This cache is hidden in one of our favorite areas to explore. There are hundreds of lava formations called tumulii and pressure ridges here. Throughout the area you will find sandy soils and gnarled old growth juniper trees amidst the rock outcrops. A quiet solitude pervades in this stark and fascinating area.
On flat or gentle slopes, the surfaces of pahoehoe lava flows are sometimes
marked by elliptical domed structures, from 2 to 10 meters high, called tumuli.
A tumulus develops when slow-moving lava beneath a solidified crust wells
upward. The brittle crust usually buckles to accommodate the inflating core of
the flow, thus creating a central crack along the length of the tumulus.
These structures sometimes grade into elongated forms called pressure ridges,
which commonly develop subparallel to the flow direction at flow margins.
Click here to view an aerial image of the Badlands cache and examples of tumuli and pressure ridges. This area has some of the largest lava formations in the Badlands.
IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE:
- Allow at least 2 HOURS of hiking to complete your adventure.
- Mark your parking spot. Cross country travel is required.
- Wear sturdy shoes. The terrain is mostly flat with sandy soil and various rocky stretches.
- Bring plenty of water, especially on hot days.
- Bring a flashlight and compass. You will need them to find the cache.
We highly recommend approaching this cache from the east.
There are some seasonal road closures in the area but they will not affect an eastern approach. Roads to the west are very rough and may not be on some maps! A higher clearance vehicle is also recommended.
THIS IS AN OFFSET COORDINATE CACHE
FROM THE ABOVE COORDINATES:
(use magnetic north for compass bearings)
- WALK 15 FEET BEARING 145 DEGREES
- TURN AND HEAD 15 FEET BEARING 90 DEGREES
- TURN AND HEAD 15 FEET BEARING 355 DEGREES
- TURN ON YOUR FLASHLIGHT
Good luck and Happy Caching!
navdog, justdog, and otterpup of the moondog3