Start – 8:43 AM, 31°F at the junction of Horse Creek Road (USFS Road No. 243) & USFS Road No. 257
Not a cloud in the sky on this beautiful, crisp December morning! Lupe set out from Horse Creek Road heading N on USFS Road No. 257. Snow was on the road and in the fields, but not on the hills with a S exposure up ahead.
At the start of USFS Road No. 257 just off Horse Creek Road. Photo looks N.
Several central Black Hills peaks were on Lupe’s agenda today, each one for a different reason. No. 257 would bring the Carolina Dog practically right to the first one. A saddle W of Peak6046 was a little less than 2 miles away.
Lupe kept a sharp lookout for squirrels, as SPHP trudged along the road. Now and then she dashed off into the forest to check out particularly promising trees, but she wasn’t having much luck. No. 257 curved around High Point 5284.
Approaching High Point 5284. Photo looks N.
W of High Point 5284, the road forked. No. 257 was unmarked, but all Lupe had to do was stay to the R. The road went E of a minor hill, then straightened out heading NNW. Soon the Carolina Dog was approaching the saddle W of Peak 6046. The rate of climb increased as Loop got close to the pass.
On the way around High Point 5284 (out of sight to the R). Up ahead is a junction where Lupe stayed R. Photo looks NW.Heading toward High Point 5669 after taking the R fork. Photo looks N.The saddle W of Peak 6046 comes into view. Photo looks N.
The saddle was forested, but the valley leading to it was grassy. As Lupe neared the trees, she left the road to start climbing toward Peak 6046. From the upper end of the grasslands, she paused for a look back to the S. Black Elk Peak(7,231 ft.) and Five Points(6,221 ft.) were in view.
Looking back down the long valley Lupe had just come up on USFS Road No. 257. Black Elk Peak (Center) and Five Points (R) are in view. Photo looks SSE.
Lupe still had more than 250 feet of elevation to gain to reach the summit of Peak 6046. She headed E up a steep slope to Peak 6046’s S ridge. By the time Loop reached it, she wasn’t far from the top. She turned N, and soon came to a rock formation where she had a clear view of her next objective, Peak6070, off to the NW.
Hey, there’s Peak 6070 (Center)! We’ll be going over there next when we’re done here. Photo looks NW.
Lupe reached the summit of Peak6046 early – two whole weeks early! For Peak 6046 is none other than New Year’s Eve Peak!
This was Lupe’s 7th ascent of New Year’s Eve Peak. Her first was on the last day of 2012 on Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 41, when she had come here by essentially the same route. That was the day when Peak 6046 became New Year’s Eve Peak. Loopster had been here in late December or early January on an annual basis almost every year since.
At the summit of New Year’s Eve Peak for the 7th time. Photo looks W.
It was the middle of December. Christmas was coming! Being here now didn’t feel the same as being here right on New Year’s Eve. After all, 2018 still had a couple of weeks to go! There wasn’t that same sense of finality or of a new beginning. Yet it was good to be here. New Year’s Eve Peak has become both a tradition and a favorite place.
Lupe and SPHP lingered a while. SPHP managed to pick out Peak6043 off to the W. Peak 6043 was going to be the American Dingo’s third and final peakbagging objective of the day. Peak6167 was right behind it. Old Bald Peak(6,130 ft.) was in the vicinity a bit to the N, too.
Peak 6043 (Center in the distance) with Peak 6167 (Center) right behind it. Old Bald Peak is off to the R. Photo looks W with help from the telephoto lens.
Satisfied with her traditional winter visit to New Year’s Eve Peak, Lupe moved on. Her next objective, Peak6070, has 2 summits separated by 0.33 mile. The SE summit was the closest, only a little more than 0.5 mile WNW of New Year’s Eve Peak.
Lupe headed straight on down New Year’s Eve Peak’s steep W slope to the saddle leading to Peak 6070. She arrived to find 6″ of snow.
At the snowy saddle W of New Year’s Eve Peak leading to Peak 6070. Photo looks SW.
Loop crossed the saddle, then continued W up a snowy, forested slope. She was looking for a ridge that would lead her to a power line. The SE summit of Peak 6070 would be only a short distance beyond it. As much as possible, the Carolina Dog tried to avoid the steeper slopes with the deepest snow.
On the way to Peak 6070. Photo looks S.
When Lupe reached the ridge, the power line was in sight. A short trek NW along the rocky spine of the ridge got her to the power line, where she crossed beneath it.
