Wyoming – Page 3 – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Mount Fitzpatrick, Salt River Range, Wyoming – Part 1: Greys River Road to Upper Crow Creek Lake (6-29-22)

Days 12-14 of Lupe’s 1st Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming!

6-27-22, Dog Creek trailhead at the end of USFS Road No. 31030 – The sun was well up and shining brightly when SPHP came to.

About time, sleepyhead!

And I suppose you’ve been up for hours, aye, Looper?

A long time, SPHP.

Well, bully for you then, Miss Ambitious! You needn’t have woken up so early, though. After 4 days in the Snake River Range, we’re taking a break.

Good! I’m actually feeling lazy, too. I was just giving you a hard time, SPHP.

Perfect, we’re on the same page then, Loopster. You’re going to like the plan for the next couple of days.

Two rest days, SPHP?

Yeah, why not? The trip journal needs some serious catching up.

After a quick drive back to Hwy 26/89, SPHP spent an hour cleaning and reorganizing the RAV4 at the Pritchard boat ramp along the Snake River. Lupe didn’t even get out, preferring to laze around on her pink blanket. Then it was off to Alpine for a few groceries.

6-27-22, Greys River – Lupe was super enthusiastic when she hopped out of the RAV4 and saw that she was back at the same spot at the end of Road No. 10399. Nearly a week ago she’d spent the day after her ascent of Mount McDougal (10,780 ft.) here. The American Dingo dashed about sniffing excitedly, even briefly wading in the river before settling down to relax in the shade of old spruce trees along the riverbank.

This was rapidly becoming a favorite spot! Hiding from the sun with the help of blankets and clothing draped over the RAV4’s windows, Lupe spent a pleasant afternoon snoozing on her pink blanket while SPHP worked on the trip journal. In the evening, a stroll was taken both up and down Greys River Road

6-28-22, Greys River, end of Road No.10399 – During the night, Lupe had wanted out. SPHP obliged her, but the Carolina Dog didn’t actually go anywhere. Instead, she just laid on the ground near the RAV4 for a while all by herself beneath the stars, sniffing the cool night air and listening.

Morning had been sunny and bright again. Clouded up a little around noon. Another beautiful lazy day shot by next to the Greys River. Only a deer managed to entice Lupe out of the RAV4 during the heat of the day. Evening brought lightning and a rain shower, followed by a rainbow. After a drive along Greys River Road just for fun, Lupe had been up for another stroll as dusk came on. It was close to midnight by the time SPHP had the trip journal caught up.

6-29-22, 10:25 AM, Crow Creek trailhead along Greys River Road –

C’mon, Looper! Adventure time!

Barepawed, SPHP had already forded the first little side channel of Greys River, but Lupe was hanging back.

**Crow Creek trailhead** along Greys River Road. Photo looks NE.

Evidently the American Dingo was intent upon playing her stalking game again today. That was alright. She’d be along soon enough.

After putting socks and boots back on, SPHP almost immediately ran into a second side channel. Ugh, already the usual ford routine again! By the time SPHP was across this second stream, Lupe had caught up. A short, damp, almost marshy stretch of Crow Creek Lakes Trail No. 044 went S from here to a sturdy pawbridge over Greys River.

**Greys River** from the bridge. Photo looks S (upstream).

Once across the bridge, the trail headed W to a slope that gained 50 feet on its way up to a level stretch of forest. Many trees were dead, trunks scorched by fire. Beyond the forest, Trail No. 044 turned SW, passing through a large meadow leading to the mouth of the Crow Creek valley.

In the first level stretch of forest. Photo looks. E.

Glancing back at the forest while passing through the meadow. Photo looks NE.

Heading for the **Crow Creek valley**. Photo looks SW.

The trail dipped slightly after crossing the meadow. Crow Creek, a lovely, medium-size stream was now in sight.

**Crow Creek** (L) as Trail No. 044 enters the valley. Photo looks SW.

0.5 mile plus from the Greys River pawbridge, Trail No. 44 crossed Crow Creek. No bridge at all here! Lupe was going to have to ford the stream. Although the bottom was rocky, this wasn’t a difficult ford. The water wasn’t even knee-deep on SPHP.

Since Loopster was still playing her stalking game, SPHP was already on the far bank by the time the Carolina Dog arrived. Instead of plunging in, Lupe laid down in the shade of some bushes.

At the **first Crow Creek ford**. Photo looks NE.

C’mon over, Loop! Nothing to it. You’ll like it!

Is that so? I notice you don’t plunge entirely into many frigid streams, SPHP. Why should I? Where are we going, anyway? You haven’t said, yet you’ve got the tiny house. How long are we going to be gone this time?

Oh, remember before we climbed Mount McDougal (10,780 ft.) how I first gave up on climbing Mount Fitzpatrick (10,907 ft.), because I was afraid of how much snow we might have to face on a steep N face? I’m hoping enough snow has melted since then to give us a decent shot at Fitzpatrick. Should only take us a couple of days.

So, just one day in, then all the way back tomorrow, SPHP?

Yep, that’s the plan! We’ll only go as far as the Crow Creek Lakes today, summit tomorrow, and out. How does that sound?

The American Dingo apparently liked the plan. Without further ado, Lupe easily forded Crow Creek and the trek resumed, but only for a few hundred feet before a second ford appeared.

SPHP was getting sick and tired of constantly taking boots and socks off, only to put them right back on again, but did it once more. Lupe waited until SPHP ventured across to take on Crow Creek a second time.

Braving the **second Crow Creek ford**. Photo looks E.

Happily, this second ford was the last one. Trail No. 44 now headed W up the valley, eventually curving NW. Most of the time, Lupe was out in the open, among wildflowers and lush vegetation. Although never far away, Crow Creek was generally hidden by bushes and seldom in view.

Obstacle-free and easy to follow, the trail both gained and lost elevation, but was usually flat, or a gradual incline. Progress was rapid. Overhead, a previously sunny sky was clouding up.

Along the N side of the **Crow Creek valley**. Photo looks ESE.

