2019 Bighorn Mountains – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Bighorn Peak, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming (7-23-19)

Days 3 & 4 of Lupe’s 2nd 2019 Dingo Vacation to the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming!

7-23-19, early morning N of Loaf Mountain –

Daylight in the swamps, Miss Snoozy Dingo!

Morning already? I was having such a beautiful dream!

Apparently. No waking me up at the crack of dawn today, I see.

Nothing wrong with getting a few winks in, SPHP! Are we still going to Bighorn Peak today?

Had my doubts during the night, Loopster, but it’s a fabulous morning! So, it’s now or never for Bighorn Peak! You in?

Of, course! Let’s do it!

That’s the spirit! Let’s have a bite to eat, first. We can leave the tiny house and sleeping bags right here. Loaf Mountain was hard enough. Not going to lug all this gear clear to the top of Bighorn Peak and back, too.

Outside the tiny house, it really was a fabulous morning – blue sky, and clear as a bell! Lupe stretched and sniffed in the sunlight while SPHP got ready. Before long, the American Dingo was on her way, setting off for the mightiest mountain she would climb in 2019!

Outside the tiny house. **Loaf Mountain** in the background. Photo looks SSE.

N of Loaf Mountain (11,722 ft.) a series of lower high points wound more than 1.5 miles NW. A connecting ridge extended all the way over to a big saddle at 10,740 feet at the base of Bighorn Peak (12,324 ft.). Plan A was to stay fairly high following this ridge, but it quickly became apparent that this route might be problematic. The high ground was all rocky and rough.

Staying high early on. **Bighorn Peak** (Center). **Darton Peak (12,275 ft.)** (R). **HP 11188** (Center) in the foreground. Photo looks NNW.

After crossing a long rocky stretch, Lupe made it to a level area with some greenery just S of HP 11188. When an attempt to go around the E side revealed only more big rocks ahead, SPHP had had enough. A big snowbank provided an opportunity to pack some more snow into the water bottles, but once that was done, the Carolina Dog headed W.

On easier terrain S of **HP 11188** (L). **Bighorn Peak** (Center). Photo looks NNW.

Just **E of HP 11188**. **Darton Peak** (far L) in the distance. Photo looks N.

**Bighorn Peak** (L) and **Darton Peak** (Center) from **E of HP 11188**. Photo looks NNW.

Plan B was to head NW down the broad, gentle East Tensleep Creek valley. This would involve losing hundreds of extra feet of elevation, and Lupe would still eventually have to go over or around the ridge she was abandoning, but at least she could tackle that challenge from a point much closer to Bighorn Peak.

Despite talus fields that extended quite a long way down into the East Tensleep Creek valley, Plan B worked out quite well. Once far enough W, Lupe escaped the rocks. Reaching East Tensleep Creek, she turned NW making rapid progress down the valley.

Approaching the **East Tensleep Creek valley** after abandoning the high ground near HP 11188. Lupe would eventually pass between the 2 big snow banks seen on the R. **Peak 11279** (R). Photo looks WNW.

**Loaf Mountain** (Center) from down in the **East Tensleep Creek valley**. Photo looks SE.

By **East Tensleep Creek** approaching another rocky stretch. **Bighorn Peak** (R). **Peak 11279** (L). Photo looks NW.

East Tensleep Creek began to curve W. Continuing her NW course, Lupe abandoned the stream. She aimed for a darker green area near some low cliffs. At about 10,480 feet, this region appeared destined to be the low point of the journey to Bighorn Peak.

The dark green area proved to be both bushy and boggy. Fortunately, a natural rock dam toward the lower W side provided an easy way around the bushes and across a tributary of East Tensleep Creek. Once over the stream, Lupe continued NW starting up a hillside leading to a minor ridge. Passing between two large snowbanks, she soon reached the top.

Approaching the bushy, boggy area, the low point of Lupe’s journey to Bighorn Peak. From here she went up between the 2 snowbanks in the distance to the ridge above them. Photo looks NW.

Looking back up the **East Tensleep Creek valley** from the same spot. **Loaf Mountain** (Center). Photo looks SE.

Up on the low ridge taking a break from the sun.

So far, so good, but now what? Looking around, it appeared maybe SPHP had been too hasty in abandoning the higher ground earlier on. More of the ridge Lupe would have traveled had she stuck with it could be seen from here, and much of it didn’t look that bad. Might actually have been a more direct route, and less troublesome than feared.

Too late now.

Another interesting view was off to the SW where both Meadowlark Lake and Peak 9300 were in sight. Lupe had been to Peak 9300 only a few weeks ago.

Looking back from the minor ridge. **Loaf Mountain** (R of Center) and the **East Tensleep Creek valley** (Center). The high ground toward the L that Lupe would have traveled, if SPHP hadn’t given up so easily, didn’t look that bad. Maybe staying high would have been a better, more direct route after all? Photo looks SE.

**Meadowlark Lake** (straight out from Lupe) is barely visible at the base of **Peak 9300** (L of Center). Photo looks SW.

Decision time. It appeared Lupe had 3 choices on which way to go from here. The first option was to follow a broad ramp NE returning to the high ground somewhere near HP 11125. Lupe could then turn NW and head down to the still unseen saddle at the base of Bighorn Peak.

Option No. 1 – Go way up the **easy ramp** (R) to the high ground (Center) somewhere near **HP 11125** before turning NW (L) and descending to the saddle leading to Bighorn Peak. Photo looks NE.

The second option was to simply continue NW until Loopster could get around the W end of the HP 11125 ridge. This was actually what SPHP had in mind in coming here, but in practice looked like a bigger detour than expected. Lupe would have to lose a bunch of elevation again.

Option No. 2 – Go all the way around the W (L) side of the nearby big ridge on the R. Looked like Lupe might have to go clear down to the trees on the L to avoid all the rocks. Photo looks NW.

In the end, Lupe took the third option. The American Dingo headed up to the closest gap in the ridge to the N and went through it.

