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

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 293 – Peak 4900 & Peak 5160 (1-28-22)

12:01 PM, 47ºF, start of USFS Road No. 359.3C along Playhouse Road – Wow! What a gorgeous day! Didn’t seem like January at all. Scarcely even any snow around. Perfect conditions had Lupe out in the hills again. Her Lists of John mini-blitz was in full swing. Going around a gate, she headed SE on USFS Road No. 359.3C through a sunlit forest.

About to set out on USFS Road No. 359.3C.

The road descended gradually to a meadow where Loopster made a somewhat unusual discovery. An old abandoned house was closed off by a pole fence around its perimeter. Fairly large, it must have been quite the place once upon a time, but was in a sad state of affairs now.

After a good sniff around the house, Lupe returned to the road. Curving NE, it quickly led to a fork. SPHP checked the topo map. Didn’t quite match up with what the Carolina Dog was seeing.

At the fork. USFS Road No. 359.3D goes L. Photo looks E.

Which way, SPHP?

Not entirely sure, Looper. Think we’re already on USFS Road No. 359.3D, which should get us in a roundabout way close to Peak 4900, if we stay to the L here. This other road looks like it might go over toward the Spokane Mine, but doesn’t seem to be in the right place. Should have been a road going that way closer to the house, but I never saw it.

Well, maybe the map is wrong, SPHP?

Yeah, maybe. Usually I’m the one that’s wrong, though.

Do we have time to go see the Spokane Mine, SPHP?

Oh, I think so. Shouldn’t be very far. Want to do that, Loop?

She did. Taking the road to the R, Lupe slowly gained elevation going ESE up a shallow valley. The road soon faded to a single track trail.

The trail led up to a fairly level region where more trails headed off in various directions. Turning S, because that was where the Spokane Mine ought to be, Lupe went over a small rise. On the other side was a sunny little clearing. No sign yet of the Spokane Mine, but there was something else.

A grave!

By the mysterious grave. Photo looks SSW.

The lone grave was outlined with rocks. A flat headstone was so covered with memorabilia that SPHP had to move some of it to reveal the name.

What does it say, SPHP?

James Fernando Shepard. Says he was born on February 3, 1850, and died on June 21, 1908. Get this, Loopster! He was murdered for a mining claim! This headstone was set in memory from his grandchildren.

Murdered! For a mining claim! Must have been for the Spokane Mine, SPHP! Let’s get out of here!

Silly Dingo! He was murdered more than 113 years ago. Nothing to worry about now. Besides, we don’t have anything to do with any mining claims, for the Spokane Mine, or any other one.

Not taking any chances, SPHP! Forget the Spokane Mine. Let’s vamoose!

Slinking E through the forest, Lupe came to another abandoned house. This one was also large and surrounded by a pole fence, but appeared to be in considerably better shape.

By the second abandoned house. Photo looks NE.

This is giving me the willies, SPHP! Why all these abandoned homes?

Oh, I don’t know, Loopster. The mine probably played out, and Spokane became a ghost town.

Ghost town! We’re in a ghost town?

Well, sort of seems that way, doesn’t it?

What mountain are we going to, anyway, SPHP?

Peak 4900, Loop. Only 0.25 mile E of here, although we still have a mile to go, if we want to take advantage of USFS Road No. 359.3D.

Well, let’s get there before a ghost comes. I don’t care what route we take.

Heading N from the second abandoned house, Lupe traveled through open forest and occasional meadows. Big rock formations could be seen to the E high on Peak 4900’s W slope, which was quite steep. Eventually a minor pass appeared ahead. The Carolina Dog went up to it.

Looked feasible to go E from here, so Lupe kept climbing. Shortly after the terrain began leveling out she reached USFS Road No. 359.3D again. The road was fainter up here, but still easy to follow. It dipped a little, then flattened, as Loop followed it first S, then SE.

At the pass, about to head up the slope. Photo looks ENE.

No. 359.3D eventually went by a big field. Shortly after that, Lupe came to a small clearing where the road appeared to end. A couple of trails left this point. Following the one that went straight, it soon disappeared. By now, Peak 4900’s summit couldn’t be too much farther SW.

Turning W, the American Dingo began climbing again. The ground started getting rocky as Peak 4900’s N ridge appeared ahead.

The small clearing at the end of USFS Road No. 359.3D. Photo looks S.

Approaching the N ridge. Photo looks SW.

Upon gaining the ridge, Lupe turned S. The climb was relatively easy. Soon a high point was directly ahead.

1:11 PM, 50ºF, Peak 4900 – Lupe had come up at the NW end of a 400 foot long summit region. This was the highest part of the mountain. One of these flat, blocky boulders had to be the true summit, but several were nearly the same elevation. Hard to say for certain exactly which one was it.

So many trees were around, that views were extremely limited. To the NW, a narrow look at Mount Rushmore (5,725 ft.) was available from one of the likeliest true summit candidates. Other than that, a partial view of big forested ridges to the SW was about it.

On what might well have been the **true summit**. **Mount Rushmore** (L) in the distance. Photo looks NW.

**Mount Rushmore** with lots of help from the telephoto lens.

Chocolate coconut bar time, SPHP!

As usual, after taking a seat on one of the big rocks, and congratulating Lupe on her successful ascent, SPHP split one with her.

At the short rest break rock. Photo looks N.

Gone in an instant.

Sheesh, Loop. Do you always have to wolf it down like that?

Dingo it down, you mean, SPHP. And yes, as a matter of fact, I do!

Whatever. Guess I sill have all my fingers. Anyway, see that biggest hill to the SW, Loopster? I bet that’s Peak 5160, where we’ll be going next.

Don’t rush me, SPHP. I’m not done with this mountain yet. We are going to explore Peak 4900’s summit ridge, aren’t we?

Of course! Ready whenever you are, Loop.

Ready to explore **Peak 4900’s summit ridge.** Photo looks ESE.

SPHP harbored hopes that Peak 4900 had some better viewpoints, but Lupe got all the way to the lower SE end of the summit ridge without catching more than glimpses in this or that direction. Rocks near the SE end offered limited views of the prairie beyond the Black Hills, but no sweeping panoramas.

A glimpse of the prairie from the **SE end of the summit region**. Photo looks E.

