South Dakota – Page 3 – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 343 – Buckhorn Mountain: As Seen on TV! (3-26-25)

3-21-25, 6:40 PM, at home –

Now here’s something we don’t see every day, Loopster!

Oh? What’s that, SPHP?

You’ve got a new comment on T(M)TAOL, Loop. Listen to this:

I’m Brad Walton, evening reporter at KOTA Territory News in Rapid City and long-time Lupe fan. Would love to do a story on you guys if you’re interested. Shoot me an email if you are.

Is Mr. Walton saying that I can be on TV, SPHP? Is that what it means?

Certainly sounds like it, Sweet Puppy. So, what do you think? What shall we tell him?

What do I think? I’ll tell you what I think, SPHP. Don’t delay! Accept Mr. Walton’s generous offer right now, before he changes his mind!

Ahh, so you like the idea of being a TV star, aye, Loopster?

Mr. Walton clearly stated that he is a long-time fan of mine, SPHP. Surely you don’t expect me to disappoint him? That would be so rude! I simply must do it!

3-26-25, 9:37 AM, 55ºF, Monument Health hospital in Custer – Parking the bright blue RAV4 as conspicuously as possible, SPHP then helped the Carolina Dog out.

At **Monument Health hospital** in Custer. Photo looks S.

Where’s Brad, SPHP?

Oh, so it’s Brad already, not Mr. Walton? We’re deliberately a bit early, Loop. He’ll be along soon enough. Stay right here next to the RAV4, and he can’t possibly miss us when he arrives.

We’re going to be climbing Buckhorn Mountain (6,325 ft.) with him, right, SPHP?

Yup. That’s the plan. Brad actually suggested it. He’s a mountain climber, too, Loopster. He knows a way up that’s different from the way you and I climbed Buckhorn years ago. Brad mentioned some big, steep slabs we can explore during the ascent.

Sounds exciting, SPHP! Buckhorn Mountain is a great choice. I’m really looking forward to visiting it again.

3-26-25, 10:08 AM – The American Dingo on display worked perfectly! No mistaking Brad, either, when a colorful KOTA Territory News car pulled up right next to the RAV4. A moment later, Brad and Lupe were exchanging greetings in the parking lot.

Meeting **KOTA news reporter Brad Walton**! Photo looks N.

In less than 5 minutes, the Carolina Dog’s first ever adventure as a rising TV star was underway. Lugging a duffle bag of equipment and a tripod, Brad led the way over to the Mickelson Trail, and turned N.

On the George S. Mickelson Trail. Photo looks NW.

Flat and wide, the Mickelson Trail was a super easy stroll. Before long, huge granite formations were coming into view. Buckhorn Mountain was already in sight beyond them.

**Buckhorn Mountain** (L of Center). Photo looks N.

As the march along the Mickelson Trail continued, Buckhorn Mountain vanished from view again. Brad said that there was a pond to watch for in the region where he’d left the trail before.

Sticking with the **Mickelson Trail**. Photo looks NW.

After going a little over a mile, a couple of big mounds of dirt covered with weeds appeared just beyond a ditch on the NE (R) side of the trail. No pond was in sight, but Brad was confident that this was where he’d left the Mickelson Trail before.

Abandoning the trail, Lupe scrambled up onto the highest mound. Sure enough, the small pond Brad remembered was hidden right behind it. In view beyond the pond, a massive granite formation along Buckhorn Mountain’s lower SSW ridge confirmed that this was where Brad’s prior ascent had begun.

On the **weedy mound of dirt**. **Buckhorn Mountain** (R). Photo looks NNE.

A jaunt N through a grassy valley led toward the granite formations. Lupe had barely gotten started, when Brad announced that this would be a good spot to conduct an initial interview. The American Dingo was happy to share more information about her peakbagging exploits in the Black Hills than Brad could possibly fit into a short news story. Not to be completely outdone, SPHP sometimes chipped in, too.

