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1,558 AEG |
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| 1,558 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | Unlike the drawings or pictographs in
Hieroglyphic Canyon, the symbols found on top of Black Top Mesa are thought to
be true hieroglyphs possibly left by Mexican miners. This means that they were
indeed meant as symbols for communication as opposed to petroglyphs which were
commonly left by indian tribes such as the Hohokam.
I quote the following from the "Trails of Adventure" website by Southwest
Publications:
The Spanish Hieroglyphics are located on the southern most tip of Blacktop
Mesa north of Weaver's Needle. The rock carvings are believed to be Spanish
because of the word "ORO" carved next another rock showing a sunburst. The
sunburst in Spanish treasure signs and symbols means "Mine location, Mineral
below". This sunburst is overdone which means "a very rich mine". It also has
the eye of God in the middle of the sunburst which means the treasure is blessed
or is being guarded by God. Near the two rocks is another carving of a locator
map. Many believe if you can solve this map, you will find the Lost Dutchman's
Gold Mine.
I was able to locate the
sunburst and what appeared to look like a compass
rose, but not the map. There is so much graffiti, some I saw dating back to
as far as
1957, that it is hard to tell what's really authentic. My guess is much has
been pilfered or destroyed over the years.
I chose an optional return route by continuing on the Bull Pass trail to the
Dutchman trail and back. This extra loop around Black Top Mesa adds about 3.5
miles but is quite interesting. Passing between Black Top Mesa and Palomino Mtn.
look up and to your left for a shot of
Aylor's Arch. Also if you poke around in the area of Aylor's Caballo Camp
you may find some
interesting things. Do you think maybe he was planning on coming back to
use these?  |
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