Wilderness -- "an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain ... an area protected and managed so as to preserve its natural conditions." —The Wilderness Act of 1964
The cache is placed in Pike National Forest close to a small parking pull-off at Stoney Pass. It's located very close to the boundary of the Lost Creek Wilderness, and requires a short uphill walk to reach it from the Pass. Buffalo Peak, elevation 11,589 feet, rises to the west of Stoney Pass and represents a challenging bushwhack (about 6 1/2 miles RT and more than 3,000 feet of elevation gain) for those of you interested in an ambitious adventure after finding the cache. Buffalo Peak (formerly known as Freeman Peak) is the high point of Jefferson County and is climbed infrequently because of the difficulties it poses. I placed this cache during my second hike up this mountain, the entire hike being in this wonderful Wilderness Area. The hike is completely in forested terrain until the final 50 feet. The top provides spectacular views of many 14ers as well as the peaks of the Tarryall Range and the Platte River Mountains. The Castle, rising above lovely Wellington Lake, is a predominant close-in feature from the peak's summit. The container is a large medicine vial wrapped in camo tape. It's in a nook in a rock formation, covered by smaller rocks to keep it in place. Be certain to replace the protective rocks to prevent small rodents from moving it. Make certain to bring a pen or pencil to sign the cache log.
CONGRATULATIONS TO hartsdale FOR THE FTF!!