8:18 AM, 37ºF, Lower French Creek Road – As soon as SPHP parked the RAV4 at a wide spot on the W side of the road, Lupe leapt out. After all, it was Leap Day! In the shade of the pines, the morning air was still crisp, and a skiff of snow on the ground was much to the Carolina Dog’s liking. Only 20 feet from the RAV4, French Creek gurgled away.
Oh, I can tell already. It’s going to be a great day, SPHP!
Hope, so Loop! I’m looking forward to it, too. Been a long time since we’ve been to the peaks we’ll be visiting today, and I always liked this region.
Have we been here before, SPHP? Nothing looks the least bit familiar.
This part is new, Loopster, but we’re just coming from a new direction. You’ll be in familiar territory soon enough.
Something old, something new – sounds good to me, SPHP. Which way do we go?
N across French Creek, then W on USFS Road No. 342.1P.
A super simple plan that should have worked, but N of French Creek there was no sign of No. 342.1P leaving French Creek Road.
Hmm. Odd. I’m sure we’re in the right area. Well, it’s all Black Hills National Forest land, Looper. Road or no road, let’s head W.
Leaving Lower French Creek Road, Lupe climbed a short bank up into an open forest of tall pines. She’d barely started W when she ran across faint remnants of No. 342.1P. Following the road for only a few minutes led to a sunny little valley where two of the American Dingo’s objectives were already in sight.
That’s Daisy Peak (5,948 ft.) on the L, and Kruger Peak (5,858 ft.) on the R, Loop.
We’re this close already, SPHP? This is going to be so easy!
Nothing wrong with easy. Continuing up the valley, Lupe quickly came to an old USFS gate. Going around it, a moderately steep climb soon led to the surprisingly cold and windy edge of a bigger valley with an even better view of both peaks.
Snow on the shady NW side of the ridge crunched underpaw on the way down into the valley. This valley was actually quite a scenic area with views that quickly improved as Lupe started up Kruger Peak’s lower SE slopes. Soon Mount Coolidge (6,023 ft.) was in sight off to the NE.
The slope steepened, becoming rocky and dotted with pines. By the time Lupe reached the upper portions of Kruger Peak’s E ridge, the views had vanished as she wound through a forest of relatively young trees.
In full sun, the day was warming up fast. SPHP shed layers twice before Lupe reached the top of Kruger Peak. The true summit was at the E end of a large, heavily forested region. A tree trunk with several inches of snow on it had fallen right over the high point.
9:28 AM, 46ºF, Kruger Peak (5,838 ft.) –
Whew! A bit of a climb, wasn’t it? Let’s take a break Loop.
Oh, that wasn’t so hard, SPHP. We got here pretty fast. Could have been here sooner, too, if you hadn’t stopped to stare at the views so often.
Sort of had to, Looper. Been sitting around too much this winter. Anyway, congratulations on climbing Kruger Peak! Want a duck jerky?
Silly question. Golden Rewards duck jerky was all the rage of late with the Carolina Dog. After SPHP shook Lupe’s paw, she snapped up the duck jerky, Dingo’ed it down in nothing flat, then chomped some snow.
Just E of the true summit an open SE slope and a big rock toward the N offered some nice views. Both Custer Mountain (6,089 ft.) and Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.) were in sight. With help from the telephoto lens, Little Devils Tower (6,960 ft.), the Cathedral Spires (6,946 ft.), and Peak 6920 were all easily identifiable, too.
Daisy Peak, less than 0.5 mile S, wasn’t all that much higher now.
Even Kruger Peak’s true summit offered a glimpse of the western South Dakota prairies far beyond the Black Hills.
With 3 peaks on the American Dingo’s agenda today, spending a full hour on top of each one simply wasn’t going to be practical. After a pleasant 25 minute break enjoying the views from the sunny SE slope near Kruger Peak’s true summit, it was time to move on.
Heading W through the forest over to the opposite end of Kruger Peak’s summit region, Lupe paused when she reached a rocky spot along the edge with a view to the WNW.
Peak 6040 was in sight 2 miles away, the only mountain any higher than Kruger Peak relatively nearby in this direction.
Although there’d scarcely been much of a breeze at all back at the true summit, here along the W edge Lupe was exposed to a brisk 15 mph wind blowing in from out of the W. Preferring the calm of the forest, the Carolina Dog continued her journey, heading SW down to the saddle leading to Daisy Peak.
As Lupe began her descent to the saddle, she passed a small cairn sitting on a boulder. Why it was even there wasn’t at all clear. Closing in on the saddle, she went over a 20 foot bump along the ridge before a final short descent to the saddle’s low point.
An ancient abandoned road came up to the saddle out of the NE from somewhere along Kruger Peak’s S flank. Turning SSE at the saddle, this snow-covered road continued gradually up Daisy Peak’s E slope. Lupe followed this road a little way before abandoning it to climb much more steeply straight up Daisy Peak’s slippery, snowy N slope.
