The cache was placed near Atascosa Lookout
which is located on top of the peak. The lookout is no longer in
active service, but is still being maintained and restored by many
different organizations. There is a large sign at the entrance that
says "Visitors are Welcome". The
inside of the lookout is very well maintained and provides a
nice spot for a lunch break.
The great American curmudgeon, Edward Abbey, spent the summer of
1968 up here. During his short tenure at the lookout, Abbey wrote
in his journal:
"A great grimy sunset glowers on the west. Plains of gold, veils
of dust, wind-whipped clouds. The big aching tooth of Baboquivari
far and high on the skyline."
"Woke up this morning on an island in the sky, surrounded by
clouds. Wild swirling banks of vapor, flowing and passing to reveal
brief glimpses of rocky crags, dripping trees, the golden grassy
hillsides far below."
To get to the trailhead follow I-19 south past Rio Rico to the
Pena Blanca Lake turn off. Follow Ruby Road for about 12 miles to a
large dirt parking area and FS trail marker 100 (N31 24.285 W111
08.821). A two-wheel drive vehicle will have no problem making it
to the trailhead, weather permiting. The hike to the lookout is
around 2.3 miles on a well maintained but relatively
steep trail. The lookout tower is on the southern most peak of
the Atascosa Mts. It is 200 ft shy of
Atascosa Peak , the range hightpoint, which is the peak to the
north. I highly recommend this hike, it makes for the perfect day
outing. I climbed the peak during mid December (12/19/03) in 70
degree weather wearing only shorts and T-shirt. The
vistas are spectacular and the hiking is downright fun.
Note that if you are into finding benchmarks there are several
near the lookout, see CG1116.