Carolina Dog – Page 152 – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Hesse Mountain & Peak 10372, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming (6-28-19)

Day 3 of Lupe’s 1st 2019 Dingo Vacation to the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming!

Despite a sign near the start of USFS Road No. 448 saying the road was impassable due to fallen trees, the G6 had made it to Munkres Pass (9,447 ft.) without any problem. Lupe had been here before. The first time was almost 5 years ago, when she had climbed Hesse Mountain (10,385 ft.). Unfortunately, clouds had swept in that day keeping the mountain shrouded in fog most of the time she’d been up there.

The American Dingo had finally returned determined to climb Hesse Mountain once again. Fog wasn’t going to be an issue today! This time Lupe was going to see the sights! As soon as SPHP had the pack ready, she set off once more for Hesse Mountain. (8:54 AM, 54ºF)

At first, the terrain was nearly level as Lupe headed S. With no trail to follow, it was still rather slow going since the forest was full of deadfall timber. Spider webs annoyed SPHP. Lupe was happier with patches of snow she found to cool off on. Before long, Loop reached a meadow at the top of a small hill. SPHP was almost certain she had come to this very same meadow the first time she’d climbed Hesse Mountain, too.

In the level forest near the start of the trek to Hesse Mountain. Photo looks SSE.

Hesse Mountain (10,385 ft.) was in view from the meadow only a mile away. Hesse has two summits of nearly equal elevation at opposite ends of a NE/SW oriented ridge. Leaving the meadow, Lupe plunged back into the forest heading SE straight for the closer NE summit. The mountain vanished from sight.

**Hesse Mountain** from the meadow. Photo looks SE.

After a slight dip, the terrain leveled out before beginning to steepen. The rate of climb steadily increased. As Lupe gained elevation, there was less and less deadfall to contend with, but more snowbanks were hidden among the trees. Hillsides seeped water forming tiny streams. The Carolina Dog started coming to open lanes through the forest that were much easier to follow higher.

Back in the forest after leaving the meadow.

As the terrain steepened, Lupe came to open lanes through the forest.

The first significant boulder fields appeared shortly before Lupe reached the end of the forest. Whenever possible, she avoided the boulders by staying on the grassy lanes. Above the forest, however, the last part of the climb to Hesse Mountain’s NE high point was nearly all talus. Fortunately, by then she was already close to the top.

Among the boulder fields shortly before the forest ends.

**Hesse Mountain’s N ridge** from the edge of the forest. Photo looks S.

*Oh, we’re getting there! That’s Hesse’s SW summit behind me.* Photo looks SW.

On the talus approaching the NE high point. Photo looks S.

Hesse Mountain’s NE summit proved to be a collection of rocks crowned by a modest cairn. The summit area was quite small, but a patch of grass provided a spot where Lupe could relax. Still a bit early, but it was getting close to lunch time. The American Dingo was ready to enjoy some Taste of the Wild along with the superb views.

Looper on the **NE summit of Hesse Mountain**. Photo looks E.

*Pretty rocky up here, but at least there is a place to relax!* **NE summit of Hesse Mountain**. Photo looks ENE.

The usual fare, Taste of the Wild and water, were on the lunch menu again today. Photo looks N.

The first time Lupe climbed Hesse Mountain in 2014, she’d only gone to the SW high point, which is supposed to be the true summit. She had never been to Hesse’s NE high point before. This glorious day, which was minus the fog that had been present back then, was the first time she’d had such spectacular clear views from Hesse Mountain.

Among the many highlights were Hazelton Peak (10,264 ft.) which Loop had climbed only yesterday, Hazelton Pyramid (10,534 ft.) which she had climbed in 2016, and Peak 10372 all to the S. Far to the NNW snowy Bighorn Peak (12,324 ft.) and Loaf Mountain (11,722 ft.) were in sight.

**Hazelton Peak** (L) and **Hazelton Pyramid** (R). Photo looks S.

**Hazelton Pyramid** (L), **Peak 10372** (beyond Lupe’s head), and **Hesse Mountain’s SW (true) summit** (far R). Photo looks SSW.

**Bighorn Peak** is the snowiest high point on the L. **Loaf Mountain** is to the R of it (still L of Center). Photo looks NNW with help from the telephoto lens.

