Our foray into geocaching started before my son Colton turned 8, so when his birthday came along on July 13, 2021, we decided to let him create one! We asked his friends to bring a small item to his birthday party to contribute to the small jar. From that party (during which we also took the group cache hunting), we created this fun prize that is full of loot, and sure to delight all ages!
Hiking in this park has been one of our favorite activities and we do it often, so it made sense that his first hide would be in a place so special to us!
However, also in true enthusiastic 8-year old fashion, this cache ended up hidden in a more challenging a spot than I had imagined for a first hide. There’s a short yet fairly-steep hill to climb up so I would say this one is best for outdoorsy hiking types who can make it up an incline. Or, send the kids up! Think like an 8-year old!
(He wanted to pick a 3 in difficulty, and I was thinking 2, so we compromised.)
To find it, you can either (a) commit to a lovely full hike experience in Nicene Marks, or (b) just head in from a side entrance and you won’t have to go more than about 1/4 mile in (my preference).
(a) If you drive in and park in the main lot of Nicene Marks, you’ll head south on Aptos Rancho Trail, past the final creek crossing going that way. Follow coordinates till get you close; the short hill will be off to your right (west).
(b) Alternatively, often we park at Safeway and walk in via Aptos Rancho Road. We love walking this way, taking in all those beautiful redwood groves. If you go that route, expect to go about 1/4 mile from the waypoint trailhead (about a 6-8 minute walk) before you’ll start looking to head up a short hill on your left (west).
Going up the hill does not require bushwhacking at all. There’s a small trail going up. You will be heading for some redwood groves. Once reaching the top, there are about 5 sets or clusters of Redwood trees, and your prize is hidden inside one of them.
My Apple Maps gave me 3 different coordinates in the same spot, but all within 5meters of each other, so I'm using the most central one.
Like I said, I felt this would be a more challenging one to get to, but once you’re in the right grove, finding it shouldn’t be too tough. I am eager to hear what others think.
One thing for certain is, it’ll be a worthwhile find, full of treasure!! If you have something neat to trade, go ahead, otherwise have fun playing and put it all back when done. Pencil is included.
By the way, there are actually a few small paths that trail up & down that hill. Careful going back down, don't slip, some are steep!
(Fittingly, there was a banana slug crawling near the hiding spot when we were hiding!!)
Happy hunting! Let me know what the kids liked the best!
-L
Photo of Colton running from the main trail (toward our cache hill): :D
