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APACHE JUNCTION, Ariz. (AP) -- Authorities say the search is being scaled back for three Utah men reported missing while looking for the legendary Lost Dutchman Gold Mine in the rugged Arizona wilderness.
The hikers from Salt Lake City have been in the Superstition Mountains since at least Sunday. Maricopa County sheriff's officials say rescue workers braved triple-digit temperatures again Friday and searchers have covered more than 100 miles in six days of searching.
Officials say workers now will search only during morning hours. A plane also is being brought in that can detect heat sources in hopes of locating the men.
Family members say 67-year-old Curtis Meriworth, 62-year-old Ardean Charles and 51-year-old Malcolm Meeks planned on hiking into the mountains and exploring the area about 40 miles east of Phoenix during the day and spending nights in a motel. Their vehicle was found last Sunday, parked at a trailhead.
Treasure hunters have been looking for the Lost Dutchman mine for more than a century.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
