Black Hills – Page 97 – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 195 – Peak 4340 & Flagpole Mountain (3-12-17)

(Start, 9:11 AM, 37°F, West Cascade Mountain Road a few miles S of Hot Springs, SD off Hwy 71.)

Well, that was easy! Except for the cactus, of course. Lupe hated the cactus! SPHP had had to carry her to the summit of Peak 4340 for short stretches where the cactus was worst. Fortunately, the summit had only been a couple hundred yards W of West Cascade Mountain Road. Even carting a Dingo around, it had only taken minutes to get here.

Lupe at the summit of Peak 4340. This was actually the first of two high points she found that were true summit candidates. The other one was a couple hundred yards SW of here. Photo looks NW.

The topo map on Peakbagger.com showed only one contour where the true summit of the mountain could be, but things seemed a little different when actually here. SPHP thought another place a couple hundred yards farther SW looked possibly even a little higher. Naturally, Lupe had to visit that high point, too.

Loop at the 2nd possible location of the true summit. Due to the cactus threat, Lupe demanded that SPHP tote her part of the way over here, too. Photo looks S.

The top of Peak 4340 was a large area of gently rolling terrain and open forest, but offered only teaser glimpses of distant views. Close to a rural housing subdivision, it really wasn’t a terribly interesting place. With cactus around, Lupe didn’t think much of it either, but at least she could now cross another Brian Kalet peak off her list. She only had a couple of them left to visit in the southern Black Hills.

Lupe was happy to put a quick end to her visit of Peak 4340, and return to the G6 (9:41 AM, 38°F).

The trivial trek to both possible summits of Peak 4340 was only a warm-up exercise. Lupe had a much more interesting peakbagging goal in store. Flagpole Mountain (4,320 ft.) sits at the far SE end of the Black Hills, N of the Cheyenne River and W of Angostura Reservoir. Lupe might have some fantastic views far out across the prairies beyond the hills from there.

SPHP’s old USFS map showed that Flagpole Mountain was on USFS land, but surrounded by private property. Before Lupe could begin her climb, SPHP needed to find legal access. The shortest route up Flagpole Mountain would be from the SW. SPHP drove S on Hwy 71 intending to scout out the approach.

On the way, Lupe stopped briefly by Cascade Falls. She had been here before, but it’s always fun to see the falls!

**Devil’s Slide Mountain (3,965 ft.)** from the Cascade Falls picnic ground. Photo looks NE.

Cascade Falls is more of a rapids. Wading in Cascade Creek which plunges into a deep swimming hole is a locally popular summer activity. Cascade Falls is only a mile N of the Cheyenne River at the far S end of the Black Hills.

Devil’s Slide Mountain from Cascade Creek a little upstream of the falls. Photo looks NE.

For some reason, Cascade Creek always seems to have good flow, no matter what the season. Cascade Falls was looking good today, too, but it was too chilly out to stay and enjoy it. The middle of July is better for that! Lupe and SPHP continued S on Hwy 71.

Just N of the Cheyenne River, a gravel road headed ESE from Hwy 71. The road wound around to the SE for more than a mile. It deteriorated at the end of a short stretch that went E. A log-sided home was on the N side of the road. Before SPHP even got out of the G6, a man opened the door of the house.

His name was Mike. When SPHP told Mike that Lupe would like permission to cross his land to climb Flagpole Mountain, the answer was flatly “no”. Mike didn’t exactly come right out and say it, but his attitude was clearly “Get Off My Property”. Mike didn’t want to talk about it. The matter was not up for discussion.

Mike was still helpful, however. He told SPHP that 5 or 6 years ago, the state of South Dakota had purchased land leading to the national forest on the other side of the mountain. Lupe would have legal access from Sheps Canyon.

That was good news! Well, at least pretty good news. Sheps Canyon was an alternate route that SPHP had intended to check on if things didn’t work out here. The route to Flagpole Mountain from Sheps Canyon would be a lot longer than if Lupe had been able to start from Mike’s ranch.

No is no. SPHP thanked Mike for the tip. Lupe left his property.

Driving down Sheps Canyon was not initially encouraging. Lupe passed by housing developments and more ranches. “No Trespassing” signs were all along the S side of the road at frequent intervals. Lupe was all the way down to the lower end of the canyon not too far from Angostura Reservoir before SPHP spotted the Hill Ranch Game Production Area. This had to be the legal public access Mike had mentioned!

Lupe at the entrance to the Hill Ranch Game Production Area. This entrance is easy to spot on the S side of Sheps Canyon Road in the lower part of the canyon. Photo looks SSE and was taken late in the day.

