South Dakota – Page 34 – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 267 – Flume Trail No. 50: Boulder Hill to Sheridan Lake (3-3-21)

8:26 AM, 32ºF, Boulder Hill trailhead along USFS Road No. 358 – A bit of a chill in the air when Lupe leapt out of the G6, but not a cloud in the sky. Supposed to warm up nicely. In fact, it had already been unseasonably warm the last couple of days. Not much snow left at all, although some lingered on N slopes and in shady spots.

Raring to go at the Boulder Hill trailhead.

The Boulder Hill trailhead! Been a while since we’ve been here, SPHP. Are we going to climb Boulder Hill again?

Nope, not today, Loop! How about a romp along Flume Trail No. 50 all the way to Sheridan Lake?

Sounds good, SPHP! The Flume Trail is a snap!

Oh, we’re gonna toughen it up a bit, though. Climb 2 or 3 peaks with more than 300 feet of prominence that I dug up from Lists of John.

I knew there would be a catch!

Hah! Wouldn’t want it to be too easy now, would we? One of those peaks is right here, just NW of the trailhead. Let’s tag it first, then hit the trail.

Peak 5048 wasn’t going to be all that much of a climb. 350 feet ought to about do it. The E slope looked easier than the S slope did, so Loopster worked her way around that way. Partway up, she caught a glimpse of Boulder Hill (5,331 ft.) less than a mile away.

**Boulder Hill** from Peak 5048’s SE slope. Photo looks S.

Most of the ascent was on pine needles with some deadfall in the mix. A short scrambly stretch appeared just before Lupe reached the top. Peak 5048’s summit proved to be kind of unusual, 120 to 150 feet across with 3 separate rock formations forming distinct high points. Lupe climbed the SE one first.

A little scrambly just before reaching the summit. Photo looks NW.

On **Peak 5048’s SE high point**. Photo looks S.

Rest of the summit region from the SE high point. Photo looks N.

Peak 5048 was too heavily forested to permit much in the way of views, although it was possible to catch glimpses of Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.) and Five Points (6,221 ft.) by moving around a bit.

**Five Points** (R of Center). Photo looks W with help from the telephoto lens.

**Black Elk Peak** (Center). Photo looks SW with help from the telephoto lens.

The Carolina Dog visited all 3 of Peak 5048’s high points. The NW one proved to be the true summit. SPHP shared a chocolate coconut bar with her there.

On the **NE high point**. Photo looks NNE.

On a rock near the NW high point. **NE high point** (L). Photo looks S.

At the NW high point, **Peak 5048’s true summit**! Photo looks NNE.

Loop completed her tour of Peak 5048 by checking out a crude shelter tucked in the low spot between the 3 high points. Roomy enough for an American Dingo, but it sure looked like the roof would leak. On such a beautiful day, Lupe had no need for a shelter, anyway.

*Not exactly a marvel of engineering, but I suppose it would be better than nothing!*

Lupe was already starting back down the mountain when she stumbled onto the best view of all from just below the SE high point. An open spot provided a nice panorama of Boulder Hill, Silver Mountain (5,405 ft.), and Black Elk Peak.

**Boulder Hill** (L), **Silver Mountain** (L of Center) & **Black Elk Peak** (R). Photo looks SSW.

**Black Elk Peak** (R). Photo looks SW with help from the telephoto lens.

With her exploration of Peak 5048 complete, Lupe returned to Flume Trail No. 50 at the Boulder Hill trailhead and headed W.

After a short stretch in pine forest, the trail crossed USFS Road No. 358, entering more open territory. This was all part of Section 2 as shown on the Flume Trail map. Passing through a field of scrub oak, the trail went slowly downhill. Lupe got a nice look at Peak 5048 from below.

Entering the open region right after crossing USFS Road No. 358. **Boulder Hill** (L). Photo looks S.

Approaching the scrub oaks. USFS Road No. 358 (R). Photo looks W.

