Be prepared for extreme temperatures in the summer above 100 degrees and below freezing in the winter. Always carry plenty of water. Mouse’s Tank is an easy hike of three-fourths of a mile round trip in a sandy canyon. As you come down the stairs, look to your left. Depending on the time of year, you will be able to see a tank of water very similar to Mouse’s tank, but not quite the same. As you go further down the canyon, on the left, you will see petroglyphs on a huge rock face. As you walk along, there will be four or five more sites containing petroglyphs -- just keep your eye out. Petroglyphs are rock symbols, in this case made by Native Americans, scratched on what geologists call “desert varnish.” Desert varnish is a dark, somewhat shiny stain found on desert rocks that have been exposed for a long time. Manganese and iron oxides, hydroxides, and clay minerals form most of these varnishes. On the right side on the canyon, there are many “blowouts,” also known as deflation basins. Deflation basins are hollows in the sandstone formed by wind. Some of these blowouts are large enough for a human to hide inside.
As legend goes, there was an indigenous Southern Paiute man named Little Mouse who was accused of killing prospectors and other crimes. There are several stories, with little historical documentation, claiming that Little Mouse hid in this canyon and drank the water in this “tank." This tank is a natural depression in the rock that catches and holds rainwater from the limited rainfall in the Mojave Desert. It is cooler here in the summer and provides shade in an area that lacks little overhead shade from the relentless sun.
Logging requirements:
Send me a message (preferred) or an email with answers to the following questions.
1. Estimate the depth of Mouse’s Tank and of the water (if present).
2. Some scientists say the water is not potable (safe to drink). Based on your observations, tell me why you think it is or is not.
3. Post a picture of yourself or your personal item at the location with your log. Please do not include answers to the questions in the photo.
Please Note:
1. You must answer all the questions in your email to me and post all picture(s) with your log.
2. Your logging this cache and sending me the email should happen at around the same time.
3. Begin your email with the name and geocaching code of this Earthcache, your name(s), and the number of people in your group.
Failure to comply with the above will result in your log being deleted!
The above information was compiled from the following sources:
1. Fiero, William. Nevada’s Valley of Fire: The Story Behind the Scenery. KC Publications, Nevada, 2008.