Category: Destination4x4

The Coolidge Examiner – Lookout Station on Superstition Mountain

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Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth
Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth

Adolph Ruth was a nove treasure hunter whose pursuit of the legendary Lost Dutchman Mine led to his mysterious disappearance in the Superstition Mountains in 1931. Ruth, a 66-year-old man from Washington, D.C., was drawn to the mine after receiving a set of maps allegedly showing its location. Despite warnings about the dangers of the rugged terrain and the mine’s deadly reputation, Ruth ventured into the Superstitions alone in June 1931. When he failed to return, a massive search ensued, involving local authorities, volunteers, and even aircraft. Ruth’s remains were discovered six months later, deep within the Superstitions, with his skull showing signs of a gunshot wound, sparking rumors of foul play.

The search for Adolph Ruth and the circumstances of his death only added to the mystique of the Lost Dutchman Mine, fueling speculation that the mine was cursed or guarded by violent forces. His disappearance and the discovery of his skull intensified public interest in the mine, drawing even more treasure hunters to the perilous mountains. Despite exhaustive investigations, the exact details of Ruth’s fate remain shrouded in mystery, and the Lost Dutchman Mine continues to elude those who seek it, keeping its secrets hidden within the treacherous landscape of the Superstition Mountains.

Coolidge Examiner Article published November 11,1932 reports that Adolph Ruth is the nineth person lost looking for the Logs Dutchman Mine.
Coolidge Examiner Article published November 11,1932 reports that Adolph Ruth is the nineth person lost looking for the Logs Dutchman Mine.

LOOKOUT STATION ON SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN


One of the last strongholds of the real West, rugged, defiant Superstition mountain, has at last been opened to curious Arizonians and visitors from other states. Through provisions made by a company which has established a lodge at the foot of the mystic peak 45 miles east of Phoenix, the mountain may now be climed to its summit. R. A. Bird, Mesa, and H. C. Johnson, Gilbert, have opened a temporary lodge near the base of the mountain, arranged to make trips from there to the peak.

From the latter point a great area of South-Central Arizona may be seen in panorama, as from an airplane. The Salt River and Gila valleys and the intervening mountains, the cities of the one valley, the ancient Indian landmarks of the other, are clearly visible.

The company lias announced plans to erect a lookout station on the highest peak of the Superstition mountian, and plans by next summer to have a lodge and camping accommodations.

The temporary lodge now is reached by turning off Apache Trail one and one fourth miles north of Goldfield. It is one and a half miles from the high way. The mountain trip will be made over the old Peralta trail, on which Adolph Ruth lost his life in June, 1931. Ruth was the ninth man known to have died in search of the fabled Lost Dutchman mine.

Guides on the trail trips are thoroughly familiar with the legends which have been woven about Superstition mountain, and on the trips will be able to point out the prominent features connected with them, such as the “Indian turned to stone” on the south ridge, the archeological evidence of inhabitation of the mountains, and the famed cactus orchards which appear at several points in the mountains.

The Coolidge Examiner Articles About Disappearance of Adolph Ruth

The desperate search for Adolph Rush as reported by the Coolidge Examiner, July 17, 1931

The Coolidge Examiner – The Search for Ruth Still Futile

Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth The Coolidge Examiner of July 17, 1931 headlines the "Search for Ruth Still Futile" as he is lost looking…
Buried on page 2, The Coolige Examiner states on August 7th, 1931 that the Search for Ruth is suspended.

The Coolidge Examiner – Search for Ruth Suspended

Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth The Coolidge Examiner of August 7, 1931 announces the Search for Rush Suspended due to heat in the Superstition…
The Coolidge Examine annoucing the presumed death of Adolph Ruth in December 1931

The Coolidge Examiner – Search for Adolph Ruth in the Superstition Mountains

The Search for Adolph Ruth in the Superstition Mountains ends it tragedy as reported by the Coolidge Examiner on December 18, 1931. After months of…
Coolidge Examiner Article published November 11,1932 reports that Adolph Ruth is the nineth person lost looking for the Logs Dutchman Mine.

