South Dakota – Page 10 – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 322 – Peak 6070 & New Year’s Eve Peak (1-1-24)

10:10 AM, 32ºF, junction of Horse Creek Road & USFS Road No. 243.2B –

A brand new year 2024, and it’s a glorious day, SPHP!

Snow that had fallen just before Christmas sparkled in bright sunshine beneath blue, blue heavens above. Lupe had been thrilled and anxious to be underway this morning, when SPHP announced that it was time for her annual pilgrimage to New Year’s Eve Peak (6,046 ft.).

Indeed it is, Loopster! Couldn’t be better! I’m about ready. Shall we?

We shall, SPHP!

Then, Onward! Puppy, ho!

Parked at the start of **USFS Road No. 243.2B** just off Horse Creek Road. Photo looks W.

Horse Creek Road had been plowed, but was icy as Lupe trotted W to the start of USFS Road No. 257. After going past the access gate, the Carolina Dog entered a level field where the snow was 4″ to 6″ deep. Ahead, the hills where the forest had burned years ago were already mostly brown again due to their S exposure.

At the start of **USFS Road No. 257**. Photo looks NNE.

Oh, I get it! This looks familiar, SPHP. We’re taking our alternate route to New Year’s Eve Peak, aren’t we?

That’s right, Loop! Been wanting to hit Peak 6070 again for years, but the days are so short in December and January, that we don’t make it that far when we’ve gone over Peak 5800 first starting from USFS Road No. 710.

We’ll get to see something a little different then this year, SPHP.

Yup! In fact, part of today’s route to Peak 6070 will be up a valley we’ve never explored before, Looper. Should be fun!

Sticking with No. 257 as it crossed the field, Lupe soon reached a short stretch of tall pines. By the time she emerged from the trees, the road had turned NW, now heading up a wide, gentle valley. It wasn’t much farther to a junction.

Which way, SPHP?

No. 257 turns N here, which is the most direct route to New Year’s Eve Peak. That’s the way we’ve gone starting from Horse Creek Road before, Loop. Today, though, let’s keep going NW on No. 257.1A.

Past the first pines **No. 257** went through, heading up the wide valley. Photo looks NW.

**No. 257** close to where No. 257.1A split off. Lupe didn’t go this way. Photo looks NNE.

Almost entirely shaded, the snow was deeper on No. 257.1A. Staying a little N of the road, Lupe preferred continuing up the snowy valley in sunshine. After more than 0.5 mile, the valley narrowed. A thick stand of aspens was ahead.

A narrow trail through the aspens led to a clearing where Lupe rejoined No. 257.1A. The road headed straight for a couple of smaller stands of aspens prior to entering a Ponderosa pine forest. Upon reaching the pines, No. 257.1A turned N and began to climb.

Heading up the broad valley a bit **N of USFS Road No. 257.1A**. Photo looks NW.

On the trail through the aspens. Photo looks W.

In the clearing where Lupe rejoined No. 257.1A. Photo looks WNW.

Starting to climb following **No. 257.1A**. Photo looks NNW.

OK, Loop. We’ve now reached the part of No. 257.1A we’ve never been on before. It’s supposed to just keep going up this valley before dead-ending. By then we ought to be within 0.25 mile of the big power line between Peak 6070 and New Year’s Eve Peak.

Sounds good, SPHP! Exploring is a blast!

All the snow on No. 257.1A made the trudge higher a little harder than it otherwise would have been, but progress was good. Lupe sniffed and watched for deers and squirrels, seeing none. After a fairly long march, deadfall began covering the road. No. 257.1A faded away. Glimpses of the power line had already appeared ahead.

Over on the W side of the valley, the American Dingo discovered another old road. It quickly led to a small clearing where a big pine stood at the upper end. The ground beneath it was snow-free.

Want to take a short break under that pine tree, Loopster?

Fine with me, SPHP.

Lupe wasn’t hungry yet, turning down Taste of the Wild. SPHP sat in the sunshine beneath the old tree munching an apple. The Carolina Dog had gained enough elevation so that Black Elk Peak (7,137 ft.) was in sight. The day was now warm enough to make sitting there quite pleasant, but as soon as SPHP finished the apple, Lupe wanted to go.

Ready, SPHP?

