{{Short description|Modern treasure in the United States, discovered in 2020}}{{pp-semi-indef}} {{Use mdy dates|date=February 2020}} {{Use American English|date=March 2025}}
The '''Fenn Treasure''' was a cache of gold and jewels that Forrest Fenn, an art dealer and author from Santa Fe, New Mexico,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://npr.org/2016/03/13/469852983/seeking-adventure-and-gold-crack-this-poem-and-head-outdoors|title=Seeking Adventure And Gold? Crack This Poem And Head Outdoors|last1=Burnett|first1=John|access-date=July 26, 2017|website=NPR}}</ref> hid in the Rocky Mountains of the United States.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://fennstreasure.com/fenns-treasure-search-area/|title=Fenn's Treasure Search Area|website=Fenn's Treasure|language=en-US|access-date=February 29, 2020|archive-date=February 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229232005/https://fennstreasure.com/fenns-treasure-search-area/|url-status=live}}</ref> It was found approximately a decade later in 2020<ref>{{Cite web|last=Aitken|first=Peter|date=2020-06-07|title=Treasure stash worth over $1 million found in Rocky Mountains after decade-long search|url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/rocky-mountains-hidden-treasure-chest-found|access-date=2020-06-08|website=Fox News|language=en-US|archive-date=July 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714022858/https://www.foxnews.com/us/rocky-mountains-hidden-treasure-chest-found|url-status=live}}</ref> in Wyoming by an anonymous treasure hunter later revealed to be former journalist and medical student Jack Stuef.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Stuef|first=Jack|date=2020-12-07|title=A Statement on the Disclosure of My Identity|url=https://thefinder.medium.com/a-statement-on-the-disclosure-of-my-identity-602d95f04b9f|access-date=2020-12-10|website=Medium|language=en|archive-date=July 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210706225122/https://thefinder.medium.com/a-statement-on-the-disclosure-of-my-identity-602d95f04b9f|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Barbarisi|first=Daniel|date=2020-12-07|title=The Man Who Found Forrest Fenn's Treasure|url=https://www.outsideonline.com/2419429/forrest-fenn-treasure-jack-stuef|access-date=2020-12-10|website=Outside Online|language=en|archive-date=May 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526000757/https://www.outsideonline.com/2419429/forrest-fenn-treasure-jack-stuef|url-status=live}}</ref> In attempting to honor what he perceives to be Fenn's wishes after his death in September 2020, he has refused to reveal the location of the treasure.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Stuef|first=Jack|date=2020-09-23|title=A Remembrance of Forrest Fenn|url=https://thefinder.medium.com/a-remembrance-of-forrest-fenn-1be2a8646ff2|access-date=2020-12-10|website=Medium|language=en|archive-date=July 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715164921/https://thefinder.medium.com/a-remembrance-of-forrest-fenn-1be2a8646ff2|url-status=live}}</ref> An auction of items from the treasure chest in December 2022 resulted in $1.3 million in sales.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Rosario|first=Isabella|date=2022-12-13|title=Forrest Fenn's Treasure Sells for Less Than a Condo in This Mountain Town|url=https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/exploration-survival/forrest-fenn-treasure-sold-online-auction/|access-date=2022-12-13|website=Outside Online|language=en|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214162202/https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/exploration-survival/forrest-fenn-treasure-sold-online-auction/|url-status=live}}</ref>[[File:RockyMountainsLocatorMap.png|thumb|right|Map highlighting the Rocky Mountains, where the treasure was hidden within the United States.]]
==History== {{infobox person | birth_date = {{birth date|1930|8|22}} | birth_name = Forrest Burke Fenn | birth_place = Temple, Texas, U.S. | death_date = {{death date and age|2020|9|7|1930|8|22}}<ref>{{cite news |access-date = 2020-12-06 |date = 2020-09-10 |first = Michael |issn = 0362-4331 |language = en-US |last = Levenson |title = Forrest Fenn, Who Enticed Thousands With Treasure Hunt, Dies at 90 |url = https://nytimes.com/2020/09/09/us/forrest-fenn-dead.html |work = The New York Times |archive-date = March 12, 2025 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20250312204700/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/09/us/forrest-fenn-dead.html |url-status = live }}</ref> | death_place = Santa Fe, New Mexico, U.S. | name = Forrest Fenn | occupation = {{hlist|Combat pilot|art dealer|author}} | resting_place = Santa Fe National Cemetery<ref>{{cite web | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210830180539/http://gravelocator.cem.va.gov/ngl/ngl#results-content | url-status = live | archive-date = August 30, 2021 | date = August 30, 2021 | url = https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/ForrestBurkeFenn/9c308c | title = Forrest Burke Fenn's Memorial }}.</ref>}}
Forrest Fenn (August 22, 1930 – September 7, 2020) was born in Temple, Texas to William "Marvin" Fenn, a teacher by profession<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Pairing |first=E. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XUO-EAAAQBAJ&dq=%22lillie+gay+simpson%22&pg=PT7 |title=The Pearl Necklace: The incredible (mostly) true story behind the quest to solve the world's greatest modern-day treasure hunt |date=2023-05-08 |publisher=Balboa Press |isbn=978-1-9822-9728-2 |language=en}}</ref> and Lillie Gay Simpson,<ref name=":0" /> who had worked as a nurse before her marriage.
