Ape Caves — Friday, Aug. 9, 2024

Upper ape cave experience.
PSA: NOT for people who havent climbed in a while, have bad knees, or are carring a ton of extra weight or youll struggle to climb the 3 rock walls and verticle rope that makes you lift your own weight up 12 feet on a rope ladder 1.5 miles in. might be 2 miles in and out, but it's constant climbing, and upon finishing, you still have to walk back 2 miles to the parking lot. So, know your boundaries and limits!

Climate and climbing: Wear layers as it's 44 degrees year round. Also, 2 light sources, NOT your phone. we brought headlamps and flashlights. if you're looking to do the upper caves, wear a small or no backpack as you'll scramble up 3 very high rock walls, and lots of rocker that will question if you're on the right train (you are). No huge thru hiking backpacks, or you'll get them stuck on the rocks. also bring some gloves to climb up some rocks. This is a totally doable hike for experienced hikers and climbers, which is why it's labeled moderate.

Pointers: Two times, you'll question if you got lost (cave gets really small). You haven't. Keep going. On tye climb out and up the ladder you get to the top. take a LEFT and follow the trail of BLUE arrows back.

The upper caves are a blast and quiet as many don't brave this way, but it's worth it for people who enjoy climbing and hiking.