Much like the natural landmarks that make up our Earth, geocaches can tell us a lot about the world around us. Geocaching not only leads you on exciting adventures, but it can also teach you something new about Mother Nature and just how mighty it is. Join us as we travel to the tip of the Baja California peninsula to learn about erosion at the famous Arch of Cabo San Lucas for this week’s Geocache of the Week, Lands End (GC319DN).

El Arco (The Arch) is one of the most famous natural rock formations that is synonymous with Los Cabos and is a fabulous example of erosion and how it occurs. The arch is an iconic sight that locals and visitors admire for its stunning qualities.

Located between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez at the end of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, is Land’s End. On the Pacific Ocean side is Divorce Beach, named for its jagged rocks and the formidable waves from the ocean. On the Sea of Cortez side is Lover’s Beach, with calmer waters and perfect golden sand.

To begin your journey to El Arco, grab your first mate and hop on a glass-bottom boat, as it’s the best way to get to the arch. The nearby marina has many glass-bottom boat taxi options to transport you to the arch and Lover’s Beach safely. This area is home to many sea lions and fish of all kinds, so keep an eye out while making your way!

The intense waves from the ocean have a significant impact on the land through erosion. Now that you have arrived at the beach, take some time to soak in the beauty of the land and the strength of the waves. Notice the different land formations that jut out of the water, including the finger of Neptune. How have the waves shaped the rock? What direction is it pointing, and why do you think that is? Think about what direction the strong waves are coming from and how they might affect the rock over time.

Now turn your eyes to the passageway between the two beaches. The passage has slowly been built over time and is known as a jetty because of the constant cover of waves. Jetties serve as a breakwater, a walkway, or sometimes even both. You will find more information about natural jetties on the cache page; this will help you answer one of the required questions for logging the cache. Examine the area and notice how the waves impact the rock formations and the sand nearby. How do you think the jetty was formed?

With these answers in mind, you’re on your way to logging this EarthCache—no log-signing necessary! You can learn more about this beautiful arch and appreciate how it came to be thousands of years ago. Before you head back into town, take some time to soak in the rays while you answer the three important questions required for logging this cache. As your time at Land’s End comes to a close, don’t forget to snap a picture of yourself and your caching crew to share with other cachers and have as a memory for years to come. You’re now land erosion experts!

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Continue to explore some of the most amazing geocaches around the world. Check out all of the Geocaches of the Week on the Geocaching blog. If you would like to nominate a Geocache of the Week, fill out this form.

Source: Geocaching