Copper Mountain – Page 2 – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 164 – Clark, Humbolt, Copper & Odakota Mountains (3-28-16)

Lupe was on a mission! Another account holder at Peakbagger.com had contacted her on 3-20-16 asking for beta on road conditions in the western Black Hills. How much snow was there? Were the roads open? Lupe and SPHP hadn’t been to the highest parts of the hills for several months, and didn’t know for certain – but Lupe was going to find out.

The other Peakbagger.com account holder wasn’t coming to the region until early April. Since snow was in the forecast, it hadn’t made sense to run out to the western hills right away. The last shot of new snow was over by the morning of 3-26-16. Lupe and SPHP waited for 3-28-16, to give the snow a bit of time to melt.

It was supposed to get to 60°F by afternoon, but it was still quite cool in the morning. That was alright. Lupe and SPHP planned to visit a couple of lower peaks along the way. The high country could wait until afternoon. Let the snow keep melting until then! Lupe’s first peakbagging goal was Clark Mountain (5,267 ft.), just W of Sheridan Lake.

Lupe and SPHP set off heading W up Clog Gulch on Be Still Road (USFS Road No. 738) from Hwy 385 (8:35 AM, 35°F). Be Still Road took Lupe around the N end of Clark Mountain, gaining a bit of elevation while slowly turning SW. After 0.5 mile, a house came into view up ahead. Lupe was approaching private property. To stay on USFS land, Lupe and SPHP turned SE leaving the road behind. Lupe started climbing.

The first part of the climb was steep and rocky. The rocks weren’t all that large, however, or difficult to navigate. There was snow on the ground most places, but less than an inch on average. After a pretty good climb, the ground became less steep as Lupe approached a broad swath of open ground where the pines had been cut down beneath a power line.

It wasn’t too much farther to the top of Clark Mountain. Lupe passed under the power line, and turned S. On the last part of the trek, Lupe was on a gently rising ridge about 100 feet wide. A rock outcropping came into view ahead. It was the summit of Clark Mountain! Lupe climbed up on top of the highest rocks to claim her first peakbagging success of the day.

Lupe reaches the top of Clark Mountain! Photo looks SW.

There were a couple of other rock outcroppings that looked almost as high a bit farther to the S. Lupe and SPHP went to check them out. They proved to be a little lower. Lupe had already been to the true summit. Lupe hopped up on one of these also-ran rock outcroppings, anyway.

Lupe on the 2nd highest rock outcropping on Clark Mountain. Photo looks N.

To make absolutely certain Lupe hadn’t been to a false summit, Lupe and SPHP continued exploring to the S. SPHP was also hoping to find a vantage point with a view to the E toward Sheridan Lake, less than a mile away.

The forest at the top of Clark Mountain consists mostly of large pines, without too many young ones in between. By all appearances, the forest had been thinned quite a few years ago. Even so, it was only possible to get glimpses of distant views in most directions. Only an insignificant little piece of Sheridan Lake could be seen.

Lupe and SPHP didn’t have to go much farther S to be completely convinced Lupe had been to the top of the mountain. Lupe returned to the true summit for a final look around before departing.

Although it was possible to get glimpses of distant views from Clark Mountain, that was about it. SPHP was disappointed that there weren't any clear views toward Sheridan Lake to the E. The top of the mountain was a very broad flat ridge. — Although it was possible to get glimpses of distant views from Clark Mountain, that was about it. SPHP was disappointed that there weren’t any clear views toward Sheridan Lake to the E. The top of the mountain was a broad flat ridge.

Lupe sits just below the summit rocks. Photo looks NE.

After bidding the Clark Mountain summit a final farewell, Lupe went N starting her descent. She could have gone NW back down to Be Still Road, but instead Lupe explored the NE ridge. This route wasn’t as steep and rocky. Lupe passed through a stretch of very densely packed young pines. Before long, she came to an open area which looked like it had been heavily logged recently.

Lupe went down into the open area following a logging trail E. The logging trail entered a valley just S of the NE ridge, and followed the valley as it curved NE again. After an easy downhill stroll, the logging trail ended right back at the G6, just S of Be Still Road (9:59 AM, 53°F). Before heading on to Humbolt Mountain (5,722 ft.), SPHP gathered up a small collection of Lupe Treasures for recycling.

Humbolt Mountain is 3.5 miles SW of Clark Mountain near Hill City. SPHP drove up Penalua Gulch Road looking for an access point. The short road went through private property, and dead-ended at private driveways. Lupe and SPHP had better luck on China Gulch Road (USFS Road No. 249), a bit farther W. It provided an access point on USFS land less than a mile N of Hwy 16/385 (10:24 AM, 53°F). Humbolt Mountain was just 0.25 mile to the SE.

Lupe and SPHP headed ENE up a faint road until Lupe wasn’t far from the N end of the mountain. The intrepid Carolina Dog then turned SSE and began her climb in earnest. The terrain got steeper and rockier as she went. SPHP switchbacked a little bit looking for the easiest way up. Lupe arrived up on the summit ridge somewhat S of its N end. She then turned S to follow the ridge to the true summit near the S end of the mountain.

Humbolt Mountain’s summit ridge was much narrower and rockier than Clark Mountain’s had been. Lupe went up and down, frequently having to skirt around the W side of a series of large rock outcroppings. She had to lose a bit of elevation at a shallow saddle before the final climb up to the true summit. Humbolt Mountain was forested, but Lupe and SPHP were pleased to find a few decent viewpoints.

Lupe was nearing the summit of Humbolt Mountain when this nice view of Harney Peak (7,242 ft.) (Center) appeared. Summit Peak (5,655 ft.) is the much lower forested ridge in front of Harney. Photo looks S. — Lupe was nearing the summit of Humbolt Mountain when this nice view of **Harney Peak (7,242 ft.)** (Center) appeared. Summit Peak (5,655 ft.) is the much lower forested ridge in front of Harney. Photo looks S.

Harney Peak from Humbolt Mountain using the telephoto lens. Summit Peak is in the foreground. Photo looks S.

Lupe reaches the summit of Humbolt Mountain. Photo looks S.

