The location of this cache is at the top of a small mountain about midway between Junction Peak and Sniktau, near Loveland Pass (off U.S. 6). It affords excellent views of a variety of mountains, roads and ski areas.
Little Sniktau, sometimes called Sniktau Jr., is the "hill" that lies between what we call Junction Peak to the south and Sniktau to the north. Like Junction Peak, it is a good destination for hikers who might not have the time or energy to go all the way to Sniktau. The high meadows in the area have excellent displays of wildflowers in season and the walking, once one has gotten up to Junction Peak, is easy. We are calling this cache "4000 on Little Sniktau" because that is its approximate elevation in meters.
This cache requires high altitude hiking. Wear hiking boots (and hiking poles are useful). The route up to Junction Peak is steep. From there, north to Little Sniktau, is much easier--but often the wind is harsh on the ridge (this part is definitely a ridge walk--and mostly uphill but not steeply), especially in winter. Although yesterday, when we placed the cache, it was mild--I still wore my sweatshirt and gloves for most of the hike. As this is a altitude cache, know the signs of altitude sickness--be aware of how you are feeling. Drink plenty of water--it is dry up here. This is an intense walk, especially for cachers unused to Colorado's heights. So take it easy and enjoy the walk and the views.
Park at Loveland Pass--US 6.
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 your wish, yourself, you will have earned your smiley.
4000 on Little Sniktau
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