Located at a seldom visited but unique viewpoint of the central Rio
Grande valley, this small (1.8qt) Tupperware cache is somewhat
difficult to get to, but easy to locate once in the area. The
approximately 2 mile hike is not recommended for small children
(rock scrambles and steep terrain), persons with breathing problems
(altitude), or anyone during threatening electrical storms
(exposure). There is also serious terrain exposure just west of the
cache, please observe the cautions in the front of the log book!
From Albuquerque, take I-40 East (7 mi.) to Exit 175 (Tijeras),
drive north on NM 14 (5.7 mi.) to a left turn onto NM 536, the
Sandia Crest Highway. Drive to the Sandia Crest (Forest Service fee
area) parking lot (11.5 mi.), park in either lower lot, and locate
the North Crest Trail #130 just north of the parking lot (right of
the antenna farm, identified by a large grey Forest Service sign
board). Hike north on #130 about 1.34 mi. to coordinates
13.819/27.156. At this point, locate a faint trail on the rock rim
about 50' west of and above the Crest Trail. Follow this sometimes
obscure trail north-northwest along the rim, gradually turning west
as you climb to North Sandia Peak (14.108/27.401). There, the trail
drops abruptly just beyond the old antenna mount pads, descending
steeply west/southwest some 400' through trees and several
intimidating rock ledges. (It is advised to mark your passage
through these ledges with some traditional and _removable_ method
for the return hike ... the trees hinder a good GPS lock.) The
cache is located under a large horizontal dead tree just as you
reach the open area west of the trees, to the left of the trail,
and below it.
Enjoy the view!
