Montana – Page 10 – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Mount Powell, Montana with Mountaineer Jobe Wymore (7-20-17)

Days 10 – 13 of Lupe’s 2017 Dingo Vacation to the Wind River Range, Wyoming & Select Peaks in Montana

Day 10, 7-17-17 For the first time on this Dingo Vacation, the night sky was clear. Lupe wanted out. She sniffed around invisibly in darkness. Overhead, the Milky Way gleamed in the heavens amidst diamond bright constellations. The Carolina Dog was still tired, though. She quickly returned to resume her snooze.

Morning arrived. Time to leave the magnificent Wind River range. Lupe and SPHP went down to lower Green River Lake. The American Dingo gazed once more upon Squaretop Mountain (11,695 ft.), the massive NW sentinel of the Winds, looming silently beyond the clear, still lake.

**Squaretop Mountain** (R of Center), massive sentinel of the NW Wind River Range, beckons beyond lower Green River Lake. Lupe’s 3 day journey to climb Squaretop had been a failure, though a terrific adventure. Photo looks SE.

Lupe’s attempt to climb Squaretop had ended in failure, though she did look down on its summit from New Benchmark (11,850 ft.), the high point of her 3 day journey. Though ultimately unsuccessful, the effort to reach Squaretop from Porcupine Pass had been a beautiful and challenging adventure.

**White Rock (11,284 ft.)** (L) and **Squaretop Mountain** (R) beyond lower Green River Lake with help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks SE.

Today would be the first of several travel and rest days. After stopping in Pinedale for supplies, Lupe and SPHP headed NW on Hwy 191 past Bondurant and Hoback Junction. The S approach to Jackson was teeming with tourists and activity. The mob scene at the heart of it all was avoided by turning W on Hwy 22, which took Lupe over Teton Pass (8,429 ft.).

Lupe crossed the border into Idaho for the first time in nearly 5 years. W of the Teton Range, Lupe and SPHP were in unfamiliar territory. Dark clouds hung over the Tetons. N of Driggs, Lupe experienced 20 miles of cloudburst, as SPHP drove N on Hwy 33. Beyond the thunderstorm, it was sunny again.

Lupe in Idaho for the first time in nearly 5 years taking a short break from the G6 W of the Tetons. This was unfamiliar territory. Photo looks SE.

SPHP drove all day. Lupe saw beautiful scenery she’d never seen before. She barked at cows and horses. She lapped up chocolate milk. After several hours in Idaho, she left it again crossing into Montana on Hwy 87. By day’s end, Lupe was a mile S of Silver Star at a pullout along Hwy 41 overlooking the Jefferson River.

Looking NE from a high point along Hwy 287 W of Ennis, MT.

Looking S up the Jefferson River near day’s end.

The Jefferson River S of Silver Star, Montana. Photo looks NE.

Day 11, 7-18-17 The next morning, Lupe and SPHP headed N. Approaching Deer Lodge on I-90, Mount Powell (10,168 ft.) came into view a dozen miles to the W. SPHP left I-90 at Exit 195 and drove all the way to the trailhead to see if the G6 could get there. The roads weren’t bad, although the final stretch on USFS Road No. 670 was so narrow it was a good thing no vehicles were coming the other way. Lupe spent most of the afternoon at the trailhead, happily relaxing in the shade watching squirrels and chipmunks.

On the way to the **Mount Powell** (L) trailhead. Although the sky was clear, the air was a bit hazy with smoke from distant forest fires. Photo looks NW.

**Mount Powell** (L) seen through the smoke haze with help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks NW.

Mount Powell was Lupe’s next peakbagging objective, but no attempt on the mountain was going to be made today. Late in the afternoon, Lupe and SPHP went down to Deer Lodge where Lupe enjoyed a McDonald’s ice cream cone. Lupe’s evening was spent watching boats, sea gulls, geese, and little fish jumping at Georgetown Lake W of Anaconda.

Sunset at Georgetown Lake W of Anaconda.

Day 12, 7-19-17 Three miles E of Georgetown Lake, SPHP noticed a sign for Storm Lake on the S side of Hwy 1. Lupe had time, why not check it out? The G6 made it nearly 8 of the 9 miles to Storm Lake on USFS Road No. 675. Lupe and SPHP continued on paw and foot. Clearings in the forest near the road were full of colorful wildflowers.

Lupe among the wildflowers on the last mile to Storm Lake.

Several groups of people were fishing at Storm Lake when Lupe arrived. Across the lake Looper could see Little Rainbow Mountain (9,989 ft.), which didn’t look like it would be too hard a climb. A trail led across a dam at the N end of the lake. At the W end of the dam, Storm Lake Creek exited the lake. Lupe and SPHP crossed the creek, and followed the trail S along the W side of Storm Lake.

Loop along the NW shore of Storm Lake. **Mount Howe (10,472 ft.)** (L) and **Little Rainbow Mountain (9,989 ft.)** (R) are in view. Photo looks SE.

After a long week in the Wind River range, SPHP wasn’t too ambitious. Instead of climbing Little Rainbow Mountain with the American Dingo, SPHP opted for a swim in the lake. Lupe was content to go wading, too.

Lupe wading near the S end of Storm Lake. Photo looks E.