A rocky spot most of the way up provided the best view yet of Peak 6040 and Custer Mountain (6,089 ft.) beyond the Glen Erin Creek valley, with Sylvan Peak (7,000 ft.) and Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.) on the horizon.
Continuing S from this sweet viewpoint, the slope diminished. The ridge narrowed and became rocky, fortunately not to the point of causing any real difficulties at all. The Carolina Dog passed several more viewpoints before reaching Daisy Peak’s true summit.
10:29 AM, 45ºF, Daisy Peak (5,948 ft.) – The true summit was a small jumble of rocks a foot or two high amid dry grass and stickers. A fairly large dead tree trunk that had been standing only a few feet away the last time Lupe was here more than 9 years ago was still erect.
Pines hid the views to the W, but a long grassy slope extending down to the SE offered a grand panorama in all other directions, including a look at Northeast Cicero Peak (6,240 ft.), Lupe’s final objective more than 2 miles SSW.
A 10 mph NW breeze made the summit chilly. SPHP shook Lupe’s paw, then it was down the grassy SE slope far enough to get out of the wind.
About time for a chocolate coconut bar, or maybe another duck jerky, isn’t it, SPHP?
Tell ya what, Loopster. How about both? I’ll even throw in some Taste of the Wild and as much water as you can drink.
While Lupe chowed down, SPHP drank part of a vanilla Ensure, then ate an orange. The views were great, and Daisy Peak seemed so familiar it was hard to believe it had been 9 years since Lupe’s last visit. Half an hour shot by, and just like that, it was time to press on.
Let’s tag Daisy Peak’s summit again before we go, Loopster. We can have a final look at Kruger Peak from here. I noticed Peak 6735 over toward Black Elk Peak, and Peak 5778 near Stockade Lake, too, a couple more peaks that you’ve been to in the past.
Always a good idea to have a last look around before leaving a mountain, SPHP. Especially when it might be 9 years before you see those views again.
You’re a wise Carolina Dog, Looper.
After tagging Daisy Peak’s true summit again, Lupe headed down the steep S slope. At first, she enjoyed a super nice view of Northeast Cicero Peak, but it vanished upon re-entering the forest. The American Dingo eventually ran into a line of scenic rock formations along a narrow SW ridge on her way down to the saddle N of HP5706.
Once down to the saddle, Lupe continued losing elevation as she circled around the lower W side of HP5706. The woods were snowy during this part of the trek. After turning S, she eventually reached USFS Road No. 337.1A.
Lupe had several options as far as potential routes to Northeast Cicero Peak from here. Since the lower end of one of the branches of its long N ridge was nearby, and the Carolina Dog had never explored this end of it before, that seemed like it might be fun and make the most sense.
Following No. 337.1A only a little way SW, Lupe then left it, heading S up into the forest. She didn’t have far to go before coming to a sunny little rock outcropping with a bit of a view.
The climb steepened from here. At first, Lupe wandered up a forested slope, but as she got higher, she started coming to openings featuring better and better views. The broad slope eventually narrowed down to a rocky ridgeline that angled SW. Lupe had regained most of the elevation lost since leaving Daisy Peak when SPHP needed a longer breather at a particularly rocky spot.
Not an especially comfortable place for Lupe, but the views were nice.
After a 10 minute break, the trek higher continued. Lupe scrambled amid the rocks just fine, but the rough terrain mixed with young aspens and a little slick snow made it slow going for SPHP. Progress was made nevertheless, and the steepness of the ridge soon began to diminish.
Finally reaching a broader, flatter, grassy region, Northeast Cicero Peak was back in sight again. Another short climb, and the American Dingo reached an unobstructed view of it from the top of HP6040.
From HP6040, the ridgeline ran due S. Lupe lost some elevation before reaching a saddle where it began angling SE. The American Dingo had been to this next part of the ridge before. Another steep climb soon led to the top of a relatively flat section of the ridge that was mostly open and featured some terrific views.
The scenic trek along the upper N ridge was easy and fun. It had always been one of the best parts of any visit to Northeast Cicero Peak. Shortly before reaching HP6105 at the SE end, Lupe angled S toward the saddle dotted with pines leading to the final ascent.
After crossing the saddle, a moderately steep climb SW along a mostly open slope led to a familiar sight, the lone 4 foot high boulder at the NE end of the summit region. The Carolina Dog had arrived!
2:38 PM, 48ºF, Northeast Cicero Peak (6,240 ft.) – It had been a fun, but long march. SPHP shook Lupe’s paw while she was still up on the NE boulder, congratulating the American Dingo on her successful ascent. She then leapt down and headed W over to the little 3 foot high rocky summit ridge 100 feet away, ready for an extended break.