The rocky ridge was quite narrow, and there were several pine trees with annoyingly low branches up at the very summit. After taking a look around, Lupe and SPHP continued S just a short distance where the ridge was a bit lower, but also wider and more open. It was time for a little break. Lupe had some Taste of the Wild. SPHP consumed an orange.

Lupe on the ridge just S of the summit. Photo looks SSW.

The view of Harney Peak from the rest break spot. Beautiful! Photo looks S.

After a leisurely, but not overlong rest break, Lupe returned to the summit of Humbolt Mountain. Although the view toward Harney Peak was the most impressive, Storm Hill could also be seen close by to the SE. A little to the N of the summit was a look at Five Points (6,221 ft.) to the N.

One spot near the summit of Humbolt Mountain yielded this view of Five Points (6,221 ft.) (R). The mountain Lupe and SPHP call False North Point is on the L. Photo looks N. — One spot near the summit of Humbolt Mountain yielded this view of **Five Points (6,221 ft.)** (R). The mountain Lupe and SPHP call False North Point is on the L. Photo looks N.

Lupe returned to the G6 via the same route she had taken up the mountain (12:18 PM, 57°F). The day had warmed up considerably. Even out in the high country of the western Black Hills, whatever snow there was had to be melting fast.

Lupe on her way back to the G6. Here she is still up on the summit ridge well to the N of the summit. These slanting rock formations were typical toward the N end of Humbolt Mountain.

It was time for Lupe to go conduct her western hills reconnaissance! Lupe and SPHP drove to Hill City, and turned NW on Deerfield Road. At East Slate Road, SPHP turned S. For the first few miles, there was hardly any snow at all. Lupe enjoyed the drive. There were lots of cows and a few horses to bark at along the way.

After a few miles, patches of snow appeared on the road. The snow was only a few inches deep most places, and pretty slushy. The G6 made it all the way to Six Mile Road (USFS Road No. 301) without any problem. Six Mile Road was in good enough condition so SPHP could easily have driven further, but SPHP parked the G6 at the start of USFS Road No. 301.1A (1:09 PM, 54°F). Lupe and SPHP would continue on paw and foot from here.

Dingo on a mission! Lupe reconnoitering road conditions on Six Mile Road E of Copper Mountain. Photo looks S.

Although there was some snow on Six Mile Road, it was melting fast. Lupe and SPHP followed the road as it wound its way up closer to Copper Mountain. The cliffs at the SE end of Copper Mountain (6,920 ft.) have some great views. Before pressing on to her ultimate objective, Lupe was going to climb Copper Mountain first.

Lupe didn’t leave Six Mile Road until she was SW of Copper Mountain. She then climbed N to the top of the W ridge before proceeding E. There was some deadfall timber and thick stands of young pines along the way, but the climb wasn’t long or difficult. Lupe reached the flat, rocky summit. Most of the summit is forested, but there are cliffs very close by with magnificent views to the S and E. Lupe and SPHP had a look around.

A pretty grand view from Copper Mountain! Harney Peak (L) is seen on the far horizon above Lupe. Much closer Medicine Mountain (6,878 ft.) is on the R. Photo looks SE. — A pretty grand view from Copper Mountain! Harney Peak (L) is seen on the far horizon above Lupe. Much closer **Medicine Mountain (6,878 ft.)** is on the R. Photo looks SE.

Northeast Cicero Peak (6,240 ft.) was in view far to the SSE from Copper Mountain. It looked pretty snowy in this shot taken with the telephoto lens. — **Northeast Cicero Peak (6,240 ft.)** was in view far to the SSE from Copper Mountain. It looked pretty snowy in this shot taken with the telephoto lens.

Looking N from the E edge of Copper Mountain. Gillette Prairie is the open grassland seen below.

Lupe at the SE end of Copper Mountain. Photo looks SE.

Lupe could see Odakota Mountain (7,200 ft.) about 1.5 miles away to the SW. Odakota Mountain is the 2nd highest in the Black Hills and all of South Dakota. It is not nearly as well known as Harney Peak. However, Odakota Mountain was Lupe’s ultimate objective for Expedition No. 164. It was the mountain that the other Peakbagger.com account holder had contacted Lupe about!

Odakota Mountain (7,200 ft.) (Center) as seen from Copper Mountain. Lupe was going to Odakota Mountain next. Six Mile Road is in view below. Photo looks SW. — **Odakota Mountain (7,200 ft.)** (Center) as seen from Copper Mountain. Lupe was going to Odakota Mountain next! Six Mile Road is in view below. Photo looks SW.

Lupe and SPHP went back to Six Mile Road, and resumed following it W. There wasn’t any significant snow on the road until the final turn up to a saddle 0.5 mile NNW of Odakota Mountain. This point was about 2 miles closer along the road to Odakota Mountain than where the G6 was parked. The G6 could have made it this far, but no farther.

USFS Road No. 693 left Six Mile Road going S from the snowy saddle. No. 693 is a minor gravel road that ultimately gets to within about 0.30 mile of Odakota’s summit. It was snow-covered, narrow, and had some partially cleared deadfall timber. A 4WD high-clearance vehicle might have been fine on No. 693, but not the G6. Lupe and SPHP now knew the truth about the road conditions in the vicinity of Odakota Mountain.

Lupe at the start of USFS Road No. 693 near its junction with Six Mile Road. A car could get this far, but 4WD would be needed to go any farther. This was actually good news. The summit of Odakota Mountain was an easy 0.5 mile hike away.

Surprisingly, there was only 1-2″ of snow on the ground on average. Lots of places had no snow, and some areas had 4-6 inches. What snow there was, looked new. Apparently there hadn’t been any snow pack at all until the last couple of small storms. It was possible to drive as far as No. 693 or very close to it. That left a hike of about 0.5 mile one way to the summit of Odakota Mountain.

Happily, if conditions didn’t change, the other Peakbagger.com account holder wouldn’t have any problem getting to the top of Odakota Mountain!

Of course, being this close to the top of the 2nd highest mountain in South Dakota meant Lupe and SPHP were going to go see it. Lupe and SPHP went S on USFS Road No. 693.

Lupe on USFS Road No. 693. A narrow path existed between the mostly cleared away deadfall timber. Photo looks N.

