The New Mexico Challenge - Torrance County Traditional Cache

Torrance County

This cache is part of the New Mexico Challenge. One cache is hidden in each of New Mexico's 33 counties.

Your mission, should you decide to accept it is to find and log all 33 caches with a photo of yourself at the cache site.

This area is open from 7:30 AM to sunset.

This area has beautiful vistas and drastic changes between mountain terrain with dense Pines and Maples and high plains grasslands with nary a tree in sight. Near Albuquerque/Los Lunas as the crow flies, the terrain and climate are totally different, molded by the Sandia and Monzano Mountains. Besides blocking the hot afternoon sun, the mountains wring moisture out of passing weather patterns, often producing deep snow in Winter. The smell of Pine and beauty of the Maples in Fall make this one of our favorite areas, different every season of the year.

Torrance County was created in 1903 from parts of Lincoln, Socorro, Valencia, San Miguel and Santa Fe counties. It was named for Francis J. Torrance, a Pennsylvania entrepreneur and railroad developer who took part in the construction of the New Mexico Central Railroad. Progresso was the original county seat; it had a railroad siding but not buildings. The first official business was conducted in a railroad passenger car which also served as the courthouse. In 1905, Estancia became the county seat.

The village of Manzano, which means apple tree, is the geographic center of New Mexico. Local legend says the first apple orchard in the southwest was planted here. The Salinas Pueblo Missions, Abo, Gran Quivira and Quarai, are some early settlements and are worth a detour. They are now maintained as National Monuments. Mogollon and Anasazi cultures were here long before the Spaniards and the communities were abandoned in the late 17th century.

Moriarty has a new museum, The US Southwest Soaring Museum, dedicated to soaring, sailplanes and gliders. Stop by and take a look.

Estancia was the site of the last hanging in the state in 1922. Behave yourself.

Mountainair has an art tour in June, a summer concert series at the Shaffer Gazebo in August and a Sunflower Day. It shares the title " Pinto Bean Capital" with a few other places.

Torrance county is sparsely populated and best known for ranches and small farms. Part of Route 66 runs through the northern part of the county. Enjoy your visit.

The cache is an ammo can located on the road to Monzano State Park. The last half mile is well maintained gravel but could be tricky in wet/snowy weather. Please respect private property beyond the fences on both sides of the road. We placed it outside the fee area so you can make a quick free find if you're so inclined. We encourage you to visit the park if you have the time; it's a good one.

Original contents include a Texas geocoin for FTF, a couple of GC.com window clings, a new cache container, LED keychain flashlights and other goodies. No McToys please - trade up, trade even or don't trade!

For the Challenge photo, take a picture of yourself or your GPSr at the nearby facility. :)