Being interviewed for **KOTA Territory News**! Photo looks SW.

Doing a news story wasn’t like other ascents. Brad took numerous short video clips on the way up the mountain. In some places, he filmed from behind while Lupe took the lead. In others, Brad went ahead and got set up before encouraging her to follow him higher. In this manner, Brad obtained different perspectives of the Carolina Dog in action that he could ultimately choose from when producing the final story.

A momentary pause while Brad gets set up a little farther up the valley. Photo looks N.

The valley soon led to a more forested area and the start of the granite slabs Brad had mentioned. This really did turn out to be a very scenic route, and a bit of a maze, too, since many of the slabs threatened to cliff out in one direction or another. Scrambling over the bedrock was a lot of fun, and a fairly unique experience in the Black Hills.

Taking a breather near an early high point. Photo looks NNW.

Exploring the **slabs**. Photo looks ESE.

Partway up, Brad produced a GoPro camera from within the duffel bag he was carting up the mountain. Unfortunately, attempts to fasten the GoPro to the top of Lupe’s collar were unsuccessful. The collar simply wasn’t stiff enough to keep the GoPro steady in an upright position. Too bad, since that would have produced the best results.

SPHP suggested letting the GoPro dangle below Lupe’s collar. While this technique worked, with the camera so close to the ground, the videos proved to be blurry. Oh, well. At least it conveyed some sense of what the ascent was like from Lupe’s point of view.

Heading up the **next section of slabs**. Photo looks NE.

As Lupe kept climbing, the slabs became steeper and more extensive. The American Dingo took her time, often pausing to enjoy the terrific views, while Brad kept moving his camera around to get action shots of her ascent from various vantage points. Scenic highlights included Custer Mountain (6,104 ft.), Peak 6040, and Northeast Cicero Peak (6,278 ft.), all in sight off to the SE beyond the town of Custer.

On the **steepening slabs**. Photo looks NW.

**Custer Mountain** (L), **Peak 6040** (Center), and **NE Cicero Peak** (R). Photo looks SE.

The slabs led toward a granite high point that was often visible ahead. Brad’s prior ascent had convinced him that it was best to stay L of that high point, otherwise the terrain would get rather dicey in it’s vicinity. With Brad’s experience as a guide, the Carolina Dog did just that.

This maneuver put Lupe back into territory that was more of a mix of rock formations and forest. While on the rocks, it often appeared likely that the route would cliff out, forcing a partial downclimb. However, a significant downclimb never became necessary.

Approaching the **potentially problematic high point** (Center). Photo looks NE.

Shortly after taking a break for water near a massive rock, the steepest slab of all appeared ahead. Fearing Lupe actually was going to cliff out at the top of this slab, SPHP urged caution.

**Brad** enjoying the shade during a short water break. Photo looks SSE.

Heading up the **steepest slab**. Photo looks NE.

To SPHP’s surprise, Lupe didn’t cliff out. Beyond this final super steep slab, the Carolina Dog explored a maze of forest, massive rocks, and less daunting slabs. Despite having to navigate a couple of minor drops, she always found a way higher.

Among some **huge rocks**. Photo looks E.

Near the end, the terrain became less complicated. Lupe reached a spot SPHP recognized. A short scramble quickly led to a platform of granite at the S end of the summit region.

3-26-25, 12:54 PM, 70ºF, Buckhorn Mountain (6,325 ft.) – The platform was 5 or 6 feet wide, its S edge a precipice beyond which a huge swath of the southern Black Hills was visible beyond the town of Custer. Brad set his news camera up here yet again to capture some video of the scene while continuing the American Dingo’s interview.

The interview resumes. **NE Cicero Peak** (R of Center) on the horizon. Photo looks SSE.

A narrow ridge of higher rock only a few feet N of the platform provided another excellent view. Rocky HP6302 was only 0.5 mile NW, with the E edge of the limestone plateau country visible in the distance beyond it.

