How To Find Fenn's Treasure
Fenn's treasure is hidden somewhere in the mountains north of Santa Fe, and it is out there for the taking. It has been waiting all this time for the right person to come find it. Is that you? Learn how you can find Fenn's treasure chest, claim title to the gold, and solve the mystery of Fenn's treasure poem by completing the four steps below. Forrest Fenn said in his book The Thrill of the Chase,
"I knew exactly where to hide the chest so it would be difficult to find but not impossible. It's in the mountains somewhere north of Santa Fe. Indecision is the key to flexibility and that's why I waited so long to secret my cache." - f, TTOTC
You can find Fenn's treasure if you have the clues, a little imagination, and some resolve. Now go get treasure hunting!
Somewhere In The Mountains North of Santa Fe
You Can Find Fenn's Treasure By Doing These Four Things
Step 1: Read Fenn's treasure poem
The poem by Forrest Fenn is found in The Thrill of the Chase book in chapter entitled "Gold And More" on page 132. This poem contains nine clues which lead directly to the location of the treasure chest Forrest Fenn secreted away at his special spot. This chest weighs around 45 pounds and contains over 22 troy pounds of gold, jewels, and other ancient artifacts. You can read the poem and find the nine clues for yourself here: The Poem in The Thrill of the Chase Book
Step 2: Find the clues in the poem
What are the nine clues to Fenn's treasure? You may ask. Forrest Fenn stated that the first clue starts at "Begin it where warm waters halt" in the poem's second stanza. You have to identify the other eight clues in the poem on your own. There are several theories concerning how to read the clues and then what to do with them to find the chest. You can find more information about these theories here: Theories About Fenn's Nine Clues
Step 3: Match the clues on the map
Once you have your nine clues identified, you need to match them to a place on the map. Forrest Fenn said the clues will lead you straight to the treasure chest (assuming you identify the right ones and find the correct spot). You also need to know a few things like where you can search. The four search states are New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana. You can learn more about the search area here: The Fenn Treasure Search Area
Step 4: Retrieve the treasure chest
Once you have a good solve figured out and the clues lined up, the fourth and last step is to go look for the Fenn treasure chest! Forrest Fenn said whoever finds it can have it, and he will "give you title to the gold". The chest and its contents are estimated be worth over $1 million USD. Try to keep an open mind while you are searching and don't get tunnel vision. Forrest Fenn has said in interviews that people have been within a few hundred feet of the treasure and walked right past it without knowing it was there.
Step 5: Stay safe in the wilderness
Yes, there are only four steps to finding Fenn's treasure, but safety is a must whenever you go adventuring into the mountains. Weather can change in an instant, you can become disoriented while hiking, and you need to be prepared to spend the night wherever you find yourself. It is best to download local maps and trail guide apps for your search areas, have a paper map for backup, have an overnight bag at the ready, bring plenty of food and water (especially when looking for Fenn's treasure at higher elevations), and packing clothing for varying temperature ranges. Learn more about staying safe while looking for Fenn's treasure here: Adventuring Safely While Searching For Fenn's Treasure