**Western South Dakota prairie** beyond the E edge of the Black Hills. Photo looks E with help from the telephoto lens.

Pleasant enough, but nothing too amazing. Ready to head back, Looper?

Soon Lupe was back at Peak 4900’s true summit. After lingering briefly to admire what views did exist and bask in the Peak 4900 ambience for the last time, the Carolina Dog headed back down the N ridge.

Back at the **NW end near the true summit**. Photo looks WNW.

This time Lupe explored farther N along the ridge before leaving it for USFS Road No. 359.3D. Found a nice viewpoint along the way where both Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.) and Mount Rushmore were in sight.

**Black Elk Peak** (L), **Mount Rushmore** (far R). Photo looks NW.

Once on No. 359.3D, Looper stuck with it until the road entered posted private property, which forced a detour. Lupe wound up wandering so far S on various trails through the forest that she got quite close to the grave again. From there she retraced her earlier route back to the first abandoned house and No. 359.3C.

Despite this second foray past the ghost town of Spokane, the luck of the Dingo held. No ghost materialized to haunt her.

On an unmarked trail leading back to the ghost town of Spokane. Photo looks SW.

We didn’t get murdered, either, SPHP! Made it back to the RAV4 in one piece. Don’t forget that!

Oh, thanks for the reminder, Loop. A crucial point! (End 2:26 PM)

2:35 PM, 47ºF, start of USFS Road No. 753.1A along S Playhouse Road – Having escaped the terrors of Peak 4900, Lupe was ready to take on her second Lists of John peak of the day. There was another gate to get by, and beyond it was a road less traveled. A mere grassy lane, USFS Road No. 753.1A turned S just past the gate.

By the gate at the start of USFS Road No. 753.1A. Photo looks SE.

On the road less traveled. Photo looks SSE.

Loop had barely gotten started on No. 753.1A, when No. 753.1B branched off to the E. That was the way to Peak 5160, but the road didn’t look all that promising. A short distance from No. 753.1A, No. 753.1B was choked with deadfall as it curved SE entering a narrow, shaded valley.

On USFS Road No. 753.1B after getting past the deadfall. Photo looks SE.

Continuing up the narrow valley. Photo looks SE.

After almost 0.25 mile, the valley broadened out. The road was fainter here. If not for the topo map, SPHP wouldn’t even have realized that there was a fork. USFS Road No. 753.1C branched off to the NE (L), going up a sunlit hillside. No. 753.1B turned S (R), continuing up the valley.

USFS Road No. 753.1B continues almost straight ahead here, but slightly to the R.

The Carolina Dog stuck with No. 753.1B, which improved and started to climb more aggressively. Soon there were glimpses of towering granite formations off to the E. Kind of a red flag! Although a bit farther S, Peak 5160 was in that general direction. If it looked like that, Lupe was never going to be able to get to the top.

Yikes! Peak 5160 better not look like that! Photo looks E.

A gate in a wire mesh fence was ahead. Would have been a problem, since the gate was locked, but a gap near one of the posts allowed Lupe to slip through.

Think we’re in Custer State Park now, Looper.

Gate at the **N boundary of Custer State Park**. Photo looks S.

No. 753.1B continued higher, but was looking like it would soon level out. The road curved SSE, then W, as Lupe neared a sunlit ridge. Near a saddle, the road forked again. One branch went back to the NNW, the other continued S over the saddle, and on down into another valley.

More big granite formations were in this region.

Approaching the sunlit ridge. Photo looks S.

More rock formations ahead. Photo looks SSE.

A massive rock formation SE of the saddle was concerning. Even if it wasn’t the true summit of Peak 5160, it might well be an indication of what to expect. A check of the topo map showed the summit NE of here. Oddly enough, it also showed USFS Road No. 753.1B dead-ending. None of these other branches of the road appeared on the map.

No choice, but to press on. Leaving the saddle, and all of the roads, Lupe passed N of the enormous granite formation heading E. Surprising SPHP, she soon came to a wide, forested ramp leading higher.

Heading up the lovely ramp. Photo looks ENE.

Oh, yeah! The news got even better! At the upper end of the ramp, Lupe came to a grassy field. Off to the NNE, it slanted up to an obvious high point, right where Peak 5160’s summit was supposed to be.

Nothing to it, SPHP! We’ll be there in just a couple of minutes!

3:32 PM, 45ºF, Peak 5160 – And so it was. A quick trek to the top, and there was Loopster, poised on the very highest rock.

Hah! Knock me over with a feather, Looper! Thought we were doomed!

Duck soup, SPHP! About time for another chocolate coconut bar, isn’t it?

That it was. Rather rocky up on this little ridge, but SPHP found a spot to sit down. Lupe curled up on SPHP’s lap.

The views were very nice! Nothing to the E was as high as Peak 5160. Lupe could see way out to the prairie beyond the Black Hills, a genuine panorama this time, not merely a glimpse. Peak 4900 was in sight off to the NE, but looked like a mere twerp of a hill from here. Due N on the horizon, Silver Mountain (5,405 ft.), Boulder Hill (5,331 ft.) and Storm Hill (5,192 ft.) were all on display.

The distant prairie panorama. Photo looks E.

**Silver Mountain**, **Boulder Hill** and **Storm Hill** on the horizon. Photo looks N.

**Silver Mountain** (L), **Boulder Hill** (Center) and **Storm Hill** (R). Photo looks N with help from the telephoto lens.

The chocolate coconut bar vanished in an instant. SPHP offered Lupe some Taste of the Wild, but she didn’t seem interested until a helicopter appeared, flying this way out of the SW. At that point, Loopster gobbled all the Taste of the Wild down as quick as she could so the helicopter wouldn’t steal it, a maneuver which worked brilliantly. The famished helicopter flew away, cruelly disappointed.

Careful examination of the topo map showed two more tiny 5,160 foot contours along the ridge Peak 5160 was part of. Lupe was where Lists of John showed the true summit, but was that really the case?

The most distant of the competing contours represented the top of a hill visible 0.5 mile SSE. From here, that hill looked definitely lower.

SPHP judged the **competing high point** (R of Center) definitely lower. Photo looks SSE.

However, the second tiny contour represented the top of the massive rock formation that Lupe had gone by on the way up. Trees hid the high point over that way from the summit where Lupe was, but it was visible from only a little way down the S slope.