**Loaf Mountain** (Center) with **Bighorn Peak** (L). Photo looks NNW with more help from the telephoto lens.

The ridge leading to Hesse Mountain’s SW high point was of tremendous interest, too. The SW high point was the presumptive true summit, since that’s where the elevation of 10,385 feet was shown on the topo map. To complete her 2nd ascent, Lupe had to go there next.

The ridge leading to **Hesse Mountain’s SW (true) summit** (L). Photo looks WSW.

Another look. **Peak 10372** (L) and **Hesse’s SW summit** (R). Photo looks SW.

Lupe didn’t head for the SW summit right away, but relaxed for a while at the NE high point. She kept busy snapping at flies the pleasant breeze wasn’t strong enough to discourage. After 40 minutes of that, though, she’d about had it. Tired of all the annoying buzzing, Loop set off for the true summit.

Hesse Mountain’s SW high point was less than 0.25 mile away. The top of the ridge leading to it was extremely rough, so Lupe stayed to the NW (R) somewhat below the ridgeline. The talus wasn’t quite as large here, and there were sometimes grassy spots. It still took SPHP awhile to get there, but the American Dingo’s success was never in doubt.

By the cairn at **Hesse Mountain’s true summit**. Photo looks SE.

No fog today! Beneath bright blues skies, Lupe stood by the cairn at the true summit of Hesse Mountain (10,385 ft.) for the first time in nearly 5 years. The cairn was larger now than it used to be. Nearby, a couple of sharply slanting slabs of rock were the absolute high point. The topo map appeared to be correct. Although there wasn’t much difference, the NE high point did look a little lower.

Lupe by the two slanting slabs of rock at the **true summit of Hesse Mountain**. Cairn on the L. Photo looks SW.

Looking back at the **NE high point** (L). Photo looks ENE.

Zoomed in on **Hesse’s NE summit**. Photo looks NE.

Of course, the views here were similar to those from the NE high point, for the most part offering only a slightly different perspective.

**Hazelton Peak** (L), **Hazelton Pyramid** (Center), and **Peak 10372** (R). Photo looks SSE.

**Bighorn Peak** (Center) and **Loaf Mountain** (R). Photo looks NNW with lots of help from the telephoto lens.

**Hazelton Peak** (L) and **Peak 10372** (R). Photo looks SSW.

For some reason, hardly any flies here, which was good! However, Lupe missed the grassy spot at the NE high point. The true summit lacked a comfortable place to rest. Rocks were everywhere! Lupe stayed only 30 minutes, before starting down Hesse Mountain’s NW ridge.

The decent started out steeply with lots of big talus. Slow going again! Lupe stayed NE (R) of the ridgeline, which was too rough to follow. The trek finally got easier as she drew near a saddle. Loop turned SE here, still on talus, heading down toward a huge grassy bowl between Hesse Mountain and Peak 10372.

Starting down from the saddle along Hesse Mountain’s NW ridge. **Peak 10372** (R) and **Hazelton Pyramid** (L). Photo looks SSW.

On the way to **Peak 10372** (Center). Photo looks SW.

In the grassy bowl below the pass between Hesse Mountain (L) and Peak 10372 (R). Photo looks SE.

Once down to the grassy region, crossing the open terrain was fast and easy. Lupe headed W far enough to get around the N end of Peak 10372’s NE ridge. She then turned S shortly after entering a forested valley that swept up along the W side of this same ridge past High Point 10091.

Hidden by the forest, the upper reaches of the valley contained snowbanks 4 feet deep. Dealing with the soft, deep snow became a struggle. To avoid the worst of it, Lupe ended up traveling along the edge of the pines close to the rocky ridgeline. Powder River Pass (9,677 ft.) and Peak 10215 were in view back to the NW.

Looking back at **Powder River Pass** (L) during the ascent of Peak 10372. **Peak 10215** is in the foreground on the R. Photo looks NW with help from the telephoto lens.

The valley gradually curved SW, eventually ending at a relatively flat open area. The forest ended here, too. This was Peak 10372’s upper E shoulder. From cliffs along the edge, Lupe had big views to the E and S.

Loop was already at 10,200+ feet, but to the W was a steep talus slope. The summit was up there somewhere, less than 200 feet higher. The American Dingo began to climb.

