Round Mountain Treasure

In the distant past, a group of 4 French Canadians is rumored to have been trapping close to Round Mountain on the Snake River. However, American trappers found the Canadians and stole their furs and traps before running them off. A gold nugget was discovered by one of the four as they ventured south into western Colorado's Gunnison River headwaters.

They successfully panned the gravel in the creek beds here over the following month. The Frenchmen were attacked when Ute natives found them. 3 Frenchmen lost their lives in the ongoing conflict that lasted many days. The 4th Frenchman was successful in escaping via Cochetopa Pass (just west of Saguache). He buried the gold on Round Mountain as he realized his pursuers were getting closer. He was later killed by the natives, and the treasure has never been found.