The **competing rock formation** (R) from a little way down the S slope. Photo looks S.

Another look from a little farther down the slope with help from the telephoto lens.

Hmm. I don’t know, Looper. Mighty close call! In fact, if I had to put money on it, think I’d bet on that rock formation being the true summit.

Maybe so, SPHP, but that’s rock climber territory. We’ll never get up there!

Yeah, sure looked that way. Not even going to attempt it. Completely kosher or not, this was good enough for Dingo work. Lupe was claiming her second Lists of John success of the day!

Nearly an hour after arriving, Loopster was on her way back down the ramp. Upon reaching the roads over at the saddle near the problematic rock formation, she took a little time to sniff around exploring among the big rocks near its base. This was pretty cool territory! Might be fun to come back sometime for another look around.

Below the massive rock formation. Photo looks ESE.

More interesting territory in the area. Photo looks S.

But the sun was almost down, and the Carolina Dog ought to be, too. After a little fun among the big rocks, she returned to the saddle. This time, instead of taking USFS Road No. 753.1B again, Lupe explored the road going NNW.

Taking an alternate, unmarked route back. Photo looks NW.

The road soon wrapped around the end of the ridge. Curving W, it started a steep descent.

SPHP suspected this route might ultimately lead back to USFS Road No. 753.1A again, but it didn’t. Instead, Lupe reached S Playhouse Road 150 feet S of the N boundary of Custer State Park. An easy downhill trek along the paved road was all that remained.

Two more peaks climbed! No ghosts, and didn’t get murdered! Lupe’s Lists of John mini-blitz was going well. Little did the American Dingo suspect that it would all come to an end tomorrow. (5:05 PM, 36ºF)

**Peak 5160**, Black Hills of South Dakota 1-28-22

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Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 292 – Peak 5100 Twice & Peak 5177 (1-23-22)

9:45 AM, 45ºF, junction of Vanocker Canyon Road & Runkle Road (USFS Road No. 168) – Another balmy day in January. Lupe was back in action!

Gonna get your Lists of John mini-blitz off to a good start this morning, Loopster! This first peak should be easy!

I’ve noticed that the first one almost always is, SPHP! It’s the ones that come after the first one that always seem to be the challenge.

Peak 5100 certainly started out easy enough, just a stroll down Runkle Road into a minor drainage. After crossing it, the road began to climb. Lupe was barely 0.25 mile from where she’d left Vanocker Canyon Road when SPHP ventured off into the woods. Quickly taking the lead, the American Dingo sniffed her way S through a forest of aspens and pines up to a saddle.

Following **Runkle Road**. Photo looks SE.

At the saddle, young pines encroached on a grassy clearing.

Which way, SPHP?

Peak 5100 is that hill to the E, Loop. 200 foot climb, and you’re there!

Looked easy. Above the young pines, the forest was all nice and open. Must have been thinned. Lupe trotted up the slope, checking out the scents, while SPHP trudged behind her. No obstacles, not even a rock.

**Peak 5100’s W slope** from the saddle. Photo looks E.

Might not have been any rocks along the way, SPHP, but there’s one up here!

No joke! It was a huge one, too, right at the top! Could Lupe even get up there? First impressions were not good. So much for a trivial ascent, and a quick, easy Lists of John peakbagging success.

The problematic summit rock. Photo looks SE.

Same rock as seen from the N. Photo looks S.

Lupe reached Peak 5100’s summit ridge near the N end. Clearly, no way up onto that enormous rock from this direction. The N, E, and W sides were all vertical. Staying toward the W, Lupe explored S.

Turned out that the big rock was really the N end of a 20 to 30 foot high limestone ridge. Loop didn’t have to follow the ridge S very far before coming to a bit of a break where she managed to scramble up onto it. The ridge was narrow with small cliffs on both sides, yet wide enough to make it relatively easy to get to the high point at the far N end.

Up on the summit ridge. Photo looks SSE.

Near the N end, not far from the top. Photo looks N.

On the second highest rock. Photo looks NNW.

Success! **Peak 5100 true summit**. Photo looks N.

Congratulations, Loopster! Wasn’t so bad after all, was it? When I first saw this big rock, I thought we were doomed to failure.

So your super simple Peak 5100 threw a scare into you, aye, SPHP?

Yeah, it did! You just never know what might lurk at the top. Thought this was going to be a romp.

Buried in trees, there wasn’t a thing to see up here. Lupe stayed on the summit rock only a couple of minutes. Although it seemed obvious that the Carolina Dog had just been on the true summit, the limestone ridge extended farther S. Better check things out that direction, just in case.

Lupe only got so far before the ridge became discontinuous. More large rock formations were still in sight farther S. Going back N to where she could scramble down again, the American Dingo then followed the base of the ridge S.

As far S up on the ridge as Lupe made it before having to retreat. Photo looks SSE.

Down below now, following the ridge S. Photo looks SSE.

Although she didn’t make it up onto the high point near the S end, Lupe was able to scramble partway back up again. By now, it seemed pretty clear that the rock she had been to at the far N end really was the true summit. Beyond the S end of the ridge, a limestone platform offered a nice view overlooking the Elk Creek valley.

**S end of Peak 5100’s summit ridge**. Photo looks N.

**Elk Creek valley** from the S end of the mountain. Photo looks SSE.

Well, Looper, think you’ve done about all we need to here. Certainly been way more interesting than I expected.

Back to the RAV4, then, SPHP?

Yup! (End, 11:12 AM)

11:24 AM, 46ºF, junction of USFS Roads No. 170 and No. 170.3A –

You’ll never guess where we’re going now, Loop!

Probably not. Do tell, SPHP!

Peak 5100!

You’re confused, SPHP. Check that map again! We were just at Peak 5100.

I know! That was kind of a trick question, Loop. This is another, different Peak 5100 that we’re going to now.

So, we’re doing Peak 5100 twice, except they’re different mountains?

Exactly, Looper.

We ought to be giving all these peaks names, SPHP. How about Confusion Hill for this one?

Start of USFS Road No. 170.3A. Photo looks NNE.

Soon after setting out on USFS Road No. 170.3A, Lupe came to a barbed wire fence across the road. Opening a gate, SPHP let her through.