The trail continued SE beyond the S end of Storm Lake. Several hikers came along about this time. One of them showed SPHP a map indicating that the trail would wind its way S for a mile or so to Storm Lake Pass. Mount Tiny (9,848 ft.) was supposed to be an easy climb from there. Still feeling lazy, Lupe and SPHP skipped Mount Tiny. Lupe left the trail to circumnavigate Storm Lake instead.

After returning to the G6, Lupe and SPHP spent part of the afternoon at a park along Warm Springs Creek in Anaconda. By evening, Loop was back at the Mount Powell trailhead.

Day 13, 7-20-17 After a day of travel and two days spent lazing around, the Carolina Dog woke up at 5:20 AM. SPHP joined her outside the G6. Today was the big day! Lupe was going to climb Mount Powell! SPHP had everything ready in short order, but then did nothing. Lupe was puzzled. What was the holdup? She was anxious to get going.

Suddenly, those big soft Dingo ears heard a noise. Something was coming! A yet unseen vehicle was approaching the trailhead. A minute later, a silver Jeep Wrangler Rubicon appeared. Lupe ran over barking to greet it. Much to her surprise, out of the Rubicon stepped someone she knew – mountaineer Jobe Wymore!

Lupe hadn’t seen Jobe since she’d served as his advance scout at South Dakota’s second highest mountain, Odakota Mountain (7,200 ft.), back home in the Black Hills. That had been more than 15 months ago. On 4-2-16, Lupe had actually accompanied Jobe to Odakota, and then gone on to the Wildcat Hills of Nebraska with him that very same day. In Nebraska, she’d climbed Wildcat Mountain (5,025 ft.) before succumbing to the prickly terrors of cacti. Jobe had helped carry the tenderpaw Dingo out of danger back to the Bluffman’s house.

Now Jobe was coming with Lupe to Mount Powell! She could hardly believe it! She barked, leapt, and danced wildly around Jobe. Of course, Jobe’s arrival was no mere coincidence – it had been prearranged. And actually, Jobe wasn’t really coming along with Lupe and SPHP. It was the other way around, Lupe and SPHP were tagging along on a mountain that Jobe needed to climb.

Mount Powell (10,168 ft.), the high point of Powell County in Montana, is on two massive peakbagging lists Jobe has been working on for years. One list with 245 peaks (the short list!) contains all of the US county high points in all 48 contiguous states with at least 2,000 feet of prominence. The other, longer list includes all 414 county high points of the western contiguous states (all the mountain states W of the prairie states).

After greetings were exchanged, Jobe, Lupe and SPHP set out on USFS Road No. 670, which was extremely rough W of the trailhead. The road led steadily up the forested valley of the Dempsey Creek drainage.

SPHP’s prior research of possible routes up Mount Powell had shown that most climbers stay with the road at least as far as the mountain’s S ridge beyond Bohn Lake. Some go all the way to a SW ridge in the vicinity of the Elliot Lakes. These ridges were described in various reports as brushy, steep, cliffy, and containing boulder or scree fields.

However, climber Eric Higginbotham had explored a different route which sounded a lot easier. The Higginbotham route left the road much sooner. It passed through a huge alpine meadow (Marble Park on the map) early on, climbed in forest to High Point 8708, continued NW over a saddle, and eventually broke out of the forest on a broad ridge a mile SSE of the summit.

Higginbotham’s 7-19-15 Mount Powell trip report included a GPS track, an excellent description of how to find the trailhead, and a rather amusing account of his experience as well. SPHP favored trying Higginbotham’s route. Jobe must have, too. Being technologically competent, he had already loaded Higginbotham’s GPS route into his smart phone.

The first thing to watch for was an open grassy slope on the NW side of the road about 0.67 mile from the trailhead. The steep hillside soon came into view as Higginbotham had described it. Jobe and Lupe led the way up.

Jobe & Lupe, reunited after more than 15 months, on the first open grassy hillside after leaving the road. This hillside was fairly steep. Photo looks E.

At the top of the steep hillside, Lupe re-entered the forest. The ground leveled out to some degree as she continued up, heading W near the edge of the steep stuff. Before too long, the terrain started pushing her N. Loop quickly came upon the S end of Marble Park, the giant alpine meadow Higginbotham had mentioned.

Jobe & Lupe in Marble Park. Photo looks SSW.

The stroll up Marble Park was cake. The giant alpine meadow was just a nice long, steady, obstacle-free, moderate incline. Photo looks SSE.

The view ahead. Lupe & Jobe veered N (R) here gaining as much elevation as possible while still in Marble Park. Once back in the forest again, Loop & Jobe turned NW looking for **High Point 8708**, which isn’t in sight yet up on the forested ridge straight up from Lupe. Photo looks NW.

Marble Park was completely free of obstacles. Jobe, Lupe and SPHP made rapid progress up the steady, moderately inclined slope. Lupe stayed in the giant meadow as long as possible. She didn’t re-enter the forest again until reaching Marble Park’s upper N end. This allowed the American Dingo to completely avoid a shallow drainage to the W.

Once back in the forest, the next landmark along the way was High Point 8708, about 0.75 mile to the NW. The forest was mostly open, the only real obstacle being scattered deadfall timber. The climb initially steepened somewhat, but quickly became more gradual again. Now and then, Jobe checked Lupe’s position versus Eric Higginbotham’s GPS track on his phone, but very little course correction was ever required.

When Lupe, Jobe and SPHP reached High Point 8708, the top of Mount Powell was in view 2 miles to the NW.

