Note: The cache had been stolen. I replaced it on 8/8/04. The coordinates for the first stage remain the same. The cache was moved to a location a tenth of a mile from the end of this segment of the trail to avoid further problems. I encourage you to finish the trail, because there are two interesting things to see in this last tenth of a mile. It says what they are in the cache log. I have also added a hint for Stage 2, because this is all about the hike. I want you to find the cache.
This is a segment of the Pony Express Trail that begins at White Meadows Rd. (38 degrees 46.898 minutes N, 120 degrees 27.645 minutes W). It is a two-stage multi-cache. It requires a 5+ mile hike, run, bike, or horseback ride, because some of this stretch of the Pony Express Trail has been designated as non-motorized travel only. Since geocaching is a law-abiding and respectful game, posts that mention the use of motorized travel on this trail will be deleted. Also, I will remove the cache if it is clear that the law is being broken. I trailran the ammo can in, so your job is far easier.
This geocache will require some trail-finding skills, so it is clearly not for everyone and is rated as such. May and October are probably the nicest two months to do this cache, since the elevation is just over 3,000 feet. The first stage is in a Rubbermaid bottle. The cache is in an ammo can.
Go ahead and check the clue; this is all about the hike. Bring a pencil and piece of paper to write down the tips for where the trail gets confusing. Have fun and keep an eye out for bandits on the ridges!
BTW - I know I sound like your parent, but that's because I just want everybody to play safe. This trail is on the ridge of the American River Canyon. It's a beautiful area, but you do not have to go down into the canyon nor cross the river in order to do this geocache! There is a neat bridge right near the end that crosses a feeder for the river, but you don't cross the river. Crossing the American River in certain places and at certain times of the year can be fatal! Be aware of snakes on the trail and park your car well off of White Meadows Rd., but not in any brush that could be ignited by the undercarriages of low vehicles.
Okay, now go have fun!
Wait, did you remember your jacket?