The rugged landscapes of Colorado hold more than just scenic beauty; they cradle tales of immense wealth and historical intrigue. Across its vast counties, the legends of Colorado treasure continue to captivate adventurers and historians alike, promising fortunes hidden beneath the surface. This article delves into various accounts of lost gold, silver, and coin caches, painting a vivid picture of the hidden riches awaiting discovery in the Centennial State, from infamous outlaw stashes to forgotten settler fortunes.
For centuries, the vast, untamed wilderness of Colorado has been a backdrop for tales of lost wealth. From the frenetic pace of the gold rush to the daring exploits of notorious outlaws, the land itself seems to hold secrets. Many have sought these elusive fortunes, driven by stories passed down through generations, each tale adding to the mystique. These legends of Colorado treasure often involve dramatic events, daring heists, and mysterious disappearances, making the quest for discovery an integral part of the state’s historical identity.
County-by-County: Legends of Lost Colorado Treasure
Costilla County: The Fort Garland Paymaster’s Hoard
One of the enduring legends in Costilla County points to a significant Colorado treasure: the lost funds of Fort Garland’s paymaster. This substantial sum was reportedly stashed along Trinchera Creek, a remote and rugged area that would have provided a suitable hiding spot in times of turmoil. The exact circumstances of its burial remain shrouded in mystery, fueling centuries of speculation and searches among those who believe the wealth is still awaiting discovery in the wild terrain.
El Paso County: Outlaw Stashes and the Bloody Espinosas
El Paso County is a hotbed for tales of hidden wealth. Near Monument, nestled between Colorado Springs and Denver, legend has it that the infamous Butch Cassidy Gang secreted away a staggering $100,000 from their bank robberies. This substantial sum of outlaw loot remains undiscovered, a tantalizing prize for modern treasure hunters.
Further deepening El Paso County’s mystique is the chilling story of the “Bloody Espinosas,” an outlaw gang that terrorized the San Luis Valley in 1863. Driven by a purported vision from the Virgin Mary, they aimed to expel Anglos through a campaign of robbery and violence. Their ill-gotten gains were reportedly buried near the present-day town of Cascade in Ute Pass, on the slopes of Pikes Peak. Despite the gang’s eventual gruesome end at the hands of an army scout from Fort Garland, who rode back to the fort with their heads in a sack, their buried wealth has never surfaced.
Garfield County: Undiscovered Train Robbery Spoils
In Garfield County, near Grand Valley, whispers persist of undiscovered loot from a daring train robbery. Such events were not uncommon during the frontier era, with bandits often stashing their spoils in remote, inaccessible locations along the railway lines or in nearby canyons. The specific details of the robbery and the identities of the perpetrators are often hazy, yet the legend of this particular Colorado treasure continues to draw interest from those hoping to recover the hidden spoils.
Gilpin County: A Gold Chest on Ralston Creek
Gilpin County, a historic mining hub, holds its own secrets. A chest brimming with gold is said to be hidden somewhere on Ralston Creek Road, a route connecting the historic, gold-rich towns of Central City and Denver. The allure of this particular Colorado treasure lies in its potential connection to the state’s storied gold rush, perhaps representing an unrecovered miner’s fortune or a hidden cache from early settlers making their way to the burgeoning capital.
Huerfano County: Henry Sefton’s Lost Coins
The rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Huerfano County conceal a legend of significant monetary loss. Two barrels of coins, belonging to a man named Henry Sefton, were reportedly lost at the Gomez Ranch. Whether these coins were hidden for safekeeping during turbulent times or simply misplaced during a perilous journey, their disappearance contributes to the rich tapestry of lost Colorado fortunes, waiting for a persistent seeker to stumble upon them.
Lake County: Jesse James’ Alleged Stash
Even the legendary outlaw Jesse James is rumored to have left his mark on Colorado. In Lake County, specifically in Half Moon Gulch southwest of Leadville, some of James’ stolen wealth is believed to be hidden. The presence of such a notorious figure’s treasure in the state adds another layer to the complex narrative of Colorado treasure, suggesting the vast reach and influence of these historical figures across the American West. The remote gulch provides an ideal, challenging location for such a legendary stash.