Heading deeper into the **Salt River Range**. Photo looks NW.

Roughly 2 miles from the trailhead, the Crow Creek valley split in two. The confluence of North and South Crow Creeks was in this area, but never visible from the trail. Sticking with the trail, SPHP followed it W up the North Crow Creek valley. Meanwhile, Lupe continued to hang back, playing her stalking game.

The rate of climb increased. No. 044 crossed several tributaries of Crow Creek. All were small, a few muddy stretches of trail being the worst of it. While there were still meadows, the trail now went through longer and more frequent stretches of forest. Deadfall sometimes slowed SPHP down, but most of it wasn’t that hard to get by.

A **tributary of North Crow Creek** flowing right along Trail No. 044. Photo looks WSW.

Loop cooling off in another minor stream. Photo looks E.

Passing through a rare stand of aspens. Photo looks W.

After a while, it began to sprinkle. SPHP took shelter beneath a large spruce tree when a harder downpour began, and Lupe soon caught up. 10 or 15 minutes, and the rain moved on. So did the Carolina Dog.

Eventually, glimpses of a huge mountain began appearing ahead. Upon seeing it, SPHP’s heart sank. If that was Mount Fitzpatrick (10.907 ft.), this whole endeavor was doomed. Lupe wouldn’t stand a chance! The whole N face was very rugged, rocky, and borderline cliff-like steep.

A **huge rugged mountain** appears ahead. Photo looks W.

A closer look with help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks W.

Trail No. 044 headed almost straight for the monster. As Lupe closed in, a headwall extending N came into view. Both Crow Creek Lakes were somewhere above that headwall.

A bit of deadfall to contend with. Going around it did the trick. Photo looks W.

The trail sometimes faded while crossing meadows. Photo looks W.

Getting closer. Headwall on the R. Photo looks W.

4 miles from Greys River Road, Lupe entered a big meadow providing a great view of both the mountain and the headwall, which were now only 0.25 mile away. Just getting above the headwall looked like a challenge. A continuous line of cliffs ran along it.

Near the far W end of this meadow, a brown “No Motor Vehicles” wand marked the end of Trail No. 044 at a junction with Trail No. 079, which went either S or N from here. 100 feet W of the wand, a sign was nailed to a tree.

In the big meadow before reaching the junction with Trail No. 079. Photo looks W.

Loop down by the sign tree. Photo looks W.

The sign identified Trail No. 079 as Way Trail.

The sign merely confirmed what SPHP already knew. Lupe needed to take Trail No. 079 R (N) to Pass 9060.

Despite 2 rest days, and an easy trek thus far, SPHP was already getting worn out lugging a heavy pack. Heh, too bad! Things were just starting to get interesting. Continuing W a short distance into the forest, Trail No. 079 steepened considerably as it then curved N into a long meadow.

The American Dingo’s stalking game continued. Loop was getting plenty of rest breaks due to SPHP’s frequent pauses to gasp for breath. The sky was clearing again, and the sun felt mighty warm on the uphill trudge.

Trail No. 079 curves N toward **Pass 9060** (R). Photo looks NNW.

Looking back on the way up to **Pass 9060**. Photo looks S.

3:03 PM, Trail No. 079 at Pass 9060 – Shedding the pack, SPHP sat down on a log. Pass 9060 was forested, and sitting in the shade was a welcome relief. Time for a longer rest break! When Loop sauntered in, she had no objections to laying down and enjoying some Taste of the Wild.

Pass 9060 was a fairly narrow ridge running E/W. The N side was quite rocky, and Lupe was thrilled to find a snowbank still melting away. Off to the NW, Peak 10180 was in sight. Trail No. 079 continued N beyond the pass, starting a descent into the Rock Creek valley.

Arriving at **Pass 9060**. Photo looks NNW.

On the snowbank just N of the pass. Photo looks W.

**Peak 10180** (Center). Photo looks NW.

This was it, though, as far as Trail No. 079 was concerned for Lupe. As soon as SPHP felt sufficiently recovered, it was time to start looking for a way up the headwall. Apparently inspired by the steeper, rocky terrain, the American Dingo no longer held back, instead leading the way as she began climbing W along the Pass 9060 ridge.

A use trail appeared. Following it, the cliffs of the headwall soon came into view.

Approaching the headwall. Photo looks WSW.

Reaching the base of the cliffs, they appeared continuous toward the S. The use trail turned NW up a rocky ramp. From Pass 9060, cliffs had been visible to the N, too, but after gaining some elevation and getting up to where these cliffs were, the ramp and use trail both turned SW.

Heading NW up the lower part of the ramp. Photo looks NW.

The upper ramp turns SW. Photo looks SW.

Sort of steep, but the ramp wasn’t bad. No real scrambling involved at all. Suddenly, Lupe was above the headwall! Still climbing, the use trail turned W continuing up a big ridge. Steep meadows were to the S, with genuine cliffs just N of the ridgeline.

Above the headwall, continuing up a big ridge. Photo looks W.

After gaining nearly 200 feet of elevation from the top of the headwall, the rate of climb diminished. Another mountain was now in sight W of the one seen earlier from the North Crow Creek valley. Pausing to check the topo map, SPHP finally understood.

Oh, I get it now, Loopster! That first mountain is actually Peak 10525. Mount Fitzpatrick (10,907 ft.) is the one beyond it.

**Peak 10525** (Center), **Mount Fitzpatrick** (R). Photo looks SW.

Is that a good thing, SPHP?

Eh, hard to say. See quite a bit of snow on Fitzpatrick’s N face, and it looks mighty steep, too. Can’t be any worse than Peak 10525, though. No way we were ever going to make it up that one.

Well, it is a good thing then, SPHP! At least we stand a chance now!

Yeah, I guess you’re right, Looper. Surprised we haven’t seen any use trail peeling off to the SSW yet. Lower Crow Creek Lake is supposed to be over that way nestled at the base of Peak 10525. Sort of wanted to see it.

Nothing stopping us from going over there, SPHP. Want to do that?

