BunkerDave's Cache Traditional Geocache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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This cache requires some gutsy climbing in Utah's second highest
mountain range, the La Sal Mountains. Cache elevation: 12,170
feet.
I used the GCRS to rate this cache, and it is every bit of a 4.5.
It's actually a 5 if there is still snow in the couloirs (rocky
gullies) in which you will be doing most of your climbing. Best
time to go is mid to late summer. If the snow is still deep, you
will want an ice axe and some crampons, or you might be treated to
an unwanted glissade (slide) down the couloir. There is a road that
will get you quite a bit closer than those shown on most maps, but
you are on your own to find them. If you don't find them, you will
just add some gorgeous, semi-level hiking to your trip, which you
will find quite enjoyable.
I have posted two maps of possible routes. One is easier than the
other. It is also the one which will let you drive closest to the
mountain. The "trails" are actually more like places where the
rocks have been leveled out a bit by traffic over the years. This
"trail" is fairly obscure, but you should be able to follow it most
of the way pretty easily. Since there is nothing but rock, you can
pretty much choose any way you like to get to the top, just be
careful of what little vegetation there is, it worked hard to get
as big (not very)as it did. :D
If you find the road, you will need 4WD to take it. Essentially all
of the climbing from there is over Diorite talus. The rocks are big
enough to get good footing, but be careful, as they do have a
tendency to rock when enough weight is placed on them.
The cache, as you will see from my maps, is not at the summit. I
felt it would be less likely to be accidentally discovered in the
spot where I placed it. I highly recommend making a trip to the
summit, however. You can check your GPSR's elevation function
there, if you find the USGS benchmark (pictured) It is at 12,721'.
I let my Magellan Map330 average for the whole half hour or so I
was there, and it read exactly that, and only a foot off the
coordinates listed on the Topo map I used.
Bring lots of water, and I recommend pants and a light jacket. I
was surprised how chilly it gets over 12,000 feet, even during the
hottest time of year. Also bring sunscreen. The air is rather thin,
and you will find that you burn much more easily.
Image
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
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