Hidden Treasures in the Southwestern Wilderness

“To give people hope, and to get kids out of the house and off their handheld texting machines” were the reasons given by millionaire, Forrest Fenn, age 87, for hiding a treasure chest full of valuable gems in the Southwestern wilderness in 2010.  According to Fenn and two eyewitnesses, the treasure is worth well over 1,000,000 dollars and is likely to appreciate in value over time. While this is a literal hidden treasure somewhere near the Rocky Mountains, there are several other “hidden treasures” in America’s Southwestern wilderness.

The Hunt For a Million Dollars

Forest Fenn is a former Vietnam fighter pilot and art dealer.  He estimates that about 350,000 people have hunted for his treasure since 2010 when he hid it and announced it to the world.  Fenn wrote a poem which contains clues to solve in striking it rich. A seemingly hopeless task, the treasure is yet to be found; and many have pointed to the irony of Fenn’s goal to instill hope in people.

Other Hidden Treasures In The Southwestern Wilderness

Fortunately, there are other hidden treasures in the Southwestern wilderness that are not so hard to find. And the value they bring to families and kids is more lasting in the way of experiencing the wonders of geology, history, and Mother Nature.  The other hidden treasures bond families and friends, teach science, and inspire awe at what God or Mother Nature has created.

Zion National Park

In the Southwestern wilderness of Utah, you can easily discover geologic treasures that appear other-worldly.  Giant rock faces and majestic, red sandstone formations dwarf the ego and offer challenging hikes and stunning photography opportunities.  Through Zion Canyon, the Virgin River flows and invites you to wade into slot canyons while you feel both cool water and radiant heat from sun-absorbed sandstone walls.  The hiking and resting are exhilarating. Be sure to take along drinking water, snacks, and good water shoes. Wildlife are commonplace, and the colorful vistas are breathtaking.  Springdale, Utah lies at Zion’s gate and more than meets the tourists’ desires for good sleep, tasty food, and cool treasures from its gift shops.

Bryce National Park

Bryce is just 90 minutes up the highway from Zion and Springdale, Utah, and if you haven’t seen it, you’re certainly missing out on this treasure.  The Hoodoos of Bryce (orange statues, sculpted by nature) stand as watchmen over sacred grounds and look like a cross between the Stormtroopers of Star Wars fame and hypothetical Martian soldiers.  Being at a higher elevation than Zion, Bryce gets more winter snow and has plenty of green tree forests.

Other National Parks In The Southwestern Wilderness

Also in the Utah wilderness are three other national parks:  Canyonlands, Arches, and Capitol Reef. All are spectacular and feature vast vistas, rare rock formations, and giant arches of colorful sandstone.

Hidden Treasures in the Southwestern Wilderness

Article By: Clear Content Marketing