This is a multi-stage cache that begins at the coordinates above within Mueller State Park. There is no physical cache here. Stage 1 is a virtual cache (located with permission of the Park Manager) where you can find clues for the coordinates of stage 2. These will take you to a cache along a designated nature trail within the park.
Following are the coordinates for stage 2 and the cache:
N 38 52.DAC’
W 105 11.BAE’
Use the information at the coordinates of stage 1 to determine the values for the missing digits in the cache coordinates. Follow the five panels from left to right:
A: Add the first and third digits of the elevation of the mountain at the extreme north end of Pikes Peak (count digits from left to right).
A= ___ + ___ = ___
B: The last digit of the elevation of “TA-WA-ah-gath” mountain.
B= ___
C: Add the first and last digits of the year when gold was discovered here.
C= ___ + ___ = ___
D: The last digit of the year when Lt Zebulon Pike had Christmas dinner near the base of a mountain named for a chief of the Uintah Ute Band
D= ___
E: The third digit of the elevation of the highest peak in Colorado
E= ___
After you have solved the clues for stage 2, if you want to check out your coordinates for the actual cache, you can ask the park staff at the Visitors’ Center to verify whether you have the right solution before you start off on the trail. They also may be able to give you some additional hints.
The cache is along a designated nature trail that has a trail guide pamphlet either in a box near the trail head or available from the visitors’ center gift shop. The trail is approximately a 0.8 mi loop from the trail head with a 100 ft Elevation Loss/Gain. Enjoy the great views and relevant field facts on this nature trail. Please return the cache to the original hiding spot because some of the other hiding areas would let the cache fall out of reach.
Day use fee or Colorado state park pass required.
Placed by permission of Mueller State Park; please be respectful of all surroundings. Stay on trails as much as possible, avoid creating social trails.
All trails are open to hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The trail map available from the Mueller State Park web site shows which trails are open to biking and horseback riding.
Pets are prohibited on all trails and in the backcountry.
Park only in parking lots or trail heads, not on the roadways or in front of gates or fire equipment.
Please stick to established trails. All the twists and turns of the trail system have been designed to get you safely through the terrain and to protect the wildlife habitat.
See the park brochure for additional park regulations.
Please sign the log in this container. Original cache contents are log and pencil. Stay on trail as cache is only a few feet off trail .
Geocaching Responsibly
A great rule of thumb is to leave any caching location in better condition than when you arrived. Observe posted signs, stay on designated trails, do not trespass onto private property, and even pick up any litter you find along the way.
Always make sure to observe safe hiking practices when geocaching, be mindful of your hiking experience and limits. The most important thing is to get outside and safely have fun!