Camel of the Gods Traditional Cache
GEO.JOE: This Cache has been stolen so an all new cache in a new location has replaced it.
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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Watched over by Camel Rock at Garden of the Gods Recreational Area
Garden of the Gods Recreational Area is the most accessible and finest display of rock formations in southern Illinois, It is located about fifteen miles southeast of Harrisburg. Several rock formations here have acquired well-known names such as Noah's Ark, Table Rock and Devil's Smokestack. However, Camel Rock, probably the most photographed feature in southern Illinois, is the main draw and is seen along the paved Observation Trail.
Trails: There are two hiking trails here.
The Observation Trail is popular for the dozens of afternoon visitors that are more than likely to be there also. This minimally difficult trail is 1/2 mile round trip and allows you to see most of the better known rock formations in the area.
The remaining rock formations and a more challenging hike can be experienced on the Wilderness Trail, which is 4 miles round trip and moderately difficult.
Maps and information of other attractions in Shawnee National Forest:
(visit link)
There are two routes to this cache:
The easiest (2.5. To 3) is to follow the wilderness trail from the parking lot, (the same direction you would go to get to ET Rock Cache GC2309). This route is suitable for most cachers with some off trail hiking. From the wilderness trail go to N37 36.405 W88 23.144 (this is a projected waypoint) in this area there are several areas that you can easily get below the bluffs via gently sloped wash areas. Once below the bluffs you will find a well defined trail that goes along the base of the bluffs. Follow this trail .24 mile, until you are below camel rock.
Most direct, more difficult & most fun route (3.5 to 4.5). This route may require some hand over hand climbing and steep elevation changes but little exposure (8ft to 12ft at a 60 degree angle). GEO.LOGO (8 yr) was able to negotiate this route on the way up but did not like the looks of it looking down. From the parking lot follow the observation trail to N37 36.233 W88 23.149. Turn off the observation trail and head south west down the steep wash. Halfway down the wash you will need to get to a crack located at N37 36.216 W88 23.182. Follow the more textured rock up to the crack, you should be able to walk up the rock with little climbing, (lots of broken glass in this area). Climb down through the crack to get below camel rock. The crack is filled in with rock and roots so there is good footing and plenty of things to hold on to.
Directions: From Marian, IL Exit 54 at Interstate 57 and Illinois 13, drive 25 miles east on Illinois 13 to US 45 in Harrisburg. Turn right onto US 45 and drive 1 mile to Illinois 34. Turn left onto Illinois 34 and drive 16 miles to Karbers Ridge Road. Turn left onto Karbers Ridge Road and drive 3 miles to Garden of the Gods Road. Turn left onto Garden of the Gods Road, and follow the signs
From Metropolis IL, Exit 37 at interstate 24 and US 45, drive ¼ mile south on US 45 to Illinois 145 north. Turn left on Illinois 145 North and drive 15 miles to Illinois 146 East. Turn right on Illinois 146 East and drive 20 miles to Illinois 34 North. Turn left onto Illinois 34 North and drive 7.5 miles to Karbers Ridge Road. Turn right onto Karbers Ridge Road and drive 3 miles to Garden of the Gods Road. Turn left onto Garden of the Gods Road, and follow the signs
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Haqre ebpx bhgpebc
Orgjrra Taneyrq gerrf.
jrfg raq ba ebpx.
Treasures
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