The Coolidge Examiner – Lookout Station on Superstition Mountain

Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth Adolph Ruth was a nove treasure hunter whose pursuit of the legendary Lost Dutchman Mine led to his mysterious…

References

The Coolidge Examiner – Search for Adolph Ruth in the Superstition Mountains

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The Search for Adolph Ruth in the Superstition Mountains ends it tragedy as reported by the Coolidge Examiner on December 18, 1931. After months of searching, the remains of Lost Dutchman searcher Adolf Ruth are found, it what some believe are mysterious circumstances.

The skull of Adolph Ruth being held by searcher Brownie Holmes.
The skull of Adolph Ruth being held by searcher Brownie Holmes.

Adolph Ruth was a treasure hunter whose pursuit of the legendary Lost Dutchman Mine led to his mysterious disappearance in the Superstition Mountains in 1931. Ruth, a 66-year-old man from Washington, D.C., was drawn to the mine after receiving a set of maps allegedly showing its location. Despite warnings about the dangers of the rugged terrain and the mine’s deadly reputation, Ruth ventured into the Superstitions alone in June 1931. When he failed to return, a massive search ensued, involving local authorities, volunteers, and even aircraft. Ruth’s remains were discovered six months later, deep within the Superstitions, with his skull showing signs of a gunshot wound, sparking rumors of foul play.

The search for Adolph Ruth and the circumstances of his death only added to the mystique of the Lost Dutchman Mine, fueling speculation that the mine was cursed or guarded by violent forces. His disappearance and the discovery of his skull intensified public interest in the mine, drawing even more treasure hunters to the perilous mountains. Despite exhaustive investigations, the exact details of Ruth’s fate remain shrouded in mystery, and the Lost Dutchman Mine continues to elude those who seek it, keeping its secrets hidden within the treacherous landscape of the Superstition Mountains.

The Coolidge Examine annoucing the presumed death of Adolph Ruth in December 1931
The Coolidge Examine annoucing the presumed death of Adolph Ruth in December 1931

SEARCH FOR ADOLPH RUTH IN SUPERSTION MOUNTAINS

The finding of a human skull by an archaeological party 10 days ago in the superstition range, believed to be that of Adolph Ruth of Washington, D. C. amateur prospector, has prompted another search by deputy sheriffs and veteran cattle men for the missing man, who was 65 years old and disappeared last June while hunting for the Lost Dutchman mine.

The Coolidge Examiner Articles About Disappearance of Adolph Ruth

The desperate search for Adolph Rush as reported by the Coolidge Examiner, July 17, 1931

The Coolidge Examiner – The Search for Ruth Still Futile

Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth The Coolidge Examiner of July 17, 1931 headlines the "Search for Ruth Still Futile" as he is lost looking…
Buried on page 2, The Coolige Examiner states on August 7th, 1931 that the Search for Ruth is suspended.

The Coolidge Examiner – Search for Ruth Suspended

Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth The Coolidge Examiner of August 7, 1931 announces the Search for Rush Suspended due to heat in the Superstition…
The Coolidge Examine annoucing the presumed death of Adolph Ruth in December 1931

The Coolidge Examiner – Search for Adolph Ruth in the Superstition Mountains

The Search for Adolph Ruth in the Superstition Mountains ends it tragedy as reported by the Coolidge Examiner on December 18, 1931. After months of…
Coolidge Examiner Article published November 11,1932 reports that Adolph Ruth is the nineth person lost looking for the Logs Dutchman Mine.

The Coolidge Examiner – Lookout Station on Superstition Mountain

Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth Adolph Ruth was a nove treasure hunter whose pursuit of the legendary Lost Dutchman Mine led to his mysterious…

References

The Coolidge Examiner – Search for Ruth Suspended

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Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth
Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth

The Coolidge Examiner of August 7, 1931 announces the Search for Rush Suspended due to heat in the Superstition Mountains.

Adolph Ruth was a seasoned treasure hunter whose pursuit of the legendary Lost Dutchman Mine led to his mysterious disappearance in the Superstition Mountains in 1931. Ruth, a 66-year-old man from Washington, D.C., was drawn to the mine after receiving a set of maps allegedly showing its location. Despite warnings about the dangers of the rugged terrain and the mine’s deadly reputation, Ruth ventured into the Superstitions alone in June 1931. When he failed to return, a massive search ensued, involving local authorities, volunteers, and even aircraft. Ruth’s remains were discovered six months later, deep within the Superstitions, with his skull showing signs of a gunshot wound, sparking rumors of foul play.

