Day 10 of Lupe’s Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming!
7:34 AM, HP8844 on Wolf Mountain’s NE ridge –
I’ll be ready pretty quick, Looper!
The Carolina Dog was already ready. She watched patiently, though, as SPHP disassembled, then packed up her tiny house. The morning air was wonderfully cool and clear. Not a cloud in the sky! Nearby, the E face of Wolf Mountain(9,483 ft.) was brightly illuminated. Yesterday evening, Lupe had visited the summit.
Before long, it was Onward! Puppy, ho!
Wolf Mountain from HP8844. Photo looks SW.
Heading W around the N side of Wolf Mountain, the forest was full of huge snow banks. Snow covered long sections of Trail No. 062, slowing SPHP’s progress, and making the route difficult to follow. Meanwhile, Lupe was doing great! The American Dingo seemed energized. For the first time on this backpacking trip, Loop didn’t hang back playing her stalking game, instead keeping right up with SPHP, or leading the way.
Upon reaching the W side of Wolf Mountain, Trail No. 062 turned SW. A steady, snow-free, descent to Red Pass ensued.
Heading down to Red Pass (beyond Lupe). Snowy Indian Peak (R) in the distance. Photo looks SW.
Arriving at Red Pass, Lupe paused briefly to take in the view S toward the N end of the Salt River Range. She then followed the trail NW, as it began to loop up onto the ridge W of the pass.
Red Pass W of Wolf Mountain. Photo looks SW.N end of the Salt River Range (L) from Red Pass. Photo looks S.
Back on a snowy N slope again, SPHP lost the trail. Lupe rediscovered it before reaching the crest of the ridge. Once on top, Trail No. 062 began winding W along the ridge, often staying N of the crest. Loop enjoyed a terrific view of the Teton Range from open ground overlooking huge meadows, but came to forested stretches, too.
W of Red Pass. Grand Teton (R). Photo looks N with help from the telephoto lens.
As awesome as the views were, Lupe was far more interested in a herd of giant deers in one of the meadows.
A couple of giant deers with help from the telephoto lens.
Even out in the open, the trail was sometimes hidden beneath enormous snowdrifts melting away beneath the dazzling late June sun. Lupe liked crossing them. Hitting a high point early on W of Red Pass, Trail No. 062 began a gradual descent, interrupted periodically by short climbs.
Crossing a snowdrift. Indian Peak (L). Photo looks W.Following the ridge. Top of Indian Peak (L), HP9582 (R). Photo looks W.
Winding W along the ridge more than 1.5 miles beyond Red Pass, Trail No. 062 then curved NW, starting a steeper, more prolonged, descent. Near the bottom, a snowmelt pond appeared. Instead of continuing down to it, the trail curved W again, going past a little glen.
The snowmelt pond. Photo looks N.
Wha’dya think, Loop? We’re almost down to the upper Dog Creek valley. This looks like a good spot to set up your tiny house to me.
Nice and secluded, but it’s only noon, SPHP! Aren’t we going any farther? I thought we were going to climb another mountain today?
Yeah, we are, Loop, but I’d sure like to ditch some of this gear. Think we’re close enough to where we’re going now to get there and back before dark. In fact, if we don’t ditch this gear before we have to start climbing, it will slow me down so much that we may not get to another summit today.
Well, if that’s what you need to do, then do it, SPHP! Fine with me! By the way, where are we trying to get to today?
Kind of depends on how it goes, Looper. Observation Peak(9,960 ft.) is our main objective, but if it seems out of reach, we might have to settle for Indian Peak(9,683 ft.), since it’s closer.
1:14 PM, near the upper Dog Creek valley – SPHP had the tiny house set up again. Sleeping bags and whatever else was heavy and expendable were stashed inside. Time to press on!
Ready to set out from the resurrected tiny house. Photo looks SW.
Heading W from the tiny house, the trail descended another 40 feet. A flat, open plain in the upper Dog Creek valley was ahead. Crossing 2 tiny streams, Lupe roamed WNW over the plain. She soon reached a larger tributary of Dog Creek. A short distance beyond it, a trail headed SW.
Entering the upper Dog Creek valley. HP9582 (R of Center) ahead. Photo looks WNW.Wading in the larger tributary of Dog Creek. Photo looks WSW.
This new trail was Trail No. 009. The topo map showed it climbing up and over a steep ridge 0.33 mile NNW of Indian Peak. This same ridge was also Lupe’s intended route to Observation Peak, so following this trail seemed like a sensible thing to do.
Crossing the big tributary of Dog Creek again, Trail No. 009 curved NW, and soon began slanting up an open slope. Gaining 200 feet of elevation, it then turned SW into a forested valley full of snow.
Trail No. 009 vanishes beneath the snow. Photo looks SW.
From the amount of snow visible ahead, following the trail up onto the ridge N of Indian Peak suddenly no longer seemed viable. Abandoning No. 009, Lupe headed W into the forest.
The plan was to get to the ridge N of Indian Peak by the shortest route possible. After an initial climb, Lupe roamed through a large, relatively flat region of snowy woods, eventually emerging on a snow-covered plain just E of the ridge.
Heading W after abandoning Trail No. 009. Photo looks W.A snowy slope higher. Photo looks S.Approaching the ridge between Indian Peak and HP9582. Photo looks W.On the snowy plain below the ridge. Photo looks SW.
The ridge was such a steep climb that SPHP ventured up toward the NW where snow-free terrain provided better traction. A rest break was in order once up on top.
Relaxing on the ridge. Indian Peak (Center). Photo looks S.
Lupe had reached the ridgeline only a little S of HP9582. Following the broad ridge N after her break, a moderate rate of climb through mostly open forest got the Carolina Dog up to HP9582 without any difficulties. Next to a small area of flat, bare ground, a huge snowbank wrapped around the N and E edges, providing big views in those directions.
Wolf Mountain(9,483 ft.), where Loop had set out from this morning, and the long ridge she had traveled from Red Pass on the way here, were of particular interest.
Wolf Mountain (L of Center) in the foreground from HP9582. Photo looks ESE.
Forest hid the views to the S and W, but exploring HP9582‘s W slope, an opening was found where Observation Peak(9,960 ft.) was in sight.
Observation Peak (Center) from the upper W slope of HP9582. HP9600 (R). Photo looks W with help from the telephoto lens.
Observation Peak was now only 1.25 miles W, but the American Dingo faced a fair amount of up and down along the ridge leading to it. The next objective was HP9600. Continuing down HP9582‘s W slope, Loop quickly broke out of the forest, coming to nicely rounded, open terrain.
Heading for HP9600 (L). Photo looks NW.
Arriving at the saddle leading to HP9600, SPHP got the brilliant idea that unnecessary elevation gain could be avoided by traversing the S slope. Worked great until Lupe ran into a rock slide, which made it easier to simply climb to the top of HP9600.
At the saddle leading to HP9600 (Center). Photo looks WNW.The rock slide on HP9600‘s SSW slope. Observation Peak (L). Photo looks WNW.
Being forced higher was a good thing. The views from HP9600 were wonderful! Snow-clad Indian Peak(9,683 ft.) looked beautiful to the SSE. Peak9708 and Red Peak(9,771 ft.) strung out along the ridge S of it were lovely, too. Off to the W was a great look at both Observation Peak and Obs Benchmark(9,935 ft.).
At HP9600. Indian Peak (L), Peak 9708 and Red Peak (R). Photo looks S.Obs Benchmark (L) and Observation Peak (R). Photo looks WSW.
The trek W along the ridge leading to Observation Peak from HP9600 was gorgeous! The S slopes were nearly all snow-free. The N slopes still harbored extensive snow fields, which Lupe sometimes had to cross.
