My father spent sooo many years in the Superstition Mountains looking for this exact gold mine, as well as the lost iron door gold mine. It was really nostalgic to hear you discuss this as it brought back many memories of younger me going hiking and expiditioning with my father in search of that mine. Regardless of if my father ever found anything, the time I spent with him doing that was worth more than any of the gold buried there. Ill miss you old man. 1972-2017
I lived in southern AZ for a couple years and i know several guys who go into the Superstitions regularly to either prospect for minerals or search for the Lost Dutchman. Thankfully, none of them have died there, but all of them have stories of finding bodies, abandoned campsites, or bones all over the range.
People where I live have a big believe that some humans long ago would go to hide their treasure and then after that do a deal with an entity ( a jinn , ghost or anything like that ) to protect it for them , anyone that tries to take it would face that entity and then die to it , investigations for missing people near so called treasure would be very much like this story , a person looking for a treasure goes to it and when he or she are close to finding it they would die and the police only finds the dead body with natural cause of death , ofc that entity took something in return to that favor but we will never know what they asked for
I’ve only gone out there 3x & can only assume there’s a high incidence rate-it’s so easy to get lost in that terrain & the amount of water you need to carry insane. I happened upon a barely-living person, gave her the last drops of my water, ran to the campground, filled up, ran back to her, then ran to find a ranger. This was after 6+ hours out, while I was dehydrated myself despite drinking >1L/h & wanted nothing more than to get off my feet. She was 100% unprepared, and I wanted to scream at her in frustration tbh. I didn’t ofc, but people need to respect how extreme nature can be. It’s amazing I even heard her trying to call out.
Y'all!!!! I live in the foothills of Superstition Mountain. Unbelievably beautiful and my 15 yer old son and hubby are convinced they can find The Lost Dutchman Mine! I think the gold was found long ago and the smart finder kept their trap shut!
I live in Mesa, have been on one of the hiking trails at the base/side of the Superstition Mts, I see them from the 60 all the time, they creep me out for some reason 😂
A long time family friend grew up in the shadows of the Superstitions. He thought the same thing. That the gold was found years ago and the finder never said a thing.
I got lost in the superstition mountains with my boyscout troop. A few notes, there are parts of those mountains that are magnetized. Your compass will spin in there. The walls of the rock formation close you in and prevent you from seeing landmarks. It looks similar to any other range in AZ until you get in the middle of it. There are rivers that spill out of that mountain range. Thats how you find your way out... if the flash floods dont get you.
💯 yes he's very animated but I listen to his narrations and I think the energy he gives helps with the entertainment factor. His story telling is always interesting. I hope he doesn't feel the need to change a thing. Happy Holidays ⛄🎈🎂
He was a seal, one thing I know from my time in the service was, that if your getting a good story or briefing. Your going yo see an animated person saying it and, you will always see some knife hands thrown in. Mr.Ballen is a master of the knife hand lol.
I live in Arizona and Ive heard of this map. legend has it that only at a certain time of day while the sun is setting the sunlight will bounce through hole in a rock and illuminate a entrance the mine. The mine has gold veins visible when the sun is aimed into the mine - My family had 2 brothers back in 1800s, when they found a major gold mine out there one brother stayed at the mine and one went back to the town to purchase the mine claim. He went back and murdered his brother and tried to kill off anyone in the family that had any idea where the mine was. This is why they say the gold is haunted, its just death that follows. people kill eachother to keep them mine location secret and then end up becoming victim to greed/the mountain.
my theory for the story was that someone found the mine already and sought to protect the riches while they were being extracted, so people who came near would be executed or scared away.
The position of the sun at sunset changes throughout the year. So if there really was a place where sunlight from the setting sun would go through a hole in a rock and illuminate a mine entrance, it would only happen 2x per year (or 1x if it's during a solstice). Meaning you couldn't just go exploring any random time and find it. You'd have to know what day(s) it was supposed to happen and go on those specific days. Kinda surprised that someone educated enough to become a veterinarian, wouldn't have figured this out while researching the legend.
I don't know if links are allowed in the comments here, so search "From Navy SEAL to SCARY UA-camr" in this channel and his background video should come up.
Arizona native here. I’ve been out in the Superstition Mountains and can attest to how absolutely creepy it is out there. Thanks for another awesome story and happy Veterans Day to you. Appreciate all you have done for our country and all you continue to do!
I recently watched an interview where John admits that he doesn't really know what to say when people thank him for his service - pretty humble guy I would say 🙏
I live near the Superstition Mountains. It definitely has something going on up there. Plane crashed not too long ago that had no reason to have crashed according to officials. It is also dubbed the area 51 of Arizona. I have even seen lights move in not normal ways around that mountain.
That plane crashed because the old pilot didn't set his altimeter correctly before takeoff...so he collided in the cliffs with his young grandson because he was flying too low...sad day for sure.
I live about 20 minutes away from the Superstitions and have hiked to the top of Flat Iron (a must do if you’re in the area and have hiking experience). If you do Flat Iron i recommend camping up top for the night. A beautiful mountain range that is cursed by the Natives. Expert hikers have gotten lost on numerous trails and needed airlift, a lot of explorers that go for the Lost Dutchman treasure go missing, and a few planes have crashed unexpectedly into that mountain over time..the most recent being in June (literally so many and it’s common). It’s an absolutely captivating and beautiful mountain range that also gives you the chills when looking at it, like one of those “you must respect me”. My husband and I got lost on one of the base trails that didn’t even go towards the mountains (there are numerous trails at the base) and we are experienced hikers. It shouldn’t have happened as we hike every weekend but when it happened we were both “lost and dazed”. I can see why more experienced hikers need search and rescue during the winter on very well know trails, but not at the same time (it’s weird to define). Everyone knows the trails and difficulty of the Superstitions There’s a small museum at the base in Apache Junction that displays so many drawings of maps or artifacts from explorers trying to locate the treasure over time (at least 100 years). The chapel at the base of these mountains is now a museum due to Elvis Presley filming his movie there. It’s literally called “The Elvis Chapel”. It’s a tourist trap for snowbirds which isn’t far down the road from Goldfield Ghost Town (abort and do not go for the day unless you like touristy things to do).
@@glennrishton5679They truly are beautiful mountains. Thats the thing about many things in the desert they can be more dangerous than they seem at first glance. How many snowbirds and hikers have to be rescued from the mountains each year?
My nephew got married there in 2020. It was absolutely beautiful but as night fell you could almost feel that the area had a presence. It was majestic and creepy at the same time. Such an amazing experience.
I absolutely LOVE that John used time generally paid advertising on his own new ventures. But what he said out loud I knew all on my own. John will never forget that we, his fans and how he started out. No matter how high his business ventures go he will always come back and give us a story. I wish him all the best and to go as far as he can go. John B Allen, you are adored. Thank you for all you bring us. ❤️
I was a member of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s posse search and rescue team for roughly 10 years. I’ve been on numerous rescue operations into and around the Superstition Mountains. Weirdest thing I saw out there was light orbs that I couldn’t explain. One of the deputies I worked with said he heard a rumor that the gold was found by some unsavory individual and there was an assault and even a killing as a result of the search for the gold. The individual who found the gold apparently used explosives to find it. He stated The sheriffs office has the case listed as “law enforcement sensitive” and won’t talk about it or release any information.
@@mikeyaz8817I was not part of the posse in 2020. I took a break and did some relief work overseas. Due to covid I was not able to return until 2022 and resumed my work as a posse member.
@Mou5eketeer Please do tell! What exactly do you mean? Does whistling at night in the Superstitious Mountains attract predators? What are the key rules of your community to safely navigating a place such as this?
@@jkk4657 Funnily enough, Appalachia is where I spent the next leg of American life and yup, dead on. All you need do is like, stand in a field while *being* Appalachian and someone’s like “that bish definitely casting spells, she looked right at me!”. Heaven forbid you’re wearing any kind of loose fabrics in a light breeze. My Welsh friends report something identical.
My best friend and I live 1,500 miles apart. We always watch your videos and instantly call each other about them. In 5 days she is flying down to Arizona to celebrate our back to back birthdays. I have planned a surprise day at the Supersitions for her birthday. I cannot even believe you posted this video at the time you did! This is amazing!
So how did your trip to the Superstition Mountains go? What month did you visit and how hot was it that day? Hope all went well. I live in Apache Junction that's built just west of those mountains.
This story gave me headless valley vibes, from people searching for treasure down to the police brushing off the obvious murder. Great storytelling as always Mr. Ballen ❤️
I appreciate that MrBallen keeps this channel going, as well as posting free podcast episodes for those of us fans who can't afford many subscriptions.
God loves you. If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. It's the greatest free gift you could ever possibly receive 🎁🙏👍
It's a scammer doing that! Not Mr. Ballen!! Many of us report these scammers and they've been taken down a few times, but they still show up. Anyone who supports scammers taking from and profits off Mr. Ballen is not a true fan of the real Mr. Ballen !!!💯 Just like the what's app scams that show up in the comment section
@@kimberlyshepherd270 Oh my god what a little snitchy little girl lighten up. Those people aren't subcribed and will never subscribe. He has a contract he is not getting cheated. See him plug another guy thats the corporation talking not him. He is bought and paid for, they own him
Happy Veterans Day, John, thank you for your service! 🇺🇸 and of course, thank you for your continuous supply of entertainment!! You've definitely found your calling and we are here for it!
