2015 Wyoming, Colorado & Utah – Page 5 – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Mount Massive, Colorado (8-24-15)

On 8-23-15, Lupe climbed Mount Elbert, the highest peak in Colorado, second highest peak in the 48 contiguous United States, and quite possibly the highest mountain she will ever climb. What could she possibly do for an encore the next day? Why, climb the second highest peak in Colorado, of course!

Mount Massive (14,421 ft.) is conveniently located just 5 miles NNW of Mount Elbert (14,433 ft.). Only 12 feet lower than Mount Elbert, Mount Massive is the third highest peak in the 48 contiguous United States. So on 8-24-15, Day 16 of her Summer of 2015 Dingo Vacation, Lupe set out from the Mount Massive trailhead near Halfmoon Creek at 9:32 AM (57°F).

It was another beautiful day. It was also Monday. The weekend crowds had disappeared. SPHP had been able to park the G6 in the TH parking lot. Only a few other vehicles were there. Although the elevation gain would be very similar, only slightly less than she had gained climbing Mount Elbert the day before, climbing Mount Massive was going to be a more peaceful experience.

The trailhead was actually a TH on the Colorado Trail. The Colorado Trail climbed fairly steeply at first, and then leveled out with both up and down sections. Lupe followed the Colorado Trail for about 3 miles. It wound its way around some, but generally towards the N. After 3 miles on the Colorado Trail, Lupe reached the Mount Massive Trail No. 1487. Mount Massive Trail No. 1487 heads W for about 2.5 miles to reach a ridgeline S of the summit.

Going up Mount Massive, there were similarities with Lupe’s climb up Mount Elbert the previous day. The Colorado Trail and the first part of the Mount Massive Trail were all in the forest. There weren’t any views until Lupe reached tree line along the Mount Massive Trail. Once on the Mount Massive Trail, it was a steady climb all the way up the mountain. The steepest, hardest parts of the climb were near the top.

Lupe didn’t meet many people on the trail at first, but this time it wasn’t due to a late start. There just weren’t that many people on the mountain. After a while, Lupe did meet some people and a few dogs who were coming down the mountain, as she climbed up, but far fewer than the day before.

Once again, the views started at tree line. There were far more bushes above tree line than on Mount Elbert. Lupe likes bushes. She sought their shade whenever SPHP had to stop to rest.

Lupe near tree line along Mount Massive Trail No. 1487.

Most of Trail No. 1487 seemed less steep than Trail No. 1184 up Mount Elbert. It did get steep as it approached the ridgeline leading to the summit. As Lupe approached the ridgeline, there were a couple of mountain goats up ahead. People and a dog were on their way down, so the goats had to make a decision on which way to go. They disappeared around the W side of the ridge.

Mount Massive was, well, massive! There was huge amount of open ground above tree line.

The high point seen here is a false summit. Lupe would soon be scrambling around up on that ridge, though.

The two mountain goats shortly before they realized they had visitors.

Mount Massive features 5 high points along a huge ridge that extends NW/SE. All of these high points are over 14,100 feet. From SE to NW these high points are: (1) Mount Massive – Southeast Peak (14,132 ft.), (2) Mount Massive (14,421 ft.) (the true summit), (3) Mount Massive – Green Peak (14,280 ft.), (4) Mount Massive – Northwest Peak (14,320 ft.), and (5) Mount Massive – Far Northwest Peak (14,169 ft.).

Trail No. 1487 reaches the top of the ridgeline between Mount Massive – Southeast Peak and the true summit. When Lupe reached the ridgeline, she followed the trail NW toward the true summit.

Looking SE towards Mount Massive - Southeast Peak. This photo shows the saddle where Trail No. 1487 gains the ridgeline from the E (left). — Looking SE towards Mount Massive – Southeast Peak. This photo shows the saddle where Trail No. 1487 gains the ridgeline from the E (left).

Looking NNW along the ridgeline up to the true summit. — Looking NNW along the ridgeline leading to the true summit. The true summit isn’t in view yet in this photo.

The trail to the top stayed mostly along the NE side of the mountain a bit below the ridgeline until quite close to the summit. There were some pretty huge drops to the SW on the other side of the ridge. Some scrambling was required along the way. Nothing serious, but this last leg up Mount Massive was certainly more challenging than the easy stroll along a ridge Mount Elbert had been. It was pretty fun! Lupe was happy climbing among the rocks.

Lupe having fun along the trail to the summit. A few people were on their way down as Lupe was heading up.

