The location of this cache is at the top of Mount Snikau, at 4,038 meters (13, 242 feet) above sea level. It is the 448th highest peak in Colorado according to the statistics compiled by 13ers.com. It affords wonderful views of a variety of mountains, roads and ski areas (and there is a benchmark at the top for you benchmark seekers.)
According to the Wikipedia article I read, "Sniktau" was the pen name of the Clear Creek county journalist Edwin H.N.Patterson who became editor of the Georgetown newspaper, The Colorado Miner, in 1875. Although Patterson said that he was given the name by Native Americans, he might have derived his unique moniker from that of a fellow journalist, W.F. Watkins whose pen name was "Sniktaw"--a reversal of his last name.
The trail to Sniktau 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 climb to "Little Sniktau", a moderate drop and then the final moderate climb to the peak. The views from the peak are astounding. One can see the Interstate 70 to the north and the mountains beyond it. One can see Loveland Pass below and to the south one can see Grizzly Peak, Grays, and Torreys and to the west, the mountains of the Gore Range and beyond. One can see close by the Loveland Ski area runs and further afield, those of Arapaho Basin, Keystone and even Breckenridge on a clear day.
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 yourself, if you wish, and you will have earned your smiley.
Park at Loveland Pass--U.S. 6.
Sniktau
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