GC1XE5A Got Sand? (Earthcache) in Nevada, United States created by Madmadamemim

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GC1XE5A ▼

A cache by Madmadamemim Message this owner

Hidden : 8/18/2009

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Size: Size: not chosen (not chosen)

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Geocache Description:

Located 25 miles east of Fallon, you will find a mountain of beautiful sand that any beach would be envious to have claim as its own. This pristine sand isn’t part of any shoreline, but found at the base of the Sand Springs Mountains.

This mountain looks to be out of place here in the Nevada desert. It looks as if it was dumped here just to confuse anyone passing by. However, this unusual mountain has a geological history. Thousands of years ago ancient Lake Lahontan covered much of western Nevada. As time went on and temperatures increased, Lake Lahontan’s water level dropped. Eventually, it dried up leaving behind small particles of quartz sand. This sand was deposited in the Walker River Delta. As the wind blew across this delta the sand was picked up and carried through the air. When the wind hit the volcanic hills to the east, it lost some of its energy and deposited the sand in a large basin. Over thousands of years, this deposit has become the 600 foot mountain of sand you see today.

Sand Mountain is also known as the Singing Mountain. Due to the shifting sands, the area produces sounds ranging from soft rustling to a booming or roaring noise. Unfortunately, the best time to hear these sounds is during the off-road vehicle peak period.

On the hillsides behind Sand Mountain, you can see the terraces cut from the waves of ancient Lake Lahontan.

As you travel down the dirt road toward Sand Mountain, you will see a turn off for the Sand Springs Pony Express Station. The station, which was built in March 1860, was in operation until November 1861. With the completion of the transcontinental telegraph, the Pony Express ended its short run. However, the Sand Springs Station continued to be used occasionally by freight companies such as the Overland Stage Company and Wells Fargo until about 1900.

Questions to answer:

1. From the coordinates, in which direction does the highest peak of Sand Mountain stand?

a) East
b) North
c) Northeast
d) Northwest

2. What is the cause of the deterioration of the Sand Springs Station besides weathering?

a)People sitting and standing on the walls
b)Aliens taking rock samples
c)Local wildlife making homes in the walls

Please be aware that a fee is required before you get too far down the dirt road leading to Sand Mountain. You must purchase a weekly permit that is $40. A daily fee is not offered. However, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are free. If you aren’t able to make the trip on a Tuesday or Wednesday, you should be able to answer the questions by visiting the Sand Springs Station. The station is located along the dirt road prior to reaching the fee area.

References:

Sand Mountain/Sand Springs Pony Express Station (visit link)

Tingley, Joseph V., and Kris Ann Pizarro. Traveling America’s Loneliest Road: A Geologic and Natural History Tour through Nevada along U.S. Highway 50. Nevada: Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, 2003.

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Got Sand? EarthCache

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