ReAL Salt Lake

Date Placed: July 27, 2009
Letterbox: Traditional
Carver: GreenJello
Planters: GreenJello and Teancum
Location: Rio Tinto Stadium (9256 S. State St.), Sandy, Salt Lake, Utah
Status: Retired

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Well, after almost two years, the box finally went missing.

Looks like they did some re-landscaping...

I will recarve and replant!

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The ReAL Salt Lake is Utah's Major League Soccer franchise. In 2008, the soccer team moved into their new home: the Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy. It is a fabulous soccer stadium, with fantastic views of the field from practically every seat.

The current coach of RSL, who was the former team captain, used to be the lead all-time scorer in the MLS. On August 13, 2005, Jason Kreis became the first-ever Major League Soccer player to break the 100 career goals mark.

If you haven't been to a Major League Soccer game, you should take the opportunity to attend one in the newest soccer stadium in the United States. Watching professional soccer is a lot of fun! Be sure to come early and go to Carnival ReAL outside the gates before the game starts.

Directions: From I-15, take the 9000 South exit (#295). Head east off the exit. Turn right on State Street. Head down the road about 3 blocks, and you will see the stadium to your right. Find a place to park.

Look for the main ticket booths. From there, head south around the stadium. You will soon see a landscape block retaining wall on your left. The box is hidden under the bark in back of the stone that is 3 times the jersey number Jason Kreis wore while playing for the RSL.

Scout Falls

Date Placed: July 26, 2009
Letterbox: Traditional
Carver: GreenJello
Planters: GreenJello and Teancum
Location:Timpanogos Trail, Alpine Loop, Utah, Utah
Distance: 3 miles round trip
Status: Active


Scout Falls is located on the first leg of the Timpooneke Trail, which leads to the summit of Mt. Timpanogos. It is a short destination for those who want to get a taste of the Timpanogos wilderness without the long hike to the summit. Beautiful wildflowers and lush green foliage await the hiker on this lovely trail.

Directions: From I-15, take exit 284 (Alpine-Highland exit). Head east from the exit approximately 7.5 miles to the fee station at the mouth of American Fork Canyon (currently $6 to enter the canyon-- National Parks Annual Pass accepted, too). Continue on the road about 4.5 miles, when the road will fork-- stay to the right. Approximately 8 miles from the fee station, you will be turning right at the Timpooneke turnoff. Follow it through the campground until you see the parking area.


Go up the trail to the ranger station; be sure to sign the register so that they can track the number of people that go through the area. Continue down the path towards the Timpanogos summit. Scout Falls is 1.5 miles up this trail, on a small offshoot path to the left. As you hike, you will soon hear the sounds of water; after crossing some small streams, you will come across one larger stream. Instead of taking the switchbacks just after the crossing, continue straight to get to the falls.

When the trail ends at a steep rocky stream to climb up, look back to your right. You will see a flat faced rock with moss on it, under shrubbery. Another smaller, flat rock will be against the big rock. Move the rock in front of the smaller flat rock, and the box will be hidden underneath. (See photo below of hiding spot.) Rock to move is the very bottom one in this photo.



For the more adventurous hiker, you can climb the steep rocky streambed to end up directly under the falls. Exercise caution, though! Footing is slippery when wet, and rocks underfoot are liable to shift underneath your feet.

Notes: Hiking shoes highly recommended. There is water and mud along the trail, and a number of small streams that must be crossed to get to the falls. Know what stinging nettle looks like, and avoid it. :) It is best to hike this in the early morning or evening-- it can get quite hot in the late morning to late afternoon!

Cascade Springs

Date Placed: July 26, 2009
Letterbox: Traditional
Carver: GreenJello
Planters: GreenJello and Teancum
Location:Cascade Springs, Alpine Loop, Wasatch, Utah
Status: Active


Cascade Springs is a beautiful area, nestled in the mountains behind Mt. Timpanogos. Approximately 7 million gallons of water per day comes through this natural spring. It is a half-mile walk around the boardwalks, enhanced by interpretive signs and information about the area. Native brown cutthroat trout can be seen swimming in the clear pools, and the soothing sounds of many miniature waterfalls beckon you to spend a leisurely walk throughout the area.