Option No. 3 – *Tell ya what! We’re just going to head up over that little saddle at the far L and hope for the best!* Photo looks NNE.

The maneuver worked! Lupe got up to and over the little saddle without a hitch. On the far side, sure enough, there was Bighorn Peak and the big, broad 10,740 foot saddle leading to it! The Carolina Dog had to wait for SPHP to pick a way 200 feet down a fairly steep talus slope to get to the saddle, but success was inevitable.

*Looking good! Just have to get down to the saddle on the R, then climb **Bighorn Peak** (L)!* Photo looks N.

On the N side of the 10,740 foot saddle a prominent rocky knob stuck out from the rest of the terrain. Once SPHP was down out of the talus, Lupe headed for it. From the base of this knob, the summit of Bighorn Peak (12,324 ft.) was nearly 1,600 feet higher, uphill all the way.

Near the base of the rocky knob on the N side of the 10,740 foot saddle. Lupe stayed to the W (L) of it, although it later turned out that going farther E (R) would have been a better choice. Photo looks NE.

Staying W (L) of the prominent knob, Loopster started her ascent. The grassy slope was steep and got steeper. Before long the Carolina Dog was above all vegetation scrambling toward a rocky ridge. Slow going, but she eventually got there.

Scrambling higher already well above and beyond the prominent knob. Photo looks N.

Upon reaching the ridgeline, a wide shallow ramp was seen ahead. Much of this ramp, which sloped relentlessly higher to the NNW, was chock full ‘o rocks. However, on the far side there appeared to be a fair amount of greenery. Clearly, Lupe would have been much better off if she had come up well E of the prominent knob back down by the big saddle. That discovery had come too late. Oh, well!

Up on the ridgeline where a broad ramp lies ahead. Photo looks N.

No choice, but to continue up the rocky ramp. The ramp had a number of big snowbanks. Crossing snow was easier and faster than the endless rock hop. Whenever she could, Lupe took advantage of the snow. The biggest snowfield helped her get over to the far (N) side of the ramp where at least some vegetation helped make the trek less demanding.

Higher and higher! Besides the overall rockiness, no difficulties existed to prevent Lupe from attaining success. Nothing at all technical or the least bit scary along the entire route. Endurance and perseverance were all it took. The fearless American Dingo roamed ahead while SPHP brought up the rear.

Weather was the only concern. As the afternoon wore on, the morning’s clear skies were giving way to increasing cloudiness.

Taking advantage of one of the first snowbanks to avoid the rocks. Photo looks N.

Cooling off at the base of a big snowbank. Photo looks N.

A glance back at **Loaf Mountain** (L). Photo looks SSE.

Above a big snowfield, Lupe went over a minor lip along the ramp. The terrain wasn’t quite as steep up here. A SW subpeak of Bighorn Peak (12,324 ft.) was now in sight. The topo map showed this subpeak at only a little less than 12,200 feet. Encouraging! Looper was getting close! Bighorn Peak’s true summit was only 150 feet higher than that.

Approaching **Bighorn Peak’s SW subpeak (12,180 ft.)** (Center). Photo looks NW.

**Meadowlark Lake** and **Peak 9300** (L) were in sight again. Photo looks SW with lots of help from the telephoto lens.

*Onward!* **Bighorn Peak’s SW subpeak** (L). **Main summit region** (R). Photo looks NNW.

The ascent ended with a steep scramble up large talus. The weather turned dicey. Two thunderstorms threatened. The first was very dark. No lightning, but Lupe became nervous as thunder rumbled not too far away. SPHP kept an eye out for big overhanging rocks beneath which shelter might be taken. Despite it all, the Carolina Dog kept scrambling higher, sometimes during brief rain showers.

Just like yesterday, all the worst of the weather seemed to stay just E of the spine of the Bighorn Range. The darkest, most ominous clouds hung around just NE of Bighorn Peak.

Approaching the summit region. Photo looks N.

Coming up the S slope, Lupe reached a vast summit region near its SW end. The whole top of the mountain was a jumble of rock. The true summit wasn’t visible at first, but was clearly somewhere farther N. Fortunately, by this time the darkest clouds were already moving off to the SE. The threat of a serious storm had diminished.

On **Bighorn Peak** near the SW end of the vast summit region. **Lost Twin Lakes Peak (12,015 ft.)** (R) not too far away. Photo looks WNW.

Looking back at **Bighorn Peak’s SW subpeak** (L). Photo looks SW.

At first glance, a flat rock to the NNE sitting at a slight angle looked like the true summit. Scrambling among boulders, Lupe headed for it.

The flat, dark, thin rock in the distance (R) looked like it might be the true summit. Photo looks NNE.

Even before Lupe got there, it became clear this odd rock wasn’t actually the true summit. The very top of Bighorn Peak was now visible only a few hundred feet farther NNE. SPHP was ecstatic! Loopster was going to make it!

Near the flat rock (R). **True summit of Bighorn Peak** (L) in sight! Photo looks NNE.

Approaching the true summit, a dramatic distant view of Cloud Peak (13,167 ft.) was off to the NNW. Circling around S side of the summit block, Lupe found an easy way to scramble up from the E.

**Cloud Peak** (Center) from Bighorn Peak. Photo looks NNW.

Closing in on the **true summit** (R of Center). Photo looks N.

While Lupe stood on the big light-colored boulder at the true summit, SPHP congratulated her on her grand success! Bighorn Peak was the highest mountain the Carolina Dog would climb in 2019, and yet another major peak she had been to along the lofty spine of the Bighorn Range. Lupe grinned at the praise.

*Made it! Here we are at the tippy top of mighty **Bighorn Peak**!* Photo looks NNW.

Several feet below the N side of the summit rock, an army green metal box with a red cross on the cover was tucked away in a sheltered spot. Naturally, it contained a registry. While Lupe looked on, SPHP added her name. Then it was time to enjoy the tremendous views available from the summit of Bighorn Peak.

At the **true summit**. Note the registry box (lower R). Photo looks SW.