The middle child of the three children born to the couple, Fenn attended Temple High School in 1947, after which he studied at Temple Junior College. Struggling academically, Fenn preferred to spend his time outdoors with friends, rather than studying.<ref name=":0" />
Fenn left school after graduating<ref name=":0" />and enrolled in the Air Force on September 6, 1950. During his time as a pilot in the United States Air Force, Fenn obtained the rank of Major. He was awarded the Silver Star for his service in the Vietnam War where he flew 328 combat missions in 365 days.<ref>{{cite news|title=Valor Awards for Forrest B. Fenn|url=https://valor.militarytimes.com/recipient.php?recipientid=97268|newspaper=MilitaryTimes|archive-date=February 24, 2018|access-date=February 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224113033/https://valor.militarytimes.com/recipient.php?recipientid=97268|url-status=dead}}</ref>
He retired from the Air Force and ran the Arrowsmith-Fenn Gallery with his partner Rex Arrowsmith, which became the Fenn Galleries which he operated with his wife, Peggy.<ref>{{cite news|title='Rex' Arrowsmith's Former Partner Becomes Leading Art Dealer in West|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3344366/fenn_and_the_gallery/|newspaper=Belleville Telescope|date=January 19, 1978|via=newspapers.com|archive-date=June 7, 2019|access-date=March 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607030511/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3344366/fenn_and_the_gallery/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Rex Arrowsmith Obituary|url=http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/santafenewmexican/obituary.aspx?pid=186527205|website=www.legacy.com|archive-date=February 28, 2021|access-date=March 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228092244/https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/santafenewmexican/obituary.aspx?pid=186527205|url-status=live}}</ref> The gallery was located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and sold a variety of Native American artifacts, paintings, bronze sculptures, and other art, including forged copies of works by Modigliani, Monet, Degas, and other artists. The gallery reportedly grossed $6 million a year.<ref>{{cite news|last=Eady|first=Brenda|title=Rivals Scorn His Santa Fe Gallery, but Forrest Fenn Baskets the Cash|url=http://people.com/archive/rivals-scorn-his-santa-fe-gallery-but-forrest-fenn-baskets-the-cash-vol-25-no-23/|newspaper=People Magazine|date=June 9, 1986|archive-date=April 18, 2021|access-date=February 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418203626/https://people.com/archive/rivals-scorn-his-santa-fe-gallery-but-forrest-fenn-baskets-the-cash-vol-25-no-23/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 1988, Fenn was diagnosed with cancer and given a prognosis that it was likely terminal. This inspired him to hide a treasure chest in an outdoor location with the purpose of creating a public search for it. He considered using the location as his final resting place as well.<ref name=HIM>{{cite news|last=Goldsmith|first=Margie|title=The Thrill of the Chase|url=http://www.hemispheresmagazine.com/2013/01/01/the-thrill-of-the-chase/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160326005422/http://www.hemispheresmagazine.com/2013/01/01/the-thrill-of-the-chase/|archive-date=March 26, 2016|access-date=March 10, 2013|newspaper=Hemispheres Inflight Magazine}}</ref> He recovered from the illness and in 2010 self-published ''The Thrill of the Chase: A Memoir,'' a collection of short stories from his life.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Thrill of the Chase|url=https://fennstreasure.com/the-thrill-of-the-chase/|access-date=2020-06-12|website=Fenn's Treasure|language=en-US|archive-date=May 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526000748/https://fennstreasure.com/the-thrill-of-the-chase/|url-status=live}}</ref> He described a treasure chest that he said contained gold nuggets, rare coins, jewelry, and gemstones. He went on to write that he hid the chest "in the mountains somewhere north of Santa Fe".<ref>{{cite book |last=Fenn |first=Forrest |title=The Thrill of the Chase: A Memoir |year=2010 |publisher=One Horse Land & Cattle Company |page=121 |isbn=9780967091785}}</ref> Fenn said that the stories in the book included hints to the chest's location and that the poem found in the chapter "Gold and More" contained nine clues that would lead a searcher to the chest.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://fennstreasure.com/fenn-treasure-poem/|title=Fenn Treasure Poem|website=Fenn's Treasure|language=en-US|access-date=February 29, 2020|archive-date=February 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229232004/https://fennstreasure.com/fenn-treasure-poem/|url-status=live}}</ref> Fenn's book and story prompted a treasure hunt in the Rocky Mountains of New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://fennstreasure.com/about-fenns-treasure/frequently-asked-questions-about-forrest-fenn/|title=Where is Fenn's treasure hidden? - Frequently Asked Questions About Forrest Fenn|website=Fenn's Treasure|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-02|archive-date=May 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526000640/https://fennstreasure.com/about-fenns-treasure/frequently-asked-questions-about-forrest-fenn/|url-status=live}}</ref> The value of the chest was estimated to be as high as $2 million, depending on the appraisal of the items.<ref>{{cite news|title=There's a fortune hidden somewhere in the Rocky Mountains, and this millionaire is the only one who knows where it is|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/forrest-fenn-fortune-hidden-rocky-mountains-2017-2|author=Áine Cain|date=February 8, 2018|work=Business Insider|archive-date=May 26, 2021|access-date=June 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526000645/https://www.businessinsider.com/forrest-fenn-fortune-hidden-rocky-mountains-2017-2|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2022, after the treasure had been found, an auction of items from the treasure chest resulted in $1.3 million in sales.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Rosario|first=Isabella|date=2022-12-13|title=Forrest Fenn's Treasure Sells for Less Than a Condo in This Mountain Town|url=https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/exploration-survival/forrest-fenn-treasure-sold-online-auction/|access-date=2022-12-13|website=Outside Online|language=en}}</ref> Fenn claimed to make no money on the sale of the self-published books out of concern for being labeled a fraud by critics.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.today.com/news/book-containing-treasure-hunt-clues-sells-out-1C8851564|title=Book containing treasure-hunt clues sells out|author=Eun Kyung Kim|date=March 13, 2013|work=www.today.com|archive-date=May 26, 2021|access-date=December 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526000635/https://www.today.com/news/book-containing-treasure-hunt-clues-sells-out-1C8851564|url-status=live}}</ref>