Directions: From I-15, take exit 284 (Alpine-Highland exit). Head east from the exit approximately 7.5 miles to the fee station at the mouth of American Fork Canyon (currently $6 to enter the canyon-- National Parks Annual Pass accepted, too). Continue on the road about 4.5 miles, when the road will fork-- stay to the right. In another 6.5 miles, you will see a sign for "Cascade Springs". Turn left and drive for another 7 miles to the main parking lot. (If the main lot is full, you can backtrack a little ways and park in the upper parking lot.)

To find the box, look on the far side of the restrooms in the main parking lot. Just beyond the restrooms, the paved road turns into a dirt road. You will see a brown sign that says:



FOREST SERVICE
ROAD 475
ENDS 3.5
MILES AHEAD

Just past that sign is a large, multi-colored rock. The box is hidden behind this rock, covered by some smaller rocks.

Point of the Mountain Flight Park - South

Date Placed: July 24, 2009
Letterbox: Traditional
Carver: GreenJello
Planter: GreenJello
Location: Flight Park State Recreation Area, 121100 N. East Frontage Road, Lehi, Utah, Utah
Status: Active


If you've ever driven around Point of the Mountain on I-15, you most likely have seen the many, many hang gliders and paragliders that soar in the air above the mountain. I know that my kids have counted as many as 36 at one time! Most people aren't aware of this, though, but Point of the Mountain is known worldwide as one of the best places to launch yourself into the air.

If you're like me, you've wondered how those folks get on top of the mountain. Or what the view would look like from up there. When you're feeling adventurous, and want to get a small taste of what the gliders love, come visit the Flight Park State Recreation Area. Observers are welcome!

If you want to see gliders up close and personal, the best time to come is in the mornings, before 10am.

Directions: From Salt Lake City, take I-15 south to the Bluffdale Exit (#288). Head east from the exit and take a right on the frontage road, which is called Minute Man Drive. Follow it south for 2.5 miles to the sharp bend in the road. Go east at the “Point Of The Mountain Flight Park Southside” sign. Follow this road up to the top of the mountain, into the parking area.

At the base of the small wind turbine, you will find what you're looking for.

Point of the Mountain Flight Park - North

Date Placed: July 24, 2009
Letterbox: Traditional
Carver: GreenJello
Planter: GreenJello
Location: Northside Point of the Mountain Flight Park, 15270 S. Steep Mountain Drive, Draper, Salt Lake, Utah
Status: Active


If you've ever driven around Point of the Mountain on I-15, you most likely have seen the many, many hang gliders and paragliders that soar in the air above the mountain. I know that my kids have counted as many as 36 at one time! Most people aren't aware of this, though, but Point of the Mountain is known worldwide as one of the best places to launch yourself into the air.

If you're like me, you've wondered how those folks get on top of the mountain. Or what the view would look like from up there. When you're feeling adventurous, and want to get a small taste of what the gliders love, come visit the Northside Point of the Mountain Flight Park. Observers are welcome!

If you want to see gliders up close and personal, the best time to come is in the evenings, 5pm to sunset.

Directions: From Salt Lake City, take I-15 south to the Bluffdale Exit (#288). Head east from the exit. Take a right on Traverse Ridge Road, and a right on Manilla Drive. Follow Manilla Drive until you reach the stop sign at Steep Mountain Road; turn right. Head west to the Flight Park.

Park near the entrance, by the sign that tells you that you have arrived at the North Flight Park. There are 4 large rocks to the left of it. On the side of the large rock closest to the sign, there are some smaller rocks hiding what you seek. Please rehide VERY well, as there is little cover in the area to conceal a box.

Cabela's

Date Placed: July 24, 2009
Letterbox: Traditional
Carver: GreenJello
Planters: GreenJello and Teancum
Location: 2502 W. Grand Terrace Parkway, Lehi, Utah, Utah
Status: Active


Cabela's-- the World's Foremost Outfitter! Not only is their stock of outdoor enthusiast gear unparalleled, they have world-class displays in their stores. The Lehi Cabela's has a huge walk-through aquarium, taxidermied animals from all over the world shown in their natural habitats, a shooting gallery, restaurant, and an indoor waterfall!

Directions: From I-15, take the Highland/Alpine exit (#284). Head east off the exit. Turn left at Frontage Road. Turn right on Cabela's Blvd. Follow the road around and into the parking lot.

