CONGRATULATIONS TO Grand Junction Dad FOR THE FTF!!
Jackson County has 114 mountain summits that are officially designated as “ranked” peaks. X9917 is one of them, and its elevation places it as the 79th highest of the 114. The USGS has not given it a name, so it is simply identified by its elevation: 9,917 feet above MSL. The summit is in the Rabbit Ears Range on the Continental Divide, and the boundaries of Jackson County and Grand County pass through the highest point of the mountain.
The hike up X9917 is a relatively easy one from the logical parking area–the saddle between this peak and Chimney Rock to the east. From parking, an old road bed (closed to any vehicle use) passes through a spruce/fir forest to the vicinity of the peak’s high point. Just east of the HP the old road crosses over into Grand County and traverses along the south side of X9917, less than 100 feet (vertical) below the actual summit. Open meadow/shrub cover is crossed from the “road” on up to the high point. Views from the summit area are sensational. You should plan to spend some time at this fairly remote spot looking out at immense stretches of unbroken forests and mountain meadows and some marvelous peaks. Bring a lunch and enjoy this special location!
The cache is a small plastic jar that’s wrapped in camo tape. It’s hidden at the base of the largest tree within a small cluster of firs a short distance down-elevation from the highest point. It’s held in place by a couple of small rocks I moved to the place, and its covered by several sticks for concealment. The hike entails an elevation gain of about 400 feet and a round trip distance of a little more than 1.5 miles. Be certain to bring a pen or pencil. During summer, also bring mosquito reppellant. The skeeters descended in masses on my puppy Orizaba and me during our hike to this nice high point!
Peak X9917
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