You're riding along the ridges of West Elizabeth, maybe looking for a 3-star buck or just enjoying the sunset, when you hear it. A frantic, mumbly voice. You spot a guy on a cliff edge peering through binoculars, clutching a piece of paper like it's the Holy Grail.
That's your ticket.
The high stakes treasure RDR2 hunt isn't like the other scripted quests. It doesn't just hand you a map because you walked into a specific town. It’s elusive. It’s annoying. And honestly, it’s one of the best ways to pocket $1,500 in gold bars before you've even really started Chapter 3.
If you’ve been circling the map and finding nothing but O'Driscolls and bad weather, here is exactly how to trigger this thing and—more importantly—how to survive the vertical platforming nightmare at the end of it.
The Mystery of the Spawning Treasure Hunter
Most people think this quest is bugged. It’s usually not. The "Treasure Hunter" is a random encounter, and he has a few favorite spots, but he won't even show his face until you’ve completed the "All That Glitters" stranger mission (that’s the one with Maximo near Flatneck Station).
Once that’s done, the game puts this old man in the world. He’s most common on the cliffs north of Riggs Station or perched on a rock near Diablo Ridge.
Here’s the thing: if you spook him, he bolts. You’ve got to be fast.
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- The Aggressive Way: Lasso him. Don’t wait. If he gets on his horse, the chase is a pain. Hogtie the guy, loot the map, and ignore his complaining.
- The "Nice" Way: There isn't really one. You can try to stay out of sight, but eventually, you need that paper.
- The Fail-Safe: If you mess up and he escapes three times, or if you're already in the Epilogue and can't find him, check the Fence. The map usually shows up for sale there if the game decides you’ve failed the encounter enough.
High Stakes Treasure RDR2: Map 1 at Cumberland Falls
The first map is basically a drawing of a giant waterfall. It’s Cumberland Falls, just west of Valentine. It’s a beautiful spot, but the path to the loot is slippery.
You want to approach from the east side of the river. There’s a log that’s fallen near the base of the falls. Cross it, or just head along the narrow ledge that goes directly behind the curtain of water.
Don't overthink the movement here. Arthur (or John) tends to slide if you’re not precise. Tucked in a small crevice behind the heavy spray, you’ll find the second map. It’s wet, it’s cold, and it’s only getting harder from here.
The Long Trek to Barrow Lagoon
Map 2 points you way up north. We’re talking "pack a winter coat" north. You’re looking for Barrow Lagoon in the West Grizzlies.
It’s a frozen lake, usually quiet unless there’s a bear nearby. In the middle of the ice, there’s a small island with a fallen log acting as a bridge. Walk halfway across that log. There’s a hole in the wood—basically a knot in the tree—where the third map is hidden.
Pro tip: While you're at the Lagoon, keep your eyes peeled for the Miracle Special Tonic pamphlet nearby. If you’re making the trip anyway, you might as well grab the extra loot.
The Final Climb: Northeast of Fort Wallace
This is where the high stakes treasure RDR2 hunt earns its name. The final location isn't a cave or a hole in the ground; it's a terrifyingly narrow ledge on a cliffside northeast of Fort Wallace, near Bacchus Bridge.
Find the path that leads up the mountain between the two peaks. You’ll see a stone face (a rock carving) on your way. Do not go down to the carving yet.
- Follow the narrow ledge around the cliff face.
- You’ll reach a point where the path seemingly ends. You have to drop down to a lower ledge.
- Crouching helps. Seriously. It lowers your center of gravity and stops you from doing that "stumble-run" off the edge of the world.
- There’s a small gap you have to jump. It looks impossible, but the game's physics will usually hook you onto the next ledge if you time it right.
At the very end of this white-knuckle trail, tucked into a shallow alcove in the rock, are three gold bars.
What to Do With Your $1,500
At $500 a pop, those gold bars are the fastest way to upgrade the camp or buy that high-end Missouri Fox Trotter you've been eyeing.
Take them to the Fence in Emerald Ranch or Saint Denis. Don’t bother trying to donate them directly to the camp box; sell them first, then donate the cash if you’re feeling generous.
Most players get stuck on the random encounter or die falling off the cliff at Fort Wallace. If you've made it this far, you've officially beaten one of the trickiest hunts in the game.
Your next move? If you haven't finished the Poisonous Trail or Jack Hall Gang maps yet, those are the logical next steps to really balloon your bank account. Both are less "cliff-hangery" than this one, but the rewards are just as sweet.