Raleigh Peak is an imposing summit just off segment 2 of the Colorado Trail and overlooks much of the area affected by the 11,900 acre Buffalo Creek Fire that swept through the area in May, 1996. The approach passes through miles of burnt forest only now beginning to regenerate. The dead snags that still stand evoke thoughts of a cursed forest from the Lord of the Rings.
Raleigh Peak has two summits separated by a saddle. The cache is near the west summit, the higher of the two. The actual summit is achievable but the cache is about 50 feet lower in a secluded alcove facing south toward Long Scraggy Peak and Pikes Peak beyond. No technical climbing is required to reach the cache.
Segment 2 of the Colorado Trail (1776) parallels an old forest road, 539. Traveling from one to the other is easy bushwhacking in most areas and either trail will work. In winter, 539 will have less snow and in summer, 1776 will be cooler.
From the trailhead at the South Platte river, expect a hike of about 10 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 2,000 feet to the 8,183-foot summit. Take plenty of water and enjoy the views!