Rock Tank Rocks Traditional Geocache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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Ballantine Canyon. 6.37 Miles from the lower trailhead, and 3.79 miles from the upper one.
Hidden in the far reaches of Ballantine Canyon, what amazing sights will you see on your way here?
I was among the first to find the first caches along the lower section of this trail, and upon deciding to return to the area today (to make a couple of FTFs on some newer caches here) I chose to make good on a promise to myself to visit the upper reaches of this scenic area.
After accompanying AZgeckogirl to the 'Boulder Flat' cache (GCHF1F) and arriving about 1430 Hrs. we parted company and I headed up the trail to hide this cache. I intended to put it at a location called 'Rock Tank'. 'Rock Tank' (according to the trail signage I saw) is four miles beyond the true 'Boulder Flat', which is actually .86 miles beyond the Boulder Flat Cache. Due to the difficulties in traversing the 'trail', the distance involved, and my lack of foresight in not recording the co-ordinates of 'Rock Tank', the cache is hidden a bit below where I wanted to put it. As I was striving to get to my target, I noticed I had only about a half-hour of daylight remaining, so I had to place my cache and head back.
I think you'll find it is in an interesting spot all the same.
The cache is hidden only about 100 Ft. off the 'trail', so minimal bushwhacking will be needed.
I have put 'trail' in quotes because beyond the true Boulder Flat, there are several sections where it is less a 'trail' and more a goat-path. There are many washed-out sections and overgrown areas which will require your full attention to navigate. Luckily someone has placed plenty of 'rock ducks' at the critical areas , and these will make the journey possible.
There are three potential ways to approach this one:
1) You could do it the way I hid it, coming up from the Ballantine Trailhead on the Beeline Highway (SR87). This will require a 6.37 mile hike (one way) and an elevation gain of about 2650 Ft.
2) You could come down from the Four Peaks road along the Matazal Divide trail, and return to the same trailhead. This would require a 3.79 mile hike (one way), and only a 2370 Ft. elevation gain. The kicker here is that most of that elevation gain would be on the return trip.
3) You could start at the top on the Four Peaks road, and make your way (mostly) downhill to the cache, and then proceed on down to the Ballantine trailhead on the Beeline Highway. This could be the easiest hiking option, but the vehicle placement logistics will be a problem.
Be advised my JEEP-to-JEEP time was approximately 8.5 Hours.
The usual wilderness caveats apply:
1. Bring plenty of water.
2. Wear sturdy, ankle-supporting footwear.
3. Tell someone where you will be going, and when you plan to return home. Then stick to the plan.
4. Beware prickly or poisonous plants.
5. Keep a sharp eye out for rattlesnakes, don't step or put your hands where you can't see. The use of a hiking stick is highly recommended.
6. Bring plenty of water.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Frr Fcbvyre Cubgb.