As one turns off Colorado 14 at the Pingree Park Bridge, a series of switchbacks eventually leads the traveler to a more level area; in fewer than 3 miles from the turn-off, the road reaches a small saddle.  Rising above the saddle to the east and west are three Ranked Peaks that serve as sentinels or guardians of the Pingree Park Road because they command views of the goings on along the road below them. The sentinel east of the saddle is the lowest of the three, rising to an elevation of 8,011 peak.  The USGS has never bestowed a name on this or the other two peaks.  It’s instead referred to by its numerical elevation, as Point 8011.  This easternmost sentinel is within the Cache La Poudre Wilderness Area, so is off-limits for a geocache.  West of the saddle lies Point 8632, the highest of the three; and Point 8431 rises to the northwest of the saddle.   All three summits provide fun hikes to their tops, with Point 8011 being by far the easiest.  For all three, the best parking location is at the saddle (N 40 40.170  W 105 30.275)

 

In 2012 a  cache, GC45H9D, was placed on the highest of the sentinels, Point 8632.  In the intervening years it has been found only twice.  This new cache is near the summit of the other sentinel that's west of the road, Point 8431.  If you chase it down, be prepared for an initial “hike” that ascends fairly steep terrain above the saddle before the gradient moderates somewhat from the top of the steep section on to the summit of this mountain.  You will gain a bit more than 800 feet of elevation as you attain this peak, all off-trail. Do careful route planning, anticipate considerable bushwhacking, and budget sufficient time—especially if you combine this adventure with also trying for the cache on top of the highest sentinel, to the south.

 

The cache is small jar; look for it against the trunk of a small fir tree that has two small pine trees adjacent to it.  Re-cover it carefully after you replace it to the hiding location. 

 

Have fun reaching the summit of this “sentinel”.  Enjoy finding this geocache and its special treasure–the log sheet for you to sign!