Lupe up on the ridgeline. The summit of Mount Massive is now in view. Photo looks N.

Success! Lupe atop the true summit of Mount Massive.

A few people had been coming down as Lupe worked her way up, but by the time Lupe reached the ridgeline and final approach to the true summit, Lupe and SPHP were alone. Once again the weather was wonderful. There wasn’t even a breeze. The views all around were gorgeous.

Looking S back along the ridgeline from the summit. Mount Elbert is in the shadow of a cloud at L Center. La Plata Peak is seen just R of Center. — Looking S back along the ridgeline from the summit. Mount Elbert is in the shadow of a cloud at L Center. **La Plata Peak (14,336 ft.)** is seen just R of Center.

What a view! Mt. Oklahoma is seen beyond the North Halfmoon Lakes. Photo looks WSW. — What a view! **Mt. Oklahoma** **(13,845 ft.)** rises above the North Halfmoon Lakes. Photo looks WSW.

Looking N now from the true summit at the ridge that heads NW towards Mount Massive - Green Peak. A trail is visible along the ridgeline, but Lupe didn't go that far. — Looking N now from the true summit at the ridge that heads NW towards Mount Massive – Green Peak. A trail is visible along the ridgeline, but Lupe didn’t go that far.

Mount Elbert from Mount Massive. Photo looks SSE.

Deer Mountain (13,761 ft., Center) and Mt. Oklahoma (13,845 ft., on R). This photo shows a little better view of the steep drop down to the WSW. Both of the upper basins of North Halfmoon Creek are in view. — **Deer Mountain** **(13,761 ft.)** (Center) and **Mt. Oklahoma (13,845 ft.)** (R). This photo shows a little better view of the steep drop down to the WSW. Both of the upper basins of North Halfmoon Creek are in view.

Looking NW now towards Mount Massive - Green Peak, Northwest Peak and Far Northwest Peak. — Looking NW now towards Mount Massive – Green Peak, Northwest Peak and Far Northwest Peak. All three are lined up on the R side of this photo.

Looking NE towards Turquoise Lake and Leadville, CO.

It is possible to make a trek known as the “Tour de Massive” by visiting all five of the high points along the huge Mount Massive ridge. SPHP had been thinking Lupe could do the Tour de Massive. She could have, too, but the reality up on the summit of Mount Massive was that SPHP could not. Not after climbing up Mount Elbert the previous day. The spirit was willing, but the flesh was weak.

A look at the high points (Green, Northwest and Far Northwest) off to the NW revealed that it might well involve considerably more than an easy stroll up and down along a ridgeline to get over to those peaks. Climbing the Southeast Peak, on the other hand, was clearly pretty easy, but in the end, SPHP was content to just call it a day – another wonderful day spent with Lupe.

Lupe and SPHP lingered quite some time up on Mount Massive. No one else appeared. Lupe and SPHP had Mount Massive entirely to themselves. It was a grand time. SPHP and Lupe both enjoyed the tremendous views. Lupe also found a snowbank to frolic on.

Delightful snow on Mt. Massive made a great American Dingo playground.

Going up to the summit along the ridgeline had been really fun. Going back down was a good time, too. Lupe scrambled quickly among the rocks. SPHP scrambled slowly. The route was rough enough to be interesting and engaging, without being difficult. The views, of course, remained simply splendid.

Mt. Elbert (Center L) and La Plata Peak (Center R). The saddle between Mount Massive - Southeast Peak and Mount Massive is seen on the L, as well as Trail No. 1487 heading down to the E (L). — Mount Elbert (L of Center) and La Plata Peak (R of Center).

Mount Massive - Southeast Peak (L) and Mount Elbert (R). — Mount Massive – Southeast Peak (L) and Mount Elbert (R). The saddle between Mount Massive – Southeast Peak and Mount Massive is the low point on the ridgeline below. Trail No. 1487 can be seen heading down the mountain to the E (L).

Once below the ridgeline, and heading E on Mount Massive Trail No. 1487, the long trek back to the G6 began in earnest. Lupe had lots of wide open territory to explore. She had a wonderful time. A little later on, the light faded in the forest while Lupe followed the Colorado Trail. Between the trees, the light of a huge bonfire could be seen to the E of the trail.

Lupe met a couple of guys intending on camping on Mount Massive up above tree line. They were from Florida. One of them had seen Lupe on the trail, and thought she was a wolf! (Quite a few people have said she resembles a fox before, but never a wolf!) They were carrying sleeping bags, but seemed to have no backpacks or other gear. SPHP wondered if they weren’t heading for a bit of a shock. It was conceivable that a night above tree line (around 12,000 feet) on Mount Massive, even in August, might not be much like camping out on a Florida beach.

