Lookout Below Traditional Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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A nice hike in a previously beautiful but now interesting area. Just a bit on the difficult side of moderate but a very rewarding experience.
Description update July 25 2015
Someone took the ammo box container so we replaced it with a small snap lock plastic box. We replaced the wet log and added a few goodies.
The 2011 “Wallow” fire caused a great deal of change in this area. The fire raced up the southwest side of Big Lake Knoll and down the northeast side. Some parts of this beautiful forest were devastated but many tall trees survived the fire. There is a small area near the cache that was hardly affected at all. This is still a worthwhile hike for the views and pretty scenery that remains. The Forest Service removed all traces of the lookout tower and house that were destroyed by the fire.
The restroom at the top was also removed as it appears the Forest Service does not intend to have a lookout station here in the future. The road to the top of the knoll has been reopened but requires a high clearance vehicle. Two wheel drive will make it when dry with four wheel needed when muddy. The hike up is definitely worth the trip as it is an educational experience to see how the fire had differing effects in the different topography as you ascend the trail
This cache is located approximately 26 miles southwest of the Springerville/Eagar area, near Big Lake. The cache is in a beautiful area where Pine, Spruce, Aspen and wildlife abound. The coordinates given are from the actual location of the cache, but Team Badnav suggests you start at the trailhead coordinates (provided below) and enjoy a short but rewarding hike through some of the most beautiful scenery on this planet (and most likely any other, for that matter).
Take FR 249E to the number 627 trailhead located at N 33 52.134’ W 109 23.981’. You can also access this area using highway 273 south from Sunrise Ski Resort as the road in newly paved. The ½ mile trail is well established and won’t challenge hikers, but it is uphill and steep in places. The trail starts in green forest then passes through area burned in the "Wallow" fire. The area is also known for deer, elk and an occasional bear. Mexican Wolves have been recently reintroduced nearby but are seldom seen. As always, try not to disturb any wildlife encountered.
The cache container is an ammo can with the standard mostly kid oriented goodies.
After you’ve found the cache, Team Badnav recommends you continue on another 100 meters or so to the top of the trail. You will find much to look at there. Views range for great distances, so bring a map and binoculars to see how many landmarks you can spot. There is also a trail leading from Big Lake's Rainbow Campground to the trailhead for a total hike of about 1 mile.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Ybbx sbe n ebpx sbezngvba 20 be 30 srrg bss gur genvy. Gur pnpur vf ybpngrq orgjrra gur ebpxf.
Treasures
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