As an AZ resident at first I thought this was about snowbirds, a truly terrifying species that migrates here from snowy climates every year around October. They can be found driving slow and creating traffic jams around the Superstition Springs mall, where they go to not buy anything, but to walk around in the a/c for exercise. By spring they are all gone. It really is strange, dark and mysterious.
The Superstitious mountains has so much lore and different stories- I think it would be so cool if you would consider doing an ongoing series that covers the lore behind them and the many stories that can be told from those who adventures there. I think you’re storytelling is so good, I would love to hear the lore behind the mountains as told by you lol. Now about this specific story- I have a theory the Doctor was being stalked (maybe not so much by the supernatural ) by another treasure hunter, and when that person realized he had a map and was on to something, and then the next day when he led him right to the spot I think the guy killed the doctor and ran off with the treasure, and wrote that note in the checkbook.
Nice thinking!! Look at MrBallen's early stuff on "The missing 411" books by David Paulidies (about strange disappearances and other phenomena that are widespread in ALL national parks worldwide) He did them quite a while ago now, maybe 2/3 years, but it was what led me to follow him in everything he has done since. He is one of the most inspirational men I have ever come across and love everything he does. You will too if you delve into his earlier stuff. Much love to you. x
@@lesleychapman4678Yes! I LOVE ALL the "missing 411" stories so very much. They are so interesting and intriguing to begin with but made 1000 times better when told my MrBallen!!
A friend of my Dad's told me about his venture into the Superstitions to search for the treasure with a group of other men in or around 1981. They rode in on horseback and brought legal automatic weapons with them, as they had all heard the stories of people being shot at. They also bribed a helicopter pilot to deliver supplies to them deep in the mountains where they were searching. This was a big deal, because at that time there was a flight ban on aircraft over the area. To make a long story short, these men, who were armed to the teeth with legal full auto weapons got so spooked they fled the mountains and abandoned all the mining equipment the helicopter had dropped off for them. And, it was a hair raising story he told me, too. What was really freaky is that something came over the group and they almost killed one another, but abandoned the quest before they did so. As soon as they got out of the mountains, they felt normal again. I asked him if they ever went back for the equipment? He told me he couldn't be paid enough to ever go back into those mountains.
That's wild!! It was a no fly zone?? That's very interesting and adds even more mystery to this tale. ThankYou for sharing Your father's story. I'm going to have to go read about this area now, very curious.
Easy.. There are high natural radiation spikes, and that can make people go mad.. Thats why if there is a mine there, it would be very dangerous area..
@@aocg1914 maybe that’s why the people before all left or abandoned the venture. Nobody wants their brain microwaved. Could you explain how radiation like that could come from natural sources like that?
The Superstitions are my favorite place to hike, and I love them precisely because they're so freaky!! The vibe inside those mountains is truly indescribable. One time I swore the walls in the canyons were talking to me. And no, I wasn't on drugs at the time, which makes it even more real and believable for me. I only lived in the Phoenix valley for a short time, but I still go back there once or twice a year. And I always go back to hiking the 'Supes. Not to find gold and get rich. I believe there lies a much more ancient magnetism in these mountains. It's a truly otherworldly place!!
I watched your interview on "Coffee" and I found some of it upsetting. As a 10 year Navy vet with an uncle who was a Seal for 35 years, I want to say that you served with Honor, shed blood for this country, and are honorable in your life after your service, Jon. You've done well and we are grateful for the entertainment you provide us.
@@Don.M.I would assume it’s because John talks about how his early internet content was largely based on first hand experience in the seals. It’s a sort of unwritten rule that you don’t talk about that stuff once you’re out except with other seals so when he started telling stories about it the seal community shunned him and don’t want anything to do with him anymore even guys who he served with.
They’re just dicks like lots of military folks - I knew guys in the marines who were a similar way. Since Ballen got medically discharged some of his friends were still in service when he was posting about his experiences. That changes your thoughts on it when you’re in the middle of the shit still. Once you get out it’s completely different though and I’m sure they’ll end up doing the same on their instagrams
You are by far one of the most loved and respected UA-camrs! You deserve all the success you worked hard for it! Thank you for providing a voice of comfort.
I hiked around the Superstition mountains a few years ago and I've never felt so at home. The whole area is gorgeous and I can't wait to get back. The desert felt so at peace.
No matter how good the stories are, you can’t enjoy them unless the story tellers voice isn’t annoying to you. Mr. Ballen’s voice is so soothing to me that I can listen to him all day and not get sick of hearing his voice.
This was posted over a month ago, just have to say, I’ve camped at the base of this mountain several times over my short 35 years. Lost Dutchman state park. The most recent being my 17th birthday. There’s nothing particularly creepy about being there, other than the flash floods and thunderstorms, which seemingly come from thin air, the plentiful flying “bugs”, and the feeling of being watched from a million different directions at once. Great family fun.
Currently on my 4th and final week offshore on an oil rig, I’m going through a bad break up, miss my family and got a lot going on. You have no idea how much your videos help distract me from my stress for a little while. Thank you Mr Ballen.
Just one more week until you see your family!🎉 I’m sorry about your breakup. I’m going through that too so I know where you’re coming from. But things will get so much better for you, I’m sure of it. Take care.
Just reading thru the comments and ran across yours. It’s been 8 months, so are you feeling better? I’ve been watching for days and days to distract me from what I’m going through, so I know how much it helps pass the time. Anyway, wishing you happiness. Take care. 😊
Same thing as what they say about the Appalachian mountains. I've spent my entire life swimming in the creeks, camping up so high on the mountain side that you can see the city below, walking trails on the Blue Ridge. Nothing scary here besides bears - and even they don't mess with humans too much.
To each his own, I guess. I have been here 44 years, and I know there is something up with this beautiful place. When I say, "Let's go to the mountain!" my family is super excited to go, no matter how many times we've been. Twice a year, the mountain gives a special performance. Look for the images of the shadow cat on the Superstitions. You will be amazed.
I've lived in Arizona for 11 years and have hiked the Superstitious Mountains a few times. I'm never relaxed in there, and I tend to cut my hikes short and high-tail it out of there. Thanks for this, John. As always, you told this so well and I enjoyed it very much!
Happy Veterans Day. My grandfather was an Operation Desert Storm veteran. Unfortunately we lost him due to cancer in 2020. As such I remember him by just having respect for the others that served. Same with firefighters because he was also a volunteer firefighter.
In the UK, today is our day of Remembrance for all those who fought and died in past wars. Glad you got through it all to tell us your stories... and thank you for your service, Mrballen.
Today in the U.S. we are observing Veterans Day honoring all veterans past and present. Our Memorial Day for fallen veterans is observed in May. Fly your nations flag proudly in remembrance.
You probably know the origin of why we both celebrate on the same day but I will tell anyway for those who havent heard the reason. It is the date of the signing of the Armistice ending fighting of World War I on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month So November 11th.
@apollionsacrezleonard People are doing that same garbage in the united states. Not sure they're actually Hamas, they just back them and approve of them.
as someone from arizona who frequently kayaks and hikes near the superstition mountains, ive always known about the lost dutchman stories. im so surprised but glad to see it getting covered here! I love the scary stories from the area but i have never felt or experienced any of that stuff myself. Lots of people here saying they felt bad or off vibes there lol, i think they just went with the idea that bad things were there. Its a breathtaking area with so many gorgeous views and amazing wildlife. Ive seen mountain goats, horses, bobcats, bald eagles, and more all around the superstition and salt river area. Ive never felt any “off” or “bad vibes” any of my dozens of trips to the area. So while the stories about it are super fun and interesting, dont let them deter you from visiting an absolutely stunning part of Arizona!
If you have never heard the stories, there is nothing creepy about being our there. Then again, I've heard the stories and don't find it creepy being out there. Treat all stretches of desert with respect it deserves and you'll be fine.
People where I live have a big believe that some humans long ago would go to hide their treasure and then after that do a deal with an entity ( a jinn , ghost or anything like that ) to protect it for them , anyone that tries to take it would face that entity and then die to it , investigations for missing people near so called treasure would be very much like this story , a person looking for a treasure goes to it and when he or she are close to finding it they would die and the police only finds the dead body with natural cause of death , so people that go for the view or to explore are often left to live and won't be bothered
"If you're a fan of the strange dark and mysterious delivered in story format then you came to the right place " How can one not love Mr Ballen ❤? Netflix please sign him!!! Absolutely an amazing story teller!!!! Once a week... can't it be twice a week? Thank you Mr.Ballen you are absolutely amazing.
Question: if he didn’t survive how do we know about the eyes at night, the little foot prints, and the explosion he heard. Those are some pretty strong details
It's called embellishing to flesh out the story and make it more interesting. Otherwise you'd just have, old man went into the mountains to find treasure. He sent his guides home. He had a map. Next day he died. Later his bones were found. No one knows exactly what happened to him.The end.
I grew up near the superstitions in a mining town. Man it’s no joke. One guy from Europe went into the desert alone without water when I was a kid. I remember my Grandpa having to go look for him to find him on his horse. Wild stuff man
Happy Veterans Day John! You have done amazing things since you got out and you are still serving your fellow man through your nonprofit and amazing story telling talent! Thanks. Many Blessings in your future....
Happy Veterans Day to you MrBallen. Please remember as you make these partnerships, our love is for you and the way you present yourself as the narrator. It’s one of a kind. Some of us are from the beginning, watching your brand grow. Don’t give your name sake away to others narrators who are also good. We come to you because you aren’t them.
