Gearhart Geo Traditional Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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GEARHART MINE TRAIL This is a short hike (just over a mile)up a steep trail . . . at moderate speed (stopping REGULARLY to reoxygenate, rehydrate and enjoy the view) the hike to the top will take about an hour- less time coming down mostly because the breathing is easier (at least for this 50 yo! :o). The views are AMAZING. Continue on this trail to Mt. Garfield Challenge Caches 3, 2 and 1 if you wish to make a 4.5 mile loop of it!
DIRECTIONS: From Grand Junction, take I-70 east to the Palisade exit (#42), turn south on 37 3/10 Rd, travel to the first road on right (G 7/10 Road). This road will wind around private homes, stay to the right. Go through the small tunnel(I-70 underpass) to the trailhead. Park at coordinates N39 07.133 W108 23.325. Gearhart Mine trailhead is located east of the parking area - around the first hillslope- you'll see a trail headed up a rocky ravine- start there (about N39 07.141 W108 23.187). CAUTION: This trail is steep, rough and challenging. Footing is unstable and slippery, especially when wet. If you have a fear of heights USE YOUR BEST JUDGEMENT!
That said, large groups of middle schoolers have taken the challenge along this trail year after year- with strict precautions about safety- keep one foot solidly on the ground at all times, no running (coming down can be more dangerous than going up- stay focused and in control), and be prepared (water, good shoes, sunscreen, hat)
Carry plenty of water- and a camera!
Once you arrive on top - stop to enjoy the accomplishment - then head west along the trail to the top of Gearhart mine (visible on the hillside during your trip up). Remnants of a once active coal mine are scattered down the front of the mountain here- including poles that once supported a conveyor system. I am trying to find more information about this operation... I will post anything I find here so you can better understand this historic site. An interesting "account" of life in this area is related at this letterboxing site (along with an entry about a letterbox you may want to locate on the way up!) (visit link)
Please use extreme caution in this area and DO NOT attempt to enter the mine below (in 1996 a MSC student became the most recent fatality here when he entered the mine through a vandalized entry and died from lack of oxygen).
I placed the cache among rocks northwest of this site- it has been upgraded to a 30 cal ammo box (thanks CaptMK!) with a log, pencil, sharpener, and miscellaneous small items for exchange. I also included Delightful Days TB- another great view there! It is among the rocks. Let me know if the rating is accurate or needs adjusted.
Original cache contents: local handmade soap, small purell, thermometer zipper pull, whistle clip, mending kit, tiny screw driver kit, bug in a gumball container, "beat the 5:00 rush:leave work early" sticky notes, random acts of kindness cards.... small TB, log, pencil and sharpener.
I noticed it's been a few years since the other Mt Garfield challenges were placed- perhaps this will give you a reason to come back up! And if you haven't yet seen the valley from this vantage- it's time to check it out!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Pbirerq jvgu ebpxf
Treasures
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