Dingo Vacations – Page 2 – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Silver Dollar Lake, White Ranch Park & Clear Creek Canyon, Colorado (6-18-24 to 6-20-24)

Days 3-5 of Lupe’s 1st Summer of 2024 Dingo Vacation to Colorado, Utah, Wyoming & Montana!

6-18-24, early – After taking Hwy 40 over Berthoud Pass (11,307 ft.), a spectacular route, the iPhone rang shortly before reaching I-70. It was Mark. Was Lupe going to arrive by 9:00 AM, as planned?

Told him you’d be there right on time, if not before, Looper.

You better believe it, SPHP! We’re not missing out on a chance to stay with Mark and Hilary tonight. Dingoes love luxury, you know, and they don’t call him 5 Star Mark for nothing!

Yeah, Mark and Hilary have quite the place, don’t they, Loopster? 10 stars compared to what we’re used to. Plus, we’re going to get to enjoy a romp up the Silver Dollar Lake trail with them today.

Terrific, but remember to bring a chocolate coconut bar this time, SPHP!

6-18-24, 10:20 AM – Lupe had arrived 5 minutes before the appointed hour at Mark and Hilary’s home. Hilary had already packed a lunch for everyone. Once her friend, Deb, appeared, everyone had piled into the fancy jeep Mark drove up to Georgetown. The 4WD recommended road to the Silver Dollar Lake trailhead was cake in this monster. Lupe now stood blinking in the bright sunlight. Everyone was ready to go!

At the **Silver Dollar Lake trailhead** with **Deb** (center), **Hilary** & **Mark** (R).

The first part of the Silver Dollar Trail wound up through a forest where dirty snowbanks were still melting away in some places. Deb and Hilary set the pace, while Lupe hung back with Mark and SPHP. Recovering from a hip replacement gone awry, Mark was taking it easy. After Lupe’s long jaunt up Clark Peak yesterday, that was perfectly fine with SPHP. No rush at all! Mark could take as much time as he wanted to.

Following **Mark** along the forested first part of **Silver Dollar Lake Trail No. 79**.

Mark and SPHP sauntered along chit-chatting up a storm. 0.5 mile led to a view of Naylor Lake, first of three lakes along the Silver Dollar Lake Trail. Lupe was already well above Naylor Lake by the time it appeared. Mark explained that the trail provided no access to Naylor Lake, since it was privately owned. However, excellent views of both Argentine Peak (13,742 ft.) farther up the valley, and Mount Wilcox (13,412 ft.) across the lake, were already in sight.

**Argentine Peak** (Center) and **Mount Wilcox** (R) from the **Naylor Lake** viewpoint. Photo looks WNW.

Now in the alpine, the Silver Dollar Lake Trail continued W, climbing along the S side of the same huge valley Naylor Lake was nestled in. As the last trees were left behind, the trek featured bushy regions, bogs, and small streams. Parts of the trail were muddy. Higher up, the terrain was rockier, and the trail crossed increasingly large snowfields.

**Mark** and **Hilary** near the start of the rockier region. **Argentine Peak** (far R). Photo looks W.

**Deb** and **Hilary** approaching the **first snowfields**. Photo looks W.

Making progress up the valley. **Argentine Peak** (R). Photo looks WNW.

On **one of the rockiest stretches**. Photo looks W.

Roughly 1.5 miles in, the terrain flattened out. Silver Dollar Lake soon appeared ahead. Ice still covering a substantial portion of its surface, the round lake lived up to it’s name with a strong silvery cast to it. Fed by rapidly melting snowfields, the outlet stream had good flow. No bridge, but fortunately easily rock-hopped without getting too wet.

**Deb** (far R) and **Hilary** (R) at **Silver Dollar Lake**. Photo looks WSW.

About to rock-hop the **Silver Dollar Lake outlet stream**. Photo looks WSW.

Silver Dollar Lake was not the end of the line. Continuing beyond the lake, Silver Dollar Lake Trail No. 79 climbed another slope. When Mark announced his intention to slide down a large snowfield covering most of this slope on the way back, this seemed an unnecessarily risky notion, especially with Mark still recovering from hip surgery.

Knowing Mark, though, there was little doubt that he would actually do it. Mark exuded nothing but confidence, apparently having successfully survived this same very steep slide on prior occasions.

Above **Silver Dollar Lake** and part of the snowfield Mark intended to toboggan down. Photo looks SE.

250 feet above Silver Dollar Lake, Murray Lake, the third and final lake along Silver Dollar Lake Trail No. 79, was in sight from a gently rounded ridge. Soaring more than 1,500 feet above and beyond icy Murray Lake, Argentine Peak (13,742 ft.) beckoned. The terrain leading to Argentine Peak didn’t look bad at all, but the effort that would have been required to reach the summit was far beyond the excursion envisioned today.