The road was soft with melting snow, and almost level as it continued N. After 0.3 mile, No. 170.3A curved NE. Lupe left it here, heading NW up onto a little ridge. HP4929 was visible ahead. Aiming for a pass W of HP4929, the Carolina Dog climbed slowly through a pine forest full of thickets of tall bushes with orange leaves.

Heading N on USFS Road No. 170.3A. Photo looks N.

About to leave the road to start up the slope ahead. Photo looks N.

**HP4929** (R). Lupe headed for the pass (L) from here. Photo looks NW.

A valley was ahead. Rather than continue across it toward the pass, Looper turned W and kept climbing. Soon the traverse got so steep that going SSW directly up the slope appeared to be the best option.

Close to **HP4929** (Center), but with a valley ahead. Photo looks NNW.

Turning W to avoid the valley. Photo looks W.

Going straight up the slope. Photo looks SSW.

It was a long way up, but the terrain finally leveled out. Lupe reached a sunlit forest on a gently rounded hilltop. Ready for a breather, SPHP sat down for a look at the topo map.

Is this the summit, SPHP?

One of ’em, Loop. Three 5100 foot contours on this mountain. This is Peak 5100’s E summit, site of the smallest contour. There is a SW summit 0.25 mile W of here, and another one N of that one. Both of those contours are significantly larger, so the true summit is likely at one of those locations. We’re going to have to visit all three high points to be certain you’ve been to the true summit.

No harm in having a chocolate coconut bar right here, is there, SPHP?

Oh, I don’t suppose so.

**Peak 5100’s E summit**. Photo looks WSW.

Not much to be seen up here with all the trees. SPHP’s pack was soon one chocolate coconut bar lighter as the American Dingo continued on, heading W in search of the true summit. A rounded ridge led down to a shallow saddle where a forested hillside was ahead.

Did seem like Lupe had maybe gained a little more elevation than she’d lost on the way over here by the time she reached a single modest-sized rock near the W end of a small, flat ridge.

Starting down the rounded ridge. Photo looks, WSW.

At the **saddle between the E and SW summits**. Photo looks W.

**Peak 5100’s SW summit**. Photo looks WSW.

1:52 PM, 46ºF, SW summit of Peak 5100 – Lupe stood on the SW summit. Again, not much to see. Narrow glimpses of Veteran Peak (5,333 ft.) and Custer Peak (6,804) were about it for views.

**Veteran Peak** (Center). Photo looks SE.

**Custer Peak** (Center). Photo looks SW with help from the telephoto lens.

Soooo, SPHP! How about a chocolate …

Oh, no you don’t, gluttonous Dingo! You’re not getting 3 chocolate coconut bars out of this mountain. Didn’t even bring that many. Have some Taste of the Wild, instead. Better for you.

Taste of the Wild was graciously accepted. SPHP munched an apple. A pleasant enough spot, but not much reason to linger here, either. As soon as the apple disappeared, Lupe headed N.

**Peak 5100 SW summit**. Another angle. Photo looks E.

About to leave the **SW summit region**. Photo looks N.

Another forested slope led gradually down to a broad saddle where the terrain began to rise again. Peak 5100’s N summit region proved to be rockier than the other two high points. A little ridge of gray stone rose several feet above the rest of the region. The high point was toward the N end, beyond a big bush.

First rock formation encountered on the way to the N summit. Photo looks NNW.

On **Peak 5100’s N summit ridge**. Photo looks N.

Congratulations, Looper! You’ve done it! Climbed your second Peak 5100 of the day.

Thank you, SPHP! Is this the true summit?

Hah! No idea, Loop. Might be. These high points all have too many trees, are too far apart, and too close to the same elevation to tell. You’ve been to all three, though, so mission accomplished somewhere along the way.

Exploring farther N along the N ridge, Lupe eventually came to a saddle. Turning W here, she wandered down to USFS Road No. 171.

Exploring **N of the N summit**. Photo looks NNE.

On the way down to USFS Road No. 171. Photo looks NW.

Once on No. 171, Looper went S. The road curved around the end of a short W ridge, then down to an area SW of Peak 5100 where 2 men were setting up for target practice. Knowing that gunfire would make Lupe super nervous, SPHP didn’t stop to chat, instead taking a shortcut SE down to USFS Road No. 170.

**W of Peak 5100** on USFS Road No. 171. Photo looks WSW.

Shortcutting down to USFS Road No. 170. Photo looks SE.

Heading E along No. 170, SPHP collected Lupe treasures during the 0.7 mile return to the RAV4. (End 2:36 PM)

3:13 PM, 48ºF, Whitewood Peak Road off 76 Ranch Road –

I don’t know about this, Loopster. Thought we would find better access. Maybe this isn’t such a hot idea? Dark before we get back for sure. Might be dark before we even get to Peak 5177. Still want to try it?

The Carolina Dog was game. Alright then. Advisable or not –

Onward, Puppy, ho!

Lupe set out on a short flat stretch of road that the map showed going through private property to USFS land. Not posted, not even fenced, and no tracks in the snow. Probably no big deal. No harm done in any case.

On the USFS access road. Photo looks NW.

Took Loop only a few minutes to get to a USFS sign. The road continued NW toward a green gate. More private property beyond it. Lupe was far more interested in several deer staring at her from beyond the gate.

Nope, not going that way! Going to stick with USFS land the rest of the way. At this point, that meant heading N. Surprisingly, a faint dirt road covered with pine needles started up in the right direction.

On the fortuitous faint road. Photo looks NE.

The road climbed fairly aggressively for almost 200 feet, when off to the L, a strange structure came into view. Having never seen one quite like it before, Lupe went over to check it out.

Following the road higher. Photo looks N.

By the mysterious wooden wigwam. Photo looks NW.

A wooden wigwam! Although in good condition, the wigwam was poorly furnished. Two short sections of a log served as seats, but that was it. How long it had been here, who had built it, and whether or not they might return was an archeological mystery. The wigwam would be a good landmark, though, on the way back from Peak 5177.

Heading NW from the wigwam, Lupe discovered a single track path. The path persisted all the way to a fence at the NE corner of private property. Just N of the fence on USFS land was another road, a better one than the faint road Lupe had abandoned near the wigwam.