Gradually losing elevation. Photo looks N.

Near the end of Section 2, the trail gained roughly 40 feet before starting gradually down again. 0.6 mile from the trailhead, Looper reached an intersection. Loop B, which took the long way (3.8 miles!) back to the Boulder Hill trailhead, was to the R. Section 1 of the Flume Trail, which went to Sheridan Lake, was to the L.

The intersection, as seen from Loop B. Section 1 starts right behind Lupe, which is the way she needed to go. Photo looks SW.

Section 1 started out winding NW along mostly pine-forested hillsides. The trail was very flat along in here, apparently following the original route of the old Spring Creek to Rockerville flume bed.

On a snowy stretch near the E end of Section 1. Photo looks NW.

Passing through some dog hair pines. Photo looks W.

15 minutes brought Lupe to a road. Where to? No sign of where the trail went from here. SPHP initially thought the trail must cross the road, but could see no indication of it on the other side. However, a more careful search revealed a couple of 1 inch tall stubs of a broken wand right along the edge of the opposite side of the road.

Aha! Must be the way! Continuing WNW, the direction the trail had been going where it reached the road, Lupe plunged ahead. While she sniffed through snowy open forest, SPHP kept an eye out for some clear indication of the trail, because there was no real sign of it yet.

After 400 or 500 feet, the American Dingo came to a barbed wire fence. Still nothing. Suspicious. The trail had been really easy to follow until it reached the road. Following the fence line S, Lupe was soon at the road again. Maybe she ought to follow it?

The road was muddy, full of slush and big puddles. 0.2 mile S brought Lupe to a green gate. A “50” diamond on the L post confirmed that she was going the right way.

Beyond the gate, the road kept winding S or SW. Lupe finally came to a cut where the road started turning W. Just past the cut was a junction with another road that went S. Fortunately, another “50” diamond was on a tree to the W. Helpful! Ignoring the road to the S, Lupe went W.

“50” diamond on the tree to the R. Photo looks WSW.

Soon turning SW again, the road remained quite level as Lupe followed it along the SE side of a shallow valley. (Johnson Gulch about a mile NW of Boulder Hill on the topo map.)

On the SE side of **Johnson Gulch** (R). Photo looks SSW.

The valley narrowed, and Loop reached another junction. 75 feet S of this intersection, a leaning brown wand showed where Flume Trail No. 50 finally left the road. After crossing a tiny frozen creek, the trail went N on the W side of Johnson Gulch, eventually turning NE as the valley widened out. Boulder Hill (5,331 ft.) came back into sight.

On the W side of **Johnson Gulch** (R) now, shortly after the Flume Trail left the road. Photo looks NE.

**Boulder Hill** (L of Center) beyond **Johnson Gulch**. Photo looks SW.

Flume Trail No. 50 kept coming to various intersections with old jeep trails or USFS Roads, but seldom followed them. Johnson Gulch fed into a huge open field to the N known as Baker Park. Before getting all the way to it, the trail curved W again, but for a while Lupe enjoyed mostly tree-broken views of Baker Park.

The Flume Trail crosses another old jeep trail. **Peak 5040** (R). Photo looks WNW.

**Peak 5171** (R) beyond **Baker Park**. Photo looks NNW.

Somewhere along in here, it became clear that the Flume Trail was no longer following the old flume bed. The trail headed W up onto a grassy ridge. Peak 5006 and Peak 5040 were both in view only 0.5 mile WNW.

Lupe had been going for quite a while now, and this seemed like a good spot to take a break. Stopping in the shade of a large, lone pine tree, SPHP had an apple, and split another chocolate coconut bar with Loop.

At the break spot. **Peak 5006** (Center) and **Peak 5040** (R). Photo looks WNW.

