Skip to content

George and La Llorona Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

Road2Ruin: Most likely the cache is gone. Thanks to all who visited.

More
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   small (small)

Join now to view geocache location details. It's free!

Watch

How Geocaching Works

Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions in our disclaimer.

Geocache Description:


San Juan Capistrano is said to be one of the most haunted cities in the state of California. This cache will take you to visit not one, but two of our many legendary ghosts.

In 1778 the Mission San Juan Capistrano cemetery filled up and they began burying people at this location a short distance away. The plaque at the front gate explains why this spot was chosen. Unlike other historic locations in town, this cemetary is not kept up or open to visitors. It is surrounded by alternating wall and iron fence with padlocked gates. Few people know about it because of its out-of-way location, although recent new construction on the back side has brought it out of hiding. Many of San Juan's oldest residents are buried here, along with Native Americans and Civil War veterans.

The cemetery is said to be haunted regularly by none other than La Llorona herself, still crying for the children she drowned. Be careful if you take your children here, because La Llorona may try to steal them away!

From the cache location, look across Ortega Highway and find the Forster Mansion, which currently is home to the House of Photographic Arts. The two-story Mission Revival style home was built by rancher Frank Foster, one of the founding fathers of San Juan Capistrano, for his wife Ada and their family. For years the mansion was the social hub of San Juan Capistrano, and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Legend has it that a cigar-smoking ghost, known as George, can frequently be seen at the foot of the interior stairs. Wave to George because he just might be watching you!

You are looking for a medium-sized plastic jar that is clearly marked as a geocache. The cache is outside the grounds of the cemetary and you will not need to trespass to retrieve it.

***Caution - I do not recommend driving a large SUV, truck or even car to this location. The road is very narrow with walls on both sides, it dead ends at the gate and there is no place to turn around. If you do not have a small car, you might be able to park at the bottom and walk up. You can also approach the front gate and the cache location by parking in the rear, and that might be best if you are visiting after dark so no undue attention is drawn by car headlights at the top of the hill.

CONGRATULATIONS to Pacholik, who braved the ghosts and things that go bump in the night to claim FTF in the wee hours of the night!

Additional Hints (No hints available.)