The 20 mph SW wind sweeping over the exposed ridge felt cold. After sharing the second chocolate coconut bar of the day, SPHP offered Lupe what was left of the duck jerky, more Taste of the Wild, and water. She then curled up on the lee side of the ridge partially protected from the wind. SPHP threw a jacket over her.
For half an hour, neither Lupe nor SPHP stirred. The Carolina Dog tried to doze while SPHP downed a strawberry Equate and munched an apple, and when they were gone, simply sat listening to the wind in the pines and staring E out onto the distant prairies.
How ya doing, Looper? Your summit hour’s half shot already. We ought to get up and have a look around.
Ready if you are, SPHP.
2.5 miles WSW, an enormous odd rock sat atop a much lower ridge.
Oh, I remember that rock, SPHP. Isn’t that Cracked Molar?
That’s right, Loopster. At least that’s what we used to call it, because that’s what it looks like from here.
Are you saying it has some other name, too, SPHP?
Yes, turns out that it does, Looper. One day long after we named it, I looked at the topo map, and saw that its official name is Beecher Rock.
Beecher Rock? Why? Cracked Molar is way more descriptive, SPHP.
I have no idea, Loop. Maybe it’s named after someone named Beecher?
We ought to go see Cracked Molar up close someday, SPHP.
You know, I ‘ve been thinking we ought to visit Cicero Peak (6,166 ft.) again sometime by exploring Boland Ridge coming up from the S. Maybe we can drop by Cracked Molar then, Loop?
That would work, and reminds me of something else, SPHP. We should at least have a look at Cicero Peak (6,166 ft.), too, while we’re here today.
Excellent idea, Loopster. Let’s do it!
Going a little way down the grassy slope SW of the summit ridge, it was possible to get a glimpse of Cicero Peak, but it wasn’t really a clear view.
Hmm. I know there’s an open slope somewhere farther down that’s got a much better view of Cicero Peak, Loop. Want to keep going to see if we come to it?
Sure, SPHP! I’ll lead the way.
Descending into the trees, Lupe did come to a spot with a better view of Cicero Peak. This view wasn’t from the open slope SPHP remembered, but that might have been quite a bit lower. Not wanting to lose a whole lot of elevation, SPHP was satisfied.
Good job! This is far enough, Looper.
Returning to the summit region, little remained of Lupe’s traditional summit hour. For a few minutes she sat in the cool breeze and sunshine admiring the view to the W. Nothing within sight was any higher in that direction, even though Lupe could see clear to Wyoming on the horizon.
3:42 PM, Northeast Cicero Peak – On this rare Leap Day afternoon, the sun’s rays were starting to cast long shadows.
About that time, Loopster.
I suppose. I was just thinking, SPHP. Wasn’t Leap Day when we saw the only mountain lion we’ve ever come across?
That’s right, Loopster. We saw it right after visiting Bluelead Mountain on our way to Calumet Ridge (5,601 ft.). That was 2 Leap Days ago. Too bad I didn’t get a photo of that lion. I tried, but was too slow.
Do you suppose we’ll see another mountain lion on our way back to the RAV4? That would be so awesome, SPHP!
Heh. Not too likely, Looper, but I suppose it’s possible. No doubt mountain lions love to pounce on Leap Day.
Before abandoning Northeast Cicero Peak, Lupe returned once more to the summit’s NE boulder.
Pines hid most views N and S from Northeast Cicero Peak’s summit, but Lupe enjoyed some magnificent views on the way back N.
The return was both beautiful and great fun! The rocky NW end of the upper ridge N of Northeast Cicero Peak provided the last big view from on high. Then it was down into the valley E of the lower part of the N ridge that Lupe had explored earlier during her ascent.
This valley was also quite beautiful, and an old favorite from back in the days when a young Carolina Dog used to come this way long ago. Lupe picked up abandoned USFS Road No. 337.1B much higher than where the topo map showed it, and thoroughly enjoyed the long, easy descent on a road now covered with pines.
Approaching HP5706, the lower end of the valley flattened out. Pines gave way to grasslands. By the time Lupe reached the N end of USFS Road No. 337.1B at the intersection with No. 337.1A, sunlight remained only on the highest peaks.
The valley turned E here. Lupe followed No. 337.1A down it farther than ever before, hurrying on as light faded. Deep in a remote, increasingly narrow canyon, it would have been the perfect place for a Leap Day mountain lion to pounce.
None did. The canyon eventually emptied out onto Lower French Creek Road, and the brightest silver stars were already twinkling overhead when Lupe finally reached the RAV4 again. (5:59 PM, 35ºF)
Links:
Next Black Hills Expedition Prior Black Hills Expedition
Lupe’s Kruger Peak & Daisy Peak GPS Track
Lupe’s Northeast Cicero Peak GPS Track
Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 109 – Cicero, Northeast Cicero, Daisy & Kruger Peaks (12-13-14)
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