The Golden Crossroads-2 is a real-world treasure hunt inspired by the love of hiking and exploring the beautiful parks and wilderness of the golden state of California. Players follow poetic riddles, historical clues, visual puzzles and go boot-on-the-ground to uncover the location of a hidden token that can be exchanged for the cash prize; a 1-ounce Gold Coin.
2. How does the hunt work?
Players register on the Golden Crossroads-2 Treasure Hunt site and pay a minimal $35 entry fee. There are 3 locked clue sets to solve. Players receive and solve one clue at a time to unlock and advance to the next clue. Each clue points toward a specific location somewhere in California tied to history, travel and mystery. The first player to solve and physically find and produce the hidden treasure box and it's proxy wins the prize.
3. Why is a Proxy in the hidden treasure container instead of the actual Gold Coin?
We use a proxy in place of the actual Gold Coin to ensure the protection of the coin from accidental discovery by a non-member. When the treasure box and proxy are discovered by a member and properly validated online it signals us to shut-down the hunt from any new registrations, and notify all the members that the hunt has been solved so they can stop looking. Upon validation, the Gold Coin is shipped to the winner via USPS Registered Mail (the safest way to transport rare and valuable coins).
4. Do I need to travel to find the treasure?
Yes. While you can study clues from anywhere, the final solution leads to a physical location that you must visit in person to locate and open the box to claim the treasure token. The hunt can be described as moderate difficulty of sometimes long dusty trails, and at other times wet soggy trails. The hunt encourages exploration, researching local history, and adventure.
5. How do I know if I’ve found the right spot?
You’ll find a small container hidden in the woods. Once found, follow the instructions in the container to enter the Proxy information on the clue website. The hunt organizer will be notified of your solution. Contact the hunt organizer to show proof of the treasure box and to arrange delivery of the 1-ounce Gold Coin.
6. Is there a time limit or deadline?
No official deadline. The hunt remains active until the proxy is discovered. Updates (if needed) will be posted on the official site and social channels to keep players informed of progress.
7. How do I know if the treasure hunt is still active and has not been found?
As a member, there will be multiple ways to determine if the hunt has been solved. All members will receive an email announcing the hunt has been solved. You can visit the website to determine if the hunt is still active. If you can access the site and the clues, then the hunt is still active. If you arrive at the website and see the message: “The Treasure Has Been Found!” - you will know the hunt has been solved and is now inactive. If the hunt has been solved and terminated, you won't be able to register or pay for the hunt. The find will also be announced in various online treasure hunt forums and communities where it's been posted.
8. What happens after someone finds the treasure?
Once the winning proxy is verified, the hunt clue site will display the message: “The Treasure Has Been Found!”, and the shopping cart will be closed. Once the hunt has been solved the finder will receive the prize, and the clue solves will be announced publicly. Release of the finder(s) identity or anonymity is at their discretion.
9. Can I participate as a team or family?
Absolutely. You can hunt solo or with others. Many players enjoy solving riddles collaboratively, visiting historic sites, and making it a day trip or weekend adventure.
10. What should I bring or prepare for?
Bring a notebook, smartphone, map app or paper map, compass, and perhaps a camera to document your journey. You should also bring a live link (cellular) to the clue website on your smart phone or iPad if you want to validate your clue solutions on the spot at the treasure site; otherwise, you can wait until you return to a location with cell or wifi service. Come prepared to be in the woods. Water, comfortable shoes and curiosity are essential; you won’t need special tools or to dig. If you’re hunting in a dangerous, precarious or restricted spot then you are in the wrong place.
11. Who created The Golden Crossroads-2 Treasure Hunt?
The hunt was created by a California-based designer and treasure hunt enthusiast inspired by treasure hunts such as Byron Preiss’s The Secret and The Thrill of the Chase. The goal is to blend history, art, puzzles, games and adventure into one unforgettable experience.