**HP6302** (R) from **Buckhorn Mountain’s S summit**. Photo looks NW.

Lupe’s leisurely journey up the mountain meant that time was getting to be an issue. Even though it was already 1:00 PM, Brad hoped to have a story ready to air on KOTA’s next local news broadcast at 5:30 PM.

To hit a goal as ambitious as that, sacrifices would have to be made! No traditional summit hour. Although SPHP had brought a few along, no time to savor a chocolate coconut bar, either. However, one sacrifice wasn’t happening. This scenic S summit with its level platform wasn’t even close to being Buckhorn Mountain’s true summit. Two higher points farther N of nearly equal elevation vied for that title. Naturally, Lupe had to tag at least one of them to consider this ascent complete.

Some of the best views from Buckhorn Mountain were at the N summit, which was several hundred feet away. Crazy Horse, Peak 6733, Sylvan Peak (6,998 ft.), Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.) and others were on display. Wouldn’t take that long to visit it. Brad agreed. He could get some great footage over there!

3-26-25, 1:09 PM, Buckhorn Mountain – For the first time in more than 8 years, Lupe stood on the highest rock at the N summit. Might well be the true summit, as well. Close enough for Dingo work, in any case, and the views certainly justified the extra time and effort expended to get here.

**Sylvan Peak** (L), **Black Elk Peak** (R). Photo looks NNE.

**Black Elk Peak** (L of Center). Photo looks NE.

At the **N end of the summit region**. **Crazy Horse** (R). Photo looks NNW.

**Crazy Horse** (L), **Peak 6733** (R of Center). Photo looks NNW.

The show must go on! 10 minutes at the N summit, and the Carolina Dog was on her way. Passing the central summit, Lupe didn’t scramble to the top like she’d done 8 years ago, but she did pause briefly to pose below the big rocks comprising this high point. Brad took some video here that he ultimately used as the lead-in photo for his story about Lupe.

Below the **central summit** (Center). Photo looks SE.

Posing for Brad’s lead-in photo. Photo looks E.

Half an hour after reaching the platform at Buckhorn Mountain’s S high point, the American Dingo headed down a steep, forested E slope. The mountain wasn’t nearly as dramatic in this direction. Although there were some cool rock formations seen 8 years ago along the E ridge, this route lacked the big slabs and views encountered on the way up.

The forest was a mess. Some deadfall, and many large tree trunks that had been cut into 2.5 foot long sections. Brad led the way, heading for a huge house that was under construction visible hundreds of feet lower. After reaching it, the rest of the return was a simple road trek.

3-26-25, 2:17 PM, 71°F, Monument Health hospital in Custer – Well, it was over. Brad had given Lupe a hug, shaken SPHP’s paw, and had already hit the road. Too late to make the 5:30 PM news, but he would have a story ready to air on KOTA at 9:00 PM for sure. Brad had been super nice, and the whole experience had been a lot of fun.

How do you think I did, SPHP?

You made it to the top of Buckhorn Mountain, Loopster. I think Mr. Walton will give you a good report.

Oh, I hope so, SPHP! Hollywood, here I come!

Don’t know about that, Loop. We’d rather stay here in the beautiful Black Hills, wouldn’t we?

Of course! I’m just excited, SPHP. I’ve never been on TV before!

Brad did give Lupe a good report. Such a glowing one, in fact, that it was almost enough to make a Dingo blush! Appearing on KOTA Territory News was an honor and memory Lupe and SPHP will treasure always.

Thank you, Brad, and everyone at KOTA Territory News!

Lupe Live! on KOTA Territory News, 3-26-25

With **Brad Walton** of **KOTA Territory News** on the way to **Buckhorn Mountain**, Black Hills of South Dakota 3-26-25

Links:

Next Black Hills Expedition Prior Black Hills Expedition

Lupe Live! on KOTA Territory News, 3-26-25

Lupe’s Scrollable GPS Track & Ascent Statistics

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 191 – Buckhorn Mountain (2-13-17)

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Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 342 – Peak 5508 & Crow Peak (3-13-25)

10:04 AM, 52ºF, junction of Maitland Road & USFS Road No. 195.2A – Last nice day of 4 or 5 unseasonably warm ones in a row in the Black Hills. Lupe was excited when she leapt out of the RAV4.

