From 1827 until about 1915 the stagecoach lines were a primary
means of transportation to Santa Fe. Cash payrolls and bank
transfers were carried in the “strongbox” making the stagecoach a
target for holdups since they operated in remote locations far from
the telegraph lines giving the robbers many hours to escape before
the crime was reported.
This strongbox, which is full of Wild West goodies (bandannas,
handcuffs, wanted posters, money bags, poker chips, cards, and much
more!) which must have been hidden by bandits who robbed a
stagecoach!
The area is densely forested and rocky!
Please take any one item that suits your fancy but don’t leave
anything unless it fits the Wild West theme. (Travel Bugs are fine
to leave)
We suggest taking I-25 North of Santa Fe, exit at mile 290 /
highway 285. Head north 1/10th a mile and then turn right at the
stop sign onto the Old Las Vegas highway (300) towards Canoncito.
Turn right/south after 2 miles onto County Road 51. Continue on CR
51 for 3.6 miles and turn left onto CR 51C which is Forest Road
326. After .9 mile you will cross a cattle guard and be in the
Santa Fe National Forest. Passenger cars should park near the
cattle guard at N35 30.425 W105 48.371. High clearance vehicles can
park a bit closer to the cache at N35 30.512 W105 48.292. Use the
photos of each turn if desired.