recovering these "Ten-Cent Mountain Treasures in Colorado" continues to draw prospectors to the area, hoping to unearth the remaining kegs of dimes swallowed by the unforgiving landscape.
These are just a few of the many captivating tales of hidden riches that have become ingrained in Colorado’s folklore. While the existence and precise locations of these Mountain Treasures in Colorado remain unconfirmed, the legends serve as a testament to the state’s rich history, its untamed wilderness, and the enduring human desire for wealth and adventure. Whether you are a seasoned treasure hunter or simply a curious traveler, exploring the landscapes of Colorado offers the chance to connect with these legendary tales and perhaps, just perhaps, uncover a piece of the state’s hidden past. The allure of these stories continues to inspire, drawing dreamers and adventurers to the heart of the Centennial State.