Lupe met no one else the entire way back. At 8:45 PM (52°F), Lupe reached the G6. For Lupe and SPHP, it had been a fabulous day together on Mount Massive. Fortunately for the Floridians, it looked like it was going to be a fabulous night, too.

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Mount Elbert, Colorado (8-23-15)

After climbing Flat Top Mountain (12,354 ft.) the previous day, August 22nd was a rest and repositioning day for Lupe. SPHP drove down to Leadville, CO. The very dusty G6 got taken to a car wash. SPHP got cleaned up, too. Lupe dined on roasted chicken from Safeway and an ice cream bar. She seemed quite content to spend a significant portion of the day snoozing in the G6.

Later in the day, there was a scouting trip down to a couple of trailheads in the Halfmoon Creek area SW of Leadville. (The gravel roads were fine, but very washboardy. It was Saturday, and the place was simply overrun with people and vehicles.) Lupe also visited Turquoise Lake.

Mount Massive from Turquoise Lake near Leadville, CO.

August 23rd, Day 15 of Lupe’s great Summer of 2015 Dingo Vacation, began as a complete disappointment. SPHP had planned for Lupe to get an early start on climbing Mount Elbert (14,433 ft.), the highest mountain in Colorado. (Only Mt. Whitney (14,498 ft.) in California is higher in the 48 contiguous United States.) When morning came, however, Mount Elbert was nowhere to be seen. The sky was completely overcast. Mount Elbert was lost in the clouds.

There was no point in Lupe climbing Mount Elbert just to see fog. A leisurely breakfast ensued. After a little while, though, it looked like there wasn’t as much fog as there had been. The trend continued. Suddenly SPHP realized the clouds were going to simply dissipate. It wasn’t going to be foggy for long. It was going to be a gorgeous day!

Lupe got a late start. It was Sunday. The weekend crowds were still here. The Mount Elbert trailhead was absolutely totally and completely full. Apparently SPHP had been the only one deterred by the early morning fog. It was 10:12 AM (54°F) by the time SPHP parked the G6 at a little pullout along USFS Road No. 110 in the Halfmoon Creek area. Lupe had to trot 0.25 mile along No. 110 just to get to the trailhead.

Mount Elbert from Road No. 110, which leads to the Halfmoon Creek area trailhead NE of Mount Elbert. Although the clouds had dissipated, there was still a smoky haze from distant wildfires. Photo looks SW.

Mount Massive, at 14,421 feet, is the 3rd highest mountain in the 48 contiguous United States, and only 12 feet lower than Mount Elbert. Mount Massive is 5 miles NNW of Mount Elbert. — **Mount Massive** **(14,421 ft.)** is the 3rd highest mountain in the 48 contiguous United States, and only 12 feet lower than Mount Elbert. Mount Massive is just 5 miles NNW of Mount Elbert.

Mount Elbert. SPHP managed to park the G6 closer to the TH than shown here. This was just a rare viewpoint at an opening in the forest along No. 110. — Mount Elbert from the NE. SPHP managed to park the G6 closer to the TH than shown here. This was just a rare viewpoint at an opening in the forest along No. 110.

The first part of the climb up Mount Elbert was all in the forest, so there really weren’t any views. From the Mount Elbert TH, a short spur trail (0.50 mile?) leads up to the Colorado Trail. Lupe followed a somewhat longer segment of the Colorado Trail S to an intersection with the Mount Elbert Trail No. 1184.

Although the topo map on Peakbagger.com doesn’t show the Mount Elbert Trail No. 1184 going all the way up to the summit, it actually does. The trail works its way up the NE ridge and gets heavy use. Its route is unmistakable, except when covered with snow.

Other than a portion of the Colorado Trail which was close to level, Lupe’s entire route to Mount Elbert was a steady climb. Some parts were steeper than others, especially approaching the summit, but it was nearly all just going up.

Even though the Mount Elbert TH parking lot was full, at first there weren’t too many other people and dogs around. Only Lupe, SPHP and a few other stragglers were starting up the mountain this late in the day.

After a couple of hours, Lupe and SPHP started meeting the early birds coming back down the mountain. Some had started up in darkness as early as 4:00 AM. By the time Lupe reached tree line, a flood of people and dogs were coming down the trail. Not all had made it to the summit of Mount Elbert, but most of them had. There were social opportunities galore for Lupe, who sniffed the many dogs, and allowed herself to be petted by some of the friendlier people.

