UPDATE 7/22/16- For as long as I can remember, locals have used this area to gain access to the river. For reasons unknown to me, the owner of the river front property has decided to restrict this access and has barricaded off the river. The cache type that I had chosen initially really couldn't stand up to the elements and needed replaced anyways. However, due to the access issue, I also had to move the cache to a new location near the original one. The large trees blocking the southern sky make it hard to get an accurate GPS reading. Please use the hint if need be. All new container. All new location. Happy Hunting, crawfordcollins
This cache is located just outside of Hotchkiss, Colorado. It is placed near an access point to the North Fork of the Gunnison River. During the spring and summer, many rafters use this point to launch into the river. It also provides great access to the river for fishing, bird watching, taking the dog for a swim or just enjoying the scenery. Here is a little bit of info on the river:
The North Fork of the Gunnison River is formed in the mountains of northwestern Gunnison County by the confluence of Muddy Creek and Anthracite Creek. It flows for 33 ½ miles when it meets up with the Gunnison River at Pleasure Park. The Going to the River?????? cache (GC2WRD6) is located near this confluence.
The Gunnison River continues to Delta, Colorado where it meets up with the Uncompahgre River. The CofM Bonus #7 (GC5CBNV) is a puzzle cache that will ultimately take you to this confluence upon successful completion of all the components.
Then, the Uncompahgre River continues to Grand Junction, Colorado where it meets up with the Colorado River. The Colorado River then flows through Utah to Lake Powell, through the Grand Canyon into Lake Mead on the Arizona-Nevada border, then turns south toward the Mexico border. Once in Mexico, the river approaches the Colorado River Delta where it naturally emptied into the Gulf of California. However, the water never reaches the delta or the sea any longer.
There is a large parking area just off of Highway 92. There are also informational plaques near the site that describe the West Elk Scenic Byway (I highly recommend driving this!!!) and the types of wildlife, fish and birds that use the river area as their habitat. Check them out while at the site. Finally, ground zero is well above high water level, but the river can really be rushing during spring run-off. Please watch children and pets during this time. I hope you enjoy the area.
Happy Hunting!
Congrats to beth1957 and Linecacher for the FTF!