-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(regular)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
On a peak at nearly 7,600 feet, views of the Denver environs. Set on Memorial Day 2007. Within White Ranch County Park, Jefferson County, Colorado. Some off trail hiking necessary and Topographic map/knowledge required. Groups should hike to the summit area in a dispersed fashion, not single file to avoid environmental damage.
On a peak top, which requires some off trail hiking. You should obtain, read and understand a topographic map so you can plot an easy approach. A straight line from the parking lot is NOT the best way. No GPS way-points provided, so no off-trail 'trails/tracks' are made.
This cache has been in place since 2007, without creating a 'social trail' to the cache. When off trail, walk in / out along slightly different paths, to prevent creating a trail.
Topographic Trail Map from Jefferson County Open Space is at this URL www.jeffco.us/DocumentCenter/View/9387
The cache is atop the hill noted as 7,549 feet on the Open Space Trail Map.
Over the 10+ years of maintaining this cache, I have two paths that I follow to the cache. You could even do a loop, combining the two paths. Both paths described are from the Upper Parking Lot, to the Cache.
First approach is walking on the East branch of the Rawhide trail ( branch closest to the prairie / Denver, and is a hiking foot path ). Continue (North) past Princess Anne overlook ( the blue mileage marker square on the Open Space Trail map, SE of the cache, you will see the sign and a 'park bench' at the overlook ). Then head NW for a gentle climb to the ridge line, then head South along the ridge line to the cache.
Second approach is walking on the West branch of the Rawhide trail ( branch farthest from the prairie / Denver, and is a graded road ). Go through Sourdough Springs Campground , then continue on the Waterhole Trail. Make a right back onto the Rawhide Trail. Soon after this turn, you can make your way along the ridge line to the cache. I find this approach to be the easiest, since it's not real rocky, with smoother elevation changes.
When you are near the summit, seek the highest rocky outcrop surrounded by trees. There is usually a bare tree trunk / pole marking the summit. You may need to do some mild rock scrambling for the last 10 vertical feet or so, depending from which side you approach.
Set on Memorial Day, 2007. Please add log comments about your favorite Military Service member, still with us or not. I left an article on a dear family friend who passed away in the last year. Lt. Col. A.L. Hankin, USAF Ret. was a Bataan Death March Survivor, and career Air Force. I dedicate this cache to his memory. Please feel free to leave similar tributes in the log book, or exchange cache items in honor of ones military service, or your favorite branch of the military.
Be aware of Lightening Threats. Cache container is a metal ammo box, with "Memorial Day Cache" painted on the side. As park postings note, Mountain Lions, Bear and Rattlesnakes are present, be aware and be safe.
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)