We’ve been here before, SPHP!

Oh, you remember! Yes, back on Expedition No. 308, we climbed Peak 5240 and visited Tetro Rock (5,546 ft.) from here, Loop.

So, what’s the plan today, SPHP? Or is it a surprise?

No deep, dark secret, Loopster. We’re here to climb the mountain right across Maitland Road.

Does it have a name, SPHP?

Nope. Just Peak 5508. It’s one of these new Lidar Data Set peaks with just a smidgen over 300 feet of prominence, Looper.

Last time out, we finally had success at Peak 5727, SPHP. Maybe this Lidar peak will work, too?

I believe it will, Loop. It’s just a 1,000+ foot trudge higher from here.

Let’s get at it then, SPHP. Which way?

See that bridge along Maitland Road over False Bottom Creek, Loopster? Head that way!

The bridge was only 150 feet away. Trotting over to it, Lupe didn’t even need this bridge. False Bottom Creek was bone dry.

Near the **Maitland Road bridge** (Center) over **False Bottom Creek**. Photo looks S.

Hmm. Peak 5508 looks mighty steep here, Loop. Let’s follow the creek bed downstream a little way.

Venturing N, the Carolina Dog didn’t get very far. The creek bed was rough, rocky, and partially blocked by deadfall and bushes.

Down in the **False Bottom Creek drainage**. Photo looks N.

I don’t know about this, SPHP. How far downstream do we need to go?

This really isn’t working out like I thought it would, Sweet Puppy. Forget the creek. Let’s try to climb out of here.

The W bank of False Bottom Creek was very steep. Covered with bushes and loose pine needles, even Lupe was having trouble powering higher. Clinging to trees, SPHP barely managed to reach a less daunting slope.

Leading the way through a tangle of small bushes. Photo looks W.

On a more reasonable slope. Photo looks W.

Continuing W, the climb remained fairly steep, but not nearly as bad as the initial scramble escaping False Bottom Creek. After gaining 150 feet of elevation, Lupe reached a reprieve, a nice flat stretch along a power line right-of-way.

At the **power line right-of-way**. Photo looks S.

Nice! At least this part will be easy, SPHP.

SPHP stood there panting hard for a couple of minutes.

Not really. We just cross this service road, and keep climbing, Loopster.

Up again, rather steeply, but at least it wasn’t far to a heavily-forested level region.

Dare I say it? This looks better again, SPHP.

You haven’t jinxed us, Looper. The topo map does show a fairly nice level stretch along in here. Enjoy it while it lasts, though!

Sure enough, heading SW now, it all went well for a little way before the terrain began to slope higher. Got pretty steep again near some rock outcroppings, yet the American Dingo had no problem scrambling above them. A stretch of gently sloping forest littered with deadfall was ahead.

Starting to climb again. Photo looks SW.

Above the biggest rock outcropping. Photo looks WSW.

Exploring the next easy stretch. Photo looks SW.

Most of the deadfall was small. Following a broad ridge, picking a way through it wasn’t all that difficult. As Lupe kept gaining elevation, more and more snow was visible in a valley to the NW. Soon it was spreading across the ridge the Carolina Dog was on.

A little snow is a good thing, SPHP! I like it!

Approaching the **first significant snow**. Photo looks SW.

Lupe chomped mouthfuls of the cold, white stuff. The snow got deeper. By the time a bluff appeared ahead, the snow was much deeper. While it generally supported the Dingo’s weight, SPHP was having quite a time post-holing with every step.

Approaching the **bluff**. Photo looks SW.

The gentlest slope leading to the top of the bluff was toward the W.

