Now open for non-geocaching members 1/30/04; enjoy
A lot of people have heard about the plane wreck in the Springs
that can be still examined, but few really know where it is. Now
you can explore the crash site and enjoy a cache in the process.
This cache can be reached from the start of the cache "Hilltop at
Blodgett Peak" but understand the level goes up to a 4 if you
decide to use that route otherwise use the suggested route
below.
Most maps have the location of trail 713. Follow the trail up
the dirt road in West Monument Creek Canyon until you come to the
huge ground level water tank on the left. Cross the footbridge and
go around the tank to the left. Ford the tiny stream (bed), and
ascend the ridge southeast. You may notice an intermittent trail,
but don't worry about following it; just stay near the spine of the
ridge, choosing a route that suites your preferences and skirting
around rock outcroppings for safety. After about 1/2 mile, as you
reach the second plateau, start looking ahead and down over the
east side of the ridge; in the clearing, the trail of a wrecked
aircraft will come into view, about 20 yards down. Be cautious in
visiting it: the slope is slippery, and aluminum strew about has
sharp edges.
History: The aircraft was a C-49J twin-engined transport, en
route from Pueblo to Denver on 23rd Feb. 1943 in overcast weather.
It crashed at 1205 MT, instantly killing the pilot and crewmen.
Total Hiking time ~3 hours.
Cache, is a theme cache, in an ammo can. Please add items that
are patriotic in nature. Currently the cache contains AFA stuff,
Flags, and other USA related items.
Add about 45 mins if your wondering how long it would take to
get to "hilltop at blodgett peak".
I have noticed that a lot of folks are taking there kids on this
cache. Keep in mind that I rank my caches according to the cache
rating system and a 3.5 is truly a 3.5 - please read that before
you take the kids.
Rating System web page:
(visit link)
Send me an email if you want further details about the trail and
where to park.
