This is number 1 in our SH&MB's Golf Tour Series. To view others click here!
The cache is located about 650 meters from the Mountain Shadows Campground Office, if you take a counter clockwise direction, around a 4.7km loop trail which circles the Sparwood Golf and Country Club. It is sometimes known as the Golf Course Loop, but on many maps is called the Mountain Shadows Loop as it technically begins and ends in the Mountain Shadows Campground, although there are many other access points to it.
The entire hike around the loop is relatively easy on a good trail, which is well signed. It makes for a nice walk with some hills.
The cache was originally located below Sparwood Ridge, between the Power Line and the Golf Course. However in August of 2006 it was Muggled and disappeared. After much deliberation we decided to replace it and relocate it to a more heavily wooded area, near the trail head for the "Coal Miners" trail which runs from the Mountain Shadows Loop to Fernie, 37 kilometers away. This trail is a popular Mountain Bike Trail so again watch for Muggles. Because of the more forested location we are giving a good hint below, as some GPSr units may have a problem.
We suggest parking at the Mountain Shadows Campground (see parking waypoint below). From the parking area next to the office, you will see the Trail Head which is signed “Cart Path to Golf Course”. While you can go around both ways, we suggest taking the right fork (see waypoint below), as this makes for a nice quiet walk, and easier climb up to the cache through some very pretty forest. Besides it is shorter to the cache!
We strongly recommend you do not try to take any short cuts through the Golf Course, as the course has in the past had an Elk problem and the high wires fencing it are electrified with warning signs to this effect.
The replacement Cache contains a new log book and some trade items.
THIS IS BEAR COUNTRY SO CHECK WITH CAMPGROUND FOR RECENT SIGHTINGS, AND ALWAYS STAY ALERT!