There was a lot to see. The most attention grabbing view was of the two highest mountains Lupe had ever climbed in the Bighorns – Cloud Peak (13,167 ft.) and Bomber Mountain (12,840 ft.).

**Cloud Peak** (L) and **Bomber Mountain** (the short ridge just R of Center). Photo looks NNW with help from the telephoto lens.

**Cloud Peak** (L) and **Bomber Mountain** (short ridge at far R) again. Photo looks NNW with even more help from the telephoto lens.

A mere 1.5 miles away, Darton Peak (12,275 ft.) was also toward the N. At one point, SPHP had dreamed that Lupe might make it all the way to Darton Peak on this trip. Although it looked possible to get to Darton Peak from here, clearly there wasn’t enough time (or energy) to do it.

**Cloud Peak** (Center) and **Darton Peak** (R). Photo looks NNW.

**Darton Peak** (L) was only 1.5 miles away. A pity Lupe wasn’t going to get there, but it was a mountain too far. Photo looks N with help from the telephoto lens.

To the W, Lupe could see a huge gash. Lake 10577 was somewhere down in that deep canyon, but couldn’t be seen from here. Lost Twin Lakes down in another deep canyon to the NW weren’t visible from Bighorn Peak, either.

**Lake 10577** was hidden somewhere down in the deep canyon visible beyond Lupe. Photo looks W.

Loaf Mountain (11,722 ft.) was off to the SE. Lupe would have to return to it this evening. Beyond Loaf were half a dozen lower peaks that Lupe had visited at one time or another, too, including both Hazelton Peak (10,264 ft.) and Hazelton Pyramid (10,534 ft.).

**Loaf Mountain** (L). **Hazelton Peak** (R) and **Hazelton Pyramid** (far R) in sunlight. Photo looks SE with help from the telephoto lens.

To see Lame Deer Lake and a couple of the Firehole Lakes, Lupe had to venture E of the summit to where Bighorn Peak dropped away much more steeply.

**Lame Deer Lake** (Center) and a couple of the **Firehole Lakes** (R). Photo looks E.

Another look with help from the telephoto lens. **Lame Deer Lake** (L) and the **Firehole Lakes** (R). Photo looks E.

Yeowch! Where had the time gone? Lupe had been up on Bighorn Peak for more than an hour! Getting late, better skedaddle. Before departing, Lupe returned to the true summit. Such a magnificent spot! A shame to have to leave so soon, but that’s often the way it is, especially among the higher peaks.

**Cloud Peak** (Center) again from **Bighorn Peak**. Photo looks NNW.

Final moments at the **true summit of Bighorn Peak**. Photo looks NE.

Waiting for SPHP to give the signal to depart. Photo looks NE.

Oh, brother! 5:00 PM already, and there was the intrepid Dingo, still perched atop mighty Bighorn Peak. It had taken practically all day to get here. How was Lupe ever going to get to her tiny house way back at Loaf Mountain tonight? Didn’t seem possible.

Puppy, ho! Onward! Like she was shot out of a cannon, the American Dingo came bounding over the boulders. The race back to the tiny house was on! At least to the extent it could be a race among all this rock.

A little Dingo belly sledding during the descent. Photo looks SW.

It took forever to get off the Bighorn Peak summit region and down to friendlier terrain, but once accomplished the pace picked up. A couple of course corrections were in order. On the way back down to the big saddle at 10,740 feet, Lupe stayed quite a bit farther E, this time coming down well E of the rocky prominence.

The 10,740 foot saddle had a huge and delightful surprise for Lupe. The giant deers! Perhaps the same big herd she had seen yesterday S of Loaf Mountain? They were here in force! Lupe was a lot happier to see the giant deers than they were to see her. The herd immediately started heading down the long slope to the SW.

The giant deers were shocked and none too pleased to see a pesky American Dingo once again encroaching on their territory.

Lupe was in luck! SPHP had every intention of leading her down this same valley. Light was already starting to fade. It was too late for SPHP to scramble slowly over the same ridge to the S Lupe had snuck over much earlier in the day. The only hope seemed to be to go far enough W to get around it.

The giant deers warily kept their distance. Lupe had a grand time keeping tabs on them, as she followed them down the slope.

Down, down, down! The giant deers kept retreating. Eagerly, the Dingo kept advancing. Meanwhile, SPHP wondered if there actually was a practical way around the W end of the ridge?

The giant deers didn’t like being followed. All of a sudden, the whole herd bolted down the last open part of the long slope into a forested area, leaving a disappointed Carolina Dog in their dust.

At about 10,440 feet, Lupe finally came across a fairly decent animal trail that curved S. Perhaps the hoped for route around the W end of the ridge? It seemed so, and proved to be so. The trail ultimately curved SE leading back up to the same minor ridge Lupe had been to much earlier in the day – the ridge that overlooked the East Tensleep Creek valley.

Even twilight had faded by the time Lupe reached the boggy, bushy area near the small cliffs. The flashlight came out. In darkness, Lupe began the long trek up the East Tensleep Creek valley. Somewhere way up at the upper end, the tiny house was waiting.

The quiet night was a black one. The faint outline of Loaf Mountain was barely detectable. Super tired, SPHP could advance only short distances without stopping to rest, sometimes even laying flat on the ground for a few minutes to gather a bit of strength.

And the American Dingo? Although she had sometimes begged for rest stops during her ascent of Bighorn Peak, giant deers and darkness had completely energized the crazy Carolina Dog! Unseen, Lupe darted back and forth across the broad valley sniffing and exploring as she pleased. Only occasionally did she reappear in the weak glow of the flashlight to check on SPHP.

At last! At long, long last, an apparition – the tiny house! Middle of the night. Who knew what hour? Once inside, Lupe crunched away at Taste of the Wild, but SPHP only drank a little water. Exhaustion. Collapse! The incredible day that Lupe made it to the top of Bighorn Peak was over.

