Difficulty Levels:
A8A(5*/5): Terrain=5;TType=5;Cache Retrieval=5;Energy=8.5
A8B(4.7*/4.7): Terrain=4.7;TType=5;Cache Retrieval=4;Energy=8.5.
* Requires Completion in a Single (1) Day (Trailhead-Trailhead)
(See mycn18 Profile for "Difficulty Level Definitions")
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> > NOTE >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
DO NOT CONSIDER THIS GEOCACHE UNLESS YOU HAVE SIGNIFICANT EXPERIENCE HIKING REMOTE, VERY STEEP, VERY COMPLEX TERRAIN.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
The probable route which you are likely to establish between ICs is common for both A8A and A8B, except for about 0.5 miles of distinctly different terrain and challenges. A8A is slightly longer and slightly more difficult than A8B. Simple UTM Coordinate manipulations are necessary for this adventure. FFA$(A8A Only).
Important: See Startup Log for Prerequisites/Updates before Starting Out.
This is primarily an in/near-canyon hike which may require periodic scaling of 50+ grade in-canyon polished rock face terrain, 70+ Grade loose footing slopes and vertical canyon walls, depending on your chosen route. The first part of this run is a Difficulty Level 1.5 through boring Alamo Canyon, but don’t be misled into thinking this is typical !
Strongly suggest this quest only be considered by experienced adventure hikers in very good physical condition, who are skilled in locating and attacking steep canyon entry/exit points AND have completed a trek with similar Difficulty Level Ratings [see mycn18 Profile for "Difficulty Level Definitions"].
Excellent traction boots, gloves and very good physical balance are absolutely essential for this Quest, which may require 8+ hours to complete, but should prove an exciting and challenging adventure.
This could be an ideal trek for 2 equally experienced, competitive individuals who may wish to separate for a relatively short, but fairly intense portion of the adventure and meet again at the concluding phase. One could take the Main IC route (A8A) and one the less intense A8B IC route, which split at IC #4 and rejoin at A8A IC7/ A8B IC6.
Reminder! Bring Paper/Pen to record en-route information and to sign ICs.
Start/Parking Location: 13S 0413995.7 3636561.6
Proceed past the fenced Alamogordo Water Station on this short trail until it ends (0.6 miles) and merges with Alamo Canyon (a slight drop down at the trail end). This is USFS Trail #104. Turn Left and navigate to the 1st Cache (IC1) location shown at the top this Page.
mycn18 Active Geocaches:
Series 1: A3, C3-C4, 107-A5, DMC-A24, MC-B3;
Series 2: MC-B1, A8, A26, A28, A10;
A22, A2