Jobe & Lupe reach **High Point 8708**. Mount Powell’s summit is now in view 2 miles to the NW.

A portion of **Caruthers Lake** is in view from **High Point 8708**. Photo looks W.

At High Point 8708, Lupe had already climbed 2,450 feet of the over 3,900 feet of elevation gain required to get to the summit of Mount Powell from the trailhead. SPHP was amazed at how easy it had all been, and how quickly the time had gone by. Credit for the easy route went to Eric. Credit for making the time go by fast went to Jobe.

Lupe and SPHP really didn’t know Jobe well at all. The only other time Lupe had been with Jobe was on that one day over 15 months ago. Jobe had been friendly, considerate, and very kind. He’d come to Lupe’s rescue carrying her over cactus infested badlands in Nebraska. Jobe had also been a great conversationalist, expounding upon a variety of topics of interest to SPHP.

Shortly after leaving the trailhead this morning, Jobe had launched into a discussion of one of his favorite subjects – Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead. Of course, SPHP was familiar with some of their top 40 hits, but that was about the extent of it. Jobe, however, was an expert. He didn’t consider the Dead’s top 40 hits even remotely among their best work.

Virtually the entire time it took to reach High Point 8708, Jobe had expounded upon the Grateful Dead. A truly dedicated (fanatical?) fan, he listens to them almost exclusively. Jobe knew not only all of the Dead’s songs, but how the songs had evolved and been perfected over time, at exactly which live concerts Jerry Garcia had performed the best renditions, all of the lyrics and their meanings, etc., etc.

SPHP couldn’t begin to absorb it all, but did gather that of the many Grateful Dead songs Jobe liked, he considered Morning Dew and Terrapin Station among their finest work. Even though the subject matter was almost entirely unfamiliar to SPHP, Jobe’s enthusiastic and lively conversation had been so entertaining, it hardly seemed possible Lupe was already so close to Mount Powell.

Close she was, though. Only a 0.75 mile long forested area, a significant portion of which was a relatively level saddle, now stood between Loop and the broad, bare S ridge leading to the final steep climb to the top of the mountain. As Lupe left High Point 8708, and proceeded NW across the saddle, Jobe continued his time and distance warping commentary. In no time at all, almost as if she had been teleported, the Carolina Dog broke out out of the forest and stood on the bare S ridge.

The lower part of the S ridge was a gentle incline, generously strewn with medium-sized flattish rocks, which were interspersed with small green plants and a few wildflowers. Mount Powell was directly ahead.

In the lead, Jobe strikes out across Mount Powell’s nearly flat, barren S shoulder. The summit is straight ahead. Photo looks N.

The final ascent wasn’t any steeper than the grassy hillside Lupe had gone up right after leaving the road early on. This slope was much rockier, but still just a walk up a hill. Vegetation was present most of the way. Lupe faced only a few short sections of nothing but scree.

Gettin’ there! Loopster & Jobe on the final ascent. Photo looks N.

Loopster arrived at the summit of Mount Powell (10,168 ft.) at 9:00 AM. Between Eric Higginbotham’s excellent route, and Jobe’s scintillating conversation (which by now had switched from the Grateful Dead to how life would be affected by coming technological changes), the whole trek up had taken only 3 hours. To SPHP, it seemed like the easiest 3,900+ feet of off-trail elevation gain ever.

The summit area was roomy, flat and strewn with rocks. Lots of rocks had been piled up to make a big circular Dingo fortress with a cairn in the middle of it. A survey benchmark was easily found. Not a tree or a bush grew anywhere, so the summit provided commanding 360° views. Unfortunately, smoke from forest fires farther W made the air rather hazy. Smoke could be seen rising from several points.

This exposed survey benchmark was easily found at the summit.

**Dempsey Basin** from **Mount Powell** shortly after reaching the summit. Unfortunately, the air was a little hazy due to smoke from forest fires farther W. More smoke is rising in the distance R of Center. Photo looks SW.

Jobe makes adjustments to a shoe while Lupe sits nearby just outside of the circular Dingo fort. Photo looks SW.

Lupe, Jobe & SPHP remained at the top of Mount Powell for a whole hour. Jobe pointed out several peaks in the distance he had been to, or at least recognized. As a treat, he shared chocolate brittle with Lupe and SPHP, who were both quite taken with it. An hour was plenty of time to gaze at the grand views in all directions. As a W breeze grew stronger, smoke began billowing up more noticeably from a fire to the SW.

Loop on the W wall of the Dingo Fort. The summit of lower **Deer Lodge Mountain (9,765 ft.)** is in view on the L. Photo looks ENE.

Looking down on **Martin Lake**. **Peak 9779** is beyond the lake on the L. Photo looks W.

Looking down on **Dempsey Basin**. From closest to most distant, the 4 lakes on the L are **Upper Elliot Lake**, **Lower Elliot Lake**, **Caruthers Lake** & **Goat Lake**. **Mountain Ben Lake** is farther away on the R. The small lake nearby on the R is unnamed on the map. Smoke billows up (Center) on the far horizon. Photo looks SW.

The bald “hill” on the R is **Peak 9467**. The higher peaks straight beyond it in the distance are somewhere near **Storm Lake**, where Lupe had been yesterday. Photo looks SSW with help from the telephoto lens.