Before the treasure hunt, Fenn came into conflict with authorities over federal antiquities law during Operation Cerberus Action.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://archive.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/2009/08/27/20090827looters.html|title=Looting of Indian Artifacts Targeted|access-date=December 27, 2020|archive-date=September 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930082105/https://help.azcentral.com/|url-status=live}}</ref> Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents raided his home in 2009 as part of an investigation into artifact looting in the Four Corners area.<ref>{{cite news|last=Miller|first=Cynthia|title=When Forrest Fenn treasure hunters hit a dead end|url=http://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/when-forrest-fenn-treasure-hunters-hit-a-dead-end/article_ec6a3bd3-4a96-55e1-97f2-2585a22774c2.html|date=September 16, 2016|access-date=June 23, 2017|newspaper=Star Tribune|archive-date=June 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170624094702/http://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/when-forrest-fenn-treasure-hunters-hit-a-dead-end/article_ec6a3bd3-4a96-55e1-97f2-2585a22774c2.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Items in his possession reportedly included pieces of chain mail from the Pecos National Historical Park, human hair, a feathered talisman, and a bison skull, some of which were confiscated by federal authorities; no charges were filed.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.archaeologicalconservancy.org/?wpfb_dl=64 |title=Authorities Charge 25 With Looting Artifacts |magazine=American Archaeology |page=8 |date=Fall 2009 |volume=13 |issue=3 |author=Tamara Stewart |access-date=February 10, 2020 |format=PDF |archive-date=May 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200523235652/https://www.archaeologicalconservancy.org/?wpfb_dl=64 |url-status=live }}</ref> Two people targeted in the case died by suicide, and Fenn blamed the FBI for their deaths.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sharpe|first=Tom|title=Dealer: Blame FBI for seller suicides in Four Corners looting case|url=http://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/dealer-blame-fbi-for-seller-suicides-in-four-corners-looting/article_f8613507-1b71-513a-ba21-43a6b0622c0b.html|date=August 16, 2011|access-date=June 23, 2017|newspaper=Santa Fe New Mexican|archive-date=December 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215234524/http://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/dealer-blame-fbi-for-seller-suicides-in-four-corners-looting/article_f8613507-1b71-513a-ba21-43a6b0622c0b.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
Fenn died a few months after his treasure was found, on September 7, 2020, at the age of 90.<ref>{{cite news|title=Art dealer whose treasure sent hunters scouring US West dies|url=https://apnews.com/f91de7b9468875157354596e415770f3|date=September 7, 2020|access-date=September 8, 2020|newspaper=Associated Press|archive-date=September 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200908210119/https://apnews.com/f91de7b9468875157354596e415770f3|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Deaths== Five people died while searching for the treasure. This led the chief of the New Mexico State Police, Pete Kassetas, to publicly implore Fenn to end the treasure hunt, stating "He's putting lives at risk."<ref>{{cite news |access-date=January 30, 2018 |date=June 20, 2017 |publisher=CTV News |title=Police implore author who says he hid treasure to end hunt |url=https://ctvnews.ca/police-implore-author-who-says-he-hid-treasure-to-end-hunt-1.3468395|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131023613/https://www.ctvnews.ca/police-implore-author-who-says-he-hid-treasure-to-end-hunt-1.3468395|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 31, 2018}}</ref>
* Randy Bilyeu went missing in January 2016 and was found dead in July. His body was discovered by workers along the Rio Grande, and an autopsy could not determine cause of death.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-36900767|title=Missing treasure hunter's remains found in New Mexico|date=July 27, 2016|access-date=July 27, 2016|work=BBC News|archive-date=July 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160727060338/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-36900767|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://denverpost.com/2017/03/01/missing-treasure-hunter-case-closed/|title=Death of a Colorado treasure hunter remains a mystery after case closed|date=March 3, 2017|access-date=June 7, 2019|publisher=Denver Post|archive-date=June 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607131723/https://www.denverpost.com/2017/03/01/missing-treasure-hunter-case-closed/|url-status=live}}</ref> Bilyeu's ex-wife publicly stated her belief that the Fenn Treasure was a hoax.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/tragic-end-to-months-long-search-for-treasure-hunter-randy-bilyeu|title=Tragic end to months-long search for treasure hunter Randy Bilyeu|date=July 27, 2016|access-date=July 27, 2016|work=CBS News|archive-date=July 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160728163948/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/tragic-end-to-months-long-search-for-treasure-hunter-randy-bilyeu/|url-status=live}}</ref> * Jeff Murphy (age 53) of Batavia, Illinois, was found dead in Yellowstone National Park on June 9, 2017, after falling about {{convert|500|ft|m}} down a steep slope. Yellowstone officials did not provide details to the public concerning their investigation, but KULR-TV filed a Freedom of Information Act request. The television station reports that Murphy's wife told park authorities that he was looking for the treasure when she first reported him missing.<ref>{{cite news|title=Batavia man who died in Yellowstone in 2017 was looking for treasure|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-yellowstone-treasure-death-20180220-story.html|access-date=February 20, 2018|agency=Associated Press|date=February 20, 2018|archive-date=February 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220195827/http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-yellowstone-treasure-death-20180220-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> * Pastor Paris Wallace of Grand Junction, Colorado, told family members that he was searching for a buried treasure, but he failed to show up for a planned family meeting on June 14, 2017. His car was found parked near the Taos Junction Bridge and his body was found {{convert|5|to|7|mi|km}} downstream along the Rio Grande.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.westword.com/news/body-may-be-paris-wallace-disappeared-searching-for-forrest-fenn-treasure-9173958|title=Body Found May Be Paris Wallace, Latest Coloradan Seeking Forrest Fenn Treasure|last=Roberts|first=Michael|date=June 19, 2017|work=Westword|access-date=June 19, 2017|archive-date=June 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170622025541/http://www.westword.com/news/body-may-be-paris-wallace-disappeared-searching-for-forrest-fenn-treasure-9173958|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/paris-wallace-dies-search-for-forrest-fenn-treasure/|title=Pastor dies in search for famous hidden treasure|date=June 19, 2017|access-date=June 19, 2017|work=CBS News|archive-date=June 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170619211551/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/paris-wallace-dies-search-for-forrest-fenn-treasure/|url-status=live}}</ref> * Eric Ashby (age 31) was found dead in Colorado's Arkansas River on July 28, 2017.