The last 0.30 mile was just a bushwhack toward the summit of Odakota Mountain. The smallish summit ridge is oriented E/W. The top is level, but a complete tangle of deadfall timber. SPHP wondered if the limestone cairn Lupe had seen on prior visits near the E end of the ridge would still be there? It was!

Lupe at the Odakota Mountain summit cairn. Photo looks S.

Looking W along Odakota's summit ridge. What a mess of deadfall timber! — Looking W along Odakota’s summit ridge. What a mess of deadfall timber!

Even though a lot of dead trees have fallen over on Odakota Mountain, there are still enough trees standing to mar the views. Currently, the only good viewpoint is at the far SE end of the mountain. Lupe and SPHP had been there once before, but it was quite a trek through the dead forest. Lupe wasn’t going back there today. Her reconnaissance mission was already successfully accomplished!

SPHP had other things in mind for Lupe. First among them was another rest break. Lupe ate the rest of her Taste of the Wild. SPHP finished the last orange. There were still a few hours of daylight left. Lupe could go exploring a couple of places she hadn’t been to before!

The first place Lupe went exploring after leaving Odakota Mountain was the gravel quarry N of Six Mile Road. The gravel quarry wasn’t the real goal, though. SPHP wanted to see what the views were like from the high cliffs a short distance NE of the quarry.

Lupe discovers a pristine white snow field at the gravel quarry N of Six Mile Road and Odakota Mountain. Photo looks N.

Gillette Prairie (R) from the high cliffs NE of the gravel quarry. Part of Reynolds Prairie is seen farther away on the L. Photo looks N.

The E end of Odakota Mountain from the cliffs NE of the gravel quarry. Photo looks S.

The second place Lupe went exploring was along a ridge going S from Six Mile Road and Copper Mountain toward Medicine Mountain. Lupe went clear to the very S end of the high ground along the ridgeline, but the views never really opened up completely.

Bear Mountain (7,166 ft.) is the high ridge in the distance. Photo looks S from the ridge extending S from Six Mile Road and Copper Mountain. — **Bear Mountain (7,166 ft.)** is the high ridge in the distance. Photo looks S from the ridge extending S from Six Mile Road and Copper Mountain.

Medicine Mountain. Photo looks SE using the telephoto lens.

Copper Mountain and Six Mile Road. Photo looks N.

Loopster here with your American Dingo eyewitness peakbagging report! Odakota Mountain, Copper Mountain and the surrounding area are a go!

Lupe and SPHP arrived back at the G6 at 6:12 PM (47°F). Well, that was it. Lupe’s peakbagging reconnaissance mission was over! She gave SPHP orders to submit her report to the interested party when she got home, but not until she was first served a proper Alpo dinner.

Cows, horses and deer provided entertainment on the way home. The fun never ends on the rambunctious Carolina Dog’s Black Hills Expeditions!

Copper Mountain from the NE on the way home.

Green Mountain (7164 ft.) from the E. — **Green Mountain (7164 ft.)** from the E.

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Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 134 – Copper, Odakota, Green & Hat Mountains Plus the Dragon Caves (6-20-15)

It’s getting to that time of year when Lupe’s expeditions into the Black Hills usually stop for the summer. The weather just gets too warm for a long day’s march in the hills to be much fun. Usually the mud puddles have dried up by now, and the little seasonal creeks and streams are starting to dry up too. SPHP has a hard time carrying enough water to satisfy a hot, thirsty American dingo.

So far this June though, temperatures have been pretty mild. Rainfall has been way above normal, so there are still lots of mud puddles. All the creeks and streams are looking good. With a still reasonably tolerable high temperature forecast in the lower hills just in the low 80’s, this day was still going to be pretty nice in the higher hills. Lupe could continue her peakbagging along the E edge of the limestone plateau country of the western hills.

SPHP parked the G6 at 7:49 AM along USFS Road No. 301.1A just off No. 301 at the exact same spot as on Expedition No. 132 two weeks earlier. It was a beautiful 59°F, with completely clear blue skies and a light N breeze. Since they were so close, Expedition No. 134 was going to start the same way as Expedition No. 132, with ascents of Copper and then Odakota Mountains.

Lupe on the SE cliffs of Copper Mountain. Harney Peak is the highest point in the distance. Medicine Mountain is at the right edge. Photo looks ESE.

Lupe on the flat top of Copper Mountain.

The first of many water holes, mud puddles and streams made use of by Lupe. This one is on the W side of Copper Mountain.

Green Mountain is the high point on the right. Photo looks NNW from USFS Road No. 301.

The views were great from the SE end of Copper Mountain (6,920 ft.). Lupe and SPHP stopped here for a little while for SPHP to goop up with sunscreen (the first of 3 goopings on this sunny day) while appreciating the bright morning views. The stop at the summit of Odakota Mountain (7,200 ft.) was shorter, just long enough for a photo of Lupe at the summit cairn. Lupe and SPHP weren’t going to trek all the way to the SE edge of the mountain through all that deadfall timber again like Lupe did on Expedition No. 132. Instead, Lupe left Odakota Mountain to head for Green Mountain (7,164 ft.).

Lupe headed W from Odakota Mountain crossing USFS Road No. 693 at its high point and continuing on following the ridge line, which had a series of small rock escarpments along it. There was a fair amount of deadfall timber around, but not so much as to seriously impede progress. More annoying was the barbed wire fence which followed along fairly close to the ridge line, too. No matter which side of the fence Lupe and SPHP got on, it seemed like the terrain soon changed to make the other side of the fence more desirable again.

Lupe and SPHP reached USFS Road No. 301 again just E of No. 301.1R, which goes N up Windmill Draw. Windmill Draw is a pretty shallow broad valley with open meadows in the middle. Pines and a few aspens line the sides of the draw. No. 301.1R stuck to the W side of the draw near the pines. Beetle-killed deadfall blocked the way fairly frequently, but it was easy to just drop down a bit into the valley to get around it where it was bad. Pines still standing provided some shade, which was welcome with the sun so high in the sky.

At the upper end of Windmill Draw, No. 301.1R meets up with No. 691.1B (both unmarked here). Lupe and SPHP took No. 691.1B NE to Green Mountain. The best views here were from the cliffs at the SE end of the mountain. There were splendid views of everything from the NE around to the SE and S. Lupe and SPHP took a break on the cliffs. Lupe was ready for some Taste of the Wild. SPHP had the usual apple and split a little granola bar with Lupe.

