Gold & Greed: The Hunt for Fenn’s Treasure

In 2010, Forest Fenn, an 80-year-old eccentric millionaire and former art dealer, hid a chest full of treasure, worth over $1 million, in a secret location somewhere in the Rocky Mountains north of Santa Fe, N.M. In his memoir, The Thrill of the Chase, Fenn published a 24-line poem containing nine clues to the location of the treasure.

Gold &Greed: The Hunt for Fenn’s Treasure is a three-episode show on Netflix that tells the story of four different people who got caught up in the “thrill of the chase.” Each of the four treasure hunters has a compelling narrative about how they deciphered the clues in Fenn’s poem and went searching for what they believed was an “X marks the spot” location.

In 2020, after years of searching, someone found the treasure. They emailed Forest Fenn pictures of the chest. Fenn confirmed the find, and the search was officially over. Naturally, the show narrates how the treasure was eventually found and who found it, but throughout the episodes, much of the time is spent on the adventure of treasure hunting itself. In the end, everyone involved goes on a unique (and sometimes painful) journey and discovers a different kind of treasure, perhaps more precious than gold—a treasure they didn’t even know they were looking for.

However, the Netflix series also delves into the darker aspects of the chase. Five people died looking for Fenn’s treasure chest. There was a stalker who harassed Fenn’s family and trespassers who broke into Fenn’s home. Mostly, crushing disappointment ensued for countless hopefuls.

Shortly after the treasure was found, Forrest died. Condolences and well wishes came from thousands of people who searched for the treasure, were thankful for the experience, and testified how their lives had changed for the better.

P.S. It is worth watching to the end of the third episode. A surprise will spark the imagination of viewers young and old. (Netflix. Rated TV-MA for language.)