**Hilary** contemplates **Murray Lake** and **Argentine Peak** (R). Photo looks WNW.

From the rounded ridge, the Silver Dollar Lake Trail headed NW down to the Murray Lake outlet stream, which required another rock-hop. Beyond this stream, the trail faded as it continued up a gentle slope.

Icy **Murray Lake** from near the outlet stream. Photo looks WSW.

6-18-24, 1:03 PM – Scattered boulders in a flat region only a little way up the slope beyond Murray Lake provided seating with awesome views all around. Massive Square Top Mountain (13,797 ft.), another readily climbable peak, dominated the scene S of the lake. Hilary provided ham and cheese sandwiches, bananas, and Nature Valley granola bars for all. Lupe was happy when SPHP finally gave her the chocolate coconut bar she had earned yesterday at Clark Peak.

**Deb** (L) **Hilary** and **Mark** (R) at the lunch break spot. Photo looks ENE.

A relaxing 20 minute rest break, and that was it. The whole pack started back down Silver Dollar Lake Trail No. 79. Deb and Hilary again led the way, while SPHP and Lupe stuck with Mark. Didn’t take long to get back to the snowfield above Silver Dollar Lake.

Starting back. **Square Top Mountain** (Center & R) beyond **Murray Lake**. Photo looks S.

**Naylor Lake** from the ridge between Murray and Silver Dollar lakes. Photo looks E.

**Mark** approaching **Silver Dollar Lake**. Photo looks SE.

Once the trail descended to the top of the snowfield overlooking Silver Dollar Lake, Mark was true to his word. Without the least hesitation, he took off his pack, sat down with it on his lap, and launched himself down the frighteningly steep slope toward Hilary and Deb, who having already followed the trail to the bottom of the snowfield, were waiting below.

As Mark hurtled down the slope, SPHP was amazed by his descent.

Nothing to it, SPHP! He’s not going all that fast. Mark is even having to push himself in some spots in order to maintain any momentum.

Huh. Shows what I know, Loopster. A totally controlled slide. Here I was expecting a rocket ride toward an abrupt, and possibly very unhappy end.

Looks like fun, doesn’t it, SPHP?

It does! Shall we Loop?

The American Dingo was all for it! Lupe didn’t slide, but ran alongside barking excitedly as SPHP slid down the slope with similar results.

Beauty all around, the rest of the return was full of good conversation and wonderful views, but otherwise uneventful. (End 6-18-24, 4:21 PM)

**Wildflowers** along the **Silver Dollar Lake Trail**.

Silver Dollar Lake Trail No. 79 had been a great romp in the Rockies! Not too hard, or too far, with great scenery and excellent company, it had been just right after Clark Peak yesterday.

More great things were in store, too! Returning to Mark and Hilary’s home, they both fed and entertained Lupe and SPHP the rest of the day, and well on into the evening. When SPHP asked for advice on some sort of external battery pack for the iPhone to keep GPS tracks going on some of Lupe’s longer adventures, Mark instantly produced one in excellent condition that SPHP could have.

Mark and Hilary’s home was like a palace! Everything was immaculate and beautifully decorated.

**Mark and Hilary’s home**. Totally awesome!

A Dingo could get used to this! Take notes, SPHP. This is what Carolina Dogs love and deserve – life in the lap of luxury!

Yeah, no doubt. Enjoy it while you can, though, Loopster. This is a special occasion, not our everyday reality.

6-19-24, 1:59 PM – Mark and Hilary were terrific hosts! Lupe and SPHP’s luxurious stay had been perfectly delightful, with a single odd exception beyond their control. Shortly after arriving at Mark and Hilary’s home, a packrat had taken up residence in the RAV4’s engine compartment. Despite repeated attempts to shoo it away with a broom, or spray it with water, the packrat stubbornly refused to leave.

As Mark and Hilary waved goodbye to Lupe, that crazy packrat was still in the RAV4, unwittingly about to hitch a ride into the big city.

**Mark** and **Hilary** wave bon voyage!

6-19-24, 2:32 PM – The afternoon was sunny and hot when Lupe arrived at Hotel Dixie in Arvada where she would be staying in the ever-popular Cowboy Room the next 2 nights. Uncle Joe and Cousin Dixie were out watering the front yard. Joe greeted Lupe and SPHP enthusiastically, but despite a splendid effort, couldn’t match the wild excitement Cousin Dixie displayed.

For the first time ever, no trek around the 100 acre field behind Hotel Dixie was on the agenda. The grass was tall, and according to Uncle Joe, full of ticks. Nevertheless, festivities commenced almost immediately with a stroll up Ralston Creek. Lupe and Dixie both enjoyed wading in the cool, clear stream.