The Hill Ranch Game Production Area is mostly used by hunters, but is open to public access for other uses like hiking, too.

A good dirt and gravel road led into the Hill Ranch GPA. SPHP parked the G6 at a curve at the far E end of the road only a short distance from Sheps Canyon Road (10:48 AM, 43°F). Lupe could regain her confidence trotting along the cactus-free road for a while.

The road went steadily uphill at a moderate pace, heading W for the most part. Lupe passed by a parking pullout and then a small lodge. The lodge appeared to be closed. A couple of parking pullouts farther, Lupe had quite a good view of Angostura Reservoir.

Angostura Reservoir from the Hill Ranch GPA. Photo looks E.

The road went 2 miles before ending near a couple of gates at the edge of the national forest. (Even the G6 would have made it this far easily enough, if SPHP had chosen to drive to this point.) A map of the Hill Ranch GPA was posted here.

This map of the Hills Ranch GPA was posted at the end of the road. The national forest was just W of here beyond a couple of gates.

Lupe went through the smaller gate, continuing W into the Black Hills National Forest. The good road was behind her. She followed faint traces of an old jeep trail, still gaining elevation steadily.

Angostura Reservoir is still in view as Lupe continues W now on Black Hills National Forest ground. Photo looks E.

A ridge coming in from the ENE soon merged with the ground Lupe was traveling. Shortly after that, she came to a place where she had a great view to the N. She could see Peak 4310, which she had visited only a couple of expeditions ago. Today the scene wasn’t all snowy like it had been then.

Lupe reaches the first viewpoint to the N. Peak 4310 is the barren distant high point extending farthest toward the center of the photo from the R. Lupe had been there only 2 expeditions ago. Photo looks N.

From this first viewpoint looking far to the N, the faint trail turned SW. It soon came to a saddle between two hills. Flagpole Mountain was in view!

Flagpole Mountain (Center) came into view at a saddle between two hills. It was only 1.5 miles away, but Lupe would have to go a lot farther than that to get there. Green Canyon was in the way! Photo looks SW.

Flagpole Mountain was only 1.5 miles off to the SW when Lupe first saw it. However, she would have to go a lot farther than that to get there. Green Canyon was in the way.

To get to Flagpole Mountain, the plan was to go around the W end of Green Canyon. Lupe would follow a couple of long ridges shown on the topo map. The first ridge went first W then NW for nearly 1.5 miles. The map showed a substantial part of this ridge as being very skinny. SPHP wasn’t certain what Lupe might encounter along the way.

Lupe turned W and started around the S side of the highest little hill in this area. The hill was the first part of the ridge leading W. The ridge wasn’t narrow here, but going around the S side of the hill quickly proved to be a mistake. The grassy open ground below the forested summit was full of cactus! Lupe was immediately seized with fear.

Although the hill wasn’t all that big, it took a while to get past it. Lupe was scared to move. The cactus had her mentally paralyzed. SPHP had to carry her repeatedly.

Once beyond the hill, the ridge narrowed considerably, but was still plenty wide. Cactus continued to be a near constant problem, but Lupe gradually made progress. SPHP had to carry her less and less.

Nearly a year ago, Lupe had developed a system on her way up Matias Peak (4,780 ft.) for dealing with cactus. She would wait in one spot while SPHP scouted the area ahead. When SPHP sat down, she considered it a signal that all the ground to that point was cactus-free. She then came running.

Now Lupe wanted SPHP to do the same thing. Doing a good job of scouting was important, so Loop would continue to have confidence in the system. This process was sort of slow, but much easier than carrying the Carolina Dog any significant distance. Stop, scout, go. Stop, scout, go. Lupe progressed along the ridge.

Lupe wasn’t any closer to Flagpole Mountain yet, but the route was beautiful. Loop could see Flagpole Mountain almost the entire time. She often had grand views to the N, or down into Green Canyon. She came to a place with huge boulders, and many more places with interesting rock formations. The route was up and down, but none of the elevation changes were too drastic.

Another look to the N from the ridge Lupe was following W.

Looking across Green Gulch. The high point seen straight up from Lupe is not Flagpole Mountain, but Lupe would go by it on her way there. Photo looks SW.

The part of the ridge that angled NW was the skinniest. Up and down one narrow little hill or rock formation after another. At one point, Lupe had to do a teensy bit of scrambling, but only once and it hardly amounted to anything. Eventually, the much, bigger, wider hill at the NW end of the ridge came into view. Lupe was almost there!

The much bigger, wider hill at the NW end of the ridge came into view. Lupe was getting there! Photo looks NW.