I guess. Nice to relax and enjoy the view here, isn’t it?

The views will be better higher up, SPHP.

Loopster, ready to press on. **Black Elk Peak** (Center), in the distance. Photo looks S.

Beyond the big pine tree, the old road steepened some more. Glimpses of the power line continued to appear ahead. Before long, a grassy slope permitted a view of the top of the ridge to the W.

Let’s go up there, SPHP! Doesn’t look all that much higher.

Lead the way, Miss Ambitious!

The open slope (L) leading to the ridgeline. Photo looks NW.

Abandoning the road, Lupe headed up the grassy slope. As is often the case in the mountains, the top of the ridge was farther than it looked. No big deal, though. Once up there, the American Dingo followed the ridge N. Climbing among a series of small rock outcroppings, Lupe came to quite a nice viewpoint upon reaching the power line.

Told ya, it would be better up here, SPHP!

Well, of course. No argument from me, Looper.

At the **power line between Peak 6070 & New Year’s Eve Peak**. Photo looks NE.

Peak 6070 was only another 0.5 mile. Continuing N, then NW, from the power line, Lupe crossed USFS Road No. 244.1B as she made her way to Peak 6070’s S ridge. An easy traipse along the gently rolling ridge soon got her within striking distance of the summit. Passing another series of minor rock outcroppings, the American Dingo was there!

Exploring **Peak 6070’s S ridge**. Photo looks NNW.

Approaching the summit. Photo looks NNW.

**Peak 6070’s summit region**. Photo looks NNW.

Loopster atop **Peak 6070**! Photo looks W.

12:42 PM, 46ºF, Peak 6070 – Lupe stood smiling happily in the sunshine atop the highest rocks.

Dear Loopster! May I be the first to shake your paw, and congratulate you on your magnificent ascent of Peak 6070 on this fine New Year’s Day of 2024? Well done!

You may be first and last to shake my paw, SPHP, since no one else is here. This ascent wasn’t that hard, anyway, pure fun!

Nevertheless, it’s an important ascent. Peak 6070 is the first mountain we’ve climbed in 2024. Feels like we’re getting off to a good start!

It does, SPHP! And know what would make it even better?

I do, Looper. A chocolate coconut bar! Happen to have one in the pack for this very occasion.

Glad to hear that I’ve finally got you trained, SPHP!

Peak 6070’s summit area was plenty big enough to move around some, but the views were mostly hidden by trees. Furthermore, there was so much snow around that the only dry places to sit were on exposed rock, which wasn’t that comfortable. Retreating a little down the S slope, a grassy area provided a few dry spots with a much more open view.

Let’s split a chocolate coconut bar here, Loop!

Bring it on, SPHP!

The next half hour + was spent relaxing right here, admiring the view of Five Points (6,221 ft.) and False North Point (6,130 ft.) roughly 4 miles away, with Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.), Sylvan Peak (7,000 ft.) and what was probably Zimmer Ridge (6,600 ft.) on the horizon beyond.

**Five Points** (L of Center) and **False North Point** (Center) in the foreground, with **Black Elk Peak** (L), **Sylvan Peak** (Center) and **Zimmer Ridge** (R) beyond. Photo looks S.

The chocolate coconut bar vanished, along with some Taste of the Wild. SPHP drank an Ensure. The Carolina Dog preferred snow, but lapped a little water, anyway. Nothing moved. Even the air barely stirred. The peace and silence were amazing. SPHP had already shed some layers, due to how very comfortably warm it was in the sun. Time ticked away.

This is the life, SPHP!

Isn’t it, Loop? I suppose we better think about moving on pretty soon again, though, if we’re still going to visit New Year’s Eve Peak.

Well, we can’t miss that, SPHP! It’s tradition!

With enough of Lupe’s summit hour left to do a little more exploration of Peak 6070, the American Dingo returned briefly to the snowy summit.

Loop returning to the **Peak 6070 summit**. Photo looks SSE.

Final moments on **top of Peak 6070**. Photo looks SSE.

Then it was down Peak 6070’s N ridge for the first time ever, going just a little way to where it was possible to circle around to a SW shoulder of the mountain that had been visible from the break spot. This shoulder had looked like it might offer a view to the W. Sure enough, a nice view of Nugget Gulch Peak (6,000 ft.) greeted Lupe, with high ridges of the E edge of the limestone plateau visible on the far horizon.

