As new rooftops stretch toward the Rincons, it’s easy to forget the grit beneath our subdivisions. Before we had master-planned communities and high-speed Wi-Fi, Vail was a rugged frontier held together by railroad spikes and the echoing silence of Colossal Cave. Your backyard didn't used to be for trampolines that would blow away in our gusty winds. It was a premier hideout for the most wanted men in the West.

Forget modern-day porch pirates; back in 1887, the real "property redistribution" specialists were hitting express cars near the Esmond and Pantano stations for actual bags of gold. Led by a guy named Phil Anderson, this band of outlaws allegedly intercepted a massive payroll of gold coins that would make a modern lottery winner blush. After the 1887 job, the bandits didn’t head for the border. They scrambled into the limestone labyrinth of Colossal Cave, playing a high-stakes game of hide-and-seek with a very annoyed posse.

When the Sheriff’s deputies and Wells Fargo detectives finally caught the scent, they didn't just knock. Knowing the cave was a natural fortress, the lawmen attempted to "smoke ‘em out" by lighting massive fires at the entrance.

The plan was a total flop. When the posse finally stormed the cave, the bandits were gone. All they found were the remnants of a campfire and some empty food tins, which is the ultimate "thanks for playing" note. The outlaws had slipped through a "natural chimney" unknown to the law, leaving the detectives staring at a pile of soot and a very empty cave.

While the bandits were eventually caught or killed, the gold apparently decided to become a permanent Vail resident. We’re talking about $62,000 in gold coins—a fortune that was never recovered.

During the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) guys spent years clearing debris and building the fancy flagstone walkways you use today. They excavated tons of dirt, but the "Outlaw Gold" never surfaced. Somewhere in a remote, unexplored "room" of that limestone maze, the loot is likely still sitting there, waiting for someone with more luck than the Sheriff.

To dig into the dusty records of the robberies or see the "Smoked Ceiling" where the bandits literally toasted their toes, check out these resources, or better yet, head inside Colossal Cave on a tour:

Franco - A890392

Located At: Pima Animal Care Center - Tucson
Weight: approximately 69.00 lbs.
Age: about 2 years old.

Franco is a very sweet boy who is recovering from a broken pelvis and a wound in his tail. He is a love bug! He recently graduated from the clinic and would love a soft place to finish recovery.

He enjoys slow strolls and time outside with his people. He has been noted to be a stubborn sniffer! He is a good mix of independent but also loves snuggles and wants to be near his people. Neck scritches are a favorite! He has a cute personality! He takes treats politely. He is tolerant of other dogs but mostly keeps to himself.

Come meet this sweet boy! He would love a foster or to be adopted!

Featured events and happenings around the greater Vail area.

After getting rained out last weekend, the Paint Party at Vail Coffee Stop is on for tomorrow, January 30, from 5 PM - 7 PM. There’s still time to get your seat! Scan the QR code to register online.

Don’t miss:

Join the Quest from January 30 - February 1st at the Pima County Fairgrounds in Tucson, AZ! Find details and get your tickets here.

Huzzah! The Arizona Renaissance Festival starts this weekend and runs through March 29! Get your tickets at Arizona.RenFestInfo.com, and head up to Gold Canyon to enjoy a blast from the Renaissance past.

Welcome to an updated Home on the Range section. It’s here where we drink our coffee together on the porch as we talk about what it’s like to live in the desert.

Realtors! If you have a home you’d like to highlight, secure your spot here.

Exceptional RV and garage compound on 2.24 acres, designed for serious RV owners, collectors, and hobbyists. Property features two detached RV garages with 12'x14' doors, an RV dump station, and a 4-car garage with two 14' doors that can be converted into an additional RV garage. Includes a dedicated workshop with built-in cabinets and utility sink, ideal for projects and storage. The 2,759 sq ft luxury home offers soaring ceilings, knotty alder doors, and a chef's kitchen with Miele appliances, wine refrigerator, RO system, and large pantry. Resort-style travertine pool and spa with firepit, owned solar (40 panels for home, 20 for pool), full irrigation, mature fruit trees, and dog run. Rare blend of luxury, flexibility, and function.

Add an upcoming event to the Trail Mix calendar! It's free right here. ⤵️

January 29

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February 1

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February 3

February 4

Missing a small taste of the snow? Try this trail mix!

From An Affair from the Heart

For the Popcorn:

Sunrise: 7:18 AM

Sunset: 5:54 PM

Air Quality: Fair (29 AQI)

Moon Phase: Waxing Gibbous with a full moon arriving on Feb. 1

Publisher, Arizona Trail Mix
Southern Arizona's Unofficial Hype Woman