Looking SE towards Copper Mountain (near center) from Green Mountain. — Looking SE towards Copper Mountain (lower rounded hill near center) from Green Mountain.

Gillette Prairie from Green Mountain. Photo looks E.

Lupe on Green Mountain 6-20-15. Photo looks E.

Lupe’s next peakbagging goal of the day was Hat Mountain (6,779 ft.) over 3 miles to the NW. Although Hat Mountain is near the limestone plateau country, it is a little different from Copper, Odakota and Green Mountains in that it sits out a little distance from the limestone plateau instead of being along the E edge of the long escarpment. Lupe and SPHP left Green Mountain exploring to the N of No. 691.1B until the terrain forced a turn to the W to stay on the high ground. Although SPHP was hoping for views of Hat Mountain, there were none from here that were any good. There were too many trees.

There was also a substantial amount of deadfall timber to contend with. Somewhere not too far W of the junction of USFS Roads No. 301.1R and No. 691.1B at the upper N end of Windmill Draw, Lupe and SPHP retreated S to get back on No. 691.1B heading W. The road was open and the deadfall timber in the forest was just too much to deal with. Lupe had a long way to go yet on this expedition, and it just took too much time. When No. 691.1B reached No. 691, Lupe turned N on No. 691.

No. 691 isn’t a major gravel road, but it was in good condition and wide enough so that it didn’t get much shade. Even though No. 691 lost elevation as Lupe headed N on it, the trek was so sunny and warm that SPHP was soon sweating. Lupe and SPHP took occasional shade breaks (and a goop break) along the way in the forest just off the road. SPHP was glad to leave No. 691 to turn W on No. 691.1E (marked as ATV trail No. 6004) just before reaching Heely Creek S of Hat Mountain. No. 691.1E was a lesser road and much shadier.

Pretty girl Lupe takes a rest break on her way to Hat Mountain. What a lovely dingo!

From No. 691.1E, Hat Mountain, now just a mile to the N, was soon visible through the trees. SPHP hoped for an easy way down the short, but steep bank through the trees into the meadow near Heely Creek, but finally gave up and just plunged N into the forest full of deadfall to get down to the valley. Shortly after getting there, it was apparent that no more than a couple hundred yards farther W on No. 691.1E would have brought Lupe and SPHP to an easy side road right on down to a little ford across Heely Creek. Exploring is like that.

Hat Mountain dead ahead! Lupe in the Heely Creek valley. Photo looks N.

There was a lot of marshy ground along Heely Creek and the easiest crossing point was at the little ford on the side road, so Lupe and SPHP crossed the creek there. Once across the creek, it was an easy matter to make the trek up Hat Mountain from the S. Unlike the other mountains Lupe had already climbed earlier in the day, Hat Mountain is not thickly forested and there was no deadfall timber to contend with.

Looking W at the Heely Creek valley S of Hat Mountain.

The top of Hat Mountain is a flat limestone escarpment. Without any trees up there, the views were excellent in every direction. Consequently, Lupe and SPHP dallied up on Hat Mountain quite a while. Lupe took a generous helping of Taste of the Wild. The last little granola bar was shared and the last apple disappeared. There were some beautiful clouds around and some big birds came swooping by for a little while. The only thing Lupe didn’t like was that the top was so rocky. It wasn’t terribly comfortable laying down to rest while viewing the scenic display.

The view N from Hat Mountain towards South Castle Rock, Nipple Butte and Flag Mountain where Lupe had been on Expedition No. 133. — The view N from Hat Mountain towards South Castle Rock, Nipple Butte and Flag Mountain (all near the center on the horizon) where Lupe had been on Expedition No. 133.

Deerfield Lake from Hat Mountain. Photo looks N.

Looking S from Hat Mountain towards Green Mountain (large ridge at right) and Copper Mountain (lower ridge just left of Green Mountain). — Looking S from Hat Mountain towards Green Mountain (large ridge at right) and Copper Mountain (lower shaded ridge just left of and beyond Green Mountain).

Another look S from Hat Mountain. Green Mountain at very right edge. Copper Mountain beyond it and now in sunlight. Harney Peak toward left side of photo.

Looking SW from Hat Mountain towards the limestone plateau country where the Dragon Caves are hidden.

A 50% chance of scattered thunderstorms had been in the forecast for between 1-4 PM. There were enough clouds around by now so that rain did look like it might develop. SPHP thought maybe it was time for Lupe to head for the Dragon Caves. There was probably time to get there before any serious rain developed. So Lupe left Hat Mountain heading SW. She rounded the S end of a low ridge down near Heely Creek and then followed the creek to USFS Road No. 291 (Ditch Creek Road).

A look back at Hat Mountain from the SW before Lupe rounded the low ridge near Heely Creek.

Lupe turned S on No. 291, which is a pretty major gravel road. It is a beautiful drive, but was way busier than SPHP likes for hiking. Groups of ATV’s roared up and down the road, along with cars and pickup trucks. Nothing really all that major, but Lupe and SPHP usually go many hours and often the entire day without seeing anyone on Lupe’s expeditions. Now it was minutes, and not all that many, between traffic events. Fortunately, it was only 2/3 mile from Heely Creek to the bridge across Ditch Creek that leads to the Dragon Caves.

Lupe refreshed after a dip in Heely Creek.

Lupe crossed the bridge over Ditch Creek and instead of following USFS Road No. 385 to the right, continued straight ahead on an ATV trail up a small hill. A right turn at an open area leads directly to the Dragon Caves. The Dragon Caves have three large openings (they have to be large to accommodate dragons) facing S. Farther back into the caves all three entrances connect. Imagine a capital letter “E” with the long connecting side running E/W and the three shorter lines pointing S, and you have a good idea of the floor plan and orientation of the Dragon Caves entrances.

Lupe reaches the Dragon Caves. Two of the entrances are seen here. The third is around a little corner to the right. — Lupe reaches the Dragon Caves. Two of the entrances are seen here. The third is around a corner to the right.