Oh, I don’t know, Loop. Think we’ve already climbed too far. Kind of hate to give up any of our elevation gain, and I suspect we’re already well above the lower lake. If we see a trail going that way, maybe we’ll take it, but we could just head for Upper Crow Creek Lake instead. Hoping to put your tiny house up there, anyway, since it’s closer to Fitzpatrick.

Suit yourself, SPHP! Fine with me. Onward, then!

Staying high, Lupe continued WSW along the flattest part of the ridge.

Continuing along the high ground. **Peak 10525** (L) and **Mount Fitzpatrick** (Center). Photo looks WSW.

Before long, the flat ground came to an end. Ahead, the terrain sloped quite a bit. Lupe was going to have to lose at least some elevation just to get over to the next flat area, a forested region already in sight.

By now the use trail had faded away. Side-hilling wasn’t SPHP’s favorite, but didn’t bother the Carolina Dog at all. The only other choice would have been to angle WNW following the ridge clear to the top of Peak 10143. Eh, that wasn’t happening, so the downward traverse began.

On the traverse leading to the flatter stretch of forest ahead. **Peak 10525** (L of Center), **Mount Fitzpatrick** (R). Photo looks WSW.

When Loopster got to it, the forested area wasn’t entirely flat, either. Exploring, she came to a snow-filled clearing in a depression. Since there still wasn’t any sign of a trail going S to the Lower Crow Creek Lake, Lupe kept going W. At the base of Peak 10143, she discovered a scenic tarn so secret that it wasn’t even shown on the map.

In the snowy depression. Photo looks SW.

Near the secret tarn below **Peak 10143**. Photo looks NW.

Passing S of the tarn on rocky terrain, Lupe got almost down to the tarn’s level. A meadow went W from the tarn to another fairly steep slope. An 80 foot rocky climb led to a broad flat region.

Got it made now, Looper! This is Pass 9540. All downhill from here!

After crossing the super flat saddle, a gentle descent toward Peak 10525 ensued through a meadow bordered by forest and long snowbanks.

Starting the beautiful descent from **Pass 9540**. **Peak 10525** (L), **Mount Fitzpatrick** (R). Photo looks SW.

At the lower SW end of the meadow, a minor escarpment of flat rocks came just before a somewhat steeper, but still easy, descent into a band of trees. Emerging from the trees, a glorious scene was ahead.

Wow! So, this is Upper Crow Creek Lake, SPHP? It’s absolutely gorgeous!

Yeah, our home for an evening, Loop! I’m loving it, too!

Right at the base of the highest, most magnificent part of Peak 10525, Upper Crow Creek Lake was nearly surrounded by snowfields still filling most of the valley. The lake even sported a few icebergs A mile WSW, loomed the N face of Mount Fitzpatrick (10,907 ft.).

**Upper Crow Creek Lake**. **Peak 10525** (L), **Mount Fitzpatrick** (R). Photo looks SW.

5:22 PM – After circling around a little NE bay, SPHP pitched Lupe’s tiny house amid newly emergent buttercups on a snow-free patch of ground next to a stand of old spruce trees on a bank overlooking the N shore of Upper Crow Creek Lake. Only a few feet away, a couple of weathered logs, their ends set at a 90º angle to each other, partially protected a white stone fire ring.

Despite the glorious surroundings, a certain weariness had set in for both human and Dingo. Once the tiny house was up, both crept inside for a nap, enjoying the comfort of sleeping bags. A cool S breeze coming from across the lake made the tiny house flap, but a blissful sound sleep was not to be denied.

6:44 PM – Ahh, much better! The American Dingo and SPHP were both up and about again, feeling much refreshed. What remained of a long summer evening was now free to spend exploring the fabulous Upper Crow Creek Lake region.

By the tiny house amid the buttercups. Photo looks SW.

Naturally, a trip down to the N shore of Upper Crow Creek Lake was in order. It was a journey Lupe would make more than once this evening.

Along the **N shore**. **Mount Fitzpatrick** (R of Center). Photo looks WSW.

Near the **W end of the lake**. Photo looks SW.

Looking back at **Peak 10143** (Center & L) and the tiny house (R). Photo looks ENE.

Is that a bear I hear, or is it getting to be about dinner time, SPHP?

That’s my tummy, Loop. Yeah, something to eat wouldn’t be a bad idea. In fact, most anything would do at this point. I’m famished!

Lupe sniffed around the tiny house, while SPHP rustled up some grub.

After dinner, another trip was made down to Upper Crow Creek Lake’s N shore to see the icebergs and admire Peak 10525’s rugged splendor as the last rays of sunshine crept up the mountain.

**Peak 10525** (L) on a splendid evening from **Upper Crow Creek Lake**, Photo looks SSW.

No marmots, pikas, or gophers had been seen or heard, but somehow the crazy Carolina Dog became utterly convinced throngs of ’em were hiding near the tiny house. The evening ended with frantic sniffing and furious digging at various holes. Meanwhile SPHP stared off to the WSW toward Mount Fitzpatrick’s N slope.

A lot of snow up there, and mighty steep for a long way. Loopster was having a grand time digging, but her efforts were all coming to naught. Maybe this whole trip was going to end up the same way?

A marvelous time digging without result. Photo looks SW.

Hopefully not, but even if true, at least there was the consolation of this wonderful evening spent at spectacular Upper Crow Creek Lake!

**Upper Crow Creek Lake**, Salt River Range, Wyoming 6-29-22

Links:

Next Adventure Prior Adventure

Mount Fitzpatrick, Salt River Range, Wyoming – Part 2: Upper Crow Creek Lake to the Summit! (6-30-22)

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Indian Peak, Snake River Range, Wyoming (6-26-22)

Day 11 of Lupe’s Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming!

9:02 AM, upper Dog Creek valley, Snake River Range – Another gorgeous morning! The American Dingo was off to kind of a late start after her big success getting to Observation Peak (9,960 ft.) yesterday. For the second day in a row, Lupe trotted across the big meadow in the upper Dog Creek valley, crossing small streams before reaching Trail No. 009.