Soon she was there. Lupe didn’t go quite all the way to the top. She stayed in the trees a little S of the summit. Loop went over to the W edge of another ridgeline heading S from here. She had her first look at a vast new territory to the W and SW.

Lupe could see a vast territory off to the W and SW after reaching the big hill at the NW end of the long ridge she had been following. Photo looks SW.

Going 1.5 miles along the skinny W and NW ridge hadn’t brought Lupe any closer to Flagpole Mountain as the crow flies, but she was now past the W end of Green Gulch and could turn S. A much broader ridge went SSW from here. The W edge of this ridge dropped steeply, but sloped much more moderately toward Green Canyon to the E.

Going S meant traversing several more drops and hills along the way. These were larger than the bumps Lupe had gone over along the skinny ridge, but she didn’t have climb to the top of each one. At the bottom of the first drop was good news. A dirt road climbed up to this point from the W. It turned S here, just the direction Lupe needed to go. Lupe could follow the road!

Reaching the road quickly restored Lupe’s confidence. She wasn’t afraid of cactus on the road. Suddenly she was making great progress. SPHP didn’t have to carry her, or play the scouting ahead game at all. Lupe trotted right along. It wouldn’t take her long to get to Flagpole Mountain at this pace!

Lupe was able to follow this road on the big ridge heading SSW. Unafraid of cactus on the road, she was making great progress! Her destination, Flagpole Mountain is in view on the L. Photo looks SSW.

The road stayed E of the top of the ridgeline most of the time, but was occasionally near it. At once place, Lupe went over to the W edge for another look at the big views.

The weather had been changing in the short time she’d been traveling S. The light NW breeze present earlier, had turned into a gale! Lupe did not like the fierce wind at the W edge of the ridge, but the views were still excellent.

Lupe did not like the fierce NW wind now gusting up the W side the of ridge, but the views were still excellent! The near slope is part of Horseshoe Bend. Photo looks W.

The helpful road Lupe had been following ended a little before reaching the S end of the ridge, but had brought the Carolina Dog a long way. She was getting close to Flagpole Mountain, but now nervous about cactus again. She was right to be. More patches of dreaded cactus were scattered here and there. SPHP had to resume cactus scouting operations. Once again, Lupe got carried over the worst of it.

For the last 0.25 mile to the summit, the ridgeline turned SE. Lupe was high on broad open terrain where she had expansive views to the S. To the N was forest. The sight of several deer running on another minor ridge excited her so much she forgot all about the cactus and dashed about unsure how to get over there. Fortunately, she didn’t run into any cacti.

The top of Flagpole Mountain (4,320 ft.) appeared ahead. A short, grassy slope led to a summit crowned by big rocks, bare bushes and a few pine trees. In a flash, Lupe was there. She stood on the highest boulders at the very SE end of the Black Hills with a grand sweeping view of miles and miles of desolate territory stretching to the horizon.

Lupe reaches the summit of Flagpole Mountain! Photo looks ESE.

Despite a long, winding route, countless cacti, and a wild NW wind, a bold American Dingo stood atop Flagpole Mountain for the very first time. Photo looks ESE.

The grand view to the SW. Lupe had hoped to come up the mountain from this direction, which would have been a much shorter trek, but she was refused permission to cross Mike’s ranch. Part of Coffee Flat near the Cheyenne River is seen far below. Photo looks SW.

A series of snow squalls swept over Flagpole Mountain while Lupe was here. Another one is on its way. Each time a squall hit, Lupe took refuge at the base of these rocks, where she was sheltered from the raging NW wind. Photo looks WNW.

Although partially protected by pines trees to the N, the top of Flagpole Mountain was windy. A powerful NW wind was blowing a series of snow squalls over the mountain. Each time a line of clouds passed over, a brief, but exciting snowstorm developed. The wind raged at the height of its fury beneath an ominous sky.

When the squalls hit, Lupe took shelter at the base of the big rocks at the S end of the summit. She nestled on SPHP’s lap, wrapped in a fuzzy blue pullover sweater, enjoying the incredible views and dramatic weather.

Lupe relaxes sheltered from the wind as she awaits the start of the next exciting snow squall. Photo looks S.

The next snow squall begins. Photo looks S.

Though each squall was exciting and began impressively, the snow flakes were tiny and melted as soon as they hit the ground. The squalls never lasted more than a few minutes. Gorgeous blue skies reappeared as soon as they were over, and the winds calmed down somewhat.

Between squalls, Lupe explored the summit area, while SPHP enjoyed the views from various vantage points. By going only a little down the S or SE side of the mountain, it was possible to almost entirely escape the wind. The day felt pleasant, warm and sunny.

Looking ESE toward the SW end of Angostura Reservoir. The Cheyenne River can be seen flowing into it from the R.