Following this new road W, it went over a little rise, then led to a small, sunny clearing. A short distance beyond the clearing, the Carolina Dog arrived at a fork. The better road remained quite level as it headed off to the NW. A fainter road angled W up a slope.

Which way, SPHP?

Keep going W, Loop. Stay to the L.

The big tree (R) is the NE corner post of the fence NW of the wigwam. Photo looks NW.

Approaching the sunny clearing. Photo looks WNW.

At the fork. Loop took the fainter road to the L. Photo looks WNW.

A short trek on the faint road got Lupe up onto a ridge. The road turned S here, heading downhill. Before long, the American Dingo came to a pile of branches laid across the road in line with a fence.

At the pile of branches that the fence lined up with. Photo looks S.

Alrighty, I think I know where we are again, Loop. Still private property S of us here, so we need to follow this fence W to wherever it ends.

Following the fence W, Lupe continued losing elevation while traversing a fairly steep slope covered with slick pine needles. No problem for the Carolina Dog, but inconvenient for SPHP. Entirely manageable, but not much fun.

The fence went on for quite a long way before Lupe finally came to what seemed to be a corner. Whether it really was one or not, wasn’t entirely clear. The fence didn’t go any farther W, but more USFS boundary posts could still be seen at intervals that way.

Passing below a big rock outcropping. Photo looks N.

The apparent corner at the W end of the fence. Photo looks NW.

Maybe Loop ought to go a little farther W? She needed to cross a valley to the S, though, to get to Peak 5177, and the farther W she went, the more elevation she would have to lose. Passing another USFS boundary marker, Lupe continued W down to a saddle leading to a small hill. Here she turned S, descending into the valley.

Beyond the fence, heading down to the saddle (Center). Photo looks W.

By the time Lupe reached the valley floor, she had already lost hundreds of feet of elevation. About time to start regaining it, and then some! First, though, Loop went a little farther W, looking for an opening in the trees and bushes on the S side of the valley.

Before long, she found one. Scrambling only a little higher, Lupe came to yet another road. It went gradually downhill as it went farther W, but at least it was a fast route. Loop followed this new road, hoping it would turn SW and lead up to the saddle just E of Peak 5177.

No such luck! The road soon dead-ended at a turn-around loop.

On the road discovered just S of the valley floor. Photo looks WNW.

At the turn-around loop. Photo looks WNW.

Well, shucks. A big steep climb was unavoidable now. Turning S, Lupe started up a slope thick with bushes and white-barked aspens. Since this was a N slope, in some places snow made the going slick. At the top of this long climb was yet another road.

By now, the sun was close to the horizon.

On the next road at the top of the big climb. None of these roads, other than the short one at the start, were shown on the topo map. Photo looks W.

Turning W again, this latest road soon brought Lupe to a small clearing. Just to the S was a better road. Taking it W, it immediately went down to the saddle leading to Peak 5177. On the way, Lupe passed another USFS boundary sign. Apparently, the American Dingo hadn’t gone far enough W before turning S, but nothing to be done about that now.

Heading down to the saddle immediately E of Peak 5177. Photo looks W.

After crossing the saddle, the road continued W, winding higher through an increasingly gloomy forest. Lupe hurried on, finally reaching Peak 5177’s N ridge.

A chilly 10-15 mph NW wind was blowing. Still some light in the sky, but the world looked dark. Rock formations along the W edge of the ridge provided a big view of both Terry Peak (7,064 ft.) and more distant Deer Mountain (6,652 ft.) beyond the lights of Deadwood.

Wow, quite a view, SPHP!

It is! Kind of a unique vantage point. Too bad, it’s so dark already. The camera overcompensates in these low light conditions, making things much brighter than they really are, but fuzzy, too.

Use the flash then, SPHP!

Heh. That only works close up, Looper. Can’t light up the entire Black Hills!

**Terry Peak** (Center) and **Deadwood** (L). Blurry Dingo (R). Photo looks SW.

Still rising, the road Lupe had been following curved N. The topo map, however, marked Peak 5177’s presumed true summit 0.2 mile farther S at the SW end of the mountain.

Pines swayed in the breeze as Loop roamed S through the woods looking for it. Coming to a small ridge a bit higher than the rest of the mountain, SPHP encouraged her to leap up onto the highest rock.

At what might have been **Peak 5177’s true summit**. Photo looks ESE.

5:18 PM, 40ºF, Peak 5177 – It wasn’t much farther to another minor high point about where the true summit was supposed to be. Maybe this was it? Hard to say for sure in the dark forest. Probably was, if that last little high point hadn’t been it. 20 feet away, surrounded by cliffs on 3 sides, a tall pole stood on a level platform of limestone that jutted out to the W.

**Peak 5177’s SW high point** and **likely true summit**. Photo looks W.

Oh, look at that view, SPHP! Highlight of the day! A shame we didn’t get here while the sun was still up.

That’s the way it goes, Loopster. Guess we knew it might get dark on us. Just such a long, winding, up and down route to get here trying to avoid all that private property, that it chewed up all of our daylight.

Not entirely dark yet, though. As Lupe ventured out onto the platform, the last fiery glow of sunset was still fading on the horizon.

Out on the platform near the true summit. Photo looks NW.

**Terry Peak** and the **lights of Deadwood** (L). Photo looks WSW.

About the same spot using the flash. Photo looks WSW.

Although the view from the platform was awesome, the cold NW wind made it an uncomfortable spot to relax. Heading a little farther S, Lupe came to a grassy slope sheltered from the wind. Looking S, residential lights twinkled in an otherwise black abyss, while off to the SW, it was still possible to see the lights of Deadwood, and silhouettes of Terry Peak and Deer Mountain against the sky.

Well, quite a day, Loopster! 3 Lists of John peaks climbed! Peak 5177 has been a rather memorable one, too. Ready for that last chocolate coconut bar now?

Silly question, SPHP. I’ve been ready, and you know it!

The last chocolate coconut bar vanished. So did most of the remaining Taste of the Wild supply, and the last apple.

Oh, it was a long dark trek back! In the faint beam of the little flashlight, the American Dingo explored a somewhat different route. Although she must have passed close to the wooden wigwam again at some point, SPHP never could find it again, getting lost in the inky black forest while wandering a maze of unfamiliar, unmarked roads to who knew where?

