Clues To A Treasure Hunt in the
Colorado National Monument

The following clues to a treasure hunt in the Colorado National monument should get you to the two primary clues (if you pay attention). Those, in turn, will get you to the solution page. If this is the third one you complete, or the third since you last claimed a prize, you'll be able to claim one of the prizes from The Treasure Chest.

The Colorado National Monument has sheer-walled deep canyons, soaring cliffs, towering monoliths, colorful rock formations, desert bighorn sheep, soaring eagles, and a spectacular road. Be sure to stop at the visitors center to learn a bit of the history of the park. The information there may also help you with the second clue.

The CNM Treasure Hunt Clues

Entering the park from the north side (Fruita) you will come to a turn where there is room to pull off the road and look up at the large walls around you. You may see the cave far above. If not, you can see it after you drive through two tunnels. There is a place to park near and above the cave, and you can enter it from either side of the road (it's more of a tunnel than a cave). That's me inside it in the photo.

At the entrance overlooking the canyon you'll find two sets of initials carved into the rock, one over the other. The top two initials are what you'll need. Write them down and continue enjoying the park. The next clue is towards the other end. You'll have no trouble figuring out the name of the place if you have picked up one of the park maps.

The Second Clue

Dinner is prepared here
For the evil one.
There are boulders standing tall
And lots of climbing fun.

If you are not sure you are near
Compare the place to the photo here.

When you find the place indicated in the verse above, go to the back of the naturally walled area. There is an easy climb up to a ledge. Once up there you can see a horizontal slit in the wall that is over a foot long and a foot deep, but only about two inches wide.

At the left upper lip of the slit someone has carved two letters. Write them down. On the lower left lip there are some parallel cuts. Count them and write down that number. Take a photo of yourself here as well.

To the letters from the cave (first clue), add the letters and number from here. You'll have four letters and a number. To get to the solution page (and claim your prize if this is your third completed treasure hunt), insert this, with lower case letters, in place of the question marks below.

http://www.coloradotreasurehunting.com/prize???.html

Bonus prize:

There is a bonus prize as well, if you can answer a simple question. You will learn about this on the solution page, but here is one of the clues to this part of the treasure hunt: It has leaves that are not called leaves.

Note:

Though this is one of the easier treasure hunts in terms of terrain (there are trails to the clues), there are thorns, cactus, mountain lions, and a few places where you could easily twist an ankle. Be careful.