The search for Adolph Ruth and the circumstances of his death only added to the mystique of the Lost Dutchman Mine, fueling speculation that the mine was cursed or guarded by violent forces. His disappearance and the discovery of his skull intensified public interest in the mine, drawing even more treasure hunters to the perilous mountains. Despite exhaustive investigations, the exact details of Ruth’s fate remain shrouded in mystery, and the Lost Dutchman Mine continues to elude those who seek it, keeping its secrets hidden within the treacherous landscape of the Superstition Mountains.

The following is the follow up article of the Coolidge Examiner of July 13, 1931.

Buried on page 2, The Coolige Examiner states on August 7th, 1931 that the Search for Ruth is suspended.
Buried on page 2, The Coolige Examiner states on August 7th, 1931 that the Search for Ruth is suspended.

News Article

The furnace-like head of the Superstition mountains brought an end to active efforts to solve the disappearance of Adolf Ruth, amateur prospects of Washington D.C. The 66 year old man entered the desolate rage, June 12 to hunt for the Lost Dutchman gold mine. He has not been seen since.

The Coolidge Examiner Articles About Disappearance of Adolph Ruth

The desperate search for Adolph Rush as reported by the Coolidge Examiner, July 17, 1931

The Coolidge Examiner – The Search for Ruth Still Futile

Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth The Coolidge Examiner of July 17, 1931 headlines the "Search for Ruth Still Futile" as he is lost looking…
Buried on page 2, The Coolige Examiner states on August 7th, 1931 that the Search for Ruth is suspended.

The Coolidge Examiner – Search for Ruth Suspended

Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth The Coolidge Examiner of August 7, 1931 announces the Search for Rush Suspended due to heat in the Superstition…
The Coolidge Examine annoucing the presumed death of Adolph Ruth in December 1931

The Coolidge Examiner – Search for Adolph Ruth in the Superstition Mountains

The Search for Adolph Ruth in the Superstition Mountains ends it tragedy as reported by the Coolidge Examiner on December 18, 1931. After months of…
Coolidge Examiner Article published November 11,1932 reports that Adolph Ruth is the nineth person lost looking for the Logs Dutchman Mine.

The Coolidge Examiner – Lookout Station on Superstition Mountain

Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth Adolph Ruth was a nove treasure hunter whose pursuit of the legendary Lost Dutchman Mine led to his mysterious…

References

The Coolidge Examiner – The Search for Ruth Still Futile

Posted on by
Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth
Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth

The Coolidge Examiner of July 17, 1931 headlines the “Search for Ruth Still Futile” as he is lost looking for the Lost Dutchman Goldmine.

Adolph Ruth was a seasoned treasure hunter whose pursuit of the legendary Lost Dutchman Mine led to his mysterious disappearance in the Superstition Mountains in 1931. Ruth, a 66-year-old man from Washington, D.C., was drawn to the mine after receiving a set of maps allegedly showing its location. Despite warnings about the dangers of the rugged terrain and the mine’s deadly reputation, Ruth ventured into the Superstitions alone in June 1931. When he failed to return, a massive search ensued, involving local authorities, volunteers, and even aircraft. Ruth’s remains were discovered six months later, deep within the Superstitions, with his skull showing signs of a gunshot wound, sparking rumors of foul play.

The search for Adolph Ruth and the circumstances of his death only added to the mystique of the Lost Dutchman Mine, fueling speculation that the mine was cursed or guarded by violent forces. His disappearance and the discovery of his skull intensified public interest in the mine, drawing even more treasure hunters to the perilous mountains. Despite exhaustive investigations, the exact details of Ruth’s fate remain shrouded in mystery, and the Lost Dutchman Mine continues to elude those who seek it, keeping its secrets hidden within the treacherous landscape of the Superstition Mountains.

The desperate Search for Ruth Still Futile as reported by the Coolidge Examiner, July 17, 1931
The desperate search for Adolph Rush as reported by the Coolidge Examiner, July 17, 1931

THE SEARCH EOR RUTH STILL FUTILE

Airplane Combs Recesses Of Superstition To No Avail

Hope of finding Adolph Ruth, 66-y’ear old prospector lost in the Superstition mountain range for a month waned Wednesday after a combination air search and the efforts of men on foot and on horses failed to reveal new trace of the missing man.