On Peak 10372’s upper E shoulder. The valley Lupe had been coming up and the forest both ended here. Ahead is a steep talus climb to the summit. Photo looks W.

Approaching the high point Lupe had been climbing toward, the talus grew in size. Much of it stood almost on end, or at sharp angles. It also became apparent that this high point was not the top of the mountain. A three-pronged rock much farther W now looked like the summit.

Near the top, but not quite there yet. The true summit was somewhere farther along this ridge of large talus. Photo looks W.

The ridgeline became nearly impassable. Slowly, carefully SPHP worked along it. Even Looper had to search cautiously for routes.

Near vertical talus along the ridgeline. Photo looks SW.

Upon reaching the three-prong rock, a big light-colored rock another 150 feet away definitely looked higher. The true summit of Peak 10372!

Approaching the **true summit of Peak 10372**. Photo looks SW.

When Lupe got there, the whitish rock at the top of Peak 10372 didn’t look like it was positioned naturally. It sat balanced on 2 other stones with an air gap beneath it. However, it would have taken Hercules to lift that massive stone into place. So maybe it was natural? Who knew?

Several smaller stones on the big white rock formed a little cairn. Lupe leapt up beside them to claim her 2nd peakbagging success of the day!

*Made it! This is it – the **true summit of Peak 10372**! That’s **Hazelton Pyramid** (L) behind me.* Photo looks S.

Looking back along the highest stretch of the summit ridge. Photo looks NE.

**Hesse Mountain** from Peak 10372. Photo looks NE with help from the telephoto lens.

None of the summits Loopster had visited today provided much room to maneuver. However, the Carolina Dog was happy to see a sheltered spot practically right next to Peak 10372’s summit boulder. She hung out there, relaxing while SPHP took in the views.

The sheltered rest spot where Lupe could hang out close to the summit boulder (L). Photo looks SW.

Slightly different angle showing part of **Peak 10372’s NW ridge** (R). Photo looks WSW.

**Hazelton Pyramid** (L). Peak 10372’s summit rock (R). Photo looks S.

**Bighorn Peak (12,234 ft.)** (L) and **Hesse Mountain (10,385 ft.)** (R). Photo looks N.

**Bighorn Peak** (L) with **Darton Peak (12,275 ft.)** poking up just to the R. **Loaf Mountain** on the R. Hwy 16 and the road to Munkres Pass are seen below. Photo looks NNW with lots of help from the telephoto lens.

Zoomed in on **Hazelton Peak**, which Lupe had climbed yesterday. Photo looks SE.

Lupe hanging out in her sheltered spot. Photo looks W.

Just below the summit rock. Photo looks SSW.

45 minutes shot by at Peak 10372’s summit. Getting to be late afternoon. Sadly, time for Lupe to say good-bye.

*Guess this is about it from Peak 10372! It’s been fabulous!* **Hesse Mountain** (L). Photo looks NE.

The Carolina Dog lingered up on the summit rock while SPHP started down, enjoying Peak 10372 as long as she could.

Trying to return via the nearly vertical talus ridge seemed unnecessarily slow and difficult. Lupe headed down Peak 10372’s NW ridge instead. For a long way this route was almost all talus, too. It took quite a while to get down to the trees again. Even in the forest, Lupe had to cross talus fields as she now headed NE.

Upon reaching the forested valley where she had started up Peak 10372, Lupe angled NW. She went far down the valley, eventually coming to a broad grassy region at the base of Hesse Mountain’s W ridge. Progress was rapid until the Carolina Dog was able to get past the ridge and turn N. Here she reentered the forest, and wandered NW of Hesse Mountain for what seemed like a long time.

Exploring the forest NW of Hesse Mountain.

At last Looper came to an old abandoned USFS road (No. 522313). Her Hesse Mountain & Peak 10372 adventure was almost over. USFS Road No. 448 where a short stroll back to Munkres Pass would bring her back to the G6 wasn’t much farther, yet the American Dingo now nearly met with disaster.

SPHP suddenly sensed movement close to the road. A porcupine, only 6 or 7 feet away! Fortunately, Lupe did not lunge for it. Unmolested, the porcupine waddled away.

Smart decision there, Loopster! Porcupines are extremely dangerous!