Not sure I’d go that way, SPHP. We’ll be crossing a N slope to get there. The snow will be really deep.

Yeah, but it’s not that far to where we ought to be able to climb out of it, Loop. Besides, I’m not so sure we can get up above that bluff from the E.

Beneath a sunny sky, the snow was warming up fast. Going W turned into a ridiculous struggle. The snow was nearly 3 feet deep and full of unseen deadfall. Often breaking through the rapidly softening crust, Lupe thrashed around neck deep in snow. Repeatedly trapped by the hidden deadfall, SPHP could barely move.

The American Dingo managed to extract herself. Exhausted, she settled down on the unreliable crust.

You OK, Loopster? Your paw is bleeding!

Who knows, SPHP? It’s frozen, I don’t feel a thing!

Sheesh! 60ºF, and it’s like our own private little Donner party, Looper. I’m freezing, too, stuck here between the snow and the deadfall. Whose idea was this, anyway?

Got a mirror, SPHP? Try consulting it.

Off-balance and half-frozen, SPHP snapped a photo of Lupe’s Donner party moment. The struggle went on. This slope was steeper than it looked. Plowing uphill through the snow, post-holing with every step wasn’t easy, especially with paws constantly getting hung up amid the buried deadfall. It took nearly 40 minutes to escape, and get up onto that dang little bluff.

Finally on the **snow-free top of the bluff**. Photo looks SW.

Is your paw badly frozen, Loopster? Let me feel it.

See for yourself, SPHP.

Stretching out her poor, frozen paw tinged with blood, Lupe let SPHP hold it.

Frozen! This paw is like an oven! I should be so lucky!

Dingoes have excellent circulation, SPHP. How did my Donner party photo turn out?

SPHP checked the iPhone.

Dingo feathers! My finger was in the way, Loopster.

Oh, shoot! Can you see me at all in the photo, SPHP?

Yup. Spot of blood on your paw and everything, Looper.

Then keep it, SPHP. You can still use it.

Really? My finger looks idiotic, like I have no idea what I’m doing, Loop.

Oh, a documentary! Even better, SPHP. Go ahead and use it. I’m sure not going to reenact it for you.

**Lupe’s Peak 5508 Donner party moment**. Photo looks WNW.

From the top of the bluff, less than 200 feet of elevation gain remained to reach Peak 5508’s summit. Gaining half of it on a relatively short romp SW, Lupe turned S along Peak 5508’s E rim.

So far, only a few badly tree-broken distant views had been seen during the entire ascent, but along the E rim, several glimpses between the trees were at least somewhat better. Tetro Rock (5,546 ft.) was the first easily recognizable point. On the opposite side of the deep False Bottom Creek canyon, Tetro Rock didn’t really look like a prominent rock at all. From here, it was just another forested hill.

Along **Peak 5508’s E rim**. Photo looks SSW.

**Tetro Rock** (L of Center). Photo looks SE.

Having gained the vast majority of the elevation required, Lupe began her search for Peak 5508’s summit on much more gently sloping terrain. Except near the E edge, 4″ to 6″ of snow covered this flatter region.

Keeping cool on **Peak 5508**. Photo looks SW.

A second view of Tetro Rock appeared across the False Bottom Creek canyon. This time, Mount Theodore Roosevelt (5,682 ft.) was in sight beyond it.

**Mount Theodore Roosevelt** (L), **Tetro Rock** (L of Center). Photo looks SE.

Lupe was about as far S as the high ground went, but the mountain still rose toward the W. Heading that way, the American Dingo quickly came to a couple of rock formations that initially appeared to be true summit candidates. Both were a complete mess, covered with large deadfall.

Continuing W beyond these rock formations, the forest contained less deadfall. Moderately higher ground soon became visible ahead.

We’re getting close, Loopster! Can’t be much farther now.

Approaching **Peak 5508’s true summit**. Photo looks WSW.