7-24-19, morning N of Loaf Mountain – Breezy, cloudy, unsettled. Stiffly, SPHP began to stir. A bleary-eyed Carolina Dog laid motionless on her sleeping bag, dead to the world. Situation? Eh, could be better. Out of everything. Not a thing to eat during the coming long march back except Taste of the Wild. Such superb planning! On the bright side, the pack was lighter.

So you coming, Looper, or do I have to roll you up inside the tiny house and carry you?

Hah, right! Like SPHP could have done that. Silence from the tiny house.

It’s time, Loop! We’ve got to get back up and over Loaf Mountain, if we’re ever going to get back to the car.

Car? The magic word! Lupe shot out of the tiny house ready for action! Barking furiously, she leapt and danced around SPHP! A certain Dingo had finally had her fill of the mountains.

The tiny house disassembled, it was farewell to the upper East Tensleep Creek valley. A mere 350 feet up the N slope! Seemed daunting. Talus, boulders, but a better route than last time. A final scramble from the W, and Lupe was back at the summit of Loaf Mountain (11,722 ft.).

Abandoning the **upper East Tensleep Creek valley**. **Bighorn Peak** (L). Photo looks N.

On **Loaf Mountain** again, after having been here for the first time only 2 days ago. Photo looks E.

No annoying insects today! A 25 mph W wind took care of that. Lupe found a bigger, better crack in the rocks to hide out in than the last time she was here while SPHP took in the sights – Bighorn and Darton peaks off to the NNW, and lots of lesser peaks and ridges Lupe had been to, some quite recently, off to the S and SE. It was all magnificent, but after 15 or 20 minutes in the wind, it was enough.

Puppy, ho! Onward! Instead of taking that rough SE ridge lower, Lupe headed down Loaf Mountain’s S slope. More greenery, but still mostly boulders and talus. The descent took SPHP a long time. Rain came from the W. Lupe would have gotten completely soaked, but it didn’t last. 30 minutes. Blue skies! Warmth! A beautiful day from then on.

Once down off Loaf Mountain, the rest was easy. Lupe was joyful! The American Dingo raced across the open ground roaming far and wide, her energy never fading. Her route was a retracement of 2 days ago – over the 2 ridges, across the huge saddle, back up to Marmot Pass, then on to Pass 10260. From there, it was downhill all the way.

7-24-19, 6:52 PM, Hwy 16 across from the Leigh Creek Dump Station – The G6 was baking hot and stuffy. Lupe didn’t care. She couldn’t wait to leap in and lay down on her pink blankie. At Powder River Pass, with the G6 aired out and cooled down, SPHP stopped briefly to rearrange things. Then it was homeward bound!

E of Buffalo, Lupe chomped happily away at cheeseburgers and fries. Health food from McDonald’s! So many delicious calories! In twilight miles S of I90, there stood North Pumpkin Butte(6,052 ft.), where Lupe’s 2019 Dingo Vacations to the Bighorn Mountains had started less than a month ago. Sadly, all over and done with now.

Eh, not quite. While SPHP relaxed enjoying the drive, a Dingo that ought to have been exhausted, but wasn’t, made the most of every moment. Her nose out the window sniffing the breeze, for 100 miles Lupe barked with great enthusiasm at cows and horses she sensed were out there long after it was too dark to see them.

On **Loaf Mountain** facing the wild W wind, Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming, 7-24-19

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Loaf Mountain, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming (7-22-19)

Days 1 & 2 of Lupe’s 2nd 2019 Dingo Vacation to the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming!

7-21-19, 1:10 PM, 2 miles W of Powder River Pass on the N side of Hwy 16 at the start of a dirt road (old USFS Road No. 523413?) across from the Leigh Creek Dump Station –

You aren’t armed?

Nope.

Shot a white wolf up there 3 years ago.

Continuing to stuff the new backpack, SPHP displayed little interest in the old sheep rancher’s tale. He finally got in his battered pickup truck and drove off.

Guess we’re about ready, Looper!

Are we going to be tangling with wolves, SPHP?

Hah! I’d be astonished if we so much as catch a glimpse of one. More afraid of ranchers with guns than wolves. Who knows if he ever shot a wolf or not? Might just be trying to scare us off, so a certain Dingo doesn’t decide to dine on his fresh mutton tonight.

Oh, I love mutton!

You’re gonna have to behave. Remember the guns thing.

At the start of USFS Road No. 523413(?). Photo looks N.

Lupe hadn’t gone far at all along No. 523413 when a sheepherder’s wagon appeared among the trees ahead. Rousing themselves from their lethargy, a couple of big dogs barked, but several sheepherders called them back. SPHP waved. Staying a little E of the road, Loop was soon beyond their camp.

The road faded away. A short trek N through the forest led to a long meadow, the first part of which was full of rocks. Staying on the open ground between a ridge to the W and more forest to the E, Lupe headed NNE.

By the rocky start of the long meadow. Photo looks NNE.

Above the rocks, heading higher. Photo looks back to the SSW.

Crossing several minor streams along the way, Lupe followed the long meadow to the base of a ridge to the N. HP 10405 was somewhere up there. Angling NE, Lupe crossed a final small stream. On open ground above the upper end of the forest, the Carolina Dog turned E following animal trails.

For 200 yards the animal trails gained hardly any elevation. However, once far enough E, the uphill trek resumed as Looper turned NNE again toward Pass 10260.

Heading for **Pass 10260** (L). Photo looks NE.

Getting to Pass 10260 was easy, but a surprise was in store. Low clouds hid virtually everything N of the pass! Loaf Mountain (11,722 ft.), Lupe’s objective 3 miles to the NNE, was nowhere in sight.

Loaf Mountain should have been in view from **Pass 10260**, but wasn’t. Photo looks NNE.

Venturing N of the pass, Lupe explored E. The American Dingo had an easy time maintaining elevation while traversing a gentle slope of open meadows, bushes, and scattered pines. Visibility deteriorated over the course of 0.5 mile as the terrain curved N. In fog, Lupe came to a minor saddle at 10,340 feet.