*Uh, SPHP, you did bring the flashlight didn’t you? Ever consider using it? Maybe you should now.*

It was cool inside the Dragon Caves. And dark. SPHP got the flashlight with weak batteries out. The dim light showed the dusty floor well enough to continue in to the area where the entrances are connected. There is more to the Dragon Caves than just the “E”. Big side passages and some smaller ones go back into the dark recesses. Lupe went dragon hunting. Fortunately for Smaug and any other dragons, they must have had some warning that a Carolina Dog was coming for them. They had already departed.

*I’ve got this exit covered SPHP, see if you can find any dragons over there.*

Lupe dragon hunting in the Dragon Caves.

Possessed dingo prepares to face dragons in the Dragon Caves.

American Dingo heroine Lupe arrives at the Dragon Caves too late! The dragons have already fled with all their treasure hoards and damsels in distress.

Unfortunately for Lupe and SPHP, the dragons had evidently had time to pack up their treasure hoards and damsels in distress and depart with the entire bounty. The only thing left other than dust was a beer can, dropped no doubt by some poor tourist during a dragon encounter with an unhappy ending. Tourists just don’t know enough to bring a Carolina Dog with them for protection. It’s not their fault really, they are from somewhere else and unfamiliar with the situation. SPHP picked up the beer can as the only souvenir of Lupe’s dragon hunting this time around.

Lupe emerged from the Dragon Caves to find that it was sprinkling outside. Now and then weak pathetic thunder could be heard. If this was the scattered thunderstorm in the forecast, there was nothing to worry about. Lupe went back to USFS Road No. 291 and turned S again. About 1.5 miles farther on Lupe passed Ditch Creek campground, which seemed to be a source of the traffic in the area. Despite its dreadful name, Ditch Creek campground is one of the nicest and most scenic campgrounds in the Black Hills. Many of the campsites are right on Ditch Creek, a small clear cold stream that always has decent flow. Plenty of people were around, but the campground wasn’t yet full.

Approaching Ditch Creek campground from the N.

Lupe wasn’t going to camp. She pressed on to the S on No. 291. An ATV trail map back at Ditch Creek campground had shown SPHP that Lupe should watch for ATV trail No. 6008 less than 0.75 mile S of the campground. It supposedly wound its way E back to USFS Road No. 691.

Pretty soon Lupe reached No. 6008 and made the turn to the E. No. 6008 was a lovely little road that climbed steadily, but not too steeply. By the time Lupe turned on to No. 6008, the sun was low on the horizon. As she climbed on No. 6008, though, the sun just didn’t set. It always seemed like it was going to, but Lupe kept getting high enough up to keep it in view.

A look back N along USFS Road No. 291 (Ditch Creek Road) shortly before Lupe left it to head E on ATV trail No. 6008.

No. 6008 went on and on, climbing higher and higher. Lupe saw a nice herd of 10 elk (the “giant deers”, as Lupe knows them!) disappear into the forest. There started to be various intersecting ATV trails, all with different numbers. Where No. 6008 went to, SPHP couldn’t say. After a while Lupe seemed to be on No. 6010 and still later on No. 6011. Lupe was on No. 6011 when the road finally reached the high point of the ridge between No. 291 to the W and No. 691 to the E. Unfortunately, No. 6011 turned S and didn’t look like it was going to complete the trip to No. 691, which couldn’t have been much farther E at this point.

By now the sun was down, but it was still plenty light out to leave No. 6011 in search of No. 691. Lupe and SPHP headed E and then SE through the forest. Sure enough, before long Lupe reached No. 691. SPHP recognized the spot, too. Lupe was just 100 yards N of where No. 691.1B leaves No. 691 to head for Green Mountain. SPHP decided it would be fun for Lupe to go tag the summit of Green Mountain again. It would be nearly dark by the time Lupe got there, but so what? It was a beautiful evening.

The 2nd ascent of Green Mountain was Lupe’s final peakbagging accomplishment of the day. The light was fading fast, but Lupe and SPHP were both ready for a rest. Copper Mountain was visible a couple miles to the SE. The G6 was a short distance beyond Copper Mountain. However, with darkness coming on, Lupe and SPHP would have to stick to the roads. That meant the G6 was still 6 miles away. After a 10 or 15 minute rest break at the cliffs on Green Mountain, it was time to move on ready or not.

Lupe ascended Green Mountain for a 2nd time this date, reaching it as dusk was coming on.

Lupe on Green Mountain at nightfall. Still 6 miles by road back to the G6!

The flashlight had to come out as the crescent moon wasn’t going to provide much light. It was going to set within 2 or 3 hours and was obscured by clouds part of the time anyway. Lupe and SPHP retraced No. 691.1B going SW to No. 301.1R at the N end of Windmill Draw. SPHP started S through Windmill Draw on No. 301.1R and somehow got on a dirt track heading down through the meadow in the middle of Windmill Draw. This was actually better than being on No. 301.1R, since there wasn’t any deadfall timber to contend with.

By the time Lupe reached the main gravel road, No. 301, there was lightning. There was a little cloud-to-cloud lightning in the thin clouds nearby, but in the distance there was intense lightning in several different directions. Lupe and SPHP took a rest break, but it didn’t last long. SPHP heard thunder, still faint, but coming from off to the NW, the likely source of approaching weather. It was time for Lupe to hurry on.

Lupe and SPHP took several more short rest breaks. It had been a very long day. The lightning display grew brighter and more dazzling, though it was still far enough away so only distant thunder could be heard and even that only now and then. The situation changed after Lupe passed the turnoff for No. 693 to Odakota Mountain and Long Draw, which Lupe did not take. There started to be clear bolts of cloud-to-ground lightning. Thunder rumbled ominously.

Lupe wanted SPHP to stop and hide. She was scared of the lightning. SPHP wouldn’t let her stop and urged her to find the G6. Lupe was almost to Copper Mountain and the G6 wasn’t far beyond it. On the final stretch of road beyond Copper Mountain, the lightning bolts directly to the ground started striking alarmingly close. The lightning was nearly continuous. Thunder exploded, echoing in the forest. When Lupe finally saw the G6, the terrified dingo bolted away from SPHP and ran for it. When SPHP caught up, she leaped into the G6 as soon as the door was open.

