Many men died searching for it. “Where Weaver’s Needle casts its long shadow at four in the afternoon, there you will find a vein of rose quartz laced with gold wire—and you will be rich beyond your wildest dreams.” With this deathbed statement in 1891, Jacob Waltz tantalized treasure-seekers ever since. Legend has it that “Dutchman” [his nickname] Waltz—who was actually a German—was a loner and an alcoholic and never did develop the mine, but periodically returned to get gold as he needed it. Many tried to follow him, but were either killed or became lost in the maze of canyons. (Dutchman’s partner, Jacob Weiser also died mysteriously.)
Far, far away… in the mysterious Superstition mountainsThere are many trails into the Tonto National Forest’s Superstition Wilderness. Summer temperatures are often well over 100°F, so the best seasons to hike are early spring or late fall.
The steep, jagged crags seem threateningWe are camped in The Lost Dutchman State Park on the western edge of the Superstitions. As we hike toward the mountain, it seems grow in size and dominance.
The high cliffs are intimidating
{And now the menacing music
begins to be more frantic.}
<The blood-red menacing towers of the Superstitions
From our camp site, we watch the setting sun turn the rugged, rocky peaks blood-red. A truly overwhelming sight!
Tranquil bunny
The rabbit is not a bit afraid. (Maybe it's because the Camp Ground Host puts out Cheerios and grapes for the various critters—lucky for him, he doesn’t have any of the vicious Mountain View squirrels.)
