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You will find this cache hidden in the lost canyon. While the total mileage round trip is only about 3 miles, it is at least a half-day hike... so come prepared.
This cache is hidden in rememberance of the indian tribes who used to live in this area and used it as their final hiding place from anglo encroachment. The best place to begin this hunt is NW of the turnaround at the end of the park just West of the Southernmost water crossing. Looking SW to the edge of the canyon you will see two small ravines right at the top. The one on the right is the easiest to climb out of (N 34 55.534 W 101 38.676). If you haven't changed your mind yet then you are a truely die-hard Geocacher, or insane, like us. Diligently following your GPS (bee-line style) or following existing trails (which lead you to the tops of hills you don't need to climb) is not the best plan for hunting this cache. Instead, follow the creekbed that can be found SW of the road (not the water crossing creekbed, N 34 55.866 W 101 38.303 is a good starting point) all the way up to the "skirts" of the canyon. There is a route up the last bit that you can easily find when you get there so don't be discouraged by the 30ft. cliff at the top :-)! Once out of the canyon the rest is easy as pie! Just a small walk to a big surprise. A new, untouched side canyon almost as big as the one you just walked out of but with no roads, campsites, or people. You have found the lost canyon. Treasures awaiting you are: moccasins, buffalo bone and bead choker necklace, bead necklace, medicine bag, assorted leather, and other pieces plus a special prize for the first finder. There is also some emergency water if you need it but please don't rely on it! Remember, this trip takes you a long way off the beaten path. Come prepared and have fun. Note 6/15/04: Due to a few people having difficulty finding the cache we decided to hike it again, trying to rely on our previous directions as if we didn't know where we were going. We got off way off track in less than 30 minutes! It seems that new growth in the creekbed has made it more difficult to find the correct tributary leading up to the skirts. Keep in mind that there are three main tributaries that feed into the creekbed you begin in. You have to keep an eye out for the cut-offs and follow them to avoid heading up the wrong pass. The cut-off is almost completely obscured at this point so you should keep an eye on the ravine leading out of the canyon to make sure you're not heading off in the wrong direction. NOTE 9/17/2004: In response to HernandezClan's note. This is, unfortunately, not a dog friendly cache. Sarah, our German Shepherd has been once but will not go back. The climb up is not nearly as dangerous for dogs as the climb down. There are several areas of large boulders that must be climbed over as you ascend/decend the ravine. If you do bring a dog be sure to assist them as they climb down. Sarah was slightly injured when she jumped off a ledge and onto a sharp rock. NOTE 3/21/07: While we have had a few geocachers who have not enjoyed this particular hunt, you'll notice that their logs all begin with,"We didn't find the way up that MealerFamily recommended so we just cut our own trail..." Believe me when I reiterate that this is a bad and potentially dangerous idea. Think along the lines of,"I couldn't find the elevator so I just started scaling the outer wall of the skyscraper." The route is there. It's been there for a thousand years and will likely be there for another thousand. My youngest son was 8 when he helped me plant the cache and my dog has been to it also. No ropes, flares, or ninja equipment are required if you just follow the (correct) ravine. Now, if you decide to cut your own trail, just remember that I warned you. (1/24/11) Wow! It's hard to believe that those young sons who hiked and helped me place this cache are busy applying to college now. Time flies. Still, I'm glad that this remarkable cache continues to provide enjoyment for those brave souls willing to go the distance. I must admit, I never thought this small geocache (the only one we ever planted) would bring this much enjoyment, both to our family and to those who braved to discover it. I want to let those of you who do find it to know that I hold you in the deepest regard. You are true geocachers, searching out one of the oldest and most valuable of geocaches. Please know that we still read every new log with intrigue, happy to know that one more has found our treasure. Thank you for looking. BTW, the water is long gone... seven years ago. Bring a canteen. Final Update 4/16/12: Well, it appears that the long run of the Lost Canyon Cache has come to an end. I checked on the post made by parkinterperter and it appears to be the real thing. The Lost Canyon Cache cache is to be no more. In honor of its "decommissioning" I went back and found a photo of my sons on the day we hid the cache nine years ago and thought I'd post it today along with a recent photo showing what the boys look like and are up to now (sailing the high seas). We've long ago moved away from the area and, likewise, moved on to new adventures in this big, wonderful world but I will always look back on those days with my boys as some of the best days in a very blessed life. I am also grateful that, for those daring enough to venture out from the safety of the marked and well-worn trail, we were able to offer, at least, a view worth the climb. For those disappointed by the park's decision, please remember that, even though the cache is gone, the Lost Canyon will always be there. MealerFamily out...
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
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