Lupe back on the summit of Flagpole Mountain between squalls, though another one is in the works. Photo looks WNW.

Your Carolina Dog guide to the Black Hills on another mountaintop! Photo looks WNW.

Looking down on Coffee Flats (R) next to the Cheyenne River. The more distant flat, grassy highland on the L is Stage Hill. Photo looks SSW with a little help from the telephoto lens.

Between snow squalls, the skies cleared to a gorgeous, fresh blue. Photo looks NW.

Lupe and SPHP stayed for an hour or more at the summit of Flagpole Mountain. Although the trek here had been amazing and beautiful, the presence of so much cactus meant it might be a long time, if ever, before Lupe would return. These distant views beyond the Cheyenne River across the vast, lonely prairies were a rare treat.

Taken from the summit of Flagpole Mountain, this photo looks SE down toward **Tepee Mountain (3,790 ft.)**, the low forested ridge on the R beyond the Cheyenne River.

Lupe a little SE of the summit (R). Photo looks W.

The SW end of Angostura Reservoir is in the distance on the L. The Cheyenne River flows into it from the R. Photo looks ESE.

A closer look at where the Cheyenne River flows into Angostura Reservoir. Photo looks ESE using the telephoto lens.

Distant snow squalls sweep the plains of western South Dakota beyond Angostura Reservoir. Photo looks E.

Lupe at the far SE end of the greater Flagpole Mountain summit area. The low, darkly forested ridge is **Tepee Mountain (3,790 ft.)**, which lies just on the other side of the Cheyenne River. Photo looks SE.

Flagpole Mountain had a few cacti down the SE slope. Here Lupe waits for the all clear signal from SPHP before feeling safe to come this way. Photo looks S.

Forest hid the views to the N from Flagpole Mountain’s summit, but by going down the SE slope a little way, Lupe came to this great viewpoint. (It was very windy here!) The long W and NW ridge she had taken on her way to Flagpole Mountain is seen extending nearly all the way across the photo. On the way back, Lupe would have to traverse it again going from L to R. Photo looks N.

An hour went by. It had been a while since the last snow squall had blown through. Apparently they were all over and done with. Sadly, it was time for Lupe to leave Flagpole Mountain. She had to take the same long route all the way back to the G6.

On the way back, SPHP took a few minor shortcuts, but they saved only a little time. More time was saved by staying on the N side of slopes where there were fewer cacti. Lupe’s increased confidence in SPHP’s cacti scouting skills saved the most time of all. She still appreciated being carried for short distances wherever the cacti was worst.

The trek back along the ridges was beautiful, and went faster the second time around. Lupe had time to stop and sniff the air at various places along the way.

On the way back, Lupe took the road going N along the first wider ridge. One of the bigger hills along this route is in view ahead. Lupe didn’t have to go all the way to the top of the hill. The road went around the E (R) side of it. Photo looks N.

Looking down on Horseshoe Bend (the near slope) NW of Flagpole Mountain. Photo looks WNW.

Looking over Horseshoe bend. The Cheyenne River is seen in the distance. The Cheyenne flows into South Dakota from Wyoming and winds around the S end of the Black Hills on its way to Angostura Reservoir. From Angostura it flows NE all the way to the Missouri River. Photo looks W.

Making progress around Green Canyon. The S (R) side of the little high point L of Center is where Lupe encountered the worst of the cactus on the whole trek to Flagpole Mountain. On the way back, Lupe stayed in the forest going around the N (L) side of the hill. She came to a few snowbanks there, but almost no cacti. Definitely the way to go! Photo looks ENE.

A final look back at Flagpole Mountain (seen above Lupe) from the area of big boulders on the first ridge Lupe had taken W, then NW. Photo looks SSW.

In the area of big boulders. Lupe had originally reached this area fairly early on her way to Flagpole Mountain, but here she’s on her way back to the G6. Photo looks WNW.

Looking N on the way back. Peak 4310 is the high bare ridge extending farthest toward Center from the R.

Lupe’s cactus worries were all behind her before she even reached the good dirt road at the Hill Ranch Game Production Area. The rest of the trek was a long, relaxing downhill stroll all the way. Lupe stopped by the same boulder with a view of Angostura Reservoir again.

Back in the Hill Ranch GPA, Lupe stopped by the same boulder with the view of Angostura Reservoir again. It was still windy out. Photo looks E.

Lupe was content to trot along the good road all the way through the Hill Ranch GPA to the G6 (5:38 PM, 37°F). Her Flagpole Mountain adventure was over, but it was the first day of Daylight Savings Time in 2017. The sun would still be up for another 1.5 hours.