**Nugget Gulch Peak** (R of Center) from Peak 6070. Photo looks WNW.

50 minutes after arriving at Peak 6070, shorting her summit hour a bit to save daylight, Lupe was on her way again. Cutting E across the grassy fields on the mountain’s S slope a little below her break spot, she got to see that beautiful view to the S again, as well as a sweeping view off to the SW of Peak 6043, Peak 6167, and Old Bald Peak (6,130 ft.).

Looking S again from **Peak 6070’s upper S slopes**.

**Peak** **6043** (L), **Peak 6167** (L of Center), **Old Bald Peak** (R of Center). Photo looks SW.

Just think, SPHP! We were over on Old Bald Peak less than 1.5 months ago with new Cousin Dixie! Bet she would have liked to be here on Peak 6070 with us today, too!

Oh, I’m sure of it, Looper! Dixie would love this!

Leaving along Peak 6070’s S ridge, Lupe soon caught a glimpse of her next objective, New Year’s Eve Peak, only a little over a mile SE. Upon reaching USFS Road No. 244.1B again, this time she followed it along the power line to Peak 6070’s SE ridge. From here, she had an even better view of New Year’s Eve Peak.

**New Year’s Eve Peak** (L) from Peak 6070’s S ridge. Photo looks SE.

**USFS Road No. 244.1B**, which Lupe followed to this point. Photo looks SW.

**New Year’s Eve Peak** (R) from the power line. Photo looks E.

Following Peak 6070’s SE ridge after leaving the power line, there were spots where the ridge was quite narrow and crowned with near vertical rock formations of modest size. Beyond these obstacles, Lupe turned E to descend a long, forested slope before reaching the ridge’s high point near the SE end.

In the shade of the ridge, the snow was deep on this steep-sided traverse, but soon enough, the saddle leading to New Year’s Eve Peak appeared ahead. After crossing this saddle, Lupe began her ascent of New Year’s Eve Peak’s steep W slope.

Approaching the saddle leading to **New Year’s Eve Peak** (Center). Photo looks E.

2:44 PM, 41ºF, New Year’s Eve Peak (6,046 ft.) – The sun was sinking, the day cooling off, when Lupe leapt up onto the summit boulder. Small pines nearby that had been growing up since the forest was thinned 10 years ago, were getting bigger every year. SPHP congratulated Lupe on her 11th ascent of New Year’s Eve Peak. The Carolina Dog smiled.

Back on **New Year’s Eve Peak’s summit boulder**! Photo looks WSW.

Surrounded by the young pines that will soon hide the views again. Photo looks SE.

It’s good to be back on New Year’s Eve Peak, isn’t it, SPHP?

Always, Loopster! It’s our place to brood and mourn over the old year, or ring in the new one. Kind of glad we’re here to ring in the new year this time. 2023 ended too sadly.

We’ll always remember Grandma, SPHP.

I know, Loop. Not the same as seeing her, though, is it? Anyway, it’s New Year 2024, so no brooding! I’ve done enough of that. Let’s have a seat, and enjoy our traditional view of the snowy hills to the W.

That’s the spirit, SPHP! We can think about all the grand adventures we’re going to have in 2024 while chomping another chocolate coconut bar!

The classic New Year’s Eve Peak view of the snowy hills. Photo looks W.

As SPHP sat down on a rock, suddenly the day’s long silence was broken by the sound of gunfire, immediately making the Carolina Dog nervous. Somewhere not too far off to the W, someone had decided to get in some target practice. Multiple rounds were fired at regular intervals.

After sharing the final chocolate coconut bar of the day, Lupe had more Taste of the Wild before laying down on the rocks next to SPHP.

That can’t be very comfortable, Looper, laying on a cold, hard rock. Want to get on my lap?

I’m fine, SPHP. Wish that gunfire, would stop once and for all, though.

Yeah, me too, Loopster. Kind of hard to contemplate much of anything when someone’s blazing away like that.

SPHP threw a jacket over Lupe. A few minutes of silence often prevailed before the next burst of gunfire erupted again. SPHP munched another apple while Lupe gazed out at those familiar snowy hills.

More than half an hour went by before target practice evidently ended.

