This cache is quite a hike up (easier ride!) using either the Mason Creek Trail or Staunton Ranch Trail to the Old Mill Trail or Borderline Trail. This cache is just off the Mason Creek Trail near the junction with the Old Mill and Borderline trails. Please note that horses and bikes are not allowed on the Old Mill Trail, which is designated Hiker-only. There is a nice loop route using Staunton Ranch, Borderline, and Mason Creek trails, if you have the time. During the snowy months, you should expect snow cover on the Borderline trail, and icy conditions in Mason Creek trail in the Canyon. This cache is located within Staunton State Park, which has one public entrance along S. Elk Creek Road, six miles west of Conifer, about 1.5 miles off U.S. Highway 285. Parking along either side of S. Elk Creek Road and Upper Ranch Road adjacent to the park boundary is prohibited. All vehicles entering the park must have a daily park pass ($10) or a CO state park annual pass.
The Park is open year-round, and day use hours are 6:00 am to 10:00 pm. A walk-in campground (up to 1/4 mile from parking) is open for public use, and overnight parking is currently permitted only for those staying in the campground. During summer and autumn weekends, the park may reach capacity, and cars are allowed to enter only if a parking space is available. Horse trailers are admitted if space is available for parking trailers in a new, dedicated, unpaved parking area. Information about the park can be found at https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Staunton.
All visitors must follow park rules and regulations. These include dogs on leash at all times, clean up after pets, travel on developed trails to the extent feasible, leave no trace, leave no trace, respect areas closed for resource management, and be careful around wildlife (especially mountain lions, coyotes, and black bears). Fires are strictly prohibited, except for camp stoves with an on/off switch in the designated campsites, and grills found in the picnic areas near parking lots. Fishing is allowed in park waters, but license and limit regulations must be followed. No motorized vehicles are allowed on trails. An exception is the special tracked chairs that the Park offers to visitors by reservation who cannot access selected trails on their own mobility (this cache is beyond track chair range). Pack your own trash out of the back country, and trash receptacles are located near the parking areas. Also, be prepared for changing weather, bring adequate water and footwear, and trails may be snow-covered or icy in winter.