Larimer County: The Musgrove Corral Treasure
Larimer County is home to the grim legend of the Musgrove Gang, led by the brutal Lee Musgrove. These thieves and rustlers operated across a wide swath of the American West, known for their barbarity and deadly raids. Though lawman Dave Cook systematically brought the gang to justice, with Musgrove himself lynched in Denver in 1868, their “Musgrove Corral Treasure” — a substantial cache of gold and silver coins — is said to remain buried along the Cache la Poudre River. This represents a significant Colorado treasure tied to a dark chapter of the state’s past, a reminder of the dangers and rewards of the frontier.
Lincoln County: California Gold Rush Loot
A fascinating tale from 1847 in Lincoln County involves a staggering $100,000 stolen from Sacramento during the California Gold Rush. This substantial gold is said to be hidden in a gulch several miles east of Clifford. The authenticity of this claim is bolstered by the discovery of a flat stone bearing the inscription “D. Grover and Joseph Fox Lawe, Aug. 8, 1847,” near Clifford many years ago. This intriguing artifact lends credence to the legend, marking it as a particularly promising buried wealth story for those who seek historical clues.
Moffat County: Dinosaur National Monument’s Buried Ore
Within the dramatic landscapes of Pat’s Hole in today’s Dinosaur National Monument in Moffat County, a cache of gold ore valued at $10,000 was buried in the past. While that initial sum was significant for its time, its current worth would be many times greater, thanks to inflation and the rising value of gold. This valuable Colorado treasure, though sought after by numerous expeditions, has never been successfully recovered, preserving its mystery amidst the ancient geological wonders.
Otero County: Bent’s Fort Secrets
The historic site of Bent’s Fort on the old Santa Fe Trail in Otero County is another location rumored to hold substantial buried treasure. As a crucial trading post, military outpost, and hub of activity in the 19th century, Bent’s Fort would have seen vast sums of money, valuable goods, and important documents pass through its grounds. The prospect of hidden wealth, perhaps buried for safekeeping during conflicts or abandoned in haste, makes the grounds of this historical landmark a site of continued interest for those seeking lost riches connected to the American expansion.
Outlaw Havens and Their Hidden Legacies
Brown’s Hole: Butch Cassidy’s Untouched Stash
Brown’s Hole, a remote valley along the Utah-Colorado border, was a notorious sanctuary for outlaws like Butch Cassidy and his Wild Bunch in the 1890s. This isolated haven, known for its difficult access and sparse law enforcement presence, was ideal for escaping lawmen and hiding stolen goods, livestock, and money. It is widely believed that much of the Wild Bunch’s outlaw loot, a true Colorado treasure of its own kind, was cached here and remains unrecovered. Cassidy’s girlfriend, Josie Morris, even lived at Brown’s Park on the Bassett Ranch, further cementing its connection to the gang’s activities. Though little physical evidence of this outlaw paradise remains today beyond old graves and cabin remnants, the legend of its hidden wealth persists, drawing treasure hunters to this rugged corner of Colorado, hoping to unearth a piece of the Wild West’s past.
The Enduring Quest for Colorado Treasure
The tales of lost wealth across Colorado are as diverse and captivating as the state itself. From the meticulously planned stashes of infamous outlaws to the desperate burials of early settlers and paymasters, each story adds to the mystique of Colorado treasure. While many of these hidden riches have eluded discovery for centuries, the hope of unearthing a forgotten fortune continues to inspire generations of adventurers. The wild and untamed beauty of Colorado serves as a constant reminder that beneath its majestic surface, history’s whispers still promise untold wealth to those brave and persistent enough to seek it.
Whether you’re a seasoned treasure hunter, a history enthusiast, or simply fascinated by the lure of the unknown, the allure of Colorado’s lost gold and silver remains an undeniable part of its heritage. These legends invite exploration and imagination into its rugged canyons, towering peaks, and forgotten valleys, ensuring that the dream of discovering a priceless find lives on.