Following the ridge to Observation Peak (R). Obs Benchmark (L). Photo looks W.Crossing a snow field. Observation Peak (R). Photo looks W.
Near the end, Loop came to a signpost half-buried in a large snow field, the only sign she had seen since leaving the Dog Creek trailhead 2 days ago. It wasn’t much farther to Observation Peak now. From a little rise, a trail was seen heading up a moderately steep, rounded slope.
Oh, yeah! Pure cake!
At the rare sign post. Observation Peak (R). Photo looks W.Got it made in the sunshine now, SPHP! C’mon, let’s get there! Photo looks WNW.
5:41 PM, 66ºF, 5mph SW breeze, Observation Peak(9,960 ft.) – Conditions were ideal when the American Dingo arrived on a 300 foot long, 20 – 25 foot wide, summit ridge running E/W. This open ridge was wider and rounded toward the E, narrower and somewhat rocky W.
Scraggly trees ran along the N side about 2/3 of the way toward the W. Near the tallest of these trees, big sticks were piled at the true summit, almost on top of a cairn harboring a clear plastic jar with a blue lid. Only an old photo film container was visible inside.
At Observation Peak’s true summit. Photo looks E.The plastic jar inside the summit cairn.
Congratulations, Looper, on your successful ascent of Observation Peak! After our ghastly start two days ago, I wasn’t so certain I’d ever have the pleasure of shaking your paw here!
Persistence, SPHP! I’ll do most anything for a chocolate coconut bar!
Well, you’re in luck, sweet-tooth puppy! Happen to still have one in the pack. C’mon, let’s pick a spot to rest where there aren’t so many trees.
Grabbing the plastic jar from out of the cairn, SPHP led Lupe out to the W end of the summit ridge. The views were fabulous! After sharing the much anticipated chocolate coconut bar, Lupe curled up on SPHP’s lap. Far to the NNE, Grand Teton(13,770 ft.) and Mount Owen(12,928 ft.) dominated what could be seen of Wyoming’s famous Teton Range.
Grand Teton (L of Center) from the break spot. Photo looks NNE.Zoomed in on Grand Teton (Center) and Mount Owen (R). Photo looks NNE.
While Lupe relaxed, SPHP removed the film cannister from the plastic jar, and opened it. Within were only 2 carefully folded pieces of paper. One was sopping wet and barely legible. SPHP could make out only “2020” and “Sketchy climb up from the NW. Scintillating view!”
The other paper was merely damp. Dated way back on July 4, 1996, it was much more legible.
Observation Peak was apparently Peak No. 504 for someone from Idaho Falls.
Weary after a 3 day march to get here, Lupe and SPHP remained seated out near the W end of the summit ridge for quite a while. Magnificent mountain scenery was on display in all directions.
Obs Benchmark(9,935 ft.), with a sheer N face, was the most intriguing of the relatively nearby peaks. A long ridge extending toward it clearly dropped sharply away before connecting to it. Probably not easy to get to Obs Benchmark from here.
Obs Benchmark (L). A sliver of the Palisades Reservoir is visible (R). Photo looks SW.
After a while, SPHP managed to summon enough energy to get up and stroll about to gaze more intently on some of the other views. Loopster was willing to tag along, but generally preferred to lay down whenever SPHP paused somewhere.
From the E end of the summit ridge, the ridge Lupe had followed from HP9600 to get here was in sight. Wolf Mountain and Indian Mountain were clearly lower than Observation Peak, but on the SE horizon was a peak that was definitely higher. SPHP didn’t realize it at the time, but that was probably Hoback Peak(10,862 ft). Lupe had been there!
Wolf Mountain (L) beyond HP9600 & HP9582, Indian Peak (R), and Hoback Peak (R) on the horizon. Photo looks SE.
Stewart Mountain(10,103 ft.) and the N end of the Salt River Range were far to the S, well beyond a line consisting of Red Peak(9,771 ft.), Peak9736, and Deadhorse Peak(9,767 ft.). Only the top of Bradley Mountain(9,292 ft.) was visible at mid-range between them.
Red Peak (L), top of Bradley Mountain (L of Center) beyond Lupe, Stewart Mountain (R of Center) on the horizon, Peak 9736 (R), and Deadhorse Peak (far R). Photo looks S.
Back and forth along the summit ridge multiple times, so much to see!
Peak 9618 (L of Center), Grand Teton (far R). Photo looks NNW.Relaxing at the W end again. Peak 9618 (R). Photo looks NW.
The sun was sinking. Still going to be up for a while, but getting back to the tiny house would take a while, too. Lupe returned briefly to the true summit, then relaxed once more back at the fabulous viewpoint near the W end of the summit ridge.
Back at the true summit. Photo looks E.Final moments on Observation Peak. Photo looks N.
7:00 PM – Sadly, as always, precious time had flown. On this glorious evening, Lupe left Observation Peak heading down the E slope, back the way she’d come. Although tired, her entire return was one marvelous scene after another.
Descending from Observation Peak. Lake Basin (foreground), Photo looks S.
Once back to HP9582, the American Dingo varied her route. Descending a steep, open slope, she reached a saddle on the ridge going E. Here, a gendarme presented a tricky little scramble. Went just fine. No other obstacles lay beyond it. Loop was soon able to leave the ridge, roaming SE through meadows on a long descent into the upper Dog Creek valley.
The sun was down, but there was still light in the sky when the weary Carolina Dog reached the tiny house again. What a day it had been! Lupe had made it to Observation Peak, her main objective. Even if she did nothing more than return to the RAV4 from here, this backpacking trip was now an official success.
Great job, but you better sleep tight, Looper! You’re not done here in the Snake River Range quite yet!
On Observation Peak, Snake River Range, Wyoming 6-25-22
Days 7 – 9 of Lupe’s Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming!
6-22-22, ~ 9:30 AM, at the end of side Road No. 10399 off Greys River Road 2 or 3 miles N of the intersection with McDougal Gap Road –
Wha’dya think, Loop? Is this perfect, or what?
Looks terrific to me, too, SPHP, but do as you please. I’m not moving a muscle today!
That wasn’t entirely true, but almost. After SPHP parked the RAV4 at the turnaround loop at the end of Road No. 10399, the American Dingo did hop out for an initial inspection. A lovely dispersed camping site with a stone fire ring shaded by big conifers was right along the Greys River.
Relaxing by the Greys River.
By the RAV4, nearby ridges could be seen from a small clearing to the E. On this cloudless day, sunshine poured in, rapidly warming the Greys River valley. A gorgeous day! Starting to feel like it really was summer. The warmth was wonderful.
The Carolina Dog wasn’t as enthused about the heat as SPHP was. Tired after her exploits on Mount McDougal(10,780 ft.) yesterday, Loopster clearly planned to spend virtually the entire day snoozing on her pink blanket. Before long, though, she was panting hard, unable to sleep.
I’m roasting! Can you do something about this heat, SPHP?
Moving the RAV4 slightly to get it back into the shade, and encouraging Loop to wade in the Greys River provided only temporary relief. The sun kept moving, putting the RAV4 right back into direct sunlight. Using blankets and dirty clothes, SPHP finally converted the RAV4 into a tent.
Much better! Conditions in the RAV4 were apparently quite tolerable. Loop sawed wood the rest of the morning, and all afternoon. A lazy summer day. She’d earned it!
Miss Ambitious.
Once the sun went down behind the mountains, Lupe was ready for an evening stroll. It was only 1/8 mile back to Greys River Road. Walking N, suddenly three cats, a big one and two small ones, crossed the road near Moffat Creek before slinking back into the forest. Bobcats? Lynx? They were too far ahead to tell.