Find the three flags. Standing at the tallest pole, walk 40 steps at 30 degrees. From that point, walk 40 steps at 330 degrees. In front of you should be two wooden planks, held together by curved metal. What you seek is hidden inside the channel of the left side piece of black metal, in the back, down by the base.

Be very stealth while searching-- this is a busy place!

Oh My Heck!

Date Available: July 23, 2009
Letterbox: Traveler
Carver: GreenJello
Status: Active


This is my personal traveler. If you happen to meet me, or find me on the trail, have an answer ready for this question:

Besides green jello "salad", what other food dish are you bound to run across at a Utah potluck dinner?

Gelato

Date Placed: July 20, 2009
Letterbox: Traditional
Carver: GreenJello
Planters: GreenJello and Teancum
Location: 125 East 13800 South, Draper, Salt Lake, Utah
Status: Active


If you think all grocery stores are the same, you may change your mind after visiting the Harmons at Bangerter Crossing. Harmons is a local Utah chain of grocery stores, and this is their "flagship" store. Just walking through the front doors will "wow" you!

Inside, you will find amazing gourmet bakery items, an impressive selection of fresh produce, hundreds of different imported cheeses, food buffets prepared by professional chefs, flower displays, made-from-scratch deli items, hand-drawn signs exploding with color, and (our favorite) homemade gelato in a dozen different flavors.

My best friend took me here to taste my first gelato. And I took my husband here to get his first taste, too. Now we're happily hooked. (Our favorite: half blood orange, half pink grapefruit.) Now it is your turn to discover the gelato at Harmons!

Directions: From I-15, take the Bangerter Highway exit (#289) and head east. Harmons will be in the shopping center immediately off the exit to the south of the road.

The gelato counter will be to your right from the store entryway. Before picking out your treat, look behind the gelato counter, down along the windows. You will see the stairway that leads to a seating area upstairs. Go over and sit on the third step, on the side closest to the windows. Allow your left hand to surreptitiously fall between the wall and the outside portion of the staircase. Your hand should encounter a mini-box under the staircase edge.

Take the box over with you while you order your gelato. You can stamp at one of the little tables while you enjoy creamy frozen goodness. Or, for more privacy, you can continue upstairs to the seating area to find a quiet spot to stamp. Don't forget to take some time to wander through this incredible grocery store-- you won't be disappointed!

Pelican Bay

Date Placed: July 19, 2009
Letterbox: Traditional
Carver: GreenJello
Planters: GreenJello and Teancum
Location: Marina Park, Saratoga Springs, Utah, Utah
Status: Unavailable


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This letterbox is currently unavailable. It has been buried under lots and lots of dirt, rocks, and other debris. You may still try to search for it, but I recommend bringing a shovel and have many hours at your disposal to find it. :)

I will be recarving soon!
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Saratoga Springs is a city that sits on the west side of Utah Lake. Incorporated in December of 1997, it has become one of the fastest growing cities in Utah. And for good reason— the view from Saratoga Springs is unrivaled in Utah County.

When we lived in Saratoga Springs a few years back, we were in the southernmost point of the Saratoga city limits above the Pelican Bay Harbor. This fairly new recreational area offers a boat launch for the lake, picnicking areas, fishing, and stunning views of Mt. Timpanogos from across the water.


Directions: To find the Pelican Bay Letterbox, take the Lehi Main Street exit from I-15 (exit 279). Head west on Main Street, through old-town Lehi and the roundabout, eventually passing Willowcreek Middle School on your right. Cross the Jordan River, and take a left at the light at Crossroads (Redwood Road/Hwy. 68). Head south into Saratoga Springs. (Alternate route: Bangerter Highway to Redwood Road, head south and straight through the light at Crossroads.)

You will drive past many different housing subdivisions and developments—do not fear that you’ve gone too far, as Saratoga stretches many miles down the side of Utah Lake. Approximately 10 minutes south of Crossroads, you will see signs for the marina. Turn left where indicated, and follow the road down. (If you miss the turnoff, it will be apparent very soon-- the houses stop after Pelican Bay. :) There is a small fee collection station, but you only need to pay if you plan on launching a boat.

