I hate hearing news like this but there is a massive search for 3 missing hikers that are have not returned from a trip into the Superstitions Mountains to the east of Phoenix. The Superstition Mountains are a rugged range with high ridges, narrow canyons, and harsh desert terrain that can be difficult to nagivate especially if you are cross country hiking. Add to this the 105 degree plus temperatures we are currently experiencing in the area, and these mountains become outright dangerous.

The three missing men, Curtis Merworth, 48, Ardean Charles, 67, and Malcolm Meeks, 41 , all from Utah, were in the Superstitions last week on day hikes in search of the Lost Dutchman Gold mine. The last contact with their families was on July 6th and their contacted authorities on Sunday. The hiker’s SUV was located at the First Water Trailhead and the search continues for the men in that section of the mountains.

The Lost Dutchman Gold Mine has lured treasure seekers into the Superstitions for over 100 years and the mine still remains legend to this day.  A search for the mine requires off trail hiking through this rugged terrain where it is easy to get lost.  Hopefully these hikers came across one of the few places with water in the mountains and sand decided to stay put at that spot when they realized they were lost.  Staying by water is the best chance that these guys have for survival.

If anyone has seen these hikers in the last week or has information about there approximate location in the Superstitions, I would the contact the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. Lets hope for the best.