The road to the lookout site shown on maps is closed although
the faint tracks make a nice hiking trail. We started at the
waypoint coordinates below where the old road is barely visible.
The climb is moderate as it passes through meadows and forest to
the rocky plateau. In the different vegetation zones we saw at
least 20 flower species and various birds including booming
nighthawks. We also removed 24 beer cans en route but I'm sure we
missed a few.
The lookout site is marked by a benchmark, Lutsey Point Reset,
QD1366. The wooden tower was constructed in 1935 and removed in
1955. A few small pieces remain. No photos are available. It was
connected to the Cold Springs Guard Station by phone line. The
point overlooks the Gray Creek drainage and Lytle Prairie 7 miles
south of Big Summit Prairie. It is named for Clarence J. Lutsey who
homesteaded the area in 1904.
The cache is 280 feet from the benchmark. It is a 9-inch by
1.5-inch white pipe that can hold small items although the inside
is too narrow for standard geocoins. Put the small screw cap on
tight as this area is covered in snow part of the year.