At the 10,340 foot saddle. Photo looks NNE.

On the NW side of this saddle sat a rock formation 20 feet high. Passing E of it, Lupe started NE down a slope that was a mix of open ground and forest. The topo map showed a huge saddle 0.33 mile NE leading to the first of two ridges Lupe would have to cross to get to Loaf Mountain.

The huge saddle Lupe was searching for was 280 feet lower at 10,060 ft. The Carolina Dog lost 200 to 250 feet, but the fog was thickening. What little could be seen as the clouds sometimes swirled to permit partial views was only a steepening forested slope leading ever farther down into a deep valley.

At a rock formation encountered during the search for the huge saddle. Photo looks NE.

We’re lost already, aren’t we, SPHP?

Yeah, more or less. The big saddle we’re looking for ought to be a cinch to find, but this fog is making it impossible to keep our bearings. I think we’re too far E.

So which way now?

Oh, I don’t know, Looper. Maybe none. Maybe we ought to return to that minor saddle close to the rock formation. We can hang out there waiting for conditions to improve. If we keep wandering, who knows where we’ll wind up?

Going back to the saddle at 10,340 feet was a great idea! Upon arrival, a couple of marmots whistled from rocks on the ridge leading S. While SPHP pitched Lupe’s tiny house, she had a blast searching for them. The rest of the afternoon got spent at “Marmot Pass” dozing in the tiny house while waiting for the fog to dissipate.

Once before it got too late, the sky did clear. However, this break lasted only a few minutes. Fog returned. Peak 10493, which Lupe had visited only a few weeks ago, was somewhere out of sight only 0.33 mile SSE, but there seemed to be no point in attempting to go there.

By the tiny house at **Marmot Pass**. **HP 10405** on the L. Photo looks WNW.

Toward sunset a change took place. The clouds were threatening to break up! Weak sunshine streamed over Marmot Pass.

Sunlight returns to **Marmot Pass**. Photo looks SW.

Suddenly Lupe became intensely excited! Before SPHP realized what was happening, she dashed out of the tiny house streaking away into fog still lingering to the SW. Listening carefully, SPHP understood. Sheep! Somewhere off to the W their faint bleatings were coming this way!

SPHP called Lupe. At first, nothing, but within a few minutes she came racing back out of the fog, looking ever so happy!

Muttons, SPHP! Muttons! They’re everywhere! Hundreds of them!

You mean sheep, Loop. Mutton is the kind of meat they are made of. I know they’re tempting, but you can’t go after them. If the rancher or his sheepherders catch you messing with them, you will be one dead Dingo!

Reluctantly, Lupe obeyed. For a long time as the bleatings grew stronger, the Carolina Dog stood staring into the fog, watching and waiting for the sheep to appear. Meanwhile the sun was sinking. Before it disappeared, Lupe and SPHP climbed the rock formation NW of the tiny house.

On the Marmot Pass rock formation. Photo looks NW.

As twilight faded – more fog, no sheep. Disappointed, Lupe returned to the tiny house for the night.

7-22-19, the wee hours at Marmot Pass – Beneath a brilliant half moon, Lupe stood motionless facing SW. Stars glittered overhead. No doubt she heard them – the sheep were out there somewhere, but SPHP heard nothing. 15 minutes was enough. SPHP called. Lupe wanted to remain beneath the stars. Oh, to be a wild Dingo on a night like tonight!

7-22-19, sunrise at Marmot Pass – A heavy dew clung to the tiny house. Lupe could see them now! The sheep were way over at Pass 10260. Keenly interested, she watched as sheep kept pouring over the ridge. Meanwhile, SPHP packed everything up.

A fraction of the sheep herd on the N side of Pass 10260. Photo looks WSW with help from the telephoto lens.

The news was all good! A beautiful clear morning! The huge saddle SPHP hadn’t been able to find yesterday afternoon was in plain sight. Getting to it looked so easy and obvious, that it seemed impossible SPHP hadn’t found it yesterday despite the fog. Beyond the saddle, the 2 ridges Lupe would have to cross to get to Loaf Mountain were both in view. So was Loaf Mountain (11,722 ft.) itself!

Several miles NW of Loaf Mountain stood Lupe’s ultimate destination – mighty Bighorn Peak (12,324 ft.)! The American Dingo wouldn’t get that far today.

**Loaf Mountain** (R) and **Bighorn Peak** (far L) from **Marmot Pass**. Photo looks N.

Puppy, ho! Onward! Lupe tore herself away from the fascinating sheep, and headed down the slope leading to the huge saddle. A fun, easy downhill sniff, and she was there.

Approaching the huge saddle. **Loaf Mountain** (L) and **Peak 11267** (R). Photo looks NNE.

At the huge saddle. **Loaf Mountain** (R). Photo looks N.

Full of joy, Lupe raced across the huge saddle! In practically no time she was on the far side at the base of the first ridge she needed to cross. The ridge was rocky, but wasn’t all that high. Still, it was a bit of a scramble for pokey SPHP.

Looking back after crossing the huge saddle. **Peak 10493** is the high point of the ridge beyond Lupe. **Hesse Mountain (10,385 ft.)** is in the distance on the L. **Marmot Pass** is just L of the high point on the R. Photo looks SSE.

Starting up the first ridge. Photo looks N.

Well before SPHP reached the ridgeline, Lupe’s ears were tingling! The sheep were coming! Advancing in a long thin line, hundreds of them were invading the huge saddle she had just crossed. Behind their front line, countless circular groups of reinforcements were scattered across the plain.

Greatly excited, Lupe watched the sheep advance. Supremely confident that a single Dingo could break through their lines and route the entire sheep army, Loop was ready to charge full tilt right back down there and take ’em all on! The charge of the Dingo brigade would have been the best thing ever, and fun to watch, but SPHP couldn’t permit it.

A tiny portion of the advancing sheep army.

