Middle Benchmark (4505')

[Sean]

In 2017 Cecelia and I failed to bag Middle Benchmark due to me being stupid. Today we rectified that mistake and finally got our butts up there. Yes, we drove 99% of the way, but, hey, at least we walked the non-road portion (i.e., the firebreak) and stood on the true summit. We also found the original 1945 benchmark, which had been bulldozed and tossed over the side of the summit. I set the monument upright again, where I found it discarded and forgotten. If you visit, don't haul it back to the summit, or it might be bulldozed again. We also left a register and forum swag in the rock outcropping up there.

We drove 15.5 miles on the Rincon-Redbox Road to reach Middle Benchmark.

The hole in the ground where the monument once resided.

Sitting on the rocks at Middle Benchmark.

For bonus points, we ate lunch at Spring Camp.

Treefall has damaged the bridge at Spring Camp.

Then we also hiked to Peak 4351.

4351 basically sucked. The animal paths on the firebreak were overgrown, and the summit was covered in brush. The views were nice though.

[Nate U]

Did you need a special pass or something to drive that Redbox-Rincon road?

[Sean]

Did you need a special pass or something to drive that Redbox-Rincon road?

You need the number combination for the lock on the gate, which the FS will give you.

[Girl Hiker]

I have the gate combo to the lock.

[tekewin]

Thanks for restoring the monument and benchmark. I can't believe it survived the bulldozing in such good shape.

[Girl Hiker]