Once Aunt Andrea returned home, it was off to Parker for dinner with Matt and Cassie in their beautiful new home. They’d actually been in it for 2 years, but Lupe and SPHP had never been there before. Emery was very taken with Lupe, who basked in the attention and affection Emery gave her.

6-20-24, 9:40 AM – Well-rested after a cozy night in the Cowboy Room, a lucky Carolina Dog set out with Uncle Joe and Cousin Dixie on the first of not one, but two adventures today from the upper parking lot for the W trailhead at White Ranch Park.

**Information display** at the **W trailhead**.

White Ranch Park featured expansive views of rolling territory typical of the Colorado front range foothills.

A 6 mile loop along the Rawhide Trail provided a good look at the rugged Ralston Buttes (7,790 ft.) region across the deep Ralston Creek canyon.

On the **Rawhide Trail**. **Ralston Buttes** (R). Photo looks NNE.

Good thing Joe and SPHP had both brought water! The day warmed up fast beneath the hot June sun. Lupe and Dixie were both thirsty, and the entire trail featured water at only a single small stream crossing.

The hike’s main objective became a shaded bench that sported a distant glimpse of mighty Longs Peak (14,257 ft.) from the far N end of the loop.

At the **N end of the loop**. **Longs Peak** (Center) faint on the horizon. Photo looks N.

A cool breeze that stirred occasionally amid the heat on the way back to the parking lot was most welcome. Returning to Hotel Dixie after the White Ranch Park hike, a light mid-afternoon lunch was followed by a siesta. Meanwhile, cumulus clouds built up outside. Waking late in the afternoon, 0.10″ of rain had fallen. Just enough to cool things down a bit.

Although the sky remained cloudy, more rain didn’t seem imminent. Aunt Andrea was back home again, and ready for action now, too. A jaunt up Clear Creek Canyon sounded good to her.

6-20-24, 5:30 PM, Clear Creek Canyon Park – Setting out from the Gateway trailhead, the evening air was comfortably cool. Steps along a broad cement path led from the parking lot down to Clear Creek, which was rushing along with such a tremendously powerful current that Lupe and Cousin Dixie couldn’t be allowed near it.

Heading upstream, an excellent pawbridge crossed the creek early on.

**Dixie**, **Joe**, **Andrea**, and **Lupe** on the **first bridge** over **Clear Creek**. Photo looks SW.

With very little elevation gain to contend with, the stroll along the broad cement path was cake. From the Tough Cuss bridge farther upstream, Clear Creek looked more like Turbulent River.

**Clear Creek** from the **Tough Cuss bridge**. Photo looks S.

Putting in from a few access points along the way, people using rafts, kayaks, and even paddleboards were trying to navigate the Clear Creek torrent. The paddleboarders had no luck at all. Clear Creek was simply too rough this time of year.

The trail went less than 1.5 miles up Clear Creek Canyon before ending at a high, metal fence that prevented access any farther upstream. Uncle Joe said that someday the trail was going to be extended clear to Idaho Springs, but that hadn’t happened yet.

**Andrea** and **Lupe**. The trail ended right around the next bend. Photo looks SE.

The metal fence became the turnaround point. Shortly before reaching it, there had been another bridge over Clear Creek. The Welch Ditch bridge provided access to the Welch Ditch Trail, a flat, but narrower trail running along the steep slope S of Clear Creek, 30 or 40 feet above it.

Crossing the **Welch Ditch bridge**. Photo looks S.

The Welch Ditch Trail would eventually lead back down to the concrete path close to the first bridge near the start, making a loop possible. So, why not take it? At one point, rock climbers were practicing scaling the cliffs next to the trail.

On the **Welch Ditch Trail**. Photo looks NE.

After completing the loop, it was back to Hotel Dixie. What was left of the evening was spent relaxing while enjoying the many amenities of civilization. One more blissful night in the Cowboy Room would be it.

Civilization is awesome, SPHP, but we’re in Colorado! Big mountains are calling!

They are, Loopster! I feel it, too, but the mountains can wait a bit longer. Let’s settle in for a good night’s snooze, followed bright and early by a hearty breakfast, first.

Sounds like a plan, SPHP.

Lupe closed her eyes, twitching a little as she drifted off to adventures in Dingo Dreamland.

**Lupe’s Silver Dollar Lake Trail GPS Track**

Links:

Next Adventure Prior Adventure

Lupe’s Scrollable Silver Dollar Lake Trail GPS Track

Lupe’s Scrollable White Ranch Park GPS Track

Lupe’s Scrollable Clear Creek Canyon Park GPS Track

Want more Lupe adventures? Choose from Lupe’s Master Peak Map, Summer of 2024 Dingo Vacations to Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Canada & Alaska Adventure Index, Dingo Vacations Adventure Index or Master Adventure Index. Or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures.