At last, the lights of a big house appeared to the S. Lupe crossed a huge field, and there, near the end, was the RAV4.

All’s well that ends well, Loop! Couple more outings and your Lists of John mini-blitz will be complete!

Is that all, SPHP? I’m that close to my achievement?

Oh, yeah! Not much more to do now! You go, Dingo! (7:16 PM, 44ºF)

**Deer Mountain** & **Terry Peak** from **Peak 5177**, Black Hills of South Dakota 1-23-22

Links:

Next Black Hills Expedition Prior Black Hills Expedition

Lupe treasures gathered – 3 plastic bottles, 16 aluminum cans.

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Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 291 – Peak 4980, Peak 5163 & Peak 5321 (1-17-21)

8:12 AM, 26ºF, junction of Erskine Gulch Road (USFS Road No. 145) & USFS Road No. 149 –

Dang, Loop! Wasn’t supposed to be this cold!

Thrilled that the Lists of John mini-blitz had her back in action again so soon, Lupe didn’t mind the cold at all. Going to warm up a little later on anyway. A skiff of snow that had fallen last night was barely enough to turn USFS Road No. 149 white as she set out heading SE.

Parked at the start of USFS Road No. 149. Photo looks SE.

Gaining a little elevation, Loop soon made it to a high spot where the road curved E. Sunlight streaming through the pines strengthened the notion that it really would begin to warm up soon. Beyond the curve, No. 149 dipped entering a small valley.

Heading into the valley. Photo looks ESE.

Before long, the road bottomed out and began climbing toward a pass. Some stretches of No. 149 had recently been improved along in here by the addition of coarse new gravel.

Upon arriving at Pass 4762, Lupe found herself back in the sunshine at a 4-way intersection.

Which way, SPHP? Where are we going?

We’re on our way to Peak 4980, Loop! Go S on No. 149.2A here. Not too far, though. Should see No. 149.2B on the R before we get up to the top of this next rise. We’ll want to take 2B over to the saddle NE of HP4950.

2B, or not 2B, that is the question!

Hah! Clever, Loop, but no question about it. Most definitely, 2B! But not until after 2A.

Leaving **Pass 4762** on USFS Road No. 149.2A. Photo looks SE.

A short stint S on 2A, and 2B appeared on the R, as anticipated. 2B went W, then SW, to the saddle NE of HP4950. From here, the road continued down into the valley SW of the pass. Instead of going that way, Lupe abandoned the road, traveling WSW through gently rolling territory straight to HP4950 itself, which turned out to be nothing more than a large flat region in the pines with no distinct high point.

At the turn onto No. 149.2B. Photo looks SW.

No. 149.2B. The **saddle NE of HP4950** is in the trees just ahead. Photo looks SW.

At the saddle. Loop headed off to the WSW (R) from here.

HP4950 wasn’t as dull a spot as an initial impression might lead a Dingo to believe. Cliffs were only a few tens of feet W of what appeared to be the marginally highest ground, but so many trees grew right up to the edge that it wasn’t possible to see much.

Venturing S not too far from the brink, the Carolina Dog went in search of a viewpoint. She soon came to one where SPHP was surprised to see two cairns. The smaller cairn had a narrow view of a mountain less than a mile NW that Lupe had been to before.

Why, that’s Steamboat Rock (5,081 ft.), isn’t it, SPHP?

Correcto mundo, Loopster!

We haven’t been there in years! Wonder if Pugg’s Keep is still up there?

Hah! I wonder if Pugg ever came back to clean up his unkept keep?

**Steamboat Rock** (Center) from the small cairn. Photo looks NW.

From the larger cairn, Loop caught a first glimpse of her destination. Peak 4980, a rounded hill with a cliff to the W just like HP4950, was only 0.5 mile S. Green Mountain (5,240 ft.) was also in sight a little farther away. Peering over the edge near the cairn, Box Elder Creek could be seen way down by Nemo Road.

**Peak 4980** (Center). Photo looks SSW.

**Peak 4980** (L), **Green Mountain** (Center), and **Box Elder Creek** (R). Photo looks SSW.

Heading S from HP4950, Looper traveled down a gradually narrowing ridge. Another surprise was in store when she came to a flat open area right along the edge of the cliffs. In addition to a more sweeping view, a flagpole jutted up from a third cairn. No flag, though.

**Steamboat Rock** (Center), **Nemo Road** and **Box Elder Creek** (L) from the flagpole. Photo looks NW.

As Lupe closed in on the saddle leading to Peak 4980, the limestone ridge she was on began to break up. Soon it was too rough to remain up on top, but that didn’t present any serious obstacle. Staying somewhat E of, and below the ridgeline, the American Dingo managed to get past the saddle to where she could start climbing Peak 4980’s NE slope.

The climb was steep, but relatively short, and not difficult. At one point, Lupe could see an interesting little summit off to the SE. Near the top of the steep part, she went by a big limestone outcropping. Above it, the terrain leveled out to a large degree. An easy stroll to another forested, flat, featureless summit region was all that remained.

By a limestone wall as the **ridge S of Peak 4950** begins to break up. **Peak 4980** (L). Photo looks SW.

Starting up **Peak 4980**. Photo looks SW.

A distinctive HP (Center) off to the SE.

Entering the **summit region**. Photo looks SSW.

9:58 AM, 45ºF, Peak 4980 – What passed for the summit, as near as SPHP could determine it, was none too scintillating. However, only marginally lower, less than 100 feet away, were some sweet views from cliffs along the S and W edges of the mountain. A brief stop at the high point, and Lupe proceeded right to the cliffs to enjoy a rest break featuring a shared chocolate coconut bar along with the lovely panoramas.

**Peak 4980 true summit**. Photo looks SW.

Along the edge. **Green Mountain** (Center). Photo looks SW.

Looking NNE back at **HP4950** (Center).

In addition to Steamboat Rock and Green Mountain, a few other peaks could be identified among the many rolling hills. Peak 5701 stood out off to the NW. To the S, Peak 5136‘s long E ridge was in sight.

**Peak 5701** (R of Center). Photo looks WNW.

**Peak 5136** (beyond Lupe). Photo looks S.

The day was already warming up nicely. In relative comfort, Lupe and SPHP sat together admiring the views, but not for long. The Lists of John mini-blitz must go on, ya know! Soon the Carolina Dog was heading back down Peak 4980’s NE slope.

