9:40 AM – Down in the living room, Lupe was raising a ruckus.
Mark’s here, SPHP!
Oh, I knew we could count on him, Loopster. I’ll be right there.
Lupe greeted Mark with such tremendous enthusiasm when SPHP let him in that Mark scarcely knew how to react. When the Carolina Dog calmed down, the conversation quickly turned to today’s destination, or more precisely, where would Mark like to go?
Although Mark had grown up in the Black Hills, he’d moved to Colorado decades ago, and asked SPHP for suggestions. Exactly what to propose was hard to say, due to his situation.
An avid traveler, skier, and hiker in some mighty scenic countries around the world, Mark had been through a hip replacement last fall that had gone wrong. Naturally athletic, he’d been reduced to a walker and crutches for months. As recently as only a couple of months ago, even managing a flight of stairs had still been difficult. However, a nerve that had been damaged was slowly healing, and Mark reported that he could now amble several miles without much pain.
Hmm. Something scenic with a decent trail, a little on the ambitious side, yet not too far, seemed to be the parameters that needed to be met.
SPHP’s first suggestion was dead on arrival. Nope, not scenic enough! Mark had been there 5 or 6 years ago with another friend, and the big views really didn’t come until nearly the very end.
Well, there was an obviously better choice, but one that involved a little scrambling. Could Mark do that?
A no pain, no gain sort of guy, he was willing to try.
When SPHP proposed Little Devils Tower(6,981 ft.), Mark was nearly as enthusiastic as Lupe had been upon his arrival. A terrific idea! SPHP was surprised to learn that Mark had never been there before.
12:00 PM – Early June in the Black Hills. Sylvan Lake was a zoo! Every parking spot was taken. Vehicles even lined the Needles Highway during the short drive on the way to the Little Devils Tower trailhead. At the first opportunity, Mark parked the RAV4 alongside the road.
Not a great spot to begin for Mark’s hip, but he didn’t complain as Lupe led the way NE through fields and forest after crossing the highway. Managing to reach Little Devils Tower Trail No. 4 between Sylvan Lake and the Little Devils Tower trailhead without incident, Mark had no problem getting to the trailhead and starting up the valley beyond it.
The march up the valley was easy enough and busy. A steady stream of people and dogs went by. Lupe had countless opportunities to sniff and get acquainted. The valley was a mix of meadows, forest, scenic granite formations, and, near the start, even featured a tiny stream.
Mark & Lupe in the lower valley.
Ambling along with frequent short breaks, Mark and SPHP jabbered away on every topic under the sun while Lupe enjoyed the nonchalant pace. No one really took much notice as the trail steepened. When Trail No. 4 topped out, the spur to Little Devils Tower was right there.
Heading N, much of the 0.25 mile long spur was a gradual climb through mostly open territory, but once the big granite formations were reached, that all changed. A steeper climb between two granite walls ended at a minor pass. Immediately to the L, a 10 foot vertical scramble led up into a narrow crack.
Moment of truth! Mark passed with flying colors. SPHP gave Lupe a boost up the scrambly part, and the American Dingo managed the rest of the crack by herself. Emerging from the upper end of the crack, a nice view of Sylvan Hill(6,998 ft.) was off to the WSW.
Sylvan Hill (R of Center) from just above the first crack (lower L). Photo looks WSW.
This wasn’t the end of the scrambling, but none of what lay ahead was any worse than what Mark had already demonstrated his ability to deal with. SPHP had to smile. Mark was clearly enjoying the experience!
Pausing for a photo partway up. Photo looks NW.
Marked by blue diamonds, the spur trail continued higher, winding over solid granite to another passage that quickly led to a flat patch of dirt. From here, a second almost vertical scramble was all that remained.
Last scramble leading to the summit. Photo looks up!Mark contemplating the final scramble. Cathedral Spires (L & Center) beyond him. Photo looks SE.
Several people expressed amazement when Lupe scrambled up this last section all on her own. They didn’t realize that Mark’s successful ascent was actually the genuinely amazing accomplishment.
Mark near the top of the final scramble, while Lupe basks in all the praise. Photo looks SSE.
1:22 PM, 68ºF, Little Devils Tower(6,981 ft.) – During most of an hour spent relaxing while munching on a Subway sandwich and taking in the views, which were among the best the Black Hills have to offer, Mark confirmed this was by far the most difficult hike he’d been on since his hip replacement operation last September. He was doing fine, though, and very happy to be here. Little Devils Tower had been a great choice!