Looking SW with considerable help from the telephoto lens at some of the highest peaks visible from **Mount Powell**. **Peak 9502** is in the foreground on the R. The high mountain in the distance beyond it is **Warren Peak (10,463 ft.)**. The highest of all is **West Goat Peak (10,793 ft.)** on the L.

Other than the haze, conditions on Mount Powell were near perfect with a light W breeze and temperatures in the low 70’s °F. Nevertheless, the time to depart drew near. Lupe took a final look around, while Jobe used his phone to enter data on this successful ascent.

Lupe takes a final look around from Mount Powell. The highest mountain beyond her is **Pikes Peak (9,359 ft.)**. Photo looks N.

Loop on the SW wall of the Dingo Fort. Jobe uses his smart phone to enter data on this ascent into **Peakbagger.com**. Photo looks NW.

Loop ready to head down. Mount Powell’s bare S slope is seen below on the R. **High Point 8708** is on the forested ridge beyond Loop on the L. This had been her ascent route, and the American Dingo would be going back this way, too. Photo looks SSE.

Eric Higginbotham’s route up had worked great! There was no reason to stray from it on the way back to the trailhead. Jobe helped the time go by with stories of the exploits of other mountaineers he knew, and adventures he’d had with some of them. He discussed some of the major peakbagging goals he has been working on for many years, how he was within a few years of completing them, and what he might want to do when they were finished.

Lupe back on the broad, barren S ridge, with **Deer Lodge Peak** visible beyond her. Jobe’s on the phone checking on a friend who was late to report in from another mountain. Photo looks NE.

Almost down! Lupe back at Marble Park. Photo looks NW.

By the time Lupe was back at the trailhead (12:40 PM), she knew about an odd medical condition affecting Jobe’s hair, and the sad passing away of his favorite cat, known simply as “H”, in January. Only partly in jest, Jobe had pronounced himself a 3 dimensional person due to his 3 main interests in life – peakbagging, the Grateful Dead, and craft beers.

Climbing Mount Powell with Jobe had been super fun! The best news of all was that Loop’s time with Jobe wasn’t over yet. Tomorrow, Lupe would get to climb another peak with him! The original plan had been to go to Old Baldy South Slope (8,640 ft.). However, that plan had changed. Sacagawea Peak (9,650 ft.), with nearly 4,000 feet of prominence was up next!

Once details for the next rendezvous had been settled upon, Jobe roared off in his Rubicon. A short while later, Lupe and SPHP headed out, too. When Lupe reached I-90, temperatures were in the 90’s °F. So much smoke was in the air now that Mount Powell was barely visible. SPHP stopped to buy a box of ice cream bars in Anaconda. A certain eager Carolina Dog provided dedicated assistance in devouring all 6 on the spot.

An air-conditioned ride E to Bozeman ensued, where SPHP obtained a roasted chicken for dinner. Taking Hwy 86 N out of Bozeman, SPHP eventually found the road to Fairy Lake. The poor G6 took considerable abuse on USFS Road No. 74, making it 3/4 of the way to Fairy Lake before SPHP had mercy and parked at a big pullout. By nightfall, an American Dingo stuffed full of roasted chicken was ready for Dingo dreamland.

Mountaineer and friend Jobe Wymore relaxes on Mount Powell, Montana 7-20-17

Naya Nuki Peak & Sacagawea Peak, Montana with Mountaineer Jobe Wymore (7-21-17)

Crazy Peak, Montana – On the Verge of EPIC with Mountaineer Jobe Wymore (7-22-17)

Morning Dew, The Grateful Dead (7-19-89)

Eric Higginbotham’s trip report on Mount Powell (7-19-15)

48 States County High Points with 2,000+ feet of Prominence

Western Contiguous USA County High Points

Want more Lupe adventures? Choose from Lupe’s 2017 Wind River Range in Wyoming & Select Peaks in Montana Adventure Index, Dingo Vacations Adventure Index or Master Adventure Index. Or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures.

Crazy Peak, Montana – On the Verge of EPIC with Mountaineer Jobe Wymore (7-22-17)

Day 15 of Lupe’s 2017 Dingo Vacation to the Wind River Range, Wyoming & Select Peaks in Montana

Dawn. Lupe sat bright-eyed on SPHP’s lap listening to Morning Dew by the Grateful Dead. She gazed intently out the window of Jobe’s silver Jeep Rubicon. Jobe was expounding on Jerry Garcia’s musical talents as he drove. Lupe listened politely as Jobe & SPHP chatted. In truth, she was more interested in the possibility of seeing cows, deer, or squirrels along the 4WD road.

The sun was above the horizon by the time Jobe parked his Rubicon at a 6,900 foot elevation saddle on Crazy Peak’s SE ridge. An old pickup truck was already parked nearby, but no one was around. Good. This was it! Lupe’s big chance to climb Crazy Peak (11,209 ft.) with Jobe had arrived! Crazy Peak wasn’t just any mountain. With Crazy Peak done, Jobe would be on the verge of EPIC!

Jobe leads the way as Lupe sets off for Crazy Peak. Photo looks WNW.

This opportunity to climb Crazy Peak with Jobe had been set in motion a couple of months ago. While looking at the results of Jobe’s week long mid-May 2017 trip to the East Coast on Peakbagger.com, SPHP discovered Jobe was now very close to completing a huge peakbagging feat – one he had been working on for more than 20 years. Jobe was only 2 peaks away from completing the EPIC List for all 50 US states!