After a nice rest, Lupe continued on her way. The trail headed NW along the ridge, which soon ended. Flume Trail No. 50 switchbacked down a NE slope, turned NW at the bottom close to Baker Park, then looped SW up the Bittersweet Creek valley. Bittersweet Creek was non-existent, no surface water at all. The grassy terrain was quite gentle, and before long the American Dingo was across the valley, heading N again.

Near **Baker Park** (L) after leaving the ridge. **Peak 5048** (L), **Storm Hill** (Center) and **Boulder Hill** (R). Photo looks ESE.

**Bittersweet Creek valley**. Photo looks S.

The single track trail came to yet another road, and this time followed it NW for a while, as evidenced by occasional “50” diamonds on the trees and other markers. Steadily gaining elevation, it soon became apparent that any views of Boulder Hill were about to be left behind for good.

Last glance back at **Boulder Hill**. Photo looks SE.

As the road headed farther into the trees, Lupe came to a second green gate. No “50” diamonds or any other markers here. Didn’t seem right.

At the second green gate. Photo looks NNW.

Glancing around, SPHP could sort of make out what might be a diamond 150 feet away at the top of a slope to the SW. Looper went to investigate. Sure enough! The Flume Trail must have left the road a little way back. It was up here.

The whole mood of Flume Trail No. 50 changed as Lupe continued over the rise. Losing some elevation on the other side, she entered a denser pine forest. Gone were all the relatively open views and gentle terrain, although the trail itself was super easy. Reaching the old flume bed, the trail leveled out again, but the mountain slopes on each side were much steeper than before.

Back on the old flume bed. Photo looks W.

Flume Trail No. 50 again made another long foray SW along the SE side of a deeper valley. A tiny creek crossed at the far end was frozen solid.

Crossing the frozen creek where the valley floor finally rose enough to meet the trail.

Now on the NW side of the valley, the trail narrowed as it headed NNE. After a bit, a wall of rock appeared ahead. The trail went straight for a wood-framed black opening. Lupe had reached the first of 2 tunnels.

Approaching the short tunnel. Photo looks NE.

This was the short tunnel. Hardly anything to it, except for a trail system map posted inside on the R as Lupe entered. SPHP paused briefly for a quick look, before the Carolina Dog went out the other end of the tunnel.

Loopster waiting at the far end. Just about the entire tunnel is in view here.

Even though it was short, the tunnel was still pretty cool. Definitely an unmistakable landmark along the way. After going through the tunnel, the trail continued N, but it wasn’t long before it bent sharply W.

The stretch ahead was flat, but icy and narrow, with exceptionally steep banks on both sides. Sheridan Lake Road was visible down in the Spring Creek valley on the R (N).

Icy and narrow as the trail heads W shortly after going through the short tunnel.

The icy, narrow, steep situation persisted as Flume Trail No. 50 curved NW. However, it soon curved W again, then SW. As the Spring Creek valley got left behind, the surrounding terrain was no longer as steep. Just a pleasant stroll through sunlit forest again!

Beyond the narrow, icy stretch. Photo looks WSW.

Everything proceeded along smoothly enough for another 10 minutes. Then Lupe came to a cut. A few minutes beyond the cut, another dark opening appeared.

Peering into the long tunnel, Lupe saw a path of 3 planks laid side by side leading into the darkness. No light could be detected indicating any opening at the far end. Spooky!

The Carolina Dog ventured in. She didn’t have to go very far before light could be seen quite some distance ahead. Reassuring! Confident now that there actually was another end to this tunnel, Lupe kept going.

Some of the plank flooring was loose and sagged under SPHP’s weight. Lupe had no problem, but the ceiling was low enough in spots to make SPHP stoop. The light at the far end of the tunnel kept growing, though. Gonna be fine!

The short tunnel was only what, 20 or 30 feet long? The long tunnel was 10 times that. All went well until the end when SPHP’s head bashed into the very last timber overhead.

Smooth move, SPHP!

Thanks, Loop! Just call me Grace!