Clark Peak, Medicine Bow Mountains, Colorado (6-17-24)

Days 1 & 2 of Lupe’s 1st Summer of 2024 Dingo Vacation to Colorado, Utah, Wyoming & Montana!

6-16-24, 7:48 AM – Nothing so rare as a day in June, except perhaps that one special day each year when the very start of a certain Carolina Dog’s fun-filled, action-packed, annual Dingo Vacations arrives! However, it wasn’t until the middle of June that Lupe noticed the tell-tale signs.

Yesterday, a storm had caused delays, but all systems were go now on a beautiful summer morning. Lupe looked thoughtful resting on her pink blanket as SPHP began backing the RAV4 out of the driveway.

So, where are we going this year, SPHP?

Colorado first, Loopster!

Sounds fabulous, SPHP! Plenty of awesome mountains in Colorado! What’s our first peakbagging objective?

Actually, we’re going to start out with a Lists of John peak we haven’t been to in the Black Hills before we’re even out of South Dakota, Looper. Won’t take us long at all. It’s an easy one, not that far from the route we’ll be taking into Wyoming.

Oh, well, it will be nice to tag it then, SPHP, but I meant what’s our first major objective?

Clark Peak (12,955 ft.), Loop, the high point of Jackson County, Colorado, and highest point of the Medicine Bow Mountains.

Wait, what? Isn’t Medicine Bow Peak in Wyoming the high point of the Medicine Bow Mountains, SPHP?

Nope. Medicine Bow Peak is the high point of the Snowy Range, Loopster, which is one of the ranges within the Medicine Bow Mountains. Clark Peak is more than 900 feet higher.

An ambitious start then for us, SPHP! After the Lists of John peak, that is.

Yeah, hope we’re up to it, Loop!

What’s this “we” business, SPHP? You know I’ll get there.

Glad to see you haven’t changed, Looper. Not going to cut me any slack, are you?

After brief stops at Song Dog Road and near the Lists of John peak in the Black Hills, the RAV4 sped through long stretches of familiar territory. In Wyoming, Lupe contented herself with barking at cows, horses, and the occasional pronghorn. Her next opportunity to escape the RAV4 for a few minutes came at the scenic rock formations N of Manville.

The **scenic escarpment** N of Manville, Wyoming. Photo looks SE.

Hwy 230 SW of Laramie, was unfamiliar territory. Lupe got to explore a bit of this new region when SPHP needed to stretch, and stopped at the Woods Creek trailhead. By late afternoon, the American Dingo was S of Walden, Colorado pondering a line of big mountains off to the E.

Which one is Clark Peak, SPHP?

Must be the big one in the middle, Loop.

**Clark Peak** (Center). Photo looks ENE.

6-17-24, 7:25 AM – Almost immediately after taking County Road No. 41 from a curve along Hwy 14, a State Forest State Park entrance station had appeared. After paying the required $10.00 fee for a daily vehicle pass, SPHP had then driven E on No. 41 well above the N shore of North Michigan Reservoir. Once beyond the reservoir, No. 41 curved N. After going another mile, SPHP began watching for an expected R turn E or SE onto Ruby Jewel Road.

Lupe now stood before an open green metal gate near a roomy, empty parking area, an excellent, though narrow, dirt road proceeding beyond the gate.

Ruby Jewel Road, I presume, SPHP?

The signage was clear.

Indubitably, Sweet Puppy. Nice that the gate’s open.

Start of **Ruby Jewel Road**. Photo looks SE.

6-17-24, 8:08 AM, 55ºF – After driving through the gate, Ruby Jewel Road had begun to deteriorate only a mile in. Looked worse ahead beyond a junction with Frisco Loop Road. Eh, this was good enough. SPHP parked the RAV4, and got the pack ready. Lupe was raring to go!

Parked along **Ruby Jewel Road**. **Frisco Loop Road** junction just ahead. Photo looks N.

Which way, SPHP?

We just keep following Ruby Jewel Road, Looper.

Heading N on Ruby Jewel Road, it became a steeper, rather rocky incline right after passing Frisco Loop Road on the L, but wasn’t as bad as what SPHP had expected. The road soon topped out and curved ENE. A high spot near this curve provided a view of Clark Peak (12,955 ft.) flanked by Peak 12667 on the L, and Pipit Peak (12,432 ft.) on the R.