Entering the big meadow in the **upper Dog Creek valley**. **HP9582** (R). Photo looks W.

Following the trail to where it climbed NW up a bare slope, this time when it turned SW heading into a forest full of snow, Loop abandoned the trail to climb due S along the ridgeline, enjoying a beautiful view of the Dog Creek valley and Wolf Mountain (9,483 ft.) along the way.

**Dog Creek valley** (Center), **Wolf Mountain** (R). Photo looks ENE.

As Lupe continued S, the rate of climb soon diminished. Up here, the ridge was forested, with big snow drifts slowly melting away in the shade. Turning SW, Lupe came to a snow-free clearing. Blanketed in snow, a mountain and part of an enormous ridge N of it were in view.

**Indian Peak** (L) from the clearing. Photo looks SSW.

There it is, Loopster! Indian Peak (9,683ft.)!

I know! We saw it lots of times yesterday, remember, SPHP? Not very far away, is it? We’re almost there already!

Yup! Maybe 0.5 mile as the crow flies. Looks like we could almost head straight for it, and climb right on up. Might be easier, though, if we can get back up onto the ridge N of it again.

Heading W toward the enormous ridge, Loopster re-entered the forest. Climbing a hill, she trotted over snow drifts hidden among the trees.

Heading W through the forest. Photo looks W.

This little hill wasn’t much of a climb. The terrain soon leveled out again. The Carolina Dog came to a second snow-free clearing providing an even better look at Indian Peak and the ridge N of it.

**Indian Peak** (L) and its **N ridge** (Center & R) from the second clearing. Photo looks SW.

The scene was as snowy as ever, the terrain steep enough to discourage SPHP from encouraging a direct assault.

Keep going W, Looper! Let’s see how things look over that way.

Crossing the second clearing, Lupe reached and passed through another band of trees, quickly emerging at the top of a rocky slope leading to the base of Indian Peak’s N ridge. Toward the NW, the big ridge was nearly snow-free, and didn’t appear to be as high. This was the same region where the topo map showed Trail No. 009 heading up onto the ridge.

Emerging from the trees near the base of the ridge. Photo looks SW.

Much less snow to the NW. Photo looks NW.

Looks easier to go up over there, doesn’t it, SPHP?

Sure does! Head that way, Loop. Maybe we’ll even find the trail again?

Going down the rock-strewn slope to the base of the ridge, the Carolina Dog found a small, icy tarn, but no sign of Trail No. 009. The snow-free part of the ridge was considerably steeper than the snowfield right next to it. When the snow generally held not only Lupe’s, but SPHP’s weight as well, venturing up the snowfield seemed the best option.

Near the icy snowmelt tarn. Photo looks NNW.

Heading up the snowfield. Photo looks W.

After a fair amount of progress up the slope, the snowfield steepened. Loop was still doing fine, but SPHP decided to abandon the snow for the bare ground, which despite being even steeper, provided better traction. Only a short trudge higher was now required to reach a bench bordered by a line of large, blocky boulders.

The boulders provided a good spot to take a breather, but Lupe was still only partway up the huge ridge. Another big climb, a snow-filled bowl, was to the W.

Another snow climb ahead! Photo looks SW.

Happily, although just as long, most of this climb wasn’t quite as steep as what the American Dingo had just done. Lupe enjoyed a pleasant romp in dazzling sunshine the rest of the way up.

Once on top, Loop found herself at a meadow near the low point of the entire ridge connecting Indian Peak and HP9582. This was about where Trail No. 099 ought to have come up from the E, and where Trail No. 056 should have begun its descent into Lake Basin to the W, but she saw no sign of either one. However, upon turning S to head for Indian Peak, the Carolina Dog quickly discovered a pile of trash beneath the first spruce trees she came to.

Another break was taken while SPHP gathered up all the miscellaneous trash for disposal later on. Sadly, a pile of 10 aluminum and tin cans had to be left behind due to a lack of space in the pack.

Up on the ridge. Someone had left a pile of trash beneath the closest spruce trees. Photo looks S.

The ridge narrowed and steepened as Lupe continued S past the dump. In some places, tightly-packed trees growing right along the crest of the ridge forced her to stay E out on the snow to get around them. The ridge eventually turned SE, and broadened out. Loopster traipsed up a bare, rather rocky, slope.

Climbing **Indian Peak**. Photo looks SE.

As she approached Indian Peak’s summit, the rate of climb diminished. Gnarled, old trees, many of them dead, were scattered along the upper W slope. Reaching the top, Lupe strode onto a huge snowbank wrapped around the N and E edges that covered most of a summit region 200+ feet long N/S, and 40 feet wide E/W.

Approaching **Indian Peak’s summit**. Photo looks SE.

11:37 AM, 63ºF, Indian Peak (9,683 ft.) – This snowbank was currently the mountain’s temporary true summit. The American Dingo stood at the high point near the N end. Far to the N, Grand Teton (13,770 ft.), Wyoming’s most famous mountain, soared into the blue.

**Grand Teton** (R of Center) from Indian Peak. Photo looks N.

**Grand Teton** (Center) with help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks N.

Tremendous views in all directions! After a quick glance around, Lupe headed for a cairn visible at the S end.

The **summit region** from the snowbank. Photo looks SSE.

The cairn proved to be a loosely assembled pile of light-colored rocks. No sign of any registry or survey benchmark. Loopster laid down near the cairn, SPHP sitting beside her.

Relaxing by the loosely assembled cairn (L). Photo looks N.

Guess, this is it, Loop! Congratulations on climbing Indian Peak, your last summit in the Snake River Range on this Dingo Vacation.

Smiling broadly, Lupe gently offered her sweet paw. SPHP shook it.

Too bad this is the last one, SPHP! This was the easiest mountain so far around here. Didn’t take us long at all, and the views are just as good!

Yeah, but we’re about out of supplies now. After this, we’re going to have to head back to the RAV4. So, let’s enjoy Indian Peak while we can! Chocolate coconut bar? Last one!