You, OK?

Yeah, mostly. Only whacked my head. Can’t be too serious!

Past the long tunnel, the world seemed incredibly bright. Spring Creek, many times larger than the little trickles Lupe had come to so far, could now be heard way down in the canyon ahead. Traversing another steep slope, Flume Trail No. 50 headed S past a big wall of rock.

Past the long tunnel now, in a much rockier region. Photo looks S.

Looper was soon past the wall, the trail remaining quite level the entire way. Rocky portions of the flume bed were still ahead as Flume Trail No. 50 curved WSW.

The trail became quite rocky as it wound along the old flume bed. Photo looks SW.

A particularly impressive display of the work that must have gone into building the flume route way back in 1880. Photo looks WSW.

The rushing sound Spring Creek was making down in the canyon meant one thing. Looper was getting close to Sheridan Lake! Before long, the dam appeared ahead.

**Sheridan Lake dam** (Center). **Peak 5200** (R). Photo looks WNW.

Taking it’s sweet time getting there, the trail made one last foray to the S. Near the end, the trail was sort of messed up. Hard to tell exactly where it went. Lupe wound up overlooking the spillway from a spot that couldn’t have been part of the official trail.

Almost there, but off the official trail. **Sheridan Lake spillway** (R). Photo looks NW.

A short steep scramble, tricky for SPHP with the slippery snow, got Lupe back on track. The frozen surface of Sheridan Lake came into sight. A few minutes later, Loopster reached Flume Trail No. 50’s junction with Centennial Trail No. 89.

Back on Flume Trail No. 50 approaching frozen **Sheridan Lake**. **Peak 5200** (Center) on the opposite shore. Photo looks NW.

Looper where Flume Trail No. 50 meets Centennial Trail No. 89. Photo looks SE.

Heading down to the lake, SPHP spotted another trail system map like the one back at the short tunnel.

Flume Trail No. 50 went on to a choice of 2 different trailheads from here. One route went SW paralleling the lakeshore for nearly a mile, all the way to the Calumet trailhead at Blue Wing. Another spur of similar length left the Sheridan Lake dam, winding NE down along Spring Creek to the Upper Spring Creek trailhead.

Flume Trail system map posted near Sheridan Lake.

Once again, a closer look at the relevant portion.

Which way, SPHP? Or are we heading back now?

Oh, no! We’re not done yet, Loop. You’ve still got a mountain to climb! Remember I said we would climb 2 or 3 peaks today? That big hill right across the lake is Peak 5200. We’re going over there next.

So, cross the dam? Is that how we get there?

Righto, Dingo!

About to cross the spillway to get to the dam. Photo looks ESE.

Up on the dam, which is part of Centennial Trail No. 89. Photo looks N.

**Sheridan Lake** is 3 times as big as what we can see from here! Loop near the N end of the dam. Photo looks WSW.

The Sheridan Lake dam was as far as Lupe was taking the Flume Trail today. Crossing the dam, she came to a stone stairway at the N end that wound up onto a small hill. On the other side of the hill, an excellent footbridge spanned a narrow, vertical-sided gorge where Spring Creek left Sheridan Lake.

**Sheridan Lake** and the dam from the stone stairway. Photo looks SW.

At the footbridge over Spring Creek. Photo looks NW.

The intention was to follow a road going up the valley N of the bridge all the way to a pass before turning toward Peak 5200, but the road turned out to be muddy and soft. Lupe didn’t get far before SPHP was ready to abandon it. Turning W, the American Dingo started up a steep slope.

The shattered remains of a forest created a deadfall mess. Lupe leapt over it all, as SPHP tried to pick the easiest winding route higher. The more elevation Loop gained, the worse the deadfall seemed to be, but at last she arrived at a high spot at the end of Peak 5200’s SE ridge.

Heading up to Peak 5200’s SE ridge. Photo looks WSW.