For two hours Wednesday morning an air plane piloted by Charley Goldtrap and carrying E. D. Newcomer, Arizona Republic – Phoenix Gazette staff photographer, soared over the treacherous pinnacles and deep canyons of the Superstition range, making pictures and keeping a sharp lookout for any sign of Ruth. The air search was sponsored by the Phoenix Gazette.

Searchers hold three theories in regard to the possible fate of Ruth: that he met death in a fall into one of the canyons; that he met with foul play, and his body was disposed of; that he suffered loss of memory and wandered out of the mountains and probably still is wandering.

Ruth, it is believed, might have been slain for maps he possessed. The airplane trip over the mountains Wednesday was accompanied by numerous dangers. Several times wind conditions endangered the plane’s flight, and the two men reported several row escapes.

Dr. Erwin E Ruth, son of the missing prospector, is convinced that his father never will be found alive, but he said he is determined to continue the search in the hope of finding his father’s body.—Arizona Republic. No man could have gone more -surely to his death than Ruth, the aged man whose life was lost in a search for the Lost Dutchman mine, He has been described as the “aged prospector, ” He was not a prospector at all but an aged man whose life had been spent in a clerical position in Washington. He had been curiously obsessed by a purpose te find the mine for which prospectors and others had been hunting nearly a half century ago. He had studied official maps. He had learned what he could find from a study of the character of the country.

He knew nothing of prospecting and nothing at first hand of the perils of the desert which he invaded at a time of the year when actual prospectors were getting ready to retire for the summer. There could be but one end for such an adventure into one of the most forbidding sections of Arizona.

The Coolidge Examiner Articles About Disappearance of Adolph Ruth

The desperate search for Adolph Rush as reported by the Coolidge Examiner, July 17, 1931

The Coolidge Examiner – The Search for Ruth Still Futile

Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth The Coolidge Examiner of July 17, 1931 headlines the "Search for Ruth Still Futile" as he is lost looking…
Buried on page 2, The Coolige Examiner states on August 7th, 1931 that the Search for Ruth is suspended.

The Coolidge Examiner – Search for Ruth Suspended

Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth The Coolidge Examiner of August 7, 1931 announces the Search for Rush Suspended due to heat in the Superstition…
The Coolidge Examine annoucing the presumed death of Adolph Ruth in December 1931

The Coolidge Examiner – Search for Adolph Ruth in the Superstition Mountains

The Search for Adolph Ruth in the Superstition Mountains ends it tragedy as reported by the Coolidge Examiner on December 18, 1931. After months of…
Coolidge Examiner Article published November 11,1932 reports that Adolph Ruth is the nineth person lost looking for the Logs Dutchman Mine.

The Coolidge Examiner – Lookout Station on Superstition Mountain

Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth Adolph Ruth was a nove treasure hunter whose pursuit of the legendary Lost Dutchman Mine led to his mysterious…

References

Queen of Sheba Mine Road

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Queen of Sheba Mine Road, located in the southern part of Death Valley National Park near the Ibex Hills, is a rugged backcountry route that serves as both a 4×4 off-road trail and a hiking path. This remote trail leads to the historic Queen of Sheba Mine, offering explorers a chance to view mining ruins, ore bins, cabins, and artifacts from early 20th-century operations. It’s less visited than popular hikes like Zabriskie Point, providing solitude amid dramatic desert landscapes with views of the valley floor and surrounding mountains. The route follows an old haul road from West Side Road, ascending an alluvial fan into the hills. Suitable for day hikes, off-roading, or short backpacking, but high-clearance 4×4 vehicles are recommended for driving—hiking is often safer to avoid vehicle damage from rocks and washouts. Nearby, a short side hike leads to the related Carbonate Mine site.

Key Trail Statistics

AspectDetails
LengthApproximately 3.8 miles one-way (7.6 miles round-trip); add 1-2 miles for side explorations to Carbonate Mine or mine spurs.
Elevation GainAbout 1,000-1,500 feet, starting near sea level and climbing to the mine site at around 1,000 feet.
DifficultyEasy to moderate for 4×4 vehicles; moderate for hiking due to rocky terrain, loose gravel, and steep sections. High-clearance 4×4 required for driving; stock vehicles may struggle in washes.
Time Required2-4 hours round-trip for hiking; 1-2 hours for driving with stops; allow extra for mine exploration.
Best Time to VisitOctober to April to avoid extreme heat (over 120°F in summer); flash flood risks during monsoons (July-September).
AccessJunction off West Side Road (via Badwater Road, about 10 miles south of the Trail Canyon turnoff). Unmarked—use GPS or park maps. No day-use permit needed; free backcountry permits for overnight stays (from visitor centers or online). Dispersed camping allowed 1 mile from West Side Road.
Water and AmenitiesNo water sources; carry 1+ gallon per person per day. No facilities; nearest at Furnace Creek (~40 miles away).

