Superstition Mountains search turns up no sign of missing men

Superstition Mountains, the possible home of the legendary Lost Dutchman Gold Mine, were searched by authorities looking for 3 missing Utah men.

Lost Dutchman State Park in the Superstition Mountains, Arizona, is seen in this file photo.

Newscom/File

July 15, 2010

Authorities say there's still no sign of three Utah men reported missing while looking for the legendary Lost Dutchman Gold Mine in the rugged Arizona wilderness.

The hikers from Salt Lake City have been in the Superstition Mountains since at least Sunday, and possibly nearly a week. Maricopa County sheriff's officials say rescue workers braved triple-digit temperatures for a fourth day of searching Wednesday. Searchers reportedly have covered more than 100 miles so far.

Family members say 67-year-old Curtis Meriworth, 62-year-old Ardean Charles and 51-year-old Malcolm Meeks planned on hiking into the mountains and exploring the area about 40 miles east of Phoenix during the day and spending nights in a motel. Their vehicle was found Sunday, parked at a trailhead.

Treasure hunters have been looking for the Lost Dutchman mine for more than a century.