The parking area for this cache is at N 35 13.588, W 106 24.570
(by some concrete barriers). Most people will want to drive up the
Crest Highway, NM 536, then turn onto NM 165W at the Balsam Glade
Picnic Grounds. NM 165W is a very rough and rocky dirt road. Most
passenger vehicles can make it through, but drive slowly and
carefully. The parking area is 2.2 miles from the turn-off to NM
165W. If you reach a sign that says Sandia Conference Center, you
have gone 0.3 miles too far. (The other approach to the trailhead
is to drive south from Placitas. Coming from that direction
involves about five miles of the bumpy road.)
The road to the trailhead may be impassable due to ice and snow
from about November to April each year. However, if the gate is
open, you are allowed to enter.
A well-worn trail takes you to within about 0.1 miles of the
cache. This trail starts about 75 feet uphill from the parking
area. (It is not easy to spot from the road.)
Several cachers have missed the trail and have gone down into
the deep valley. There IS a very well worn trail that parallels the
dirt road, to the right of the barriers about 75 feet! It is worth
making sure you're on the right path.
At N 35 13.678, W 106 24.061, the main trail branches to your
left. (If you were to continue on the main trail after finding the
cache, it goes up a steep ridge and heads toward Palomas Peak.)
Leave the main trail at this point, and walk across the
beautiful meadow of Lagunita Seca. The cache is hidden nearby.