I appreciate the fact that Mr.B uploaded on Veterans Day, considering he was in the Navy. Not only does he entertain us with great storytelling, but he risked his to protect us, and our freedom. What a stand up guy.
Happy Veteran’s Day, John! Thank you for your service to our country. Also, I absolutely adore your storytelling skills! Each story from you gets me hooked and always waiting for what will happen next
Hello! I have been listening to you for about a year. After the first story I was hooked. You are a marvelous storyteller! I am a doordasher, and I like to listen to you while I am dashing. I was stopped at a street light today, and a lady in the truck next to me got my attention and asked who I was listening to because he sounded very interesting. I was very glad to share!!
How did anyone know about what happened to the doctor if he was the only one there? The eyes watching him, the strange sounds he heard, and the explosion. He was by himself.
I scrolled down to the comments to see if anyone wondered the same thing, or if i missed a part of the story. No matter how i try to rationalize it, there's no way for anyone could have known most of the stuff that he went through, especially those last parts about turning around and hearing the explosion before it being too late lol I guess it's just a spooky made up story, that people kept adding bits to as time went on, and truth would probably be the most obvious one - an old, weak geezer, with no knowledge on how to survive, dying to weather conditions, hunger, accidental injury or coyotes.
@Skilluh Well the guy did exist, he was dropped off there looking for the treasure, he was shot in the head and his check book was found with that writing in it. Truthfully though, that is all we know, everything else is filler.
Maybe he wrote down about the eyes watching him at night on his notebook. With respect to the explosion, that's definitely made up, or maybe what he assumes was the last thing Dr Ruth heard before being shot in the head.
Happy Veterans Day Mr.Ballen I salute your service for your sacrifice and as well as sacrificing and dedicating your time to serving the UA-cam community for your strange, dark and mysterious content!
I was there. Hiding behind a rock. I should have helped but I was frightened. And i thought id better 'unselfishly' stay alive, so i could pass the tale along. Lucky i did isnt it. 🙂👍
Tell me about it!! I want so bad to listen to the podcasts, but you lose so much without the "overly dramatic" hand and head gestures! I absolutely LOVE Mrballen! ❤
Rodney Barnes is an absolute legend, it's amazing you're working with him. This guy wrote and produced for Boondocks and Everybody Hates Chris. Just incredible.
Honestly, I found this channel partway into 2020 and I've watched it blow up from a humble 500k, all the way up to the multimillion sub channel. And I couldn't be happier for our Main Man!! Seriously, SUCH a job well done, SUCH an amazing person (& family), who does so much for his community and fellow Vets. As a total stranger and an avid watcher, I am SO proud of MrBallen!! So, so deserved. And to top it all off, on this here Veteran's Day, thank you for your service!!! 🤝 & all the work you've done since.
Happy Veteran’s Day, Mr. Ballen, thank you for your service for this country and also for sharing these spooky stories with us each week! You truly are my favorite story teller.
First thought was the cowboys. They knew he was there, they had horses and guns, and they knew he was alone. The real question is, how do you know he heard hooves that one time if he never survived?
I’m not the only one that is puzzled about the child footsteps surrounding the tent or the cacti with axe heads embedded with it. Was a journal discovered on the body? Or is this an invention of fiction to explain Dr Ruth’s disappearance?
I am wondering the same thing. How is any of this known to be true? Except for what the cowboy guides can tell us, all of this is speculative and probably fictitious. Is MrBallen lying to us?
He tells stories guy, he does tell stories that can be verified, BUT he also tells stories of folklore. . . It’s not his fault if you can’t differentiate between the two 🤣
FINALLY! Lord it's depressing how many arse licking, pick me comments I had to scroll through to find one about the video, and specifically this ridiculous amount of made up shite... he's just getting worse each week, sadly. Shorter, more boring and made up stories than ever. Why is it when creators get big, and can actually focus on creating, do they get shitter and pump out less and less content? Its always bothered me!
Great tale, John, as always! The Superstitions are astoundingly beautiful but one can easily get lost in the many twisting canyons. I've hiked there several times, and it can, indeed, be a seriously unsettling place.
I’m from AZ & live in Phoenix & the area around Weavers Needle & the Superstition Mtns is one of the most beautiful places to hike in AZ. Those canyons can get very high & daunting & some areas give me the chills, especially in the Tonto National Forest. The Superstition Mtns have many spooky abandoned mines that are fun to check out if you’re brave enough. But nobody has found The Lost Dutchmen’s Gold Mine. Experts believe this mine contains the richest deposits of gold in America, worth more than $200M! Thx for sharing & for your service, Mr. B! 😊
Sometimes I wonder if the story was made up just to get more people to move out here. I think the territory officials were hoping for something akin to the 1849 migration, and the Lost Dutchman is just the story that caught the most traction. It's still fun to daydream. I live in East Mesa, so I have a pretty clear view of the Superstitions.
@@Heather-xm9ul Nice! You have the best view! Those mountains are so beautiful from afar. Yes, I do wonder if it’s made up or an exaggerated version of a story. But it’s still fun & there are a ton of abandoned mines out there that give me the heebie-jeebies!
From "3, 4, even 5 times a week" to where you are now has been a fantastically strange, dark and mysterious - and awesome - journey. Thanks for all the amazing stories along the way. Congrats on all your new endeavors. Looking forward to what the future holds. 👻😱 Happy Veterans Day!! 🇺🇸
@rachelvroman2727 I miss it too, but he's churning out so much awesome new stuff. I think it's pretty cool that he still does YT mainly because he wants to stay loyal to his fans that have been with him from the start. I really like the new Medical Mysteries podcast, and it's not exclusive to Amazon. I've been listening to it on Spotify.
Ahhhh What a Great Rainy Day to drop 🖤Thank For Your service Mr.Ballen you fought for our Country and you still till this day Help me out with your stories
No way you're not the best story-teller ever. No way. I'll listen to the guy you were talking about, but only because you said to do so. You sir, are the best story-teller ever known.
My dad lived in Wickenburg. He was told by some Wickenburg old timers that someone found gold in the Vulture mountains and made up the story about gold in the Superstitions to throw people off the track. I have no idea if there’s any truth to what he was told.
Could be true. A very rich gold vein was found in the Vulture Mountains. There are some lesser gold strikes out towards the Superstition Mountains, but most of the area is copper producing. Interesting theory.
@carmensmithaguirre3049 I think that if there really was a mine that rich with gold, you would have discovered it by now. Mining is a very intrusive process and there is no way that they could have hid the tailing piles. The mine would have been discovered by now. My guess is that the entire Lost Dutchman Mine isn't about a mine at all but about some treasures that were supposedly stashed in the mountains. However, we will probably never know. Still fun to speculate. Oh, and I do live in AZ and prospect for gold. A great state if you are into geology.
As an Arizona native, (But not a “Native American”) I can confirm that there is definitely something weird about the Superstition Mountains. I have hiked them and driven them on 4x4 trails. I’ve never had anything weird happen to me when spending the night (I’ve only spent about 12 nights, total, combined.) but something always feels just a little bit “off” about the area. The first few nights were when I was just a teenager (I’m 51 now), and I didn’t really know the strange history of the area….
Maybe you could take me to the superstitious mountains and will bring my can am with a bunch of led lights on it and also bring a few guns to protect myself and for and water and my dji drone and my phone and maybe some flares just in case something happens out there
'The hills have eyes '! 😳 Just wondering how the details about the tracks around his tent and noises heard are known? Was a journal found or something like that? Another great episode btw ❤
It's the same question I have. Like, how did they know what exactly happened? Because it was very detailed and there is no mention of journal in the story.
AND why was his full campsite discovered set up!? I thought he had been hiking the day to the spot and found it, when/why did he set up his tent, start writing in his checkbook? These details must be fictional to help embellish the story, still entertaining tho
@@goodnightmunchieThe podcast he mentioned during this episode, “Run Fool!”, is aimed SPECIFICALLY towards blacks. They use black lingo, black names, characters and settings. Episode 2 mentions slavery.
YOU NEED A NETFLIX SHOW! I’ve been watching you for years now and your stories are the thing I look forward to every Saturday so Thank you and Happy Veterans Day
I’d like to say hi to you John but also your wife, she sounds amazing as I’ve just watched an interview of you and your wife is amazing for loving you so much she stayed with you through everything! That’s unconditional love…❤
Never been this early before! Always a better day with a story from Mr Ballen 😍 Thank you and your team for all the hard work you all do! Keep up the great work we love it! :)
@@MrBallenthis video really touched home My grampa lived in Bisbee and made a few trips into the superstition mountains looking for the Dutchman mine He obviously never found it lol
Rodney Barnes is game changing for Ballen studios. Congratulations John! You're taking off! So ridiculously happy for you. It's odd, I've never met you, don't know you, but I am 100% certain that you are so deserving of everything that has been coming to you. Happy veterans Day and thanks for your service ❤️
Well said, Jumble! I completely agree with you! Being someone who has been watching Mr B from his humble beginnings, it's been really neat to see how successfully far he's come. 😌
Happy Veterans Day John! I absolutely LOVE the idea of getting other people to help conquer these stories with you in collabs! Rodney Barnes??? That's amazing and congratulations again on Ballen Studios! I bet in these 2 years you never expected this kind of fan base but definitely deserve it! Congrats John! 🎉❤
John has a great team behind the scenes . A director, lighting , sound , producer . And his mum writes the stories . You need that to be a successful channel . Investing money makes more money! John has good charisma, is good looking and the camera loves him, which helps too! .