Through all of this, not a drop of rain had fallen. Within a minute of reaching the G6 though, it began. First one large drop, then another, then a few more, then a hailstone. Oddly enough, the terrified dingo regained enormous courage, bolstered by the comforting familiarity and armor of the G6. Lupe now wanted to stick her head out the window to sniff the air and see what was going on as SPHP drove the gravel roads towards the pavement at Deerfield Road.

The whole head out the window and sniffing bit didn’t last more than a few minutes. Rain and hail grew stronger. The wind blew. Lightning and thunder raged. The dingo decided to take full advantage of the G6 armor, brought her head back inside the vehicle and curled up on the seat. On the way home there were two significant weather events.

The first was something Lupe and SPHP had never been in before. About 5 miles NW of Hill City, SD was a “hailburst” – like a cloudburst, except with hail instead of just rain. In seconds the road went from having a few hailstones on it to being completely white. In fact, everything was white.

SPHP had to completely stop the G6 several times right on the highway. Even with high beams on and windshield wipers on the fastest setting, nothing but a wall of white hailstones streaking down could be seen beyond the hood of the G6. SPHP could not see any portion of the road or anything else around the G6. Fortunately, there was no traffic and the hail was not large enough to cause major damage.

The 2nd event occurred later on after a lull in the storm, a cloudburst with just rain and no hail. Although intense, it seemed like a piece of cake next to the hailburst.

Lupe had reached the G6 at 11:40 PM (53°F), 15 hours and 51 minutes after setting out on Expedition No. 134. At nearly 16 hours, Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 134 had been the 2nd longest expedition Lupe has ever been on. It was certainly a memorable one. Lupe didn’t reach home until after 1 AM. A very tired and dirty dingo gobbled up some Alpo and then went straight to bed. Outside the open window, the rain, wind, lightning and thunder continued in the night.

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Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 132 – Copper, Odakota & Bear Mountains (6-7-15)

SPHP postponed Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 132 by one day due to the threat of rain. A big storm did hit Hill City and flooded the highway. The next day was a gorgeous early summer day. Lupe was eager to go. The highway was no longer flooded, although the creeks and streams were still running high and out of their banks. At 8:27 AM, SPHP parked the G6 just off USFS Road No. 301.1A about 100 yards from its junction with USFS Road No. 301. It was 57 °F with a slight N breeze and a few clouds around.

Lupe still near the G6 at the start of the day. Photo looks SSE towards Medicine Mountain. — Lupe still near the G6 at the start of the day. Photo looks SSE towards **Medicine Mountain (6,878 ft.)**

Lupe’s peakbagging goals for this Expedition included Copper, Odakota, Bear and Green Mountains. All four of these mountains are in the west central Black Hills along the E edge of the high ground of the Limestone Plateau country. Approaches from the W involve very little elevation gain, but to the E there are cliffs or steep slopes.

Copper Mountain (6,920 ft.) was only about 0.5 mile to the W of where the G6 was parked, so Lupe headed there first. Lupe circled around to the SW side of Copper Mountain before climbing up on the W ridge. Once up on the W ridge, it was a gentle climb through a young forest to the summit. Soon Lupe was posing for photos on the cliffs just S of the summit, and drinking out of water holes in the rocks. Next stop would be Odakota Mountain, now in view 1.25 miles to the SW.

Lupe on Copper Mountain. Odakota Mountain is the high ridge seen above Lupe's head in the background. — Lupe on Copper Mountain. Odakota Mountain is the high ridge seen above Lupe’s head in the background to the SW.

Another of Lupe's peakbagging goals of the day, Bear Mountain, is the high ridge in the distance. Photo taken looking due S from Copper Mountain. — Another of Lupe’s peakbagging goals of the day, Bear Mountain, is the high ridge in the distance. Photo taken looking due S from Copper Mountain.

The view N from Copper Mountain towards the S portion of Gillette Prairie. — The view NE from Copper Mountain towards the S portion of Gillette Prairie.

Medicine Mountain from Copper Mountain. Photo looks SE.

Harney Peak, highest mountain in the Black Hills, is the highest point in the distance. Photo is looking ESE from Copper Mountain. — **Harney Peak (7,242 ft.)** , highest mountain in the Black Hills, is the highest point in the distance. Photo is looking ESE from Copper Mountain.

Odakota Mountain (7,200 ft.) is the 2nd highest mountain in the Black Hills according to Peakbagger.com. Lupe had been up there once before on Expedition No. 87 on 5-10-14. Lupe headed W off Copper Mountain, with only modest elevation loss. She found the first of many big mud puddles to cool off in on the W side of Copper Mountain. Lupe and SPHP reached USFS Road No. 301 again and followed it W only as far as the intersection with No. 299, which heads down Bobcat Gulch to the Boy Scout camp.

At the intersection, Lupe and SPHP left the road and started W up the draw to the S of USFS Road No. 301. SPHP remembered that Odakota Mountain was full of deadfall timber the last time Lupe had been there. Pine bark beetles were wreaking havoc with the forest. Despite all the fallen trees, there were still enough dead or dying trees still standing to obstruct the views at the summit. As Lupe and SPHP climbed Odakota Mountain from the NE, it became apparent the situation hadn’t changed at all in a year’s time. There was still lots of deadfall timber to contend with.

Instead of going directly up to the summit, Lupe and SPHP climbed to a high point on the ridge E of the summit. From there, Lupe and SPHP headed away from the summit towards the SE to see if there was any place where there were any decent views. It was slow going with all the deadfall to work around. At the very S end of the E edge of the mountain were a couple of rock ledges with open views to the S and E. This area is less than 100′ lower than the summit and features the only clear views from Odakota Mountain at this time.

Lupe up on the E edge of Odakota Mountain. Photo looks back to the NE at Copper Mountain (Center) where she had just come from. The rock ledges she had been standing on there are visible toward the R.

Lupe at the SE end of Odakota Mountain. Photo looks ESE towards **Medicine Mountain (6,878 ft.)** in the foreground and Harney Peak in the distance.

Lupe at the SE edge of Odakota Mountain. Bear Mountain is the high ridge in the distance to the S.

Lupe still at the SE edge of Odakota Mountain. Photo looks SE towards **Peak 6680** seen as the first hill in the foreground directly above Lupe. The pond at the Boy Scout camp is visible to the R.