A bare spot on a hill just beyond the power line provided some nifty views to the NE and E. Lupe could see quite a few peaks she had been to before including Scruton Mountain(5,922 ft.), Norris Peak (4,982 ft.), and, of course, New Year’s Eve Peak(6046).
Upon reaching the first ridge W of New Year’s Eve Peak, Lupe could see the power line ahead. Photo looks W.Looking back at New Year’s Eve Peak (Center). Photo looks E.Scruton Mountain (L) is the site of the Seth Bullock lookout tower. Norris Peak (R) is the slanty ridge in the distance. Photo looks NE.
Lupe had been to the SE summit of Peak 6070 once before on Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 81. That was nearly 5 years ago now. The topo map would lead one to believe that the SE summit is lower, but not by much. Even if it was lower, Lupe remembered some excellent views. Time to go find the high point, then have another look at those splendid views!
The SE summit was only a little SW of where the Carolina Dog was now. She followed a relatively narrow rocky ridge offering many viewpoints, and soon came to the highest rock. The NW summit was in view. If it was higher, it couldn’t have been by much.
Looking for the highest rock along the narrow rocky ridge at Peak 6070’s SE summit. Black Elk Peak (Center) in the distance. Photo looks S.Another look from the same spot. Black Elk Peak is beyond Lupe’s rump. Five Points is just R of her head. Sylvan Hill(7,000 ft.) is in the distance at far R. Photo looks SSE.New Year’s Eve Peak (Center) again. Photo looks ESE.Loop on the highest rock of Peak 6070’s SE summit. The NW summit is on the R. Photo looks NW.
The best views were from SW of the summit out on a point where there were reasonably level rocks to hang out on. Loopster had panoramic views here. Unfortunately, what had been a tolerable 10 mph SW breeze up on New Year’s Eve Peak, was now more like 15 to 20 mph. It was warm out for December, close to 50°F, but the Carolina Dog didn’t care for the wind.
Lupe on rocks SW of Peak 6070’s SE summit. Peak 6043, Peak 6167, and Old Bald Peak are all in the distance L to R on the R. Photo looks SW.Loop at one of the SW viewpoints. Five Points (Far L) and False North Point(6,130 ft.) (L) in sight. Photo looks SW.Out in the wind. NW summit of Peak 6070 on the R. Photo looks NW.Nugget Gulch Peak(6,000 ft.) is in the foreground on the L. Photo looks NW with help from the telephoto lens.Panorama from the SW viewpoint. Five Points and False North Point on the L. Photo looks SSW.Looking SW now from the same point. Peak 6043 and Peak 6167 on the R.
After a good look around, Lupe and SPHP retreated SE a bit below the ridgeline to escape the breeze. The day was quite comfortable out of the wind. SPHP ate an apple. Lupe was content to curl up in the sun. Part of Sheridan Lake could be seen off to the SE.
Part of Sheridan Lake was in view, along with Silver Mountain(5,405 ft.) (L in the distance), and Calumet Ridge(5,601 ft.) (beyond the lake). Photo looks SE with help from the telephoto lens.
After the demise of the apple, it was time to think about tagging Peak 6070’s NW summit. Lupe liked it right here, but was willing to move on.
Guess, it’s time to go, huh? …. Yes, Looper – it’s on to the NW summit of Peak 6070! Photo looks S.
Lupe left Peak 6070’s SE summit heading W down a steep slope. She lost 100 feet of elevation before the terrain flattened out. She found herself at a snowy open area rimmed with pines.
A road went through this area heading NW, the direction Loop needed to go. She followed it, but it soon curved away to the SW, so the road had to be abandoned. The American Dingo plunged on ahead through a snowy forest. Significant amounts of deadfall timber slowed progress down considerably. Fortunately, Peak 6070’s NW summit wasn’t far away.
After losing 100 feet of elevation, Lupe arrived at this snowy open area. A road went NW (R) from here, the direction she needed to go. Photo looks W.Looking over a shallow snow and deadfall filled valley on the way to Peak 6070’s NW summit (R). Photo looks NW.
Shortly before reaching the NW summit, Lupe came to a sunny open slope. Here she had a grand view of Peak6043, Peak6167, and Old Bald Peak(6,130 ft.) all nicely spread out off to the SW.
From L to R: Power line (white strip), Peak 6043, Peak 6167, and Old Bald Peak. Photo looks SW.
The NW summit featured a clearing which extended a little toward the SE. Minor rock outcroppings rimmed a small patch of snowy ground at the highest point. If the topo map was correct, this was the true summit of Peak 6070. Enough trees surrounded the area to block the views, but Lupe was happy! She had now visited both of Peak 6070’s summits.
