This cache is part of the
Jemez Mountain National Scenic Byway Series (JMNSB)
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. 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 springs. 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.
Gilman Tunnels
Purpose of this cache: A trip along history's roadway with
beautiful views of a waterfall!
The Gilman Tunnels were created in the 1920's to transport timber
via the Santa Fe Railroad. You can learn it's complete history
here.
Today, they are a unique set of tunnels that tower above your car
as you wind along the back country road. There are several
turn-offs to view the box canyon and river below. After the second
tunnel you will find a beautiful waterfall and many rocks to climb
around and rest on.
The cache is micro in size and filled with small world coins. You
are welcome to take a coin even if you don't have anything to
exchange. We'll try to fill up when we can. You can fit some really
small trinkets inside as well. There is not a pencil, so please
remember to bring one.
You will have GPSr issues in this canyon, but sit for a few minutes
at the second parking pull-off and your GPSr should give you a
reading. We've gotten signal on our old Magellan Meridian, our
Garmin handheld, and our car navigation....so hopefully you won't
have too much trouble. We did have problems with the Delorme that
we tried out (it couldn't register any satellites here), so if you
have one....we'll be happy to give you an extra nudge if you need
it.
Although we have never seen anyone at this spot prior to the day we
placed the cache, there were tons of people visiting while we were
trying to hide, and some have left evidence of their visits behind.
So, I think it's fair to say that it could be a high muggle area
during peak times of the year.