Pine Canyon Conservation Area
Cache 2 of 8 in the PCCA Tour | Cache is located at the posted coordinates.Â
The Elton Tunnel
You're standing near where the Elton Tunnel once opened to the surface. Five miles of tunnel ran straight through the Oquirrhs from this point to the Bingham mines on the other side. It was buried in the 1990's to keep people out.
Look around. There's a tree here that looks healthier than the dry brush around it. The tunnel is sealed, but water may still be finding its way out along the old route — which could be why this tree is doing so well. If you look to the west you should be able to see the rail grade. Follow it to look for remnants of Japanese town.Â
Getting there
About 1 mile each way from the PARKING waypoint at the trailhead lot. The route crosses open desert with no shade — bring water and sun protection.
What's inside?
A logbook, the cache's letterbox stamp and ink, a pen, and a printed card with the longer story: when the tunnel was built, what it actually moved, and why it was finally closed.
The lid word. Each cache in this series has a word inside the lid. Collect all eight to unlock a future Mystery bonus.
First time at Pine Canyon?
The Pine Canyon Conservation Area is 3,000 acres of protected open space on the east bench of the Oquirrh Mountains. From 1910 to the mid-1970s, this was the International Smelter — one of Utah's largest industrial sites. The land was cleaned up and replanted. The Wildlife sign at the trailhead names six common animals you might see here, including mule deer, coyote, and elk.
This cache is one of eight in the PCCA Tour. Tour 1: Trailhead is the best place to start — there's an Adventure Lab there too.
The PCCA Tour
Bonuses: Trailhead Bonus (Adventure Lab) · Lid-Word Mystery (coming later this year)
Please tread lightly. No motorized vehicles, bikes, livestock, fires, or dumping. Stay on durable ground, do not dig (there is a soil cap), and pack out what you pack in.