This cache can be reached in one of two ways: by a multiple day
backpack on the Tanner and Beamer Trails, or by a river rafting
trip. Either way, you will experience sights you will remember long
after your trip. This backpack trip is probably my favorite one I
have done in Grand Canyon National Park.
Years ago, the Colorado River flowed full of red and brown
sediment. The first white men who saw the River at the botton of
the Canyon named it Rio Colorado due to this reddish color. Now
that there is a large sedimentation pond (aka. Lake Powell)
upstream of the Canyon, the Colorado River generally runs clear and
with a greenish color.
The Little Colorado River gets most of its water from a mineral
rich spring, called a Sipapu to the local Native Americans. This
water is a deep tourquoise color and contrasts with the Colorado
where the two meet. However, if there has been any significant
rainfall on the Little Colorado's watershed, the water comes
downstream looking more like chocolate milk. It is interesting to
observe the two waters slowly mixing and churning together on the
downstream side of the island at the confluence.
Be advised that the hike to this cache is long and strenuous.
Overnight camping below the rim will require a backcountry permit
which can be obtained by reservation from the Backcountry Office up
to 4 months in advance. The Beamer trail is a primative trail and
is indistinct in many places. The area around the confluence is
limited to day use only. I suggest camping at Palisades Creek (N33°
08.283' W111° 48.934') for two nights and making the 12-mile round
trip day hike to the confluence. If you do hike in, expect to see
no other humans on the trail once you leave Tanner Rapids until you
return. Be prepared with all your provisions and supplies for the
trip, and carry plenty of water.
In order to claim credit for this cache you must do the
following:
1. Visit this cache site after 7-16-2002. (No old vacation or
internet photos please.)
2. Take a picture of yourself at the confluence with your GPSr in
the picture and post it here. Please have the camera facing to the
west and have the river in view and also have Chuar Butte in the
background.
Other photos of the area are welcome.