Lupe poses dramatically atop the NW summit of Peak 6070. If what the topo map seemed to indicate was right, this was the true summit. Photo looks NW.This is my “gallant” pose!So now we’ve done it! Visited both summits of Peak 6070. Can definitely claim a peakbagging success now! Loopster on the Peak 6070 NW summit.Looking back to the SE from the highest ground.
Lupe had climbed New Year’s Eve Peak because it was tradition to visit it near the end of each year or early in the next one. She had come to Peak 6070 to visit both summits, but mainly to see those great views she hadn’t seen for 4.75 years now from the viewpoint SW of the SE summit.
Peak 6043 was next. Lupe had never been there before. She’d intended to get there on Expedition No. 239 nearly 1.5 months ago, but had only made it as far as Nugget Gulch Peak. Peak 6043’s claim to fame was that it had 343 feet of prominence. It was the only peak in this general vicinity with over 300 feet of prominence that Lupe had never visited.
Days are short in December! If Loop was going to visit Peak 6043 today, she had best get on with it. Lupe and SPHP headed down Peak 6070’s steep SW slope.
Looking SSW on the way down from Peak 6070.Nugget Gulch Peak (Center) is beyond the nearest ridge. Photo looks NW with help from the telephoto lens.Descending Peak 6070’s SW slope. Peak 6043, Lupe’s next objective, is on the L. Photo looks SW.
Peak 6043 is 1.5 miles SW of Peak 6070. To get over to it, Lupe had to lose 675 feet of elevation. She lost most of it just descending to the valley W of Peak 6070. The valley floor was littered with deadfall timber.
Lupe reaches the valley SW of Peak 6070 to find a lot of deadfall ahead. Photo looks SW.Another look at the deadfall with Peak 6043 (R) in the background. Photo looks SW.
Fortunately, Lupe did not have to fight her way through deadfall all the way down the valley. USFS Road No. 244 runs N/S along the W side of this valley. Lupe only had to make it over to the road.
Usually I like to roam the forest, but USFS Road No. 244 is way better than roaming a dead forest!
No. 244 brought Lupe down to a junction with No. 675.2 by a large meadow. This was familiar territory. (Point 5396 on the topo map) Lupe had been here on a number of prior expeditions, some long ago. The lower slopes of Peak 6043 were just beyond the meadow. Lupe crossed the meadow and No. 675.2 to get to them.
USFS Road No. 244 brought Lupe to this big meadow at Point 5396. Peak 6043 (Center) lies just ahead. Photo looks SW.
Beyond the road, forested terrain led the Carolina Dog up toward the W. She eventually reached a saddle N of Peak 6043. A big snowy field was on the other side of the pass. Lupe turned SSW here and began a steeper climb.
Once in the forest again, Lupe traveled W up this broad, gently sloping terrain. Photo looks W.Getting higher. Photo looks NW.Old Bald Peak (L) from a minor saddle N of Peak 6043. Photo looks W.
Nearly 400 feet of elevation gain from the saddle to the top! Peak 6043’s N slope was snowy. Lupe swung over toward the NW where the snow wasn’t quite as deep.
The true summit of Peak 6043 proved to a little ridge of angular rocks. To the SSE, a good-sized area of slightly lower open ground was buried beneath a foot of snow. Lupe hopped up on the highest rocks of the tiny ridge to claim her final peakbagging success of the day!
Loop at the top of Peak 6043. Peak 6167 (L) and Old Bald Peak (R) are in the background. Photo looks W.Peak 6043’s summit was actually quite roomy, though much of it was under a foot of snow at the moment. Photo looks N.
Plenty of daylight remained. Not enough to go chasing after more peaks, but enough to hang around up on Peak 6043 for a while. Lupe and SPHP took a break where there was a big view to the S and SE.
Mount Warner(5,889 ft.) (far L), Samelius Peak(5,856 ft.) (L). On the R from L to R are Five Points, False North Point & Black Elk Peak. Photo looks SSE.
Peak 6043 actually had a second high point S of the true summit. Lupe visited it, too.
Peak 6167 (L) and Old Bald Peak (R) from the short ridge between Peak 6043’s two high points. Photo looks W.Looper at Peak 6043’s S high point. She was definitely a bit lower here than at the N summit where she first came up. Photo looks S.
After more than half an hour on Peak 6043, Lupe returned briefly to the true summit where she’d originally come up. A final look around, and it was time to depart. The Carolina Dog went back to the S summit, then continued on down the S ridge. Before long, Looper reached the same power line she had passed under near Peak 6070.
