Search being scaled back for Utah treasure hunters missing while looking for Arizona gold mine

Still no sign of 3 Utah men on Ariz. treasure hunt

APACHE JUNCTION, Ariz. — The search is being scaled back for three Utah men reported missing while looking for the legendary Lost Dutchman Gold Mine in the Arizona wilderness.

The hikers from Salt Lake City have been in the Superstition Mountains since at least Sunday.

Officials say rescue workers braved triple-digit temperatures again Friday and have covered more than 100 miles in six days. Now they’ll search only during morning hours. A plane that can detect heat will also be used.

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

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

APACHE JUNCTION, Ariz. (AP) — The search is being scaled back for three Utah men reported missing while looking for the legendary Lost Dutchman Gold Mine in the rugged Arizona wilderness.

The hikers from Salt Lake City have been in the Superstition Mountains since at least Sunday.

Officials say rescue workers braved triple-digit temperatures again Friday and have covered more than 100 miles in six days of searching. They now plan to bring in a plane that can detect heat sources.

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