Chocolate coconut bars are never a tough sell. The last one vanished PDQ. Looper also polished off the last of the Taste of the Wild supply. SPHP munched away at the last apple.

Yet another perfect day! For quite a while, Lupe curled up on SPHP’s lap, enjoying the splendid view of now familiar mountains to the S from a slightly different perspective. Red Peak (9,771 ft.) was lined up almost directly behind Peak 9708. An easy ridge walk led to both of them.

In the distance, Peak 9736 and Deadhorse Peak (9,783 ft.) were more to the R, Bradley Mountain (9,292 ft.) and Stewart Mountain (10,103 ft.) even more distant to the L.

**Stewart Mountain** (L), **Peak 9708** with **Red Peak** (Center) beyond it, **Peak 9736** (R) and **Deadhorse Peak** (far R.) Photo looks S.

To the SW was a great look at the South Fork of Indian Creek valley, with Caribou Mountain (9,803 ft.) on the horizon.

**Peak 9736** (far L), **Deadhorse Peak** (L), **South Fork of Indian Creek valley** and **Caribou Mountain** (Center). Photo looks SW.

Eventually getting up to move around a bit, SPHP saw something shiny 40 feet down the SE slope. Turned out to be a bottle of Koala Springs beer, still half full. Emptying it onto the ground, the bottle got added to the rest of the trash stuffed in the pack.

Mount McDougal (10,780 ft.) and Triple Peak (11,127 ft.) could be made out far to the SSE, the Wind River Range, NE. Obs Benchmark (9,935 ft.) was only 2 miles due W, and Observation Peak (9,960 ft.), where Lupe had been only yesterday, a similar distance NW.

**Obs Benchmark** (L) and **Observation Peak** (R). Photo looks WNW.

At a leisurely pace, trying to savor every moment, Lupe and SPHP toured the entire summit region. As always, time flew. Another short rest back at the S end by the cairn, and sadly, it was time.

Been up here over an hour, Looper. Hate to say it, but we better move on. Got a long way to go.

Do you really think we’ll get all the way back to the RAV4 tonight, SPHP? Don’t you remember how long it took us to get up into this country?

Oh, don’t worry about that, Looper! We’re going to take a different route. This time, we’ll just find Trail No. 069, and follow it down the Dog Creek valley. Downhill all the way! Ought to be a snap. You’ll see!

12:44 PM, Indian Peak – Lupe headed N along the W edge of the summit region. A final glance back at the cairn where she’d spent most of her time up here, and she started down the NW slope, bound for the ridge leading N to HP9582.

Glancing back at the cairn (Center) before leaving **Indian Peak**. Photo looks S.

**Obs Benchmark** (L) and **Observation Peak** (R) as the descent begins. Photo looks WNW.

Heading down. **HP9582** (Center), **Grand Teton** (far R). Photo looks N.

The descent was fantastic! Everything was so beautiful! Loop loved the snowy trek back to the icy tarn. Varying her earlier route, she continued NE past the tarn, making rapid progress across a meadow.

About to leave the **N ridge**. **Wolf Mountain** (R). Photo looks NE.

Beyond the meadow, Lupe entered the snowy forest. Losing elevation, she eventually found Trail No. 009 again, following it back down to the upper Dog Creek valley. The Carolina Dog returned to the glen where the tiny house had been set up last night, so SPHP could retrieve it and the sleeping bags, already packed up and stashed among the trees.

Then it was back to the upper Dog Creek valley. Following Trail No. 009 SE, it was bound to lead to Trail No. 069.

All was well! Everything was going great, exactly as expected. No snow down here to hide the trails. Lupe roamed as she pleased, stopping to sniff wildflowers and anything else of interest, while SPHP made great strides on the downhill march. After a while, an unmarked trail left an abandoned horse camp, heading NE deeper into the Dog Creek valley.

Had to be Trail No. 069, right? No doubt about it!

However, Trail No. 069 soon began to exhibit unexpected behavior. Rather than staying down along the N bank of Dog Creek as shown on the map, the trail ran along slopes S of the stream, often well above it.

Worse, every time another tributary had to be crossed, there was a drop, followed by a steep 40 foot climb. Not such a big deal, but enough to be annoying, when tired and a nice, smooth, easy march down the valley had been anticipated.

On the S bank, temporarily close to **Dog Creek**. Photo looks SW.

The trail crossed Dog Creek a couple of times early on while it was still small, but the stream grew fast as tributaries added to the flow. There was so much up and down, that SPHP mentally began to keep a running total of Lupe’s estimated extra elevation gain.

2 miles from the horse camp, Lupe was on a steep slope S of Dog Creek, about 200 feet above it, when Trail No. 069 curved R around a bend into a steep snow-filled ravine. The trail appeared level as it traversed this ravine. Once beyond it, everything still seemed fine, but the trail soon began to fade amid dense vegetation.

Up until now, the trail had been easy to follow. Expecting it would soon improve, SPHP pressed on, Lupe now following on the steep slope. The trail did improve, but only for a little way. Suddenly it was gone!

Lupe was approaching the narrowest, deepest, most steep-sided part of the entire Dog Creek valley, a wilderness of old forest, huge deadfall, and lush vegetation. Progress slowed to a crawl as SPHP thrashed through the jungle. Loopster began hanging back. Playing her stalking game, the American Dingo refused to follow unless SPHP was out of sight.

You’re nuts, SPHP! This can’t be right!

I know that now, Loop, but we’ve already lost a bunch of elevation. Let’s try to get down to Dog Creek. We must have missed a turn back at that ravine. The trail must be somewhere over on the N side of the valley now.

It sure wasn’t over here, but getting down to Dog Creek wasn’t easy. SPHP chickened out on a slope so steep that a fall seemed inevitable. A desperate, clinging climb back up, only to try again a little farther on. This time it worked, barely. Fording Dog Creek, Lupe scrambled 100 feet up an almost equally steep slope on the N bank before … yes! The trail!