Starting down Peak 6043’s S ridge. Photo looks SW.Looking NE from Peak 6043’s S ridge. The NW summit of Peak 6070 is on the L, and the SE summit is at Center. New Year’s Eve Peak is on the R.Peak 6167 (R) from the power line. Photo looks W.
After a brief pause at the power line, Loopster continued S. When the terrain became favorable for a turn to the E, a steep descent began.
Heading down. Photo looks S.
Lupe reached USFS Road No. 243 again SW of Point 5329. The rest was easy – a 2.5 mile march back to the G6 on Horse Creek Road. The road was snow-packed and slippery. The Carolina Dog barely noticed, trotting happily along ever watchful for squirrels and deer. (4:10 PM, 38°F)
About to reach USFS Road No. 243 again near the end of the day. Photo looks NE.
Days 1 & 2 of Lupe’s 2018 Dingo Vacation to the Bighorn Mountains & Wind River Range in Wyoming!
7-13-18, morning – No doubt about it. Something was in the works – something big! All the signs were there. SPHP scurried endlessly about. As hours ticked by, Lupe gave up on following SPHP around. Apparently whatever was going on wasn’t happening imminently.
SPHP had a present for Lupe! A bag on the front step said a marmot was inside, a dandy gift certain to be well received by an American Dingo. However, SPHP said there wasn’t actually a marmot in it. Disappointing, to say the least. A new tiny house was inside. Lupe’s old one had lacked a rain cover all these years, and was showing signs of wear and tear.
Lupe with her gift from SPHP.
7-13-18, 3:00 PM – Finally! It was on now! Lupe was in the G6 on her pile of pillows and blankets. SPHP turned onto I-90. The Carolina Dog was bound for Wyoming! A bright, shiny, brand new Dingo Vacation was underway!
7-13-18, 6:30 PM – Less than a month after her last Dingo Vacation to the Bighorn Mountains had ended abruptly due to rainy weather, Lupe was back! This time she was in the southern Bighorns at Powder River Pass (9,677 ft.). During a short break from the G6, Loop ventured up to a small rock outcropping S of the pass.
The views were gorgeous! Lupe was inspired to go mountain climbing right this very minute! However, she would have to wait. Getting into position to start for Bomber Mountain(12,840 ft.) tomorrow was all that was on the agenda this evening.
SPHP drove W on Hwy 16. 2 miles past Meadowlark Lake was a R (W) turn onto USFS Road No. 27 at Deer Haven Lodge. No. 27 promptly turned N. 1.5 miles from Hwy 16, Lupe reached a junction where USFS Road No. 24 curved away to the L (W). A sign indicated it was 15 miles to Battle Park. Another sign said No. 24 was NOT an all-weather road.
After Lupe’s escape from Big Pryor Mountain at the end of her last Dingo Vacation, the sign gave SPHP pause. Even so, the die was cast. Looper was at least going to try to get to the Bucking Mule Trailhead at Battle Park. Fortunately, other approaches to Bomber Mountain existed, if this one didn’t pan out.
No. 24 to Battle Park wasn’t so bad, nowhere near as worrisome as the road to Big Pryor Mountain had been. Plenty of potholes and stones, but there were always ways around them. SPHP drove slowly. Lupe rode with her head out the window having a blast looking for squirrels and deer.
After 14 miles in 45 minutes, Lupe reached the Middle Fork of Paint Rock Creek. A small trailhead was on the R 0.25 mile farther on. This was the Middle Fork trailhead from which Trail No. 066 provides access to Lily Lake. A sign said registration was required to enter the wilderness. The station was 0.25 mile away at Battle Park.
SPHP parked the G6. Lupe and SPHP walked to Battle Park. 0.25 mile was more like 0.75 mile. When Lupe finally did reach Battle Park, SPHP was amazed. Expecting solitude, the place was packed with pickup trucks, trailers, people, horses and dogs!
Battle Park wasn’t exactly deserted when Lupe arrived. Photo looks NW.
Posted information at the entrance to Battle Park made no mention of any registration station. SPHP finally asked a group of people sitting around a bonfire about it. Oh, the registration station was still farther up the road at the opposite end of Battle Park.
SPHP registered. Lupe visited the Bucking Mule trailhead at the end of the road. Upon returning to the G6, she found a squirrel right away at the Middle Fork trailhead, and watched it until dark.
Although it was only 59°F out, the G6 was warm. Lupe lapped up lots of water, but spent hours panting atop her blankets. The Carolina Dog was tremendously excited, and too wound up to sleep.
It’s all so exciting! I wonder what’s going to happen tomorrow?