Is that what that was? I was trying to figure out if it is good to eat! What’s for dinner when we get back, anyway? I’m famished!

Chicken and dumplings. Don’t think you’ve ever had them before, but I can assure you they go down easier than porcupine.

SPHP was right. As it turns out, American Dingoes love chicken and dumplings! (End 7:41 PM)

On **Peak 10372**, Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming, 6-28-19

Links:

Next Adventure Prior Adventure

Hesse Mountain, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming 8-6-14

Hazelton Pyramid, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming 7-18-16

Want more Lupe adventures? Choose from Lupe’s 2019 Dingo Vacations to the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming Adventure Index, Dingo Vacations Adventure Index or Master Adventure Index. Or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures.

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 252 – Peak 5865, Peak 6216 & Peak 6135 (11-9-19)

Start 10:14 AM, 44ºF at the intersection of Rochford Road & Mystic Road

Totally unacceptable – that’s what it was! More than 6 months had shot by since Lupe had climbed any mountain in the Black Hills. Even the last peak of her most recent Dingo Vacation had been nearly 2 months ago. Supposed to be a gorgeous day for November, but tomorrow snow was in the forecast again. So it was now or, well, not never, but another undesirable delay. Time for action!

The American Dingo was thrilled! Raring to go, Lupe sprang out of the G6 near the junction of Rochford Road and Mystic Road. She was ready to get back to climbing mountains and wasn’t fussy, any mountain would do! (10:14 AM, 44ºF)

*About time for some Black Hills peakbagging action, don’t you think?*

Before she could climb Peak 5865, the first mountain on today’s agenda, Lupe had to cross the Mystic Road bridge over Rapid Creek. The bridge was just S of where the G6 was parked, so she was there in no time. The Carolina Dog stopped long enough for quick looks both both up and down the scenic stream.

*What a gorgeous day! **Rapid Creek** is looking great!* Photo looks upstream (W).

Downstream view. Quite a bit of snow in the shaded areas, but little or none where the sun could get at it. Photo looks E.

After crossing the bridge, Lupe followed Mystic Road as it started up Cluder Gulch. 0.33 mile later, Mystic Road made a hairpin bend to the L. USFS Road No. 231.2B continued straight ahead at this turn, so Lupe took it the rest of the way up Cluder Gulch.

Mystic Road curves L away from Cluder Gulch, but USFS Road No. 231.2B continues up it. Photo looks S.

*No. 231.2B is rather snowy today, but I like snow!*

*Cluder Gulch is pretty! Could use more squirrels, though!*

Near the upper end of Cluder Gulch. Photo looks SW.

At the upper end of Cluder Gulch the terrain flattened out. Lupe entered a big park-like area. SPHP checked the topo map. Peak 5865 had to be off to the L (SE). The heavily forested W end of the mountain’s NW ridge was already in sight quite close by.

The park-like region beyond Cluder Gulch. Photo looks SW.

The W end of Peak 5865’s NW ridge is on the L. The summit can be glimpsed between the trees on the R. Photo looks E.

Advancing a little way into the park, a faint road not shown on the map led off to the W (R). Lupe stuck with No. 231.2B, which gradually curved SE (L). She soon came to a gate across the road, which she went around. No. 231.2B ended at an unmarked “T” intersection up on a minor pass.

The road to the L curved ESE toward Peak 5865, which was now in view and looked like an easy climb. Lupe took this road, following it partway through a sunny stretch with a nice view of the Pony Gulch area to the SSE. However, she soon left the road to climb NE up to the top of Peak 5865’s NW ridge. From there she headed SE toward the summit.

At the “T” intersection at the end of USFS Road No. 231.2B. Lupe took the road to the L toward **Peak 5865** (seen on the R). Photo looks E.

Looking SSE toward the Pony Gulch region.

The trek up Peak 5865’s NW slope was easy. Nothing to it! At least, not until Lupe reached the N/S oriented summit ridge. Arriving toward the N end, she made an unexpected discovery. The true summit was a rocky knob unlike anything else on the mountain. Although the knob wasn’t terribly high, it’s sides were nearly vertical. For a brief moment SPHP wondered if Lupe could even get up there?

Loop N of the rocky knob that is Peak 5865’s summit. Photo looks S.