**Peak 12667** (L), **Clark Peak** (Center), **Pipit Peak** (R). Photo looks NE.

From this minor high point, Ruby Jewel Road led back into the forest. Lupe crossed a couple of seasonal streams as the road undulated up and down a bit. The Carolina Dog was gradually gaining elevation when she came to a small clearing partially enclosed by a log fence. Signage at the far end indicated that this was the 2WD trailhead.

A 4WD road continued on through the forest.

Crossing a **seasonal stream**. Photo looks ENE.

At the **2WD trailhead**. Photo looks NE.

Start of the **4WD extension** of **Ruby Jewel Road**. Photo looks ENE.

We could have driven this far, SPHP.

Hmm. So it seems, Loopster. It’s a bit confusing. The map in the brochure I picked up back at the park fee station clearly shows the end of the 2WD road close to where we parked the RAV4.

Whatever. Didn’t matter now. Lupe began following the 4WD portion of Ruby Jewel Road, which soon steepened a bit. Before long, the sound of madly rushing water was coming from the dense forest on the L side of the road.

Must be the South Fork of the Canadian River, Loop.

Sounds powerful! Are we going to have to ford it, SPHP?

Yup, unless there’s a bridge.

Around a bend, suddenly the South Fork of the Canadian River was right there. No bridge, but the river wasn’t nearly as big as it sounded. The pool of water at the ford was tranquil, and only a foot deep.

This river is just a creek, SPHP. Easily forded!

Even that wasn’t necessary. A mere 20 feet upstream, 2 short logs and a pallet provided a makeshift bridge. Lupe got her paws wet only because she waded in for a drink.

The **easy ford** at the **South Fork of the Canadian River**. Photo looks NE.

Beyond the river, Ruby Jewel Road wound NNE, climbing steadily for 0.75 mile. Along one stretch, Clark Peak came back into view, still a long way up. Shortly before reaching the 4WD trailhead in a big flat area, Lupe passed 3 large trees that had fallen across the road, blocking the way for any vehicles.

As a result, not too surprisingly, the 4WD trailhead was completely empty when Lupe reached it. Not a soul was around. The Ruby Jewel Trail left the trailhead going N as a broad single-track. Signage said it was now only 1.5 miles to Ruby Jewel Lake.

**Clark Peak** (R of Center). Photo looks NE.

Start of the **Ruby Jewel Trail** as it leaves the **4WD trailhead**. Photo looks N.

The trail quickly crossed 2 tributaries of the South Fork of the Canadian River. Up here, there were bridges, which was mighty convenient. Once across both streams, the trail began switchbacking NW up a steep slope. Numerous snowbanks still melting away in the forest extended over the trail. Lupe didn’t mind in the least. She enjoyed chomping mouthfuls of snow as she went over them.

On the **first bridge**, which was very close to the trailhead. Photo looks NNE.

Crossing the **second bridge**. Photo looks N.

There were lots of them! Photo looks WSW.

After gaining 150 feet of elevation on the switchbacks, the Ruby Jewel Trail flattened out and briefly headed into a sunnier, more open area. The S end of the giant ridge W of Ruby Jewel Lake was now directly ahead.

**S end of the ridge W of Ruby Jewel Lake** (Center), **Clark Peak** (R). Photo looks NNE.

This is gorgeous territory, SPHP!

Indeed, Sweet Puppy! That’s why we’re here.

Heading toward the huge ridge, the trail re-entered the forest. Lupe was soon climbing again. The trail turned ENE, preserving a reasonable rate of climb as the terrain steepened. Upon reaching a snowfield covering a big rockslide, the Ruby Jewel Trail vanished beneath the snow. Although there were a few footprints along the edge of the snowfield, there was no clear indication of where the trail went from here.

Along the edge of the snowfield. Photo looks ESE.

Huh. Just keep going, Loop, I guess.

Across the snow, SPHP?

Yeah. It’s not that steep. No doubt we’ll find the trail again somewhere on the other side.

The American Dingo kept climbing as she crossed the snowfield. No tracks at all in the snow out here, but there was quite a view back to the SSW, including a good look at Margi’s Knoll (11,049 ft.), which Lupe had just gone by. In unfamiliar territory, SPHP didn’t know the names of any of the big snow-capped peaks visible way off in the distance.

Crossing the snowfield. **Margi’s Knoll** (R edge). Photo looks SSW.

Climbing more steeply, Lupe reached a rocky, snow-free area, which led to another snowfield above. Still no sign of the trail, but it looked like a flatter region was only a little higher. The Carolina Dog rediscovered the trail in a snow-free area as soon as she got there. Pipit Peak (12,432 ft.) was now in sight off to the E along the ridge S of Clark Peak.

Approaching the flatter region (R) after climbing both snowfields. Photo looks ESE.

Back on the **Ruby Jewel Trail**. **Pipit Peak** (Center). Photo looks ESE.

