After 51 days of searching for hidden treasure, the $25,000 prize has finally been found. Back in May, David Cline & John Maxim launched the fourth annual Utah Treasure Hunt. Launched in 2020, they hide a $25,000 treasure chest in Utah and then issued clues to help people find it.
This year, it was discovered by Chelsea Gotta. Based out of Iowa, she found it on the third trip that she made out to the beehive state over the past month. She dug up the treasure on the Mueller Park Trail in Bountiful, located just outside of Salt Lake City. It was located at the base of a tree around sixty feet off the trail. This treasure hunt was the longest it took someone to find it, and she was the first out-of-stater to win the prize.
When she found the treasure, John & Dave held a press conference of sorts to discuss how she pulled it off.
ABC 4 also spoke with Chelsea Gatter to discuss how she found it, and what she planned to do with the award.
Many people that live in Utah complained about how they were outwitted by someone who doesn’t live in the state. To be honest, once you go 51 days without anyone discovering the treasure, it sounds like fair game to me.
In terms of what comes next for treasure hunts, David & John will be hosting two private adventure trips: to Zion National Park in August, and Costa Rica in early 2024. Another summer treasure hunt in the summer of 2024 is likely.
In terms of the riddles, YouTuber David Cline broke down the poems and theorized where the treasure likely was. It’s worth a watch before the 2024 treasure hunt.
Image/Video Credits: David Cline, John Maxim, ABC4, David Cline
