10 Historical Legends of Yellowstone - Number 8 is Shrouded in Mystery

2. **The Tale of Lost City of Gold**

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Stories of a lost city of gold hidden within Yellowstone's vast wilderness accompanied early European explorers. In the early 1800s, these myths gained popularity when fur trappers claimed to see strange, shimmering structures in the distance, appearing to be made of precious metals. According to the legend, an ancient civilization used the geothermal heat of the geysers to craft elaborate golden temples for their mysterious rituals. Some versions of the tale suggest the city only revealed itself under specific conditions, such as at sunset, when light reflecting off the mineral deposits around the hot springs created the illusion of golden structures. Although no such city has ever been found, the myth persisted for decades, attracting treasure hunters and fueling early exploration and documentation of Yellowstone's unique features.