CDT Rollins Pass Traditional Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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Terrain is high alpine tundra, with a few scattered boulder fields. Altitude is over 12,000 feet with SPECTACULAR views on both sides of the Continental Divide. Elevation gain approx 1,000 feet over 1.5 miles (guess - please let me know if you have a more accurate reading).
From Highway 40, take the Moffat Road (Rollins Pass Road, County Road 80) across from Winter Park Ski area, about 2 miles south of the town of Winter Park (39.899728, -105.774479). Drive up the road; after about 11 miles you will see an old railroad trestle, the Rifle Sight Notch. Keep driving past the trestle another several miles to the parking lot at the top of the divide. The trail head is here. Head SOUTH following the CDTA (Continental Divide Trail Alliance) posts placed every 200-500 feet for approximately 2 miles until you get to your GPS way point.
NOTE: Rollins Pass Road is only cleared of snow during the summer months. Check with the Sulphur Ranger's Office to find out road conditions before you go. SUVs are recommended as Rollins Pass Road is not paved (but again, check with the rangers for conditions). Sometimes this road is plowed of snow up to the trestle only, but you can still park here and access the trail from the south end (longer hike). This trail is marked with CDTA posts in rock cairns. Parts of the trail go over 13,000 ft. above sea level and go through boulder fields (however you can easily go around the boulders).
Summer: Frequent thunderstorms with afternoon hail and high winds are common from mid-June through September. Electrical storm activity is a special consideration along this route. Retreat from exposed tundra and talus slopes to treeline protection when lightning activity is expected. Daytime high temperatures average 60 degrees Farenheit with lows occasionally below freezing. Remember sunscreen, hat, and water!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Pnpur vf va obhyqref 50 cnprf sebz pbapergr cnq.