10-9-25, 12:30 PM – What a ruckus! Both thrilled and amazed, Lupe was barking frantically. Not to be outdone, Cousin Dixie was barking while leaping for joy. Oh, happy day! Uncle Joe, Aunt Andrea and Cousin Dixie had just arrived from Colorado.
Hotel Lupe’s welcome package included ice cream for all. Outdoor fun commenced a short while later with a Geyser Loop romp through the park. Excited as she could be, Cousin Dixie kept dashing in and out of a mucky stream, repeatedly emerging as a black-pawed Aussie.
10-10-25, 10:21 AM – As expected, after getting all settled in at Hotel Lupe yesterday, the main event of every subsequent day that Cousin Dixie was around was destined to feature at least one adventure in the Black Hills. After breakfast, Uncle Joe had asked SPHP for suggestions on something easy, scenic, and not too long to start out with.
How about a hike around Sylvan Lake? This proposition was readily agreed to by all.
Uncle Joe, Aunt Andrea, Cousin Dixie and Lupe at Sylvan Lake. Photo looks NNW.
Sylvan Lake was an excellent idea! However, upon arrival, unexpected trail maintenance made fully executing the loop plan impossible. The portion of the trail around the lake that went below the dam was closed. No loop for the Loopster, or anyone else, permitted!
Nothing to do but make the best of the situation. A horseshoe pattern would still work! Starting out along the SW side of the lake close to the store’s parking lot, Lupe led everyone NW along the broad gravel path that went to the dam.
Sylvan Lake. The dam is toward the L over by the line of rocks. Photo looks NW.Lupe near the dam, which is just beyond the rock she’s on. Photo looks NE.
After visiting the dam, everyone headed back counter-clockwise almost clear around the lake over to rock formations that weren’t that far from the other end of the dam.
Joe, Dixie and Lupe on rock formations at the other end of the horseshoe. Photo looks WSW.
After taking in the view, this end of the horseshoe also had to be retraced clear back to Shadow waiting at the parking lot. Fine and dandy, happily the horseshoe technique had worked. Never really was any doubt about it. However, there had been another drawback to the Sylvan Lake trail. Quite justifiably, a throng of other people and dogs were at this popular destination. Cousin Dixie really would have preferred to be freer to roam and burn off some 2 year old Aussie energy.
Heading back to Shadow at the parking lot. Photo looks NE.
So where to? Even having to do nearly the entire Sylvan Lake loop trail twice hadn’t taken long at all. Plenty of time to explore another trail.
Lots of terrific trails are accessible from the Sylvan Lake area, but they would likely be busy, too. No worries! SPHP had the answer – a trek along Centennial Trail No. 89, either N or S, from the Iron Creek Horse Camp trailhead. A bit of a drive, but a very scenic one along Needles Highway No. 87. Wouldn’t take that long to get there, and cousins Dixie and Lupe would own the trail! SPHP was sure of it.
10-10-25, 11:46 AM, Iron Creek Horse Camp Trailhead, Centennial Trail No. 89 – Ahh, yes! This was looking good! Shadow was the only vehicle in the small parking lot at the trailhead. The only question now was, which way? N farther into the Black Elk Wilderness, or S away from it?
N into the wilderness was more scenic – full of big granite formations. On the other paw, S would be easier terrain. Really nothing too difficult either way, and complete privacy was highly likely in both directions.
Centennial Trail No. 89 at the Iron Creek Horse Camp trailhead. Photo looks NE.
N it was, by unanimous consent! Following the trail up over a small rise, it then quickly descended to Iron Creek. Dixie promptly waded into a mucky pool upstream of a makeshift bridge. This experience was much to Cousin Dixie’s liking, even if not greeted with the same enthusiasm by Uncle Joe and Aunt Andrea.
Cousin Muddy Paws emerging from Iron Creek. Photo looks N.Crossing the makeshift “bridge”. Photo looks E.
Temporarily muddy paws were no big deal. The adventure continued! Some fall colors were on display, although admittedly already past their prime. Centennial Trail No. 89 wound gradually higher through a quiet valley. Soon enough, the trail steepened, climbing into the region of big granite formations.
Approaching one of the first big granite formations.
A short break was taken near one of the smaller rock formations. Uncle Joe provided water, cheese sticks, and energy bars to interested parties. SPHP had apples available. Continuing on, the trail wound past more rock formations, eventually coming to a junction where Centennial Trail No. 89 shared a short stretch ahead with Grizzly Creek Trail No. 7.