Having lost a fair amount of time, but feeling confident again, it was:

Onward! Puppy, ho!

That wasn’t the end of the problems, though. More discouraging uphill sections, tough when hungry and weary, but the deadfall was the worst. Not a huge amount, but far from uncommon, too. The dingdong deadfall often forced steep climbs around not only the tree fallen over the trail, but others forming a long wall above or below it. Rinse and repeat every so often, each effort sapping energy and causing additional delay.

The trail eventually dropped down to Dog Creek. A ford, a dangerous one! Only knee deep on SPHP, but flowing fast straight into rocky rapids and deadfall. SPHP could manage, but what about Lupe? Neck deep against a powerful current, she’d get swept away, battered mercilessly against the rocks, and pinned helplessly against deadfall. The water a deadly, relentless force, she’d drown.

Carrying Loopster across was out of the question. The rocky creekbed was too uneven, SPHP would need hands free in order to use poles just to maintain balance.

What are we going to do, SPHP?

Mount McDougal, Loop.

Mount McDougal! What is that supposed to mean?

Just like we did there, I’m going to leash you up, Looper. You’ll have to swim. I’ll hang on to the leash, so you don’t get swept downstream. Won’t let go for anything! Promise! It’s not that far, you’ll be across in no time. I’ll help pull you through.

SPHP started across first. Worried, but trusting SPHP completely, Loop plunged into the frigid water on command. Worked! Seconds later, the Carolina Dog was shaking herself off on the S bank.

Gah! Right around the next bend, another equally dangerous ford. Poor Lupe had to do it again!

High on a very steep slope N of Dog Creek, Lupe came to a tree fallen over the trail. Clearly, no way around this one, the slopes both above and below it were nearly cliffs. Forcing a way through the multitude of branches levitating the trunk was mandatory. Loop managed easily enough, but SPHP had a heck of a time squeezing through.

A mile and 500 feet of lost elevation beyond this trouble spot, stopped in fading light for a breather, a sudden, sickening realization.

Ugh, Loop! I’m sorry! We have to go back!

Back where, SPHP?

To that blasted tree!

The one with all the branches? Why?

Yeah. I forgot the camera. Almost certain I left it hanging on a branch, while strapping the pack back on. Entirely my fault, Loop, but we can’t lose it.

Wearily, back up the valley. Sure enough, the camera was there. Grab and go! Right back down the same mile for the 3rd time.

Camera retrieved, as light faded even from the mountaintops, Lupe quit playing her stalking game. Suddenly she seemed energized, leading the way, leaping over deadfall, often far ahead of SPHP, pausing frequently to look back to make certain SPHP was still coming.

Dog Creek valley was longer than SPHP ever imagined. Trail No. 069 went on and on. Two more fords appeared in rapid succession, but weren’t as threatening. Lupe crossed both on her own. Eventually, the valley broadened out. No more significant uphill sections! Loopster traveled through tunnels of dense vegetation shoulder high on SPHP.

The sun was down. Signs appeared at junctions! One for the Little Dog Creek Trail, the other for the Cabin Creek Trail. SPHP kept watching for the unmarked side trail Lupe had followed into Beaver Dam Canyon 3 days ago, but never saw it. Stars appeared. The little flashlight came out. Traveling fast, with nothing to eat since Indian Peak, Lupe was a star herself! Always leading, never fading, or falling back.

10:21 PM, Dog Creek trailhead – Suddenly, it was over! The RAV4 sat alone, patiently waiting at the trailhead. Lupe couldn’t wait to leap onto her pink blanket when SPHP opened the door. Instead of falling asleep, she licked her paws until SPHP fed her, inhaling a whole can of Ol’ Roy.

SPHP was dead tired, but couldn’t stand being in filthy, sopping-wet boots. Driving to the Pritchard Boat ramp, SPHP washed sore feet in the Snake River before donning night socks and the old Merrell slippers. It was nearly midnight by the time a weary American Dingo returned to the dark, quiet Dog Creek trailhead to pass out for the night.

Good thing SPHP had no inkling ahead of time what Trail No. 069 and the Dog Creek valley were going to be like. Loopster never would have climbed beautiful Indian Peak (9,683 ft.)!

On **Indian Peak**, Snake River Range, Wyoming 6-26-22

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Observation Peak, Snake River Range, Wyoming (6-25-22)

Day 10 of Lupe’s Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming!

7:34 AM, HP8844 on Wolf Mountain’s NE ridge –

I’ll be ready pretty quick, Looper!

The Carolina Dog was already ready. She watched patiently, though, as SPHP disassembled, then packed up her tiny house. The morning air was wonderfully cool and clear. Not a cloud in the sky! Nearby, the E face of Wolf Mountain (9,483 ft.) was brightly illuminated. Yesterday evening, Lupe had visited the summit.

Before long, it was Onward! Puppy, ho!

**Wolf Mountain** from **HP8844**. Photo looks SW.

Heading W around the N side of Wolf Mountain, the forest was full of huge snow banks. Snow covered long sections of Trail No. 062, slowing SPHP’s progress, and making the route difficult to follow. Meanwhile, Lupe was doing great! The American Dingo seemed energized. For the first time on this backpacking trip, Loop didn’t hang back playing her stalking game, instead keeping right up with SPHP, or leading the way.

Upon reaching the W side of Wolf Mountain, Trail No. 062 turned SW. A steady, snow-free, descent to Red Pass ensued.

Heading down to **Red Pass** (beyond Lupe). Snowy **Indian Peak** (R) in the distance. Photo looks SW.

Arriving at Red Pass, Lupe paused briefly to take in the view S toward the N end of the Salt River Range. She then followed the trail NW, as it began to loop up onto the ridge W of the pass.

**Red Pass** W of Wolf Mountain. Photo looks SW.

**N end of the Salt River Range** (L) from **Red Pass**. Photo looks S.

Back on a snowy N slope again, SPHP lost the trail. Lupe rediscovered it before reaching the crest of the ridge. Once on top, Trail No. 062 began winding W along the ridge, often staying N of the crest. Loop enjoyed a terrific view of the Teton Range from open ground overlooking huge meadows, but came to forested stretches, too.