Black Elk Peak(7,231 ft.), South Dakota’s highest mountain, only a mile NNE was the main attraction. Other highlights included a spectacular view of the Cathedral Spires(6,907 ft.), and Sylvan Hill(6,998 ft.), the Custer County high point.
Black Elk Peak (R) from Little Devils Tower. Photo looks NNE.The magnificent Cathedral Spires, also known locally as The Needles. Photo looks SE.
2:19 PM – Panhandling chipmunks were conducting a lively business with the ever-changing crowd. The American Dingo cheerily appointed herself chief enforcer against this illicit trade, making SPHP nervous during her sudden dashes to the brink of destruction. Probably best to mosey on. Mark was satisfied, and Lupe’s traditional summit hour was almost over, anyway.
The descent was harder on Mark than the ascent had been. Moving slowly and cautiously, he appeared a bit fragile and unsteady. Lupe had plenty of time to pay more attention to the views, while still keeping an eye out for chipmunks.
Mark starting his descent. Photo looks SSE.Cathedral Spires (L), as seen during the descent. Photo looks SE.Mark heads down a passage between the steeper scrambles. Photo looks SW.Descending the crack above the last scramble. Photo looks SSE.
The descent went well. No mishaps. It wasn’t until Lupe was practically back at the Little Devils Tower trailhead that Mark finally admitted that his hip and arthritis were giving him some pain, although he insisted that the pain hadn’t set in until just the last 200 yards.
SPHP offered to retrieve the RAV4 while Mark waited at the trailhead, which would have been an easy thing to do, but Mark wouldn’t hear of it. However, he did prefer walking back to the RAV4 on Hwy 89 rather than take the lumpy overland route Lupe had led him on before.
3:30 PM, Sylvan Lake – The throng had thinned out a little. Volunteering to buy ice cream, Mark parked the RAV4 in front of the store, then went in to get it. When he returned, while Lupe laid in the shade of the pine trees, Mark and SPHP sat on a rock with a view of the lake consuming chocolate-flavored soft serve.
Despite the somewhat painful ending, Mark was very pleased with how today’s outing had gone. Pain and disability had been a big part of his life ever since last September, and Little Devils Tower had been a huge leap forward. He was greatly encouraged, and confident that he would soon be back close to normal.
June! Dingo Vacation time was almost here. Another week or so, and Lupe was going to be in Colorado! Mark invited Lupe and SPHP to stop in and visit. Another joint adventure was sure to result.
Seeing Mark again had been awesome! Knowing that he was rapidly on the mend was even better. SPHP promised that a feisty American Dingo would soon be on his doorstep.
Climbing Little Devils Tower with Mark Anderson, Black Hills of South Dakota 6-8-24Mark & Lupe’s GPS Track
11:09 AM, 46ºF, pullout on the E side of Hwy 385 – Last warm day before a big cooldown, with subzero temperatures expected by this weekend. Awesome right now, though, for a mid-January day, and Lupe was super excited! First Black Hills, SD Expedition of 2025, and the Carolina Dog was anxious to be underway.
Parked at a pullout along Hwy 385. Photo looks WSW.
Careful, Loopster! Stay close. There’s a ton of traffic.
Lupe knew how to cross a street, even a busy highway like this. Waiting until SPHP gave a green light, she then immediately dashed across all 4 lanes and started up the slope on the other side. After ducking under a barbed wire fence on a bank 20 feet above the highway, the American Dingo turned WSW up into the forest.
Not sure why there was even a fence here at all, Looper. My maps show this as all USFS land.
Snow and scattered small rock formations appeared in the sunlit forest as Lupe headed higher. A beautiful region, but noisy with the sound of all the traffic whizzing along Hwy 385.
Climbing through the sunlit forest. Photo looks WSW.
After gaining 200 feet of elevation, Lupe reached a flat region where a gravel road was visible a little farther W.
That road is part of a subdivision, Loop. We need to turn S here.
Turning S, Lupe climbed a short, snowier N slope. Within minutes, a top was just ahead.
Approaching the top of a snowier N slope. Photo looks SE.
False summit, SPHP.
So, I see. Keep going, Looper. Should level out up on this next rise.
One more minor slope ahead. Photo looks S.
