In the late 1830s, when much of the Old West was still under Mexican governance, four people are traveling through the deserts, north of Texas and a three-day ride from Santa Fe.
The others are a former ship Captain (Bo Brundin), also in search of the gold; the young woman from England (Margot Kidder), a former chambermaid who, in exchange for ship's passage to America, has signed an agreement to serve the Captain for five years as an indentured servant; and Mr. Rainbow (Christopher Walken), a former Confederate soldier who deserted after being ordered to hunt and kill "Indians."
The Captain sets out to find some of Montezuma's gold, risking danger from both the Native Indians and Mexican soldiers.
The Scalphunter wants half of the Captain's gold, and tags along with his men and a captured tribe of Native Americans who set out across the desert through the Viaje de la Muerte, the Journey of Death.
Rainbow agrees and races across the desert to free the tribe family and the Girl from the control of the Scalphunter and Captain.