**W of Red Pass**. **Grand Teton** (R). Photo looks N with help from the telephoto lens.

As awesome as the views were, Lupe was far more interested in a herd of giant deers in one of the meadows.

A couple of giant deers with help from the telephoto lens.

Even out in the open, the trail was sometimes hidden beneath enormous snowdrifts melting away beneath the dazzling late June sun. Lupe liked crossing them. Hitting a high point early on W of Red Pass, Trail No. 062 began a gradual descent, interrupted periodically by short climbs.

Crossing a snowdrift. **Indian Peak** (L). Photo looks W.

Following the ridge. Top of **Indian Peak** (L), **HP9582** (R). Photo looks W.

Winding W along the ridge more than 1.5 miles beyond Red Pass, Trail No. 062 then curved NW, starting a steeper, more prolonged, descent. Near the bottom, a snowmelt pond appeared. Instead of continuing down to it, the trail curved W again, going past a little glen.

Wha’dya think, Loop? We’re almost down to the upper Dog Creek valley. This looks like a good spot to set up your tiny house to me.

Nice and secluded, but it’s only noon, SPHP! Aren’t we going any farther? I thought we were going to climb another mountain today?

Yeah, we are, Loop, but I’d sure like to ditch some of this gear. Think we’re close enough to where we’re going now to get there and back before dark. In fact, if we don’t ditch this gear before we have to start climbing, it will slow me down so much that we may not get to another summit today.

Well, if that’s what you need to do, then do it, SPHP! Fine with me! By the way, where are we trying to get to today?

Kind of depends on how it goes, Looper. Observation Peak (9,960 ft.) is our main objective, but if it seems out of reach, we might have to settle for Indian Peak (9,683 ft.), since it’s closer.

1:14 PM, near the upper Dog Creek valley – SPHP had the tiny house set up again. Sleeping bags and whatever else was heavy and expendable were stashed inside. Time to press on!

Ready to set out from the resurrected tiny house. Photo looks SW.

Heading W from the tiny house, the trail descended another 40 feet. A flat, open plain in the upper Dog Creek valley was ahead. Crossing 2 tiny streams, Lupe roamed WNW over the plain. She soon reached a larger tributary of Dog Creek. A short distance beyond it, a trail headed SW.

Entering the **upper Dog Creek valley**. **HP9582** (R of Center) ahead. Photo looks WNW.

Wading in the larger tributary of Dog Creek. Photo looks WSW.

This new trail was Trail No. 009. The topo map showed it climbing up and over a steep ridge 0.33 mile NNW of Indian Peak. This same ridge was also Lupe’s intended route to Observation Peak, so following this trail seemed like a sensible thing to do.

Crossing the big tributary of Dog Creek again, Trail No. 009 curved NW, and soon began slanting up an open slope. Gaining 200 feet of elevation, it then turned SW into a forested valley full of snow.

Trail No. 009 vanishes beneath the snow. Photo looks SW.

From the amount of snow visible ahead, following the trail up onto the ridge N of Indian Peak suddenly no longer seemed viable. Abandoning No. 009, Lupe headed W into the forest.

The plan was to get to the ridge N of Indian Peak by the shortest route possible. After an initial climb, Lupe roamed through a large, relatively flat region of snowy woods, eventually emerging on a snow-covered plain just E of the ridge.

Heading W after abandoning Trail No. 009. Photo looks W.

Approaching the ridge between **Indian Peak** and **HP9582**. Photo looks W.

On the snowy plain below the ridge. Photo looks SW.

The ridge was such a steep climb that SPHP ventured up toward the NW where snow-free terrain provided better traction. A rest break was in order once up on top.

Relaxing on the ridge. **Indian Peak** (Center). Photo looks S.

Lupe had reached the ridgeline only a little S of HP9582. Following the broad ridge N after her break, a moderate rate of climb through mostly open forest got the Carolina Dog up to HP9582 without any difficulties. Next to a small area of flat, bare ground, a huge snowbank wrapped around the N and E edges, providing big views in those directions.

Wolf Mountain (9,483 ft.), where Loop had set out from this morning, and the long ridge she had traveled from Red Pass on the way here, were of particular interest.

**Wolf Mountain** (L of Center) in the foreground from **HP9582**. Photo looks ESE.

Forest hid the views to the S and W, but exploring HP9582‘s W slope, an opening was found where Observation Peak (9,960 ft.) was in sight.

**Observation Peak** (Center) from the upper W slope of HP9582. **HP9600** (R). Photo looks W with help from the telephoto lens.

Observation Peak was now only 1.25 miles W, but the American Dingo faced a fair amount of up and down along the ridge leading to it. The next objective was HP9600. Continuing down HP9582‘s W slope, Loop quickly broke out of the forest, coming to nicely rounded, open terrain.

Heading for **HP9600** (L). Photo looks NW.

Arriving at the saddle leading to HP9600, SPHP got the brilliant idea that unnecessary elevation gain could be avoided by traversing the S slope. Worked great until Lupe ran into a rock slide, which made it easier to simply climb to the top of HP9600.

At the **saddle leading to HP9600** (Center). Photo looks WNW.

The rock slide on **HP9600‘s SSW slope**. **Observation Peak** (L). Photo looks WNW.

Being forced higher was a good thing. The views from HP9600 were wonderful! Snow-clad Indian Peak (9,683 ft.) looked beautiful to the SSE. Peak 9708 and Red Peak (9,771 ft.) strung out along the ridge S of it were lovely, too. Off to the W was a great look at both Observation Peak and Obs Benchmark (9,935 ft.).

At **HP9600**. **Indian Peak** (L), **Peak 9708** and **Red Peak** (R). Photo looks S.

**Obs Benchmark** (L) and **Observation Peak** (R). Photo looks WSW.

The trek W along the ridge leading to Observation Peak from HP9600 was gorgeous! The S slopes were nearly all snow-free. The N slopes still harbored extensive snow fields, which Lupe sometimes had to cross.

