GC4JZ3G The Tarn
Type: Traditional | Size: Small | Difficulty: | Terrain:
By: Denali41 @ | Hide Date: 08/15/2013 | Status: Available
Country: United States | State: Colorado
Coordinates: N39° 24.579 W106° 06.970 | Last updated: 08/30/2019 | Fav points: 0
               

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CONGRATULATIONS TO estes01 AND ernie66 ON THEIR FTF!!

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From the McCullough Gulch trailhead (elevation 11,080 feet) north of the marvelous East Ridge of Quandary Peak, the McCullough Gulch Trail traverses west to Upper Blue Lake (elevation about 11,900 feet). The trail is nicely maintained by the US Forest Service and ends at this spectacular lake. Along the way, several majestic waterfalls (including White Falls) are passed, with the steep north face of Quandary’s East Ridge lending a superb visual background setting to the cascading water of the creek’s many falls. It’s a special place for a hike! At Upper Blue Lake the formal trail ends and little foot traffic goes higher. The vast majority of hikers turn back at the lake. But a lightly-trekked use trail begins along the north side of the lake and works initially through steep, rocky terrain and then onto flatter, open alpine tundra to an unnamed lake at 12,555 feet. The use trail ends at this lake.

North of this unnamed tarn are several other glacially-formed pools. Climbers pass these tarns when they follow the “Trade Winds” route used by adventurous folks interested in ascending Pacific and Atlantic Peaks from McCullough Gulch instead of from the normally used western approaches to these Centennial 13ers. The Trade Winds offers a memorable climbing experience. About 1/4 mile north of the lake at 12,555 feet is a small glacial pond carved into a relatively flat piece of alpine real estate. It is not difficult to reach this tarn once you've made the effort to hike to the end of the use trail at the slightly lower lake. The elevation of this water feature is approximately 12,700 feet.

The cache is hidden a short distance west of this small alpine tarn. Look for a large, solitary rock and concentrate your search under it. You are seeking an altoids tin. Be certain you re-hide the cache carefully and place rocks over its top to keep it from migrating or being carried off by small mammals. Also, be certain to relax in this beautiful setting as you enjoy the rugged mountainous terrain that rises above you in all directions. As indicated earlier, it’s a special place! Enjoy the location; enjoy your hike; and enjoy the pleasure of signing the cache log!

08/31/2015 By estes01
We searched for quite a while for that tin, but we weren't searching out in the open places, just going from large rock to large rock. Pretty sure we found the spot it was originally hidden in, but think some critter must have dragged it away. Well now he has two containers to play with.

07/23/2015 By sepfind
Found the cache no problem, once I got up there! Co-ords are right on. I also found the original tin container right out in the open about 10 ft. from gz. I signed both logs and left both containers together.

The trail around the north side of the reservoir is partly flooded and in bad condition. I ended up going up the drainage to the north which put me out right at the glacial pond. There was more climbing this way but this basin was beautiful also!
The cache deserves a fav point for the spectacular location. Next time I would go the recommended route though. tftc!

07/19/2015 By ernie66
Great hike today up McCullough Gulch. There was still quite a bit of mud and a couple of snowfields left blocking the trail, but that just adds to the fun. The incredible spread of wildflowers more than made up for anything else. With the wet spring, we see flowers of types we don't recall seeing before and astronomical quantities of the more familiar species. Great spot, thanks!

07/19/2015 By estes01
I guess we are FTFs on this one! That's what happens when you replace a cache that hasn't been found. Our GZ exactly fit your description and it was easy to see where the altoid tin had previously been hidden. Unfortunately the resident marmot must love peppermint. We replaced the cache with a cammo'd peanut butter jar and secured with several rocks. Hopefully this one will last. The hike up McCullough Gulch was beautiful, wet and muddy. We love your hides. Thank you :-)

08/15/2013 By HighCountryAdmin
Published