Glad we came, Loop. Shall we take a few more pictures before bidding a fond farewell to New Year’s Eve Peak for another year?

Lupe struck a dramatic pose on a rock before returning briefly to the summit boulder. Then from over on the rocks along the S edge, she had a good look at Boulder Hill (5,331 ft.), Silver Mountain (5,405 ft.), and Calumet Ridge (5,601 ft.) way off to the SE in the general direction of Sheridan Lake. Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.), mightiest of the Black Hills, was almost directly S.

A dramatic New Year’s Eve Peak pose shortly before sunset. Photo looks WSW.

Final moments on the **summit boulder**. Photo looks SE.

**Boulder Hill** (L of Center), **Silver Peak** (Center), and **Calumet Ridge** (R of Center) above **Sheridan Lake** on the horizon. Photo looks SE.

**Black Elk Peak** (beyond Lupe), **Five Points** (R). Photo looks S.

50 minutes after arriving atop New Year’s Eve Peak, Lupe headed down the S ridge.

So did you get much planning done on what we’re going to do this year, SPHP?

Nothing definitive, Loop, but we have mountains of possibilities. Actually, the first thing we need to do is at least get your blog caught up at little bit on your 2023 adventures. I’m like 7 months behind!

Blogging’s fine in winter, SPHP, but the days are already getting longer!

When the days begin to lengthen, the cold begins to strengthen! That’s what my Grandma used to say, Loopster.

Maybe for another month, SPHP, but spring will come.

The S ridge widened as it curled around to the E. Lupe followed it all the way to Pistol Point. It was nearly alpenglow time when the Carolina Dog got there.

Lupe paused here long enough to take a look at the territory she usually explores on her way to New Year’s Eve Peak. Peak 5917 was less than 0.5 mile NE. Peak 5800 was nearly 1.5 miles ESE.

**Peak 5917** (L), **Peak 5800** (R) from Pistol Point. Photo looks E.

I’d climb all these mountains every year, if the days were longer, SPHP!

They will be in a few months, Loop. Maybe it would be fun to visit them when the grass is green sometime?

Maybe, SPHP, but I’m used to them this way, with a blanket of snow.

The sun was nearly down when Lupe left Pistol Point. As the American Dingo lost elevation during a fairly steep descent into the snowy valley to the S, the sun vanished behind the mountains.

Final moments at **Pistol Point**. Photo looks SW.

About to begin the descent into the valley. **Black Elk Peak** (R). Photo looks SSE.

A last look at **Peak 5800** (L). Photo looks ESE.

This was certainly a beautiful day, SPHP. We’re off to a great start in 2024!

That we are, Loop. Looks like for once, we might get a decent sunset, too.

Remember that year when the sunset was so fantastically colorful, SPHP? Really awesome!

I do, Loop. Long time ago now. This will be the first year since then to even come close to that display.

Sunset from the **valley S of Pistol Point**. **Black Elk Peak** (L of Center), **Five Points** (R), **False North Point** (far R). Photo looks S.

The air turned cold. The snow turned crunchy. Still exploring, as dusk deepened, the Carolina Dog eventually encountered USFS Road No. 257 again. By the time she reached the RAV4, the brightest stars were visible in the rapidly darkening sky.

Lupe was happy! She’d not only visited Peak 6070 for the first time in years, but kept up her New Year’s Eve Peak tradition. Who knew what adventures 2024 would hold? The American Dingo was optimistic! What a fine day this one had been! (End 5:22 PM, 30ºF)

Returning from **New Year’s Eve Peak**, Black Hills of South Dakota 1-1-24

Links:

Next Black Hills Expedition Prior Black Hills Expedition

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 310 – Peak 5800 & New Year’s Eve Peak (12-31-22)

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 339 – New Year’s Eve Peak & Peak 5917 (12-29-24)

Lupe’s Scrollable GPS Track

Want more Lupe adventures? Check out Lupe’s Black Hills, SD & WY Expeditions Adventure Index, Master Adventure Index, or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures!

Lupe’s 13th Birthday & Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 321 – Crooks Tower (12-14-23)

12-13-23, 2:00 PM – C’mon, Loop! We’ve got to get this party underway. Hop up onto this chair next to your birthday cake!