SPHP used the extra hour of evening daylight to drive Lupe down to Angostura Reservoir. She had seen it from afar from several different mountains on recent expeditions. Now she would get to see it up close.

The drive was beautiful. SPHP was surprised to find a good gravel road winding S for miles along the W shore of the lake. Lupe stopped at a boat ramp. The wind was out of the NE here and still strong. The temperature was in the 30’s and dropping. It felt cold out. Waves crashed into the shore. Lupe drank a little water out of the lake, then got up on the swaying dock. Tepee Mountain, which she had seen earlier from Flagpole Mountain, was in view in the distance.

Lupe at Angostura Lake for the first time ever after having seen it in the distance from several mountains on recent expeditions. Tepee Mountain is in view in the distance. Photo looks SW.

SPHP was curious. How far did this road go? Lupe and SPHP drove farther SW. The road went by many great campsites up on the bank above the shore of the lake. Lupe stopped at another place offering lake access.

Lupe and SPHP drove all the way to the end of the road. Surprisingly, at the end was a horse camp. Maps and information at the horse camp said a riding trail went 5.1 miles farther along the lake and up the Cheyenne River. Horses were restricted to the trail while in the Sheps Canyon Outdoor Recreation Complex, but the trail went all the way to the Black Hills National Forest, where horses could be ridden anywhere.

It was a beautiful area. The trail along the lake and up the river would be an awesome place to ride horses. Once to the national forest, maybe horses could even climb Flagpole Mountain? One thing was for certain, an American Dingo could!

With a new route to explore, maybe someday a Carolina Dog will stand in the breeze far above the Cheyenne River on Flagpole Mountain again.

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Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 194 – Summit Peak & Bishop Mountain (3-5-17)

Of course! But, really? Do you mean it? You’re not just pulling my curly Dingo tail? Lupe was incredulous. SPHP had just asked if she wanted to go up into the mountains? Half the day was almost shot already. Until a moment ago, SPHP hadn’t shown the least inclination to go anywhere. Loop was mentally prepared for another idle day lounging about the house.

SPHP sprang into action. To the Carolina Dog’s utter amazement and joy, suddenly preparations were underway! The reason? A neighbor had casually mentioned winds gusting to 70 mph tomorrow. Lupe was supposed to go on one of her Black Hills expeditions tomorrow, not today, but SPHP had quickly checked the forecast. It said more like 30 mph winds with occasional stronger gusts. Not nearly as dramatic, but combined with temperatures in the low 40’s, no picnic either.

Today was an unseasonably warm 65°F with a gentle breeze. Given the circumstances, waiting until tomorrow was nuts. As late as it was, there wasn’t time to go clear down to the southern Black Hills to continue Lupe’s adventures there. That would have to wait for another day. However, there was still time for some kind of an expedition closer to home.

Ever ready for adventure, Lupe was soon leaping out of the G6. She found herself at the intersection of Old Hill City Road and USFS Road No. 357 (1:06 PM, 57°F).

Lupe near the start of USFS Road No. 357 about 2 miles ESE of Hill City. Photo looks SW.

Lupe began by heading SW on No. 357. A big pasture, part of a private ranch, was right next to the road. Lupe’s first peakbagging objective was all on Black Hills National Forest land, however, so she wouldn’t have any access issues. Summit Peak (5,655 ft.) was less than a mile from the G6. Soon Lupe was leaving the road to start her climb.

In an open forest thinned by logging operations, Lupe came to a spiffy rock outcropping before she had even gained much elevation. She hopped up on the rocks and struck a happy American Dingo explorer pose. Who knew what the top of Summit Peak might be like? From a distance, the mountain was heavily forested. There might not be anything to look at up there except trees. At least this rock formation looked good in a photo.

Lupe astride the spiffy rock outcropping she reached before she’d even gained much elevation on her way up Summit Peak. Photo looks ENE.

Lupe continued upward. She quickly came to another, higher road. This grassy road was apparently seldom used. Instead of charging right up the N slope of Summit Peak, Lupe followed the grassy road. She gained elevation gradually as the road went SW along the NW flank of the mountain.

When the grassy road seemed to be getting close to topping out, Lupe left it to start climbing directly up a heavily forested hillside. She arrived up on a saddle between rock formations. A rusty barbed wire fence ran along the ridgeline, a hazard for Lupe and an unwelcome sight. SPHP made certain she stayed away from it.

The topo map showed the true summit of Summit Peak at the SW end of the mountain, but Lupe was much closer to the NE end now. Another high point was supposed to be to the NE, so Lupe explored that direction first. The rock formation on the ridgeline was much larger and more rugged than it initially appeared. Before long, Lupe was forced to make a choice on how best to try to reach the NE end of the mountain.