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.krdo.com/news/fremont-county/body-found-in-arkansas-river-in-colorado-confirmed-as-eric-ashby/691730445|title=Body found in Arkansas River in Colorado confirmed as treasure hunter Eric Ashby|access-date=January 27, 2018|publisher=ABC KRDO News|archive-date=January 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129215030/http://www.krdo.com/news/fremont-county/body-found-in-arkansas-river-in-colorado-confirmed-as-eric-ashby/691730445|url-status=live}}</ref> Friends and family stated that he had moved to Colorado in 2016 to look for the treasure, and was last seen on June 28 rafting on the river {{convert|10|to|15|mi|km}} upstream from where his body was found. The raft overturned and Ashby had been missing since that time.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/forrest-fenn-treasure-hunt-may-have-claimed-its-third-victim-n788191|title=Forrest Fenn Treasure Hunt May Have Claimed Its Third Victim|author=Amanda Proença Santos|date=July 31, 2017|website=nbcnews.com|archive-date=May 26, 2021|access-date=October 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526002256/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/forrest-fenn-treasure-hunt-may-have-claimed-its-third-victim-n788191|url-status=live}}</ref> * Michael Wayne Sexson (age 53) of Deer Trail, Colorado, was found dead by rescuers on March 21, 2020, alongside his unnamed 65-year-old male companion, who later recovered in hospital (later named as Steven Inlow).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/48-hours-to-explore-forrest-fenn-treasure-hunt/article_a1d8439c-947c-5f59-8a70-9a7fad33a571.html|publisher=Casper Star Tribune|title='48 Hours' to explore Forrest Fenn treasure hunt|date=May 21, 2021|access-date=May 29, 2021|archive-date=June 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602214439/https://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/48-hours-to-explore-forrest-fenn-treasure-hunt/article_a1d8439c-947c-5f59-8a70-9a7fad33a571.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Authorities were notified by the person who rented a pair of snowmobiles to the men. The pair were discovered within {{convert|5|mi|km}} of a site they had been rescued from a month earlier, near the Dinosaur National Monument along the Utah-Colorado border.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.denverpost.com/2020/03/24/forrest-fenns-treasure-dinosaur-national-monument-death/|title=Colorado man dies during hunt for Forrest Fenn's treasure in Dinosaur National Monument|author=Shelly Bradbury|date=March 24, 2020|website=denverpost.com|archive-date=June 27, 2021|access-date=March 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627214225/https://www.denverpost.com/2020/03/24/forrest-fenns-treasure-dinosaur-national-monument-death/|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Controversy== A number of notable controversies surrounded the treasure hunt. Several searchers were cited or arrested for committing legal infractions in the course of their pursuits.<ref>{{cite news |author=Robert Nott |date=October 17, 2018 |title=Hunter of Forrest Fenn's treasure is arrested in Santa Fe |url=https://apnews.com/ee8f597004aa4328b04aa9f6b60d2111 |work=AP News |archive-date=May 26, 2021 |access-date=February 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526000635/https://apnews.com/ee8f597004aa4328b04aa9f6b60d2111 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* An unidentified man searching for the treasure was arrested in New Mexico in 2013 and charged with damaging a cultural artifact for digging beneath an iron cross of a descanso near the Pecos River.<ref>{{cite news|title=Man faces charges after digging for Forrest Fenn's treasure under descanso|url=https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/article_9c83382b-a652-59a1-8c84-790a73ba3cb0.html|author=Tom Sharpe|work=The New Mexican|date=April 3, 2013|archive-date=May 26, 2021|access-date=February 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526000629/https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/article_9c83382b-a652-59a1-8c84-790a73ba3cb0.html|url-status=live}}</ref> * In April 2014, national park rangers detained Darrel Seller and Christy Strawn for having a metal detector and digging in Yellowstone National Park while searching for the Fenn treasure. On May 9, park rangers accused the couple of camping without a permit and starting a small fire.<ref>{{cite news|title=Yellowstone treasure hunters run into problems looking for buried loot|url=https://www.today.com/news/yellowstone-treasure-hunters-run-problems-looking-buried-loot-2D79748263|author=Erika Angulo|date=July 27, 2014|website=www.today.com|archive-date=May 26, 2021|access-date=February 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526000646/https://www.today.com/news/yellowstone-treasure-hunters-run-problems-looking-buried-loot-2d79748263|url-status=live}}</ref> * Scott Conway was cited by New Mexico State Parks officers after he dug a large hole on state land near Heron Lake while looking for the Fenn treasure.<ref>{{cite news|title=Treasure seeker digs himself into hole in N.M.|url=https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/treasure-seeker-digs-himself-into-hole-in-n-m/article_85ef2c8d-0303-5d7a-84f5-876b1ffd4abb.html|author=Elayne Lowe|date=August 4, 2018|archive-date=July 15, 2021|access-date=February 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715213723/https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/treasure-seeker-digs-himself-into-hole-in-n-m/article_85ef2c8d-0303-5d7a-84f5-876b1ffd4abb.html|url-status=live}}</ref> * A Pennsylvania man, Robert Miller, was arrested for burglary, breaking and entering, and criminal damage to property in October 2018. Miller broke into Fenn's property and was hauling away a Spanish-style chest he thought was the treasure. He was caught in the act and held at gunpoint until law enforcement arrived.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hunter of Forrest Fenn's treasure is arrested in Santa Fe|url=https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/hunter-of-forrest-fenn-s-treasure-is-arrested-in-santa/article_e33f51b0-68d9-59f3-ac78-bd13e655c9f5.html|author=Robert Nott|date=Oct 15, 2018|work=The New Mexican|archive-date=May 26, 2021|access-date=February 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526000624/https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/hunter-of-forrest-fenn-s-treasure-is-arrested-in-santa/article_e33f51b0-68d9-59f3-ac78-bd13e655c9f5.html|url-status=live}}</ref> * In December 2019, David Harold Hanson of Colorado Springs, Colorado, filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court against Forrest Fenn. The lawsuit alleges Fenn made several fraudulent statements and deceived searchers.