7-14-18, early – Despite having spent half the night awake, Lupe was up before the sun. She picked up right where she had left off yesterday evening. The forest rang with shrill, happy barking as the American Dingo rediscovered the same poor, bleary-eyed squirrel. Meanwhile, SPHP was getting ready.
At the Middle Fork trailhead 0.75 mile (NOT0.25 mile!) from Battle Park.
7-14-18, 7:04 AM – The squirrel was going to have a fine day, after all. SPHP had granted it relief. Lupe and the G6 were now at the Bucking Mule trailhead just past Battle Park at the end of USFS Road No. 24. All was ready. The backpack was annoyingly heavy as backpacks are wont to be. This was it! Lupe and SPHP set off into the forest on Trail No. 164.
While Bomber Mountain was Lupe’s ultimate peakbagging objective, the goal today was simply to get to Gunboat Lake near Florence Pass. Lupe had been to Gunboat Lake once before. A nice grassy ridge overlooking the lake had looked like a great place to set up base camp. So that was the plan. SPHP hoped it wasn’t overly ambitious. The weight of the dang backpack was the leading cause of doubt. It was 5 miles on Trail No. 164 just to get to the Solitude Trail (No. 038), and maybe another 6 miles on the Solitude Trail to get to Gunboat Lake.
Looper wasn’t thinking about any of that as she trotted N through the forest. Why, planning things out and carting all that gear around was what she had SPHP for! Her job was just to sniff, run, play and explore. The American Dingo had no intention of neglecting her duties. She gave them her undivided attention.
Trail No. 164 lost a bit of elevation in the first 0.25 mile to a ford at Battle Creek. The water was low. Crossing the creek was a trivial matter.
At Battle Creek 0.25 mile N of Bucking Mule trailhead. Photo looks NE.
Easy is good! Always nice when a potential obstacle turns out not to be one. Beyond the creek Lupe started gaining elevation. No. 164 wound NE through forest, occasionally passing near small glades. About a mile from the trailhead, Lupe reached the S end of Long Park, a vast meadow extending more than 1.5 miles N. Elk Mountain(11,321 ft.) was in sight off to the NE.
Lupe reaches the S end of Long Park. Elk Mountain is on the R. Photo looks NNE.
Trail No. 164 went N through Long Park staying close to the W side near the forest. After only 0.25 mile, Lupe reached the top of a minor rise. The trail ahead curved W down into a drainage. The topo map showed No. 164 would lose 150 feet of elevation before crossing Long Park Creek, ultimately regaining all the loss on the way back E to Long Park.
Maybe there was a bridge where No. 164 crossed the creek, but the creek was divided into two streams up here in Long Park. If both were fordable, Lupe could save the detour W and avoid unnecessary elevation loss. Loop left the trail continuing straight N. Both branches of Long Park Creek proved to be simple rock hops.
Fording Long Park Creek. Photo looks ENE.
N of the streams, Lupe picked up Trail No. 164 again. She came to no further obstacles traveling N through Long Park. SPHP tried to keep an eye out for Trail No. 120 going SE to Lily Lake, but saw no sign of it.
Long Park from the N. Photo looks S.Getting close to the N end of Long Park. Cloud Peak(13,167 ft.) (L) has come into view. Elk Mountain is on the R. Photo looks NE.
As Lupe got closer to the N end of Long Park, No. 164 made a jog to the W before turning N again. Lupe had been gaining elevation slowly. The pace picked up when the trail entered the forest. Several people on horseback were coming the opposite direction as the Carolina Dog reached High Point 9810.
Adventures on horseback near High Point 9810! Photo looks W.
Reaching High Point 9810 was significant. Lupe had gained 680 feet of elevation since fording Battle Creek. This was the highest point along Trail No. 164. Lupe had a look around. The terrain was pretty flat, but she found a rock that looked like it might be the summit.
At the top of High Point 9810, highest point along Trail No. 164. Photo looks N.
In the middle of a flat area, the highest rock at High Point 9810 didn’t have the best view. The best view was from a boulder near the N edge.
Looking NNE from High Point 9810‘s best viewpoint.
High Point 9810 was 3 miles from the trailhead. Still 2 miles to go to reach the junction with the Solitude Trail. Loop and SPHP pressed on.
The Carolina Dog was now about to lose all of the elevation she had gained. During a steady descent through the forest, Trail No. 164 wound generally NE. Occasionally there were clearings off in one direction or another. Looper came to a muddy stream where she took the liberty of helping herself to a drink and cooling off.
Cooling off in a muddy stream. What could be more fun? Photo looks E.
