The 2024 hunt took Utah treasure seekers through a Spanish-language riddle full of wordplay, historical references, and geographic cues. The solve ultimately led to Grove Creek Canyon and the Mahogany Trail in Pleasant Grove.
Final Measurement — 2,000 cubits = ~3,000 feet. Measuring this distance down Mahogany Trail brought searchers within reach of the prize.
Si sufres dolor queue se cura con oro | If you suffer in pain that is cured with gold
Busca el atajo donde canta el coro | Look for the shortcut where the choir sings
Refers to the Domínguez and Escalante expedition, which sought a shortcut between Santa Fe and Monterey. “Choir” alludes to priests Cortés and Domínguez, suggesting Spanish Fork Canyon.
Encuentra el lugar por el cual se nombra | Find the place it is named after
Indicates the Escalante Cross in Spanish Fork, commemorating the expedition.
Dale la vuelta y sigue la sombra | Turn around and follow the shadow
This line instructs seekers to turn around from the Escalante Cross — either physically or when viewing it on a map — and follow the direction of its shadow. This symbolic cue points treasure hunters toward a canyon or trailhead northwest of the cross, helping guide the next stage of the journey.
¿dónde aprendes a oler el helado? | Where do you learn to smell ice cream?
This playful line nods to The Goonies, where the quote originates. It leads treasure hunters to the letter “G” on the mountain in Pleasant Grove — with the “G” taking you to Battle Creek to the south or Grove Creek to the north.
¿O comimos langostas en el pasado? | Or did we eat lobsters in the past?
A metaphor for 1776 and U.S. Independence. “Lobster-backs” = British redcoats. Tied to the large American flag flown annually in Grove Creek Canyon.
Cuando vuelves a mirar el amanecer | When we look at the sunrise again
Sigue derecho, lo puede hacer | Go straight, you can do it
These lines were meant to get treasure hunters onto the actual trail. According to Cline, “when we return to see the sunrise” means to face east again. From the Grove Creek trailhead, go east until you hit a sharp switchback west, and then follow the trail as it returns east. This directional shift cues the start of the final measurement portion of the poem.
Mira los números como si fueras un cuervo | Look at the numbers like you’re a crow/priest
Cline explained that “cuervo” has a double meaning — one being to measure distance like a crow flies, and the other being to interpret numbers like a priest. Using the age of Cortés when he landed in Mexico (35), and referencing the Bible’s Numbers 35:5, hunters were guided to measure 2,000 cubits — or roughly 3,000 feet (914 meters). This leads 914 meters down Mahogany Trail.
La edad cuando el llegó es lo que observe | The age when he arrived what I observe
Reinforces the need to use Cortés’ age (35) to identify the Numbers 35:5 scripture clue, providing a specific distance to travel.
Ahora estás cerca, una última pista | Now you’re close, one last clue
Muévete al lugar con la mejor vista | Move to the place with the best view
Follow Mahogany Trail 914 meters. Look up, toward a high point with a great view. Go 30–50 feet off trail and find the treasure in a shady spot.
This line-by-line decipher was compiled from David Cline’s post-hunt 2024 solve video. View that video here.
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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