<ref>{{cite news|title=Fenn sued by Colorado man|url=https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/fenn-sued-by-colorado-man-claiming-he-was-duped-by/article_2e093da9-faf9-5852-9d07-8ebbcbc81e16.html|author=Robert Nott|date=Dec 3, 2019|work=The New Mexican|archive-date=May 26, 2021|access-date=February 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526000635/https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/fenn-sued-by-colorado-man-claiming-he-was-duped-by/article_2e093da9-faf9-5852-9d07-8ebbcbc81e16.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Although Hanson attempted to reopen it, the case was closed.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hanson v. Fenn (1:19-cv-01124)|url=https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/16538560/hanson-v-fenn/|access-date=Oct 15, 2018|archive-date=February 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200219081152/https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/16538560/hanson-v-fenn/|url-status=live}}</ref> * In January 2020, David Christensen of Indiana had to be rescued by Yellowstone National Park rangers after he attempted to rappel over {{convert|850|ft|m}} from a rope tied to a railing into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.<ref>{{Cite news|last=David|first=Mark|date=21 January 2020|title=Treasure seeker rescued from Yellowstone canyon|work=Powell Tribune|url=https://www.powelltribune.com/stories/treasure-seeker-rescued-from-yellowstone-canyon,23479|access-date=7 June 2020|archive-date=June 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607203935/https://www.powelltribune.com/stories/treasure-seeker-rescued-from-yellowstone-canyon,23479|url-status=live}}</ref> He was ordered to spend a week in jail and pay rescue costs of just over $4,000. He received a five-year ban from the park. Disregarding Fenn's remarks that no climbing was required, Christensen remained convinced at his sentencing his solution was correct.<ref>{{cite news|title=Treasure hunter banned from Yellowstone|url=https://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/treasure-hunter-banned-from-yellowstone/article_721d0d46-9fde-5395-a1f4-4d37a5f34cfd.html|author=CJ Baker and Mark Davis Powell|date=May 20, 2020|access-date=June 7, 2020|work=The Casper Star Tribune Via Wyoming News Exchange|archive-date=June 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607162927/https://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/treasure-hunter-banned-from-yellowstone/article_721d0d46-9fde-5395-a1f4-4d37a5f34cfd.html?utm_campaign=snd-autopilot&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_Casper_Star-Tribune&fbclid=IwAR0IYhQVq7Rdyi6JVjTBhKg3rmCYaYgwCWJpjYpcq0lJbtDDWQ7t6ztWwhA|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Treasure chest== The treasure chest features a bronze construction with a wood liner and locking front clasp. According to Fenn, it weighs about {{convert|22|lb|kg}} and its dimensions are {{convert|10|x|10|x|5|inch}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://fennstreasure.com/about-fenns-treasure/comparing-similar-bronze-chests-to-forrest-fenns-bronze-treasure-chest/#forrest-fenns-bronze-chest|title=Forrest Fenn's Bronze Chest - Comparing Similar Bronze Chests To Forrest Fenn's Bronze Treasure Chest|website=Fenn's Treasure|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-07|archive-date=July 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715164921/https://fennstreasure.com/about-fenns-treasure/comparing-similar-bronze-chests-to-forrest-fenns-bronze-treasure-chest/#forrest-fenns-bronze-chest|url-status=live}}</ref> The chest features scenes and reliefs with knights scaling walls on ladders and maidens above throwing flowers down upon them. This style of work appears to be references to the ''Le Roman de la Rose'' poem about the pursuit of love and scaling the "Castle of Love" which gained popularity around the same time the chest was made.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://fennstreasure.com/about-fenns-treasure/comparing-similar-bronze-chests-to-forrest-fenns-bronze-treasure-chest/#bronze-treasure-chest-artwork|title=Bronze Treasure Chest Artwork - Comparing Similar Bronze Chests To Forrest Fenn's Bronze Treasure Chest|website=Fenn's Treasure|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-07|archive-date=July 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715164921/https://fennstreasure.com/about-fenns-treasure/comparing-similar-bronze-chests-to-forrest-fenns-bronze-treasure-chest/#bronze-treasure-chest-artwork|url-status=live}}</ref> Because of the popularity of the treasure hunt, artists have made modern recreations based on Fenn's chest.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://fennstreasure.com/about-fenns-treasure/comparing-similar-bronze-chests-to-forrest-fenns-bronze-treasure-chest/|title=Comparing Similar Bronze Chests To Forrest Fenn's Bronze Treasure Chest|website=Fenn's Treasure|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-07|archive-date=July 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715164921/https://fennstreasure.com/about-fenns-treasure/comparing-similar-bronze-chests-to-forrest-fenns-bronze-treasure-chest/|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Discovery== On June 6, 2020, Fenn posted on the searcher blog ''Thrill of the Chase'' that the treasure had been found:<ref>{{Cite web|title=Fenn's Treasure Found in 2020|url=https://fennstreasure.com/fenns-treasure-found-in-2020/|access-date=2020-06-08|website=Fenn's Treasure|language=en-US|archive-date=May 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526000634/https://fennstreasure.com/fenns-treasure-found-in-2020/|url-status=live}}</ref> <blockquote>"It was under a canopy of stars in the lush, forested vegetation of the Rocky Mountains and had not moved from the spot where I hid it more than 10 years ago. I do not know the person who found it, but the poem in my book led him to the precise spot. I congratulate the thousands of people who participated in the search and hope they will continue to be drawn by the promise of other discoveries. So the search is over. Look for more information and photos in the coming days."<ref>{{cite news |title=The Chest Has Been Found!!!!... |url=https://dalneitzel.com/2020/06/06/important-advice-2/ |website=dalneitzel.com |access-date=2020-06-07 |date=June 6, 2020 |archive-date=November 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107015709/https://dalneitzel.com/2020/06/06/important-advice-2/ |url-status=dead}}</ref></blockquote>
