Big White Gap Traditional Cache
Broken Wing: Getting to the cache for owner maintenance and/or visit has become extremely difficult as roads have not been maintained for a while. One of the two ways to get to the cache is no longer being maintained by the county.
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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The cache site is located at Big White Gap Pass in the Sierra De Las Uvas mountains northwest of Las Cruces. If you don't have a high clearance 4x4 or ATV, expect a round trip hike of about 8 miles from a suitable stopping place for a car.
There are local stories that say in the late 1800's the road through the pass was used as an alternate route between the Las Cruces Area and Lake Valley for those wishing not to be seen on the more traveled route up the Rio Grande through Hatch. Currently the primary users are ranchers and 4x4'ers.
You'll need a 4wd vehicle with sufficient ground clearance or an ATV to drive to a hundred yards of the cache; although, a couple of places can be challenging. If you can drive, park in the little area at the top of the pass (N32 31.501 W107 11.142).
You can approach the cache from the north or south. The southern route is slightly shorter. The 4-wheel part of both routes are of comparable difficulty. Cell phones don't work in the valleys, so if you break down you best hope is for a friendly 4 wheeler or rancher to stop by.
If you come from the north, drive through Horse Canyon to the end of County Road E02 at the Horse Canyon ranch ruins. This is where if you lack a high clearance 4wd or ATV, you will have to proceed on foot to the pass. Continue on another 4 miles to the pass.
If you come from the south, take Corralitos Road to the pavement end at N32 30.318 W107 09.627. If you lack a high clearance 4wd or ATV, park here. Continue up Choases Canyon for about 3 1/2 miles to the pass.
Once you get to the pass, take time to enjoy the views. When I do this drive I usually start from the south and then continue through the pass, eventually ending up on Rt 26 outside of Hatch.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
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