Andrea and Dixie near one of the smaller granite formations. Photo looks W.The whole pack at the junction of Centennial Trail No. 89 (R) and Grizzly Creek Trail No. 7 (L). Photo looks SE.
It was only a few hundred feet to where the trails parted ways again. At this point there was some discussion of which route to take from here, or whether to simply call this good, and head back?
Decision time! Grizzly Creek Trail No. 7 (L), Centennial Trail No. 89 (R), or back to the Iron Creek Horse Camp trailhead? Photo looks W.
Sticking with Centennial Trail No. 89 a little farther won out.
Exploring Centennial Trail No. 89 a bit farther. Photo looks NNE.
0.3 mile led to a minor pass, which became the turnaround point. This pass was nearly to a junction with the Centennial Bypass Trail, which goes to the picnic ground on Iron Mountain(5,451 ft.). However, that destination would have been significantly farther.
At minor Pass 5340, the turnaround point. Photo looks S.
On the way back, another stop was made at the granite formation where the rest break had been taken earlier. No food, this time. Instead a bit of scrambling around on the rocks was in order. It was view appreciation time! (End 10-10-25, 2:15 PM)
Lupe and Joe checking out the views. Photo looks W.Admiring a massive granite formation after a bit of scrambling. Photo looks NE.
10-11-25, 10:03 AM – Since Centennial Trail No. 89 had been such a hit yesterday, SPHP suggested another trail, even more remote, for today’s romp in the Black Hills. Nearly a year and a half ago, Dixie, Joe, Andrea and Lupe had set out along Deerfield Lake Loop Trail No. 40L from the Gold Run trailhead, and explored a section of the 11 mile long loop that circumnavigates the entire lake.
Why not pick up from where Dixie and the gang had left off back then? The Deerfield Reservoir dam would be only 2 or 3 miles farther. Lupe had actually been there with her friend Poppy in late April this year. It was an easy trek.
So that became the plan. Dixie was thrilled to be off-leash in the Black Hills again! Trails close to where she lives in Colorado are much more restrictive.
Lupe, Andrea, Joe and Dixie on Deerfield Lake Loop Trail No. 40L. Photo looks NNE.
Starting near Deerfield Cove Road (USFS Road No. 607), Deerfield Lake Loop Trail No. 40L was a gentle downhill stroll virtually all the way to Castle Creek. A tiny stream that was easily rock-hopped a couple of times was the only obstacle along the way.
Deerfield Lake Loop Trail No. 40L followed the old USFS Road No. 607.1B roadbed most of the way. Super easy!Arriving at Castle Creek. Photo looks NW.
Castle Creek went through a culvert, so there was no need to ford it. Just beyond Castle Creek, a short stint on USFS Road No. 307 led to a view of the Deerfield Reservoir discharge pipes from the gaging station at the base of the dam. Water shot out of the duel pipes with impressive force.
Castle Creek exiting the base of the Deerfield Reservoir dam. Photo looks WSW.
A steepish side road with a single big switchback provided easy access to the top of the dam.
Heading up the dam access road. Photo looks NW.
The best view of Deerfield Reservoir was over at the SE end of the dam. An open slope nearby was a good spot to take a break.
Crossing the dam. Break spot is on the grassy slope at Center. Photo looks ESE.Best dam view of Deerfield Reservoir. Photo looks WSW.Taking a break on the hillside overlooking Deerfield Reservoir. Photo looks SW.
Once again, Uncle Joe provided cheese sticks and energy bars. SPHP still had apples available, plus water and Taste of the Wild for the dogs. Not entirely satisfied, Lupe and Dixie selfishly conspired to devour most of SPHP’s cheese stick, too.
Back in April, when Lupe had been here with Poppy, HV & LV, she’d gone as far as the end of the N bay, which really wasn’t all that much farther. Today, when the rest break was over, everyone headed back across the dam in that general direction, but only went as far as the first hill NW of the dam. From there, a circle was made back to the E in order to pick up Deerfield Lake Loop Trail No. 40L again.
Starting the trek S back to Shadow, this part of the trail went right by a terrific view of the Deerfield Reservoir dam with Castle Creek below it. (End, 10-11-25, 12:51 PM)
Deerfield Reservoir dam and Castle Creek. Photo looks SW.
Once back at Shadow, that was it for today’s adventure in the Black Hills, but Uncle Joe had another plan up his sleeve. He’d brought his portable ham radio, and wanted to make some ham contacts from Dinosaur Hill(3,673 ft.) in Rapid City.
