NOTE: Do not hike past the cache site if it has recently rained,
or during periods of intense rainfall - the canyon is susceptible
to extreme flash flooding.
Begin your hike at the "Purgatory Chasm Loop" Trailhead
sign. (Trail #779 on the left (north) side of NM 35 - opposite the
Lake Roberts boat launch & picnic area.) N 33 01.976 W108
09.225
Although you don't have to complete the 2.2 total mile trail
loop to find the cache - we highly recommend you do! Save
the cache "find" for your return. The trail is rated "easy" - the
total elevation change is under 500'.
You start on a flat trail through a Ponderosa & Juniper
forest. Follow the trail about 1/4 mile to where it splits at a
"Y". Bear RIGHT here and do the loop in a counterclockwise
direction, saving the best for last. The wilderness trail leads up
to an "overlook" of a curving sandstone canyon to your right.
(However, you will be going up on the mesa - NOT up that canyon.)
The trail then winds back westward across a flat grassy mesa. You
will climb a small hill. The trail descends down the hill, and at
the base you can see the chasm that you will be hiking in.
The trail parallels the chasm for a short while before
descending. Turning south it drops into the head of a winding slot
canyon! You will descend down a short, sturdy ladder to the canyon
floor. Follow the path along this enchanting slot canyon emerging
close to the junction of the "Y" and return along the same
trail you came in on.
This is "THE FRUIT OF THE FOREST" - Don't miss this wonderland
that does not deserve its devilish name!
Geocache is a camoed ammo can containing lots of neat trade
items, a logbook & pen. First finder can claim the FTF
geo-button & a card good for two pieces of "fruit" pie ala mode
at the Spirit Canyon Lodge @684 Hwy 35 @ Mile Marker 22.
Fruit of the Forest Travel Bug begins its journey here in this
awesome area!