Yes! A quick scramble to the top was possible from the NE side of the knob. And that was all there was to it! Lupe and SPHP both went up. There wasn’t much room to maneuver, but the Carolina Dog stood on the highest rock enjoying her first peakbagging success in months.

*Oh, you knew I’d make it, didn’t you?* At the **true summit of Peak 5865**. Photo looks S.

Peak 5865 was nearly all forested. The only reasonably clear view was to the SE. The Carolina Dog hung around the cramped summit no more than 10 minutes before she was ready to get down. 100 feet to the S was a gently rounded high point. It was somewhat lower, but a much better spot to take a short break.

The only reasonably clear view from Peak 5865’s summit was this one to the SE.

Loopster next to the S face of the rocky summit knob. Photo looks NNE.

The rest break didn’t take long. Looper wasn’t actually hungry or tired yet. While SPHP consumed an apple and looked at maps, she laid on the ground or checked trees for squirrels. A gusty 15 mph W breeze blew between intervals of calm. A higher snowy mountain could be glimpsed off to the SW. That was Peak 6135. Maybe Lupe would climb it later on, but that wasn’t really the plan.

At the rounded high point where Lupe took a short break. The true summit is seen on the R. The significance of the red post wasn’t clear. Photo looks NNW.

Snowy **Peak 6135** could be glimpsed between the trees. Photo looks SW.

Lupe was ready to move on as soon as SPHP’s apple was gone. Before going back the way she had come up, she checked out the larger of two old mining pits. Whoever had dug or blasted them must not have found anything of interest. Even the largest hole wasn’t that big.

S of Peak 5865’s summit by the larger of two old prospecting pits. Photo looks NE.

The Carolina Dog concurred. She didn’t see any reason to stick around this hole in the ground, either. On the way back to the T intersection at the end of USFS Road No. 231.2B, Lupe explored a little farther along Peak 5865’s NW ridge. She was rewarded with a fairly decent view of Peak 6135, and discovered a canvas deer hunting blind.

*Hey, here’s a better view of **Peak 6135** (Center)! Maybe we should climb it, too?* Deer blind on the R. Photo looks SW.

**Peak 6135** (Center). Lupe was headed for this region next. Photo looks SW.

No one was at the deer blind, so Lupe continued on. Upon reaching the T intersection at the end of USFS Road No. 231.2B once again, she took the unmarked road going SW. According to SPHP’s map, this was USFS Road No 238.

No. 238 climbed steadily at an easy pace. For a long way it wound along the upper S slopes of hillsides overlooking Pony Gulch. Looper trotted along happily looking for deer, squirrels, or anything else of interest. Much of the time she enjoyed nice views of Peak 6135.

*We’re on USFS Road No. 238 now! That’s Pony Gulch and Peak 6135 on the L.* Photo looks SW.

Along a sunny stretch of USFS Road No. 238.

*Still gradually climbing! That’s Peak 6135 again on the R.* Photo looks SSW.

After 1.5 miles, Lupe went over a minor pass as No. 238 swung over to the N side of the ridge it had been skirting. Bearcat Gulch was to the N. The road dipped and headed back SW again as Lupe crossed a broad saddle. She wasn’t far from Peak 6135 now.

*We’re getting close to **Peak 6135**! That’s part of it on the L. Doesn’t look much higher, does it?* Photo looks SSW.

The long slope at the upper W end of Pony Gulch. Photo looks ESE.

Lupe was almost to a part of USFS Road No. 238 she had been to before. On two prior Black Hills Expeditions she had come up Pony Gulch from Mystic Road on USFS Road No. 428. The junction was just ahead. On those prior occasions Lupe’s ultimate destination had been Castle Peak (6,358 ft.). That was today’s plan, too.

Approaching the junction with No. 428, SPHP considered the notion that maybe Lupe ought to go climb Peak 6135 instead of bypassing it? The summit was only 0.5 mile SE from here. In fact, the first time Lupe had gone to Castle Peak on Expedition No. 36, she had climbed Peak 6135 on the way back. That was nearly 7 years ago now. SPHP remembered a high rocky knob with some great views at sunset.

No, not going to happen. SPHP dismissed the thought. Already too late in the day to climb Castle Peak and another mountain along the way that actually was on the agenda, plus Peak 6135. A nice idea, but unrealistic. Days are simply too short this time of year. Lupe continued W on USFS Road No. 238.

