GC2JQ4E Reilly Canyon
Type: Traditional | Size: Small | Difficulty: | Terrain:
By: TrinidadLake @ | Hide Date: 11/21/2010 | Status: Available
Country: United States | State: Colorado
Coordinates: N37° 08.036 W104° 36.521 | Last updated: 08/30/2019 | Fav points: 0
 

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Small cache located on Reilly Canyon Trail.

Park in small trailhead parking area, to the southeast of the self-service fee station.

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Trinidad Lake State Park

Day-use fee or Colorado state park pass required.

The puzzling structures that you pass on your way into the Reilly Canyon entrance to Trinidad Lake State Park, that vaguely resemble ancient Roman ruins, are actually called coke ovens. These coke ovens were used in the late 1800's-Early 1900's. They worked by burning off the impurities in the raw coal to form a purer, hotter burning form of coal called "coke." This coke was used as a fuel for smelting in the steel mills of the West.

The area that you are exploring is called the pinyon-juniper forest, one of Colorado's most dynamic ecosystems. This ecosystem is marked by short, drought-tolerant trees such as the pinyon pine and one-seed juniper. This area hosts unique species such as the pinon jay, roadrunner, pinon mouse, and collared lizard, along with providing crucial wintering habitat for elk, deer, and mountain lion.

06/01/2019 By nmsunsets2
Short little hike up a nice trail. Cache is in great shape. ?? ammo cans. SL TFTC

06/01/2019 By chasclifton
Added some foreign coins.

09/02/2018 By miriamethubert
Went for a hiking as there is too much wind for fishing. TFTC , SL and exchanged swags

06/28/2018 By Collier Mom
Another easy one!

05/22/2018 By ThePowerLifters
tftf

05/13/2018 By esydrahawk
Great view and good hike! Stretch first!

04/08/2018 By Manifesting111
Good find. Left 3. Took none. TFTC!

02/03/2018 By Fryer Family
Found it. Thanks