Hi T-chest,
I'm not sure about this one.... Something just doesn't sound right, I'm not saying it's not true, just too many questions for me... First thing is I am unaware that there was a well used " wagon trail " that went from the desert to Anza. I know that Anza did take this route, but most people went by Warner's Ranch or through Indian Wells due to the fact they had water. The climb from the desert floor up to Anza is a tough one ( and the park system has this blocked off, you cannot go from the desert floor to Anza ) and if I remember right I think Anza had to disassemble some of his wagons to get up the hill. I'm hoping somebody here, who knows more, would be able to let us know if these statements are correct. Anza was the first and he was looking for anyway he could, but the story states the 1880's and by that time this route was most likely abandoned for the more used routes. Trains between LA and Palm Springs were running by 1879 and the " Sonoran Road " was being use to get to San Bernardino or beyond. As the story states " the Indians killed the Wagon Master and the guards, scattered the gold and took the Mules and Horses ", good luck on finding that, if they threw the gold off of a 4800 ft hill top it could be anywhere and scattered over a large area.... snake country lol!!!!! The last bit about someone finding a pouch full of gold dust, is most likely from a one burro desert prospector who dropped it along the way. Please keep us informed. I would like to hear if you did in fact find anything.....
Enjoy
PLL