Park in the northernmost parking lot (northeast section of main paved area). There will be a lamp post on the north side. Find the northwest corner of the lot and walk approximately 15 paces onto the rocked parking area below. Slightly ahead and to your right will be a pile of large rocks. Walk over to the back side of them. Moving the smaller rocks will allow you to slide the box out from underneath the large rocks.

This is a beautiful location to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the amazing lake and mountain views.

Timpanogos Cave

Date Placed: July 15, 2009
Letterbox: Traditional
Carver: GreenJello
Planters: GreenJello and Teancum
Location: American Fork Canyon, Utah, Utah
Status: Active


Timpanogos Cave National Monument is a trip worth taking at least once during your lifetime. The cave tour consists of three main caves, located 1,000 feet above the canyon floor. They are accessible after a short but strenuous hike of 1.5 miles on a paved trail (bring water!). The round trip through the cave and back to the trailhead is about 3.5 miles and takes approximately 3 hours. As cave tours are frequently sold out over weekends and holidays, it is highly advised to pre-purchase tickets before heading to the Cave. And don't forget to bring your jacket-- temperatures inside the cave hover around 45 degrees.

Since letterboxes cannot be hidden in National Park Service areas, this box is located just outside the National Monument boundaries.

Directions: From I-15, take exit 284 (Alpine-Highland exit). Head east from the exit on Highway 92 for 10 miles. Note: There will be a fee station just after you enter the canyon. You will need to pay $6 to proceed through (National Parks Annual Pass accepted, too).

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Note from CW Sunseeker: "I told them at the fee station that I was going to the visitor center, and looking around - not going on the tour. So I got a free temporary pass."
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As you approach the monument, please drive very carefully. There is a lot of pedestrian traffic! Not long after you pass the Timpanogos Cave National Monument Visitor's Center on your right, watch for a stone pillar sign on the left that says, "Entering Uinta National Forest". Just past this sign, pull into the first parking area on your left.

Get out of your car and look around. It is beautiful here! As you are enjoying the view, notice a "No Camping" sign to the east. Stand on the rock just behind the sign. Angle yourself so that your left side is facing the river, and your left shoulder is lined up with a group of large trees between you and the river. Straight ahead of you are two tree stumps. Walk over to them. Off to your right and back a little bit is a tree with a funky base. On the west side of this tree, in between tree roots and under bark/leaves, is what you're looking for.

Notes: This is a busy picnic area. Please be very stealth and rehide the box to look as natural as possible. (Dead leaves/bark pieces are plentiful on the ground below the stumps.) This box will be inaccessible if there is snow. Plan on finding it between late May through early October.

Donut Falls

Date Placed: July 12, 2009
Letterbox: Traditional
Carver: GreenJello
Planters: GreenJello and Teancum
Location: Big Cottonwood Canyon, Salt Lake, Utah
Distance: 1.6 miles round trip
Status: Active


Donut Falls is a fantastic hike, leading you to an impressive waterfall. Donut Falls is aptly named because the stream drops through a hole in the rock, into a cavern below, before continuing down the mountain.

Directions:

Take I-15 to I-215 East until you reach the 6200 South exit. Turn right onto Wasatch Blvd., then turn left at Big Cottonwood Canyon. The intersection is clearly signed. Travel up the canyon road 9 miles. A turn-off to the right will take you to the trailhead one mile further, past the Jordan Pines picnic area and some private property. The trailhead is at the south end of the parking area.

The trail is family friendly, although small children will need help navigating the climbing portions. The trail is well-marked with signs, and you shouldn't have a problem finding your way.

When you reach the place in the trail where you have a rocky step-down, remember it.

The falls are very close now. Be sure to take some time to enjoy this very beautiful waterfall.

On your way back, don't forget the spot where you first climbed down the rocks. When you reach the top of these rocky "stairs", continue down the trail approximately 20 paces. There should be a small trail to your left. Go up that trail about 12 paces, and you will see a large straight-sided rock to your left (see photo below).

The box is under the side of the big rock that faces the main trail. Move a smaller rock out of the way, and the box will be underneath.

Notes: If you plan on crossing the stream and/or climbing the rocks up to the waterfall, hiking shoes/boots are highly recommended!

This box is inaccessible during the winter. Best time for this hike is July - September. June has been known to still have a fair amount of snow and mud, and spring runoff can make it almost impossible to hike to the falls.