Your stories sound so good when you act it out on video as well! I still watch some of your older stories too, and honestly, they don't get old. I love watching your vids, they really just bring out the excitement and curiosity in me, thank you. By the way, happy Veterans Day to you!! and all the hard work and confidence you put into protecting and serving America.😄😁👍👍
Thank you so much for telling this story. I know a lot of people dig the true crime stories, but these are the ones I made me fall in love with your channel: spooky stories set out in the wilderness. So good! I am curious though, how do you know the details concerning Dr. Ruth's last days on earth, especially his last moments? I know a lot of it is put there for dramatic effect, but so much is conveyed after he was alone. Did he keep a journal?
If Dr. Ruth died out there, how do we know what he discovered (the cactus with the axes, for example) and what he was thinking? Otherwise, this was a really good story, well told, as always.
But how do we know about the cactus with the axes? Mr Ballen mentioned that the journal was found on the campsite. It's not possible for that information to be on the journal if Dr Ruth got killed next to weaver's needle. Its not adding up at all @@dangerfieldknives3575
God bless you and your family for your hard work and sacrifice/dedication defending our nation. Secondly thank you for your hard work and God given talent in storytelling that means so much much to me, my family and all who have been rewarded with your talent!!!
@desperadox but if your party told you tomorrow or as if in the instance of Ukraine or Gaza we need to support that war, you remain totally silent and in agreement, all war is bad, except a war in your own country.
@@desperadox7565 War goes both ways. I support our troops because they signed up for defending our country and I respect that. Unless you are going to do it then I will gladly ask you to keep your comments to yourself
@@midnightharvest3065 The thing is, they are NOT defending your country. That's just a narrative the people in power tell the naive and gullible citizens. You can't cite one case where your military defended America against a real threat since WWII. (And don't try the "war" against terrorism. The countries you attacked where not responsible for 9/11 and the Saudis are still your valued business partners.
I'm so happy for you, your family and team! I literally wait until you have a few videos before I watch them. I love the way you tell stories, the sponsors messages you do and the fact that you bow in the beginning while talking it's always my favorite! Wish you much much success!
Happy Veterans Day John! Thank you for your service and as always for your captivating story telling!
It was a pleasure to serve young fella 😉
What Mrs mama said
Geuss Mr. Ballen doesn't care.
@@Truthseeker0777yes, how dare he not reply within 20 minutes. 😑
@@reverendbell2747 now it’s been 24… unforgivable.
My father spent sooo many years in the Superstition Mountains looking for this exact gold mine, as well as the lost iron door gold mine. It was really nostalgic to hear you discuss this as it brought back many memories of younger me going hiking and expiditioning with my father in search of that mine. Regardless of if my father ever found anything, the time I spent with him doing that was worth more than any of the gold buried there.
Ill miss you old man.
1972-2017
We'll find it one day
1972??
Casa Grande??
I’m sorry for your loss.
45 is painfully young for a father to die, my condolences.
Sorry for your loss , however , your dad wasn't old , by any stretch of imagination - he was still a "spring lamb " , as opposed to hogget or mutton .
I lived in southern AZ for a couple years and i know several guys who go into the Superstitions regularly to either prospect for minerals or search for the Lost Dutchman. Thankfully, none of them have died there, but all of them have stories of finding bodies, abandoned campsites, or bones all over the range.
WOW!! Thats pretty cool
People where I live have a big believe that some humans long ago would go to hide their treasure and then after that do a deal with an entity ( a jinn , ghost or anything like that ) to protect it for them , anyone that tries to take it would face that entity and then die to it , investigations for missing people near so called treasure would be very much like this story , a person looking for a treasure goes to it and when he or she are close to finding it they would die and the police only finds the dead body with natural cause of death , ofc that entity took something in return to that favor but we will never know what they asked for
that's exactly what i would expect to find o0
Been back in there myself a couple times
It's very eerie and very hot.
I’ve only gone out there 3x & can only assume there’s a high incidence rate-it’s so easy to get lost in that terrain & the amount of water you need to carry insane. I happened upon a barely-living person, gave her the last drops of my water, ran to the campground, filled up, ran back to her, then ran to find a ranger. This was after 6+ hours out, while I was dehydrated myself despite drinking >1L/h & wanted nothing more than to get off my feet. She was 100% unprepared, and I wanted to scream at her in frustration tbh. I didn’t ofc, but people need to respect how extreme nature can be. It’s amazing I even heard her trying to call out.
Y'all!!!! I live in the foothills of Superstition Mountain. Unbelievably beautiful and my 15 yer old son and hubby are convinced they can find The Lost Dutchman Mine! I think the gold was found long ago and the smart finder kept their trap shut!
I live in Mesa, have been on one of the hiking trails at the base/side of the Superstition Mts, I see them from the 60 all the time, they creep me out for some reason 😂
It’s no doubt in government possession already.
A long time family friend grew up in the shadows of the Superstitions. He thought the same thing. That the gold was found years ago and the finder never said a thing.
@@ModernWelfare_Can’t let the peasants find it.
I got lost in the superstition mountains with my boyscout troop. A few notes, there are parts of those mountains that are magnetized. Your compass will spin in there. The walls of the rock formation close you in and prevent you from seeing landmarks. It looks similar to any other range in AZ until you get in the middle of it. There are rivers that spill out of that mountain range. Thats how you find your way out... if the flash floods dont get you.
Can we just thank this man for being able to stand in the hot desert with no water or food, and telling this amazing story.
😂
what?
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
And didn’t even break a sweat 🙏🏼
🤣🤣🤣
The arm workout this guy pulls in every story is next level.
💯 yes he's very animated but I listen to his narrations and I think the energy he gives helps with the entertainment factor. His story telling is always interesting. I hope he doesn't feel the need to change a thing. Happy Holidays ⛄🎈🎂
He was a seal, one thing I know from my time in the service was, that if your getting a good story or briefing. Your going yo see an animated person saying it and, you will always see some knife hands thrown in. Mr.Ballen is a master of the knife hand lol.
@@FRANK45CASTLE ,
Yes sir. Absolute facts. THANK you for your service 🙏🏻🇺🇸💯
I take it you don't watch Scotty Kilmer
Speaking with your arms is one of the oldest form of communication. We're naturally drawn to it. 😊
Despite having a huge fan base, I am glad that Mr. Ballen is still so humble and thanking his fan followers. Kudos. Keep up the good work.
It's almost like you want him to be arrogant😂😂
@@AmritDillon so many other youtubers are not like him. That's why.
Humble? The algorithm says to do those things. He’s just working the systems steps. He don’t give a shit about you lol
I live in Arizona and Ive heard of this map. legend has it that only at a certain time of day while the sun is setting the sunlight will bounce through hole in a rock and illuminate a entrance the mine. The mine has gold veins visible when the sun is aimed into the mine - My family had 2 brothers back in 1800s, when they found a major gold mine out there one brother stayed at the mine and one went back to the town to purchase the mine claim. He went back and murdered his brother and tried to kill off anyone in the family that had any idea where the mine was. This is why they say the gold is haunted, its just death that follows. people kill eachother to keep them mine location secret and then end up becoming victim to greed/the mountain.
Interesting, Archeoastronomy is so fascinating
my theory for the story was that someone found the mine already and sought to protect the riches while they were being extracted, so people who came near would be executed or scared away.
lol think youre thinking of moria
@@lachie8784l saw a documentary about exactly that, think it was called Scooby Doo 😂
The position of the sun at sunset changes throughout the year. So if there really was a place where sunlight from the setting sun would go through a hole in a rock and illuminate a mine entrance, it would only happen 2x per year (or 1x if it's during a solstice). Meaning you couldn't just go exploring any random time and find it. You'd have to know what day(s) it was supposed to happen and go on those specific days. Kinda surprised that someone educated enough to become a veterinarian, wouldn't have figured this out while researching the legend.
Happy Veterans Day John! Thank you for your service. Thank you also for your amazing stories. All the best to you and your family ❤️
Completely stolen
Agree. On my birthday, I ignore all wishes after the first. What are they thinking?
It’s always a good day when a strange, dark and mysterious video comes out
🙌🙌🙌
Yes
Came out a day early too!
Yes!!!
@@MrBallenHappy Veterans Day Mr Ballen. And thank you for your service. Your amazing dude.
How did you go from being a Navy SEAL to becoming this massively successful story teller? Like seriously, you're a special person.
He has a separate video about that ,but its way back covid lockdown .
I don't know if links are allowed in the comments here, so search "From Navy SEAL to SCARY UA-camr" in this channel and his background video should come up.
Navy SEALs are a special breed.
The Iced Coffee Hour Podcast recently interviewed him. Just listened to it myself.
Yes . I can’t believe it
Arizona native here. I’ve been out in the Superstition Mountains and can attest to how absolutely creepy it is out there. Thanks for another awesome story and happy Veterans Day to you. Appreciate all you have done for our country and all you continue to do!
They give off a creepy feeling when there! They are gorgeous but man are they creepy! I’m a native too!
Thanks for the heads up. Not native but live up north now. Not from cali.
Skinwalker central forsure
No there not creepy people like you who are over zealous about lot of the BS. ..
