Happy birthday, America! To celebrate Independence Day and the Revolutionary War, its time for a little war of your own...in the snow! This spot is guaranteed to have snow on the 4th of July (and probably year-round) so grab your gloves and boots and let the games begin. To claim this virtual cache you must post a picture of your epic battle at the virtual cache site. Or if you're more into the Peace and Love thing post a picture of your little snowman love child.
The easiest route to this location begins in the town of Alma, CO. Head west on Kite Lake road. When you reach Waypoint 1 take a quick detour to Buckskin Joe Cemetery where lots of old miners and townsfolk are at rest. You might even see the ghost of dance hall girl Silverheels, click here to read about her.
After your visit to the cemetery continue up Kite Lake road. Soon after you pass the old Paris Mill site you'll arrive at Waypoint 2 on your right. Beyond this point the road becomes a little more bumpy. A high-clearance vehicle would be nice to have but not essential, neither is four-wheel drive.
As you proceed down the trail you will arrive at Waypoint 3 where you'll see a road heading off to your right. About 100 yards down this road is an old miner's cabin. It is decorated in an Uber Rustic motif and contains supplies including a bed if you'd like free overnight lodging.
Proceed down the main trail until you arrive at Waypoint 4. You've arrived at an old mine site with a nice, big flat area and plenty of parking. At the west end of this area the trail continues and its time to climb! From this point on a high-clearance vehicle with four-wheel drive is mandatory. If you don't have that, put on the hiking boots. This is the backcountry in the High Country so take necessary precautions regarding fitness level, supplies, and checking weather forecasts.
Once you arrive at the virtual cache site (elevation is now 12,033 feet above sea level) you'll find a small area to park your vehicle and more snow than you can possibly throw. Have fun on the mountain but before you head back to town take one last look at the incredible views before you. That huge mountain across the valley is Mt. Silverheels, (yes, that Silverheels).
Its getting late, time to head back down and enjoy the fireworks in Alma, Breckenridge, or Fairplay. Happy 4th!
Virtual Reward - 2017/2018
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between August 24, 2017 and August 24, 2018. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards on the Geocaching Blog.
Additional Waypoints
017B9R0 - Virtual stage
N 39° 17.470 W 106° 05.115
Road to Buckskin Joe cemetery
027B9R0 - Virtual stage
N 39° 17.805 W 106° 06.484
Windy Ridge road
037B9R0 - Virtual stage
N 39° 18.107 W 106° 05.158
Old miner's cabin
047B9R0 - Virtual stage
N 39° 19.023 W 106° 05.005
Abandoned mine parking area
4th of July Snowball Fight
| Difficulty: 
| Terrain: 
3 
1