Bear Mountain to the S from the SE end of Odakota Mountain.

From the viewpoints, Lupe and SPHP worked their way back to the NW to the true summit of Odakota Mountain. At the summit, SPHP was surprised to find a 2.5 foot high cairn made of limestone. It hadn’t been there the first time Lupe had climbed Odakota Mountain on Expedition No. 87. Lupe headed W off Odakota Mountain in the direction of Long Draw. She could have gone a couple of miles NNW to Green Mountain (7,164 ft.) at this point, but SPHP was more interested in exploring Long Draw first.

Lupe at the summit cairn on Odakota Mountain the morning of 6-7-15. Photo looks N.

USFS Road No. 693 comes within 0.25 mile NW of Odakota Mountain and goes SW for 3 miles or so to Spring Creek where it turns W. Lupe and SPHP headed SW down Long Draw sometimes on the road, but often off of it just traipsing through the fields. The bottom of the draw was mostly meadows with scattered aspens and pines. Lupe romped her way through Long Draw sniffing this way and that. She returned to No. 693 now and then in search of mud puddles to get a drink from and cool off in. SPHP is pretty sure Lupe gets plenty of minerals in her diet from all the murky mud puddle water she drinks.

Upper end of Long Draw not far from Odakota Mountain 6-7-15.

Close to Spring Creek, USFS Road No. 693 turned and headed W up the canyon following Spring Creek upstream. Instead of heading W, Lupe and SPHP left the road here and headed down to cross Spring Creek. Even with all the recent wet weather, Spring Creek was only a few feet wide this close to its source. The water was amazingly clear and cold. Lupe cooled off in the stream and had a better drink than the mud puddles offered. A short distance downstream, Lupe came to the intersection of Long Draw and Grand Vista Draw.

Lower portion of Long Draw before reaching Spring Creek.

Getting close to Spring Creek in Long Draw. The creek is at the edge of the trees on the R. Grand Vista Draw goes up around the R side of the hill ahead.

Cooling off in the clear cold waters of Spring Creek in Long Draw.

USFS Road No. 291.3A headed up Grand Vista Draw. Lupe followed it S up Grand Vista Draw as it gradually turned SE. Spring Creek had continued on down the canyon to the E and there was no water other than scattered mud puddles in Grand Vista Draw. A spur off No. 291.3A headed E to the scenic overlook at the edge of the limestone plateau about a mile WSW of the Boy Scout camp. The overlook is a block of limestone about 20′ below the rim of the high country. There is a trail leading down to it. At this scenic overlook, Lupe and SPHP rested for a bit. Lupe was kind of hungry by now and ate some Taste of the Wild.

Wild Irises were abundant in Grand Vista Draw.

This block of limestone along the E edge of the limestone plateau country is the Boy Scout camp overlook.

Lupe on the Boy Scout camp overlook. Photo looks back to the N towards Odakota Mountain at the left and Copper Mountain, the lower ridge just beyond and to the right where Lupe had just come from. Peak 6680 is the kind of striped hill at the right side of the photo.

Harney Peak is the highest point in the distance. View from Boy Scout camp overlook looking E.

Now looking S from the Boy Scout camp overlook towards the E end of Bear Mountain, Lupe's next peakbagging goal. — Now looking SSE from the Boy Scout camp overlook towards the E end of Bear Mountain, Lupe’s next peakbagging goal.

Lupe’s next Peakbagging goal was Bear Mountain (7,166 ft.), the 3rd highest mountain in the Black Hills. Bear Mountain is about 4 miles S of Odakota Mountain, but Lupe’s route through Long and Grand Vista Draws had taken her over 1.5 mile W before working back to the E. Bear Mountain was still 2 miles SSE from the Boy Scout camp overlook. There was no road. From the overlook, Lupe and SPHP just went S along the rim of the high country until almost to the ranger tower on Bear Mountain.

Instead of going directly to the ranger station, SPHP led Lupe E along the Bear Mountain ridge. From the Boy Scout camp overlook, it had appeared the highest point on Bear Mountain was at the E end of the mountain. This wasn’t strictly true. The highest point really is where the ranger tower is located. Still, it was worth a bit of exploring to see what the views might be like from the E end of Bear Mountain. The best view proved to be towards the N back toward Odakota and Copper Mountains where Lupe had just come from.

Lupe arrives at the E end of Bear Mountain. The best view from here is shown. It looks N back at Odakota and Copper Mountains. Lupe has already climbed them once this day and would return to climb each of them again before the day was out. — Lupe arrives at the E end of Bear Mountain. The best view from here is shown. It looks N back at Odakota (highest ridge) and Copper Mountains. Lupe has already climbed them once this day and would return to climb each of them again before the day was out.

After exploring the E end of the mountain, Lupe went back W to the summit at the ranger tower. Lupe and SPHP climbed up the tower. Three steps from the top, Lupe decided it was a bit scary and started turning around to go back down, but SPHP urged her onward. A ranger was on duty and Lupe got to go inside the ranger’s station at the top of the tower. She laid on the floor listening to the radio chatter while SPHP talked to the ranger.

Approaching the ranger tower on Bear Mountain.

Lupe climbed the Bear Mountain ranger tower and spent a while relaxing up there while SPHP chatted with the ranger. On a very clear day (not today!) Laramie Peak in Wyoming can be seen from Bear Mountain.

The ranger had been working this job at various towers in the Black Hills region for 13 years. He described the Bear Mountain tower as the Cadillac of ranger facilities in the Black Hills. The station at the top of the tower was roomier than at any of the other towers. The ranger said he had seen two tornados from ranger towers in his 13 years on the job.

The 360° view from Bear Mountain at the top of the tower was really great! SPHP had been told once before that Laramie Peak (10,272 ft.) in Wyoming can be seen from Bear Mountain when conditions are clear. The ranger confirmed this, but said it wasn’t that clear very often.

Lupe S of the ranger tower on Bear Mountain.

Looking E on Bear Mountain from S of the ranger tower. The end of the Bear Mountain E ridge is one more hill E beyond the high spot pictured.