This was subsequently confirmed by Fenn, who further disclosed in a news article that the finder was a male from the eastern United States who had sent him a photograph. The identity of the finder, the photograph, and the location of the treasure were not revealed.<ref>{{cite news |title='Forrest Fenn confirms his treasure has been found' |url=https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/fenn-treasure-found/article_37006cfe-a8d7-11ea-8653-873ca96e31ef.html |website=www.santafenewmexican.com |access-date=June 7, 2020 |date=June 7, 2020 |archive-date=June 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607175318/https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/fenn-treasure-found/article_37006cfe-a8d7-11ea-8653-873ca96e31ef.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/07/us/forrest-fenn-rocky-mountains-treasure-chest-found-trnd/index.html|title=A treasure chest hidden in the Rocky Mountains for a decade has finally been found|first=Alicia|last=Lee|date=June 7, 2020|website=CNN|access-date=June 8, 2020|archive-date=May 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526000643/https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/07/us/forrest-fenn-rocky-mountains-treasure-chest-found-trnd/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Weird/wireStory/forrest-fenns-treasure-hidden-rocky-mountains-found-71122597|title=Treasure chest hidden in Rocky Mountains finally found|website=ABC News|access-date=June 8, 2020|archive-date=August 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812180928/https://abcnews.go.com/Weird/wireStory/forrest-fenns-treasure-hidden-rocky-mountains-found-71122597|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/07/forrest-fenn-treasure-rocky-mountains-found|title=$1m treasure in Rocky Mountains has been found, says Forrest Fenn|date=June 7, 2020|website=the Guardian|access-date=June 8, 2020|archive-date=July 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210722043421/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/07/forrest-fenn-treasure-rocky-mountains-found|url-status=live}}</ref> On June 16, Fenn released additional photos on the ''Thrill of the Chase'' blog site including of himself examining the contents of the chest and one of it sitting in weathered condition implicitly on or near the site where it was found.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://dalneitzel.com/2020/06/16/important-found-7/ |title=The Chest Has Been Found!!!!...part seven |date=June 16, 2020 |website=The Thrill of the Chase |access-date=June 19, 2020 |archive-date=December 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211050756/https://dalneitzel.com/2020/06/16/important-found-7/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> On July 22 Fenn stated on the ''Thrill of the Chase'' blog site that the treasure's finder had authorized him to disclose, in the interest of closure for many of its searchers, that it had been hidden in Wyoming.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://dalneitzel.com/2020/07/22/15/|title=The Chest Has Been Found!!!!...part fifteen|website=dalneitzel.com|access-date=July 24, 2020|date=July 22, 2020|archive-date=July 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724065932/https://dalneitzel.com/2020/07/22/15/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
In December 2020, Jack Stuef, a medical student from Michigan, revealed that he found Fenn's treasure chest and decided to disclose his identity by going public in an interview with ''Outside''.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Barbarisi|first=Daniel|date=2020-12-07|title=The Man Who Found Forrest Fenn's Treasure|url=https://www.outsideonline.com/2419429/forrest-fenn-treasure-jack-stuef|access-date=2020-12-09|website=Outside Online|language=en|archive-date=May 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526000757/https://www.outsideonline.com/2419429/forrest-fenn-treasure-jack-stuef|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Jack Stuef Found Fenns Treasure|url=https://fennstreasure.com/jack-stuef-found-fenns-treasure/|access-date=2020-12-09|website=Fenn's Treasure|language=en-US|archive-date=May 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526000748/https://fennstreasure.com/jack-stuef-found-fenns-treasure/|url-status=live}}</ref> Due to safety reasons he preferred to stay anonymous but a lawsuit was expected to reveal his identity.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Scottie Andrew|title=The man who found Forrest Fenn's treasure wanted to be anonymous. A lawsuit compelled him to go public|url=https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/forrest-fenn-treasure-found-identity-revealed-trnd/index.html|access-date=2020-12-07|website=CNN|date=December 7, 2020|language=en|archive-date=May 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526000643/https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/forrest-fenn-treasure-found-identity-revealed-trnd/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Man who found Forrest Fenn's famed treasure reveals identity|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jack-stuef-forrest-fenn-treasure-identity/|access-date=2020-12-07|website=www.cbsnews.com|date=December 7, 2020|language=en-US|archive-date=July 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728031143/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jack-stuef-forrest-fenn-treasure-identity/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Stuef revealed that two small items indicated in pre-find publicity were not present in the chest, a small gold frog on a necklace and a Spanish emerald ring found at San Lazaro. When Stuef notified Fenn about the missing items, Fenn located the frog within his collection and presented it to Stuef. However, Fenn was not able to find the missing emerald ring.<ref>{{Cite web|title=A Statement on the Disclosure of My Identity|url=https://thefinder.medium.com/a-statement-on-the-disclosure-of-my-identity-602d95f04b9f/|access-date=2020-12-07|website=medium.com|date=December 7, 2020|language=en-US|archive-date=July 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210706225122/https://thefinder.medium.com/a-statement-on-the-disclosure-of-my-identity-602d95f04b9f|url-status=live}}</ref>
In July 2021, a French treasure hunter named Bruno Raphoz filed a $10 million lawsuit against Fenn's estate in the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico. According to the complaint, Raphoz had determined that the treasure was hidden in southwestern Colorado, informed Fenn of his solution, and began making preparations to retrieve it. However, his plans were delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and Fenn announced soon afterward that the treasure had been found in Wyoming. Raphoz contended that Fenn took advantage of the delay to move the chest from Colorado to Wyoming, noting that its exact final location has not been specified by Stuef or any of Fenn's relatives.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Lawsuit: Man who sparked treasure hunt retrieved own loot|url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/lawsuit-man-sparked-treasure-hunt-155608201.html|access-date=2021-07-05|website=yahoo.com|date=July 5, 2021|language=en-US|archive-date=July 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712005941/https://www.yahoo.com/news/lawsuit-man-sparked-treasure-hunt-155608201.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The suit was dismissed on July 16, 2021; Raphoz subsequently filed an amended complaint in an attempt to reopen it, but was denied on August 5.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Raphoz v. Fenn|url=https://casetext.com/case/raphoz-v-fenn-2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230806015545/https://casetext.com/case/raphoz-v-fenn-2|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 6, 2023|access-date=2023-08-05|website=casetext.com|language=en-US}}</ref>
==Clues and solution== In his 2010 book, Fenn published a poem which read, in part: {{Poem quote|Begin it where warm waters halt And take it in the canyon down, Not far, but too far to walk. Put in below the home of Brown.
