Sentinel Mountain

Jackson County has 114 mountain summits that are officially designated as “ranked” peaks. Sentinel Mountain is one of them, and its elevation (9,082 feet) places it as the thirteenth lowest peak in the county. To reach Sentinel’s high point requires an effort that involves a round trip hike of about 3 miles and an elevation gain of about 1,100 feet. You will be hiking through terrain that supports very few trees, so don’t count on tree shade for heat moderation in summer months. Take plenty of fluids, extra clothing for possible changes in the weather, and some items to snack on. The views from the top of Sentinel are outstanding, so plan to spend some time appreciating them. The peaks of the Mount Zirkel Wilderness and the Park Range rise to the west; the mountains of the Rabbit Ears Range form the southern border of Jackson County and are nicely viewed from Sentinel; the great summits of the Rawah Wilderness rise to the southeast and extend, south of Cameron Pass, as the Never Summer Range. So DO make time to take in the spectacular scenery when you reach this summit area!!

A low cell tower occupies the high point of this mountain. Associated with it are two green buildings: a larger one is at the southeast. Call this Building A. For purposes of this cache, the smaller building immediately to the northwest is Building B. Each of these buildings has one or more signs that contain a series of digits. In both cases, the signs are adjacent to the building’s door. Stand right at the sign at Building A and record its coordinates. These are the coordinates for Point A. Then go to Building B and stand directly in front of the sign and record the coordinates for Point B.

The cache is located ABC meters South of Point A, where "A" is the first digit of the number sequence on the sign at Point A; "B" is the fifth digit - 1; and "C" is the sixth digit + 1 It is positioned DE meters East of Point B, where "D" is the seventh digit - 1 of the upper sequence of numbers at Point B, and "E" is the third digit of the upper sequence. Make the necessary calculations and then go find the cache and sign its log. The cache is hidden in a hole between two large flattish slabs with the southern slab leaning on the northern one. The hide is at the East end of these inclined slabs and is covered with sticks. Refer to the spoiler photo if you need to. It’s a small container wrapped in black tape. It has no pencil or pen.

The mountain is on BLM land and can be reached directly from Jackson County Road 6E without any need to trespass on private ranch land. Make certain to review an appropriate map so you know where to access the public land. A wire gate just east of the cattle guard can be opened, allowing you to park off the road, inside the fence. Be certain to close the gate. If you have a high clearance vehicle you can drive north for a bit. Be aware that soon you will reach very soft sand that can cause problems for some vehicles.

Have a fun hike up to the summit of this marvelous peak and enjoy the cache.

Additional Waypoints