Near the Boundary--Comanche Peak Wilderness 2

Wilderness -- "an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain ... an area protected and managed so as to preserve its natural conditions." —The Wilderness Act of 1964

This is the 50th anniversary year of the enactment of The Wilderness Act, an especially noteworthy event!

The Comanche Peak Wilderness encompasses 66,791 acres and is located in the Canyon Lakes District of the Roosevelt National Forest. This wilderness was designated by the U.S. Congress in 1980, and is named for the prominent peak (12,709 feet in elevation) that lies along its southern border. It shares the summit of Comanche Peak with Rocky Mountain National Park, so hikers who make their way to the top of Comanche get to “double dip” by straddling a peak that’s both in the park as well as in the wilderness area. Despite the proximity of the wilderness to the national park, it receives relatively few visitors. It also shares with the park a majestic beauty with sweeping panoramas of magnificent terrain. The Neota Wilderness Area approaches but does not actually align with a portion of Comanche Peak Wilderness near its western boundary. Elevation ranges from approximately 8,000 feet to 12,702 feet.

More than 125 miles of trails exist in Comanche Peak Wilderness along 19 maintained trails. These provide a plethora of hiking and camping opportunities in spectacular visual settings. As summarized in The Colorado Mountain Club Pack Guide entitled “Comanche Peak Wilderness Area Hiking & Snowshoeing Guide” by Joe and Frederique Grim, destinations accessible by these trails include eight lakes, 16 named rivers and creeks, two named waterfalls, Comanche Peak and six other named peaks, and numerous unnamed but equally impressive mountain summits. Much of the wilderness lies above tree line, enhancing the superb viewsheds. Photos, descriptions, maps, and information about the trails and hikes in this wilderness are available for free viewing at www.joeandfrede.com/comanche.htm.

BIG BEND BUMP

Just east of Kinikinik the Cache La Poudre River makes an abrupt turn from its Northeastern course to a Southeastern course. This marked change in the river’s direction is known as the “Big Bend”, and Big Bend Campground is close to the approximate location of this dramatic change in the river’s orientation. Soaring above the Poudre directly south of this change in the river’s course is a high point that has an elevation of 9,146 feet; the top is almost 1,500 feet above the river. Joe Grim has given this HP an unofficial name: “Big Bend Bump”. It’s truly more than a “bump”! The boundary of Comanche Peak Wilderness passes through the summit of Big Bend Bump. As might be expected, the wilderness border here follows closely, but far above , the directional orientation of the river: from the west, a straight line NE to the Bump, with a 90-degree turn at the summit to the SE.

The cache is placed north of the Bump’s summit, a bit outside the wilderness boundary, but “Near” it. The container’s hidden in a rock formation and protected by a few small rocks to prevent its “migration” downhill. A couple of sticks are on top of the hiding rocks. Be certain to replace and protect it carefully so it stays in its proper location. Look for a quart-sized container wrapped in black tape.

The challenging hike from the logical parking area to the summit of Big Bend Bump is rated at 4.5 Terrain. Because a crossing of the Poudre River is also required, I have given an overall Terrain rating of 5 stars. It's best that you do not use the appealing private bridge to make this river crossing. It's well-posted and is clearly off limits. When you “go” for this cache, it’s advisable for you to inform someone of your plans and your destination. It’s best that you don’t go up to this cache solo. This is a backcountry cache that should not be undertaken by cache seekers who have no experience in off-trail hiking in steep terrain. No technical climbing is involved.

The views down into the canyon from this special place are remarkable. Sit down and enjoy where you are. Soak it in, so you don’t forget your memorable experience in ascending to this cache. And be careful on your descent.

CONGRATULATIONS TO icezebra11 FOR THE FTF!!!

Additional Waypoints

P15E6Q2 - Parking
N 40° 42.225 W 105° 43.100
Good Place to Park