There were occasional distant views to the SE or SW as the road wound along hillsides, once again climbing slowly, but steadily. Lupe got almost as high as Peak 6135 before No. 238 started a gradual descent to a saddle where junctions with two other roads appeared in quick succession. The first road came up from Castle Creek to the S, and the second (USFS Road No. 184) went down Bloody Gulch to the N.

Only 0.25 mile ahead, Lupe’s next peakbagging objective was now in sight. Peak 6216 was a heavily forested ridge. Quite frankly, it didn’t look too impressive. No matter, despite low expectations the American Dingo was going to explore it. You never know what she might find!

0.25 mile E of **Peak 6216** (Center) on USFS Road No. 238. Another road goes S (L) from here down to Castle Creek. Photo looks WSW.

Trees and snow mostly. From the saddle, Lupe followed No. 238 going NW. Before long the road reached a high point. Looper left the road climbing SW through the snowy forest.

At the high point on USFS Road No. 238 where Lupe left it. Photo looks NW.

The snowy climb to the ridgeline. Photo looks SW.

The top of the ridge was forested, too, but not nearly as snowy. Crossing over to the W side, Lupe found a small opening where the ground was snow-free. Castle Peak was in view only a mile to the W. Much farther to the SW, Loop could also see the snow-filled fields of Reynolds Prairie.

Along the W edge of Peak 6216’s N ridge. **Castle Peak** is on the R. **Reynolds Prairie** is in the distance on the L. Photo looks WSW.

After a look at the view, Lupe headed S along the ridgeline in search of the true summit of Peak 6216. The terrain sloped up for a short distance to the top of a modest rise. Was this the true summit already? Not much to see here other than the forest. Loopster stood briefly on highest rock before continuing S.

On the highest rock of the first high point. Photo looks SSW.

At first she lost a little elevation, but Lupe was soon climbing again. She quickly regained all the elevation she’d lost and then some. She reached another high point. This time the ground sloped away more sharply in all directions. This had to be it! Clearly nothing higher any farther S.

In truth, the true summit of Peak 6216 didn’t look much different from the first high point. A few rocks scattered in the forest with a little snow on the ground. No views to speak of here, either. Oh, well. Lupe’s first glimpse of Peak 6216 from the road hadn’t raised any big expectations, that was certain. The Carolina Dog could still claim a 2nd peakbagging success for the day.

*Guess this is it. The **true summit of Peak 6216**. Super exciting, huh?* Photo looks SSE.

*Uh, yeah. This is it. What more can I say?*

Lupe on the **true summit of Peak 6216**, a feat not likely to be repeated.

Actually there was a view from the summit of Peak 6216, a rather nice one too. Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.), the highest peak in South Dakota, was narrowly visible with the help of the telephoto lens from a slightly less forested spot only 10 or 15 feet SE of the true summit.

**Black Elk Peak** from Peak 6216. Photo looks SE.

Time for another break. Not too long, though. The sun was sinking. If Lupe still intended to get to Castle Peak where the views would be better before sunset, she couldn’t linger too long on Peak 6216. Castle Peak (6,358 ft.) was only a mile away as the crow flies, but easily twice that the way the roads went.

Chowing down on some Taste of the Wild on Peak 6216.

On the way back to USFS Road No. 238, Lupe explored the entire length of Peak 6216’s N ridge, which was close to 0.33 mile long. The whole ridge was forested, but she did find another spot along the W edge where she could see Castle Peak and Reynolds Prairie.

Starting back along the N ridge. Photo looks NNE.

**Castle Peak** (R) and much more distant **Reynolds Prairie** (L). Photo looks WSW.

Zoomed in on **Reynolds Prairie**. **Nipple Butte (6,800 ft.)** (Center) and **Flag Mountain (6,937 ft.)** (R) are beyond it. Photo looks SW.

At the end of the N ridge, another snowy romp got Loop back down to USFS Road No. 238. Following it NW, she didn’t get far before coming to a padlocked gate. A big orange sign said the road was closed.

Private property was ahead. No. 238 went through several old mining claims in this area. Lupe had gone this way to Castle Peak on both of her previous expeditions to it back in 2012 and 2015. Those mining claims had been for sale back then, but this road had never been closed before. The gate was new, too.