Millions of people have enjoyed a hike to the top of the highest mountain in one or more US states. In fact, it’s not that hard to reach the highest point in quite a few states. However, only the truly dedicated ever seriously dream of climbing the highest mountain in all 50 states – in addition to the travel time and expense involved, that list contains some difficult peaks requiring equipment and technical climbing skills. Yet those 50 highest peaks are only part of what we’re talking about here. Jobe had already been to the top of the highest mountain in every state. The EPIC List goes way beyond that.

Elevation is only one statistical measure of a mountain’s claim to grandeur. There are others. The EPIC list also considers Prominence and Isolation. Prominence is a measure of the minimum elevation one would have to lose from a mountain’s summit to travel to a higher peak by any route, no matter how long, difficult or impractical. Isolation measures how far away it is in a direct line to the closest higher mountain.

In 19 US states, the highest mountain is also the most prominent and has the most isolation. The same mountain ranks 1st in all three categories. However, in the other 31 states, 2 or 3 different peaks can claim to be either the highest, most prominent, most isolated, or some combination thereof. Consequently, the EPIC List for the 50 US states includes not just 50, but 96 different peaks.

Only Bob Packard among all Peakbagger.com account holders has climbed all 96 peaks on the EPIC List. Now Jobe was only 2 peaks away! What caught SPHP’s eye was where those remaining unclimbed peaks were. Both were in Montana, a state that borders South Dakota where Lupe lives. Mount Cleveland (10,466 ft.) with 98.18 miles of isolation is the most isolated peak in Montana. Located in the far NW part of the state in Glacier National Park, anti-Dingo regulations prevent Lupe from ever doing anything there.

The other summit Jobe was lacking was Crazy Peak (11,209 ft.). With 5,709 ft. of prominence, Crazy Peak is the most prominent mountain in Montana. Located in S central Montana in the Gallatin National Forest, it wasn’t nearly as far away as Mount Cleveland.

Crazy Peak has a spot on a lot of peakbagging lists, not just the EPIC list. Early in 2017 SPHP had considered including Crazy Peak among the mountains Lupe might want to climb this summer. A little research on Peakbagger.com had squelched that idea. Every trip report was on the same ascent route, and most mentioned Class 4 terrain on the way to the summit. SPHP didn’t know much about the rating system, but knew enough to realize that Lupe needed to stay far away from anything approaching Class 4.

Now a new idea crept into SPHP’s noggin. Even if Lupe couldn’t climb Crazy Peak, wouldn’t it be fun to go there when Jobe with his superior skills climbed it? Lupe and SPHP could still go partway up the mountain, and congratulate Jobe on his success when he returned from the summit on his way back down. Lupe could still bask in her friend Jobe’s glory!

Well, maybe. Lupe and SPHP didn’t really know Jobe very well. In response to an email from Jobe, Lupe had scouted out conditions on Odakota Mountain (7,200 ft.) in the Black Hills back in late March of 2016 prior to a trip he was planning to western Nebraska and possibly South Dakota. When Jobe subsequently arrived in the Black Hills on April 2nd, 2016, Lupe went with him to Odakota Mountain.

Lupe and SPHP had even followed Jobe all the way to the Wildcat Hills of Nebraska for an adventure down there that same day. Jobe had treated Lupe very kindly the whole time. When Lupe’s paws got sore, Jobe carried her to safety past the painful cactus that grew in profusion all over those desolate Nebraska hills. Since then Jobe had occasionally stayed in touch via email.

Jobe was a great guy, but perhaps he had other plans for Crazy Peak with more experienced and capable climbers, or maybe he’d rather go solo than bother with a Carolina Dog? Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Didn’t hurt to ask. On 5-23-17, SPHP sent Jobe an email. When was Jobe planning on taking on Crazy and Cleveland? Which would he tackle first?

A response came within a couple hours. Jobe would likely take on Crazy Peak first. The unique permitting process for climbing Mount Cleveland in Glacier National Park might cause an attempt on that peak to be delayed longer than Jobe would like.

On 5-25-17, SPHP sent another email. This one popped the big question. Lupe would be gone all of August, 2017, but if Jobe was planning on climbing Crazy Peak before then, would he mind if Loop and SPHP tagged along partway up? Loop and SPHP had no delusions of reaching the top, and promised not to hold Jobe back from getting there himself.

Again came a quick response – an unexpected one. All Jobe said was “Here’s some forwarded pics of Victor Zhou’s solo ascent of Crazy’s East Ridge from last summer.” Eleven photos were attached. SPHP got excited. Those photos showed a big long ridge that got progressively rockier approaching Crazy’s summit. The first part of the ridge was cake! Lupe could get way higher on Crazy Peak than SPHP had thought. Maybe she could even reach the summit! It was hard to tell from the last few photos just what dangers might lurk among all that rock?

What was this, though, about an East Ridge route? All the trip reports on Peakbagger.com mentioned coming up the W ridge. Some mentioned going down the N ridge. None of the reports or GPS tracks showed an attempt from the E. Victor Zhou had climbed Crazy Peak on 7-20-16, but like most climbers, had not submitted a trip report or GPS track. There were two E ridges, too. One to the NE and one to the SE. Which one did Victor climb? After a look at the topo map, SPHP concluded Victor must have gone up the SE ridge.

