Traces Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

Random Acts: Very saddened to have to archive this cache. We put it in 18 years ago. It's been moved and reconfigured 2 - or was it 3? times. It appears that muggles took the really clever most recent hide. It's sufficiently difficult to replace that we'll give up on it.

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Hidden : 5/8/2003
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
4 out of 5

Size: Size: micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:

Long walk to cool waters and dinosaur tracks in an historic canyon.

The name of the cache refers to the traces of the passage of many dinosaurs about 150 million years ago. It's near the location the largest dinosaur track site in the world. It's a long way from the trail head, a little over 10 miles round trip, hence the 4 star rating on terrain. However, except for about a mile of 'ups and downs', the trail is pretty much flat and well marked - an old vehicle road. Coming back out of the canyon at the end of your hike is a bit of a bugger, though, with an elevation gain of about 350 ft. This trip is best done early spring or fall, and is a fine walk on a warm winter day. Bring plenty of water any time and wear sunscreen and insect repellent. A hiking staff or trekking poles are a good idea, too. Here's a link to the NFS website:
(visit link)

There is a second option for non-hikers: Take advantage of the Comanche National Grasslands Picketwire Canyon automobile tour. It runs on Saturdays May-June and September-October. A 4WD vehicle is a must (or ride with someone who has one). To get on the tour call 719 384 2181. Bikes and horses are also allowed on the trail. Camping is available at the dedicated camp ground at the trail head. There are toilets there but no water. There are also toilets near the dinosaur tracks.

Not far from the cache, on the near (north) side of the Purgatoire river you will find tracks of apatosauri (sauropods) and allosauri (therapods) There are a lot more sauropod and therapod on the other side along with a few ornithopod (duck-billed dinos). If you wish to cross the river, bring water shoes or sandals. It's usually not deep, but can be cold. The bottom is flat, some moss and those occasional holes are sauropod tracks.

You'll be able to see vast canyon vistas, 100 year old ruins, petroglyphs, rock formations and 150 million year old dinosaur tracks. Our newly replaced cache is in the spirit of the paleontology. Please leave it as you found it.

Additional Hints (No hints available.)



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