Beyond Moffat Creek, Lupe also saw many deer as she roamed through a larger dispersed camping area near the Greys River. Cats and deer were about it for excitement at the end of this peaceful day.
6-23-22, Snake River at the Pritchard Boat Ramp along Hwy 26/89 – Soup for breakfast! SPHP had just finished eating when 2 USFS vehicles drove up and stopped. 3 employees stepped out, 2 young men and a woman. SPHP approached them.
Any of you happen to know how to get to the Dog Creek trailhead?
Sure do, you’re almost there! Take a L onto the highway like you’re going to Alpine. At the first bend where the road curves L, take the gravel road on the R just past a deer crossing sign. Might be 0.5 mile from here.
6-23-22, 63ºF, 10:39 AM, Dog Creek trailhead – Those USFS employees knew what they were talking about. After turning onto the gravel road past the deer crossing sign, it was only 0.75 mile to the trailhead. Shortly after turning W, the road went by the S end of Pritchard Pond, actually more of a swamp, before dead-ending in a sunny clearing.
A black car was already here, the only other vehicle at the trailhead. Not a soul around. As soon as the pack was ready, SPHP led the way, hitting Trail No. 069 going W up the Dog Creek valley.
About to leave the Dog Creek trailhead. Photo looks W.
Staying N of Dog Creek, the trail began as an easy trek, gaining elevation quite gradually. However, Lupe wasn’t showing any enthusiasm for this adventure. Maybe she was still tired, and wanted another day’s rest in the RAV4? Maybe she was hot? Normally a leader, the American Dingo insisted upon hanging back. Playing her stalking game, Lupe followed SPHP at a distance, only moving once SPHP was completely out of sight.
Even so, progress was rapid. Glimpses of Wolf Mountain(9,483 ft.) were seen early on. Butterflies flitted among big yellow wildflowers and other lush vegetation. The soothing sound of Dog Creek, a gray-green stream rushing down the valley, was always present.
Dog Creek Trail No. 069.Dog Creek with Wolf Mountain (Center) in the distance. Photo looks W.The SPHP stalker among the yellow wildflowers.
A mile from the trailhead, the trail forked at an unmarked intersection. Easily the most heavily used branch, Dog Creek Trail No. 069 continued WNW up the Dog Creek valley. Turning S, the less traveled route quickly led straight into Dog Creek.
Calling Lupe to make sure she wouldn’t go the wrong way, SPHP forded the stream. Loopster soon appeared, and forded Dog Creek, too.
Fording Dog Creek.
According to the topo map, this trail was supposed to head SW more than 0.5 mile up Beaver Dam Canyon before turning SSW for another 0.5 mile while climbing to Pass 6900. From the pass, the trail would then descend 0.2 mile to a junction with Trails No. 064 & No. 067 in the Cabin Creek drainage.
Started out sort of like that. From Dog Creek, the trail went S a little way up a forested slope, then leveled out as it curved W, entering a small clearing. Crossing this clearing quickly led to a tributary of Dog Creek.
While the map showed this tributary, it didn’t show the trail crossing it. Going back, a fainter trail was noticed splitting off to the L, matching up with what the map indicated.
Loop (R) in the shade at the small clearing. The trail at R leads to a tributary of Dog Creek. A much fainter trail, the one Lupe took, splits off to the L near the bottom of this photo. Photo looks WNW.
As expected, the faint trail went SW. Climbing a mostly forested slope, Lupe gained several hundred feet of elevation before the trail leveled out at the edge of a huge meadow in Beaver Dam Canyon.
Beaver Dam Canyon. Photo looks SW.
Continuing SW midst lush vegetation, the trail rapidly faded away. A check of the map showed this trail on the SE side of the valley, but Lupe was toward the NW. Much of the meadow was actually swamp. Despite appearances, getting over to the other side wasn’t going to be easy.
Following dry ground along the base of the hills bordering the canyon, SPHP soon came to a thicket of willows. Beaver Dam Canyon turned W here. Lupe still need to get to the other side.
Turning SSW, SPHP forced a way through the willows, fording a small stream in the process. Lupe followed. Beyond this creek, the ground was soft, but not swampy. Skirting a mud flat, SPHP managed to reach the S side of Beaver Dam Canyon, and promptly discovered a trail.
Fording the small mucky stream among the willows.Loopster near the mud flat. Photo looks NE.
Everything seemed to be back on track! However, following the trail W, it soon vanished again. The map showed the trail turning SW up a side drainage only a little farther on. As soon as this drainage appeared, SPHP led Lupe SSW up a slope thick with vegetation.
Starting the climb out of Beaver Dam Canyon. Photo looks SSW.
The slope got steeper and steeper. No sign of any trail. Dense bushes gave way to a forest full of deadfall. After gaining several hundred feet, it looked like the terrain was about to level out. It did, but the situation was not what SPHP expected.
Ahead was more steep terrain, especially toward the E. To the W, a deep valley. Everywhere visibility was extremely limited due to thick forest clogged with deadfall.
Joining SPHP up at the flat spot, Lupe plunked herself down, taking a break while SPHP checked the map. Exactly where the Carolina Dog was wasn’t entirely clear, but it appeared she was probably on the wrong side of this drainage, too. Loop was E, whereas the trail, if there really was one, ought to be W.
Resting at a flat spot S of Beaver Dam Canyon.
Wandering SSE, the terrain remained relatively level for a little way, but luck was running out. Unenthusiastic about how this whole adventure was panning out, Loopster took another rest break. No more flat terrain ahead, it was all steep, the deadfall worse than ever. Checking the map again, SPHP remained uncertain what course to take.
Waiting for SPHP to decide what to do. Photo looks NE.
Had to do something! Pass 6900, or at least some portion of the big ridge it was part of, couldn’t be any more than 0.33 mile S and a few hundred feet higher. Either had to head S to that ridge, or maybe go W to find the elusive trail that was supposed to lead to it.
Tried both. The afternoon became a hideous ordeal. Deadfall stacked 2, 3, even 4 high. Slopes so steep that SPHP was left clinging to trees, rocks, bushes, whatever was available. Eventually, a meadow could be seen on a hillside W of the drainage. Several counter-productive attempts were made to go W, but way too much hard won elevation had to be lost and regained to get over there. SPHP finally gave up on that notion.
The Carolina Dog’s stalking game only made matters worse. Lupe didn’t want to move. She only followed reluctantly, at a distance. Trying to stay out of sight, she succeeded. SPHP often didn’t know where she was, a constant worry. Loop might easily get lost, or injured, in this mess.
For years, SPHP had carried a whistle in the pack, but never used it. Today that changed. Helpfully, Lupe seemed to realize that the whistle meant business. She often appeared shortly after several blasts, but sometimes she didn’t. Then SPHP had to go back looking for her, often finding her sitting silently, alone in the forest, the way forward blocked by stacks of deadfall she couldn’t get past on her own.
Miserable hours dragged by. Progress was virtually non-existent. SPHP finally managed to climb high enough to reach a clearing. The forest was thinning out! Had to retreat one more time looking for Lupe to help her over the deadfall, but the situation improved after that. Ahead the slopes weren’t as steep. Soon the terrain was nearly flat. The top of the ridge couldn’t be much farther!
Saved! At an actual clearing on nearly flat terrain.On even more open ground. Top of the same ridge Pass 6900 is part of is only a little higher directly ahead. Photo looks S.
6-23-22, 4:41 PM – The afternoon had been brutal, but Lupe was finally up on the Pass 6900 ridge S of Beaver Dam Canyon. SPHP was virtually certain she was somewhere E of the pass. Exhausted by the ordeal, a break was taken under some big pines next to a huge field of the yellow wildflowers. Looking SW across the Cabin Creek drainage, part of Wolf Mountain’s long SSE ridge was in sight.