The valley Lupe was now in W of Pipit Peak was broad, fairly flat, and mostly open, despite scattered stands of evergreens. Melting snowfields, boggy regions, and bushes all covered substantial portions of the valley floor.

Staying near the NW edge of the enormous valley, the Ruby Jewel Trail soon began to curve N. Lupe was climbing again, the trail frequently disappearing beneath more snow. This time, tracks showed where the trail went during a romp up another big snowfield.

Wouldn’t have mattered if they hadn’t. Above the snowfields, a steep, grassy slope brought Lupe to the top of a small ridge. Just off to the NW, still mostly buried beneath snow and ice, there was Ruby Jewel Lake, nestled in a cirque S of Peak 12667.

On the **W side of the valley W of Pipit Peak**. **Clark Peak** (L of Center). Photo looks NE.

Another snowy romp higher. **Margi’s Knoll** (far R). Photo looks SW.

Arriving at **Ruby Jewel Lake**. Photo looks NW.

6-17-24, 10:49 AM, 54ºF, Ruby Jewel Lake – While back down in the forest during the 1,800 foot ascent to reach this lovely spot, a wind had started blowing up in the treetops. At first, it had scarcely affected the Carolina Dog, but up here among exposed bedrock, boulders, and low vegetation, Lupe stood in a stiff, chilly 20 to 25 mph breeze blowing up from the S.

SPHP shook Lupe’s paw.

Congratulations, Loopster, on making it to Ruby Jewel Lake! Quite a gem, isn’t it?

Dazzling, SPHP! But mind if we get out of this wind and enjoy a chocolate coconut bar while we admire the views?

Great minds think alike, Looper! Let’s do it. Although I think I forgot to bring a chocolate coconut bar, now that you mention it.

No chocolate coconut bars? So much for your great mind, SPHP.

A low ridge of bedrock adjacent to a stand of stunted evergreens along the S shore of the lake provided the only shelter available, and happily did cut the wind somewhat. Lupe got a duck jerky and Taste of the Wild in lieu of a chocolate coconut bar, while SPHP had a strawberry Equate and Dots.

Beyond the N end of Ruby Jewel Lake, Peak 12677 towered above it, the mountain’s long, massive S ridge completely protecting the W shore. SE of Peak 12677, the broad saddle between it and Clark Peak was in sight. An open slope leading up to the saddle looked plenty steep. Grassy and no obstacles, though, and not steep to the point of being scary.

We’re going to have to get up to that saddle, if we’re going to climb Clark Peak, aren’t we, SPHP?

Yeah, that’s the intention, Looper. We also could have climbed Pipit Peak’s W ridge, and headed N from Pipit, but in that case, we should have crossed the valley below and already begun climbing the ridge, instead of coming all this way.

And miss out on seeing Ruby Jewel Lake? No, this route is better, SPHP. However, I wonder what this wind is going to be like up at that saddle? Might be a hurricane!

Entirely possible. After a pleasant half hour break near the SE corner of Ruby Jewel Lake, there was only one way to find out.

Onward! Puppy, ho!

Trotting N near the snowy E shore of Ruby Jewel Lake, the American Dingo was soon beyond the lake, beginning her 1000 foot ascent to the saddle. Really not all that steep at first, but it didn’t take long for that to change. Views became more spectacular every step of the way.

Along the **E shore of Ruby Jewel Lake**. Photo looks SSW.

A **Dingo’s-eye view** as the ascent to the saddle begins. Photo looks SSW.

**Cornices** along Peak 6779’s S ridge. Photo looks NW with help from the telephoto lens.

Heading NE, Lupe never complained during the steep ascent, no doubt because SPHP kept pausing to gasp for air, even though it seemed like there was a great plenty of it about. The S wind came in increasingly powerful gusts, reprieves between them never lasting more than a few seconds.

Exhibiting great patience, the Carolina Dog led the way, often stopping to check if SPHP was actually still coming, or not. Each time SPHP paused, Lupe came running down to encourage SPHP during a chest-heaving survey of the view of Ruby Jewel Lake following the most recent bit of progress. As soon as SPHP recovered enough to resume the ascent, Lupe roamed with confidence right back up the slope.

At last, the rate of climb began to diminish. The saddle didn’t appear to be much farther. Heh, an illusion. More ground kept appearing above, extending the wearying trudge.

Approaching the **saddle between Peak 12677 and Clark Peak**. Photo looks NE.

Eh, maybe not. Still a ways to go. Photo looks NE.

A glance back at **Ruby Jewel Lake** (R of Center) after making substantial progress. Photo looks SSW.