Puppy, ho! Onward! From the top of the first ridge, Loaf Mountain was in sight again. Beyond a broad valley consisting of a mix of forest and meadow, the second ridge Lupe had to go over looked more formidable, but still eminently doable.

**Loaf Mountain** (Center) from the first ridge. **Peak 11267** (R). Photo looks NNE.

Angling NE, Lupe explored the talus of the first ridge until the floor of the next valley rose to meet her. The valley was mostly meadow here, except for a band of trees on the far side. The trek across the meadow was fast and easy, but the forest was another matter. Bushes hiding a network of boggy streams clogged all the open areas between the trees.

When the American Dingo finally broke through reaching drier ground, her ascent of the second ridge began. Above all the trees and bushes, open lanes of vegetation provided easy routes higher among the rocks. Higher up, rock was everywhere. Lupe explored NW while SPHP picked a way through. 30 feet below the crest of the ridge, Lupe came to a large snowbank melting away in the hot sun.

Heading for the second ridge. Photo looks N.

On a rock next to one of the streams hidden among the bushes.

Approaching the snow bank near the crest of the second ridge. Photo looks NW.

The top of the second ridge was broad and partly grassy where Lupe reached it. From here, the ridge sloped sharply up to the NE. Following the ridgeline Lupe would eventually come to Peak 11267, but this route would have been a slow trek almost entirely on talus.

Not worth it. Too much work! Crossing the ridge, Lupe again angled NE into the final valley between the second ridge and Loaf Mountain. The idea was to simply maintain elevation until the grassy valley floor rose up to meet her and provide an easy path higher.

**Loaf Mountain** (R) from the second ridge. Photo looks NNE.

Looking back. **HP 10405** in the distance on the L. Photo looks SW.

Progress was slow. Practically the entire slope was talus. The rock hop went on and on.

On the talus slope. **Loaf Mountain** (L). Photo looks NE.

Without warning, the Carolina Dog suddenly shot ahead.

Hurry, SPHP! Giant deers! A hundred or more!

She was right! Far away out in the central green zone of the valley ahead, SPHP could make out a brownish spot. Elk! A huge herd of them. Lupe wasn’t yet anywhere close to the giant deers, but they must have spotted her bounding along the talus. The whole herd was on alert looking this way. Nervously, they began to trot farther up the valley.

**Loaf Mountain** (L of Center). The giant deers are the brownish spot just R of Center in the green zone. Photo looks NNE.

The giant deers with help from the telephoto lens.

Lupe gave up the chase. The giant deers were much too far away. She stood panting and watching them while SPHP caught up to her. When SPHP finally arrived, it was time for a break. Lupe rested among a patch of wildflowers while telling SPHP all about the giant deers. They were still out there, but a long way off.

*Tell ya what, SPHP! Running after the giant deers is no good. We’re gonna have to stalk them slowly and carefully. With luck, maybe we can feast on giant deers tonight!*

Pressing on again, Lupe and the giant deers kept a keen eye on each other. Heading ENE along the talus, Loop could hear the giant deers snorting alerts. The herd became increasingly anxious as Lupe and SPHP drew closer. Unused to company, the herd suddenly reversed course and fled down the valley.

They were a magnificent sight, but Lupe’s dreams of feasting on giant deer vanished along with them.

Heading for the saddle between **Loaf Mountain** (L) and **Peak 11267**. Photo looks NE.

The giant deers make a break for it racing down the valley. Photo looks N.

The excitement created by the giant deers was over. Abandoning the talus in favor of the central green zone, the rest of the stroll up the valley to the saddle between Loaf Mountain and Peak 11267 was just a long, simple trek higher.

Upon arrival, the saddle region proved to be quite rocky. At the saddle’s low point 3 big rocks jutted up close together amid a cluster of large stones. Just for fun, Lupe perched up on one of these slanty rocks.

In the saddle between **Loaf Mountain** and **Peak 11267** (R). Photo looks SE.

**Loaf Mountain** from the saddle. Photo looks NW.

Lupe’s ascent of Loaf Mountain (11,722 ft.) now began in earnest. Turning NW, she began working her way up a steep slope. Somewhere up there, nearly 700 higher, was the top of Loaf Mountain.

The sun felt hot. Mosquitoes, flies and bees were a constant nuisance. Scrambling among huge boulders with cavernous holes between them, Lupe worked her way higher. She crossed patches of snow, and came to false summits. Occasional benches of greenery provided rest spots where the ever improving views could be admired, but these benches seldom led higher. Clouds building to the N and SE forced SPHP to keep an eye on the weather.

Insects annoy while clouds build in the distance. Photo looks SE.

Resting below a false summit. Photo looks NW.

The slow motion scramble went on and on. The backpack felt heavy. SPHP was running out of steam. The Carolina Dog had plenty of time to gaze about. Paradise Lake came into view. 20 minutes later, it seemed Lupe had to be nearing the summit.

Closing in on the summit. Photo looks NW.

More than 3 hours after leaving the cluster of rocks back down at the saddle, suddenly Lupe was there! She reached Loaf Mountain’s main E/W ridge coming up between a giant boulder to the E, and a larger area of high ground to the W. Bighorn Peak (12,324 ft.) was in sight 3 miles to the NW.

**Bighorn Peak** (Center) from **Loaf Mountain**. Photo looks NW.

Which way to the true summit? At first the huge boulder to the E seemed to be it, but as Lupe headed toward the high ground to the W, she reached a bouldery stretch of ridge that seemed equally high. Near the highest rocks, SPHP spotted a white tube. A red-covered registry within contained quite a few entries going back to 2006. The pages were damp, but SPHP added Lupe to the registry, too.

The registry tube at the summit. Photo looks WSW.

SPHP congratulated Lupe on her successful ascent of Loaf Mountain! She accepted the compliment gracefully, but seemed more interested in finding a decent spot to rest. The bouldery ridge provided little comfort. The American Dingo spent much of her time jammed tightly into a little crevasse among the rocks, emerging only occasionally to look around.

Well, this is depressing, Loop!

What is, SPHP?

