The Thrill of the Chase is a collection of short stories and personal anecdotes from Forrest Fenn’s life as a fighter pilot, collector, art dealer, and more. The book sparked a much publicize, decade-long hunt, and is responsible for helping re‑popularize armchair treasure hunting.
The most critical component of this hunt was a poem found in chapter “Gold and More” that consisted of 24-lines (six stanzas). Fenn stated that this poem contained nine distinct clues that, if followed precisely, would lead a searcher to the chest. In addition to the poem, the book includes several photographs of the treasure—a 10th-century bronze chest filled with gold nuggets, rare coins, jewelry, and ancient artifacts—and images from Fenn's life. Fenn frequently mentioned that while the poem was the map, the memoir contained “hints” and “aberrations” that could help a searcher confirm they were on the right track. The hunt also relied on external geographic data, as Fenn specified the treasure was hidden in the Rocky Mountains between Santa Fe, New Mexico, and the Canadian border, at an elevation between 5,000 and 10,200 feet.
An often displayed/referenced poster of the search area and poem wasn't released until Fenn's 2013 memoir, Too Far To Walk, in which a fold-out version of the map appeared. It was later modified into a wall map with his assistance.
Forrest Fenn’s Treasure Poem
As I have gone alone in there
And with my treasures bold,
I can keep my secret where,
And hint of riches new and old.
Begin it where warm waters halt
And take it in the canyon down,
Not far, but too far to walk.
Put in below the home of Brown.
From there it’s no place for the meek,
The end is drawing ever nigh;
There’ll be no paddle up your creek,
Just heavy loads and water high.
If you’ve been wise and found the blaze,
Look quickly down, your quest to cease,
But tarry scant with marvel gaze,
Just take the chest and go in peace.
So why is it that I must go
And leave my trove for all to seek?
The answer I already know,
I’ve done it tired, and now I’m weak.
So hear me all and listen good,
Your effort will be worth the cold.
If you are brave and in the wood
I give you title to the gold.