12:50 PM, 58ºF, Peak 5508 – Lupe stood calmly on a rough, 50 foot long, rocky ridge protruding 10 feet above the surrounding forest. SPHP lifted the Carolina Dog a few feet so her front paws could tag the top of a fin of rock too narrow for her to stand on.

Congratulations, Loopster! Another successful Lidar peak ascent!

Yes, yes, lovely, SPHP. Thanks for the boost. Now put me down, please!

On the **Peak 5508 summit ridge**. **True summit rock** (L of Center). Photo looks NE.

Scrambling around on the Peak 5508 summit ridge, a glimpse of snowy territory W of Burno Gulch was the only view. Pines hid everything else.

Exploring the **summit ridge**. High ground beyond **Bruno Gulch** (far R.) Photo looks SW.

These Lidar peaks aren’t much for views, are they, SPHP?

The ones we can’t get to the top of have splendid views, Loop.

A fat lot of good that does us, SPHP. Say, did you happen to bring along a chocolate coconut bar?

Two of them, Looper!

Leaving the summit ridge, which was as lacking in comfort every bit as much as views, Lupe retreated to a better spot down in the forest. She enjoyed a glimpse of Spearfish Peak (5,798 ft.) 1.5 miles NW, but it was nothing to write home about. The chocolate coconut bar SPHP split with the American Dingo was far more interesting.

Want any water or Taste of the Wild, Loopster?

I thought you said you brought 2 chocolate coconut bars, SPHP.

I did. Saving the last one for the next peak we climb, Sweet-Tooth Puppy.

Are there more Lidar peaks around here, SPHP?

None nearby that we haven’t been to before Lidar was even a thing, Loop. I’d been thinking that we might continue on to Spearfish Peak, but with as much snow as there is around, and how steep getting down into and back out of Bruno Gulch would be, I’ve had a change of heart.

Oh? So what mysterious next peak do you have in mind then, SPHP?

Crow Peak (5,781 ft.) W of Spearfish, Looper. A bit of a drive, but I think we’ve got enough time to get there and climb it before dark. Another long uphill grind, but at a much easier pace.

And there’s a trail that goes all the way to the top, SPHP! I like it! We haven’t been to Crow Peak in ages.

Great! Let’s finish up here then, Looper, and head back to the RAV4.

First accepting some Taste of the Wild, nearly 40 minutes after arriving, Lupe returned to the Peak 5508 summit ridge.

How’s this for a final dramatic shot, SPHP?

Terrific! About as good as it’s going to get here, Loopster.

Final moments atop **Peak 5508**. Photo looks WNW.

Retracing her Peak 5508 ascent route, Lupe’s descent was a breeze. So much faster and easier going downhill! (End 2:55 PM, 64ºF)

3:41 PM, 61ºF, Higgins Gulch – Crusty snow and ice crunched beneath the RAV4’s tires as SPHP pulled into the Crow Peak trailhead parking lot.

A small part of the **Crow Peak trailhead** in **Higgins Gulch**. Photo looks SW.

The sun is already sinking, SPHP.

Yup. Onward! Puppy, ho!

Passing through a metal gate in a wood rail fence, trail information was posted just a short distance into the forest.

By the **Crow Peak trail information display**. Photo looks SW.

The Crow Peak trail started out winding SW. Despite a gradual rate of climb, this first section was slow due to ice and mud. Progress improved greatly once Lupe got around to S-facing slopes where the trail was dry.

An **icy start** along the **Crow Peak Trail**. Photo looks WNW.

On the **first dry stretch**. Photo looks WSW.

Even though most of the trail was easy, even including some fairly long flat sections, there were steeper areas where SPHP frequently paused.

We need to keep going, SPHP, if we want to reach the summit before dark.

I know, Loop. Just give me a minute. Peak 5508 took more out of me than I thought.

The Crow Peak trail began curving W, but with significant forays in other directions, too. First came a climb NNE, followed a little later on by two short stints N. During the second one, big rock formations were visible hundreds of feet above.