Lupe got off the rocks to continue NE along the SE side of the formation. She soon found herself below a solid wall of rock, but had no problem continuing NE along its base. She was gaining elevation along the way, but so was the wall of rock. After going hundreds of feet, it became clear that she was nearing the far NE end of the ridge.

Fortunately, gaps in the rock wall provided the Carolina Dog a relatively easy way to scramble to the top.

Lupe up on the rocks at the far NE end of Summit Peak. Photo looks NE.

The rocks at the very NE end weren’t the absolute highest. A couple of massive rocks only 20 or 30 feet farther SW were clearly the high point. These rocks were too large for Lupe to get up on them from this direction.

The highest rocks, one of which is seen on the L, were a short distance from the NE end of Summit Peak. Lupe couldn’t climb them from this direction. Photo looks SW.

Lupe had this great view of **Ford Mountain** from the far NE end of Summit Peak. Photo looks NW with some help from the telephoto lens.

The only hope for Lupe to climb onto the highest rocks was if there was a route up from the SW. To find out, she went down a narrow gap right next to them. Small bushes grew thickly in the gap, but Lupe had no problem getting through.

Lupe comes down the narrow gap next to the summit rocks on her way to look for a way up from the SW. Photo looks NE.

The wall of rock was too high for Lupe to climb by herself, but she found a spot where it was possible for SPHP to scramble up. Lupe waited anxiously below while SPHP scouted around above. She didn’t like being left behind, especially when SPHP disappeared from view.

Yes, there was a way up to the highest rocks along the SE side of the rock formation! SPHP came back to tell Lupe the good news. She was mostly relieved that she hadn’t been abandoned. SPHP scrambled down, then lifted Lupe up, giving her the boost she needed to get on the rock wall. SPHP then climbed back up to join her.

The route to the top was short. To get up on the very highest rocks Lupe needed another boost, but with SPHP’s help she made it! A look back to the SW convinced SPHP that Lupe was now on the true summit of Summit Peak (5,655 ft.). The topo map showing the true summit at the opposite SW end of the mountain was wrong. SPHP would have bet money on it!

With a couple of boosts from SPHP along the way, Lupe sits at the true summit of Summit Peak! Some of the rocks she had been on earlier at the far NW end of the ridge are seen not very far away on the L. They weren’t much lower, only a few feet. Photo looks NE.

Loopster on Summit Peak with **Five Points (6,221 ft.)** in view in the distance on the L. Photo looks NNE.

Lupe’s no longer at the very summit here, but close to it on rocks only a little to the SW. Photo looks SW along the ridgeline. The rounded, forested hill on the R is the SW end of Summit Peak. The topo map showed the true summit over there, but SPHP would have bet money Lupe had found the true summit here at the NE end of the mountain no matter what the map said. Photo looks SW.

SPHP was surprised at the size and length of the rock formations on Summit Peak. Lupe had some terrific views! When she was ready to get down, SPHP helped her off the true summit. While she explored among rocks nearly as high nearby, SPHP took pictures.

This massive granite formation is shown as Elkhorn Mountain on the topo map. It is part of a long rise toward the summit of Black Elk Peak. Photo looks SE with help from the telephoto lens.

Sweet Loop checking out the views. The summit rock, which she had just been on, is right behind her. Photo looks NE.

**Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.)**, the highest mountain in South Dakota, towers over the **Palmer Gulch KOA**, seen at lower L. Photo looks S.

Black Elk Peak using the telephoto lens. Photo looks S.

**Bishop Mountain (5,706 ft.)** (R of Center) would be Lupe’s next peakbagging objective when she finished exploring Summit Peak. Photo looks NW.

After enjoying the impressive views from the summit area, Lupe and SPHP left by the same route Lupe had come up. Loop was willing to leap off the rock wall, but SPHP helped the Carolina Dog so she wouldn’t risk joint damage.

Lupe headed SW exploring the NW side of the rock wall along the ridgeline. The rocks were even more impressive over here than on the SE side she had investigated earlier.

Loop on her way down on the NW side of the rock wall. Photo looks NE.

The amount of rock on Summit Peak was totally unexpected! Photo looks S.

Working along the base of the rock wall was sometimes slow work due to the number of boulders scattered around. Photo looks E.

Once beyond the long rock wall, Lupe continued SW along the ridgeline. SPHP was convinced she had already been to the true summit, but she was going to see what the official summit according to the topo map was like. Was there any chance it actually was higher?