@@b-bopeddie1290it’s an opinion, you just happen to not have the same one 🙄
Thank you for your service, John in defending our country, and in entertaining all of us as well.
I recently watched an interview where John admits that he doesn't really know what to say when people thank him for his service - pretty humble guy I would say 🙏
Defending?🤮🤮🤮
@@desperadox7565Being a sh*tty person? 🤮🤮🤢🤢
The banks should thank them as well.
@@DeanneHopley Humble? Maybe he just isn't proud of what he did.
I live near the Superstition Mountains. It definitely has something going on up there. Plane crashed not too long ago that had no reason to have crashed according to officials. It is also dubbed the area 51 of Arizona. I have even seen lights move in not normal ways around that mountain.
That plane crashed because the old pilot didn't set his altimeter correctly before takeoff...so he collided in the cliffs with his young grandson because he was flying too low...sad day for sure.
@@louwilson0906 he might have remember they say the mountains and canyon have some kind of magnetic field .
I live about 20 minutes away from the Superstitions and have hiked to the top of Flat Iron (a must do if you’re in the area and have hiking experience). If you do Flat Iron i recommend camping up top for the night. A beautiful mountain range that is cursed by the Natives. Expert hikers have gotten lost on numerous trails and needed airlift, a lot of explorers that go for the Lost Dutchman treasure go missing, and a few planes have crashed unexpectedly into that mountain over time..the most recent being in June (literally so many and it’s common). It’s an absolutely captivating and beautiful mountain range that also gives you the chills when looking at it, like one of those “you must respect me”. My husband and I got lost on one of the base trails that didn’t even go towards the mountains (there are numerous trails at the base) and we are experienced hikers. It shouldn’t have happened as we hike every weekend but when it happened we were both “lost and dazed”. I can see why more experienced hikers need search and rescue during the winter on very well know trails, but not at the same time (it’s weird to define). Everyone knows the trails and difficulty of the Superstitions
There’s a small museum at the base in Apache Junction that displays so many drawings of maps or artifacts from explorers trying to locate the treasure over time (at least 100 years). The chapel at the base of these mountains is now a museum due to Elvis Presley filming his movie there. It’s literally called “The Elvis Chapel”. It’s a tourist trap for snowbirds which isn’t far down the road from Goldfield Ghost Town (abort and do not go for the day unless you like touristy things to do).
I was thinking aside from the supernatural , the strange dark and mysterious aspects that area looks to have it's own very natural dangers.
Cool. Thanks for sharing this.
@@glennrishton5679They truly are beautiful mountains. Thats the thing about many things in the desert they can be more dangerous than they seem at first glance. How many snowbirds and hikers have to be rescued from the mountains each year?
My nephew got married there in 2020. It was absolutely beautiful but as night fell you could almost feel that the area had a presence. It was majestic and creepy at the same time. Such an amazing experience.
I live in east AJ. I have most beautiful view out my windows.
I absolutely LOVE that John used time generally paid advertising on his own new ventures.
But what he said out loud I knew all on my own.
John will never forget that we, his fans and how he started out.
No matter how high his business ventures go he will always come back and give us a story.
I wish him all the best and to go as far as he can go.
John B Allen, you are adored.
Thank you for all you bring us. ❤️
Am from Kenya and I've watched each and every video on this channel...more than once
I was a member of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s posse search and rescue team for roughly 10 years. I’ve been on numerous rescue operations into and around the Superstition Mountains. Weirdest thing I saw out there was light orbs that I couldn’t explain. One of the deputies I worked with said he heard a rumor that the gold was found by some unsavory individual and there was an assault and even a killing as a result of the search for the gold. The individual who found the gold apparently used explosives to find it. He stated The sheriffs office has the case listed as “law enforcement sensitive” and won’t talk about it or release any information.
Did you by chance work for MCSO during the Khayman Welch search in 2020 in the superstition mountains? Last l heard he was still missing.
@@mikeyaz8817I was not part of the posse in 2020. I took a break and did some relief work overseas. Due to covid I was not able to return until 2022 and resumed my work as a posse member.
Anything else interesting you saw out there...
@@nenep1872yeah, dudes cooking meth and east side of weavers needle I saw light orbs circling around it while using night vision
What do you think about this
Grew up in a Navajo/Yavapai community. The moment he started whistling at night, I knew he was screwed.
@Mou5eketeer Please do tell! What exactly do you mean? Does whistling at night in the Superstitious Mountains attract predators? What are the key rules of your community to safely navigating a place such as this?
Same as being in Appalachia
@@jkk4657 Funnily enough, Appalachia is where I spent the next leg of American life and yup, dead on. All you need do is like, stand in a field while *being* Appalachian and someone’s like “that bish definitely casting spells, she looked right at me!”. Heaven forbid you’re wearing any kind of loose fabrics in a light breeze. My Welsh friends report something identical.
was looking to see if anyone mentioned this because the second i heard whistling i knew
@@mckaylawallace4547 Good to see your spiritual instincts intact, cuz that's how the witches getcha!
My best friend and I live 1,500 miles apart. We always watch your videos and instantly call each other about them. In 5 days she is flying down to Arizona to celebrate our back to back birthdays. I have planned a surprise day at the Supersitions for her birthday. I cannot even believe you posted this video at the time you did! This is amazing!
Happy birthday 🎉
So how did your trip to the Superstition Mountains go? What month did you visit and how hot was it that day? Hope all went well. I live in Apache Junction that's built just west of those mountains.
This story gave me headless valley vibes, from people searching for treasure down to the police brushing off the obvious murder. Great storytelling as always Mr. Ballen ❤️
Thank you!!
The historian that tells the history, said the headless are in fact in back of superstions mountains. The tall ones formed the front..
I appreciate that MrBallen keeps this channel going, as well as posting free podcast episodes for those of us fans who can't afford many subscriptions.
He really is the best!!
God loves you. If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
It's the greatest free gift you could ever possibly receive 🎁🙏👍
That is NOT John Ballen posting his free podcasts on You Tube . That You Tube channel belongs to someone else .
It's a scammer doing that! Not Mr. Ballen!! Many of us report these scammers and they've been taken down a few times, but they still show up. Anyone who supports scammers taking from and profits off Mr. Ballen is not a true fan of the real Mr. Ballen !!!💯 Just like the what's app scams that show up in the comment section
@@kimberlyshepherd270 Oh my god what a little snitchy little girl lighten up. Those people aren't subcribed and will never subscribe. He has a contract he is not getting cheated. See him plug another guy thats the corporation talking not him. He is bought and paid for, they own him
Nice touch adding the little footprints. I’m an Arizona native and stories of “the little people” here are truly frightening.
Happy Veterans Day, John, thank you for your service! 🇺🇸 and of course, thank you for your continuous supply of entertainment!! You've definitely found your calling and we are here for it!
As an AZ resident at first I thought this was about snowbirds, a truly terrifying species that migrates here from snowy climates every year around October. They can be found driving slow and creating traffic jams around the Superstition Springs mall, where they go to not buy anything, but to walk around in the a/c for exercise. By spring they are all gone. It really is strange, dark and mysterious.
Having lived in AZ for a decade, I have to say this comment was f-ing hilarious. I really needed a serious laugh today. Thank you! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🥰🥰🥰
Ha! I ❤ this comment!!
Get off Apache land!
The Superstitious mountains has so much lore and different stories- I think it would be so cool if you would consider doing an ongoing series that covers the lore behind them and the many stories that can be told from those who adventures there. I think you’re storytelling is so good, I would love to hear the lore behind the mountains as told by you lol.
Now about this specific story- I have a theory the Doctor was being stalked (maybe not so much by the supernatural ) by another treasure hunter, and when that person realized he had a map and was on to something, and then the next day when he led him right to the spot I think the guy killed the doctor and ran off with the treasure, and wrote that note in the checkbook.
That theory makes so much sense I like where your head is at
Good theory. Maybe them cowboys were up to no good
Nice thinking!!
Look at MrBallen's early stuff on "The missing 411" books by David Paulidies (about strange disappearances and other phenomena that are widespread in ALL national parks worldwide) He did them quite a while ago now, maybe 2/3 years, but it was what led me to follow him in everything he has done since. He is one of the most inspirational men I have ever come across and love everything he does. You will too if you delve into his earlier stuff. Much love to you. x
OH SHIT THIS SOUNDS LIKE A MASSIVE TOPIC TO GET INTO, THIS EPISODE REALLY IS A RABBITHOLE. MY CAPSLOCK IS JAMMED.
@@lesleychapman4678Yes! I LOVE ALL the "missing 411" stories so very much. They are so interesting and intriguing to begin with but made 1000 times better when told my MrBallen!!
A friend of my Dad's told me about his venture into the Superstitions to search for the treasure with a group of other men in or around 1981. They rode in on horseback and brought legal automatic weapons with them, as they had all heard the stories of people being shot at. They also bribed a helicopter pilot to deliver supplies to them deep in the mountains where they were searching. This was a big deal, because at that time there was a flight ban on aircraft over the area.
To make a long story short, these men, who were armed to the teeth with legal full auto weapons got so spooked they fled the mountains and abandoned all the mining equipment the helicopter had dropped off for them. And, it was a hair raising story he told me, too. What was really freaky is that something came over the group and they almost killed one another, but abandoned the quest before they did so. As soon as they got out of the mountains, they felt normal again. I asked him if they ever went back for the equipment? He told me he couldn't be paid enough to ever go back into those mountains.
