Explore
Closed Canyon in
Big Bend Ranch State Park, the largest state park in
Texas. This is a narrow
ravine, just 3-4 meters wide with sheer, vertical walls, cut by
a seasonal stream that flows into the Rio Grande.
Traversing the entire canyon is a real canyoneering adventure,
and requires proper knowledge, skills, and equipment. However, you
don't need to traverse the entire canyon to claim this virtual
cache, so most geocachers can do this.
To claim this cache, visit the entrance to the canyon at the
posted coordinates, and if the stream is not flowing and there is
no danger of flash flooding, then hike into the canyon as far as
you comfortably and safely can do. The first difficult traverse is
at a point where a ladder descends into a pool (see this picture),
so if you are hiking into the canyon then you can take a picture of
yourself here and post it to earn credit.
Other photographs are greatly welcome. You can go farther if you
like, but you will need rope and rappelling gear and know how to
use the equipment properly in order to reach the Rio Grande. Due to
the configuration of the canyon that blocks most satellite signals,
GPS reception is virtually non-existent in the canyon.
Because this canyon is very narrow and there are no escape
routes once past the entrance, there is real danger of flash
flooding during times of heavy rainfall, particularly during the
summer thunderstorm season. Therefore, please heed the weather
forecasts and don't enter the canyon if there is any chance of
heavy rain in the area. If it is not safe to enter the canyon, then
post of picture of yourself at the entrance.