The passing parade included lots of dogs wearing backpacks. (American Dingoes don’t go in for that kind of drudgery, they bring human porters.) Some wore booties on their paws. (Carolina Dogs climb rocky mountains regularly, and aren’t a bunch of greenhorn tenderpaws.) There were large dogs and small ones representing a great variety of breeds.

The people were almost as varied as the dogs. Children under 10 years old had made it to the summit. There were tall, short, thin, and fat people. There were a few clearly in their 70’s. There were quite a number of nationalities and languages represented. The most unusual people, though, were three who came down the mountain riding unicycles. SPHP greatly regrets not having the presence of mind to take a couple of pictures of the unicyclists. The whole concept seemed suicidal, but there they were, having a great time.

In fact, everyone was having a good time. The weather was great. Only the ever-present smoke haze from distant wildfires dimmed the marvelous views above tree line.

Lupe climbing Mount Elbert. She is already well above tree line here. This photo shows the steepest part of the climb up Mt. Elbert on Trail No. 1184. Once up on the ridge ahead, the rest of the way to the summit is just an easy stroll gaining the final bit of elevation gradually. Photo looks WSW.

Lupe gains the ridgeline. The summit is now in view. The rest of the way is easy, with spectacular views all along the way.

Only near the summit were there any difficulties at all climbing Mount Elbert. Near the very end, the trail climbed pretty steeply to reach the ridgeline that was the final leg to the summit. Many people reported being a bit scared of the loose rock and slippery hard-packed ground on the steep trail.

When Lupe and SPHP got there, it was as they said, but not anything Lupe hadn’t encountered many times before on other mountains. It was really more of a problem going down than going up. Taking it slowly and cautiously was all that was required. Of course, that applied only to SPHP. The Dingo romped around as usual, confident of her footing every inch of the way.

After gaining nearly 4,500 feet of elevation, Lupe was there – the summit of the highest mountain in Colorado, the state most famous for its high peaks. Lupe stood surveying the world from the top of Mount Elbert.

Mount Elbert - South Peak (14,134 ft.) is shown here on the left. It is an unranked peak connected to Mount Elbert by a ridge. The Black Cloud Trail No. 1480, an alternate route up Mount Elbert from the S, crosses Mount Elbert - South Peak on its way to Mount Elbert. La Plata Peak (R) is also in this photo. — **Mount Elbert – South Peak** **(14,134 ft.)** is shown here on the left. It is an unranked peak connected to Mount Elbert by a ridge. The Black Cloud Trail No. 1480, an alternate route up Mount Elbert from the S, crosses Mount Elbert – South Peak on its way to Mount Elbert. La Plata Peak (R), 6 miles away to the SSW, is also in this photo.

Mt. Cosgriff (13,588 ft.) (L) is another unranked peak. It is connected to Mount Elbert - South Peak (R) by a continuation of the same ridge from Mount Elbert. Photo looks S. — **Mt. Cosgriff (13,588 ft.)** (L) is another unranked peak. It is connected to Mount Elbert – South Peak (R) by a continuation of the same ridge from Mount Elbert. Photo looks S.

Mount Massive dominates the view to the NNW. — **Mount Massive** **(14,421 ft.)** dominates the view to the NNW.

Looking W at the upper South Fork of Halfmoon Creek basin. SPHP believes the peaks in the foreground are **Casco Peak (13,908 ft.)** (L of Center), **Frasco Peak (13,876 ft.)** (R of Center), and **French Mountain (13,940 ft.)** (Far R.).

Since the weather turned out to be perfect, there was a huge advantage to Lupe’s late start up Mount Elbert. By the time she reached the summit, there were fewer than a dozen people there. Most of those soon left. In the end, there was only one other group on Mount Elbert. There were two brothers and an uncle. They were waiting for a brother-in-law, who was still struggling up the mountain on the South Mount Elbert Trail No. 1481 (which actually approaches Mount Elbert from the E).

The brother-in-law was thinking about giving up, but the rest of the family was in contact via smart phones. They urged him onward. He came into view below, and was eventually greeted by the family as he approached the summit.

Two brothers and an uncle greet a brother-in-law as he reaches the final ridge just short of the summit. — Two brothers and an uncle greet a brother-in-law as he reaches the NE end of the summit area.

