A Bear Creek Urban Trail cache by Team Barn Owls.
We've lived in the Coachella Valley all our lives, but did not know this “trail” existed until we were drawn here by a geocache. The original portion of the Bear Creek Ridge Trail has a trailhead that begins where the paved urban one ends. We're told that the first short leg to the oasis is a short “easy” hike through a sandy wash, and the remaining 8-mile hike quite strenuous. While there are caches along that trail, the Urban Trail caches are along a level trail with only the slightest elevation gain. We tried to make the caches as varied and different as the surroundings would allow.
Having physical limitations ourselves, we are well aware of the large number of adventurous sorts out there who will never be able to tackle a T4 again. Our goal was to use the striking scenery of the urban portion of this trail to provide a not-too-strenuous adventure for those sorts.
With bad knees and sciatica, we were able to hide the caches without undue stress, so we know they are accessible to the physically challenged. You can walk the roughly five-mile round trip if you wish. You can also drive up the cove, and park-as-you-go, as we did when planting some of the caches. The path that runs along flood control channel is open from dawn to 10:00 pm and the scenery is awesome. As always, keep an eye out for creepy crawlies when caching in the desert.
There are 13 caches in this series, including two placed by fellow cachers that inspired us to add to the fun. We will update the list with GC codes as soon as they are published. An easy and fun multi is also located along the trail.
Convenient, trail-side parking is available for every cache.
GC6581B – BEAR IN MIND
GC6581Q – PALO VERDE CREEK
GC4ZZCQ – KNOT UP A BEAR CREEK
GC65815 – BEAR CONE
GC6581D – BEARLY A SPRINKLE
Serpentine Creek
FROG CREEK POND
BEAR-IED TREASURE
Creek Crossing
BEAR STINGER
ROCKY CREEK
SUN-RISE Creek