Stealey Mountain Road Cache

Stealey Mountain Road is the access point for several excellent hiking trails. Any type vehicle can access the trailhead parking area, with turnaround room for RVs, trucks with horse-trailers, etc. Much of Stealey Mtn. Road is closed to automobiles, but open to hikers, mountain-bikes, ATVs, horses, and motorbikes. Strollers and wheelchairs are POSSIBLE to cache-site but road-surface is large gravel in places. Tall trees and nearby mountains make GPS a bit tricky -- be persistant.

From Highway 550, take Ouray County Road 10 east towards Owl Creek Pass, then turn onto Ouray County Road 8 to continue towards Owl Creek Pass. This road will take you through two of the largest working cattle ranches in the 500 square miles of Ouray County (Sleeping Indian Ranch with over 10,000 acres, and Chimney Peak Ranch, also huge). When you cross into the Uncompahgre National Forest, just keep going. As you approach the cache location, watch for the Stealey Trailhead signs. Take the trailhead turnoff -- that will be Stealey Mountain Road. Park at the end of the automobile-accessable part of the road and walk, bike, ride (or whatever) from there. This is a no-fee public area. There is a trailhead logbook if you plan on a long hike or an overnight back-country camp. Camping (free) is limited to 14 days in any 30 day period. There is no camping at the trailhead parking area itself. This is the vehicle access point for Counthouse Mtn Trail #218, Courthouse Trailhead, West Fork Road, and Stealey Mtn. Trailhead. When parking, please do not block the turnaround area for other (perhaps larger) vehicles. Thanks! Note of interest: Stealey Mountain was named for the Stealey Family, an early pioneering family in Ouray County.

Cache container is a waterproof lock-n-lock container about the size of 1/2 loaf of bread. This cache is dedicated to hard-working cattle dogs and is filled with dog-related items (no biscuits or food items). Due to wildlife, please leave NON-FOOD trade items only (dog items preferred but not required). Hint is a total spoiler - try the fun of finding without it first.