Lost Maple Letterbox

Lost Maples SNA

Placed By: Silver Eagle
Date: 07/04/03, replaced log (10/25/08)
Nearest Town: Vanderpool, TX
County: Bandera
Terrain Difficulty: Easy (flat, .6 mile RT)
Status: alive (11/09/08)

Lost Maples State Natural Area is an outstanding example of Edwards Plateau flora and fauna and features a large, isolated stand of uncommon Uvalde Bigtooth Maple, whose fall foliage can be spectacular. Generally, the foliage changes the last two weeks of October through the first two weeks of November and the park can become quite crowded at that time. Rare species of birds, such as the Green Kingfisher, can be seen year-round, while the endangered Black-capped vireo and Golden-cheeked warbler nest and feed in the park in spring and early summer. Wild animals include gray fox, white-tailed deer, armadillo, raccoon, bobcat, rock squirrel and javelina. Entry fee is $5.00 per adult and visitors enjoy picnicking, camping, backpacking, sightseeing, hiking, photography, birdwatching, fishing, swimming and nature study. Hopefully, you will also enjoy looking for this letterbox.

Directions:

From San Antonio, go west on Hwy 90 for about 50 miles to Sabinal, then north on Ranch Road 187. Go about 40 miles through Utopia then Vanderpool. Lost Maples SNA is about 5 miles north of Vanderpool on Ranch Road 187. Park near the trailhead for the Maple Trail.

Clues:

Begin hiking north on the Maple Trail, staying left at the jct with the East Trail. You will cross a small bridge, some stone steps and several signs about bass and the trees. After about .3 miles you will come to a green metal bench on the left (west) dedicated to Billy Don O'Dell. Continue north on the trail for 60 steps to a wood bench on the right (east). Continue another 65 steps, face left (west) and find the large rock with a Maple tree growing out of its top about 15 steps away. The box is hidden on the back side of the rock in a crevice in the lower middle of the rock, covered by loose stones. Please re-cover well.

NOTE: Always take adequate precautions (such as prodding with a stick and/or wearing gloves) before reaching into dark crevasses and holes in the wild. Before you set out read the waiver of responsibility and disclaimer.

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Last updated on 11/09/2008

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