The climb couldn’t go on forever, though. Eventually SPHP managed to stagger up to the broad, gently rounded saddle. However, this success meant virtually nothing. The wind now roared through this pass from out of the SW at 40 to 50 miles an hour. Pre-ascent notions of possibly also climbing Peak 12677 prior to Clark Peak were abandoned.

Without hesitating, the American Dingo turned SE, starting up another slope as steep as the one she’d just climbed. Clark Peak’s unseen summit was still somewhere nearly 700 feet above.

Above the saddle, climbing **Clark Peak’s NW slope**. Photo looks SE.

Gravity and wind were the only real obstacles. After gaining several hundred feet of elevation, the slope wasn’t as steep. Surprisingly, even the wind began to diminish. Off to the N, small lakes were visible below a string of snowy peaks leading to South Rawah Peak (12,653 ft.).

**Peak 12677** (L), **South Rawah Peak** (R). Photo looks NNW.

Starting to look like we might actually make it up this beast, Loopster.

C’mon, SPHP. Let’s get there!

*This way, SPHP! It’s getting easier!* Photo looks SE.

6-17-24, 1:56 PM, 56ºF, Clark Peak (12,955 ft.) – The wind was a mere 15-20 mph out of the S when Lupe reached a nearly flat, N/S oriented, summit ridge roughly 400 feet long and 40 feet wide. Near the N end, a 2.5 foot high rock windbreak was situated along the W edge. Opposite this windbreak, Lupe now stood perched on one of a pair of big rocks along the E edge.

Looks like this is it, SPHP – the true summit of Clark Peak!

No doubt about it, Loopster! Congratulations on your successful ascent of mighty Clark Peak, high point of the Medicine Bow Mountains!

And the Jackson County, Colorado high point, too, SPHP.

But, of course! How could I ever forget?

How? I suppose just like how you forgot the chocolate coconut bars, SPHP. You forgot them easily enough.

Still sore about that, Looper? I’ll make it up to you. Let’s go sit over by the windbreak. The wind’s still kind of annoying.

The windbreak helped a little. Might have helped even more, if SPHP had sat inside of it, instead of just outside, but then the Carolina Dog wouldn’t have been able to see the views.

In order to compensate for the lack of chocolate coconut bars, SPHP awarded Lupe 2 duck jerkies, plus Taste of the Wild and water, then sat devouring most of the rest of the Dots.

Tremendous views in all directions! Far beyond South Rawah Peak, big snow-capped peaks were on the NNW horizon.

That’s got to be the Snowy Range back in Wyoming, isn’t it, SPHP?

Oh, I think so, Loopster. Not 100% certain, but I’d almost bet money that the biggest mountain on the L is Medicine Bow Peak.

**South Rawah Peak** (R). **Medicine Bow Peak** slightly L beyond it? Photo looks NNW.

Another angle. **South Rawah Peak** (L). **Timber Lake** (lower R). Photo looks N.

The territory to the NE was all lower. Directly E, part of Chambers Lake and most of Barnes Meadow Reservoir were in sight. SE, several big peaks well beyond the dam forming the Joe Wright Reservoir drew the eye. Even farther away, more toward the SSW, a real monster stood out.

What peaks are those, SPHP?

Not completely sure, Loop. Best guess is that the 3 big peaks clustered to the SE are Hagues Peak (13,565 ft.), Fairchild Mountain (13,505 ft.), and Ypsilon Mountain (13,511 ft.).

And the giant one, SPHP?

Think that’s got to be Longs Peak (14,257 ft.), Looper.

**Hagues Peak** (L), **Ypsilon Mountain** (Center), with **Fairchild Mountain** between them? **Longs Peak** (R). Photo looks SE.

**Hagues Peak** (L), **Fairchild Mountain** (Center), and Ypsilon Mountain (R). Photo looks SE with help from the telephoto lens.

**Longs Peak** (Center). Photo looks SSW with lots of help from the telephoto lens.

Many more beautiful snowy peaks were toward the S, but SPHP couldn’t really positively identify any of them. Lowlands stretched away toward the SW. Disappointingly, there was no view of Ruby Jewel Lake from Clark Peak’s summit. Two large groups of mountains were beyond an enormous wide valley to the W. While quite high, even with some snow on them, they didn’t look all that rugged from a distance.

Suddenly, a marmot stirred the American Dingo to action! Dashing over to the E edge, Lupe searched among the rocks, her tail waving excitedly in the wind, but the marmot had vanished. Losing interest, Lupe joined SPHP in an exploration of the entire summit ridge, discovering a survey marker with an arrow on it before returning to the windbreak.

N end of the **Clark Peak summit region**. **South Rawah Peak** (L), **windbreak** (Center), **true summit boulders** (R). Photo looks N.