Sure enough, this next rise led to a group of rocks in the middle of a flat, grassy clearing. Lupe promptly leapt onto a large flat stone lying on top of the biggest boulder. Much quieter up here, with some nifty views.
Atop the flat rock. Photo looks NW.
Well, that was easy, SPHP! How about a chocolate coconut bar?
Hah! Not yet, tricksy Dingo. We’re just getting started. Today’s objectives are still off to the S. You can already see them from here.
Peak 6208 (L) and Peak 6181 (R). Photo looks SSW.
Oh, so that’s where we’re going, SPHP? Those peaks aren’t all that far away. C’mon, let’s get to the first one! What’s it called, anyway?
Peak6208, Loop. According to the new Lidar information, that’s higher than what the old topo maps show. Officially 431 feet of prominence now, so I thought it would be a good one to tag for your first ascent of 2025.
Heading S for Peak 6208, Lupe discovered an old road almost as soon as she left the flat rock. The road was also going S, which made life easy. Just before getting to where she would have a clear view of Peak 6208, an enormous rock aimed steeply skyward appeared off to the R.
Following the old road. Peak 6208 (L), Peak 6181 (R). Photo looks SSW.
We’ve been here before, SPHP! I recognize that rock.
Yup, we visited Peak6181 once a long time ago, Loopster. Followed this very same road to it. Believe we named this rock, Artillery Rock.
I can see why, SPHP. Let’s check it out!
Artillery Rock (Center). Photo looks W.
Artillery Rock sat atop a small ridge along with another rock formation that was a bit farther SW. Going up there, Lupe explored around the W side of Artillery Rock. From this perspective, it didn’t really resemble an artillery piece at all, appearing much more like a massive wall, although still composed of layers perched at a steep angle.
Exploring the W side of Artillery Rock. Photo looks ESE.
After going clear around Artillery Rock, there was not only a good look at Peak 6208 as Lupe returned to the road, but of another massive rock formation rising at a steep slant on a hill to the SE.
Look at that, SPHP! Sort of like another Artillery Rock over there.
A second Artillery Rock (L)? Peak 6208 (R). Photo looks SSE.
Shoot, Loop. I thought Peak 6208 was going to be a cinch, but I’m kind of seeing some big, slanting rock formations among the trees up there, too. Starting to wonder if we’ll even be able to get to the summit?
Hopefully, the American Dingo wouldn’t have any problems scrambling to the top of whatever was actually up on Peak 6208, but upon realizing that Artillery Rock maybe wasn’t so unique in this region, confidence was no longer what it had been only minutes ago.
After reaching the road again, Lupe followed it to the base of Peak 6208 before abandoning it once more to start up the mountain.
Starting up Peak 6208. Photo looks SE.
A moderately steep N slope got Lupe to a broad region of tall pines and grass that sloped more gently up to the SE. Glimpses of several large rock formations were visible beyond the pines. While there were also some rock formations off to the W, it was already clear that Peak 6208’s summit was somewhere E or SE.
As Lupe headed toward the rock formation farthest E, concern grew. All of these outcroppings were pretty big and steeply inclined.
Even before the American Dingo got to where she was going, SPHP saw that a different formation a little more toward the SW was definitely Peak 6208’s true summit. Nevertheless, Lupe scrambled nearly all the way to the top of the formation she’d chosen.
Near the top of the NE high point. Photo looks ENE.
That’s not the summit, Loop! Can you see it from there? Look SW!
Sort of, but not really, SPHP. Too many trees in the way.
SPHP scrambled up after Lupe, with the same result.
OK, never mind. Let’s go back down, Loopster.
The true summit wasn’t far off. Soon Lupe was standing on some rocks below its overhanging N face. No way up here, that much was certain.
Next to Peak 6208’s summit block (Center). Photo looks S.
12:29 PM, 47ºF, Peak6208 – Circling around to the SW, the situation wasn’t much different. Lupe could easily get to within 15 or 20 feet of the top, but it looked dicey from there.
So close, and yet so far! Photo looks NE.
Stay there, Loopster! I’m coming up to take a look.
By heading toward the S face, Lupe could get another 3 or 4 feet higher, but that was it. The slope of the formation was simply too great to go straight up it, and peering around the corner, SPHP saw that the S face was even steeper, with a more than 100 foot drop to the forest below.
The upper, Dingo unfriendly, S face. Photo looks ENE.
Dang! Here I thought this was going to be cake, an easy success for you to start New Year 2025 off with, Loopster.