The true summit was still another 0.2 mile NW and 140 feet higher, but since this high spot was fairly open and closer to Sheridan Lake, the views might actually be better from here. Time for a break, in any case. The high point was small and rocky. Lupe found SPHP’s lap by far the most comfortable spot to enjoy the view.

Boulder Hill (5,331 ft.) and Silver Mountain (5,405 ft.) were in sight more than 3 miles SE. Lupe had actually traveled a lot farther than that to get here. The Flume Trail had done an enormous amount of winding around. The N end of Calumet Ridge (5,601 ft.) was less than 1.5 miles S. Bluelead Mountain (5,170 ft.), where Lupe had seen a mountain lion in 2016, was even closer, but was so small by comparison that it didn’t appear significant at all.

Most of the E third of Sheridan Lake was in view, including half of the dam. Mount Warner (5,889 ft.) stood well beyond the lake, 3 miles SSW.

**Boulder Hill** (L) and **Silver Mountain** (L of Center) in the distance. **Calumet Ridge** (far R). The mid-level hill below Calumet is **Bluelead Mountain**. Photo looks SE.

**Calumet Ridge** (far L) and **Mount Warner** (Center) beyond **Sheridan Lake**. Photo looks SSW.

An apple and some Taste of the Wild vanished. Loopster and SPHP split a chocolate coconut bar. This was a cool spot, but the sun’s angle was beginning to impart a certain degree of urgency.

Time to get to the top! Heading NW, Lupe pushed for the summit.

The **SE ridge high point** with **Peak 5200’s summit** (Center) in the background. Photo looks NW.

About to head for the top. Photo looks NW.

Some deadfall to deal with, and that was about it. Lupe arrived at the top of Peak 5200 to find it more open than SPHP expected. Two small collections of stones separated by 15 or 20 feet vied for absolute high point. Much roomier up here than on the SE ridge, and not very rocky.

Only a small piece of Sheridan Lake was visible to the S. More could be seen to the W, but just a tree-broken view.

**Peak 5200 summit**. **Calumet Ridge** (L), **Sheridan Lake** (Center), and a glimpse of **Black Elk Peak** (R). Photo looks S.

Tree-broken view to the WSW with help from the telephoto lens.

Long ago a fire had wiped out the entire forest on Peak 5200’s N slope. In fact, smoke from a controlled burn was visible right now some miles away, drifting W toward Twin Sisters (5,244 ft.) and the grasslands of the Bald Hills.

**Twin Sisters** (L) and the **Bald Hills** (Center). Photo looks N.

Peak 5171, also on today’s list of possible climbs, was in sight to the NE. SPHP dithered. Yes or no? The Carolina Dog was completely in favor of pondering the question over the last chocolate coconut bar. The Taste of the Wild supply took another hit, too.

*We going for it, or not, SPHP?* **Peak 5171** (L of Center). Photo looks ENE.

Nope. Too late in the day. Might be dark before Lupe could even get there. Peak 5171 was out. Another time.

45 minutes went by up on Peak 5200. Toward the end, Lupe ventured far enough down the S slope to get a better view of Sheridan Lake.

**Sheridan Lake** from Peak 5200. **Calumet Ridge** (L), **Mount Warner** (R) and **Black Elk Peak** (far R). Photo looks S.

Her last act was to perch on Peak 5200’s N high point. Familiar territory was off to the NW. New Year’s Eve Peak (6,046 ft.), Peak 5917, and Peak 5800 were all in sight.

R to L: **Peak 5800** (L of Center), **Peak 5917**, **New Year’s Eve Peak**. Photo looks NW.

Onward! Puppy, ho!

The trek back commenced. Heading E, SPHP contemplated going down the N slope. Rejecting that notion due to the amount of deadfall, a clear view of Peak 5200’s S slope all the way down to Sheridan Lake appeared steep, but not all that bad.