The return was fun and easy! Loopster had seen lots of deer on the way to Peak 4980, and they continued to amuse on the way back. Skipping HP4950 this time, Lupe explored the valley to the E, eventually picking up USFS Road No. 149.2B again. Once back at the saddle NE of HP4950, the rest of her route back was identical. (11:21 AM)

On USFS Road No. 149.2B, approaching the **saddle NE of HP4950** (L of Center). Photo looks NE.

11:31 AM, 49ºF, junction of Merritt Estes Road (County Road No. 208) and USFS Road No. 208.1I –

One peak climbed! So, what’s next, SPHP?

Peak 5163, Looper. In fact, that ridge to the E is where Lists of John shows the summit.

Oh, snap! This is going to be easy then, SPHP!

Eh, not quite as easy as you’re thinking, Loopster. The topo map also shows a cluster of 4 small 5,160 foot contours a little over 0.5 mile SSE of the Lists of John summit location. To really be certain you’ve actually hit the mountain’s high point, we’re going to have to check them out, too.

At the start of USFS Road No. 208.1I. Photo looks SE.

Striking out for Peak 5163, Lupe followed USFS Road No. 208.1I SE up a broad, shallow valley. Although the map didn’t show the road going very far, it actually went all the way up to a saddle 0.25 mile SSW of the summit, and beyond. Leaving the road at the saddle, Loop headed up the slope to the NE.

On the way up to the saddle. Photo looks SE.

At the saddle, about to venture up the slope on the L. Photo looks E.

An easy climb, and not a very long one! Near the top, Lupe passed some rock formations. Above them, the terrain remained somewhat rocky for a little way as it began leveling out. It wasn’t far to a lone 2 foot high boulder out in the middle of a large flat region.

Among the rock formations near the top of the slope. Photo looks NNE.

Hop up on that rock, Loop!

Is this the true summit already, SPHP?

Might be. We’ve got to be close to where Lists of John shows the high point, and I don’t see anything higher.

Atop the fearsome summit block. Photo looks W.

Whoooeeee, SPHP! Peak 5163! What a climb! How about a hard-earned chocolate coconut bar to celebrate?

Seems a little premature, doesn’t it, Looper?

Oh, cruel one of mine! You aren’t going to make me go to all the contours way down S running on empty, are you?

Hmm. I suppose not, Miss Drama Dingo. But don’t expect another one down there, even if we come to a clearly higher point. This is it for the chocolate coconut bar supply today.

Sitting together next to the towering apparent summit, the last chocolate coconut bar had just performed it’s vanishing act when suddenly there was gunfire to the S. Not good! The Carolina Dog wasn’t going to want to go that way now.

Hunters! Let’s hide, SPHP!

Why? You’ll be fine, Loop. Just stay close to me.

Now, SPHP! Something’s coming!

Something was coming! 200 yards SE, a red pickup truck cautiously crept into view, then stopped partially hidden by trees. A few minutes later, several deer came racing by, greatly exciting the Carolina Dog, but she didn’t bark. Maybe hanging around where hunters were really wasn’t such a hot idea?

Can we just go, SPHP?

Yeah. We can sneak S now that they’ve come up this way, Loop, but first we ought to have a look around farther N. Still a fair amount of territory over that way we haven’t ruled out as the summit yet.

Good thing Lupe went N! She hadn’t gone far when a big rock formation near the WNW edge of the mountain came into sight 300 feet ahead. Seemed to be the only one of its kind, and definitely Peak 5163’s N high point. Quite likely the mountain’s true summit, too!

**Peak 5163 true summit**. Photo looks N.

*Yes! This does seem more like the top of a mountain!* Photo looks W.

*Definitely higher than anything over this way.* Photo looks NE.

Satisfied yet, SPHP?

Yes, I think so! This is at least the mountain’s N summit.

On the way S, the Carolina Dog stayed close to the mountain’s W edge, giving the hunters a wide berth, and passing a few views along the way.

Once S of the red pickup’s position, Lupe headed SE through open forest down a gradual slope. Upon reaching an area where the terrain leveled out, she discovered a road not shown on the map. Must be how that truck got up here!

Sneaking off to the S end of the mountain. Photo looks SSE.

Hurrying S, in case the hunters decided to try their luck back this way again, Lupe soon came to where the road curved W before starting down the mountain. Abandoning it, she kept going S, starting an easy climb. It wasn’t too far to the top of a high region that was fairly flat. Those 5,160 foot contour areas had to be somewhere around here!

Heading for the high ground at the S end of the mountain. Photo looks SSW.

Starting toward the SE, then working her way back NW, the Carolina Dog did find 4 marginally higher points than the surrounding territory. The forest was so dense that it was impossible to say for certain which one might have been highest, but SPHP got the impression that the farther NW she went, the higher the terrain.

Who knew for sure, though? Any slope was minimal, and with so many trees, none of the high points were clearly visible from any of the others.

But, SPHP! We found a cairn at the 3rd high point! Remember?

Yeah, but that doesn’t necessarily mean anything, Loop. People every bit as lost and confused as I am build plenty of cairns.

At the **far SE high point**. Photo looks NE.

On the **not quite as far SE high point**. Photo looks NW.

By the cairn at the sort of NW high point. Photo looks NW.

The **far NW high point**. Photo looks E.

Lupe had done as much as she possibly could on Peak 5163. Somewhere along the way, she must have visited the true summit. Seemed like the big rock formation way back at the N end of the mountain was probably it, but whether it was or not hardly mattered.

After congratulating Loopster on yet another Lists of John peak climbed, it was time to return to the RAV4. Heading NNE back to the road she’d discovered, Lupe took it W. She lost a fair amount of elevation on the way down to a valley where she eventually reached USFS Road No. 201.

The **valley SW of Peak 5163**. Photo looks SW.

No. 201 led back to Merritt Estes Road at a point 0.6 mile SSW of the RAV4. The remaining road hike went quickly. Two peaks complete! (1:51 PM)

2:03 PM, 50ºF, junction of Piedmont Road (USFS Road No. 144) and USFS Road No. 144.1A – Still early afternoon, but mid-January shadows were already lengthening. Time enough for one more mountain, though! Lupe’s List of John mini-blitz continued, as the American Dingo set out heading SE on No. 144.1A.