That's wild!! It was a no fly zone?? That's very interesting and adds even more mystery to this tale. ThankYou for sharing Your father's story. I'm going to have to go read about this area now, very curious.
So whats the full story?
It would be nice to have the full story.
Easy..
There are high natural radiation spikes, and that can make people go mad..
Thats why if there is a mine there, it would be very dangerous area..
@@aocg1914 maybe that’s why the people before all left or abandoned the venture. Nobody wants their brain microwaved. Could you explain how radiation like that could come from natural sources like that?
Thank you for your service John! Both as a seal and an incredible story teller! Happy veterans day!!
According to bidenomics he might be called back to duty 😢
Fuck your 'Bidenomics' @@goodnightmunchie . I live in CANADA
The Superstitions are my favorite place to hike, and I love them precisely because they're so freaky!! The vibe inside those mountains is truly indescribable. One time I swore the walls in the canyons were talking to me. And no, I wasn't on drugs at the time, which makes it even more real and believable for me. I only lived in the Phoenix valley for a short time, but I still go back there once or twice a year. And I always go back to hiking the 'Supes. Not to find gold and get rich. I believe there lies a much more ancient magnetism in these mountains. It's a truly otherworldly place!!
I watched your interview on "Coffee" and I found some of it upsetting. As a 10 year Navy vet with an uncle who was a Seal for 35 years, I want to say that you served with Honor, shed blood for this country, and are honorable in your life after your service, Jon. You've done well and we are grateful for the entertainment you provide us.
,💯💯💯💪🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸💪🏻🙏🏻‼️
What was upsetting?
@@Don.M.I would assume it’s because John talks about how his early internet content was largely based on first hand experience in the seals. It’s a sort of unwritten rule that you don’t talk about that stuff once you’re out except with other seals so when he started telling stories about it the seal community shunned him and don’t want anything to do with him anymore even guys who he served with.
@@fluffymrbunnx3585 for being called tough navy seals sound quite like crybabies
They’re just dicks like lots of military folks - I knew guys in the marines who were a similar way. Since Ballen got medically discharged some of his friends were still in service when he was posting about his experiences. That changes your thoughts on it when you’re in the middle of the shit still. Once you get out it’s completely different though and I’m sure they’ll end up doing the same on their instagrams
You are by far one of the most loved and respected UA-camrs!
You deserve all the success you worked hard for it!
Thank you for providing a voice of comfort.
I hiked around the Superstition mountains a few years ago and I've never felt so at home. The whole area is gorgeous and I can't wait to get back. The desert felt so at peace.
No matter how good the stories are, you can’t enjoy them unless the story tellers voice isn’t annoying to you. Mr. Ballen’s voice is so soothing to me that I can listen to him all day and not get sick of hearing his voice.
After I started listening to Mr ballen I can't listen to anyone else bc their voices just aren't right😂
@@bernadine6695It’s not about the voice it’s his way of telling a story. There is many more soothing voices but nobody tells a story like him
Dont ever think you'll wanna be annoyed and scared at the same time, but if you do, listen to whatlurksbeneath. Or just dont.
@@arthurmorgan7086 Two comments above yours literally say that it IS about his voice, for them.
@@charliek2077 That’s great. And I’m telling you that his voice is just standard! Now dry your eyes and relax
Happy Veterans Day John, words can never say how much you service men and veterans mean to me.
This was posted over a month ago, just have to say, I’ve camped at the base of this mountain several times over my short 35 years. Lost Dutchman state park. The most recent being my 17th birthday. There’s nothing particularly creepy about being there, other than the flash floods and thunderstorms, which seemingly come from thin air, the plentiful flying “bugs”, and the feeling of being watched from a million different directions at once. Great family fun.
Currently on my 4th and final week offshore on an oil rig, I’m going through a bad break up, miss my family and got a lot going on. You have no idea how much your videos help distract me from my stress for a little while.
Thank you Mr Ballen.
Hang in there. Every day is a day closer to seeing your family, and youtube will keep you company until then! 😊
@@A.Girl.Has.No.Name. thank you, each day is getting easier, and youtube certainly does help!
Just one more week until you see your family!🎉 I’m sorry about your breakup. I’m going through that too so I know where you’re coming from. But things will get so much better for you, I’m sure of it. Take care.
@@scarlettroger1508 thank you! I hope your healed soon too!
Just reading thru the comments and ran across yours. It’s been 8 months, so are you feeling better? I’ve been watching for days and days to distract me from what I’m going through, so I know how much it helps pass the time. Anyway, wishing you happiness. Take care. 😊
As a fellow vet (Cdn. Armed Forces artillery) - thanks John for your service. And your always entertaining stories. Cheers from Canada.
Thank you for your service,from the daughter of a WW2 veteran.RCAF
I’m marine arty, happy Veterans Day
Canada has the best veterans 🫡
I spent a huge part of my childhood walking around in the mountains in this video. One of my favorite places on earth. There's nothing evil about it.
i needed to hear that. thank you.
against my best sense of judgement, i still take scary stories seriously.
Party pooper 😂🤣
Same thing as what they say about the Appalachian mountains. I've spent my entire life swimming in the creeks, camping up so high on the mountain side that you can see the city below, walking trails on the Blue Ridge. Nothing scary here besides bears - and even they don't mess with humans too much.
To each his own, I guess. I have been here 44 years, and I know there is something up with this beautiful place. When I say, "Let's go to the mountain!" my family is super excited to go, no matter how many times we've been. Twice a year, the mountain gives a special performance. Look for the images of the shadow cat on the Superstitions. You will be amazed.
I feel like people's experiences are often a reflection of their lives and the things they deal with and come into contact with.
MrBallen is so humble. That too is another quality he carries.❤❤❤❤❤
I love that you use real photos of the people and places as often as possible, and that you do caption it as a “real photo” or “not a real photo”!!
I've lived in Arizona for 11 years and have hiked the Superstitious Mountains a few times.
I'm never relaxed in there, and I tend to cut my hikes short and high-tail it out of there.
Thanks for this, John. As always, you told this so well and I enjoyed it very much!
Happy Veterans Day. My grandfather was an Operation Desert Storm veteran. Unfortunately we lost him due to cancer in 2020. As such I remember him by just having respect for the others that served. Same with firefighters because he was also a volunteer firefighter.
Forty full time employees?! Wow! Well done John. There was me thinking it was still you and your Mum! Really brilliant. I'm so pleased for you. :)
In the UK, today is our day of Remembrance for all those who fought and died in past wars. Glad you got through it all to tell us your stories... and thank you for your service, Mrballen.
Today in the U.S. we are observing Veterans Day honoring all veterans past and present. Our Memorial Day for fallen veterans is observed in May. Fly your nations flag proudly in remembrance.
A beautiFUL day for all!😃
👍 remembrance Sunday.
You probably know the origin of why we both celebrate on the same day but I will tell anyway for those who havent heard the reason. It is the date of the signing of the Armistice ending fighting of World War I on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month So November 11th.
@apollionsacrezleonard People are doing that same garbage in the united states. Not sure they're actually Hamas, they just back them and approve of them.
as someone from arizona who frequently kayaks and hikes near the superstition mountains, ive always known about the lost dutchman stories. im so surprised but glad to see it getting covered here! I love the scary stories from the area but i have never felt or experienced any of that stuff myself. Lots of people here saying they felt bad or off vibes there lol, i think they just went with the idea that bad things were there. Its a breathtaking area with so many gorgeous views and amazing wildlife. Ive seen mountain goats, horses, bobcats, bald eagles, and more all around the superstition and salt river area. Ive never felt any “off” or “bad vibes” any of my dozens of trips to the area. So while the stories about it are super fun and interesting, dont let them deter you from visiting an absolutely stunning part of Arizona!
If you have never heard the stories, there is nothing creepy about being our there. Then again, I've heard the stories and don't find it creepy being out there. Treat all stretches of desert with respect it deserves and you'll be fine.
People where I live have a big believe that some humans long ago would go to hide their treasure and then after that do a deal with an entity ( a jinn , ghost or anything like that ) to protect it for them , anyone that tries to take it would face that entity and then die to it , investigations for missing people near so called treasure would be very much like this story , a person looking for a treasure goes to it and when he or she are close to finding it they would die and the police only finds the dead body with natural cause of death , so people that go for the view or to explore are often left to live and won't be bothered
Just be careful... there's a reason it's called superstition mountains... I'm sure it definitely is beautiful though
@@nenep1872 yup, because people have a lot of superstitions about the place. You do know the definition of superstition, right?
I agree!! I hiked by myself there, I got more weird vibes near Sedona
"If you're a fan of the strange dark and mysterious delivered in story format then you came to the right place "
How can one not love Mr Ballen ❤? Netflix please sign him!!! Absolutely an amazing story teller!!!!
Once a week... can't it be twice a week? Thank you Mr.Ballen you are absolutely amazing.
a mr ballen netflix show would be lit
He doesn't need Netflix interference.
In the old days he used to serve out 4 Vida a week ! Now we get to listen to him from so many different platforms, I'll take it 💓💜
I miss 4 even 5 days a week 😢. However I know he is so busy raising a family, and running all of his businesses. I agree it is a bummer though.
I meant to go to sleep 3 hours ago and kept saying "just one more MrBallen video" ... now it's 6am 😴
Question: if he didn’t survive how do we know about the eyes at night, the little foot prints, and the explosion he heard. Those are some pretty strong details
Exactly, i was wondering the same thing??