SPHP fired off another email to Jobe expressing these thoughts. Again Jobe responded quickly:

The route Victor climbed is unconventional and I have no idea why others haven’t climbed it with more regularity in the past. It’s almost like everyone reads a particular trip report that mentions a specific route and that automatically becomes the only option? The “normal” route is Class 4 where Victor’s is no more than Class 3 tops. Might get a little sharp but not scary. It’s definitely not the NE Ridge he ascended but I can ask him the definitive route (start location) and get back to ya. He calls it the “East Ridge”. If you want to meet and take a crack at it somewhere around July 22nd, I’m all in.

That’s all it took. Crazy Peak was a go!

Now Lupe was really here! Her chance to climb Crazy Peak with Jobe via Victor Zhou’s route had arrived! Jobe led the way. SPHP trailed behind, with Lupe bouncing back and forth between. The first part of the trek was through forest. Jobe headed WNW staying toward the S edge of the ridge. Below was the deep canyon of the South Fork of Big Timber Creek.

An early glimpse to the SW down into the canyon of the South Fork of Big Timber Creek.

Progress through the forest was good. A steady, but unremarkable climb. After a little while, the forest began to give out. Lupe and Jobe reached a minor high point where it was possible to get a good look at the first stretch of open terrain ahead. Nothing fancy, or anything to be the least bit concerned about was in view, just a continuation of the steady climb minus trees.

The forest eventually gave out. From this minor high point Loopster has a good view of the open terrain ahead. Pretty easy to tell which way to go from here! Photo looks NW.

Jobe assesses the situation. The ridge on the R is also part of Crazy Peak’s massive SE ridge. The high point in view where the terrain converges is likely HP 8448. Photo looks NW.

Two “minor” sub-ridges, both part of Crazy Peak’s massive SE ridge converge near HP 8448. (See the Peakbagger.com topo map.) Lupe, Jobe and SPHP had been following the S one. This caused no issues on the way up, but would be important to remember on the way down.

Jobe now beyond HP 8448. The terrain is still easy. Photo looks NW.

A better look from higher up at the South Fork of Big Timber Creek canyon. Photo looks SW.

Jobe leads the charge up. Lupe looking good not far behind.

Some distance beyond HP 8448, Jobe led Lupe and SPHP around to the N side of the ridge. For a while, the terrain was a little easier here. The slope down into the canyon to the N wasn’t as steep. On the way to HP 9761, the summit of Crazy Peak came into view, still more than 2 miles to the WNW.

On the way to HP 9761, the summit of Crazy Peak came into view, still more than 2 miles to the WNW.

Jobe leads the way again after a stop to let SPHP catch up.

Even before the ridge became really rocky, SPHP was having a hard time keeping up with Jobe. Lupe could easily enough, but the effects of the climbs of the past 2 days, and Lupe’s long adventures earlier in the Wind River Range were taking a toll on SPHP. Though Jobe repeatedly stopped and waited, or went slowly for him, SPHP was falling farther and farther behind.

This came as no surprise. Jobe is in far superior condition. A mountaineer with tremendous experience and dedication to staying fit, he didn’t even look like he was trying. Effortlessly, Jobe glided over terrain that SPHP trudged or stumbled through. Jobe made it look so easy! Meanwhile SPHP was having to stop repeatedly to catch breath.

The faithful American Dingo stuck mostly with SPHP as Jobe forged ahead. SPHP’s slower pace gave her plenty of time to sniff around and relax. She could even take short Dingo naps.

Lupe takes a little Dingo nap while SPHP pauses to catch breath. SPHP couldn’t go at the pace Jobe & Lupe were capable of, but so far, things were still looking good.

Despite falling behind, even SPHP was making reasonable progress. Things were still looking good for reaching the summit of Crazy Peak! The situation gradually changed, though, as the big ridge steadily narrowed and became rockier.

Getting closer, but as Lupe approached HP 9761, the ridge was already getting considerably narrower and rockier. Photo looks WNW.

By the time Looper made it to HP 9761, the ridge had narrowed down a lot. Vegetation was nearly gone. The ridgeline was rocky and uneven. Both sides of the ridge were steep, and comprised of a lot of loose rock. Here, the S side of the ridge wasn’t as bad as the N.

Jobe’s superior strength and stamina were now augmented by superior balance, too. No contest at all now. Jobe managed to simply walk the ridgeline in lots of places where SPHP felt compelled to down climb to get around rough spots. That burned a lot of extra time.

The agreement all along had been that Jobe should not wait for SPHP. While conditions were favorable, he really needed to get to the top of Crazy Peak. Time to check this one off the EPIC List! It would be great if Lupe and SPHP could get to the top, too, but there wasn’t the same degree of urgency. Lupe could still try to summit a little later than Jobe.

As the ridge became more difficult for SPHP, Jobe surged ahead. Lupe watched him go. Of course, her best bet for getting to the top of Crazy Peak would have been to just go with Jobe. Maybe she would have liked to, but she wouldn’t abandon SPHP.

Lupe watches as Jobe surges ahead. He’s now just a red spec on the ridge.

Lupe’s best bet for reaching the summit of Crazy Peak would have been to go with Jobe, but she wouldn’t abandon SPHP. She would still get there, if SPHP could make it.

Looking back. Here Lupe is past HP 9761 seen in the distance on the R. Photo looks E.