These Lidar peaks with all the newly discovered prominence that you’ve gotten so interested in recently are uncommonly tough, SPHP. We’re 0-2 on them now after the fail you set me up for on my birthday.
Yeah, I’m sorry, Looper. Not off to much of a start with them, are we?
Lupe went as high as she could safely go, which was much closer to the true summit than she’d been able to get back at Peak 6530, but even so, while Peak 6208 may have been close to a success, still no banana.
Worse yet, no chocolate coconut bar, either, SPHP!
As high as Lupe could go, contemplating a fail on her first peak of 2025. Photo looks S.Guess we can’t win ’em all, especially on these Lidar peaks, huh, SPHP? Photo looks SE.
Don’t worry! Peak 6181 is a guaranteed success. We’ll split a chocolate coconut bar there, Loopster.
A shelf of rock WSW of Peak 6208’s summit had a nice view to the W. After scrambling down from her not-quite-lofty-enough perch on the summit block, Lupe enjoyed a quick look before starting for Peak 6181. Peak6743 was in sight more than 6 miles NW.
Peak 6743 (R of Center) in the distance. Photo looks NW.
Heading W from Peak 6208’s summit block, Lupe passed quite a few more rock formations as she journeyed through generally easy terrain. Partway down the W slope, a minor ridge off to the NW appeared likely to offer some decent views. A brief venture over that way yielded both Peak 6181 and Peak 6743 again, plus quite a bit of territory to the N.
The most striking thing about this ridge, though, was an odd fin jutting up from some curved rocks.
This is a cool spot, Loop. Out of the ordinary. We ought to give it a name.
How about Dorsal Fin Ridge, SPHP? These curved rocks look sort of like the back of a fish, don’t they? And the dorsal fin is perfectly obvious.
Peak 6181 (Center). Photo looks SW.Peak 6743 (R) from Dorsal Fin Ridge. Photo looks WNW.
Continuing W, Lupe soon made it down to the same old dirt road she’d left farther N. Following it S, the road passed through fields of tall grass bordered by assorted rock formations.
Back on the old road again. Peak 6181 (Center) ahead. Photo looks SW.Passing some of the rock formations. Photo looks SE.
It didn’t take long to reach a field in the broad saddle NE of Peak 6181. The road curved off to the SE here, so Lupe left it to begin her ascent.
About to start up Peak 6181 (Center). Photo looks SW.
Peak 6181 was arranged the opposite of the way Peak 6208 had been. Lupe passed some rock outcroppings early on, but higher up the only big rocks were along the spine of the NE ridge. Staying just S of them, the Carolina Dog climbed a virtually obstacle-free slope.
Approaching Peak 6181’s summit. Photo looks SW.
1:18 PM, 48ºF, Peak6181 – As Lupe closed in on the summit, SPHP began noticing tracks in the snow, also headed up the mountain.
Gosh, Loop. These tracks look so fresh, they’ve got to be from today. You don’t suppose someone else might still be up here, do you?
The question answered itself a moment later, as someone another 40 or 50 feet up the slope greeted SPHP.
On this uncommonly marvelous winter day, Lupe got to meet AJ Miller, Michelle Bollinger, and Cinder. Turned out that AJ and Michelle were working on climbing the 100 highest peaks in the Black Hills, having now reached 55 of them. A noble endeavor, if ever there was one! They were just starting back to Hwy 385, where their vehicle was evidently parked at the same pullout that the RAV4 was at.
Even more astonishing than seeing anyone on a mountain in January was AJ’s reaction upon learning Lupe’s identity. He and Michelle knew Lupe! AJ praised Lupe as having been practically everywhere in the Black Hills, and having documented countless peaks before anyone else. AJ even called her a “legend”. If the Carolina Dog could blush, now would have been the time to do it.
It also turned out that today was Michelle’s birthday, too! What a terrific day for it! Lupe understood what it was like having a winter birthday. Weather-wise they are inevitably hit and miss, strictly luck of the draw.
Lupe and AJ.And with birthday girl, Michelle.Cinder.
Cinder was young, striking, full of energy, and off to a fabulous start in life climbing mountains in the beautiful Black Hills. Since Cinder was very interested in sticks, with AJ and Michelle’s permission, SPHP gave Cinder an especially tasty one, a piece of duck jerky which was very well-received.
Happy Cinder.