This padlocked gate and road closed sign were new since the last time Lupe had come this way in 2015. Photo looks WNW.

Well, shucks Loopster.

What’s wrong SPHP?

Looks like whoever bought this mining claim doesn’t want anyone going across it without permission. They’ve closed the road.

Can they do that? This is a USFS road, shouldn’t there be public access?

I would think so, but I don’t really know. Our maps are old. Maybe the road and its easement have been vacated or abandoned?

So what now?

Think this is it, Loop. No easy way around this private property. Too bad. I was looking forward to seeing the sunset from Castle Peak. We would have had a long walk back in the dark, though.

So we’re going back to the G6?

Yeah, think we have to. We can take USFS Road No. 184 to Rochford Road, if you like. We’ve never gone down Bloody Gulch before.

Lupe was fine with exploring Bloody Gulch, but before she got to the turn, SPHP had a different idea.

Hey, Looper! Why don’t we just go back the way we came? If we hurry, we might get to Peak 6135 in time to see the sunset from there?

Oh, that sounds like fun! We haven’t been on Peak 6135 in nearly 7 years, right? Let’s do it! Come on, I’ll race you, SPHP!

Heh, you can award yourself the blue ribbon right now, Loop.

American Dingoes are flexible. That’s one of the great things about them. As long as they get to come along, they rarely fuss over exactly which adventures they go on. There is no point in racing them, though. None at all. Lupe led the way back on No. 238, sniffing and exploring while SPHP plodded on behind.

The evening sun was still shining brightly on Peak 6135, but wouldn’t be for much longer by the time Lupe drew near again.

Approaching the **NW end of Peak 6135** shortly before sunset. Photo looks E.

Lupe and SPHP lost no time. Abandoning the road, Lupe headed SE up Peak 6135. Half a foot of snow or more hid lots of slash from old logging operations, making progress a bit slow. 0.5 mile to the summit!

A prominent rock formation stood bathed in the last rays of sunlight as the Carolina Dog approached. This wasn’t the summit yet, but Lupe paused here for a quick look. The sun was already on the horizon.

Approaching the first big rock formation on the way up **Peak 6135**. Photo looks SE.

Partway up the first formation as the sun sets near Reynolds Prairie. Photo looks W.

Same spot, but looking NW at the rock formation.

Hurrying onward, Lupe came to a second outcropping, a vertical wall of rock that was set back in the trees.

Near the second rock formation. Photo looks NE.

Two more rocky high points were only a few hundred feet farther S. The closest appeared to be the true summit. An easy little scramble and Lupe was there, poised once again at the top of Peak 6135 for the first time in nearly 7 years.

Approaching the summit (R). Photo looks S.

The sun was already gone, but just barely. Lupe stood bathed in the glow of an increasingly beautiful sunset. The views were tremendous, especially from more exposed rocks a little S of the true summit. Both Peak 5865 and Peak 6216 were technically more prominent, but they couldn’t hold a candle to this!

On slightly lower rocks a bit S of the true summit. The 4th and final rocky high point is on the L. Photo looks SSE.

Colors spread rapidly across the sky. Lupe and SPHP lingered admiring the glorious display. It didn’t last. The brilliant glow was soon fading, in full retreat before the onslaught of the dark powers of night.

Back at the true summit. Photo looks WNW.

Zoomed in on the dying embers of sunset over **Nipple Butte** (Center).

It was over. As twilight deepened, Lupe made her way NW back past now gloomy rock formations. The snow hiding the treacherous slash helped to reflect and prolong what light remained long enough for the Carolina Dog to reach USFS Road No. 238 again. When she got there, though, SPHP had to pause long enough to bring out the flashlight.

Nearly 3 miles to go to get back to Cluder Gulch and down to the G6. Thin clouds blotted out the stars, an almost full moon a mere silver smudge. Lupe trotted happily along the road, venturing frequently out into the inky blackness to explore whatever secrets were hidden out there. A coyote howled, the rhythmic crunch of snow underpaw the only other sound. (End 6:49 PM, 33ºF)

On **Peak 6135**, Black Hills of South Dakota, 11-9-19

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Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 142 – Castle Peak (10-17-15)

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