From there it’s no place for the meek, The end is drawing ever nigh; There’ll be no paddle up your creek, Just heavy loads and water high.
If you’ve been wise and found the blaze, Look quickly down, your quest to cease, But tarry scant with marvel gaze, Just take the chest and go in peace. }}
In 2013, journalist Tony Dokoupil speculated that the treasure lay within Yellowstone National Park after reading Fenn's unpublished autobiography, which mentions "Nine Mile Hole" as Fenn's "top secret" fishing spot in the park.<ref>{{cite web | title=Seeking Fenn's Gold? Clues, Part 2 | website=The Daily Beast | date=March 3, 2013 | url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/clues-for-finding-forrest-fenns-buried-treasure-part-2/ | access-date=April 4, 2025 | archive-date=April 17, 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250417135638/https://www.thedailybeast.com/clues-for-finding-forrest-fenns-buried-treasure-part-2/ | url-status=live }}</ref> In a July 2019 blog post titled "River Bathing is Best", Fenn described his childhood 'secret bathing spot' in Yellowstone National Park where a geyser feeds into the Firehole River. Wrote Fenn: "I could change the water temperature around my body just by moving a foot or so."<ref>{{cite web | title=River Bathing is Best — Old Santa Fe Trading Co | url=https://www.oldsantafetradingco.com/blog/river-bathing-is-best | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200403171242/https://www.oldsantafetradingco.com/blog/river-bathing-is-best | archive-date=April 3, 2020 }}</ref>
In the 2025 Netflix docuseries ''Gold & Greed'', searcher Justin Posey visited the site where the chest had been found and shared his interpretation of the poem.<ref name="Posey"/> Posey identified Madison Junction, where the Firehole and Gibbon River meet to form the Madison River, as the place where "warm waters halt".<ref name="Posey"/> According to Posey, a car trip through Madison Canyon leads to Nine Mile Hole, a fishing spot known for its brown trout ("Home of Brown").<ref name="Posey"/> Friend Cynthia Meachum confirms this interpretation, reporting Fenn had shared that "Mr. Brown" was the family nickname for a large, elusive trout that could be hooked but not caught; Meachum reports her response was "You have to be effing kidding me, that's the dumbest thing I ever heard".<ref>{{cite web | title=Forrest Fenn - I want a refund! | website=YouTube | date=March 28, 2025 | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScBe25Zk-00 | access-date=April 4, 2025 | archive-date=April 17, 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250417131554/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScBe25Zk-00 | url-status=live }}</ref> Posey argued that "the blaze" was a tree that had since fallen down.<ref name="Posey">Gold and Greed, episode 3,31min40s</ref>
==In popular culture== The Fenn treasure hunt has been featured in television shows, magazine articles, and books.