Lupe didn’t feel like it. SPHP had to lift her onto the chair more than once to get her to stay put. The Carolina Dog looked back questioningly at SPHP. So soon after this morning’s terrible sadness? It wasn’t even her real birthday yet! That wasn’t until tomorrow. Lupe was still 12.

The **Dingo of Honor** and her13th birthday cake.

No matter. Everyone was here! The champagne was flowing! This was Lupe’s best attended birthday party ever by far! People she hadn’t seen in years were here, but not for long. Erik needed to leave for the airport in just a little while. With time of the essence, SPHP lit the candles. The resulting conflagration was more fearsome than ever, making Loopster nervous while the gathered throng sang “Happy Birthday” to her.

**Loopster** enduring the **Trial by Fire**! **Owen** & **Emery** at R.

Lupe didn’t even have time to make a wish. The instant Happy Birthday concluded, Owen and Felix blew all the candles out in one mighty joint blast! Cake and ice cream were served, subject to SPHP’s rule. No one qualified for cake or ice cream until they appeared in at least one photo with the birthday girl. Children were granted the opportunity to meet this draconian requirement first.

L to R: **Asher**, **Emery**, **Lupe**, **Owen** & **Felix**.

Women were next, followed by the men. SPHP made certain everyone had to squint into the low December sun.

**L to R:** Cake & ice cream qualifiers **Cassie**, **Yvonne**, **Xochitl**, **Andrea** & **Mush**

**L to R:** Last, and no doubt least – **Lanis**, **Joe**, **Steve**, **David**, **Erik** & **Matt**

SPHP stayed busy scooping ice cream and serving champagne. Someone else must have served cake. Yvonne brought out presents from her and Lanis. The party was so busy that they, and Lupe, got more or less lost in the shuffle. The time flew! Erik needed to go. A final group photo was in order before he got away!

The whole gang! L to R standing: **Steve**, **Lanis**, **Erik**, **Xochitl**, **Matt**, **Joe**, **Andrea**, **David**, **Mush**. Kneeling and sitting: **Yvonne**, **Felix**, **Asher**, **Cassie**. **Emery** & **Owen** next to **Lupe**.

Leaving her own 13th birthday party, which was still going strong, Lupe went with SPHP and Erik to the airport. By the time the American Dingo got back, her party was over. Uncle Joe, Aunt Andrea, and new Cousin Dixie were still here, but by early tomorrow morning they’d be gone, too.

12-14-23, 8:00 AM – Back down to just you and me, Loopster. By the way, Happy Birthday! You really are 13 now! So, what did you think of that birthday party yesterday? Sort of fast and furious, wasn’t it? More like a blowout celebration of your last day of being 12.

It was fine, SPHP, except for one thing. I wish Grandma could have been there. She’s been at every one of my birthdays until this one.

I know, Loop. Grandma would have loved to be here for you. Almost made it, too, but we tried practically ever since we got back from Canada & Alaska and couldn’t save her. Thought she was going to be fine when we had Thanksgiving dinner together. She was the best she’d been in weeks, and in good spirits.

Maybe I shouldn’t have eaten so much of her turkey, SPHP?

And all of mine to boot, Looper! But no, that wasn’t the problem. She was glad you enjoyed the turkey, and came to see her.

We won’t be seeing Grandma ever again, SPHP?

No, not in this world, Loop.

It’s hard to have your birthday party right after you bury your Grandma, SPHP!

I know, but you’re a source of joy to all of us, Lupe, and everyone was here. If we’d had your party today, I would have been your only guest.

Promise me you’ll always be at all of my birthdays, SPHP! And that you’ll stick with me every other day, too!

Silly Dingo! You couldn’t get rid of me if you tried!

So now what, SPHP? It’s my real birthday! Is anything going to happen, or is the fun already all over and done with?

Well, I haven’t written a new post for your blog in months, and I’m way, way behind on countless other tasks, given all the adverse events we’ve run into this fall.

So you’re just going to work, while I stare out the window all day, SPHP? Sounds like being 13 is going to get off to a crummy start.

Oh, no! We’re not going to let that happen! We’ve got the whole day. How about a Black Hills expedition?

Now you’re talking, SPHP! Where to?

It’s been super warm. No snow at all around here. Bet we can still get up into the high country. How about Crooks Tower (7,137 ft.)?

