SCAS - On Rappel on Gap Peak Traditional Cache

This geocache is a small tube container on a short overhanging cliff located just west of Steve Canyon on the lower slopes of Gap Peak. The cliff is maybe only about 6 meters high, but you will require climbing equipment to safely reach the cache. This would be a great cache to use as an introduction to rappelling! This cache is much easier than On Rappel in Steve Canyon, and would be a nice warm-up for that cache.

There aren't any good trails to this small cliff as it's hidden and isolated. The 'brute force' method is to just follow the trails on the west side of Steve Canyon to within 100 meters of the cache site, then simply bushwhack straight west. Once at the cliff, you'll find the top is easily accessed by hiking up the south side. There are many large trees with which to build an anchor - bring a quadruple length sling. The cache is easily seen from the base of the cliff, but it may take a couple rappels to arrange your rope directly over the cache.

Note that climbing gear for rappelling is highly recommended for this cache. The rock is somewhat loose and would be challenging to climb; furthermore, a fall from the cache site onto the rough terrain below could cause injury. One fun and safe option is to rappel to the cache, in which case you will need specialized skills in making your own natural tree anchor and safely setting up on rappel. You will also need to go hand-free to reach and sign in to the cache. Given the overhanging nature of the cliff, you may want a prusik or a partner below for a fireman's belay as a backup. Helmets are recommended!

This cache is part of a series of geocaches called the Steve Canyon Adventure Series (SCAS). Steve Canyon is the smaller, quieter cousin of Grotto Canyon, lying only a kilometer to the east. Just like Grotto Canyon, there are tons of things to do in Steve Canyon to spend anywhere from an hour to several days. This series highlights the coolest features of the canyon and surrounding area that I've explored so far!

Just like Grotto Canyon, Steve Canyon is a family-friendly hike. For the keen adventurer, there's so much more. One can scramble into the upper canyon (GC6VYB2), boulder-climb on the rocks and canyon walls, perform safe and fun rappels and other canyoneering activities in the canyon itself (GC6WBK4) as well as some nearby bluffs (GC6VYBA); there are dozens of sport rock climbing routes (one has a geocache - GC68HDY), and there's even an ice climb that occasionally forms! There truly is something for every adventurer!