The map showed one interesting highlight more than halfway from High Point 9810 to the junction with the Solitude Trail. That was Grace Lake. Trail No. 164 would go right by it.
Grace Lake was pretty! Lily pads grew near the W shore. Forested rocky slopes came down to the E shore. If SPHP wanted a respite from the heavy backpack, Lupe was perfectly content to lay in the shade with a view of the tranquil lake.
Oh, SPHP! Isn’t Grace Lake pretty! Photo looks NE.Grace Lake. Photo looks E.Taking a break in the shade by Grace Lake.Elk Mountain(11,321 ft.) from Grace Lake. Photo looks SE.
With a long way to go, the rest break at Grace Lake wasn’t nearly as long as SPHP would have liked. Lupe had to move on. Crossing the outlet stream, Loop was surprised to meet Jefe and Bailey Cleland.
Jefe and Bailey were from Sturgis, South Dakota, so they were from the Black Hills, too! They were on their way back from a 4 day excursion up to Middle Cloud Peak Lake where Bailey had caught a golden trout.
Jefe was 8 years old, part Labrador, Golden Retriever, and Rottweiler. The story of how Jefe and Bailey came to be together was both sad and heart-warming. Bailey had acquired Jefe after a friend had asked him to take care of Jefe for a month as a favor. The friend never returned for Jefe. Bailey hadn’t had the heart to take him to the pound.
That was many years ago. The day Jefe had been abandoned with Bailey turned out to be his luckiest day ever! Here they were, living the dream together enjoying the Bighorn Mountains wilderness. They were as happy as Lupe and SPHP!
Lupe with Bailey and Jefe at the Grace Lake outlet stream.
After a nice chat with Bailey and Jefe, Lupe and SPHP wished them well and carried on. N of Grace Lake, Trail No. 164 headed NE to a minor pass before dropping down into Paint Rock Creek canyon. A mile from Grace Lake, Lupe reached Solitude Trail (No. 038).
Loop was now 5 miles from the Bucking Mule trailhead where she had started out. The Carolina Dog still wasn’t any higher than she had been there, having lost all the elevation she’d gained on the way to High Point 9810. There was nothing much to see here. Without hesitation, Lupe headed E up Paint Rock Creek canyon.
The Solitude Trail immediately began to climb. The pace wasn’t difficult, though the backpack made it seem that way to SPHP. The trail stayed up in the forest along the S side of the valley, and never got close to Paint Rock Creek. The trail soon leveled out, and at one point reached a big clearing from which the creek could be seen. That didn’t last long. Lupe was soon right back in the forest.
After more than 0.5 mile on the Solitude Trail, Lupe reaches a big clearing. Paint Rock Creek is barely visible on the L. Photo looks NE.
A mile on the Solitude Trail brought Lupe to a clearing at the top of a small rise. Filling Paint Rock Creek canyon, beautiful Lake Solitude was dead ahead!
After heading E for a mile on the Solitude Trail, beautiful Lake Solitude came into view. Photo looks E.
Nearly a mile long, Lake Solitude was the largest lake Lupe would come to on this trip. Upon leaving the clearing W of the lake, the Solitude Trail returned to the forest. The lake was seldom visible again until Lupe was more than halfway along the S side. At the start of a large rock slide, a creek plunged down a steep slope S of the trail.
Lupe climbed up on some of the rocks for a better look.
More than halfway along Lake Solitude, a creek came plunging down to cross the trail from the S. This was at the start of a huge rock slide where Lake Solitude was coming into view again. Photo looks NE.Lupe up on the rocks by the creek. Photo looks SE.
Quite an impressive waterfall was in sight higher up.
By scrambling only a little way up the rocks next to the trail, Lupe got to see this cool waterfall. Photo looks S.
Immediately beyond the creek, the views of Lake Solitude really opened up. The rock slide had wiped out all the trees long ago. Crossing the rock slide was no trouble. The Solitude Trail was a well constructed path. No rock hopping or trackless boulder fields to transit at all.
So easy, and the views are fantastic! Photo looks NE.Approaching the E end of Lake Solitude. Photo looks NE.
Near the E end of the lake, the Solitude Trail went right along the shore barely above lake level. Once Lupe got past the rock slide and huge rock formations, she was ready for another break at a grassy point next to the lake. Sticking around to enjoy Lake Solitude for a while seemed like a great idea to SPHP, too.
Near the E end of Lake Solitude the trail was right down by the shore. Photo looks NE.Once beyond all the big rocks, Lupe took a break at this grassy point. Photo looks WNW.Relaxing by Lake Solitude.
