2023 Nav-X Challenge @ Cache CREEK

Quick Info

• Date: Sunday 1 October to Thursday 30 November

• Location: Lynch Canyon Trailhead, Cache Creek, CA

• Courses: 2h & 4h GPS Map Trek

• Registration: https://eventreg.orienteeringusa.org/eventregister/register/start/2023-nav-x-5

• List of participants: https://eventreg.orienteeringusa.org/eventregister/reglist/home/2023-nav-x-5

INTRODUCTION

The 5th event in the 2023 NAV-X Challenge brings us to a remote and scenic area straddling Lake and Colusa Counties called Cache Creek Natural Area.

• 41 checkpoints are marked on the map used for our 2023 event.

• You have 2 or 4 hours to try and get to as many checkpoints as you can.

• We will be using a Smartphone app named “MapRun” to record your visit to each checkpoint. The app will record a “punch” automatically using your GPS position.

• Results from each competitor are tabulated into a results list.

• There is also an app named MapRunG that can be used with Garmin watches.

• Be safe and have fun!

EVENT INFORMATION

• Maps and course notes will be emailed to you shortly after you register.

• MAPRUN - Please see this page for instructions on how to use the MapRun smartphone app. It’s important that you load the course while you still have Internet service. Search for “2023 Nav-X GPS Map Trek Cache Creek” and pick the right course (2hr or 4hr).

• DIRECTIONS TO PARKING: The (no fee) parking area is located at the Lynch Canyon trailhead.

• From most of the Bay Area: Take US I-80 East to I-505 North, then to Exit 21 to get onto CA-16. Follow CA-16 past the Cache Creek Casino about 30 mins then turn left (west) onto CA-20. Parking is on the left at the road bend after the 35 mph sign.

• From points further east (Central Valley, Sacramento, Livermore, Antioch): Take Interstate 5 North to Highway 20 West in Williams. Follow CA-20 for 10mi, then about 2 mi past the junction with CA-16, parking is on the left at the road bend after the 35 mph sign.

• BATHROOMS - There are no restrooms at this trailhead, use the facilities 1 mile west on 20 at the Judge Davis Trailhead, or 2 miles east on CA-20 and south on CA-16 at Cowboy Camp. There is no water at any of the trailheads.

• START/FINISH - Head south on Lynch Canyon trail for 1.4 km to the north end of a large meadow. The Start/Finish is on the road just past a dry pond.

• GEAR RECOMMENDATION - We recommend participants bring the following:

  • Smartphone - goes without saying since we are using an app for timing.

  • Compass

  • Long pants or at least gaiters for the tall grass and brushy vegetation.

  • Snacks & Water - there is no water at the trailhead or on the course.

• TRASH - There is no trash collection at this park. While on the course, practice Leave No Trace (LNT) - bring all trash back home.

• CAMPING - Free camping is available at Cowboy Camp, on hwy 16 just south of the junction with hwy 20. It is also permissible to camp on BLM land at least 500 feet away from any of the entrances. There is also paid camping at Cache Creek Regional Park Campground 11 mi south on hwy 16. The campground has water & showers. The nearest hotels are in Clearlake and Williams.