BCT Little Pan South Traditional Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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A hike along the Black Canyon Trail from the Table Mesa Trailhead to the south end of the Little Pan Loop.
I recently hiked this segment of the Black Canyon Trail and decided to come back and place a few caches along the way to encourage others to do the same. I really enjoyed the terrain and the views of this area. With the trail having been designed for bike and equestrian use in addition to hiking, it meanders around a bit in order to keep the elevation changes very gradual.
This cache is placed at the south end of the Little Pan Loop, where the trail splits into the Williams Mesa Segment running to the west and the Little Pan Segment, running to the east. The fork in the trail is not signed, but is marked by a large cairn (and now by this cache).
To reach the trailhead, take exit 236 off I-17, head west and then north along the Frontage Road to N 33° 59.133' W 112° 08.696'. Bear left and continue west to the trailhead at N 33° 59.066' W 112° 10.062'. The trail is the single track trail at the NW of the lot, not the jeep track that runs north. If you haven't already, be sure and pick up Happy Trails (GCWW8D) located near the trailhead.
Round trip hike to this cache and back is about 3 miles. Cachers with off road vehicles will be able to find an alternate route to get much closer. Hiking the full Little Pan Loop from this trailhead runs about 9.25 miles.
More information about the Black Canyon Trail including some history and trail maps is available at bctaz.com.
All of the usual caveats for a desert cache: bring lots of water, watch out for dangerous plants and animals, bring a hiking stick or trekking poles, wear sturdy shoes, etc.
Congratulations to Team SW&L for the FTF.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Nzbat gur ebbgf bs na Vebajbbq.
Treasures
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