Some of these entries in the registry talk about getting up here in only 3 or 4 hours! Took us that long just from the saddle. We’ve been at this for what, 1.5 days now?

So what’s new? You’ve always been slow as molasses in January, SPHP! Besides, we must have taken the scenic route, don’t you think?

Yeah, sounds like most of these people came up from somewhere to the E. The map shows some old abandoned USFS roads over that way.

Well, we made it, we’re here now, so what difference does it make?

None, really, except that I’m feeling like it’s been a mighty long day.

That’s because of all the rocks. Relax a bit. We’ll rest up tonight.

All the annoying insects made relaxing difficult. The weather bore watching, too. Blue skies and sunshine prevailed to the W, but a series of dark clouds to the N streamed this way from just E of Bighorn Peak. Thunder could sometimes be heard. Every now and then, clouds and fog came boiling up from the SE and swept over Loaf Mountain, temporarily obscuring the views.

Looking down the long valley N of Loaf Mountain. Photo looks NW.

Among the summit boulders. Photo looks NE.

View back to the SSW, the direction Lupe had come from.

Loaf Mountain appeared to have 2 summits, not counting the boulder somewhat in contention 50 or 60 feet E of the registry tube. Looper was already at the E and apparently true summit. Another high part of the main E/W ridge was hundreds of feet farther W. Getting there looked quite possible, but would have involved a scramble among boulders all the way.

Visiting the W summit might have been fun, but SPHP no longer had the oomph. The W summit appeared to be a smidgen lower, so Lupe didn’t need to go over there, anyway. She could claim her peakbagging success, and enjoy the fabulous views from right here!

A tremendous amount of territory was in sight, but the most fascinating view was of Bighorn Peak, Lupe’s next objective.

**Loaf Mountain’s W summit** (Center beyond Lupe) from the **E (true) summit**. Photo looks W.

**Bighorn Peak** with help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks NW.

**Bighorn Peak** again. An even closer look.

Loaf Mountain was a magnificent, lofty perch! However, 1.5 hours after Lupe’s arrival, the weather was deteriorating. Better move on. Before leaving the summit region, Loop visited the giant boulder to the E.

At the **true summit** with the giant boulder to the E (Center) beyond Lupe. Photo looks ENE.

Same spot (**true summit**). Photo looks NNE.

Final moments at the **true summit**. Photo looks NW.

By the giant boulder to the E. Photo looks NNE.

The N slope was a slow, steep descent scrambling among huge boulders and talus. Lupe had lost 200 feet of elevation when lightning crackled directly over Loaf Mountain! Thunder exploded, echoing throughout the region. A terrified American Dingo abandoned SPHP, bolting another 100 feet lower to easier terrain at 10,400 feet as a light rain began to fall.

**Bighorn Peak** (L) and **Darton Peak (12,275 ft.)** (Center), as seen during the descent of Loaf Mountain’s N slope. Photo looks NNW with help from the telephoto lens.

Eventually catching up, SPHP marched rapidly N to snow banks nestled on the S side of a couple of rocky hills. While scattered raindrops fell, Lupe ate snow, and SPHP packed empty water bottles. 5 minutes of pea-sized hail ensued.

Heading a little farther W, Lupe came to a soft spot in the upper reaches of a broad valley where SPHP could pitch the tiny house. Loaf Mountain had been a grand success, but the Carolina Dog and SPHP were weary. The sun wasn’t down yet, but both crawled inside the tiny house, where it was time for a bite to eat before collapsing for the night.

N of Loaf Mountain by the tiny house, Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming, 7-22-19

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Black Mountain, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming (7-3-19)

Day 8 of Lupe’s 1st 2019 Dingo Vacation to the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming!

Squirrels, deer, elk and even a moose! Nothing like a frenzied barking spree to start a day off right! The dawn patrol drive along USFS Road No. 16 to the start of No. 222 was one Dingo delight after another. The Carolina Dog’s response had been overwhelmingly enthusiastic!

At the start of USFS Road No. 222. Photo looks SSE.

100 yards on No. 222, and the road curved E (L) revealing a stream ford. The G6 was done. No matter. Black Mountain (9,489 ft.) was less than a mile due E.

*We’ll take it on paw from here! Only 2 miles to **Black Mountain** at most, even as the trail goes!* Photo looks E.

6:15 AM, 45ºF, USFS Road No. 222 – The stream, a minor tributary of the Little Tongue River, was an easy rock hop. On the other side, a broad, straight, level trail went S (R). The road went NE (L). No signs. Which way? SPHP checked the topo map.

Stick with the road, Loopster!

Lupe passed by a couple of occupied dispersed camping sites as No. 222 started uphill. Before long, the road leveled out and curved E. The sky had been mostly cloudy on the drive over here. Now fog in the treetops lent an air of mystery.

A mere 7 minutes after rock-hopping the first stream, Lupe came to the Little Tongue River. It wasn’t any bigger, just another rock hop.

*We’ve barely started, and here we are at the **Little Tongue River** already!* Photo looks E.

After crossing the Little Tongue River, USFS Road No. 222 curved SE (R) proceeding up the river valley, although not close to the stream. Even if there hadn’t been the 2 fords, the road was too rough in spots for the G6. High clearance vehicles wouldn’t have had any problem, though.

The fog thickened as Lupe steadily gained elevation. Not good, but she kept going. About 0.67 mile from the Little Tongue River ford, the road ended at a circle around a single large pine. The American Dingo had reached the start of Trail No. 011.

At the turnaround circle at the end of USFS Road No. 222. Photo looks NW.

*Even though it’s foggy, let’s keep going! Maybe we’ll climb out of it?* Loop at the start of Trail No. 011. Photo looks E.

Trail No. 011 was easy to follow. Wide and well-beaten, the trail went E. As Looper trotted along it, the sky brightened. The fog soon dissipated. Good news, but at least so far, the forest still hid any views.

Before too long, No. 011 began a series of long switchbacks higher. The rate of climb increased. Higher up, the switchbacks shortened as they brought Lupe farther N.

