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Pinyon Peak Lookout Traditional Cache

Hidden : 9/1/2014
Difficulty:
2.5 out of 5
Terrain:
4 out of 5

Size: Size:   regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

Of the many mountain lookouts in Idaho, Pinyon Peak may be my favorite.  It's the highest peak in the area and is adjacent to the F. Church wilderness area. Because of it's location and 9900 ft elevation it offers unobstructed mountain panoramas in all directions; great views of several well known mountains include Mt. Baldy, Twin Peaks, the White Clouds, the Sawtooths, and on the distant horizon Borah Peak, Idaho's highest.



Pinyon Peak lookout on it's rocky perch.

There was a cache here once before but it was retired.  Every lookout deserves a cache, especially one as cool as this, so I'm getting this one going again.

It's a long grueling drive to get to Pinyon Peak but if you enjoy visiting mountain lookouts this one will reward you with some incredible views.  Try to plan your trip when the weather is clear and there's no forest fire haze.  Many of the panoramas are really inspiring.  South of Pinyon Peak the road follows the ridgeline for several miles offering additional views along the way. 

There are two roads that will take you to Pinyon Peak.  (See waypoint coords below.) One is the Loon Creek Road which turns off from Hwy 75 at Sunbeam.  The 2nd is the Beaver Creek Road (aka forest road 008), off of Hwy 21 up from Stanley.  The latter is shorter but is more primitive with some very rocky stretches.  Either way, this trip is long and not for your family sedan.  It may be slow going but most trucks or SUVs should be fine.   Along the way there are some side roads including mining claims which make for interesting exploring.

The cache is a metal ammo box.  Per the request of the lookout personnel, it's not at the lookout site but a few switchbacks down from the peak.

This area is remote so please take necessary precautions and use common sense.  Make sure your vehicle is up to the task and as in any remote location, have plenty of gas, food, water, and emergency supplies.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Irel fubeg pyvzo. Ebpxf - Haqre n ovt bar, oruvaq fznyyre barf.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)