On the Pass 6900 ridge, but E of the pass. Part of Wolf Mountain’s SSE ridge (L & Center) in the distance across the upper Cabin Creek valley. Photo looks SW.
Ready to move on again, SPHP panicked, unable to find the topo map even after a thorough search of all pockets. Intent upon heading back hoping to find it, the map turned up, dropped only 10 feet away among the flowers.
Thank heaven! Onward! Puppy, ho!
Heading WNW along the Pass 6900 ridge, Lupe kept playing her stalking game. Much less of a worry up here. The ridge was broad, a mix of open forest and meadows full of the big yellow flowers. Visibility was great, and movement easy.
At first some elevation was lost, but it was all soon regained and more. After topping out again, a long field of yellow flowers sloped down to a definite pass, beyond which was steeper terrain. When Loop reached the pass, wha’dya know? A trail!
Heading down to the pass. Wolf Mountain (Center). Photo looks W.
6-23-22, 5:30 PM, Trail No. 067, Pass 7020 – Lupe sat beneath a big pine tree near the S edge of the pass. There was quite a nice level spot with little vegetation here. Perfect for pitching the tiny house!
At the pass. The trail heads straight for Lupe beneath the first big pine. Photo looks SE.
So, this is the fabled Pass 6900 we’ve gone through so much trouble to get to, SPHP?
Think so, Looper, although I’m surprised we had to go this far W to find it.
Can we camp here, then? It’s a great spot, SPHP, and I really don’t want to go any farther.
Wish we could, Loop. I’m tired, too, but we’re nowhere near where I’d hoped we’d be by now. We still have several hours of daylight, and really ought to keep going.
Not the answer the American Dingo wanted, but following the trail SE off the ridge, her spirits were at least partly revived by the fact that it was going downhill.
Starting down into the Cabin Creek drainage. Photo looks SE.
SPHP kept expecting the trail to curve SW at any moment, but it didn’t. Instead, it continued trending SE. The intersection with Trails No. 064 & No. 067 should have appeared after 0.2 mile, but nowhere to be seen. Continuing lower, a tiny stream appeared on the R (SW) side of the trail. After going 0.4 mile, losing 250 to 300 feet of elevation, the trail turned S and crossed this creek.
No signs, no trail junction. SE all this way. Didn’t make sense. Certainly not what the map showed, unless …
This is it, Loop. We’re turning around.
You don’t mean we have to go right back up this same trail, do you, SPHP?
Exactomundo, Looper.
You’re certifiable, SPHP! Why?
Suspect we just came from Pass 7020, Loop, not Pass 6900.
And how did we manage that? We missed Pass 6900 completely, SPHP? I thought that was where we spent the entire day trying to get to. You never even mentioned any Pass 7020!
We were, but I think we crossed Pass 6900 without realizing it after our rest break up on the ridge. Remember that first dip? Maybe the trail we were looking for that used to cross it no longer exists?
Small wonder we didn’t find it then, SPHP!
Back up at the pass, SPHP wearily put up the tiny house. Loopster was thrilled! She entered before SPHP even got the rain cover on, or spread her sleeping bag out for her.
SPHP finished preparations for the coming night, then joined Lupe in the tiny house. After a bit to eat, SPHP checked the peakbagger app on the iPhone. No map shown, but Wolf Mountain(9,483 ft.) was 1.8 miles W. The paper map then told the tale. So, it was true! The tiny house was at Pass 7020. The trail outside was already Trail No. 067.
Knowing that was helpful, and at least somewhat encouraging, yet it had been a disastrous day. Extremely wearing, with little result. As the crow flies, Lupe wasn’t any more than 3 miles from the Dog Creek trailhead, even though the first mile had been a cake walk. The tiny house should already have been at HP8844 on Wolf Mountain’s NE ridge, the Carolina Dog already celebrating a successful ascent.
Wolf Mountain wasn’t even Lupe’s main objective on this trip. Another day like today, and she’d have to turn back before ever getting there. It was still light out when Lupe and SPHP both collapsed, too tired to care.
In the tiny house at Pass 7020.
6-24-22, 8:28 AM, Pass 7020 – A night’s sleep had helped. SPHP’s spirits were revived. Peeking outside the tiny house, 2 giant deers were grazing nearby. They fled on seeing movement.
Look on the bright side, at least we know what to do now, Looper! All we have to do is follow Trail No. 067 up to HP8844. Even as the trail goes, it’s no more than 3 miles to Wolf Mountain’s summit.
Loop wasn’t buying it. The recalcitrant Carolina Dog clearly preferred life right here at Pass 7020 to another enormous effort. She remained in the tiny house as long as possible.
Morning already? Miss Reluctant at Pass 7020. Photo looks SE.
Recalcitrant or not, as soon as SPHP got strapped back into the pack, the American Dingo was on her way. However, Loop had no intentions of cooperating any more than she had to. Once again, she lagged behind, playing the stalking game.
This time, instead of taking Trail No. 067 SE, SPHP headed NW. Once across the pass, the trail dropped steadily into the upper reaches of Beaver Dam Canyon. As expected, Lupe soon reached a small stream. Beyond it, though, the trail continued NW, still losing elevation.
Crossing the stream in upper Beaver Dam Canyon.
Sheesh! Are you kidding me? I can’t believe this!
What’s wrong, SPHP?
According to the map, the trail is supposed to turn SW here, following this stream out the upper end of Beaver Dam Canyon, but it doesn’t!
Maybe it will, if we go a little farther, SPHP.
Sticking with the trail, SPHP followed it beyond the stream. The trail soon turned N, leveling out before climbing 50 feet through another meadow of yellow flowers to the top of a small forested hill.
Exploring beyond the stream. Photo looks S.
When the trail started a relatively steep descent after crossing the hill, SPHP was done.
Sensible suggestion, Looper, but it’s not panning out. I have no idea where this trail is going. Seems like either back to Dog Creek, or some other part of Beaver Dam Canyon. In any case, this isn’t the way to Wolf Mountain.
Back to Pass 7020 then, SPHP?
Afraid so, Loop.
6-24-22, 9:44 AM – SPHP wasn’t nearly as cheery as earlier on as Lupe left Pass 7020 for the second time this morning, now off-trail following open lanes WSW up a fairly steep slope. More than an hour wasted with hundreds of feet of unnecessary elevation loss and regain lugging this dang heavy pack! The day was off to a lousy start.
Leaving Pass 7020 for the second time this morning. Photo looks WSW.
The terrain briefly flattened out after an initial climb, then steepened again. After passing through a forested region, a very steep meadow was ahead. Near the top, this meadow wasn’t as steep, and ultimately led to a flat, forested ridge.
Getting close to the top of the meadow. Photo looks W.
A rest break was taken on this ridge while enjoying a panoramic view to the E. Much of the territory Lupe had already traveled through was in sight. The Snake River was visible to the NE, and Peak 7633 to the SE. It didn’t look much higher than where Lupe was now.
Snake River (Center) from the ridge at the top of the meadow. Photo looks NE.
Realizing that Loop must be on Peak 7755‘s NNE ridge, an attempt was made to head W directly to the 7580 saddle leading to Wolf Mountain. However, the terrain soon dropped sharply. Nearly 100 feet of elevation were lost before coming to a rocky clearing where HP8844 was in sight.
Wolf Mountain’s NE ridge(HP8844) (R) from the clearing. Photo looks WNW.
A climb SW through a heavily forested region on steep slopes was now necessary to reach the 7580 saddle. This route threatened to become yet another fiasco similar to yesterday’s disaster. Fortunately, the obstacles weren’t as severe, and less distance was involved. Lupe made it to the saddle. Both Wolf Mountain and HP8844 were in view.
