My third "overlook" cache, after Sabre Springs and Scripps
Ranch.
I've spent many hours over the last few months with a hiking
buddy exploring the network of trails on the North side of Black
Mountain. I've actually grown to prefer this side of the mountain
over the more well travel South side. It's less crowded (for now),
and I really enjoy the North looking views.
This cache is located at a view point, on a stub off the Miner's
Ridge Hiking Trail. The Miner's Ridge trail wraps around the
hillside above the old Arsenic Mine, and you can see the huge mine
smokestack from portions of this trail as it climbs to the East.
The stub portion doesn't look like it sees many hikers as it has
become somewhat overgrown, but is still easily passable. There is a
bench near GZ to rest and enjoy the view, but you might have to
peek through some of the overgrowth to really appreciate it. From
here you can see the rapidly expanding 4S Ranch community.
Best access is from the North Black Mountain parking lot. This
lot can be reached from the recently completed stretch of Carmel
Valley Road, which now joins the PQ community with the 4S Ranch
Community (finally!)
Here is a hazy view of 4S Ranch on the day I placed the
cache:
The cache is now a small lock n lock. Please try to cover better
than found. FTF prize was an unactivated Penguin Geocoin.
Instructions for activation were included with the coin.