Deceptive! Not the way to go! Not only steep, but choked with deadfall practically the entire way. A use trail ran near the lakeshore when Lupe finally got down there, but despite some decent stretches, it was up and down over rocks and deadfall trying to get past pinch points.

Happily, it all worked in the end. Loop made it back to Centennial Trail No. 89 and the footbridge over Spring Creek. The sun hung low in the W as she headed S across the dam. An hour until sunset max.

It was a long, winding march back on Flume Trail No. 50, but Lupe made good time. Even so, Orion was brilliant in the night sky long before all was said and done. (End 7:52 PM, 33ºF)

**Flume Trail No. 50**, Black Hills of South Dakota, 3-3-21

Links:

Next Black Hills Expedition Prior Black Hills Expedition

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 268 – Flume Trail No. 50: Coon Hollow to Boulder Hill & Loop B (3-7-21)

Flume Trail No. 50 – Map & Brochure

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Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 266 – Peak 5500 & Wildcat Peak (2-22-21)

7:48 AM, 31ºF, intersection of Dewey Road (Custer Co. No. 769) and Elk Mountain Road – What a gorgeous day! A few little clouds in a brilliant blue sky. Supposed to warm up a bunch today, too, after what had been a bitter cold couple of weeks in the first part of February. Highs in the upper 50’s ºF in the forecast back home!

Yeah, so much for that around here. Not even up to freezing yet. Lupe set out for gleaming white Elk Benchmark (5,669 ft.) heading into the teeth of a frigid NW wind. Looked like, felt like, winter!

**Elk Benchmark** from Elk Mountain Road. Photo looks NW.

I thought you said it was going to be nice out, SPHP! Just sort of windy.

Hah! Yeah, silly me! Actually supposed to get windier, too. 40 mph gusts! How are you faring, Looper? Are you freezing? Want to turn back?

I’m OK so far, but windier won’t be good. Are you sure you’re up to this?

Not entirely, Loop. A lot colder and snowier than I was expecting, but the mountains ought to provide us some shelter once we get closer.

Let’s keep going then, SPHP. If we can get out of the wind, that will help a bunch. Hopefully, it will warm up some, too.

A cold, cold trek for nearly 1.5 miles, but conditions improved after that. At 2.5 miles long and more than 500 feet high, Elk Benchmark made an excellent windbreak. Might have warmed up a bit by the time Lupe got close to it, too. Elk Mountain Road turned SW into a sheltered valley. Suddenly the winter display was simply beautiful, instead of an ordeal.

Peak 5500 and Wildcat Peak (5,500 ft.) were already in sight. Going to be a fun day, if it didn’t get too windy up on top!

Still out in the cold wind. **Peak 5500** (L) and **Elk Benchmark** (R). Photo looks W.

Beautiful here! Not as windy. **Wildcat Peak** (L) and **Peak 5500** (R). Photo looks S.

At the W end of the protected valley, Elk Mountain Road wound 300 feet up to a pass separating Elk Benchmark and Peak 5500. SPHP paused to read a sign about Bighorn sheep. As soon as SPHP finished, Lupe left the road and began climbing SE into the snowy forest.

**Peak 5500** (L). The road curves R up to a pass. Photo looks SW.

About to head into the forest. Photo looks SE.

The snow was a foot deep most places, enough to make Lupe work. Once she got into the forest a little way, she turned E until she reached the edge of the ridge she was going to follow up Peak 5500. From here she had a great view of the secluded valley she’d come through on Elk Mountain Road, and much of the ridgeline leading to the summit.

Lupe came through the valley seen on the R. **Elk Benchmark** (L). Photo looks NE.

At the E edge of the ridge. **Peak 5500** (L of Center). Photo looks SE.

The American Dingo kept going, climbing SE along the ridgeline. Every so often, she stopped to enjoy the unobstructed views to the E from big rocks perched along the edge.

**S end of Elk Benchmark** (L). Photo looks NE.

On the same boulder, but now looking SE toward **Peak 5500’s summit** (R).

