Victorio Peak Treasure (Doc Noss)

Sun shading (lidar)

Adjust simulated sun direction on the lidar hillshade. Azimuth = compass bearing of the light (0° north, 90° east). Altitude = height above the horizon (low = long shadows).

Historical map overlays

USGS scanned historical topographic maps. Enable an overlay and adjust its opacity. Works in 2D and 3D.

Sun azimuth: 315°   Sun altitude: 45°   Z factor: 1   Lidar opacity: 1
center: —   mouse: —   zoom: —

Victorio Peak Treasure (Doc Noss)

Lost Treasure NM • Doña Ana County County
Description
Alleged cache of gold bars, coins, and artifacts inside Victorio Peak in the Hembrillo Basin. Discovered in 1937 by Milton "Doc" Noss; peak lies within White Sands Missile Range.
Historical Notes
Victorio Peak (elevation ~5,499 ft) rises in the Hembrillo Basin of the San Andres Mountains, southern Doña Ana County. Apache Chief Victorio used the basin as a stronghold; the 1880 Battle of Hembrillo Basin was fought here. In November 1937, Doc Noss claimed to have found a man-made shaft leading to caverns stacked with gold bars, jewels, Wells Fargo bags, and skeletons. He removed some gold before a 1939 dynamite blast sealed the entrance. Noss was killed in 1949; wife Ova Noss and heirs fought the U.S. Army for access for decades. The peak is on restricted military land. No gold has been officially recovered. Theories link the hoard to Padre LaRue, Emperor Maximilian, Don Juan de Oñate, or Chief Victorio's raids. Coordinates mark Victorio Peak summit area. Access prohibited without Army authorization.
Status / Verification legend — Legendary or approximate

Take Add Data / Take Notes

Log in or create an account to save private field notes for this location. Your notes are only visible to you.

Forgot password?
or

Enter your email and we'll send you a link to reset your password.

Back to log in
or