The Jemez Mountains form the southernmost tip of the Rocky Mountains and are quite arguably the most beautiful area in the entire state of New Mexico. The Jemez consists of mostly undisturbed forested wilderness with rocky peaks, meadows, mountain streams, lakes and waterfalls, and only occasional houses and villages. Past volcanic activity has resulted in some interesting geological formations such as multiple hot springs, sulphurous vents and a picturesque caldera (a ring of hills comprising the remains of several long-extinct volcanoes).
Much of the region is now a National Recreation Area with many opportunities for hiking, fishing, camping, cross-country skiing, or visiting a natural hot spring. This mountain trail takes travelers from Albuquerque to Santa Fe via Bernalillo, past the remainders of the area's logging, mining and ranching heritage, a variety of Spanish and Indian ruins, the Coronado and Jemez State Monuments, Los Alamos and neighboring city of White Rock, and the Bandelier National Monument.
All the caches that we have placed along the JMNSB are at areas that DO NOT require a day use fee. Additional waypoints have been added to certain cache descriptions where extra help might be required to find parking, a trailhead, etc. There are bathrooms along the entire scenic byway, some of which are in day fee areas. Use of the toilet facilities does not require you to pay, but if you are planning to stay longer, then the noted fees will apply. Please keep in mind that you will find both forest and desert environments along this trip. You may encounter the typical animals, poisonous plants, and insects that make these habitats their home. Please come properly dressed and prepared. For maps and additional information on this scenic byway, visit The Jemez Mountain National Scenic Byway Website.
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Purpose of this cache: Learn a little history about Los Alamos!
In the 1930s, Hitler’s Germany became the most powerful — and feared — country in Europe. Hitler was determined to control the entire continent. After the shocking attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States declared war on Japan. In turn Germany declared War on America, igniting World War II. The biggest concern for America and the Allies was that Hitler was working on a nuclear “super bomb.” Believing the fate of the world hung in the balance, President Franklin Roosevelt approved a top secret project known as the Manhattan Project to create the first atomic weapon. In a race against the clock and under the direction of J. Robert Oppenheimer, scientists from all over the world working at the Los Alamos Laboratory in New Mexico spent four years developing what would become the world’s most deadly weapon. The decision to use the bomb on Japanese citizens ended World War II but began a controversy that rages to this day.
This cache is located near the original East security gate to the Manhattan era Los Alamos. The container is micro sized and well camouflaged. We have not provided parking coordinates for this cache as the parking will be obvious when you reach the coordinates.