The cache is NOT the peak log. It's a separate container.
I have wanted to place a cache here for years. I finally made it and had a wonderful time. Figuring out a good, safe route is the trick on this one. Hike reports like this one worried me, and the ridge north to Shingle Mill Peak (the one with the lines when you look up Rock Canyon) was tough. (More on this later)
A different trip report provided me with an alternative route that I took advantage of. I took off up the scree field at the big switchback and ascended a rocky and partially snow-filled chute to the west ridge. (I used a different chute than that suggested, and it was fine.) I then had to negotiate undergrowth and scree for hundreds more feet to the summit of Freedom Peak at 10,801 feet. It was safe, but it was steep and tough nonetheless. I had to move up and down the south side of the ridge quite a bit to navigate around obstacles.
I found what seems like the perfect hiding nook for a cache a short distance below the summit.The cache is NOT the peak log. Enjoy the decades old notes in the peak log on the very top (a small jar beneath the flat rock) and also find my cache a short distance from the summit.
I went down the ridge to Shingle Mill Peak rather than retracing my steps, so basically following the yellow loop on this map from the previously mentioned trip log. I went back and forth to both sides of the ridge, and dropped further down than those two at the worst area. I stayed 75-100 feet below the edge on the east side and had a careful, but non-nervewracking time of it. This way is a little scary, but you get to stay on a nice, enjoyable trail longer…so pick your poison. Just come prepared.
And then enjoy the fabulous 360 degree views, logs from 1976 in the peak log, and happiness of making a tough hike. (Really, the peak logs are deteriorating and could use a better container. Anyone want to lug another ammo can up here?)
