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-staged 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!
”EAST RIDGE OF GREYROCK MOUNTAIN”
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 "East Ridge of Greyrock Mountain” to refer
to the cache I’ve placed a little more than 500 feet east of
the actual summit of Greyrock. From near the cache, you will have a
close-up view of the east side of the summit block of the mountain.
To reach the cache vicinity, leave the trail and scramble over easy
slabs. It’s probably unwise to do this if the slabs are
covered with snow. Use good judgement. Once you are in the GZ area,
the cache container should be fairly easy to find, and the terrain
is safe unless you venture 10 or 15 feet farther east. After
finding and signing the cache log, descend the short distance back
to the faint but well-cairned trail and continue following it to
the true summit of Greyrock Mountain. Have lunch in the summit
vicinity, and gaze out at the fantastic terrain and peaks around
you. Greyrock Mountain is located on the Poudre Park 7.5-minute
USGS Quad. This specific Quad has 25 Ranked Peaks within its
boundaries. Only two other quadrangle sheets in Colorado contain
more Ranked Peaks than does the Poudre Park Quad. Appreciate the
overall ruggedness of the landscapes around you, and your
“position” on this fine summit!
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. I placed this cache on the day of the
Winter Solstice while a winter storm was raging just west of the
Greyrock Mountain area. Highway 14 was closed farther up the canyon
because of heavy, drifting snow. Although the weather on Greyrock
was relatively benign, it could have changed rapidly under these
conditions. Always come to the mountains prepared for the
unexpected. Enjoy your hike into this great area!