Greyrock Mountain (elevation 7,613 feet) in Larimer County has a
highly distinctive profile from Interstate 25 and other eastern
vantages. Its steep southern aspect shows dramatically in
silhouette as seen from the east. Many admirers of this Ranked Peak
do not realize that the mountain’s lines from other
directions are also remarkable and highly distinctive. This
“Profile Series” consists of seven Traditional caches
placed on Ranked Peaks that surround Greyrock Mountain, as well as
a Multi-stage cache. Views of this mountain from each cache
location and from the stages of the Multi are breathtaking, and
each provides a special profile dimension of Greyrock. If you have
as an objective finding all eight caches in this series, you will
eventually view this marvelous mountain from many angles. To attain
these views (as well as the treasures of the log books in all the
cache containers) you will have hiked dozens of miles and have
reached some remote areas. A major challenge confronting you will
be discovering the most efficient approaches for accessing certain
of these caches. Once you have logged all eight caches in the
series, you will have satisfied the goals for a special challenge
cache that I’ll be establishing. Don’t
worry...I’ll have the challenge cache in place before you
reach all of the cache destinations in this “Profile
Series”! So enjoy this particular profile cache, and then
work at the others. Enjoy your adventures as you
“Profile” Greyrock Mountain!
POINT 7180
The trail system accessing the Greyrock Mountain vicinity
provides popular hiking destinations off Poudre Canyon. The
trailhead is easily reached from its parking area along Colorado
Highway 14, and the hike to the top of Greyrock Mountain is a
relatively easy one that many families enjoy together. Several
educational EarthCaches are positioned along the trail, and a multi
cache and some "traditionals" are also available for serious
geocachers. Each of these caches brings you through interesting
terrain and provides great views of the surrounding, rugged
landscape. A loop that involves two interconnecting trails (the
Greyrock Meadow Trail and the Greyrock Summit Trail) permits
wonderful access to these marvelous back county caches. Some of the
caches require considerable bushwhacking off the trails. Depending
upon your level of comfort in exploring off-trail caches, you
should select those caches that are matched to your level of
fitness, experience, and adventurous spirit. Once you’ve made
your choice or choices, have fun accessing and finding the
caches!
I’m using "Point 7180” to refer to the cache
I’ve placed at the summit of Ranked Peak 7180. This peak is
identified as “7180" on the Poudre Park USGS Quad and on the
Trails Illustrated Map for Cache La Poudre Big Thompson. This
number gives the elevation of the peak that is the first one
directly south of Greyrock Meadow. To reach this point and the
cache vicinity, hike up the main Summit Trail to the trail junction
sign and then take the left fork on the Greyrock Meadow Trail. As
you reach the approximate high point on this trail, begin
bushwhacking upward and north toward Point 7180. Reaching the
actual summit and the cache requires about 25 to 30 feet of Class 3
rock scrambling with reasonable but fun exposure. Remember that you
will need to descend exactly as you go up, so recall the route.
Once you reach the GZ area, the cache find should be easy, and the
terrain is safe.
Make certain that you spend some time at the true summit of
Point 7180, which is very close to the cache container. Look out in
all directions and appreciate the remarkable landscapes portrayed
from this vantage! Plot out in your mind (by referring to your map
and your previous preparations) the approximate locations of other
back country caches available to you in this marvelous area, and
how you can most efficiently and safely reach them. Then descend to
the trail and continue your hike. If you have time, continue north
on the trail to Greyrock Meadow, and then ascend to the trail's
junction with the Summit Trail. Follow the Summit Trail back to
parking (or if you have time and sufficient energy, follow its spur
to the summit of Greyrock Mountain!). There are other geocaches
along this set of trails that can fill out your day....
Be certain that you have in your backpack extra food, water,
clothing, and other provisions (including a headlamp), in the event
your outing extends longer than you anticipate, or if you have an
unexpected change in weather. And enjoy your hike into this great
area!