SCAS - On Rappel in Steve Canyon Traditional Cache

This small tube container is located on one of Steve Canyon's large overhanging cliffs. The cache is designed to be reached via a 15 meter rappel, taking advantage of one of the large trees above the cliff as a natural anchor. The wall itself overhangs about 2-3 meters, making for a fun rappel and potential for some awesome photos! Note that this is an extreme challenge that will require special equipment and skills.

Note: I'd recommend trying the nearby On Rappel on Gap Peak geocache first as a warm up. If you're comfortable with the warm up, give this one a shot!

Make your way up the creekbed of Steve Canyon. As you approach ground zero, you will see a big overhanging wall with a large tree on the canyon floor on the left end. Look carefully in the middle of the cliff and you will spot a bolted anchor for toprope rock climbing, should you wish! The cache is located somewhere on the right side of this cliff. It can be spotted from the canyon floor with a keen eye (it is in plain sight). Head south from GZ and spot some ledges to scramble up on top of the cliff. If you head further south, you'll find easier options to get above the canyon. Follow a nice trail right to GZ and find one of the large solid trees well away from the cliff to make an anchor. You will probably require a few rappels before you spot the cache and line up your descent perfectly to reach it! The placement process took a total of 10 rappels all along the cliff!

Note that climbing gear is essential for this cache - do not attempt to scramble or otherwise reach this cache without a rope. This is a significant challenge requiring 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, I recommend having a personal back-up such as a prusik. I also recommend wearing a helmet as there is potential to dislodge rocks. Watch out for anyone below before starting your descent. Even once you reach GZ, finding the cache could prove to be a major challenge. Read the hint and check the spoilers to help simplify your search, if you wish.

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!