It's called embellishing to flesh out the story and make it more interesting. Otherwise you'd just have, old man went into the mountains to find treasure. He sent his guides home. He had a map. Next day he died. Later his bones were found. No one knows exactly what happened to him.The end.
@@kina18 I mean I get that.. but I thought Jon was gonna say Dr Ruth left behind a journal or something. Seemed pretty specific to just be made up
John makes everyone’s week, and we all know he deserves way more subscribers
He should have a give away maybe a F1 50 like the twins 😐
I agree, and you deserve more likes for this comment! 😊👍 John/ Mr.ballen is absolutely amazing! 🤩🫶❤️
Thx man, he does so much for his fans
You assume that he has the money to BUY an F150 @@goodnightmunchie . Pay attention to what things COST that you pay for
Nah , u ain’t a real one if ur just worried about materialistics. Grow up and show some support to those who work hard to entertain us
I grew up near the superstitions in a mining town. Man it’s no joke. One guy from Europe went into the desert alone without water when I was a kid. I remember my Grandpa having to go look for him to find him on his horse. Wild stuff man
If Dr. Ruth died before contacting anyone, how do we know that he woke up and saw two eyes staring at him? Did he have a journal of some sort?
Thank you! Why is no one asking this question?
yes, in the story it says that he kept the map in his journal
@@Jbr2005 And was he writing in his journal all the way up until the moment of death?
@@ammmm3315to quote Monty pythons holy grail: “if he was dying he wouldn’t bother to carve aaaahhh in the rock, he’d just say it!”
India’s his name. Said he died. Wouldn’t be much of a story. So why are you watching then?
Happy Veteran's Day John and everyone who has served our great nation! 🇺🇲🇺🇲🦅🌎⚓️🇺🇲🇺🇲
Happy Veterans Day John! You have done amazing things since you got out and you are still serving your fellow man through your nonprofit and amazing story telling talent! Thanks. Many Blessings in your future....
Happy Veterans Day to you MrBallen. Please remember as you make these partnerships, our love is for you and the way you present yourself as the narrator. It’s one of a kind. Some of us are from the beginning, watching your brand grow. Don’t give your name sake away to others narrators who are also good. We come to you because you aren’t them.
well put
We love you John Allen. Im glad you survived. Im glad you have millions of viewers!❤
I appreciate the fact that Mr.B uploaded on Veterans Day, considering he was in the Navy. Not only does he entertain us with great storytelling, but he risked his to protect us, and our freedom. What a stand up guy.
Happy Veteran’s Day, John! Thank you for your service to our country. Also, I absolutely adore your storytelling skills! Each story from you gets me hooked and always waiting for what will happen next
Happy Veteran's Day, Mr. Ballen. Thank you for your service! And thanks for providing these videos for us, you are the ultimate storyteller!
Happy isn't the right word.
Hello! I have been listening to you for about a year. After the first story I was hooked. You are a marvelous storyteller! I am a doordasher, and I like to listen to you while I am dashing. I was stopped at a street light today, and a lady in the truck next to me got my attention and asked who I was listening to because he sounded very interesting. I was very glad to share!!
Happy Veterans Day John! Thank you for your service. We the continued support you provide the community through your foundation and stories.
How did anyone know about what happened to the doctor if he was the only one there? The eyes watching him, the strange sounds he heard, and the explosion. He was by himself.
Thank you!!!
I scrolled down to the comments to see if anyone wondered the same thing, or if i missed a part of the story. No matter how i try to rationalize it, there's no way for anyone could have known most of the stuff that he went through, especially those last parts about turning around and hearing the explosion before it being too late lol
I guess it's just a spooky made up story, that people kept adding bits to as time went on, and truth would probably be the most obvious one - an old, weak geezer, with no knowledge on how to survive, dying to weather conditions, hunger, accidental injury or coyotes.
@Skilluh Well the guy did exist, he was dropped off there looking for the treasure, he was shot in the head and his check book was found with that writing in it.
Truthfully though, that is all we know, everything else is filler.
Hahaha😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂...
Maybe he wrote down about the eyes watching him at night on his notebook. With respect to the explosion, that's definitely made up, or maybe what he assumes was the last thing Dr Ruth heard before being shot in the head.
Happy Veterans Day Mr.Ballen
I salute your service for your sacrifice and as well as sacrificing and dedicating your time to serving the UA-cam community for your strange, dark and mysterious content!
How the hell do we know what happened to Dr. Ruth if he was alone for his trip and was killed before taking with anyone about his trip?
yea, thought the same thing. Nothing mysterious to see here.
They asked their Magic 8ball!😄
I was there. Hiding behind a rock. I should have helped but I was frightened. And i thought id better 'unselfishly' stay alive, so i could pass the tale along. Lucky i did isnt it. 🙂👍
I was wondering the same thing
since it was 1931, he most likely kept a journal, or the "notebook" he kept that map in.
You can’t just listen to Mr. Ballen, you have to watch him talk for the full effect of his great story telling. Happy Veterans Day John!
Tell me about it!! I want so bad to listen to the podcasts, but you lose so much without the "overly dramatic" hand and head gestures! I absolutely LOVE Mrballen! ❤
If you watch enough of his videos, you can see him in your minds eye doing all the gestures while you get to do other things like work as well.
Part of the reason why I so why he redo some of his podcast on UA-cam. The pictures and hand gestures his videos so worth watching.
@@susangraham6801I completely agree.
Umm, no.
Rodney Barnes is an absolute legend, it's amazing you're working with him. This guy wrote and produced for Boondocks and Everybody Hates Chris. Just incredible.
Honestly, I found this channel partway into 2020 and I've watched it blow up from a humble 500k, all the way up to the multimillion sub channel. And I couldn't be happier for our Main Man!! Seriously, SUCH a job well done, SUCH an amazing person (& family), who does so much for his community and fellow Vets. As a total stranger and an avid watcher, I am SO proud of MrBallen!! So, so deserved.
And to top it all off, on this here Veteran's Day, thank you for your service!!! 🤝 & all the work you've done since.
Happy Veteran’s Day, Mr. Ballen, thank you for your service for this country and also for sharing these spooky stories with us each week! You truly are my favorite story teller.
Thanking him for bullying 3rd world countries? That's nothing to be proud of.
@@desperadox7565and you’ve never done anything worth being thanked for. So go back to your closet.
@@desperadox7565 that’s the fault of the government not the infantry. If you had any resemblance of intelligence, you would have realized this.
@@desperadox7565Get a grip dude
I agree 100% !! He soomehow managed to cure my depressions by listening to his stories i Love it and Love to All of you scarystorylisteners 🫶
First thought was the cowboys. They knew he was there, they had horses and guns, and they knew he was alone. The real question is, how do you know he heard hooves that one time if he never survived?
I thought the same thing how did you know an explosion happened
If he was there alone then I wonder where this complete story came from, especially the part when he turned around and saw something before he died
I’m wondering the same thing. Is it just made up to make the local legend more interesting?
I’m not the only one that is puzzled about the child footsteps surrounding the tent or the cacti with axe heads embedded with it. Was a journal discovered on the body? Or is this an invention of fiction to explain Dr Ruth’s disappearance?
I am wondering the same thing. How is any of this known to be true?
Except for what the cowboy guides can tell us, all of this is speculative and probably fictitious.
Is MrBallen lying to us?
He tells stories guy, he does tell stories that can be verified, BUT he also tells stories of folklore. . . It’s not his fault if you can’t differentiate between the two 🤣
FINALLY! Lord it's depressing how many arse licking, pick me comments I had to scroll through to find one about the video, and specifically this ridiculous amount of made up shite... he's just getting worse each week, sadly. Shorter, more boring and made up stories than ever. Why is it when creators get big, and can actually focus on creating, do they get shitter and pump out less and less content? Its always bothered me!
Great tale, John, as always! The Superstitions are astoundingly beautiful but one can easily get lost in the many twisting canyons. I've hiked there several times, and it can, indeed, be a seriously unsettling place.
why unsettling place? why do you say that?
Happy Veteran's Day, John, and thank you for your service. My dad would have loved you; he served 25 years in the Navy and loved a well-told story.
The problem with watching Mr. Ballen is that i cannot do anything else but stare at you. I am drooling and completely hypnotized with the stories❤❤
I’m from AZ & live in Phoenix & the area around Weavers Needle & the Superstition Mtns is one of the most beautiful places to hike in AZ. Those canyons can get very high & daunting & some areas give me the chills, especially in the Tonto National Forest. The Superstition Mtns have many spooky abandoned mines that are fun to check out if you’re brave enough. But nobody has found The Lost Dutchmen’s Gold Mine. Experts believe this mine contains the richest deposits of gold in America, worth more than $200M! Thx for sharing & for your service, Mr. B! 😊
Sometimes I wonder if the story was made up just to get more people to move out here. I think the territory officials were hoping for something akin to the 1849 migration, and the Lost Dutchman is just the story that caught the most traction.
It's still fun to daydream. I live in East Mesa, so I have a pretty clear view of the Superstitions.
@@Heather-xm9ul Nice! You have the best view! Those mountains are so beautiful from afar. Yes, I do wonder if it’s made up or an exaggerated version of a story. But it’s still fun & there are a ton of abandoned mines out there that give me the heebie-jeebies!