Trail Map

What to Expect on the Hike

The trail starts as a gravelly road from West Side Road, crossing multiple washes and climbing steadily up an alluvial fan with rocky and rutted sections—passable for most stock 4×4 vehicles but challenging in spots. Hikers will encounter loose rocks, boulder fields, and occasional steep inclines, with scenery featuring barren hills, geologic formations, and distant valley views. About 3.8 miles in, the road ends at the Queen of Sheba Mine site, where remnants include ore bins, a water tank, cabins, tunnels, and a clarifier structure—do not enter mines for safety reasons (unstable shafts, toxic gases). From here, short spurs (0.5-1 mile) lead to additional ruins or the nearby Carbonite Mine, with old roads for further wandering. Wildlife may include bighorn sheep or coyotes, but sightings are rare. The area’s isolation means no cell service—bring navigation tools and watch for rattlesnakes in brushy spots.

This low-traffic route is ideal for history buffs and off-roaders, but flash floods can reshape washes, creating obstacles.

Current Conditions (as of August, 2025)

Queen of Sheba Mine Road is open and accessible for hiking and 4×4 travel, with West Side Road fully reopened after past flood repairs. Recent reports from late 2024 describe the road as rocky and bumpy in lower sections from washboard and gravel, but passable without major blockages—4WD low gear and lockers may be needed in steep, loose areas. No specific closures noted for 2025, though summer heat remains extreme (temperatures often over 110°F), and monsoon storms could cause flash floods or washouts. Check the NPS website or Furnace Creek Visitor Center for real-time updates, as conditions change quickly. Tire damage from sharp rocks is common; carry spares and emergency supplies.

History of the Region

History of Queen of Sheba Mine

The Queen of Sheba Mine’s history reflects Death Valley’s mining booms, focusing on lead, silver, gold, and copper extraction in a harsh environment. Discovered around 1907-1908 by Clarence E. Eddy as the Carbonate Mine, it quickly drew prospectors, leading to the short-lived town of Carbonite nearby. Jack Salsberry developed the site, building roads and using mule teams, then motor trucks and gasoline tractors, to transport ore to railheads despite logistical challenges. By 1915, mining began in earnest, with the Queen of Sheba extension organized in 1923-1924. Operations peaked in the 1930s-1940s, yielding an estimated 5 million pounds of lead, 100,000 ounces of silver, 1,500 ounces of gold, and 146,000 pounds of copper, shipped to smelters in Salt Lake City. A mill was built in 1947, but activity waned by the 1970s due to depleted ores and high costs.

Today, the site preserves cabins, ore chutes, tunnels, and machinery as cultural resources, highlighting adaptations to extreme conditions—no town ruins remain visible at Carbonite. It was one of the park’s most productive lead mines, outpacing others like Ubehebe.

Broader History of Death Valley National Park

Death Valley’s history spans thousands of years, starting with Indigenous peoples like the Timbisha Shoshone, who have inhabited the area for over 1,000 years, using its resources for survival through hunting, gathering, and seasonal movements. European-American involvement began in 1849 with the “Lost ’49ers,” gold rush pioneers trapped while seeking a shortcut to California; their ordeal named the valley, though most escaped.

Mining dominated the late 1800s-early 1900s: borax in the 1880s (famous 20-mule teams), gold and silver booms around 1900 (ghost towns like Rhyolite), and later lead, talc, and tungsten. Tourism grew in the 1920s with resorts like Furnace Creek Inn. Designated a national monument in 1933 by President Hoover to limit destructive mining, it saw Civilian Conservation Corps infrastructure development in the 1930s. Expanded to a national park in 1994 under the California Desert Protection Act, it now covers 3.4 million acres—the largest in the contiguous U.S.

The park attracts over a million visitors yearly for extremes like Badwater Basin (-282 feet) and record heat (134°F in 1913), while facing climate change and flood recovery.