When all four men reached the summit, Lupe joined them for a photo op. This was the brother-in-law’s first trip up Mount Elbert, but the rest of the family had made multiple trips up the mountain. The brother in the blue jacket and jaunty blue hat had been here six times.

Lupe with new friends on Mount Elbert. Photo looks NNW towards Mount Massive.

From Left to Right: Carlos Holguin, Jose Holguin, Edgar Flores, Luis Holguin. Edgar, of course, is the brother-in-law savoring his first ascent of Mount Elbert. Luis is the Carlos and Jose's uncle. Lupe is the Carolina Dog, but you knew that already. — From Left to Right: Carlos Holguin, Jose Holguin, Edgar Flores, Luis Holguin. Edgar, of course, is the brother-in-law savoring his first ascent of Mount Elbert. Luis is Carlos and Jose’s uncle. Lupe is the Carolina Dog, but you knew that already.

Lupe and SPHP remained up on Mount Elbert for a while longer after Edgar’s arrival. No one else came up the mountain. It looked like Edgar was going to be the last man up this day. SPHP was curious about a high mountain off to the SE far beyond the Twin Lakes. No one knew its name.

No one knew the name of the high mountain to the SE far beyond Twin Lakes.

By climbing Mount Elbert, both Lupe and SPHP set personal records for the highest mountain ever climbed. Unless Lupe and SPHP make it out to Mount Whitney in California some day, it’s likely Mount Elbert is the highest mountain Lupe and SPHP will ever climb.

Prior to Lupe’s great Summer of 2015 Dingo Vacation, Lupe’s personal best was Lonesome Mountain (11,399 ft.) on 8-3-14 in Montana, which she climbed during her 2014 Dingo Vacation. She had already set new records three more times during her 2015 Dingo Vacation: Medicine Bow Peak (12,013 ft.) on 8-10-15) in Wyoming, Mount Zirkel (12,180 ft.) on 8-17-15 in Colorado, and Flat Top Mountain (12,354 ft.) on 8-21-15 in Colorado.

SPHP hadn’t set a new record for highest mountain climbed in years. Until this day with Lupe on Mount Elbert, Cloud Peak (13,167 ft.) in Wyoming, a peak SPHP has climbed twice, was the highest mountain SPHP ever stood on.

So seeing the world from up on Mount Elbert was kind of a big deal. Before Lupe headed down, SPHP took a few extra photos of the view from the top of Colorado.

Mount Elbert - South Peak and the ridge leading to it from Mount Elbert. — Mount Elbert – South Peak and the ridge leading to it from Mount Elbert.

Twin Lakes from Mount Elbert. Photo looks SE.

Mount Massive from Mount Elbert. Photo looks NNW.

Lupe on Mt. Elbert. View looking NE along the summit. — Looking NE along the summit.

And then it was time to start down. It turned out that Edgar Flores was not going to be the last one to reach the summit of Mount Elbert this beautiful day. Lupe met several small groups of people still heading up on her way down. Maybe they were going to enjoy sunset on Mount Elbert. They certainly could have. The weather was ideal. It hadn’t even been breezy on top.

The big crowds that had been present on the trail earlier in the day were gone. Nearly the entire trek down Mount Elbert, Lupe and SPHP were alone.

Lupe sniffs around still near the summit. The junction of Trails No. 1184 (straight ahead) and No. 1481 (heads to the right) is shown here. Lupe will go back down No. 1184, the same way she came up. No. 1184 is the N or NE route up Mount Elbert. No. 1481 is known as the South Mount Elbert Trail, even though it actually approaches the mountain from the E.

Even though the climb up Mount Elbert doesn't feature any dangerous parts, if you wanted to, you could still manage to fall off the mountain. This is a look down a steep slope to the N while still not far from the summit. — Even though the climb up Mount Elbert doesn’t feature any dangerous parts, if you wanted to, you could still manage to fall off the mountain. This look down a steep slope to the N was taken while Lupe was still close to the summit.

It was getting pretty dark by the time Lupe reached the G6 again at 8:19 PM (50°F). She wasn’t going to climb any mountains higher than Mount Elbert on the rest of her Summer of 2015 Dingo Vacation, or maybe ever. That doesn’t mean Lupe’s adventures are over though! She encourages you to subscribe to The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe for news of more Dingo Adventures coming soon!

Lupe on her way down Mount Elbert, 8-23-15. Turquoise Lake is seen far below at left center. Leadville, CO is near the right edge. Lupe, the American Dingo will be seen on more lofty peaks in the American West very soon!

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