PCT Sampler - Storm Canyon Overlook Traditional Cache
PCT Sampler - Storm Canyon Overlook
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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This is the fourth in a planned series of Pacific Crest Trail theme caches. We are fortunate in San Diego County to have many trailheads that provide convenient access to the southern end of the 2,650-mile PCT, which runs from the U.S.-Mexico border to the U.S.-Canada border. The PCT transits some of the most spectacularly scenic country to be found anywhere in the world.
Update 10/11/2008
Replaced muggled container. New container is small, clear Lock & Lock.
In the vicinity of the cache, the PCT follows the eastern crest of the Laguna Mountains on a relatively level course at an elevation generally between 5,000 and 6,000 feet. This is a land of pine trees and high country chaparral. Just a few yards to the east, however, the crest drops precipitously to the desert below, and the PCT provides incredible vantage points to pause and take in the grandeur of Anza Borrego Desert State Park far below.
The most convenient place to start your hike is from the Sunrise Highway, County Route S1, at a small parking area near milepost 25.2 on the east side of the highway. This trail is marked as the Big Laguna Trail. A U.S. Forest Service Adventure Pass is required to park along the Sunrise Highway. A day pass can be purchased for $5 (annual pass is $30) at the Mount Laguna store or the adjacent visitor center. Head east to the PCT and then north on the PCT.
The cache is placed near the edge of a dramatic viewpoint that looks out over Storm Canyon and across to Garnet Peak at a location just north of a high point labeled 5958 on USGS Topographic Series maps. Round trip hiking distance from recommended parking is less than 4 miles and the net elevation gain is only 250 feet. The last two hundred yards are relatively easy cross-country with minimal bushwhacking if you pick your route wisely.
Seen from Sunrise Highway or the desert below, this bluff is one of the more dramatic along the crest. For those not particularly afraid of heights, check out the view from a small clearing about 75 yards to the west of the cache. You can look nearly straight down and imagine how these ridges must look to an eagle or hawk.
The cache container is a standard size ammo box. Initial contents include:
X-ray style silver gecko charm
Large Tweety Bird stuffed toy (new)
SR-71 Blackbird collectible airplane (new)
Emergency Space Blanket
Yoda Traveler Travel Bug
Selection of small lizards
Logbook and two pens
Remember to bring along sunscreen and plenty of water. You may be inspired to start at either of our nearby Laguna Crest geocaches, GCQVP2 (PCT Sampler – Monument Peak) or GCQWA4 (PCT Sampler – Garnet Peak View) and make this a nice three-fer day trip. Enjoy your hike and the views.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Abegurnfg snpvat ebpx phool va FR pbeare bs n gvygrq pyrnevat.
Treasures
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