This cache is located in the Laguna Mountains on Stephenson Peak. I placed a cache in this area for its breathtaking views.
To get to the cache site, travel north on Sunrise Highway until you get to the Visitor Center at N 32° 52.074 W 116° 25.120. Continue on Sunrise Highway for another 0.3 mile at which point make a right turn on a narrow paved road, which leads up to Stephenson Peak. Follow this road to the parking area at N 32° 52.357 W 116° 24.752. You will probably notice that you can park a little closer to the cache site, but some hiking in such a nice area won't hurt.
This cache is an easy one, and it is located a short distance off the road. There is a faint trail leading to the cache, and some minor bushwhacking is involved. You should not have any problem getting there except watch out for a few cactus plants. Also remember this is snake country; please take the necessary precautions. And don't forget water because summer temperatures in the mountains can get quite hot.
The cache is a small ammo box. Original contents are: a turtle, crab, dinosaur, some small balls, a bag of erasers, a compass pin, a piece of petrified wood from Arizona, waterproof matches, a bag of marbles, a specimen of the mineral dumortierite, some flag buttons, AA batteries, and of course, a log book, pens, and pencils.
After finding the cache, continue up the road to the main viewpoint at N32° 52.469 W 116° 24.884. Don't forget to bring your camera and binoculars. The giant "golf ball" on the top of Stephenson Peak is an FAA radar station. This is a restricted area where no one is allowed. Today the station is automated, but years ago this was a small Air Force radar base. There were roads, houses, support buildings, etc. for the staff and their families. I am told that several hundred people lived there when the base was in operation. All this is now gone, and today you can still see the remains of foundations and roads in the chaparral.
Since this area is located in the Cleveland National Forest, you must purchase an Adventure Pass which costs $5.00 per day. You can get passes at the Visitor Center, the local store, and various businesses in Pine Valley and Alpine. But, if you are not planning to stay in the area too long, a quick dash and grab might save you a few bucks (I'm not advocating this). It shouldn't take too long to find the cache since it is close to the road. If you are planning to do some hiking, biking, geocaching, etc., it is better to buy the pass to save you from getting a ticket.
Also, I would suggest a stop at the Visitor Center, where there are some nice displays on the local wildlife and natural history. There are restrooms too!
Happy Caching!