There was snow underpaw until Lupe reached a sunny turn where the road curved SW. Sunlight streamed through the pines. The road soon curved again, this time heading S. Loop quickly arrived at a fork not shown on the topo map.

About to set out on USFS Road No. 144.1A (R). Photo looks SE.

In shadow on snowy No. 144.1A. Photo looks SE.

The fork in the road was actually good news. As expected, No. 144.1A curved away to the E here, but that wasn’t the way Lupe needed to go. Happily, ATV Trail No. 8276, the road not shown on the map, went SSW, which was great! Apparently, the Carolina Dog wasn’t going to have to do much bushwhacking to get to Peak 5321.

Taking No. 8276, the road climbed slowly on the way over to the W side of HP5243, where it leveled out and turned SW. At first, it looked like No. 8276 might head straight to Peak 5321’s summit, but well before Lupe got that far, it turned WNW.

Eh, that was OK. Lupe was gaining at least a little elevation again. Sticking with the road was the easiest thing to do. Maybe No. 8276 would end up approaching Peak 5321 from the N?

At the unexpected fork where ATV Trail No. 8276 (R) leaves USFS Road No. 144.1A (L). Photo looks SSW.

On No. 8276 heading around to the **W side of HP5243** (L). **Peak 5321** is the forested hill on the R. Photo looks S.

Soon the amount of sunlight filtering through the pines indicated that Lupe must be approaching the NW end of the mountain. She was almost there when Trail No. 8276 turned SSE toward the summit. However, off to the W, there was a platform of limestone with a terrific view. There was even a bench nearby. Gotta check this out!

Lupe had reached Ash Point.

Getting close to the NW end of the mountain. Photo looks WNW.

**Ash Point** was established by the “Yogi Clan” according to the plaque.

**Ash Point**. **Custer Peak** (R of Center) and **Terry Peak** (R) faintly on the horizon. Photo looks WNW.

Ash Point was cool! To the W, the limestone platform had a grand view overlooking Nemo. Custer Peak (6,804 ft.) and Terry Peak (7,064 ft.) were on the WNW horizon. A great look at Green Top (5,360 ft.) and White Mansion (5,340 ft.) was off to the NNW.

**Nemo** from Ash Point. **Custer Peak** (R) and Terry Peak (far R) on the horizon. Photo looks W.

**Greentop** (L of Center) and **White Mansion** (R of Center). Photo looks NNW.

Impressive! Glad we stopped by Ash Point, Loop!

Scenic highlight of the day, so far, SPHP!

Agree, but you still have a mountain to climb. Shall we?

Returning to ATV Trail No. 8276, Lupe followed it SSE climbing steadily up the gentle slope leading to Peak 5321’s forested summit. However, the road soon veered more to the ESE. Not really the right direction. When deadfall started appearing across it, that was the last straw.

Abandoning the road, the Carolina Dog explored SW in search of the summit. Couldn’t be too much farther. A short romp higher through a deadfall-infested mess, and the terrain leveled out. Continuing WSW, a marginally higher region with no clear high point seemed to be about it.

Up top, searching for the true summit. Photo looks S.

So this is it, aye, SPHP? The true summit of Peak 5321?

Near as I can tell, Looper. Congratulations on attaining your third Lists of John peak of the day!

Thanks, SPHP! Ash Point was way better, though.

Well, Ash Point is part of this same mountain, kind of a package deal. In any case, want to relax here for a bit? Out of chocolate coconut bars, but you can still have some Taste of the Wild, if you want it.

A W breeze sighed in the pines, as Lupe enjoyed her Taste of the Wild. SPHP sat munching an apple.

After finishing the apple, SPHP stood up.

Ready to call it a day, Loopster? Too late for any more mountains. We can visit Ash Point on the way back again. One other option, though, if you’d rather keep going.

What do you have in mind? Keep going where, SPHP?

Oh, just a hunch that might be fun to check out. Been looking at the map. Those cliffs at Ash Point run N/S all along the W side of this mountain. Can’t see them from here, because we’re back in the trees. On the map, it looks like there is a big level platform S of here, about 100 feet lower than where we are now. Want to check it out? Might be another viewpoint down there.

How far away is this platform, SPHP?

Not even 0.25 mile. Won’t take long. Might not be anything there, though.

Now or never, SPHP! Why not?

Leaving Peak 5321’s summit and heading S, Lupe soon came to a road. Probably Trail No. 8276 again, but that wasn’t entirely clear. In any case, the road wound SSW right on down to the level region the Carolina Dog intended to explore. Things were looking pretty promising as the road headed for an edge just ahead.

Exploring the platform. Photo looks SSW.

American Point, SPHP! You were right! Glad we came! This is awesome!

On a limestone platform, slightly below the road level along the edge of the mountain, an American Flag waved in the breeze.

**Boxelder Creek** from **American Point**. Photo looks SSW.

The views from American Point were similar to those from Ash Point. Nemo and most of the same peaks were visible from a slightly different angle. Far to the S, Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.) was in sight, too.

**Black Elk Peak** (L) on the far horizon. Photo looks SSW.

**Nemo** (L), **Custer Peak** (far L) and **Terry Peak** (L) on the horizon. Photo looks NW.

**Greentop** (L edge), **White Mansion** (L) and **Peak 5300** (Center). Photo looks N.

American Point was along the W edge of Peak 5321, but not at the far S end of the big platform. Completing her explorations, the Carolina Dog went the rest of the way S, where she found another viewpoint which was also sweet, but not quite as dramatic.

**Black Elk Peak** (Center) from the S end of the big platform. Photo looks S with help from the telephoto lens.

Three Lists of John peaks visited! The American Dingo’s mini-blitz was going well! On the way back, Lupe revisited all of Peak 5321’s highlights, including American Point, the summit, and Ash Point, and still made it back to the RAV4 before dark.

It had been a great day! (4:13 PM, 45ºF)

**Peak 5321** near **American Point**, Black Hills of South Dakota 1-17-22

Links:

Next Black Hills Expedition Prior Black Hills Expedition

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 153 – Steamboat Rock, Pugg’s Keep & Greentop (1-23-16)

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!