Seems like forever since we’ve been to Crooks Tower, SPHP. Let’s do it!

12-14-23, 10:17 AM, 38°F, Besant Park Road (USFS Road No. 206) – Well, there was a little snow here, but not an awful lot, an inch or two at best. Lupe was thrilled to see it, and rolled in the frosty snow as soon as she leapt out of the RAV4 despite a chilly SW breeze. The sullen gray clouds and cold air created a subdued wintry atmosphere, partially relieved by a large patch of blue to the S.

Parked just off **Besant Park Road** ready to set out for Crooks Tower. Photo looks SW.

You ready yet, SPHP? Which way we going?

In a moment, Looper. Crooks Tower is a few miles SW of here. Rapid Creek Road (USFS Road No. 231) is just ahead. We’ll take a L there.

Minutes later, SPHP was ready. Onward! Puppy, ho! time. Reaching the junction with Rapid Creek Road, Lupe followed it SSW through a big field, trotting merrily along. At the far end of the field, the road began losing elevation at a little faster clip as it curved SW into the forest.

At the intersection. Lupe followed **Rapid Creek Road** to the far end of the field. Photo looks S.

On **Rapid Creek Road** as it winds into the forest. Photo looks SW.

The gradual downhill road trek was super easy. Didn’t take long for Lupe to reach an intersection with USFS Road No. 631.

Hang a R here Loop, and just keep going until we get to No. 631.1C.

At the start of **USFS Road No. 631**. Photo looks W.

No. 631 led WNW up the upper South Fork of Rapid Creek valley, but there wasn’t any surface water to be seen here. Regaining lost elevation, Lupe passed both No. 631.1A and No. 631.1B on the R before reaching the spot where No. 631.1C split off about a mile from where she’d left Rapid Creek Road.

Heading up **USFS Road No. 631**. Photo looks WNW.

Approaching the junction with **USFS Road No. 631.1B** (R). Photo looks NW.

At the start of **No. 631.1C** (R). Photo looks NW.

Go R on No. 631.1C, SPHP?

Yup! This is the start of the big loop we’re going to make, Loopster. Later on we’ll be coming back to this point from the L.

No. 631.1C was a much more primitive route than Rapid Creek Road had been. The clouds overhead were starting to break up. Lupe was often in sunshine. There seemed to be more potential for excitement here, but other than a soft breeze, the forest was quiet. Nothing stirred.

Exploring **USFS Road No. 631.1C**. Photo looks NW.

After roughly 0.33 mile, a long, 20-30 foot high limestone escarpment was visible ahead on the R. USFS Road No. 631.1C angled toward it, but by the time Lupe got to the escarpment, it and the road had pretty much vanished. A tiny climb led up to a flat region.

Approaching the **limestone escarpment** (R). Photo looks NW.

Entering the flat region up on top. Photo looks W.

The roads gone, SPHP. Now we’re in for some real exploring!

Been a very long time since we’ve been here, Loop, but if I remember right, there’s an old road somewhere nearby that’s not shown on the maps. Let’s angle W.

Sure enough, Lupe ran into another road almost immediately. Following it W, SPHP called a halt upon reaching a clearing.

At the edge of the clearing. Photo looks W.

OK, Loop. I believe there’s a viewpoint we’ve been to at least a couple of times before off to the NW from here. Nothing too magnificent, but we can head over to it for a look around, if you like, and take a little break. Not too far away. What do you think? Want to do that?

Sure, SPHP! Might as well, if we’re already close. Leave the road here?

Yes. Angle off to the R, Looper.

Heading off in search of the viewpoint. Photo looks NW.

Exploring happily, Lupe sniffed her way through a maze of trees, bushes, and open lanes. Roughly 600 feet from the road, she came to the edge of a limestone escarpment. Miles N, the top of Terry Peak (7,064 ft.) was in sight. On the NW horizon, a forested ridge rose above others nearby.

Is that Cement Ridge (6,674 ft.) in Wyoming, SPHP?

I’ve sometimes thought so, Loop. You can see that ridge from Crooks Tower, too. Seems too far away to be Laird Peak (6,906 ft.), and too close to be Warren Peaks (6,650 ft.), but I just don’t know. I’ve never been able to figure it out.