Following the ridge to **Observation Peak** (R). **Obs Benchmark** (L). Photo looks W.

Crossing a snow field. **Observation Peak** (R). Photo looks W.

Near the end, Loop came to a signpost half-buried in a large snow field, the only sign she had seen since leaving the Dog Creek trailhead 2 days ago. It wasn’t much farther to Observation Peak now. From a little rise, a trail was seen heading up a moderately steep, rounded slope.

Oh, yeah! Pure cake!

At the rare sign post. **Observation Peak** (R). Photo looks W.

*Got it made in the sunshine now, SPHP! C’mon, let’s get there!* Photo looks WNW.

5:41 PM, 66ºF, 5mph SW breeze, Observation Peak (9,960 ft.) – Conditions were ideal when the American Dingo arrived on a 300 foot long, 20 – 25 foot wide, summit ridge running E/W. This open ridge was wider and rounded toward the E, narrower and somewhat rocky W.

Scraggly trees ran along the N side about 2/3 of the way toward the W. Near the tallest of these trees, big sticks were piled at the true summit, almost on top of a cairn harboring a clear plastic jar with a blue lid. Only an old photo film container was visible inside.

At **Observation Peak’s true summit**. Photo looks E.

The plastic jar inside the summit cairn.

Congratulations, Looper, on your successful ascent of Observation Peak! After our ghastly start two days ago, I wasn’t so certain I’d ever have the pleasure of shaking your paw here!

Persistence, SPHP! I’ll do most anything for a chocolate coconut bar!

Well, you’re in luck, sweet-tooth puppy! Happen to still have one in the pack. C’mon, let’s pick a spot to rest where there aren’t so many trees.

Grabbing the plastic jar from out of the cairn, SPHP led Lupe out to the W end of the summit ridge. The views were fabulous! After sharing the much anticipated chocolate coconut bar, Lupe curled up on SPHP’s lap. Far to the NNE, Grand Teton (13,770 ft.) and Mount Owen (12,928 ft.) dominated what could be seen of Wyoming’s famous Teton Range.

**Grand Teton** (L of Center) from the break spot. Photo looks NNE.

Zoomed in on **Grand Teton** (Center) and **Mount Owen** (R). Photo looks NNE.

While Lupe relaxed, SPHP removed the film cannister from the plastic jar, and opened it. Within were only 2 carefully folded pieces of paper. One was sopping wet and barely legible. SPHP could make out only “2020” and “Sketchy climb up from the NW. Scintillating view!”

The other paper was merely damp. Dated way back on July 4, 1996, it was much more legible.

Observation Peak was apparently Peak No. 504 for someone from Idaho Falls.

Weary after a 3 day march to get here, Lupe and SPHP remained seated out near the W end of the summit ridge for quite a while. Magnificent mountain scenery was on display in all directions.

Obs Benchmark (9,935 ft.), with a sheer N face, was the most intriguing of the relatively nearby peaks. A long ridge extending toward it clearly dropped sharply away before connecting to it. Probably not easy to get to Obs Benchmark from here.

**Obs Benchmark** (L). A sliver of the **Palisades Reservoir** is visible (R). Photo looks SW.

After a while, SPHP managed to summon enough energy to get up and stroll about to gaze more intently on some of the other views. Loopster was willing to tag along, but generally preferred to lay down whenever SPHP paused somewhere.

From the E end of the summit ridge, the ridge Lupe had followed from HP9600 to get here was in sight. Wolf Mountain and Indian Mountain were clearly lower than Observation Peak, but on the SE horizon was a peak that was definitely higher. SPHP didn’t realize it at the time, but that was probably Hoback Peak (10,862 ft). Lupe had been there!

**Wolf Mountain** (L) beyond **HP9600** & **HP9582**, **Indian Peak** (R), and **Hoback Peak** (R) on the horizon. Photo looks SE.

Stewart Mountain (10,103 ft.) and the N end of the Salt River Range were far to the S, well beyond a line consisting of Red Peak (9,771 ft.), Peak 9736, and Deadhorse Peak (9,767 ft.). Only the top of Bradley Mountain (9,292 ft.) was visible at mid-range between them.

**Red Peak** (L), top of **Bradley Mountain** (L of Center) beyond Lupe, **Stewart Mountain** (R of Center) on the horizon, **Peak 9736** (R), and **Deadhorse Peak** (far R). Photo looks S.

Back and forth along the summit ridge multiple times, so much to see!

**Peak 9618** (L of Center), **Grand Teton** (far R). Photo looks NNW.

Relaxing at the W end again. **Peak 9618** (R). Photo looks NW.

The sun was sinking. Still going to be up for a while, but getting back to the tiny house would take a while, too. Lupe returned briefly to the true summit, then relaxed once more back at the fabulous viewpoint near the W end of the summit ridge.

Back at the **true summit**. Photo looks E.

Final moments on **Observation Peak**. Photo looks N.

7:00 PM – Sadly, as always, precious time had flown. On this glorious evening, Lupe left Observation Peak heading down the E slope, back the way she’d come. Although tired, her entire return was one marvelous scene after another.

Descending from Observation Peak. **Lake Basin** (foreground), Photo looks S.

Once back to HP9582, the American Dingo varied her route. Descending a steep, open slope, she reached a saddle on the ridge going E. Here, a gendarme presented a tricky little scramble. Went just fine. No other obstacles lay beyond it. Loop was soon able to leave the ridge, roaming SE through meadows on a long descent into the upper Dog Creek valley.

The sun was down, but there was still light in the sky when the weary Carolina Dog reached the tiny house again. What a day it had been! Lupe had made it to Observation Peak, her main objective. Even if she did nothing more than return to the RAV4 from here, this backpacking trip was now an official success.

Great job, but you better sleep tight, Looper! You’re not done here in the Snake River Range quite yet!

On **Observation Peak**, Snake River Range, Wyoming 6-25-22

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