Along an almost **level section**. Photo looks SW.

After the second turn N, the Crow Peak trail began climbing SW. Until now, the forest usually hadn’t been all that dense. In fact, part of it had burned years ago. As a result, there’d been some views of the hills and ridges to the S and W. However, Lupe now entered a forest thick enough to hide all views. The trail turned NW for a while, eventually curving E around the end of a hill.

Heading E, the trail leveled out. A sign saying “Crow Peak summit 1.8” appeared almost immediately after another curve N. At this sign, a faint trail on the L disappeared into the forest.

At the **“Crow Peak summit 1.8” sign** and **trail junction**. Photo looks N.

Wonder where this spur goes, SPHP? We’ve never explored it before.

I always used to wonder about that, too, Loopster. The map posted at the trailhead says this spur trail goes 0.5 mile to Beaver Ridge.

What’s at Beaver Ridge, SPHP?

Heh. No telling, Looper. Beavers? Seems unlikely. In any case, we don’t have time to check it out today. Onward!

Climbing steadily again, the Crow Peak trail ran NNW. A ridge capped by some big rock formations soon appeared off to the L.

The **ridge off to the L**. Photo looks NW.

I remember that ridge, SPHP! We climbed it once, didn’t we?

Yes, I believe so, Loopster. A long time ago.

Unfortunately, no time to make that a tradition. Lupe went on. After passing the N end of the ridge, the Crow Peak trail began making long switchbacks higher, working its way E. Rocky stretches appeared where there were no trees. For the first time, the Carolina Dog now had some distant views.

Wow! We can see clear into Wyoming, SPHP! The high point of that long ridge must be Warren Peaks (6,661 ft.).

That’s right, Loop. The small peak is Sundance Mountain (5,832 ft.).

On the **first significant rocky stretch**. Photo looks NNW.

**Sundance Mountain** (L) and **Warren Peaks** (R) on the horizon. Photo looks W.

Continuing up the switchbacks, the American Dingo soon enjoyed other views, as well. Far to the SW, Cement Ridge (6,669 ft.) was discernable on the horizon beyond many other hills.

**Cement Ridge** (L) on the far horizon. Photo looks SW.

The switchbacks ended at a sharp turn E. Now on a N slope where a shattered forest stood, suddenly the trail ahead was covered with snow. Crow Peak’s summit ridge was in view beyond it.

**Crow Peak’s summit** (R). Photo looks E.

We’re almost there, SPHP!

Won’t be long now, Looper!

Took longer than it looked like it should have. SPHP exercised caution on the slippery slope, poles providing invaluable assistance. Once over to the base of the summit region, the trail made one more long foray N. This entire region was the best and most beautiful part of the trail. If it took a little while, so what?

Along the **base of the summit ridge**. Photo looks NNE.

Near the end of the push N, a big rock formation appeared ahead. The trail headed straight for it, then promptly ran into an 8 foot tall wall of solid rock immediately to the R of the rock formation. A dead end? No! Lupe had been here before. A quick scramble to the top of this wall was all that was required to get to where the trail continued beyond it.

Dingo’s play! Really nothing to it, SPHP!

Approaching the **big rock formation** (Center). Photo looks N.

At the **little rock wall scramble**. Photo looks N.

Another 5 minutes, and the Crow Peak trail curved up onto the N end of the Crow Peak summit ridge. All Lupe had to do now was follow it S.

Near the **N end of the summit ridge**. Photo looks SE.

Big snowdrifts still clung to the upper E side of the Crow Peak summit ridge. Even most of the trail on top of the ridge was buried under deep snow. However, staying along the largely snow-free W slope, Lupe had little trouble on her journey S.

The Carolina Dog didn’t have much farther to go when she ventured up onto the summit ridge at a snow-free spot. Several boulders provided excellent perches from which to survey spectacular views N far out onto the prairies of western South Dakota. What little remained of the ascent and a view of Terry Peak (7,069 ft.) were in the opposite direction.

