Midwinter Mine
This is a puzzle cache and is not at the listed coordinates. Read on for details.
November 2013: This used to be a night cache, but due to high maintenance requirements, it is now a "day" cache. However, this is still an excellent night hike if you are confident in your navigating skills. All the former night cache reflectors have been removed, so you are on your own if doing it at night. It should also make for an excellent winter hike, and the cache should be accessible in deep snow. Thus, the former "Midnight Mine" is now "Midwinter Mine".
Solving the puzzle will require walking to the end of the mine which is a short distance in very sturdy rock. Be sure to bring a flashlight!
Since the mine itself is within the Wilderness boundary, the cache is not located there. However, you can answer three questions at the mine which will give you the coordinates of the cache.
Start by parking in the Neff's Canyon trailhead parking lot which you will find at the listed coordinates for this cache, or by following the driving directions below. Note: The parking lot is closed between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM. If you will be hiking during those hours, plan to park in the neighborhood below the parking lot.
At the listed coordinates, which are at the trailhead, begin your hike to the mine which is at:
N 40 40.331 W 111 46.303
These coordinates have also been entered as waypoint "Mine" for this cache.
Following are very brief directions for reaching the mine:
A few hundred feet up the trail, turn right down a short slope past a large boulder. After hiking for a while, you will parallel a streambed for a short distance. When you have a reading of about 250 feet to the mine, cross the streambed. At 160 feet, take the fainter trail branch to the right.
It should be easy to spot the mine. When you reach it, use your flashlight and walk inside to the end of the mine. It is not far to the end, and very easy going. As you explore, here are the questions to answer to solve the puzzle:
1 - At the entrance to the mine, what do you see:
-
A plaque describing its history and operation (A = 1)
-
The remains of an ore car (A = 3)
-
Artistic skull and crossbones graffiti (A = 0)
-
"USGS 1975" handwritten to the side of the entrance (A = 5)
-
Some purple/pink paint (A = 2)
-
An old beer can stuck between two rocks to the right of the entrance (A = 3)
2 - At the end of the tunnel, you will encounter:
-
Two log benches (B = 9)
-
A ventilation shaft in the ceiling (B = 3)
-
The remains of an old ore car train track (B = 5)
-
A large shelf area extending back several feet further (B = 7)
-
A big boulder which blocks further travel (B = 4)
-
Graffiti in the form of a purple heart with two arrows going through it (B = 6)
3 - The mine:
-
Makes a turn to the right just before the end (C = 5)
-
Makes a turn to the left just before the end (C = 0)
-
Goes straight back (C = 9)
-
Still has a collection of old mine machinery (C = 3)
-
Has a 60-foot side passage part way back (C = 7)
-
Has developed some large stalactites about half way back (C = 4)
Now, use your three answers to complete the west coordinate of the cache:
N 40 40.428 W 111 46.ABC
This cache is part of the Cardio Art series. Be sure to take one clue with you before leaving the cache!
Driving Directions to Neff's Canyon
From Wasatch Boulevard, turn east on 3800 South toward Millcreek Canyon.
Turn right at the stop sign onto Park View Drive.
Follow Park View as it wraps around to the east and south.
Turn left onto Park Terrace Drive (4175 East).
Follow the dead end and then White Way to the parking lot.