Wolf Mountain (Center) and HP8844 (R) from NW of Peak 7755. Photo looks WNW.
Heading NW on relatively flat ground straight for Wolf Mountain’s NE ridge, the terrain began steepening. Passing through another forested stretch, Lupe reached a meadow at the base of the NE ridge’s E slope. A very steep climb ensued. After a rest break at around 8,100 feet, Trail No. 067 was rediscovered only 10 feet higher.
Finding the trail again was a huge boon. Heading NW, it climbed at an easier pace through meadows and enormous stands of young aspens. The trail turned W as it gradually swept around to the N side of the ridge. Lupe was thrilled to find some snow here.
On the upper E slope of Wolf Mountain’s NE ridge. Photo looks SSE.Heading for the N side of the ridge. Photo looks NW.On the N slope, enjoying some snow. Photo looks WNW.
Trail No. 067 didn’t go all the way up Wolf Mountain. In fact, it didn’t even get up to HP8844, passing 50 feet below it. Abandoning the trail, Lupe climbed up to HP8844. The top of this big ridge featured a small stand of trees to the W, but was otherwise open and somewhat rocky.
6-24-22, 2:24 PM, HP8844 – Only mid-afternoon, but Lupe and SPHP were both weary. Despite the rocks, SPHP found a decent spot to pitch Lupe’s tiny house. The views were already tremendous from right here. Far to the N, the Teton Range. SW, Wolf Mountain(9,483 ft.) loomed nearby.
The Tetons (L & Center) from HP8844. Photo looks N.Wolf Mountain from HP8844. Photo looks SW.
6-24-22, 4:55 PM, HP8844 – The tiny house had gone as far as it was going to today, but the Carolina Dog hadn’t. A late lunch and a nap had done both Lupe and SPHP a world of good. Might have been the extra rest, or maybe it was the snow and cooler air up here? Whatever the reason, the stalking game was over. Lupe led the way. Less than 700 feet to the top of Wolf Mountain(9,483 ft.)!
Heading for Wolf Mountain. Photo looks SW.
A forty foot dip, and it was all up the rest of the way. Following a long snowbank, Wolf Mountain’s NE slope was nearly obstacle free. No rocks, soft, damp soil, and scant vegetation other than scattered sagebrush. Moderately steep, and steepest near the top, but nothing unusual.
Approaching the summit ridge. Photo looks SW.
Lupe reached Wolf Mountain’s summit ridge near its lower N end. A long, skinny snowbank extended S along the upper E face protected by an escarpment of crumbling rock. This snowbank was nearly unbroken as Loopster followed it higher.
On the snowbank just below the summit ridge. Photo looks S.Up on the escarpment. Photo looks S.Closing in on the summit (L of Center). Photo looks S.
6-24-22, 5:59 PM, 60ºF, Wolf Mountain(9,483 ft.) – The open summit ridge was an easy stroll. A 10-15 mph breeze was blowing out of the W when Lupe arrived at the true summit, marked by a 4 foot tall wooden stake protruding from amid low bushes. Several feet away, a collection of loose rocks, possibly the remains of a cairn, was the highest point.
On Wolf Mountain’s true summit. Photo looks S.
Congratulations, Loopster, on your successful ascent of Wolf Mountain! Can’t believe it took us 2 days to get here, but here we are!
Thank you, SPHP! It’s been, umm, interesting, hasn’t it? All worth it now, though! Look at these views!
Wolf Mountain wasn’t the highest peak around, but the views really were splendid. HP9301 was 0.7 mile S along Wolf Mountain’s long SSE ridge. Much farther S were a couple of peaks SPHP could identify with some confidence. Stewart Mountain(10,103 ft.) in the Salt River Range was the most distant, with Bradley Mountain(9,292 ft.) in the Wyoming Range somewhat closer. A year ago, Lupe had been on Bradley.
HP9302 (L) in the foreground. Stewart Mountain (R of Center) in the distance. Bradley Mountain (R) somewhat closer. Photo looks S.Stewart Mountain (R), Bradley Mountain (far R). Photo looks S with help from the telephoto lens.
Far to the NE, Gros Peak(11,180 ft.) was in sight, highest point of the Gros Ventre Range visible from here. Much closer, part of the Snake River was in view, too. Loopster could even see her tiny house, a little orange speck way down at HP8844 on Wolf Mountain’s NE ridge.
Gros Peak (R of Center) on the horizon. Snake River (R). Lupe’s tiny house an orange speck (L of Center). Photo looks NE.Gros Peak (L), Snake River (R). Photo looks ENE with help from the telephoto lens.
Snow-capped Red Peak(9,771 ft.) and Peak9708 were 3 or 4 miles SW. The summits of Deadhorse Peak(9,767 ft.) and Peak9736 were visible beyond and between them.
And far to the N, beyond the Snake River valley, stood the Teton Range with mighty Grand Teton(13,770 ft.) soaring skyward!
Teton Range (L & Center) on the horizon. Photo looks N.The Tetons beyond the Snake River Valley. Grand Teton (R). Photo looks N with help from the telephoto lens.
No registry, no survey benchmark to look for. Wolf Mountain’s summit region wasn’t huge, but there was plenty of room to move around. The E edge was cliffy. To the W, scraggly trees and bushes, some of them dead, were scattered along a slope which was steep, but not as vertical.
Looking NW. Dog Creek valley in the foreground.
After shaking the American Dingo’s paw, and a good look at the fabulous views, SPHP sat down on the dirt, facing W into the breeze toward the scene most relevant to Lupe’s immediate future. Loop promptly curled up on SPHP’s lap. A hard-earned chocolate coconut bar was shared, then SPHP munched an apple while pondering what it all meant.
Indian Peak (L), Obs Benchmark (L of Center), Observation Peak (R). Photo looks W.Same view with help from the telephoto lens. Indian Peak (far L), Obs Benchmark (L), and Observation Peak (far R). Photo looks W.
It’s too far! We’ll never get there and back in a day, especially the way things have been going. No way around it, I’m going to have to lug your tiny house and all that dang gear again tomorrow, aren’t I?
We’ll never get where, SPHP?
See that peak toward the R, Loop? That’s Observation Peak(9,960 ft.), our main objective on this little backpacking jaunt.
Nice, but what’s so special about it, SPHP?
Just one stat. Observation has 2,240 feet of prominence, 18th in Wyoming.
Doesn’t look so daunting from here, SPHP.
Don’t think it’s supposed to be all that daunting, Loop. It’s just so far from any roads that I can’t do it in a day. Hence, your tiny house.
Been 2 days already, SPHP.
Heh. Yeah, I thought we’d make it to Wolf in just one. So much for that! Not entirely my fault, though. These old maps led me to believe there were actual trails all this way. Maybe there are, but not how we went.
The W breeze died away. A gorgeous evening! Lupe and SPHP lingered, enjoying Wolf Mountain, which had been so unexpectedly difficult to get to. For a long time, Loop was content on SPHP’s lap while SPHP studied what lay ahead.
Observation Peak (Center) from Wolf Mountain. Photo looks WNW with lots of help from the telephoto lens.Indian Peak (L), Obs Benchmark (R). Photo looks WSW.
6-24-22, 7:10 PM, Wolf Mountain – 70 minutes had flown. Better get with it! Another big Dingo Vacation adventure in the morning. For the last time, Lupe sat next to the wooden stake at the top of Wolf Mountain.
Back at the summit. HP8829 beyond the stake. HP9301 (R). Photo looks S.
SPHP started down first. For a few moments, an American Dingo stood proudly alone on Wolf Mountain.