From "3, 4, even 5 times a week" to where you are now has been a fantastically strange, dark and mysterious - and awesome - journey. Thanks for all the amazing stories along the way. Congrats on all your new endeavors. Looking forward to what the future holds. 👻😱
Happy Veterans Day!! 🇺🇸
He does really awesome podcasts too!!
@@Mrs.LadeyBug Oh, for sure! I really like the new Medical Mysteries.
@rachelvroman2727 I miss it too, but he's churning out so much awesome new stuff. I think it's pretty cool that he still does YT mainly because he wants to stay loyal to his fans that have been with him from the start. I really like the new Medical Mysteries podcast, and it's not exclusive to Amazon. I've been listening to it on Spotify.
Ahhhh What a Great Rainy Day to drop 🖤Thank For Your service Mr.Ballen you fought for our Country and you still till this day Help me out with your stories
No way you're not the best story-teller ever. No way. I'll listen to the guy you were talking about, but only because you said to do so. You sir, are the best story-teller ever known.
My dad lived in Wickenburg. He was told by some Wickenburg old timers that someone found gold in the Vulture mountains and made up the story about gold in the Superstitions to throw people off the track. I have no idea if there’s any truth to what he was told.
I'm a fellow Wickenburgite and have been up in the Vulture Mountains many times. I haven't heard that one but makes sense!
Could be true. A very rich gold vein was found in the Vulture Mountains. There are some lesser gold strikes out towards the Superstition Mountains, but most of the area is copper producing. Interesting theory.
@@romeo1550 But also if the gold was found in the Superstitions there's a good chance they never told anybody that they had.
@carmensmithaguirre3049 I think that if there really was a mine that rich with gold, you would have discovered it by now. Mining is a very intrusive process and there is no way that they could have hid the tailing piles. The mine would have been discovered by now. My guess is that the entire Lost Dutchman Mine isn't about a mine at all but about some treasures that were supposedly stashed in the mountains. However, we will probably never know. Still fun to speculate.
Oh, and I do live in AZ and prospect for gold. A great state if you are into geology.
@@romeo1550 Yes I know my dad is a geologist and we used to own the Vulture 😊 And yeah I meant treasure! You're right a gold mine is not easy to hide.
As an Arizona native, (But not a “Native American”) I can confirm that there is definitely something weird about the Superstition Mountains. I have hiked them and driven them on 4x4 trails. I’ve never had anything weird happen to me when spending the night (I’ve only spent about 12 nights, total, combined.) but something always feels just a little bit “off” about the area. The first few nights were when I was just a teenager (I’m 51 now), and I didn’t really know the strange history of the area….
Technically by now, with all the generations. You are Native American. Just not Indian American.
I've 4x4 and rode horses there too but never felt anything strange
@@KMF3same here, a group of vets and service members have huge camp outs over there once a year
Maybe you could take me to the superstitious mountains and will bring my can am with a bunch of led lights on it and also bring a few guns to protect myself and for and water and my dji drone and my phone and maybe some flares just in case something happens out there
@@zerotodona1495😮ahh cRAap 😒 we have to change our names now. . .? 😆
Ugh and again too …jjeezzuuss😅 🫂♥️
'The hills have eyes '! 😳 Just wondering how the details about the tracks around his tent and noises heard are known? Was a journal found or something like that? Another great episode btw ❤
I was wondering the same thing. Such a wild story
Also wondering that. Made it seem pretty fictional, not knowing.
It's the same question I have. Like, how did they know what exactly happened? Because it was very detailed and there is no mention of journal in the story.
@@erlwinfrias2546 he had a checkbook maybe he wrote some stuff there
AND why was his full campsite discovered set up!? I thought he had been hiking the day to the spot and found it, when/why did he set up his tent, start writing in his checkbook? These details must be fictional to help embellish the story, still entertaining tho
So how did they know that there was someone watching him at night, how did they know about the footprints he found around his camp‽
Good question
He wrote it down in his check book! Did you not listen to him?
There is nothing like a new Mr Ballens strange,dark and mysterious storytelling
I wonder what the black African community wood think about him 🤔
Especially on a cold rainy day such as this one🥰🥰🥰🥰
who cares @@goodnightmunchie ? I am white AND Canadian. I am NOT African
@@goodnightmunchieThe podcast he mentioned during this episode, “Run Fool!”, is aimed SPECIFICALLY towards blacks.
They use black lingo, black names, characters and settings.
Episode 2 mentions slavery.
@@goodnightmunchieWhat do you mean?
YOU NEED A NETFLIX SHOW! I’ve been watching you for years now and your stories are the thing I look forward to every Saturday so Thank you and Happy Veterans Day
Happy Veterans day John and every other person who has served our country!!! We owe you ALL so much more than we can ever repay!!!!!
I’d like to say hi to you John but also your wife, she sounds amazing as I’ve just watched an interview of you and your wife is amazing for loving you so much she stayed with you through everything! That’s unconditional love…❤
Never been this early before! Always a better day with a story from Mr Ballen 😍 Thank you and your team for all the hard work you all do! Keep up the great work we love it! :)
Thank you so much! ❤
@@MrBallenthis video really touched home My grampa lived in Bisbee and made a few trips into the superstition mountains looking for the Dutchman mine He obviously never found it lol
Rodney Barnes is game changing for Ballen studios. Congratulations John! You're taking off! So ridiculously happy for you. It's odd, I've never met you, don't know you, but I am 100% certain that you are so deserving of everything that has been coming to you. Happy veterans Day and thanks for your service ❤️
I agree
Well said, Jumble! I completely agree with you! Being someone who has been watching Mr B from his humble beginnings, it's been really neat to see how successfully far he's come. 😌
@@CK-EDITS_edit exactly. And he seems to have remained humble.
Who’s Rodney barns?
🎉🎉🎉
Happy Veterans day Mr. Ballen!! I am forever grateful for you & out other vets! Appreciate all you've done & all you continue to do!
This channel started in 2020? I could've sworn you'd been around longer! Time moves oddly when you're fascinated, I guess. :)
Happy Veterans Day John!
I absolutely LOVE the idea of getting other people to help conquer these stories with you in collabs! Rodney Barnes??? That's amazing and congratulations again on Ballen Studios! I bet in these 2 years you never expected this kind of fan base but definitely deserve it! Congrats John! 🎉❤
John has a great team behind the scenes . A director, lighting , sound , producer . And his mum writes the stories . You need that to be a successful channel . Investing money makes more money! John has good charisma, is good looking and the camera loves him, which helps too!
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Congratulations John on your well-deserved success, and thank you for your service.
Your stories sound so good when you act it out on video as well! I still watch some of your older stories too, and honestly, they don't get old. I love watching your vids, they really just bring out the excitement and curiosity in me, thank you. By the way, happy Veterans Day to you!! and all the hard work and confidence you put into protecting and serving America.😄😁👍👍
Thank you so much for telling this story. I know a lot of people dig the true crime stories, but these are the ones I made me fall in love with your channel: spooky stories set out in the wilderness. So good!
I am curious though, how do you know the details concerning Dr. Ruth's last days on earth, especially his last moments? I know a lot of it is put there for dramatic effect, but so much is conveyed after he was alone. Did he keep a journal?
Saturday is now my favorite day!! Used to wait all week for Sunday so getting these amazing Mrballen stories a day early is even better!!
I get them Sunday now instead of Monday, im in Australia so it comes out like 6am Sunday mornings
If Dr. Ruth died out there, how do we know what he discovered (the cactus with the axes, for example) and what he was thinking? Otherwise, this was a really good story, well told, as always.
Probably the journal he had maybe
But how do we know about the cactus with the axes? Mr Ballen mentioned that the journal was found on the campsite. It's not possible for that information to be on the journal if Dr Ruth got killed next to weaver's needle. Its not adding up at all @@dangerfieldknives3575
Small human like footprints circling the tent = bear
17:37 I think that means he wrote it down.
@@serosedserio6531bears live in the desert?
John, a sincere thank you from all of us for your service! You're a real life hero. Thank you for blessing us with another great video.
Looking forward to Run Fool. Been following several years now. Love every story. Thank you.
God bless you and your family for your hard work and sacrifice/dedication defending our nation. Secondly thank you for your hard work and God given talent in storytelling that means so much much to me, my family and all who have been rewarded with your talent!!!
Thank you for your service John and the fantastic storytelling
For invading sovereign countries against international treaties and conventions?
@desperadox but if your party told you tomorrow or as if in the instance of Ukraine or Gaza we need to support that war, you remain totally silent and in agreement, all war is bad, except a war in your own country.
@@desperadox7565 War goes both ways. I support our troops because they signed up for defending our country and I respect that. Unless you are going to do it then I will gladly ask you to keep your comments to yourself
@@midnightharvest3065 The thing is, they are NOT defending your country. That's just a narrative the people in power tell the naive and gullible citizens. You can't cite one case where your military defended America against a real threat since WWII.
(And don't try the "war" against terrorism. The countries you attacked where not responsible for 9/11 and the Saudis are still your valued business partners.
My father used to fly treasure hunters over this area (in the 60s) for them to search the Lost Dutchman Mine. Lots of cool stories.
It would be Interesting to here some of his stories 👍
I'm so happy for you, your family and team! I literally wait until you have a few videos before I watch them. I love the way you tell stories, the sponsors messages you do and the fact that you bow in the beginning while talking it's always my favorite! Wish you much much success!