* Douglas Preston had seen Forrest Fenn's treasure chest long before Fenn hid it. It is credited as the inspiration for Preston's 2003 novel ''The Codex''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.denverpost.com/2013/03/30/santa-fe-millionaires-claim-he-hid-a-treasure-chest-sets-off-a-hunt/|title=Santa Fe millionaire's claim he hid a treasure chest sets off a hunt|date=March 30, 2013|access-date=June 7, 2019|publisher=Denver Post|archive-date=June 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607135521/https://www.denverpost.com/2013/03/30/santa-fe-millionaires-claim-he-hid-a-treasure-chest-sets-off-a-hunt/|url-status=live}}</ref> * The treasure hunt was featured in a 2015 episode of ''Expedition Unknown'', "Finding Fenn's Fortune". Series host Josh Gates interviewed Forrest Fenn before joining several groups of treasure hunters as they searched multiple states in the Rocky Mountains.<ref>{{cite news |title=From Atlantis to Camelot, 10 mythical sites that just might exist |url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/10greatplaces/2016/03/18/mythical-destinations/81949314/ |access-date=June 8, 2019 |work=USA Today |language=en |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308144753/https://eu.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/10greatplaces/2016/03/18/mythical-destinations/81949314/ |url-status=live }}</ref> * ''The Lure'' (2017) is a documentary feature film about the treasure directed by Tomas Leach.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/sep/08/the-lure-documentary-forrest-fenn-treasure-hunters |title=The Lure review – chasing fame and fortune with the Fenn treasure hunters |first=Catch |last=Clarke |date=September 8, 2017 |access-date=November 13, 2019 |newspaper=The Guardian |publisher=Guardian News & Media Limited |archive-date=November 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191113161058/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/sep/08/the-lure-documentary-forrest-fenn-treasure-hunters |url-status=live }}</ref> * A 2018 episode of the web series ''Buzzfeed Unsolved: True Crime'', "The Treacherous Treasure Hunt of Forrest Fenn", features the treasure hunt.<ref>{{cite news |first=Sakura |last=Cannestra |title='Unsolved: True Crime' season 4 offers killer good time |url=https://www.dailycal.org/2018/09/17/unsolved-true-crime-season-4/ |access-date=June 8, 2019 |work=The Daily Californian |date=September 18, 2018 |archive-date=June 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190608163018/https://www.dailycal.org/2018/09/17/unsolved-true-crime-season-4/ |url-status=live }}</ref> * On July 8, 2020, in an episode of Discovery Channel's ''Expedition Unknown: Uncovered'' taped prior to the treasure being found, Josh Gates tries to decode the clues of the poem.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story-gallery/whats-on-tv-television-listings|title=What's on TV: Television Listings|date=July 8, 2020|access-date=July 7, 2020|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|archive-date=July 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706223146/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story-gallery/whats-on-tv-television-listings|url-status=live}}</ref> * There have been several podcasts about Forrest Fenn and the treasure hunt. In June 2022, Calvary Audio released the nine-part podcast series ''X Marks the Spot: The Legend of Forrest Fenn''.<ref>{{cite web |title=X Marks the Spot: The Legend of Forrest Fenn on Apple Podcasts |url=https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/x-marks-the-spot-the-legend-of-forrest-fenn/id1626203378 |website=Apple Podcasts |access-date=27 September 2022 |archive-date=September 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927190950/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/x-marks-the-spot-the-legend-of-forrest-fenn/id1626203378 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=D'Alessandro|first=Anthony|title=Cavalry Audio Premieres Art Dealer Gold Mystery Podcast 'X Marks The Spot: The Legend of Forrest Fenn' |url=https://deadline.com/2022/06/cavalry-media-x-marks-the-spot-the-legend-of-forrest-fenn-1235038924/ |website=Deadline |access-date=27 September 2022 |date=6 June 2022}}</ref> The podcast is narrated by Branden Morgan and is executive produced by Dana Brunetti and Keegan Rosenberger. It was followed by the nine-part series ''Missed Fortune'', hosted by Peter Frick-Wright and released on Apple TV+ in August 2022.<ref>{{cite web |title=Missed Fortune on Apple Podcasts |url=https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/missed-fortune/id1636560953 |website=Apple Podcasts |access-date=26 September 2022 |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926201211/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/missed-fortune/id1636560953 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=White |first1=Peter |title=Apple TV+ Digs Up Forrest Fenn Treasure Hunt Podcast 'Missed Fortune' As Latest Original Audio Series |url=https://deadline.com/2022/08/missed-fortune-apple-podcast-forrest-fenn-treasure-1235087002/ |website=Deadline |access-date=26 September 2022 |date=8 August 2022 |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926201211/https://deadline.com/2022/08/missed-fortune-apple-podcast-forrest-fenn-treasure-1235087002/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Both series explore the history of Forrest Fenn and the treasure hunting community. :In November 2025, the podcast ''Cautionary Tales'' included a two-part episode on the Fenn treasure, titled "The Treasure Hunt that Broke America".<ref>{{cite web |title=The Treasure Hunt that Broke America|last1=Harford |first1=Tim |url=https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/cautionary-tales/the-treasure-hunt-that-broke-america-part-1 |publisher=Pushkin |access-date=28 November 2025}}</ref> * In 2025, Netflix released a three part docuseries called ''Gold & Greed: The Hunt for Fenn's Treasure''. It features the treasure hunt, the lives that were lost and the aftermath following the treasure being found.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Revisit a Real-Life Treasure Hunt in Gold & Greed |url=https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/gold-and-greed-the-hunt-for-fenns-treasure-release-date-news |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250228051744/https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/gold-and-greed-the-hunt-for-fenns-treasure-release-date-news |archive-date=February 28, 2025 |access-date=2025-03-29 |work=Netflix Tudum |language=en |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Books== * {{cite book|title=Chasing the Thrill: Obsession, Death, and Glory in America's Most Extraordinary Treasure Hunt|last=Barbarisi|first=Daniel|year=2021|publisher=Knopf Doubleday Publishing |isbn=9780525656173}} * {{cite book|title=The Thrill of the Chase|last=Fenn|first=Forrest|publisher=One Horse Land & Cattle Co.|year=2010|isbn=9780967091785}} * {{cite book|title=Too Far to Walk|last=Fenn|first=Forrest|publisher=One Horse Land & Cattle Co.|year=2013|isbn=9780967091792}} * {{cite book|title=Once Upon a While|last=Fenn|first=Forrest|publisher=Phat Page Design|year=2017|isbn=9780692950555}} * {{cite book|title=Once Upon a While Revised|last=Fenn|first=Forrest|publisher=One Horse Land & Cattle Co.|year=2018|isbn=9780692196281}}
==References== {{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
==External links== * [http://oldsantafetradingco.com Old Santa Fe Trading Company], Forrest Fenn's website and blog, which hosts a self-published "Thrill of the Chase Resource Page".
category:2020 archaeological discoveries category:2020 in Wyoming category:books about New Mexico<!--where Fenn lived and brokered fine art--> category:buried treasure category:history of the Rocky Mountains category:puzzle hunts category:treasure of the United States