Geocaching: The 21st Century Treasure HuntFolks with young families and those who are fitness-challenged, take heart. For the cost of
about two tanks of gas, anyone can gear up for geocaching, an innovative sport that combines treasure hunting, hide and seek, taking a walk, and getting online.
Geocaching ("jee-oh-cashing"). What is geocaching? Simply put, it's a treasure hunt, but instead of a worn and yellowed map marked with an "X", you'll have in hand a set of geographical coordinates plus that ubiquitous satellite positioning device, a GPS unit. And instead of hunting for a chest buried in sand, you'll be hunting for a cache of goodies strategically placed in an environmentally friendly site above ground. Here are some basic rules of geocaching.
- Geocaching is for everyone. This family friendly pursuit of discovery can be done while walking, hiking, cycling, paddling or simply strolling through the city.
- Route mapping is key. Your GPS unit and an old-fashioned map go hand in hand.
- Bring the essentials (GPS and extra batteries, dollar-store trinkets to trade, camera to record your adventure, lightweight poncho, notebook and a pen or a couple of stubby pencils, map, flashlight, sunscreen, insect repellant, cellphone, first aid kit, water, sunglasses, etc) so that you're prepared for anything.
- Enjoy the game. Geocaching exercises the mind as well as the body.
- Simple rules of protocol keeps it fun for everyone.The number one rule in the game of geocaching is to follow the Golden Rule.
Geocaches in Mesa CountyIt's clearly the thrill of the chase that motivates adults to search for Army men, Disney CDs, dime-store jewelry, and assorted plastic dinosaurs. A number of local geocaches combine trinkets with travel to area attractions. Here are a few of the least challenging suitable for geocache beginners as well as small children--and the fitness challenged.
- An Outside Walk through an Art Gallery. Along Main Street in Grand Junction is a collection of interesting pieces of art. The unique yearlong outdoor sculpture exhibit is called Art on the Corner. The exhibit includes over 100 sculptures in a variety of media and styles. Over half of the pieces are part of a permanent collection and the others are on loan from the artists for one year. There is parking in the area..take time to walk along it and enjoy them. At the listed coordinates is a piece of art. To verify that you are there and claim credit for a find, visit the site and then, Email what the sculpture is and its sculptor.
- Colorado River Walk. Near the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens and Butterfly House. This cache is located along the River Walk west of town. You can park in the lot east of the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens. The Cache container is a cammo-half gallon jug. Contents are: logbook, pen, pencils, and Geo-paper & miscellaneous items to trade.
- River Front Trail Movie Rental. At Corn Lake. This cache is just off of the river front trail west of Corn Lake in Clifton. You can access this cache from 3 different parking places. Park at Corn Lake and walk west on the river front trail but you have to pay to park. Park at the recreation area off of D road and walk south on river front trail but you also have to pay to park here. We suggest that you access the trail from the end of 30 road. You do not have to pay to get on the trail here. Park before the no parking signs and walk to the red and white painted gate where you will find an opening in the gate with a river front trail sign. Walk a few more feet beyond that sign you will find the river front trail sidewalk. Follow the sidewalk and your GPS to the left to find the cache. The cache is in a large hard plastic suitcase with videos, a log book, and a few trinkets. Trade a movie for another movie, trade trinkets or borrow a movie to bring back at a later date. No past due fees here!
- Jurassic Treasure. After a visit to the Dinosaur Museum in Fruita, CO, you could look for this point of interest. Placed by the Ellis boys from Idaho - Devon, Donovan and Brendon - while visiting their Grandpa. Ammo box initial contents: Notice, Log Book, kaleidoscope, toy bear, toy dog, doll, watercolor paint set, rubics cube, travel alarm clock, rolodex, book, marker pen, belt buckle, necklace, sunglasses, Mag-Lite flashlight and a couple novelties. Park at the entrance of Dinosaur Hill.
- Tour of Duty. This one is designed for interstate travelers; thus, it is simple, quick, and informative. Highly accessible. You really can't miss this one! It pays homage to the locals whose lives were lost in Vietnam. Take a minute to reflect, and then answer the following questions via e-mail:
1. What was Delta Company's nickname, 1965-1970?
2. Of the Colorado Western Slope casualties, what is Victor Haglund Jr.'s middle name? - Miracle Rock Twisty Tree. Miracle Rock trail on Glade Park. If you've never been to Miracle Rock, you'll like this one. If you take close look at the formation from all sides, you'll see why it's a miracle it's still standing there, especially with the constant wind blowing against one side from the canyon below. If you go via the Colorado National Monument, tell the rangers that you're going to Glade Park, and you won't have to pay a fee to get in. Make your way to the Miracle Rock picnic area. Check the map across the road from the Glade Park store. The cache is about 1/2 mile from the Miracle Rock parking lot. It will be past the Miracle Rock formation. As you pass Miracle Rock (or Potato Rock), the trail will fork to the right and left of the hill ahead. Be sure and go to the left to avoid having to double back. look carefully, it's well hidden. The contents are: Indian in the Cupboard video, CD opener, pencils, Nike visor, mini book, and various other items. Cache is in a 5 quart blue plastic bucket with snap on lid.
- Driggs Mansion. A nice stop to go back in time, stop and picture what the mansion was like back in the day! Lots of parking off the road. This is a small cache, small items please so the lid will stay on. If your coordinates put you over the fence please do not go over. Enjoy the scenery and look out for muggles who may be stopping.
- Dinosaur Trail Through Time. In Dinosaur Quarry at Exit 2 of Interstate Highway 70. Park at trailhead north of I-70. Follow trail about a half mile. Cache is in a round metal cookie tin hidden under a large rock with several small rocks piled on top of it. Be sure to read the signs telling about the dinosaur excavations and geology. This Trail Through Time interprets the fossil history of the Rabbit Valley. Left organizer, Adventure CD,Disney game CD, AOL 7 CD, Colo. playing cards,mini flag, pair of dice, magnet/thermometer, key chain, silly slammer,Tic-Tacks, American sticker, Six Flags discount coupon.
- Leaving Colorado Sign. The cache is a 30cal ammon can hidden off to the right. The cache at the Leaving (CO)lorado (Sign) is full of goodies. Great parking and a garbage can. A bracelet, flashlight, powered fan, army man and other fun things are partying at the border, inside the can.
- Castle Rocks Cache. Cache is located on the south side of interstate 70 at Rabbit Valley exit 2. You can get off the Interstate going East or West. From the exit no 2, go south about 1.15 miles to a parking lot (N 39-10.524, W 109-01.187). From there follow the jeep road (walk or drive 4 wheel drive vehicle) about 1.9 miles to the south side of Castle Rock. This is in the McDonald Creek Cultural Resource Area. There are many biking and 4wd trails in this area for your enjoyment. See the map near the exit. Enjoy the massive and awesome rock formations along the route. Cache is in a three pound decoated coffee tin. It contains log book, pen and pencil, and other goodies. Picnic tables and comfort station are near the "ROCK", so bring your lunch and enjoy the outing.
