Cahuilla Mountain Summit Traditional Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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I placed this cache while on a hike to the summit of Cahuilla Mountain, at 5635 feet above sea level. The hike will take you through manzanita and redshank at the lower elevations, then oak meadows and stands of pine at the higher elevations. The views from the summit are spectacular. The total distance from the trailhead to the summit and back is about 6.5 miles and includes about 1100ft of elevation gain.
Some points of warning that you should be aware of before you begin:
* Dirt roads in the area may be closed for fire or rainy season. Check with the Forest Service in Idyllwild: (909) 382-2921
* This cache may not be accessible during winter if there is heavy snow cover on the mountain, but this is rare.
* After rain there are a couple of mud puddles along the dirt road to the trailhead that may be better negotiated in a high clearance vehicle.
* Be aware that this area is known to be used by hunters, so brightly colored clothing is advised.
* Be aware that mountain lions are known to live in this area.
* Bring adequate water in hot weather, and adequate warm clothing in cold weather.
To get to the trailhead, turn north on Cary Rd from the 371 hwy. From there continue along the road, turning left at each of the two forks until you reach the trailhead. I have supplied GPS waypoints for the turnoff, forks, and trailhead. From the trailhead, hike south up the mountain using the obvious trail behind the sign. I've supplied one waypoint very early along the trail just to be sure you're going the right way. The trail is obvious and easy to follow for the entire length to the summit. Near the top the trail starts going downhill again for a short way, then turns east and goes up a grassy slope for the final ascent. So don't be put off thinking you've missed the summit when you start going downhill.
For those seeking more adventure, it is possible to hike all the way over the mountain as well, coming up from the trailhead to the summit, then down the other side to Lake Riverside Estates. This hike is over 8 miles, depending on where you finish. Obviously you will need to organize cars to shuttle around the mountain when you are finished. The descent drops about 2000 ft and crosses steep challenging terrain, and goes through remote areas where the trail may be difficult to find.
As far as the geocache goes, it's an ammo box, and also happens to serve as a summit log.
I don't expect this cache will get visited very often, but it's there for those willing to go for it.
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)