Lost Canyon Cache
A
cache
by MealerFamily
Hidden
:
8/30/2003
Difficulty:
Terrain:
Size: 
(Regular)
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You will find this cache hidden in the lost canyon. While the total
mileage round trip is only about 3 miles, it is at least a half-day
hike... so come prepared.
This cache is hidden in rememberance of the indian tribes who used
to live in this area and used it as their final hiding place from
anglo encroachment. The best place to begin this hunt is NW of the
turnaround at the end of the park just West of the Southernmost
water crossing. Looking SW to the edge of the canyon you will see
two small ravines right at the top. The one on the right is the
easiest to climb out of (N 34 55.534 W 101 38.676). If you haven't
changed your mind yet then you are a truely die-hard Geocacher, or
insane, like us. Diligently following your GPS (bee-line style) or
following existing trails (which lead you to the tops of hills you
don't need to climb) is not the best plan for hunting this cache.
Instead, follow the creekbed that can be found SW of the road (not
the water crossing creekbed, N 34 55.866 W 101 38.303 is a good
starting point) all the way up to the "skirts" of the canyon. There
is a route up the last bit that you can easily find when you get
there so don't be discouraged by the 30ft. cliff at the top :-)!
Once out of the canyon the rest is easy as pie! Just a small walk
to a big surprise. A new, untouched side canyon almost as big as
the one you just walked out of but with no roads, campsites, or
people. You have found the lost canyon. Treasures awaiting you are:
moccasins, buffalo bone and bead choker necklace, bead necklace,
medicine bag, assorted leather, and other pieces plus a special
prize for the first finder. There is also some emergency water if
you need it but please don't rely on it! Remember, this trip takes
you a long way off the beaten path. Come prepared and have fun.
Note 6/15/04: Due to a few people having difficulty finding the
cache we decided to hike it again, trying to rely on our previous
directions as if we didn't know where we were going. We got off way
off track in less than 30 minutes! It seems that new growth in the
creekbed has made it more difficult to find the correct tributary
leading up to the skirts. Keep in mind that there are three main
tributaries that feed into the creekbed you begin in. You have to
keep an eye out for the cut-offs and follow them to avoid heading
up the wrong pass. The cut-off is almost completely obscured at
this point so you should keep an eye on the ravine leading out of
the canyon to make sure you're not heading off in the wrong
direction. NOTE 9/17/2004: In response to HernandezClan's note.
This is, unfortunately, not a dog friendly cache. Sarah, our German
Shepherd has been once but will not go back. The climb up is not
nearly as dangerous for dogs as the climb down. There are several
areas of large boulders that must be climbed over as you
ascend/decend the ravine. If you do bring a dog be sure to assist
them as they climb down. Sarah was slightly injured when she jumped
off a ledge and onto a sharp rock. NOTE 3/21/07: While we have had
a few geocachers who have not enjoyed this particular hunt, you'll
notice that their logs all begin with,"We didn't find the way up
that MealerFamily recommended so we just cut our own trail..."
Believe me when I reiterate that this is a bad and potentially
dangerous idea. Think along the lines of,"I couldn't find the
elevator so I just started scaling the outer wall of the
skyscraper." The route is there. It's been there for a thousand
years and will likely be there for another thousand. My youngest
son was 8 when he helped me plant the cache and my dog has been to
it also. No ropes, flares, or ninja equipment are required if you
just follow the (correct) ravine. Now, if you decide to cut your
own trail, just remember that I warned you. (1/24/11) Wow! It's
hard to believe that those young sons who hiked and helped me place
this cache are busy applying to college now. Time flies. Still, I'm
glad that this remarkable cache continues to provide enjoyment for
those brave souls willing to go the distance. I must admit, I never
thought this small geocache (the only one we ever planted) would
bring this much enjoyment, both to our family and to those who
braved to discover it. I want to let those of you who do find it to
know that I hold you in the deepest regard. You are true
geocachers, searching out one of the oldest and most valuable of
geocaches. Please know that we still read every new log with
intrigue, happy to know that one more has found our treasure. Thank
you for looking. BTW, the water is long gone... seven years ago.
Bring a canteen.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Ybbx nybat gur rqtr bs gur enivar. Pnpur vf uvqqra ng gur onfr bs gur qrnq gerr whfg gb gur rnfg bs gur "jngre onfva".
