Sacred Summit of Tso'odzil
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Looming high over north central New mexico, upon the continental divide is a great extinct volcano, its high crown visible for over 100 miles in all directions. It has gone by many names but in this case it is called by one of its oldest, Tso'odzil, harkening to its sacred role in Navajo mythology. Retrace the steps of the ancients to find the prize at the Sacred Summit of Tso'odzil. Elevation 11,280 feet.
Tso'dzil, also known as Turquoise mountain, Mountain of forward strength, Sacred mountain of the south, Home of enemy gods, and most recently, Mt. Taylor, is a great composite stratovolcano, a type known for violent eruptions and rapid growth. The Jemez Caldera to the north is a similar type. Fortunately for us, its explosive period is long past and now affords the hiker with a fantastic climb.
To get there drive I-40 to Grants and then up First Street (Pizza Hut on corner)to Lobo Canyon Rd (highway NM-547)and follow Mt. Taylor signs. Continue about 12 miles to where the road's pavement ends. At this point, turn right onto FR-193 about 5 miles to the trailhead, which is marked on the left by a small sign mentioning "trail 77". The dirt road is decent and passable by car. Trailhead elevation is 9300 feet and is located here N 35.13.198 W 107.38.223.
The initial hike is through moderate forest cover. It gains a bit, then levels for a while and drops into Gooseberry Draw. There is a very old road in here; in previous years this used to be the original start point for this hike. The draw is very eroded: a good 4-feet deep wash in places. The trail continues up the draw before breaking out of the trees after about 1.5 miles. From here it's wide open with unlimited views. The trail gains a ridge, contours around some sub-peaks, then switchbacks somewhat steeply up to the summit. Round trip distance by trail is 6.4 miles. Elevation gain is 2000 feet. If you want to go straight line direct it is less than 4 miles but the elevation gains are a killer at this altitude.
The views from the summit are truly unlimited and astounding on a clear day, as this mountain is the highest in the area. As of the date of placement this cache, which sits at 11,280 feet just down from the 11,301 foot summit, is the highest non virtual cache in New Mexico.
The cache is hidden in a .30 cal ammo box under a rock outcrop. Be inconspicuous in retrieving it as other hikers may be on the mountain too. Be sure to sign the summiter's log in the green mailbox too and while you're there bask in the glory of having summited one of the four sacred mountains of the Navajo, the summit of Tso'odzil!
Original contents: binocular case, safety glasses, .50 cal cluster, wheres george dollar, 2 postcards, 2 brachiopod fossils, brand new spork - still in its original packaging, Victorinox swiss army knife, tape measure, ancient indian pottery shards, Rotorwash CD, North America air map.
Good luck, and go before the snows come! This cache will be much more difficult between November and March!
Helodriver
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
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