06/27/2019 By K Trackers
This was my second trip to 11 Eleven Mile State Park because there are a number of interesting caches in the area. I had formally dubbed today “11M Run Phase 2,” but informally the “Replacement Run” from all of the caches I wound up repairing today. This one was a last minute addition last tonight before I came out, so I didn’t look to closely at the cache details and previous logs. Normally a cache like this might be a primary objective or at least get more thought into the planning.
My original plan was to park and come up the saddle from the east, but once I eyeballed the terrain it was clear the west side was a much better option. The worst part of the ascent is the last half or last third of the hike. There are a number of large boulders and cliffs that make it pseudo-maze like. I don’t know if I found the best route to GZ, but I found relatively efficient route that didn’t force me to backtrack except for once. This was waypoint 2 because I was too far east. I’ve listed some waypoints from my route if this is helpful or encourages future cachers to come try for this cache.
Once I finally got to GZ, I see what needed to be done. I appreciated the hint that made it pretty clear what had to be done to make the find, and I did it. I’m a big guy and there is limited room, so this was one of those finds where you use one had to work the container and sign while the other hand is holding on so you don’t fall. It may not be popular to do so, but I’ll go ahead and say it…I think the hide shows poor judgment. There is no reason to have cachers take a risk on a cliff like this…whether that risk is low or high, it doesn’t really add anything beyond risk to the experience. I rehid as found and replaced rocks to keep the cache in place and help protect it from the elements. The cache contents are still in great shape, but one of the locks on the container has broken. it is only a matter of time before others fail and water gets inside the container.
After making this find, I intended to go after the nearby GC25P3F Silly Little Storm, but I ran out of time as I started this one at about 4:00pm. That is probably for the best as the rapid elevation changes would have put nitrogen bubbles in my blood, lol. It was a bonus that this one was lonely, because I keep track of those stats for challenges. With this find, I now have (counting only 1 year or more lonely) a total of 173 years, 10 months lonely time on 77 caches from 11 North American States & Provinces. Thanks to the CO for placing this nice cache for everyone to find, TFTC.
Waypoints:
Parking (N39 05.113 W105 34.979)
Line of Departure (LD) (N39 05.013 W105 34.712): The LD is where the serious elevation rise begins and where the ground starts to slope down to the east. The easiest route is up the saddle, hand railing the dry creek bed. At the LD waypoint, take a left face.
Waypoint 1 (N39 05.053 W105 34.596): There is a cliff where, bypass to the west (left) side.
Waypoint 2 (N39 05.107 W105 34.599): There is a significant cliff and ravine here that blocks all routes east (right) of this waypoint. Orient towards this waypoint and then slightly to the west (left).
Waypoint 3 (N39 05.128 W105 34.556) There is a low wall you can climb or bypass about 20 to the east (right). I lost 3 feet of elevation gain to back up to take the picture…so I hope it is helpful!
Waypoint4 (N39 05.142 W105 34.536) There is a “ledge” formation here that bypass to the west (left) that allows bypass of a large boulder / cliff.
Waypoint5 (N39 05.154 W105 34.535) There is a “saddle bridge” choke point with elevation loss to the east and west...most efficient way forward.
Waypoint6 (N39 05.160 W105 34.522) Bypass draw.
Waypoint7 (N39 05.172 W105 34.507) Plateau entry that provides access to the GZ.
06/21/2015 By SnailMan1
My first Raisin cache of the series. I parked to the West of the cache and follow the gulley to the Northeast. Once I reached the saddle I tried to follow the ridge to GZ. The ridge itself is composed of huge rocks so I stayed slightly to the West. On my way up I did crossover to the East side thinking that might be easier. I was convinced that I made an incorrect decision until I tried to cross the ridge one more time. I saw a van size boulder field to the West so I just stayed on the East side of the ridge. Once I finally made it to the top it was fairly easy making it over to the cache. The Sunshine Raisins were happy to finally see the sun even if it was only for a few minutes. Thanks for the hike and the views.
09/24/2014 By OR85OR450
A T3.5 ?? Are you Coloradoans a different breed, or what!!?? Well, last of the great sets of views for today- the tapestry of aspens going yellow for as far as the eye could see was something else. I came straight at this from the closest parking I could stumble on... about a third of a mile. That's the wrong way! Try a more clockwise path : still steep as all get out but way less (none) terrifying rock scramble 
09/18/2012 By COpackrat
Enjoyed hanging out with the raisins and catching some rays - thanks for another raisin cache!
04/23/2011 By ernie66
It was a short but steep hike with estes01 this afternoon. Between thorn bushes and slippery rocks covered with slushy snow, our route was tough going for the last 200 horizontal feet, but it was so foggy when we started, we couldn't plan the whole route from the bottom and didn't want to backtrack to find a better way if we could avoid it. Once we arrived at GZ, we knew where it had to be and retrieved it without mishap. I parked only 0.22 miles from the cache, but that's about the toughest 0.22 miles I've seen. Very nicely placed, and we very much enjoyed the experience. Thanks!
04/23/2011 By estes01
It wasn't bad enough that we decided to do this one while it was snowing, but I believe we also took the hardest of all possible routes up. In my opinion, the thorny bushes were worse than the slippery rocks, and the clearly irritated hawk tracking us didn't help. Found an easier route on the way down. We loved the challenge though and this cache made our day. Getting very close to seeing those Rockn Raisins Live on Stage. TFTC.
Beach Goin Raisins
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