1:33 PM – Nearly 8 years since she’d been here the first time, Lupe once again stood on the highest rock on Peak6181.
At the true summit. Photo looks NW.
It had better be chocolate coconut bar time now, SPHP!
A SW breeze was in the pines as SPHP dumped the pack, then sat down on a rock W of the true summit before splitting the eagerly sought prize with the American Dingo. Although she’d been eating snow, Lupe still lapped up a little water before devouring a bowl of Blue Buffalo, too.
Forest hid the views toward the S, where the mountain sloped fairly steeply away. The best views near the true summit were from a line of small cliffs along the NW edge.
Along the edge of the cliffs. Photo looks ENE.
Nearly 3 miles NW, Atlantic Hill(6,395 ft.) stood out in a relatively low region, with the high ridge of Bear Mountain(7,168 ft.) in the distance beyond it. SPHP could even make out the fire lookout tower there.
Atlantic Hill (Center) with Bear Mountain beyond it. Odakota Mountain (R). Photo looks NW.
N of Bear Mountain, Odakota Mountain(7,199 ft.), South Dakota’s 2nd highest peak, was also in sight along the E edge of the limestone plateau country. The flat summit of Copper Mountain(6,920 ft.) was in view between it and pointy Medicine Mountain(6,884 ft.) a bit farther E.
Odakota Mountain (L) with Copper Mountain between it and Medicine Mountain (L of Center). Bear Mountain (far L). Photo looks NNW.
From the NE end of the summit region, over by a couple of small mining exploration pits, Lupe caught sight of Crazy Horse on Thunderhead Mountain(6,564 ft.) back to the N, plus a good, though distant, look at Northeast Cicero Peak(6,278 ft.) off to the SE.
Crazy Horse carving (R of Center) on Thunderhead Mountain. Photo looks N with help from the telephoto lens.Northeast Cicero Peak (Center) on the horizon. Photo looks SE.
Most of the upper portion of Buckhorn Mountain(6,325 ft.) was in sight from these mining pits, too. Beyond the town of Custer, Mount Coolidge(6,037 ft.), Custer Mountain(6,104 ft.), and Peak6040 were also fairly easy to pick out.
Buckhorn Mountain (L). Photo looks ENE.Zoomed in on Mount Coolidge (L), Custer Mountain (Center), and Peak 6040 (R). Photo looks SE.
Satisfied with her tour of Peak 6181’s summit region, as Lupe returned to the true summit for the final time, something weird caught her eye.
That’s rather strange, isn’t it, SPHP? Look at that massive rock jutting out to the N from just below the true summit!
Huh. Good eye, Loop! Funny, I never noticed it before. Get up there for a minute, if you would, please.
On the overhanging rock (R). True summit (L). Photo looks W.Back at the summit. Peak 6743 (Center) on the horizon. Photo looks NW.
2:14 PM,Peak6181 – Getting to be about time to move along.
Always liked Peak 6181, ever since we were here the first time, Loop.
Meeting AJ, Michelle, and Cinder really made it especially memorable this time around, SPHP, a rare and truly special occasion!
Yes, indeed, but, sly Dingo, are you referring to the fact that we met anyone at all, Michelle’s birthday today, or being called a “legend” for the first time ever by AJ?
Lupe grinned mischievously, while attempting to portray innocence.
Why, all three, of course!
A final look at the big view toward Atlantic Hill, and the American Dingo was on her way.
Atlantic Hill (L of Center) and Bear Mountain from Peak 6181. Photo looks NW.
The return went well. Nothing to it really. Back down Peak 6181’s NE slope to the old dirt road, N along it to the grassy field with the flat rock beyond Artillery Rock, then NE to Hwy 385.
Buckhorn Mountain (Center) again from Peak 6181’s NE slope. Photo looks ENE.Returning to Hwy 385. Photo looks E.
3:08 PM, 48ºF, back at the RAV4 – The sun would still be up for more than an hour, but it was sort of late to set off on any more adventures.
Well, kind of a short outing, but at least you finally got New Year 2025 off to a start today, Loopster! A perfect day, other than the Peak 6208 fiasco. I really didn’t expect it to be any more difficult than Peak 6181.
Oh, it’s all good, SPHP, as long as we can explore the beautiful Black Hills together!
With birthday girl, Michelle Bollinger, Black Hills of South Dakota 1-16-25Lupe’s GPS Track