Still at the summit. Photo looks S.
SPHP called, and Lupe came running. Then it was down, down the mountain, a beautiful, easy descent.
6-24-22, 7:52 PM – Evening sunlight was still streaming over HP8844 when the Carolina Dog got back to her tiny house.
Back at HP8844. Photo looks ENE.
Wolf Mountain had been quite the adventure! With more action bright and (hopefully not too) early tomorrow, dinner and a long snooze were in order. Before the sun sank below the mountains, Lupe was in Dingo dreamland, with SPHP on the way.
Days 5 & 6 of Lupe’s Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming!
6-20-22, 8:57 AM, 17 miles in on Smiths Fork Road –
OK, we’re done. This is a fiasco! Never going to get there this way! Bark, or something, Looper, if it looks like we’re about to go over the edge.
Ahead the road was blocked with snow. A pickup could have gotten through easily enough, but there were still miles to go, road conditions were steadily deteriorating, and there hadn’t been a bit of traffic. SPHP had no intention of getting the RAV4 stuck way out here.
Time to bail on Smiths Fork Road.
Backing down for over a mile to a decent spot to turn around, the RAV4’s rear camera was highly useful in preventing an inadvertent plunge over the cliff edge into the frigid waters of Smiths Fork.
Guess you’re going to get to visit Afton, after all, Loopster!
Driving N through town on Hwy 89, Afton’s main claim to fame was the World’s Largest Elkhorn Arch, complete with battling elk.
Top of the World’s Largest Elkhorn Arch over Hwy 89 in Afton.
The whole purpose of trying to take Smiths Fork Road earlier had been to use it as a shortcut to Greys River Road and the Crow Creek trailhead providing access to Mount Fitzpatrick(10,907 ft.). SPHP kept driving N all the way to Alpine to reach Greys River Road there.
From Alpine, Greys River Road went E, then S up the Greys River valley. Lupe had a blast riding with her head out the window watching for wildlife. Plenty of deer, and a even a moose! A herd of black cattle elicited a furious response from the excited American Dingo. However, as beautiful as the mountains were, the views were a bit disconcerting.
Greys River from Greys River Road.
First official day of summer tomorrow, Loop! Way more snow on some of these peaks than I was expecting.
We like the snow, don’t we, SPHP? Makes the mountains look so much more dramatic!
Yes, but more dramatic in reality, too, not just appearance, Loop. Having second thoughts about Mount Fitzpatrick.
Which one is Fitzpatrick, SPHP?
Oh, I don’t know. Wouldn’t recognize it if I saw it, but it’s one of these higher peaks.
You’re worried that it’s going to be too snowy, SPHP?
Yeah, I am. The last part of the climb is supposed to be a steep ascent up the N face. Might be a ton of snow on that side of the mountain.
Greys River Road went on and on. For some reason expecting to come to a pass at McDougal Gap Road before reaching the Crow Creek trailhead, SPHP got to daydreaming. Eventually, a pass was reached. SPHP parked the RAV4, and Lupe hopped out for a sniff.
Surprisingly cool out beneath a cloudy sky. A sign said Tri-Basin Divide.
Peak 9730 (L) from Tri-Basin Divide. Photo looks SW.
6-20-22, 2:11 PM, Tri-Basin Divide, Wyoming Range –
Are we close to Mount Fitzpatrick yet, SPHP?
Not entirely sure, Loop. Doubt we’ll even be able to see Fitzpatrick from the road. We’ve come such a long way already, that I can’t image it being too much farther to the Crow Creek trailhead. Wonder what happened to McDougal Gap Road, anyway? Sure doesn’t seem to be here.
A check of the paper map SPHP had along shed no light on the mystery. Tri-Basin Divide wasn’t even shown on the map, which covered only a limited region.
Hmm, guess we’ll just have to keep an eye out for Crow Creek, Loopster. Hope there’s a sign. The trailhead isn’t a formal one. Should be on the R as we continue S.
Might be easy to miss, if there isn’t a sign, SPHP. What about your fancy new iPhone? Maybe you ought to check it, too? That peakbagger app helped us find Buck Mountain back in the Bighorns.
Oh, that’s right! Great idea, Loop! Might give us a good estimate on how much farther we need to go, if I can remember how to use it.
The iPhone and peakbagger app worked. The news was shocking.
Oh, good grief! Can this be right?
What does it say, SPHP? How much farther do we need to go?
No farther at all, Loop. We’re way too far S already! Mount Fitzpatrick is more than 18 miles NNW! Somehow I must have totally spaced out both McDougal Gap Road and Crow Creek.
Someone needs to pay more attention to what they’re doing, SPHP!
Heh. No denying that! Second fiasco of the day! No real harm done, though. The American Dingo enjoyed a 2nd long scenic drive, this time back N along Greys River Road. A Crow Creek sign was eventually seen at a bend in the road, just S of a small pullout with room enough for a few cars. That had to be the trailhead.
A mile S of the Crow Creek sign, a side road went into a big field with a lone picnic table. SPHP parked the RAV4 50 feet from the Greys River. Cold and damp! Afternoon high of 55ºF, and most of the time well below that, as brief periods of sunshine were interrupted by a series of rain showers. A respite an hour before sunset permitted an evening stroll to the Crow Creek sign and back.
Only sign along Greys River Road for the Crow Creek trailhead. Photo looks SW.
6-21-22, 6:18 AM, 28ºF, Greys River 1 mile S of the Crow Creek trailhead –
SPHP turned on the defroster, then hopped out to scrape ice off the RAV4’s windshield. Meanwhile, Lupe sniffed among frosty sagebrush, exploring nearby. It had been a cold night, but the sky was clear this morning. Longest day of the year! Should warm up fast.
During the drive N, the RAV4 warmed up even faster. The warmth felt good. Exciting drive, too! The Carolina Dog saw lots of deer, that same moose, and a bunny.
You do realize that you’ve way overshot the Crow Creek trailhead again, right, SPHP? How come?
Change of plans, Looper. Fitzpatrick is out, at least for the time being. It’s a backpack trip, and from the amount of snow we’ve seen, I’m convinced it’s too soon to take on the N face of any of these higher peaks.
So, where are we going, SPHP?
Mount McDougal(10,780 ft.), Loop! It’s a much shorter trek, a mere day hike up an E slope, so probably a lot less snow. Our chances of success ought to be much better there. Even if McDougal turns out to be a fail, at least we’ll only have wasted one day instead of two.
6-21-22, 7:45 AM, 35ºF, McDougal Gap trailhead – The turn E off Greys River Road onto McDougal Gap Road had come 10 miles N of the Crow Creek sign. Small wonder SPHP missed it yesterday. The only sign at the turn said “Sheep Creek”. No mention of McDougal Gap. No pass there, either. Evidently that was a figment of SPHP’s imagination.
Other than a little easily avoided rockfall, McDougal Gap Road had been in great shape. Lupe now stood in bright sunshine in a stony trailhead parking lot at the top of McDougal Gap, which actually was a pass, with a great view of Triple Peak(11,127 ft.) beyond her.
Triple Peak from the McDougal Gap trailhead. Photo looks S.
A dazzling morning – crisp and bright beneath a super blue sky cleansed by yesterday’s rains. Other than the RAV4, the gigantic parking lot was empty. A lone deer stood grazing near the edge of the forest over by the W end. Going to be a glorious day!
6-21-22, 9:27 AM, 58ºF – With Mount McDougal already in sight less than 2 miles from the trailhead, a leisurely start had been possible. As Lupe finally hit the trail after breakfast, and SPHP’s other dilly-dallying delays, the morning was already comfortably warm. Crossing a meadow, the trail entered a forest, where it followed USFS Road No. 10148 NNE.