Loop must have been within 150 to 200 feet of the top when the terrain finally leveled out. A level stretch on a shoulder of the mountain SE of the summit led to a much rockier region and the first views of the day. The best was of Cloud Peak (13,167 ft.) far to the SSE.

At one of the first good viewpoints. **Cloud Peak** (L). Photo looks SSE.

**Black Tooth Mountain (13,005 ft.)** (Center) and **Cloud Peak** (just R of Center). Photo looks SSE with help from the telephoto lens.

Approaching the summit region, Lupe came to a wall of rock. Staying S of this wall, the trail went NW to an outhouse. A sharp bend E near the outhouse led to a rough ramp constructed of flat rocks. At the upper end of the ramp, the trail bent sharply back to the NW again, but this time on the NE side of the wall of rock.

Approaching the wall of rock as Lupe reaches Black Mountain’s summit region. Photo looks NW.

Heading up the rough ramp. Photo looks E.

On the NE side of the wall of rock. Photo looks N.

The last section of Trail No. 011 was quite short, but the most fun of all! Heading generally NW, the trail skirted along the NE side of the wall of rock. Lupe could see a huge amount of territory! Off to the E, foothills of the Bighorn Range overlooked an ocean of clouds hiding the prairies of NE Wyoming.

Getting close to the top. Photo looks NW.

At the very end, a little switchback led up onto the summit block. The old Black Mountain fire lookout was just ahead! A huge boulder right next to it appeared to be the true summit of Black Mountain (9,489 ft.). Lupe leapt up onto it to claim her peakbagging success!

On the summit block approaching the fire lookout. Photo looks NW.

Perched atop **Black Mountain**. Photo looks NW.

The Dingo guru of Black Mountain lost in meditation. Photo looks NE.

The Black Mountain fire lookout appeared to have been abandoned for many years. The entrance to the balcony surrounding it was chained off. Slipping under the chain, Lupe took a look around. The balcony boards were weathered, but firm, except at the far corner where several boards were broken.

To the N and W, a huge expanse of the Bighorn National Forest was in sight, but Loop saw no other sharp peaks. Twin Buttes (8,235 ft.) looked small and insignificant from here.

View to the W. Lots of forest, but no sharp peaks.

**Twin Buttes** (R). Photo looks NW with help from the telephoto lens.

The ocean of clouds washing up against the foothills to the E made it seem as if the Bighorn Range guarded the edge of a continent. Nothing could be seen of the prairies below the billowing white sea. A much higher layer of clouds wasn’t as thick or continuous.

On the summit rock with a view of the foothills. Photo looks E.

Looking back down the trail from the summit. Photo looks SE.

Gazing across the ocean of clouds. Photo looks E with help from the telephoto lens.

For a while, Lupe and SPHP sat together by the chain at the entrance to the fire lookout balcony. The sun shone weakly through the thin layer of high clouds. A chilly 5-10 mph NW breeze sprang up. 6 miles to the S, Lookout Mountain (10,147 ft.), where Lupe had been only yesterday, appeared slightly higher, but not very dramatic – just a big ridge.

SPHP still wondered if the 2 higher peaks beyond it had been correctly identified as Dome Peak (10,828 ft.) and the Sheridan County High Point (11,020 ft.)?

The most impressive attractions, of course, were Cloud Peak (13,167 ft.) and Black Tooth Mountain (13,005 ft.), which appeared close together much farther SSE.

**Lookout Mountain** (Foreground) with possibly the **Sheridan County High Point** (L) and **Dome Peak** (R) beyond it. Photo looks S with help from the telephoto lens.

**Black Tooth Mountain** (R) and **Cloud Peak** (far R). Photo looks SSE with help from the telephoto lens.

Exploring the summit region, Lupe discovered a survey marker on rock formations outside of a cable serving as a handrail along Trail 011. The marker was stamped “Black Mtn. No. 2”. An arrow pointed toward the true summit and fire lookout. However, only a small metal bar stuck up out of the summit boulder. If another survey marker was still around, it must have been hidden under the fire lookout.

Loop standing close to where she discovered the Black Mtn. No. 2 survey marker. Photo looks SE.

A happy hour raced by. Despite the early morning fog, the luck of the Dingo had held long enough for Lupe to get to see the world from Black Mountain. Not even 9:00 AM yet! Still plenty of time to visit another peak or two, if she got going. Black Mountain had been fun, and with such a good trail all the way to the top, pretty easy, too. However, it was time to hit the trail again.

Looking down Trail No. 011 from Black Mountain’s summit boulder. Photo looks E.

The descent was super easy. Lupe did a little more sight-seeing while still up in rocky region. Down in the forest, she sniffed and explored. Near the end, she plopped down in the Little Tongue River to cool off.

Checking out the views on the way down. Photo looks SSE.

And that turned out to be it for this Dingo Vacation. Lupe’s luck ran out. Despite plans to visit Freeze Out Point (8,305 ft.) next, it didn’t happen. Minutes after reaching the G6 (9:49 AM) fog came sweeping up from the E. Sea level was rising. No point in staying. It seemed likely to last.

The clouds were 3,000 feet thick. A strange day for July! Down below the murk, it was so cool that SPHP let the heater add a little warmth to the G6. The high plains of Wyoming were the lushest SPHP had ever seen them this time of year. Hills were yellow with blossoms.

Loop had a grand time barking ferociously at cows and horses along I-90, but arrived home looking dejected. The excitement was over. Her fun in the Bighorn Mountains had been cut short. What a grand time it had all been!

The American Dingo needn’t have worried. Lupe’s 2019 adventures in the Bighorn Mountains weren’t over yet! Before July was out, she would return. The best was yet to come!

*Oh, I hope you return to join me on my next Dingo Vacation to the Bighorn Mountains! We have a couple of splendid mighty peaks to climb!* Relaxing in the **Little Tongue River** on the way back from Black Mountain, 7-3-19

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