At the viewpoint **1.33 miles N of Crooks Tower**. **Mystery Ridge** (Center) on the horizon. Photo looks NW.

Well, it didn’t really matter. For 15 minutes, SPHP sat there enjoying the view while munching an apple. Meanwhile, Lupe gobbled down some Taste of the Wild. Checking the Carolina Dog’s GPS track on the iPhone, it said she’d gone 3.3 miles already.

Wandering farther W along the edge of the escarpment, Lupe discovered a stone fire ring. Piles of gray branches nearby would have provided plenty of fuel for another fire.

By the stone fire ring. Photo looks WSW.

SPHP fished several Lupe treasures out of the fire ring.

Nice spot. Wish people would pack out what they bring in.

Many do, SPHP!

Many don’t, too. Well, we better keep going. Back to the road, Loopster!

Returning to the road, Lupe followed it S. When it turned W and started losing elevation, she left it to wander through clearings full of tall, brown grass. Soon a forested ridge was visible ahead.

Back at the unmarked road. Photo looks SSE.

In one of the grassy clearings. Photo looks SE.

That’s the N end of Crooks Tower, Loop. We’re getting close!

The forested ridge was the steepest climb of the entire journey, but other than a fair amount of deadfall scattered across the slope, the ridge really wasn’t that much of an obstacle. Before long, Lupe was standing below the N face of a 25 foot high rock formation.

Crossing **USFS Road No. 189.4F** on the way to the ridge. Photo looks SSW.

Steepest part of the ridge. Not bad at all! Photo looks SSW.

Below the 25 foot tall knob of rock. Photo looks SSE.

Is this Crooks Tower, SPHP? It’s not the way I remember it.

Oh, we’ve been here at least once before, Loop. Looks like we’re at Crooks Tower’s NNE summit. The generally accepted true summit is a bit farther.

Scooting around the W side of the big rock formation, the American Dingo found a relatively easy way to scramble up to the top, where a loose pile of rocks apparently served as a cairn.

So this is the NNE summit, SPHP? Can’t really see anything except trees.

Yes, this is it. Get up on those rocks, Looper, so I can get a picture. I sort of remember this cairn, and that we couldn’t see much last time we were here, either. Might even be worse now that the trees have grown.

On **Crooks Tower’s NNE summit**. Photo looks NNE.

Five minutes was about as long as Lupe lingered. Tree-broken glimpses of distant views were all the cramped NNE summit had to offer. Not even a hint of the true summit, even though it really wasn’t far off at all.

Continuing on, Lupe made her way first S, then SW, through thick forest and deadfall. Breaking out into the open, she reached the big field SE of the Crooks Tower summit block. A quick stroll around to the SW, and a short, familiar path led to a 40 foot diameter top covered with scattered big pines, pine needles, and exposed rock.

Part of the field SE of the summit. Photo looks S.

12-14-23, 1:18 PM, 41°F, Crooks Tower (7,137 ft.) – Clear skies now! The clouds were gone, but it hadn’t warmed up much at all. A 10 mph SSW breeze still made it feel rather chilly. After polishing off most of the rest of her Taste of the Wild, Lupe curled up on SPHP’s lap.

I do remember this place, SPHP. We used to come here almost every year.

That’s right, Loop! Even though the views are limited, Crooks Tower is one of the highest peaks in the Black Hills and long been a favorite. This is your 11th ascent, and on your 13th birthday, too! Makes it even more special.

I’m glad to be back, SPHP! Seems like an awfully long time since the last time we were here.

SPHP smiled.

I looked it up before we came, sweet puppy. Last time we were here was more than 4 years ago – on my birthday. And now we’re here on yours.

Although still early afternoon, shadows cast by the sunlight filtering through the pines were already lengthening. Not even mid-afternoon yet, and it already felt late. As SPHP sat there stroking Lupe’s soft ears while gazing at the old familiar views, a certain sadness crept in. Did Lupe feel it, too? She was mighty quiet.

Dusty, Laddie, and now Grandma, all in less than 15 months. Our world’s grown colder lately, hasn’t it, Loop?

It’s filling up with ghosts, SPHP. I wish it weren’t!

Me, too, Looper. Me, too.