Looper and SPHP continued on, following Jobe who was getting farther and farther away. Eventually Jobe paused at a high point and looked back, checking on Lupe’s progress. For a moment he stood there, looking small, far away, and already much higher.

Jobe pauses and looks back to check on Lupe & SPHP a final time before disappearing from view. He was already a lot higher and quite a long way off. The telephoto lens makes Jobe look much closer than he really was. Photo looks WNW.

Jobe knew what he had to do. A moment later, he was gone. Lupe and SPHP were alone. There was nothing else to do, but keep chugging along.

Lupe presses on, still optimistic, though Jobe has disappeared from view. Photo looks S.

Looking back down the SE ridge. HP 9761 in view. Photo looks SE.

A long way to go yet. That high point ahead isn’t even the summit. Photo looks WNW.

Lupe was still making progress up Crazy Peak’s big SE ridge, but SPHP was frustrated with the pace.

Oh, Looper, I’m sorry, but maybe you should have gone with Jobe!

What! Why?

I’m just too slow on this steep, loose stuff. Our pace isn’t exactly scintillating, as you may have noticed.

Yes, but we’re getting there. We’ll just keep going like we always do.

True. So far so, good. Nothing’s stopped us yet, but I’m afraid we’ll run out of time. We can’t be coming back in the dark like we often do. Jobe has a 14 hour drive back home after this. He needs to hit the road so he can get back to work. Besides, this doesn’t seem to be getting any easier and who knows how bad the terrain is up ahead? Those last photos that Victor Zhou took looked questionable. We might not even be able to get there.

So Jobe might not get to the top of Crazy Peak? That would be terrible!

No, no. Don’t worry about that. Victor Zhou made it. Jobe will make it, too. But I’m not Victor or Jobe, not by a long shot. I’m not saying we won’t get there, but it seems like we’ve already been at this quite a while, and there’s no sign we’re anywhere near the top yet.

Well, hurry it up then!

I’m coming, sweet puppy. Lead on!

Lupe encourages SPHP up the next steep section. Photo looks WNW.

The summit of Crazy Peak had been out of view now for a while. It was hard to tell how encouraged or discouraged one should be. Lupe led the way up a couple of steep sections that went pretty well. The rocks were larger and more stable here. SPHP managed to make the climbs fairly rapidly. Maybe there still was enough time for Lupe to reach the top of Crazy Peak? Hope rekindled. It sure looked like Lupe was getting high!

After a spurt up a couple of steep sections, hope was rekindled that Lupe would still have time to reach Crazy Peak’s summit. The views were already terrific! Photo looks SE back down the ridge.

Progress, but was it enough? Photo looks SE.

When the summit of Crazy Peak came into view again, it was a sobering sight. Despite SPHP’s spurt, Lupe remained a long way from the top of the mountain.

When the summit of Crazy Peak (R) came back into view again, it was a sobering sight. Lupe was still a long way from the top. Photo looks WNW.

Ugh! The summit’s still way over there, Looper.

Don’t give up! We’re getting closer.

Yah, keep going, but seems like Jobe’s been gone quite a while now. Sooner or later he’s going to reappear. Probably sooner I would think, and we aren’t going to be close enough to justify continuing on then.

Jobe didn’t appear, though. Lupe and SPHP carried on. Unfortunately, the ridge was messier again. SPHP kept down climbing to get around troublesome spots. Slow, slow, slow! Not good at all.

*LOL, SPHP. We aren’t ever going to make it if you can’t stay up here!* Lupe has a chuckle at SPHP’s endless down climbing.

Onward, bit by bit. Time ticked by. Though SPHP didn’t realize it then, the next big high point Lupe could see up ahead was 10,900+ feet. The ridge was ragged, but Lupe could get there! The summit would only be another 300 feet higher.

The high point on the L is 10,900+ feet, only 300 feet lower than Crazy Peak’s summit (seen beyond a little to the R). It looked like Lupe could at least get that far! Photo looks NW.

Pretty soon, though, a red dot appeared. A red dot headed this way. Jobe was returning! Had he made it to the summit? He’d been gone quite a long while – surely he’d made it? What news would he bring?

A red dot appeared on the ridge ahead. Jobe was returning! Had he made it to the summit?

There’s Jobe, SPHP!

Yes, I see him, too.

Aren’t we going to go meet him?

No, let’s wait here Looper. Jobe’s moving fast. He’ll be here soon enough. Let’s see what he has to say first.

Lupe and SPHP waited as Jobe worked his way back along the ridge.

A look through the telephoto lens at Jobe with Crazy Peak’s summit in the background. Photo looks NW.

As Jobe drew steadily nearer, SPHP took a few pictures of the views from this point Lupe had reached. It wasn’t completely clear yet if she would be going any farther.

Crazy Lake is seen below from the point Lupe reached on Crazy Peak’s SE ridge. Photo looks W.

**Big Timber Peak (10,795 ft.)** (R) is connected to Crazy Peak by the sheer jagged ridge seen on the L. Probably the most challenging and technical route possible to Crazy Peak. No one goes that way. Photo looks N.

Looking back the way Lupe had come. Photo looks ESE.

Jobe arrived all smiles. Success! Yes, he’d made it to the top. Crazy Peak was finally done. Only Mount Cleveland was left to do on his 50 states EPIC List! He graciously accepted congratulations from Lupe and SPHP.

