6/2003: Welcome to the first of CoolCache's alpine caches. It's not
too far from the access road but it is a tough but short climb to
get to. The view, the solitude you'll rapidly achieve, the beauty
of the woods, the waterfall I'll show you, and the sheer challenge
hopefully will make it all worthwhile. And it makes the finds few
and far between making it akin to an archaelogical find. You might
get some good stories earning logbook rights on this one.
The cache is located up American Fork Canyon by Tibble Fork
Lake, at the edge of the beautiful Lone Peak area. You'll be
gearing up just down the road where there are lots of people and a
ATVing jump-off point. I intentionally placed this cache in a fee
area ($3 now) to weed out cheap skates and the unmotivated. Few
traverse this route and as such you'll quickly leave the ATVs and
summer crowds in the distance as you progress.
You should ascend on using the creek starting at N 40° 28.654 W
111° 38.912. I've placed the "Tibble Creek" micro nearby to help
you log a find and find the place. Take your time, watch your
footing. Some of the rocks are slick, even when dry (because your
feet will be wet usually). As you near the cache there will be a
steep ascent to the hide where some thick bushwhacking and steep
hillside scrambling will be necessary. Take your time and hike
carefully as you near the cache. If you're cursing me at the
difficulty, you know you're getting close.
If you do bring a dog it will need to be in pretty good shape
and “mountain wise” as you will encounter some bouldering and steep
drop offs later in the hike. Also safety concerns for everyone
precluded me from going higher to the South with this cache. But
anyone exercising regular caution should have no problems.
7/21/05 UPDATE: Cache container moved and upgraded. Originally
this cache was going to be placed up higher in the ravine and much
nearer the very rugged ridgeline to the west. I contemplated doing
that today. But "Stayin' Alive" receives few visits as it is, it
already has a great view where it's at, and I don't want to
infringe on wilderness boundaries. The current USFS map they hand
out at the gate shows this immediate area outside such
boundaries.
Moreover, as you'll see, the new cache container has been moved
to an almost perfect little hiding place which was too good to pass
up.
The original themed intent of the cache is no more... too few
visits. Any quality trades are welcome now. The mere fact you hiked
up to this cache shows you're a quality cacher. As such I'm sure
you'll bring your best trade items with you. Please label them with
your name (as they may be in there for years) and trade generously
for the enjoyment of adventurers who will follow you.
Also I've placed two other caches on the way up to make the
journey a bit more rewarding. CoolCache recommends a good GPS in
this area with a double helix antenna (like Garmin GPS 60) because
you're in a ravine most of the way. Signal coverage should be
adequate near the hide.
Good luck and be careful!
Stayin' Alive View
If you liked this one, try CoolCache's "Dry Creek Trail" hides,
accessed from the Alpine side (just over the mtn from this cache to
the west). They're tough too!