Evidently, Cousin Dixie and Aunt Andrea weren’t much into ham radio. They preferred spending the rest of their day relaxing at Hotel Lupe. However, fondly remembering the glory days of Uncle Joe’s ham radio adventures from various Black Hills peaks with Summits on the Air, Lupe and SPHP tagged along.
Dinosaur Hill wasn’t the best ham radio spot. Farther S along Skyline Drive, the ridge Dinosaur Hill was part of was even higher. Better yet, there was even a parking lot right up on the crest of the ridge.
After attaching a 17 foot long telescoping antenna to the top of his car with a magnetic base, it wasn’t long before Uncle Joe was ready to start transmitting and receiving.
Uncle Joe running a fly-by-afternoon ham radio operation up on Skyline Drive.Uncle Joe’s Elecraft KX3 Transceiver.
Unfortunately, no Summits on the Air operation today. Years ago, Uncle Joe had lost his ability to log into that system under his old account for some unknown reason. That meant no huge radio traffic jam of other ham operators trying to make contact with him. Nevertheless, Joe did make successful Morse Code contacts with other ham radio operators in Pennsylvania, Nevada, Arizona, and California.
While Joe entertained himself with the radio, Lupe and SPHP admired the views of Rapid City and the Black Hills.
Rapid City from Skyline Drive with Black Elk Peak (L of Center) in the distance. Photo looks SW.
10-12-25, 1:33 PM – How time flies when you’re having fun! Cousin Dixie’s last day in the Black Hills before having to head back home to Arvada, Colorado had already arrived. A scenic jaunt from the Spring Creek trailhead up to Centennial Trail No. 89 at the Sheridan Lake dam was on tap this afternoon as Dixie’s final adventure of this visit.
Setting out from the Spring Creek trailhead off Sheridan Lake Road. Photo looks SW.
The trail to Sheridan Lake began with a bit of rockiness along Spring Creek, but once past that one spot, this was another super easy route.
At the one and only rocky spot. Photo looks WSW.Beyond the rocky spot with smooth sailing along Spring Creek. Photo looks SW.
Most of this spur trail wasn’t that close to Spring Creek as it wound up a deep valley. However, it did cross the creek at several points along the way. Lupe and SPHP hadn’t been here in a while, and were surprised to see new, gently arched bridges with handrails at each crossing.
Joe, Andrea, and Dixie on the first bridge. Photo looks W.Andrea demonstrates her bridge-crossing technique.A scenic spot along the way. Photo looks NE.The last bridge. Photo looks W.
Part of Sheridan Lake dam was already visible from the last bridge over Spring Creek. Once up to it, everyone crossed the dam to return to a spot previously reached along Centennial Trail No. 89 while coming from the Dakota Point trailhead during Cousin Dixie’s last visit in October, 2024.
Approaching the Sheridan Lake dam (R). Photo looks W.Up on the dam. Photo looks SW.
Heading back across the dam, the plan was to continue S on Centennial Trail No. 89 along the SE shore of Sheridan Lake. Actually, somewhat above it. Most of the time, the trail stayed 20 to 30 feet above lake level.
Heading back to the S end of the dam. Photo looks SW.Sheridan Lake from the S end of the dam. Photo looks WNW.Andrea checks out a fairly elaborate makeshift shelter near the trail.Andrea and Joe on Centennial Trail No. 89 above the SE shore of Sheridan Lake. Photo looks WSW.
The whole pack got almost to the Flume trailhead at Blue Wing before turning back. And that was it for Cousin Dixie’s adventures in the Black Hills with Lupe on this visit. One last evening of fun and togetherness at Hotel Lupe remained, but farewells were destined to take place shortly after dawn tomorrow morning. (End 10-12-25, 3:47 PM)
Oh, it had all been such fun! Lupe and SPHP look forward to hosting Uncle Joe, Aunt Andrea, and Cousin Dixie at Hotel Lupe again.
Together at Sylvan Lake, Black Hills of South Dakota 10-10-25.
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.
Anticipating a summer of adventure!
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.Signage near the gate.
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 Peak12667 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.On a snowbank. Photo looks WSW.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 Peak12667.
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.Already a long way up. Photo looks NW.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.
On Clark Peak. Photo looks S.
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 the windbreak. Photo looks SW.
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.
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.
Clark Peak survey benchmark.And a barely legible one with an arrow.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 Peak12,390‘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 6-17-24Lupe’s GPS track (partial)