Rocky Mouth

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THE ORIGINAL BOX WENT MISSING LESS THAN 48 HOURS AFTER PLACEMENT. Please be really stealth about finding and re-hiding this Letterbox.
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Original Date Placed: July 6, 2009
Replacement Box Placed: July 12, 2009
Letterbox: Traditional
Carver: GreenJello
Planters: GreenJello and Teancum
Location: 11300 S. Wasatch Blvd., Sandy, Salt Lake, Utah
Distance: 1 mile round trip
Status: Active


Rocky Mouth Canyon is a quick hike, and has a beautiful payoff at the end. An unexpected waterfall this close to "civilization" is a wonderful surprise!

This is a special place for Teancum and I... we exchanged our wedding rings here in 2006, at the base of the falls. We hope you enjoy this place as much as we do.

Directions

From I-15 South: Take exit 295 (9000 S.) and turn left. Follow 9000 S. for approximately 5 1/2 miles to Wasatch Blvd. Turn right and follow Wasatch for 2 miles to the trailhead parking on your left.

From I-15 North: Take exit 291 (12300 S.) and turn right. Follow 12300 S. for approximately 3 miles to Wasatch Blvd. Turn right and follow Wasatch for 2 miles to the trailhead parking on your right.


Climb up the stairs to the neighborhood above the parking area. Follow the sidewalk to your right, and head up the hill. The entrance to the trail will be on the right hand side, at the bend in the road, between two homes.

Hike the trail to the waterfall, as far as you can before the trail ends. Depending on the time of year, running water may cover part of the trail. (You know you've reached the end when you're approximately 50 feet from the main falls-- reference the photo above for what the main falls look like at the top.) There will be a tree near the water, the last one before the wall of rock. Look to your left, and you will see a steep climb. Count three trees up the hill close to the wall of rock, including the one by the water. You will stop counting when you reach a lone tree next to a large blackish rock. Climb to the tree and reach deep under the rock on the right hand side. There are smaller rocks underneath. Move them out of the way, and what you seek will be revealed.

After you stamp, please be sure the letterbox is hidden carefully away again, deep under the rock (to avoid being washed down the hill by water), with the smaller rocks back in position.

Notes: This is a short, but steep hike. It's short enough that you can sling a fold-up chair over your shoulder to sit for awhile and enjoy the falls. It is a bit of a steep climb to where the letterbox is hidden, but a very short distance.

Water Bird

Date Placed: July 4, 2009
Letterbox: Traditional
Carver: GreenJello
Planters: GreenJello and Teancum
Location: Battle Creek Canyon, Pleasant Grove, Utah, Utah
Distance: 1.8 miles round trip
Status: Active


The first battle between the Mormon pioneer settlers in Utah and the Ute Native Americans occurred at Battle Creek, Utah, which is now called Pleasant Grove. (History of Battle Creek)

The hike up Battle Creek Canyon is where you will find the Water Bird.

Directions: From I-15, take exit 275 (Pleasant Grove). Go east off the exit. At the intersection with State Street, continue straight through the light onto Center Street. Turn right onto 100 East and then left onto 200 South. Continue to follow 200 South eastward until you dead end in a parking area next to Kiwanis Park. Leave your car there, and find the trailhead off to your right from the Kiwanis Park sign. A brown trail marker will let you know that this is the Battle Creek Trail.

Follow the trail to the top of the twin waterfalls (Battle Creek Falls) where you'll see Jack Sprat and wife's candy canes.

Continue to follow the trail, crossing the creek via a three log "bridge". (Caution! Very slippery when wet!) You will soon cross the creek again, on a single plank "bridge".

Not long after, two trails diverge in the woods. Take the one less traveled by. In about 60 steps, before the trail starts to angle steeply, look to your left. There is an area that has larger rocks piled up. Move the inside section of smaller rocks, and a larger flat rock. You will find what you're looking for hidden in a small crevice between two larger rocks.

After stamping, head back to Battle Creek Falls. You can hike down to the base of it, and play in the water! Fantastic place for a picnic lunch, or to cool off on a hot summer day.


Notes: This is a kid-friendly hike (not too difficult-- a steady uphill, and it is a bit steep as you approach the waterfall), but be aware that there are drop-offs. Be watchful! Hiking shoes/boots are highly recommended, as there is much loose shale covering the trail in many places.