Lands End #7 Switchback Trail

This is the seventh cache in our Lands End series. This series will take you along Lands End Road starting at the Grand Mesa National Forest border, along the twists and turns of it's switchbacks, over the rim of the Grand Mesa and beyond. This area is one of our favorite places to be, and we thought that it deserved more attention and appreciation for the beauty that is here.

This Geocache is dedicated to William "Bill" E. Bonner.
July 23, 1925 - March 18, 2009
Bill Bonner lived in Western Colorado for many years of his life. The view you can see from this geocache was one of his favorites. The "big meadow" to the south was a prized hunting ground for Bill. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren continue to hunt this vast expanse before you. To the west Coal Creek drops from "the rim" and flows down to Kannah Creek. To the east you can see a "slide area" and what was deemed "death valley" due to the number of deer and elk skulls found in the area. The "Switch Back" trail that leads down into the valley was started by Bill. Before him, it was a game trail. The band of aspen or "quakies" to the east was Bill's home during hunting season and is still the favorite lunch spot for his posterity. Bill was an expert marksman. Bill shot one of the largest bull elk taken in this area, using a .30-.30, while it was on a run over 300 yards away. To many, Bill Bonner was somewhat of a legend, to others he was full of bull… Bill always had a story to tell. One of his favorites, was the night his brother elbowed a bear through the tent thinking it was one of the ponies in camp. One day, a few years before he moved to Utah, a couple of guys rode into Bill's camp and proceeded to tell him that he was "in the wrong place, and that if Bill Bonner finds you in his camp you are in for trouble." They looked at one another and one asked his friend, "What ever happened to old Bill Bonner anyway?" Bill just laughed. About twenty years later, Bill's grandsons were standing in the "old hunting camp" when three men rode in. They talked for awhile, then the oldest, riding a mule, asked the boys, "What ever happened to Bill Bonner?" The boys looked at one another and started laughing. Bill's memory will always run through these meadows and woods. His mark has been made, and there will always be someone wondering:
WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO OLD BILL BONNER ANYWAY?

Do not attempt to get to this cache by scaling the ledge. Take the trail located at N 38° 59.465 W 108° 16.157. Follow the trail down a few switchbacks. This is a lock-and-lock container with several trade items in it. This is typically not accessible Dec. 1 through May 31, due to snow pack.

Additional Waypoints

LE1V825 - Switchback Trail
N 38° 59.465 W 108° 16.157