Lupe had to dodge the rusty barbed wire fence a couple of times again. SPHP wondered for the 10 millionth time, why it was so common to find barbed wire fences so incredibly high up on rugged mountains and ridges in the Black Hills? These hazardous fences were useless and silly. They always had been. No cow or horse would ever attempt this kind of terrain of its own free will!

As Lupe continued SW, she came to more high points. Near the first big one was a very odd rock formation. The rocks formed a large square surrounding a depression full of boulders, branches and pine needles. Strange! SPHP decided to name this formation Box O’ Rocks.

Lupe at the next significant high point SW along the ridge. SPHP was certain this wasn’t as high as where she’d been earlier. The Box O’ Rocks formation was only a little farther SW from here. Photo looks W.

Looper sits at the NE end of Box O’ Rocks. Photo looks NNE.

Lupe had lost quite a bit of elevation coming down from the NE, but she eventually regained a fair amount of it. After a fairly big climb, she arrived at a high point SPHP suspected might be the location of the (erroneous) true summit shown on the topo map.

Trees made it hard to see much in most directions, but the nice flat rock at the top did offer lovely, clear views to the N and NW. Lupe had a great look at both Bishop and Ford mountains, her next peakbagging objectives.

Lupe sits on the flat rock that SPHP suspected might be the (erroneous) true summit near the SW end of Summit Peak indicated on the topo map. She had a great view of Bishop Mountain (L) and Ford Mountain (R), both of which she still hoped to climb on Expedition No. 194. Photo looks NW.

Lupe still at what SPHP suspected might be the SW summit. Although she had a great view of Bishop and Ford Mountains and a few other peaks from here, this view was more typical of what she could see in most directions. Photo looks WSW.

Years ago, Storm Hill was a beautiful green, but a forest fire changed that. Photo looks N using the telephoto lens.

**Five Points (6,221 ft.)** (Center) and the mountain Lupe knows as **New Year’s Eve Peak (6,046 ft.)** (on the horizon on the R). **Humbolt Mountain (5,722 ft.)** is the lower peak in front of and a bit L of Five Points. Photo looks N.

Lupe had to retreat off this possible SW summit going back down toward the NE. She then circled around the SE side of the ridgeline to continue SW. She went some distance before finding an easy way over to the NW side of the ridge. SPHP was again surprised at the size of some of the rock formations that continued SW from here.

When Lupe made it over to the NW side of the ridge, she started working her way down the mountain. Looking back up, SPHP began to have doubts if Lupe had actually been to the true SW high point. Maybe one of those towering rocks was actually it?

Lupe below some of the towering rocks of the SW end of the ridge. She’s already starting down the mountain. Photo looks S.

Lupe continued on down for 10 minutes while SPHP dithered. Finally, SPHP decided Lupe had better go back up to check it out. It’s a good thing American Dingoes have a lot of patience and a forgiving nature. Lupe didn’t complain in the least about having to return to the ridge. She didn’t bite SPHP even once.

SPHP wasn’t even certain Lupe could make it to the top of the towering rocks, but investigation revealed a surprisingly easy route. Lupe was soon perched at the highest point. She was maybe a couple hundred yards SW of the last high point she’d been at. SPHP could sort of see the other high point between the trees, but not clearly. This final spot seemed to be about as high.

From here, Lupe had some fabulous views. She could also clearly see there weren’t any higher points farther SW along the ridge.

The wide open views from the final SW high point Lupe reached along the ridge were fabulous! Photo looks N.

So, satisfied yet, SPHP? Is this the true summit? … Yes, my curiosity is satisfied now Loop! Thank you! This might or might not be higher than the last spot you went to, but I still believe the true summit was way back near the NE end of the mountain. Fantastic views here, though, aye?

Lupe could see clearly there weren’t any higher points along the ridge farther SW than where she was now. Photo looks SW.

SPHP was now completely satisfied that Lupe had been to every possible location of the true summit on Summit Peak. So much time had been spent on the mountain, it was doubtful Lupe had time to climb any others. Maybe she could still try to make it up Bishop Mountain (5,706 ft.)?

Lupe went back down to the NW side of the ridge. She resumed following the ridgeline SW, but was losing elevation steadily. Large rock formations continued much farther than SPHP expected, but there was no need to climb any of these rocks. None were as high as where Lupe had already been. When she finally reached the end of the rock formations, Lupe turned NW descending as quickly as possible.

Bishop Mountain was less than 2 miles NW, but Lupe first had to detour nearly a mile to the WSW to get around private property. She was now making rapid progress, but SPHP had made her dilly-dally a long time up on Summit Peak. By the time she was approaching Bishop Mountain, it was clear she wouldn’t have any time to waste here.