20 pleasant minutes shot by. Better get going.
E of Lake Solitude it wasn’t entirely clear where the trail went. Lupe kept toward the R (S) of a large flat region. Several campsites were tucked back against the pines. None were occupied. From the campsites, Loop followed a fairly decent trail E. It quickly led to a ford of a rushing stream.
E of Lake Solitude, Lupe comes to a ford of a rushing creek. This stream was far larger than any of the others she had come to.
Lupe had reached Paint Rock Creek. The water was fast and deep enough to make SPHP leery. The Carolina Dog explored upstream until she came to a place where big rocks made it easier to cross.
Fording Paint Rock Creek.
Once across Paint Rock Creek, Lupe returned to the trail. After a steep climb, the Carolina Dog arrived at a junction with a better trail. This had to be the Solitude Trail, didn’t it? Somewhere E of the lake, Loop must have gotten off the main track.
The better trail went either gradually downhill to the NE or more steeply uphill to the SW. A brief foray going downhill revealed a footbridge over another big stream by a waterfall.
Looking down toward the Solitude Trail footbridge over the stream from Middle Cloud Peak Lake. Photo looks NE.
Lupe was going the wrong way. The stream the footbridge went over had to be the major tributary of Paint Rock Creek which comes down from Middle Cloud Peak Lake. If Looper continued down to it, the trail would take her back to Lake Solitude. At least there was no question now which way she needed to go. Lupe and SPHP turned around and headed back up.
The longest, steepest climb of the day now began. The Solitude Trail turned E going up the N side of Paint Rock Creek canyon. Lupe was soon way above Paint Rock Creek. SPHP’s heavy pack meant the American Dingo had plenty of chances to relax and enjoy the scenery.
On the way up Paint Rock Creek canyon. Photo looks SE.Looking back toward Lake Solitude. Photo looks WNW.View to the SE.Whad’ya think, SPHP? Do these flowers make me look fat? …. Not in the least, Loopster. You’re gorgeous!Indian PaintbrushLoopster living the dream along the Solitude Trail.
As long as the trail remained steep, the views of Lake Solitude back to the W became ever more spectacular. Eventually, though, the trail wasn’t as steep. As it began to level out, Paint Rock Creek was catching up. First, the stream came into view not terribly far below the Solitude Trail. A little farther on, Lupe came to another ford.
No doubt there was somewhat less flow way up here. The water was also spread out much more. The stream wasn’t nearly as deep or fast. Lupe had no problem at all crossing Paint Rock Creek this time around.
That’s quite a view, isn’t it? Looking back at Lake Solitude. Photo looks W.As the Solitude Trail began to level out, Paint Rock Creek could be seen S of the trail. Photo looks ESE.Loop reaches a 2nd ford of Paint Rock Creek. The water was spread out and shallower here making this crossing a much simpler task.
Now on the S side of Paint Rock Creek, Lupe continued E on the Solitude Trail. The American Dingo was gaining elevation again, heading for an area she had been to before. Nearly 2 years ago she had climbed Cloud Peak, the highest mountain in the Bighorn Range. Another 0.5 mile would bring Lupe to views of Cloud Peak and Paint Rock Creek Falls.
That 0.5 mile took longer than it should have. Fatigue was setting in. SPHP was pausing frequently. Lupe was still making progress, though. She reached a high point along the trail. Good news! Both Cloud Peak(13,167 ft.) and Bomber Mountain(12,840 ft.) were in view. Getting there!
Reaching this high spot brought good news. Both Cloud Peak (L) and Bomber Mountain (Center) were now in view off in the distance. Photo looks ENE.Paint Rock Creek and Cloud Peak (R). Photo looks NE with help from the telephoto lens.
A little farther on, Paint Rock Creek Falls came into view. Lupe could see the grassy ridge slightly above and to the W of the falls where her old tiny house (tent) had been set up as a base camp.
Paint Rock Creek Falls is in sight across the valley beyond Lupe. Her old base camp prior to climbing Cloud Peak in 2016 had been on the slightly higher grassy bench L of the falls. Photo looks N.Paint Rock Creek Falls with lots of help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks NNE.
It was fun to see the area again! The pass leading to Mistymoon Lake wasn’t much farther. The 2 mile long climb from Lake Solitude would be over when the Carolina Dog got to the pass. In the meantime, the view of Lupe’s old base camp for her successful ascent of Cloud Peak served as inspiration.
Onward! Puppy, ho!