Setting out for Mount McDougal (L). Photo looks N.Following USFS Road No. 10148. Photo looks NNE.
Before long, the road forked, more than once as it turned out. Always staying toward the L, Lupe continued NNE.
At the first fork in the road. Photo looks N.
Still an easy trek, the road steepened. 0.75 mile from the trailhead, it narrowed back down to a single track trail. Lupe came to a clearing where Mount McDougal was in sight again. Crossing a tiny stream, she reached a larger opening where a mound of dark soil was exposed.
According to the map, the American Dingo had to be somewhere near the old Kleinstick Mine now. Was that black mound leftover tailings? Hard to say. Might have been natural, too. Lupe didn’t bother looking for the mine. Attention was focused on Mount McDougal’s upper E face. A surprising amount of snow up there! Seeing it, SPHP’s heart sank.
Climbing a little faster as the road narrows down to a single track trail. Photo looks N.Mount McDougal in sight again. Photo looks NW.Crossing a tiny stream near the location of the old Kleinstick Mine. Photo looks N.By the mound of dark soil. Mount McDougal’s snowy E face (R). Photo looks NE.
Continuing past the Kleinstick Mine region, Lupe crossed another tiny stream. The trail climbed steeply back into the forest, then got easier again. A Wyoming Range National Recreational Trail sign was nailed to a tree. Beyond it, the forest started giving way to large meadows.
0.25 mile N of the mine, the trail flattened out completely. Abandoning it, Lupe climbed NW toward stands of aspens bearing new leaves.
The Wyoming Range National Recreation Trail emblem. According to the map, Lupe was on Trail No. 048.Leaving the trail for Mount McDougal. Photo looks W.
Once past the aspens, things really opened up. A long green slope, partly covered with sagebrush, rose hundreds of feet toward scattered stands of conifers, bands of gray rock, and snowfields above. Lupe had a riot roaming at will while SPHP trudged higher, often pausing to take in the views while gasping for air.
Above the aspens. Photo looks NW.Cooling off on one of the first snowbanks. Photo looks NNW.Approaching a line of conifers below McDougal’s E face. Photo looks WNW.Making progress! Triple Peak (L), Peak10290 (R of Center). Photo looks S.
Beyond the last big stand of conifers, a steep, barren slope led toward the first large snowfield. Above it, bands of gray rock formed long lines of small cliffs. The cliffs were of less concern than the snow. As steep as this slope was, if the snow proved icy, Lupe wasn’t going to be able to climb Mount McDougal.
SPHP wasn’t equipped for an ice climb. Poles were it.
Above the conifers, approaching the snowfields and cliffs. Photo looks W.
Postponing the inevitable, SPHP encouraged the Carolina Dog to avoid this first big snowfield as long as possible. Climbing on bare ground as far as she could, Lupe discovered the bones of someone who evidently hadn’t made it up Mount McDougal along the way.
Success is never guaranteed while climbing mountains.Not the result Lupe or SPHP were looking for.
Moment of truth, SPHP! We going any higher?
The steep snowfield looked daunting. 200 feet up just to reach the base of the cliffs, with no obvious route above them.
Be careful, but let’s give it a shot, Looper. Onward! Puppy, ho!
The snow was soft, not icy. SPHP sank in a foot or two with every step. Lupe had no problem, the snow supporting her weight. A little higher up, the snow was firm enough to better support SPHP, too. Poles were a huge help, adding confidence that a rocket slide to the bottom wouldn’t take place.
Cautious progress was made. Soon the cliffs weren’t much farther.
Closing in on the gray cliffs. Photo looks W.
Right at the base of the cliffs, SPHP suddenly plunged mid-thigh deep into the snow. Took several minutes of struggle to get extracted again, while Lupe watched from the safety of the rocks.
Once SPHP was able to join her, it was time to look for a route through the cliff bands. Angling SSW, where the going looked easiest, Lupe led the way up a series of small ledges and ramps.
Starting up the gray rock cliffs. Photo looks SSW.Loopster on a narrow, sloping bench. Triple Peak (L) in the distance. Photo looks S.
The cliff bands were taller than it initially appeared, perhaps 80 to 100 feet all told. Lupe managed to reach a fairly wide ramp below the tallest line of cliffs, which presented a continuous barrier 20 to 30 feet high.
There was a weakness a bit lower toward the S where the cliffs weren’t quite as high, but success appeared questionable even there. Turning N instead, following the ramp higher, Lupe searched for a better spot.
On the wide ramp, following the base of the cliffs. Photo looks N.
For a little way, the cliffs were impassable, but a cleft finally appeared that might work. The trickiest section was only 12 feet high, and had a few decent paw holds.
Starting up the cleft. Photo looks NW.Ascending the cleft. Lander Peak (far L), Triple Peak (L) in the distance. Photo looks S.
Too vertical! Lupe needed help! Very carefully, SPHP managed to boost Looper to where she could claw the rest of the way up to safety herself.
Safely above the worst of the cleft. Photo looks W.
And that was the worst of it. Scrambling after Lupe, SPHP made it to the upper end of the cleft, too. The gray cliffs extended only a little higher, presenting no further problems.
The success experienced crossing this first snowfield, and getting past the gray cliff band, was encouraging, but more challenges lay ahead. Another steep stretch of dirt, scree, and scant vegetation led to a much larger snowfield. Way up along the E rim of the summit region, a long, continuous cornice curled out into space over the edge.
Approaching the upper snowfield. Photo looks W.
During the trudge up to this next snowfield, SPHP decided to aim toward a substantial region of bare ground slightly toward the S (L). Upon reaching the snowfield, Lupe started up.
Ascending the upper snowfield. Photo looks W.Sneaking a peek back down the mountain. Wind River Range on the horizon. Photo looks NE.
This second steep snow climb seemed borderline foolish the entire way. Most of the snow was fairly soft, but this high up, there were a few icy sections, too, which absolutely had to be avoided. Lupe climbed several hundred feet up to the first rock outcropping. Happily, firm terrain was more frequent after that.
Following rock outcroppings higher wherever possible. Photo looks W.
It all worked! Lupe reached the big barren area SPHP had been aiming for. To the N, the enormous snowfield extended unbroken ever more steeply all the way up to the cornice hanging over the mountain’s E rim. The American Dingo didn’t have to worry about that, though. The bare ground she was on provided steep, loose support, all the way up to Mount McDougal’s SE ridge.
Back on solid ground. Actually, it was kind of loose. Photo looks WSW.Heading up to the SE ridge. Photo looks WSW.
Looper reached the SE ridge within 100 vertical feet of the summit. For the first time in a long while, there were a few small flat areas, so a rest break was in order. Beef jerky and water for all! Sitting together, Lupe and SPHP contemplated the incredible views, and final obstacle above.
The cornice overhanging the E edge of the mountain did not extend all the way to the SE ridge, but a huge near-vertical wall of snow did. How was Lupe ever going to get up that? The snow wall appeared to be 20 to 40 feet high. Even if the American Dingo did get up it, how would she ever get down again in one piece?
At the break spot along the SE ridge. Photo looks NW.
So close, and yet so far? Summoning what energy could be mustered, Lupe and SPHP went up for a closer look.
Cornice view from just below the summit. Photo looks N.Have faith, SPHP! We’re almost there! Photo looks SW.
The wall of snow wasn’t truly vertical, only almost so. And it wasn’t 40 feet high, merely 20. However, it remained a formidable obstacle. No way around it, L or R. For poor Lupe, it was either straight on up right here, or Mount McDougal was a fail!
The snow wall of doom. Photo looks NW.
