Crook's Trail runs from Fort Whipple (Prescott) through the Verde Valley and across the Mogollon Rim to Fort Apache. Each mile of the trail was marked in one manner or another. In this instance, a large rock was the marker and has become a historical marker. Cache is a one-quart steel jar with a plastic lid - well hidden a short distance east of the historical monument.
It is a History Cache and the box contains information regarding the construction and use of General George Crook's Trail. Please DO NOT REMOVE THIS! I can imagine the thrill as travelers going west rounded the hill and saw the Verde Valley just 13 miles in the distance. Cache is full of trade items, a log, and the information sheets. You can park on a paved parking lot nearby, visit the monument, and find the cache. Should be accessable year round unless snow covers it up.
WATCH FOR SNAKES! Also lots of sharp thorns nearby and normal hazards of the Verde Valley and neighboring mountains.
Growing up in Camp Verde I can remember when it took four hours to travel from Camp Verde up the "Zane Grey Highway" to where it met highway 87. Now it takes around 30 minutes. At the point where this cache is located, back then we would be traveling about 5 - 10 MPH... now it's about 65 mph! I doubt the folks from the 1860's - 1900's could have ever imagined that, let alone believe it!
I have 11 caches related to this trail - History's View (GC9CFV7), 6424 E General Crook Trail (GC62GG7), Roll Back Time (GC7YYJJ), Turn Back Time (GC7ZWRZ), In Honor of Those Who Have Died (GC9G4H0) Door to History (GC6K41C), Window to the Past (GC7T43K), 13 Miles (GC23CGF), Linda's Birthday Cake (GC3MHPD), and on the west side of the Verde Valley, Copper Canyon Way Station (GC1MC9J), and History Hill (GC1MC92). Visit my cache at Fort Verde State Park and Museum for more information (Fort Verde GC26VD7).