Back by the **rock wall windbreak**. Photo looks N.

6-17-24, 3:09 PM – Summit hour and more had flown. If anything, the wind was getting stronger as Lupe started down Clark Peak’s S ridge. Soon what should have been a pleasant trek to Pipit Peak (12,432 ft.) was becoming increasingly tense. SPHP had to use poles as braces to maintain balance as powerful gusts came roaring across the ridge from out of the SW.

Starting down the **S ridge**. **Pipit Peak** and **Peak 12390** (R) in sunlight. Photo looks S.

A quick glance back at the **S end of Clark Peak’s summit ridge**. Photo looks N.

The wind wasn’t the only problem. Discovering that the iPhone’s battery was down to 2%, SPHP saved Lupe’s GPS track before it died, ending the track prematurely.

Sheesh! We need an extra battery, or some kind of extra external battery pack to boost the iPhone on these longer treks, Loop.

Good grief! Take action, SPHP! They must sell them. Why not invest in one? Not like this is the first time the iPhone has died on you.

Yeah, I know. The iPhone has a hard time keeping up with an American Dingo. Come to think of it, I do, too.

Approaching the saddle leading to Pipit Peak, the wind was ferocious. Although Lupe hadn’t encountered any trails on her way up Clark Peak after leaving Ruby Jewel Lake, a well-defined use trail here ran along the lee side of the ridge slightly below the crest. As this trail began angling closer to the ridgeline, a sudden blast struck with such irresistible fury that it hurled SPHP to the ground despite being braced for it. Even the Carolina Dog was nearly toppled.

Somewhat frighteningly, the hurricane gust did not let up. Pinned on all fours, SPHP couldn’t get back up again, forced to cling desperately to the ground while getting sandblasted. Lupe was OK, having retreated down the E side of the ridge a little way.

This way, SPHP! It’s not so windy down here!

Crawling lower, 10 feet was enough to make a tremendous difference. SPHP stood up. Ahead, E of the ridgeline, a big snowfield covered most of the territory leading to Pipit Peak.

Holy schmoley, Loopster! Good thing you like snow, cause we’re giving the ridgeline a wide berth the rest of the way to Pipit.

We’re lucky it wasn’t this windy up on Clark Peak, SPHP.

Yeah. We never would have made it up there.

Approaching **Pipit Peak** (Center). Photo looks S.

The snowy romp to Pipit Peak was still plenty breezy, but away from the W edge of the ridge, nothing even close to that super gust occurred.

6-17-24, 4:07 PM, 60ºF, Pipit Peak (12,432 ft.) – Only a bit over 200 feet of gain, but the trudge to the top had been wearying. A short break was in order as Lupe arrived at a smallish, flat, rather rocky summit. SPHP took a single photo looking back at Clark Peak with the iPhone, and the battery promptly gave up the ghost.

**Peak 12677** (L), **Clark Peak** (R of Center) from **Pipit Peak**. Photo looks N.

Along the W edge, a relentless 50 mph gale was shooting skyward from the steep slope below. Sitting only a few feet away, the wind was a much more tolerable 15 mph, swirling in from completely unpredictable and ever-changing directions. SPHP finished the box of Dots. Meanwhile, Lupe munched the last of the Taste of the Wild. Ruby Jewel Lake was in view from here.

**Ruby Jewel Lake** (Center), **Peak 12677** (R). Photo looks NW.

6-17-24, 4:19 PM – A short break, but it was enough, the Carolina Dog was ready for action! Time to get down out of the wind once and for all. In order to do that, though, first meant a long, descent braving the gale on the W side of the ridge. Nevertheless, Lupe started down Pipit Peak’s SW slope. Under more favorable conditions, it would have been easy to tag nearby Peak 12,390‘s summit, too. No thought of that today!

Starting the descent from **Pipit**. **Peak 12,390** (Center). Photo looks S.

Venturing down the open slopes, there was no protection at all from the wind, but, as expected, it gradually diminished as Lupe lost elevation. Roaming at will, a 1,000 foot descent brought the American Dingo to a more gradually sloping W ridge where a long snowbank clinging to the N rim prevented a descent into the valley below. Continuing W, a spot was eventually found where it was possible to get past this snowbank, and down to a trail that switchbacked lower.

Heading into the **valley W of Pipit Peak**. **Peak 12677** (R).

Once in the valley, Lupe explored NW, crossing more snowfields, fording several streams, and struggling through various bogs and dense thickets of bushes. The effort was all worth it when she finally reached the Ruby Jewel Trail again. Still miles to go, but now out of the wind with good trail and roads to follow, the rest would be easy. (End 7:39 PM)

On **Clark Peak**, high point of the Medicine Bow Mountains, Colorado 6-17-24

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