Search for the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine

An Explanation of the Journey

Apache Junction is our starting and ending point, located at the bottom left of the poster map/game board that teams use for their planning and tracking. Note that The Lost Dutchman's Mine is near the top-right of the map. In the corners are Supply Depots where teams may also exchange resources if they have not adequately planned their resource consumption.

Teams have the choice of three different trails to the Mine.

The safest and most straightforward route is via the middle, called The Plateau Trail. On this route, it takes 7 days "to" and 7 days "from" the mine. Teams receive Gold on their entry to the mine, so they will begin mining on Day 7 and must leave by day 14 to make it back to Apache Junction. ALL teams must return.

Another route takes them across the higher risk Low Country Trail. This route is apparently 5 days in length, although Tom's Canyon Ford across the arroyo has been known to flood and impede progress. After a flood, the trail also turns to mud, causing teams to use up extra fuel.

A third option is The High Country Trail, so called because it heads up toward Tortilla Flats. This route is apparently longer, but there is also information about Tortilla Flats available in the Library at Apache Junction.