Alpine Springs Shack

The location of this cache is one of numerous shrines and memorials placed within the ski areas around Aspen. It was built as a memorial to three local men who all passed in 2014, each unexpected and tragic in their own way. A few more details are located at this link.

Getting here will pose a few minor safety challenges due to the terrain. Read carefully to stay safe.

In summer: the site is next to a downhill mountain bike trail (under construction, expected to open summer 2019) designated for BIKES ONLY - NO HIKERS. DO NOT HIKE UP OR DOWN on this bike route as there may be speeding bikes coming down around tight turns with no visibility of pedestrians. This is true of several other downhill bike trails in the area. Most trail junctions have signs to indicate they are for bikes only, hikers only, shared, one-way (usually downhill), etc. The nearest hiking is the Government Trail (shared bike/hike/horseback), from which you can walk on the open ski slope the rest of the way. Try to stay on established trails as much as possible. When you do arrive be extra careful if you must cross over the bike track and choose a place with good visibility. Other than steering clear of downhill bikes, you are free to approach on a variety of trails and roads that lead up from the Mall, Base Village, or down from the top of the gondola lift. If you are biking the downhill trail, pull off a safe distance, and watch/listen for traffic before continuing your ride.

In winter: the closest adjacent ski run is Tom's Trace, designated as black diamond, expert terrain. This is the only expert run on the Alpine Springs section of the mountain, completely surrounded by intermediate runs. If you decide to venture in with intermediate skills, it should be possible to traverse and/or side-step your way down, find the cache, and escape to gentler terrain only a short way down the hill. In any case the Alpine Springs chairlift will take you right over the full length of Tom's Trace and very close to the cache location, so you can see in advance what you are getting into. GZ is located just off the slope in a wooded area where you should use good judgement in dealing with standing trees, fallen trees, tree stumps, rocks, and other obstacles that may be visible or hidden by snow cover. Also note in winter uphill traffic (snowshoe, XC skiing) is prohibited in this area, specifically on Adams Avenue. If you are headed up to Gwyn's / High Alpine you should follow the designated route going up Green Cabin / Coffee Pot and find your way here while descending.

In any season: do not forget this is national forest where wild animals reside, including but not limited to bear (actually saw one the day the cache was placed), fox, coyote, elk, deer, moose.

Parking: I have included the coordinates of a place where it is legal to park in the summer. If you are tempted to park at the top of Wood Road, there is no street parking here. Most visitors will be here for a longer hike anyway. Pick up a free trail map at the Mall or Base Village to see what options are available. If you were to start by hiking from the top of the Elk Camp Gondola it is nearly all downhill to get close to the cache and to get back to the village.

The cache itself is about a quart size plastic screw-top container covered with camo tape.

Additional Waypoints

P07WFCT - National Forest Partking
N 39° 11.858 W 106° 56.922
In summer this is a designated parking area for hiking and horseback access to trails in the White River National Forest. Do not drive beyond the posted signs at the gate to the maintenance yard. Roads farther up the mountain are restricted to Ski Company maintenance vehicles only.