This is another one of our high country hiking caches above Loveland Pass. The scenery is spectacular and the hike to the cache--and to Cupid--is strenuous but worth the effort.
The location of this cache is in the dip between Junction Peak and Cupid Mountain at an elevation of 3,888 meters. Generally, A and I like to hike to Cupid Mountain in February, for obvious reasons. But the weather today in the high country was so beautiful, low wind and warm temperatures, that we decided to do our Valentine's day hike a mite early (one can never be sure of the weather in the high country so one takes the opportunity when it occurs). Today was perfect. And I brought a little container to place on the way--hence the name of this cache.
The trail begins at the Loveland Pass parking lot on U.S. Highway 6. The first part of the climb is very steep (up to what we call "Junction Peak"--where there is a cache). After, there is a moderate drop and you will find the cache in a little group of rocks in the dip. The panoramic views from the area are breathtaking. Continue on to Cupid if you have the time and energy--and look for the cache placed there.
Again, this cache requires high altitude hiking. Wear hiking boots (and hiking poles are useful). The wind can be harsh--especially on the ridge. As this is an altitude cache, know the signs of altitude sickness--be aware of how you feel. Drink plenty of water and bring a snack. This is an intense walk, especially for cachers unused to Colorado's heights. So take it easy and enjoy the walk and the views.
Because the point of this cache is to bring cachers to a lovely spot and to take a hike--if there is too much snow to find the container or if it has dropped into the rocks too far to find, or any other disaster that can occur to a small cache in the mountains--just post a photo of your GPS at the cache site and, if you wish, yourself and you will have earned your smiley.
On the Way to Cupid
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