You've done the hard part. You chased that rambling old man across the heartlands, or maybe you looted him after a messy encounter near Wallace Station. You scrambled up the cliffs at Cumberland Falls, nearly went over the edge, and found the second clue. Now, you’re holding a piece of parchment that looks like a bunch of squiggles and a very specific stone arch. This is it. The RDR2 High Stakes Treasure Map 3 is the final hurdle between Arthur Morgan and three shiny gold bars. That’s $1,500 in 1899 money. Basically a fortune.
Honestly, the sketch on this third map is a bit of a nightmare if you aren't familiar with the Grizzlies. It shows a narrow mountain path, a stone bridge, and a cavernous hole. Most players end up wandering around Cotorra Springs or getting lost near the Loft. But the real location is tucked away near O'Creagh's Run, specifically on the winding paths of Craithen's Peak.
Getting there is easy. Staying on the ledge? That’s where things usually go sideways.
📖 Related: Citadelle des Morts Guide: How to Actually Survive the Liberty Falls Easter Egg
Where the RDR2 High Stakes Treasure Map 3 Actually Leads
Don't just set a waypoint and mindlessly follow the red line. You want to head to the area between O’Creagh’s Run and Moonstone Pond. There’s a mountain called Craithen’s Peak. Look for a path that winds up the side of the cliff. You’ll know you’re in the right spot when the trees thin out and the wind starts whistling in that creepy, high-altitude way Rockstar loves.
Once you’re high enough, look for a stone archway. It’s natural, not man-made. It looks exactly like the drawing on the RDR2 High Stakes Treasure Map 3.
Walk through that arch. Now, take a breath.
The path ahead is thin. It's "one-wrong-input-and-Arthur-is-pancake" thin. You need to hug the left wall. Keep moving along the ledge until you hit a spot where the path seemingly ends. You’ll see a lower ledge. You have to drop down. Don't jump—just walk off the edge gently. If you sprint here, you're dead.
💡 You might also like: Golden Loong Staff: Why This Flashy Weapon Is Actually a Mid-Game Trap
Navigating the Ledges of Craithen's Peak
After that first drop, you’ll see another ledge slightly further down. Again, move carefully. You'll eventually find a small opening, almost like a shallow cave or a literal hole in the rock face. This is the spot.
Reach into the crevice. Arthur will do his little searching animation, and then he’ll pull them out. Three Gold Bars.
It’s a massive payout for a scavenger hunt that started with a random encounter. Most people forget that the High Stakes hunt is actually one of the most profitable activities in the early game. If you're still in Chapter 2, this $1,500 pays for every camp upgrade, a top-tier horse, and enough premium cigarettes to fill three satchels.
Why People Struggle with this Map
The map's perspective is weird. It’s drawn from an angle that makes the "bridge" look like a massive structure. In reality, it’s just a narrow rock formation.
💡 You might also like: GTA SA Supply Lines: Why Everyone Still Hates This Mission 20 Years Later
Another issue is the weather. The Grizzlies are prone to heavy mist and snow. If you try to find the location of the RDR2 High Stakes Treasure Map 3 during a blizzard, you won't see the landmarks. Sleep until morning. Wait for a clear sky. It makes the platforming significantly less frustrating.
Also, watch out for your horse. The path up Craithen's Peak is tight. If you try to ride a large horse like a Shire or an Andalusian up there, it might get spooked and kick you off the cliff. Better to hitch the horse at the base of the mountain and do the final climb on foot.
What to Do with Your High Stakes Reward
Now that you have the gold, don't just sit on it. Head to a Fence. Seamus at Emerald Ranch is the easiest to reach, but the Fence in Saint Denis or Rhodes works just as well.
- Sell the bars immediately. Gold bars serve no purpose in your inventory other than being heavy and valuable.
- Upgrade the Dutch’s Lodgings. This unlocks the "Next in Line" upgrade, which allows for fast travel from your own campsite. It’s a game-changer.
- Get the Leather Working Tools. If you want the Legend of the East satchel, Pearson needs those tools.
- Visit the Gunsmith. Buy the Schofield Revolver or the Lancaster Repeater if you haven't unlocked them through missions yet.
The RDR2 High Stakes Treasure Map 3 is the end of this specific trail, but the world is full of these. If you haven't done the Jack Hall Gang or the Le Tresor Des Morts maps, those should be your next stops.
Actionable Next Steps
- Manual Save: Before you start the climb on Craithen's Peak, save your game. The physics on those ledges can be unforgiving, and losing your progress because of a slipped thumb is a bummer.
- Check Your Satchel: Make sure you actually have the map open. Sometimes the "interact" prompt for the treasure won't appear unless you've looked at the map in your current play session.
- Check the Fence: If the High Stakes stranger didn't spawn for you after three encounters, check the Fence. Sometimes the first map becomes available for purchase if you "missed" the chance to steal it from the old man.
- Head to the Fence: Go straight to Emerald Ranch to liquidate that gold into cash so you can actually spend it on gear.