Failure, after coming all this way? Sheesh! Stay here, Looper. I’m going to see if I can kick-step my way to the top.
The snow wall was kind of hard. Kicking steps into it took quite a bit of kicking, but SPHP managed to inch most of the way up. Looking down to check on Lupe, SPHP was shocked. That crazy Carolina Dog was right below SPHP, also using the steps!
Silly, adorable, faithful Dingo! Loop might easily fall and get hurt! SPHP couldn’t back down now, either. Kicking a few more steps into the snow, SPHP’s head was just getting to where another 5 feet that wasn’t quite as steep came into view, when suddenly, somehow, Lupe was right there, standing on the super steep slope on the brink of destruction, calmly blinking in the sunlight.
Up, Loop, up! Don’t stop here, you’ll fall! Keep going! Get to the top!
Up the American Dingo went, smiling broadly as SPHP joined her atop Mount McDougal moments later.
About time, SPHP! Glad you made it! Photo looks NW.
6-21-22, 2:06 PM, 62ºF, Mount McDougal(10,780 ft.) – Fear to elation! Atop an enormous snowbank that undulated hundreds of feet SW, Lupe had no more mountain to climb.
Wow, Loop! Can’t believe you climbed that wall of snow! Astounding! What a dramatic finish!
So, this is the top, SPHP?
Absolutely! In fact, it appears you’ve climbed above Mount McDougal! This snowbank is temporarily the true summit.
That’s got to be a first for us, SPHP! Don’t think we’ve ever climbed above a mountain before have we?
Not anywhere near this extent that I can remember, Looper.
Mount McDougal summit +! Triple Peak (L). Photo looks S.On the enormous summit snowbank. Photo looks SW.
Greatly enhanced by the amount of snow lingering on the mountains on this crystal clear summer solstice day, the views were astonishing, too! SPHP hadn’t expected anything like this. Near and far, snowy peaks in almost every direction, except E toward the sagebrush prairie thousands of feet below.
The Wyoming and Salt River ranges to the S and SW were particularly awesome. Triple Peak(11,127 ft.) and Lander Peak (10,450 ft.) were easily identifiable only 4 or 5 miles S. SPHP didn’t recognize any other peaks, but Wyoming Peak(11,378 ft.), which Lupe had visited in 2015, might well have been on the S horizon. Mount Fitzpatrick(10,907 ft.), which she hadn’t been to yet, was likely in sight a dozen miles SW, too.
Mount McDougal technically extended another 3 miles NNW. Lupe had a grand view of several subpeaks strung out along the ridgeline, most notable of which was Peak 10742. Part of the Teton Range was visible far beyond it. More directly N, quite a bit closer than the Tetons, was an isolated snowy peak SPHP suspected might be Hoback Peak(10,862 ft.). Portions of the Gros Ventre Range were visible NNE well beyond it.
Peak 10742 (L) along the Mount McDougal ridge. Hoback Peak (Center) far away. Gros Ventre Range (R) on the horizon. Photo looks N.Glimpse of the Tetons (Center) beyond Peak 10742 (R). Photo looks NNW with lots of help from the telephoto lens.
Far to the NE, the Wind River Range was in sight beyond a vast expanse of high sagebrush desert.
Wind River Range on the horizon. Photo looks NE.Zoomed in on giants of the Wind River Range. Photo looks NE.
After an initial look around from Mount Dougal’s temporary snowbank summit, Lupe left the snow in search of the normal true summit, which was farther SW. An open lane of dirt near a line of stunted trees just N of the snowbank went that way.
Loop up on the temporary snowbank true summit. Photo looks ENE.Heading SW in search of the normal true summit. Photo looks SW.
Whether Lupe actually crossed Mount McDougal’s official true summit somewhere along the way, or whether it might have been hidden under the snow was never clear, but the Carolina Dog did go all the way to the SW end of the summit region, where a cairn sat perched near the edge.
At the summit cairn. Photo looks SW.
The cairn was hollow. SPHP wasn’t the least bit surprised to find a small upside down coffee can painted maroon inside. Beneath it, a jar with a red lid contained a pink notebook serving as a registry. As expected, the first entries were by Richard Carey and Shelley Rogers.
A classic Richard Carey registry installation inside the cairn.Inside cover and first page of the registry.
For a long time, Lupe relaxed while SPHP read the registry, added her name to it, then munched an apple while gazing out upon the glorious mountain vistas. The tuckered out American Dingo even rolled over on her side for a while, dozing in the warm sun.
Resting near the cairn. Salt River Range in the background. Photo looks WSW.The especially snowy peak (R of Center) may be Peak 10499. Photo looks SSW with help from the telephoto lens.Wyoming Range in the foreground, Salt River Range beyond. Peak 10499 (R). Photo looks SSW.Looking S with lots of help from the telephoto lens.Peering into the North Fork of Sheep Creek valley. Greys River valley and Salt River Range beyond the near ridge. Photo looks WNW.
Beef jerky and Taste of the Wild eventually revived Lupe. She then took a turn roaming about, surveying the views herself.
Triple Peak (Center), Lander Peak (L). Photo looks S.Triple Peak (Center). Photo looks S with help from the telephoto lens.Looking W down the Sheep Creek valley into the Greys River valley. Salt River Range beyond.
The plucky Carolina Dog even wandered back to the snow summit for a while, before returning to the region near the cairn for another rest.
Over near the snow summit again. Photo looks NE.Back by the cairn. Peak 10742 (L of Center), Hoback Peak (R of Center) in the distance. Photo looks N.
No wind, comfortably warm, tremendous clarity, spectacular views! Could it get any better? May it always be so! Lupe lingered, as time slipped away. Exactly 2 hours after arriving, Loop stood poised on the summit cairn for the last time.
A fantastic view, but sadly time to go. Photo looks SW.
SPHP was extraordinarily concerned as Lupe headed back to the snow summit. Following footsteps and clawing her way up was one thing, but how could Loop possibly get down the wall of snow without falling?
Peering down the SE ridge from the edge of the snow summit. Photo looks SE.
The mere thought was sickening. Looper was going to fall! SPHP was certain of it. Only one possible solution came to mind.
SPHP fastened her leash.
Stay right here, Loop! Don’t move a muscle until I tell you to!
On Mount McDougal’s snow summit, leashed up, awaiting orders. Photo looks WSW.
Trusting eyes watched SPHP slide slowly backward over the edge until the support of the kick steps was reached. Keeping a tight grip on a short section of leash, SPHP urged Lupe to start down.
Lupe fell! More than once, but the leash almost immediately halted each free fall, allowing the dangling Carolina Dog to frantically dig in, regain her balance and a precarious grip on the wall of snow.
Down, down! SPHP descended the kick steps as quickly as caution would allow. The ordeal was over and done with very quickly. Made it! Removing the leash, the American Dingo was no worse for the wear.
Oh, there was more to come during the long descent! Having braved the snow fields once, though, they didn’t seem as daunting, and the views were spectacular facing down the mountain.
Heading down. Photo looks N.
The final obstacle of real concern was the near-vertical notch in the gray cliffs. Seemed even trickier going down than coming up. SPHP started down first, certain Lupe was going to need help again. However, just as SPHP managed to get past the worst spot, there was a noise. Looking up, Loopster was gone!
I’m down here, SPHP!
Looking down, the crazy American Dingo stood smiling, safe and sound, on the wide ramp below.
Are you completely nuts, Loop? How did you do that? Did you sprout Dingo wings and fly?
The answer remained Lupe’s little secret, a mystery for the ages.
One more snowfield to go, and the rest would all be easy! Lupe happily led the way. Mount McDougal(10,780 ft.) had been a fabulous day! (End 6:46 PM)