The Crooks Tower region had another summit candidate more than a mile SW, plus a 7130 High Point nearly a mile S of that. Now that Lupe was here for the first time in over 4 years, though, it seemed better to simply stay put and enjoy it rather than dash off. The Carolina Dog had already traveled 4.7 miles, and going much farther would mean getting back to the RAV4 well after dark.

In any case, congratulations were in order! Without getting up, SPHP shook Lupe’s paw, praising her for her 13th birthday ascent of Crooks Tower, then split an eagerly received chocolate coconut bar with her.

After that, no one moved. SPHP wrapped the red rain jacket around Lupe to help hold in some warmth. Minutes lost in thought ticked away. Ghosts and days gone by! Mere memories now, yet still so vivid, and seemingly perfectly real, it felt as if they could return anew even after long absence as easily as Lupe had returned to lay here on SPHP’s lap on Crooks Tower again today.

Gosh, look at the sun! Can’t sit here too long, Loop! Your summit hour is getting close to an end. Let’s get some pictures before it’s time to go.

Upper end of the summit region. Photo looks ESE.

**Black Elk Peak** (Center) from Crooks Tower. Photo looks SE.

A little below the summit. Photo looks NNE.

New teenager **Lupe** on **Crooks Tower**. Photo looks NNW.

The best views were of Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.) far to the SE. Swinging toward the S, Green Mountain (7,164 ft.) stood out. The only other real views were N in the general direction of the Mystery Ridge.

**Black Elk Peak** (L), **Green Mountain** (R). Photo looks SSE.

**Mystery Ridge** (L) on the horizon. Photo looks N.

So how was that, SPHP? Get enough pictures?

Oh, I think so. Well done, Loopster!

After a more than 4 year absence, an hour on Crooks Tower didn’t seem like nearly enough. Nevertheless, at 2:18 PM, precisely an hour after she arrived, Lupe headed back down the short path to the SW.

Instead of going back the way she’d come, though, just for fun, it was time to make the big loop SPHP had mentioned earlier. Less than 0.5 mile WSW on USFS Road No. 189.4A got the American Dingo over to a big intersection with No. 189, the closest really good road to Crooks Tower, and No. 631.2C.

About to set out along **USFS Road No. 631.2C**. Photo looks SE.

A longer route than Lupe’s ascent, the return was otherwise even easier. In brilliant sunshine, at first, Loopster enjoyed the long gradual descent along No. 631.2C.

Part of the easy trek along **USFS Road No. 631.2C**. Photo looks SE.

Loopster enjoying the romp. Photo looks NW.

By the time Lupe got back to No. 631, the sun was behind the mountains. A bit farther on, Lupe passed the turn she had once taken into Trebor Draw where she’d been injured years ago. Continuing N beyond this point, another ancient memory stirred in SPHP’s mind.

You know, Loop, I seem to remember a fairly well-formed arch up on one of these hillsides to the L somewhere along this road. Help me keep an eye out for it, would you?

Sure thing, SPHP! Arches are rare in the Black Hills. I’ll let you know if I see one.

It wasn’t until Lupe was well past a junction with USFS Road No. 631.1E that there it was, an arch up on the hillside to the L! The Carolina Dog went up to it for a closer look.

*It’s an arch alright, SPHP!* Photo looks NNW.

Well, I’ll be! The arch really is here, Looper. My memory of it was so faint that I wasn’t even sure this was the right road.

You were right, SPHP!

Imagine that! Does happen now and then.

The sun was down, but it was still light out when Lupe reached Rapid Creek Road again. No traffic at all. In fact, Lupe hadn’t seen anyone, not even any animals, other than a few small birds, all day long.

On the final stretch near day’s end. Photo looks N.

12-14-23, 4:50 PM, 30ºF – The light was fading fast when Lupe’s 11.4 mile 13th birthday round trip journey to Crooks Tower came to an end. She’d had a great day up in the high country of the western Black Hills, and as it turned out, more excitement and festivities were still ahead.

During the dark drive home, a herd of nearly 20 giant deers suddenly ran across the road right in front of the RAV4, provoking a hysterical barking attack. Once home, SPHP suggested another photo session with Lupe’s presents, the two that Lanis and Yvonne had given her yesterday during all the commotion of the big birthday bash, plus one that SPHP had been holding out on.