Do NOT attempt this hike to search for this cache if you are not extremely familiar with the Sandia Mountains. One can easily get turned around in the heavy wood cover and wander into some dangerous areas with steep cliffs with no way out.
Do NOT attempt this if you are not a strong hiker or if you use hiking poles to assist you. The terrain is very steep and worse and the hiking poles will interfere with your ability to move thru the thick woods and deadfall.
Figure on this taking at least 7 hours from start to finish. Starting in the afternoon will ensure you the opportunity to hike after dark.
The best approach for most hikers is to start at the junction of the 10K and North Crest Trails and bushwhack 4/10's of a mile at a slightly decreasing elevation. You must hit the ridge line the Sandia Arch is located on from the south-east direction. If you reach the ridge from the north side it is impossible to climb up on the ridge.
There are only a couple of safe ways to climb up to the top of this ridge. The best one is provided as a waypoint within this cache description. Any other approach could be life threatening.
Photos are provided to help hikers reach the top of the ridge. It is best to print the required photos and carry them. Do NOT count on being able to see these photos on a smart phone in full New Mexico sunlight.
I recommend that those who want to find this cache take along a hiking buddy for safety purposes.
Cell phones will not have reception part of the time while on this hike. Use airplane mode or turn off your phone and save your phone battery.
Do NOT get an injury that requires search and rescue help to get you out. This may be one rescue that they cannot perform.
Take photos of yourself by the arch and post them with your log, let people see that you were successful.
I was on a New Mexico Mountain Club hike about three years ago, which hike was led by David Smith. David ensured that the several of us on the hike came prepared. We had a safe and fun hike that day. David had us start early so that we could finish early. Thanks David for showing me this place.