The Pits

Rewards: Clear Gem—destroy all 54 boxes.

The start is similar to Turtle Woods. Jump over some gaps and get past some turtles with spikes. After picking up a mask, be ready for a bird to fly right at you. Jump out of the way to avoid it, then smash some boxes. Don’t spin-attack the TNT box. Instead, collect the rest, jump on the TNT box to set it off, then jump across the gap to continue before it explodes.

There are more birds along the trail. The one you face after jumping across the gap can be tough since you have little room to dodge. Instead, jump up and either go over it or land on its back to defeat it. Keep going past a spiky turtle and pick up the checkpoint.

Another bird comes at you as you cross a narrow pathway between gaps. You must jump over this one. Watch out for the next turtle. Though there are no spikes, it has a trap on top, so avoid it or use a spin attack.

When you come to a fork in the trail, go left. This takes you to a checkpoint, as well as a switch that activates hidden boxes on the right path, and also contains the crystal. Once you get the gem, backtrack to the fork and take the right path.

As you continue, watch for the turtles. Expect a mix of spiky and trap turtles—some are right next to each other—and look carefully to determine whether to jump or spin-attack. A bird swoops down on you, so jump over it. After the two trails converge again, use the checkpoint and keep going. Drop into a pit and eliminate those moles so a mushroom grows and lets you back out. Step on the circular “?” stone to enter the bonus stage.

Advance through two pits and past turtles to reach the Clear Gem and the portal that takes you back to the warp room.

Time Trial

Time Requirements

Sapphire: 1:40:00

Gold: 1:11:51

Platinum: 1:00:34

There are a lot of threats along this route, which makes rushing through the level dangerous. However, you don’t have to wait for traps. Jump over turtles, birds, and armadillos. Take the left path since it offers more time boxes. When you come to the pits, run and try to jump over them—it can be done, but you have to jump just after you cross the edge. If you fall in, instead of using spin attacks on the moles, jump on them to get up and out of the pit. Continue all the way through the portal room to the portal to stop the clock.