Jobe returns all smiles! Yes, he’d made it to the top of Crazy Peak. Photo looks E.

The grand view from Crazy Peak’s summit. Photo by Jobe Wymore.

Jobe signed the Crazy Peak register. He had now completed the 50 US state most prominent peak list! Photo by Jobe Wymore.

Surprisingly, Jobe had met 3 young women at the summit who came up from yet another route. They’d camped overnight down at Crazy Lake, and had made a long trek on a steep, loose scree slope directly up the mountain. They were concerned about the prospect of the impending rather scary trip back down to camp. Jobe had spent some time talking to them, which was part of why he had been gone as long as he had.

So what was the rest of the route like? Jobe said there were a few spots that were kind of sketchy with some exposure. He’d gotten through just fine, though. He wasn’t sure what SPHP might think, or how Lupe would fare. A bit scary perhaps? Jobe nodded his head indicating Lupe and SPHP were free to go on and take a crack at it. Evidently he must have thought it was at least possible for Lupe to succeed. It was very kind of him to be willing to wait.

First – two more key questions. Jobe’s smart phone would have the answers. What time was it, and what elevation had Lupe reached here?

Early afternoon. Lupe is at 10,400 feet.

The summit of Crazy Peak looked a long way off. (It was actually only a little over 0.5 mile away.) Another 800 feet of elevation gain left, including some rough, sketchy territory with exposure ahead. Most importantly, it was now afternoon. Seven hours gone by already? At the pace SPHP was going it would take Lupe another two hours to reach the top of the mountain. By then it would be mid-afternoon. That meant part of the return trip would be in darkness.

There had been plenty of time to think about things while Jobe was gone. The terrain hadn’t stopped Lupe yet, but as much as SPHP would have liked for Lupe to succeed at climbing Crazy Peak, SPHP hesitated only a moment.

No, Jobe, we’ve timed out. Let’s head down.

Right decision. Lupe was happy. Jobe was happy. It was a relief to be going back down. The day was a big success! Jobe had made it to the top of Crazy Peak. Lupe and SPHP had shared in the joy, and kept their promise not to delay him – at least not by too much. Only Mount Cleveland to go! Jobe indicated he might take on Mount Cleveland sometime in early August, only 2 or 3 weeks away.

Well before the sun went down, Lupe and SPHP were back in Jobe’s air-conditioned Jeep Rubicon, bouncing along comfortably. Morning Dew and Terrapin Station by the Grateful Dead were playing. Jobe resumed his enthusiastic dissertation on Jerry Garcia’s musical talents. A good time, a really good time.

All too soon, Lupe was back at the G6, giving Jobe’s hand a final shake next to the Rubicon.

Lupe extends final congratulations to Jobe on his great success at Crazy Peak.

Brief good-byes and well wishes, then onward! Jobe roared off in the Rubicon. Minutes later, Lupe and SPHP were in the G6 going down the same dusty road. Lupe resumed her usual watch for cows and horses to bark at.

After a fun day on Crazy Peak, Lupe resumes her watch for cows and horses to bark at.

SPHP soon stopped the G6 for a last look back.

Lupe’d had success climbing several nice peaks with Jobe on the previous two days. Nevertheless, Crazy Peak (11,209 ft.) would always be the one that stood out from the others. There it was, that long tantalizing SE ridge, forever leading skyward to the joyful moment when Lupe had stood with mountaineer and friend Jobe Wymore on the verge of EPIC!

Lupe and Jobe Wymore on the verge of EPIC. Crazy Peak, Montana – July 22, 2017.

Thanks to Victor Zhou for sharing the route on the SE ridge that Jobe used to summit Crazy Peak, and gave Lupe some hope of doing the same.

Epilogue

Although Lupe and SPHP were confident Jobe would be successful climbing Mount Cleveland in early August, 2017, Lupe wouldn’t know for certain how Jobe fared until she returned from her Summer of 2017 Dingo Vacation in September.

Lupe arrived home on 9-13-17, to find an email from Jobe waiting for her entitled “Mount Cleveland denial. Weep, weep.” Jobe had arrived at the National Park visitor center only to be turned away due to forest fires that had started only the evening before. All backcountry permits via Goat Haunt had been cancelled.

So at the time of this post’s publication, Jobe remains on the verge of EPIC, only short Mount Cleveland from completing the 50 States of the USA EPIC List. Of course, in due time Jobe will be back. Lupe and SPHP wish him a speedy, successful and safe ascent! – 9-22-17

August, 2018 Update

Jobe eventually did complete the USA 50 States EPIC List more than a year after his adventure with Lupe on Crazy Mountain with a successful ascent of Mount Cleveland on 8-16-18. Congratulations, Jobe!

Links:

Next Dingo Vacation Prior Adventure

This Dingo Vacation Prior Dingo Vacation

Jobe Wymore on Peakbagger.com

EPIC List – States of the USA (showing all peaks and dates of Jobe’s ascents)

EPIC List – States of the USA (showing front runners with the most ascents)

To the Wildcat Hills of Nebraska with Mountaineer Jobe Wymore (4-2-16)

Mount Powell, Montana with Mountaineer Jobe Wymore (7-20-17)

Naya Nuki Peak & Sacagawea Peak, Montana with Mountaineer Jobe Wymore (7-21-17)

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