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Traditional Cache

above Balanced Rock @ Helper, Utah

A cache by petchem and Dezchik111 Hidden : 10/26/2008
Difficulty:
Terrain:
2.5 out of 5 4.5 out of 5

Size: Size: Regular (Regular)

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In Utah, United States

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  5 Logs  10 Logs · 

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Located just above The Balanced Rock at Helper, Utah. Very difficult to get to. 4x4 is helpful to drive into Helper Canyon 1.25 miles from the Helper City Park. If you can do that, the hike from the Jeep-ATV parking is about 6 miles 'round trip, but very steep, strenuous and dangerous in places. Some route finding required, but no special equipment required. Plan on 6-8 hours for the 'round trip. No children. No dogs. Take plenty of water and be prepared.

Cache container is a 50 cal ammo box. Contents include misc. Smokey Bear items, outdoor supplies such as first aid kit, emergency blanket, matches, lighters, etc. Also contains small screw driver set, box opener, stickers, OHV Map, sunscreen, camo fanny pack, log book with pencils & pens. FTF certificate good for "Dinner for 2 at the Balance Rock Eatery" in Helper. YOU MUST contact cache owners to redeem the FTF certificate.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Nyzbfg gb Onynaprq Ebpx. Haqrearngu ynetr ebpx, pbirerq jvgu fznyyre ebpxf. Gurer vf n purngre pnvea gb znex gur fcbg.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)

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Inventory Inventory

There are no Trackables in this cache.

 

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PhotosBalanced Rock @ Helper, Utah
Here's what Balanced Rock looks like from Workman's Market in Helper. It sure would be alot shorter hike if you could just climb straight up the mountain instead of from Helper Canyon. The hike is long, strenuous and difficult but the views are well worth it.

PhotosDezchik111 negotiating the Steep Slippery Hillside
Make sure that you cross the Steep Slippery Hillside at the correct level. You need to be on the same level as the large tree since that's where the base of the Ladder is located.

PhotosDezchik111 prepares for her climb up.
The Steep Slippery Hillside that brings you to the Ladder is more intimidating than the climb up the Ladder. Still, be careful as this Ladder has been in place for quite some time and the rusted mounting hardware could have weakened.

PhotosDirt Road near Old Ball Field at Helper City Park
From the Helper City Park you need to locate this dirt road that goes past the Old Ball Park. This two-track dirt road takes you to the Old RailRoad Grade, crosses the RR Grade and continues into Helper Canyon. It is 1.25 miles from the Helper City Park to the parking area for ATVs and Jeeps.

PhotosHelper City Park
While there are a number of different access trails from Helper City into Helper Canyon, we recommend that you begin here at the Helper City Park & Pool. For those without a small 4x4 or ATV, this is the best parking area from which to begin your hike. Starting at the City Park will add 2.5 miles to your 'round trip total.

PhotosParking spot for Jeeps & ATVs.
After leaving Helper City Park and following the dirt two track road across the Old RailRoad Grade you will encounter a number of difficult washouts that will stop anything but the smallest 4x4 or ATV. At about 1.25 miles from Helper City Park, even the aggressive Jeeps and ATV riders will need to park here.

PhotosRod in Rock
There is a large boulder with a steel Rod sticking out of the top. When you reach the end of the old bulldozed road, use binoculars to locate the pour-off. About half way between the end of the old bulldozed road and the pour-off you should see the large boulder with the steel rod. Route find to this Rod in Rock.

PhotosSteep Slippery Hillside looking towards the Ladder
This is one of the most intimidating sections of the hike. You need to walk along this Steep Sloping Hillside. The Ladder is at the largest tree you can see at the base of the light colored cliff-band near the pour-off.

PhotosThe Ladder up the cliff-face.
This is the historic ladder that allows you to climb the cliff-face without ropes or special equipment. Note the rusted bolts that hold it to the cliff.

PhotosTop of Balanced Rock with flag pole
This is the view from where you need to end your hike, unless you are prepared with the equipment and skills to rappel down to the base of Balance Rock itself.

PhotosView of West Helper from near Balanced Rock
The views from on top of the mountain are spectacular. Here's what West Helper looks like from the stopping point of our hike. The cache is hidden near this photo point.

11 Logged Visits

Found it 10     Publish Listing 1     

View Logbook | View the Image Gallery of 18 images

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Current Time:
Last Updated: on 10/16/2011 1:21:06 PM Pacific Daylight Time (8:21 PM GMT)
Rendered From:Unknown
Coordinates are in the WGS84 datum