A **sweeping view of the prairies from Crow Peak**. Photo looks N.

**Terry Peak** (L) on the horizon. Photo looks S.

Fantastic views, SPHP! Let’s finish this!

Heading for the **summit** (Center). Photo looks S.

6:25 PM, 55ºF, Crow Peak (5,781 ft.) – Basking in the glow of a rapidly sinking sun, a big Ponderosa pine stood at the very top of the mountain. Beyond gleaming white snowdrifts and that pine, Lupe could already see a weather-beaten old sign she had first stood next to nearly 10 years ago.

**Crow Peak summit** (Center). Photo looks S.

The best view of Terry Peak is over there. C’mon, SPHP!

**Terry Peak** (Center) from **Crow Peak**. Photo looks SSE.

I’m glad you thought of Crow Peak, SPHP. What an awesome view! How long has it been since the last time we were here?

Nearly 6 years, Looper.

Way too long, SPHP!

No argument there! SPHP shook Lupe’s paw, congratulating her on this long overdue third ascent. Returning to the big pine at the true summit, Lupe and SPHP were both ready for a long break.

Admiring the **prairie view** (R) on the way back to the **big pine** (far L). Photo looks N.

Relaxing on **Crow Peak**. **Lookout Peak** (R) just beyond **Spearfish**. Photo looks NE.

A 10 mph breeze was coming out of the W, and the day was cooling off fast as Lupe relaxed on a layer of pine needles between the rocks. SPHP provided first water, then Taste of the Wild in her silver bowl, and even added a couple of bacon and cheese flavor Canine Carryouts.

Thanks, SPHP. Very tasty! But you do realize that I haven’t forgotten about that second chocolate coconut bar, right?

You’ve got a mind like a steel chocolate coconut bar trap, Loopster. Hang on. You earned it.

After splitting the last chocolate coconut bar with the insistent Carolina Dog, SPHP sat munching an apple. For a while, hopes were entertained for a colorful sunset, but the sun ultimately sank into a bank of clouds on the W horizon and was gone. Not even a hint of a rosy display.

Shucks. And we were so well-positioned for a spectacular end, too, Loop.

That’s the way the chocolate coconut bar crumbles, SPHP.

With the sun down, the light would soon be fading fast. Lupe revisited both ends of Crow Peak’s upper summit ridge for another look.

**Upper summit ridge** from the big pine. **Terry Peak** (L) in the distance. Photo looks S.

**Terry Peak** (Center). Photo looks SSE with help from the telephoto lens.

At the **N end of the upper section of the summit ridge**. Photo looks NNW.

As her traditional summit hour began coming to an end, Lupe returned to the pine needles below the big pine, watching the lights of Spearfish starting to glow off to the ENE. Lookout Peak (4,483 ft.) was in sight just beyond the heart of the city. More directly E, and quite a bit farther away, Bear Butte (4,431 ft.) was still visible, looming on the horizon amid the growing gloom.

**Lights of Spearfish** from **Crow Peak**. **Lookout Peak** (R of Center), **Bear Butte** (R) on the horizon. Photo looks ENE.

7:29 PM, Crow Peak – Standing up, SPHP hoisted the pack after digging the little flashlight out of it.

Summit hour’s over, SPHP?

Sadly, come and gone, Loopster. Just like us! Onward! Puppy, ho!

Heading N down the now firmer snow drifts already partially packed by other paws, Lupe paused for a final look once she reached the viewpoint with the big boulders. The lights of Spearfish were brighter than ever, a trend no doubt destined to continue as dusk turned to night.

Can the iPhone still see me, SPHP?

Yes. Barely.

**Spearfish at dusk**. Photo looks ENE with help from the telephoto lens.

Nearly all downhill, the dark, winding return was fun. By the time a tired American Dingo reached the RAV4 in Higgins Gulch, a few silver stars were shining between the clouds overhead. (9:23 PM, 37ºF)