The most immediately useful of the interesting things SPHP learned up in the Bear Mountain lookout tower was that it was 3:30 PM. It was time for Lupe to head back N! Lupe and SPHP bid adieu to the ranger and headed down off the ranger tower. Lupe went W on USFS Road No. 293. (No. 293 goes right to the top of Bear Mountain, approaching it from the SSW. Bear Mountain is easily accessibly by car.) At the first hill to the W was a big tower. There Lupe and SPHP left the road and went along a forested ridge descending towards the NW.

The forested ridge ended in a meadow where there were some pretty aspen trees with light green new leaves shining in the sunlight. Beyond the meadow was USFS Road No. 291.3A, the same road that Lupe had followed up Grand Vista Draw earlier before taking a spur E to the Boy Scout camp overlook. SPHP intended to follow No. 291.3A back to Grand Vista Draw, but at a little pass shortly before getting there, took a side road labeled No. 2 North with an orange marker.

Lupe nears USFS Road No. 291.3A NW of Bear Mountain. — Lupe nears USFS Road No. 291.3A just beyond the aspens NW of Bear Mountain.

The side road went W then N and then turned back to the S. SPHP didn’t want to go S. Lupe needed to go N, so SPHP abandoned No. 2 North in favor of a trek through the forest continuing N towards Grand Vista Draw. It all worked out just fine and soon Lupe reached No. 291.3A again in Grand Vista Draw as anticipated. Lupe now started retracing the path she had followed earlier in the day. Lupe and SPHP halted upon reaching Spring Creek just S of USFS Road No. 693 in Long Draw.

Lupe returns to Spring Creek near the junction of Grand Vista Draw and Long Draw.

Lupe got a big, cold clear drink from Spring Creek and finished her Taste of the Wild. SPHP studied maps. SPHP had intended to take USFS Road No. 693 W to No. 291 and then head N to the Four Corners Well. From there the plan had been to go on to Green Mountain (7,164 ft.) via a short stint to the E on No. 301 and then taking USFS Road No. 691 NNE to Green Mountain. However, it was too late in the day to do all that. As usual, SPHP had bit off more than could be chewed. The fastest route to Green Mountain was going back up Long Draw.

So Lupe headed back up Long Draw on No. 693. SPHP saw a couple of elk along the way. Lupe barked at chipmunks and squirrels, and didn’t even notice the elk. As Lupe and SPHP neared the high point on No. 693, SPHP decided Lupe may as well go and hit the summit of Odakota Mountain again since it was only 0.25 mile away to the E. Lupe found the cairn at the high point again and had her second picture of the day taken there.

Lupe’s 2nd ascent of Odakota Mountain on 6-7-15. Photo looks S.

Lupe and SPHP left Odakota Mountain and headed back to USFS Road No. 693. Although there was still probably time to reach Green Mountain before it got dark, a large cloud was now hanging around in that direction. It had already been a long day. SPHP didn’t really think the cloud was going to cause any problems, but used it as an excuse to shorten the trip back to the G6. SPHP decided Lupe would just go back and have another look at the world from the top of Copper Mountain. Green Mountain would just have to wait for another day.

Lupe didn’t care. She was just as happy going to Copper Mountain again. Lupe and SPHP followed No. 693 back to No. 301. At the high point on No. 301 near Copper Mountain, Lupe and SPHP left the road and started the modest climb up Copper Mountain along the W ridge. Earlier in the day, SPHP had wondered if there were good lookout points along the N side of the W ridge, but hadn’t gone over there. Now Lupe and SPHP headed over to the N side of the ridge.

Pine bark beetles need to kill more trees for there to be much of a view to the N. Glimpses of Gillette Prairie were frequently available as Lupe and SPHP followed the N edge of the ridge heading E towards the summit of Copper Mountain, but there just weren’t any unobstructed views anywhere. It wasn’t until Lupe was very close to the E edge of Copper Mountain that there were views off to the N. Even then they were only partial views.

Lupe also climbed Copper Mountain a 2nd time on 6-7-15. This photo looks NE towards the S portion of Gillette Prairie from Copper Mountain. — Lupe also climbed Copper Mountain a 2nd time on 6-7-15. This photo looks NNE towards the S portion of Gillette Prairie from Copper Mountain.

Lupe tagged the summit of Copper Mountain for the 2nd time this day. The sun was still up, but getting low. The big cloud to the WNW over by Green Mountain was still hanging around. Most of the rest of the sky had only scattered clouds. The views to the E and S from the SE edge of Copper Mountain were still the best. Sometimes slanting sunlight broke through the clouds to the WNW and illuminated the scene. Lupe and SPHP stayed for a while on Copper Mountain, taking a break from the long day’s trek and enjoying the moment.

Then it was time to go. Lupe and SPHP left Copper Mountain heading W, but soon turned SW and then S to reach USFS Road No. 301 more quickly. SPHP then followed the road the rest of the way back to No. 301.1A and the G6. Lupe wasn’t quite done though. While SPHP walked the road, Lupe dashed in and out of the forest still sniffing madly and exploring. It was 8:10 PM and 58°F out when Lupe and SPHP reached the G6 again. The sun was still up for a bit longer and shining on some of the mountain tops. Lupe laid down by the G6. She didn’t want to hop in. Nearly 12 hours on the go wasn’t enough!

For a few minutes SPHP let Lupe rest on the ground. Then SPHP lifted the reluctant Carolina dog into the G6. Lupe wasn’t tired. She didn’t curl up on the passenger side seat like she often does after a long expedition. Instead she stood up with her paws on the dash still looking for adventure. SPHP lowered the windows so she could ride with her head out the window of the G6. She loved the wind rushing past her face. She barked at cows and horses as she flew on by.

Lupe on Copper Mountain towards the end of the day.

At a couple of points along County Road No. 309 before reaching the highway there were quite a few cows and their calves right on the road. Greeted by a hysterical dingo, they looked quite puzzled at what all the excitement was about. Finally they got the idea that the crazy dingo was trying to be big and scary and the cows all moseyed off the road. Lupe continued to stand up and bark at every opportunity all the way along Deerfield Road to Hill City. With no cows or horses in sight in Hill City, she was finally content to curl up on the seat and pant for a while. It had been another great day to be an American dingo in the Black Hills of South Dakota!

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