Lupe started up Bishop Mountain. At first her course aimed between two high points midway up, but she eventually drifted over to the E to reach the S ridgeline. As soon as she was on the ridge, she came to big rock formations. Due to the forest, good viewpoints were rare, but Lupe came to a few along the way.

One of the good viewpoints Lupe came to climbing the S ridge of Bishop Mountain. Black Elk Peak is in the distance. Photo looks SSE.

The higher Lupe went, the more rock formations she encountered. However, they did not form continuous walls like on Summit Peak. Lupe could wind around among them easily enough while working her way higher. Loopster was quite high on the mountain, but not at the summit yet, when she saw the golden glow in the W. The sun had already set.

Sunset from Bishop Mountain. Good chance this photo looks W.

The sky had been almost totally overcast for a while. Lupe hadn’t seen sunshine since leaving Summit Peak. However, there must have been a small break in the clouds. Off to the S, suddenly Elkhorn Mountain and Black Elk Peak were aglow in the final rays of sunlight on those higher peaks.

Elkhorn Mountain glows in the last rays before sunset. Photo looks SE using the telephoto lens.

With light fading fast, Lupe pressed on looking for the true summit of Bishop Mountain. The top of the mountain was a fairly big area dotted with large rock outcroppings. The farther N Lupe went, the higher the rock formations were. She’d made it quite a long way N when one rock formation appeared higher than all the others so far.

Looper scrambled to the top.

Lupe scrambled to the top of this rock formation, which SPHP briefly thought might be the true summit of Bishop Mountain. Photo looks SE.

Hwy 16 S of Hill City is seen below from Bishop Mountain. Photo looks SW.

The true summit of Bishop Mountain proved to be a less dramatic place. Only a little farther, way at the N end of the mountain, Lupe came to a modestly sloping area with a couple of minor high points so nearly equal in elevation that either might have been the true summit. She also discovered 3 cement pillars. The pillars were likely part of the foundation of some former structure, though they looked almost new.

It was already so dark out when Lupe arrived, even the highly light sensitive camera lens had a hard time producing a clear image.

Lupe at the first candidate for true summit of Bishop Mountain. Photo looks S.

Loop on the tallest cement pillar. They all looked new, but SPHP believed they were supports for some former structure. The top of Ford Mountain can be seen between the trees L of Lupe. Photo looks NE.

Lupe on the sloping rock that was the 2nd candidate for true summit of Bishop Mountain. Photo looks N.

*Sheesh! Trying to make me leap out of my fur? Lemme know before you do that! … Sorry Looper, just seeing if things look any better using the flash.*

Part of the Bishop Mountain summit area. Photo looks NNW.

With darkness growing by the minute, it was time to get off the mountain. The G6 was less than 1.5 miles to the E, so the return trip seemed like an easy, done deal. SPHP became careless about the route Lupe would take back. Down, down the mountain she went, but SPHP missed the saddle between the two high points to the S.

Suddenly there were houses ahead. Somehow Lupe was on private property instead of USFS land. What had happened? The realization grew that SPHP had taken Lupe in totally the wrong direction. The best guess was that she was now somewhere SW of Bishop Mountain. In the dark with an overcast sky, it was hard to know exactly where she might be, or what direction she was headed.

So the wandering began. Back up away from the homes, then up and down over ridge after ridge. Lupe came to lots of little dirt roads in the forest, but none had any signage. In the darkness, the mountains loomed much higher than seemed possible. How much elevation had Lupe lost? Nothing was familiar. Peachy.

Lupe was still having fun! She loved prowling around in the night. Fortunately she stuck close to SPHP. On and on. SPHP thought Lupe was now heading mostly N or E, but wasn’t sure.

Finally, the Carolina Dog came to a big power line up on a hill. The USFS map showed a power line going NE/SW about a mile E of Hill City. A few stars were now out, so it was possible to be more certain which way Lupe was going. She followed the power line NE. At least it went straight, although the route was still up and down.

Lupe eventually left the rugged power line route. She wound up in Hill City! She had been considerably farther S than SPHP believed. The poor American Dingo had to traipse the entire boring length of the town to get back to Old Hill City Road. Sadly, it was Sunday, so the Alpine Inn was closed. If it had been open, Lupe have been delighted to stop in for a delicious filet Mignon steak.

Still two miles to the G6! Funny how things work out. Clouds dissipated from the night sky. Stars and a half moon lit the way through the quiet countryside. Lupe trotted along alertly checking fields for signs of deer or wild animals. Truth was, the happy Carolina Dog may have been a little sad when her beautiful moonlit stroll and Expedition No. 194 came to an end. (9:21 PM, 37°F)

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