Forrest Fenn is seen by some as a dangerous trickster and by others as a dream-maker. After hiding a cache of jewels and gold somewhere in the Rocky Mountains, Fenn penned a poem with clues to its location. This treasure captured the attention of many and soon had people trekking across the country and around the world trying to find it. This three-part series explores the people who so deeply believed they would be the ones to find the treasure as well as Fenn himself—and the dire consequences for some treasure hunters.
The Rocky Mountains are inhospitable, and more than one life was lost on the treasure hunt. Fenn himself is a character, as are those who sought his fortune. Fenn used his knowledge of the location to tease his audience for years as they continued the search.
Oddballs and dreamers alike, the folks on-screen take us on the wild ride of their individual hunts and the many theories they stumbled upon along the way. The treasure was eventually found, but Fenn created such a stir that some continue looking with the belief that the finder returned the treasure for others to find. (three approximately one-hour episodes)
—Anna Starkey
This article appears in Apr 24 – May 4, 2025.