Puppy, ho? I’m waiting on you, SPHP! Lupe rests by the Solitude Trail on the way to the pass to Mistymoon Lake. The big ridge ahead is the SW end of Bomber Mountain. Photo looks E.Looking back toward Paint Rock Creek canyon (Center) before leaving the area. Photo looks W.
Nearing the pass to Mistymoon Lake, Lupe found a snowbank to frolic on. The delightful experience seemed to give her a burst of new energy. Even so, SPHP wasn’t tempted to duplicate her chilly romp. Simply getting over the pass would be good enough. Almost there!
Lupe absorbs new energy from a snowbank near the pass to Mistymoon Lake. She had been hot earlier in the day. This romp in the snow took care of that. Photo looks SSE.
Suddenly, Lupe was there. The top of the pass! Ahead was an easy 0.5 mile long downhill section that would get the Carolina Dog all the way to Mistymoon Lake. Pausing to look back, Cloud Peak loomed off to the NE. Much of the route Lupe had taken to the summit was in view.
Would Looper find a similar route up Bomber Mountain tomorrow? Who knew? Hopefully. From Gunboat Lake 2 years ago, it had at least looked feasible. Either way, the American Dingo was going to find out. Lupe and SPHP headed for Mistymoon Lake.
Cloud Peak from the Solitude Trail pass N of Mistymoon Lake. Photo looks NE.The Solitude Trail heads S from the pass N of Mistymoon Lake. The lake is just beyond the hill on the L. Photo looks SW.
Lupe really was re-energized! She loves this kind of open country, and roamed well ahead of SPHP. The day had been sunny and warm. Now that evening was coming on the sky had clouded up, and it was comfortably cool. Going downhill, even SPHP picked up the pace. Soon Lupe was on a slope overlooking Mistymoon Lake.
Lupe reaches Mistymoon Lake. The Solitude Trail would take her around the W (R) side of the lake, then all the way back to the E (L) on the far shore. Photo looks S.
The Solitude Trail passes along the W and S sides of Mistymoon Lake. Near the SW shore Lupe reached a junction with the Mistymoon Trail (No. 063) coming up from the West Tensleep trailhead. Lupe could see part of Lake Marion to the S.
Looking SE across Mistymoon Lake. The Solitude Trail heads up the draw (R of Center) on the opposite shore on the way to the Fortress Lakes. The big ridge in the distance leads to Mather Peaks(12,400 ft.).Lupe relaxes near the junction of the Mistymoon and Solitude trails. Part of Lake Marion is in view. Photo looks S.Cloud Peak (R in the distance) from Mistymoon Lake. Photo looks NE.
Lupe stuck with the Solitude Trail as it headed E along the S shore of Mistymoon Lake. After a rock hop over the outlet stream, Loop gained 200 feet of elevation on the way up a draw leading to the Fortress Lakes. This was the last significant elevation rise of the day.
S shore of Mistymoon Lake after crossing the outlet stream. From here the Solitude Trail heads for the gap on the R which leads to the Fortress Lakes. Photo looks ENE.Looking back at Mistymoon Lake as Lupe departs for the Fortress Lakes. Elk Mountain is on the L. Photo looks WNW.
The Fortress Lakes were a welcome sight. Lupe was within 0.5 mile of Gunboat Lake!
Approaching the Fortress Lakes near the end of the day. Photo looks E.On the Solitude Trail by the largest Fortress Lake. Elk Mountain (L) in the distance. Photo looks W.
At last, Lupe was resting on the grassy ridge N of Gunboat Lake! SPHP wearily assembled her new Marmot tiny house. The old tiny house was shaped better. This one was longer than it needed to be, but not wide enough. It would have to do. At least it had a rain cover. Might need it, too! The sky was overcast, though not threatening at the moment.
Made it! Loop rests on the grassy ridge N of Gunboat Lake. Base camp was about to be established here. Photo looks SSW.Base camp! Lupe by her brand new Marmot tiny house. One of the smaller Fortress Lakes is in sight. Bomber Mountain in the distance on the L. Photo looks NE.
The tiny house was up! Base camp was established! Lupe had a great view of Gunboat Lake, one of the smaller Fortress Lakes, and the huge ridges leading to the possibly unseen summit of Bomber Mountain. The Solitude Trail could be seen heading NE for Florence Pass. Tomorrow Lupe would be making that trek!
This was a great spot! It had been a long day, though. More than an hour before sunset, Lupe and SPHP crawled into the overly cozy Marmot tiny house to hit the hay. No sunset to miss, anyway. A while back the sun had already sunk into a gloomy, murky haze.
It’s nice enough, I suppose. A real marmot would have been better, though! Base camp, Gunboat Lake, Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming 7-14-18
