The 2023 hunt was a masterclass in metaphor, geography, and cross-referencing local landmarks with poetic clues. Participants pieced together subtle references that led them from Salt Lake City to Mueller Park Trail in Bountiful, where the $25,000 treasure was discovered.
– Begin your search where time was transcendent –
– Crack open the books they’re interdependent –
These opening lines hinted that hunters would have to open their Utah history books to find multiple historically “transcendent” Utah locations — each distinct, each important to solving the puzzle.
– Lift up your eyes and look for the mark –
– Hike to the tree that stands without bark –
The “tree without bark” was a metaphor for Ensign Peak — a prominent, stripped-looking monument. This first “transcendent” location featured a plaque marked “43,” a key number in the final solve.
– Pass the grain tower that looks out to the west –
– Not more than an hour you’ll know by its crest –
A weekly clue featured scrambled “lorem ipsum” text — nudging hunters toward Latin. From this, they linked “grain” to its Latin root for “granite.” Meanwhile, the word “hour” carried layered meaning: an hour’s drive, 60 feet off-trail, and the 60-foot height of the granite This Is the Place Monument — marking the second “transcendent” location.
– Look down at your map to not wander with thirst –
– Remember two less than on top of the first –
“On top of the first” pointed to the 360° dial atop Ensign Peak. Subtracting two gave hunters “358,” to pair with the “43” marker number from the monument — forming the intersecting coordinates used later in the hunt.
– You’ll know you’re close where it’s time to frown –
“Frown” was a metaphor for a map intersection — symbolizing where lines A and B converged at Mueller Park Trail in Bountiful.
– What points towards heaven but is upside down? –
– Get off the road at the airplane without wings-
– Search from the shoulder and fortune it will bring –
At the trail intersection, the path formed the shape of an upside-down church — steeple and all.
Pop culture clues from Back to the Future and The Lord of the Rings added layers: “airplane without wings” hinted at Twin Pines (and its pine trees), while “Get off the road” nudged hunters toward a hidden tree just off-trail.
“Shoulder” meant that tree sat 60 feet off, near the edge of this symbolic church.
After three trips to Utah, Chelsea Gotta of Iowa solved the puzzle and uncovered the treasure hidden near the roots of a pine tree along Mueller Park Trail.
This line-by-line decipher was compiled from David Cline’s post-hunt explanations. Trails Utah is not affiliated with the Utah Treasure Hunt, but we’re proud to help share the journey for those eager to explore Utah’s trails.
Did you know that John and Dave fund the $25,000 prize themselves each year? It’s truly their passion project.
While they’ve partnered with sponsors before, the $25,000 prize still comes straight from their pockets—putting both their passion (and wallets) to the test. Want to help them (and your business) out? Consider becoming a sponsor.
Sponsorships offer a unique way to join the fun—like the video clue reveals from Element United and First Class Fireplace, which reached 70,000+ highly engaged followers who rewatch every frame for hidden clues.
If your company wants to get involved, send John (@onthejohn) or Dave (@the.cline.fam) a direct message on Instagram.
While we’re not part of the Utah Treasure Hunt, Trails Utah shares the mission of making trails more accessible and getting people outside—and this treasure hunt does exactly that, so we want to see it continue.
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