Mount Stelfox Via Ferrata Traditional Cache

This small lock and lock container is located along the Mount Stelfox Via Ferrata - one of western Canada's only public and free via ferratas. The via ferrata climbs a 180 meter cliff face using metal rungs drilled into the mountainside. Expect to take around 3 or 4 hours return, not including breaks and geocache hunting. Proper safety equipment is essential for this geocache.

"Via Ferrata" is Italian for "iron road". It is a protected climbing route that uses metal rungs securely attached into the mountain to aid climbing. A steel cable runs alongside the rungs, providing protection in case of a fall. Via ferratas allow otherwise dangerous climbing routes to be climbed easily by nearly anyone with proper training and equipment.

The origins of the via ferrata date back to the nineteenth century, but they are strongly associated with the First World War, when several were built in the Dolomite mountain region of Italy to aid the movement of troops. Many more have been developed in recent years, as their popularity has grown and the tourism benefits have been recognised. Although several via ferratas exist in the Canadian Rockies, the Mount Stelfox via ferrata is the first (and currently only) widely accessible public via ferrata in western Canada.

Park at the Coral Creek / White Goat staging area located directly east of the bridge over the Cline River. Head behind the parking lot up the hill towards Mount Stelfox and pick up a well-used trail. Soon you will see the warning signs for the via ferrata. Follow this trail for about 30-45 minutes. The trail starts off at a moderate grade but gets steep in a hurry. The trail was built nicely, and you will notice some rock steps as well as some logs/branches that were driven into the ground to act as piles to shore up the trail in spots. If you continue to follow the trail, soon you will reach the base of the mountain and the beginning of the via ferrata. Clip in and follow the via ferrata 180 meters up the cliffside! You will climb past over 300 rungs attached into the mountain. Once at the top, head straight back (don't turn left) to find a well used trail with cairns heading back down towards the Cline River trail. Expect a steep trail and some loose scree. Reconnect with the Cline River trail and make the simple hike back to your car. The whole adventure from car to car should take around 3 to 4 hours for most parties.

This geocache lies 3/4 the way up a 180 meter cliff face. Without proper equipment, a fall will be fatal. I cannot state it any simpler than that. At a minimum, you will require a helmet, harness and a via ferrata lanyard. Do NOT try to be cheap and make your own safety equipment! Static or dynamic slings, ropes, screamers, bungees or any other traditional rock climbing equipment are not sufficient as they cannot handle the shock load in case of a via ferrata fall. Even with the proper climbing equipment, you will need sufficient training to know how to use your equipment and how to progress safely. If you are not 100% confident in your equipment or skillbase, seek guiding or training from a certified professional!

Note: Without further help from the hint and spoiler photos, this geocache will be nearly impossible to find. Bring copies or have access to the spoiler photos!