The edge of the ridge was wide open. Breezy up here, but nothing like it had been down on the prairie. The forest just W of the ridgeline helped a lot to minimize it’s effect, but Lupe could still hear the wind roaring among the swaying pines.

Partway up, Lupe came to a flat bouldery area where there was a break in the forest. She could see a long way W into Wyoming from here, but was again exposed to the wind’s full force. Annoying, but since it wasn’t quite as cold out now, the gale wasn’t as frigid as it had been earlier.

On the wind-swept boulders. Photo looks SE.

A big view into Wyoming through a gap in the forest. Photo looks W.

The climb continued. Really wasn’t all that steep most of the time. Lupe explored boulders and rock outcroppings. Soon she was high enough to see the white, barren N end of Elk Benchmark, where the forest had burned away nearly 20 years ago.

Up nearly all the way, but not too steep. Photo looks ESE.

Near the top there were hardly any big rocks. Scattered dead trees stood forlornly on an open snowy slope covered with animal tracks and a few human ones, too. Loopster sure would have liked to see some of those Bighorn sheep, but none seemed to be around.

Fully exposed to the cold wind again, Lupe turned S toward the summit, often having to contend with deadfall hidden beneath the snow. The big view of Elk Benchmark (5,669 ft.) back to the N continued to improve.

Lots of tracks up here, but sadly no Bighorn sheep. Photo looks SE.

Quite a view of the white **N end of Elk Benchmark** (Center) now! Photo looks N.

Getting close to the top of **Peak 5500**. Photo looks S.

A scenic group of 4 dead trees near the edge. **Elk Benchmark** (L). Photo looks N.

A little NE of Peak 5500’s true summit, Wildcat Peak (5,500 ft.) came into view. Such a beautiful mountain! Lupe had been to Wildcat Peak nearly 5 years ago.

**Wildcat Peak** (Center). Photo looks SE.

**Wildcat Peak** from **Peak 5500**. Photo looks SE with help from the telephoto lens.

In fact, Lupe had been to Peak 5500 before, too. She’d come up over it on that same day in April, 2016 on her way back from Wildcat Peak. Ready to complete her 2nd ascent, Loop headed for the true summit.

**True summit of Peak 5500** (R of Center) dead ahead! Photo looks WSW.

On top of **Peak 5500**. Photo looks NE.

The true summit was more of a small area than any one identifiable point, especially with so much snow around. With her 2nd ascent of Peak 5500 complete, Lupe was ready for a break. Fortunately, the forest was close enough to help minimize the wind to some degree. Loop and SPHP hung out enjoying the fabulous view of Wildcat Peak.

Not for long, though! Snow everywhere. No dry place to sit, and enough of a chilly breeze to soon convince both Dingo and human that moving on might be a good idea. Loop ventured back to the NE for a last look at Elk Benchmark before returning briefly to Peak 5500’s true summit. She then headed S exploring Peak 5500’s long summit ridge. The Carolina Dog’s next journey to Wildcat Peak was underway!

**Elk Benchmark** from **Peak 5500**. Photo looks N with help from the telephoto lens.

Lupe didn’t have to go very far S to reach an open region where all the trees were dead. For a rocky, wind-swept stretch hundreds of feet long, she again had big views into Wyoming. Continuing S, Loop regained the protection of a live forest. She had a final look back at the moderately higher true summit before turning SW into the trees.

Last look back at the **true summit** (L of Center) while exploring **Peak 5500’s S ridge**. Photo looks N.

Getting close to the S end. Photo looks SW.

Where Peak 5500’s S ridge really start to drop off, the forest gave way to more open territory again. With Wyoming less than 0.25 mile away, Lupe got up on a rock formation with a panoramic view.

A grand view of Wyoming! Photo looks SSW.

Loop continued SW down the slope a little way. Easy enough, but what the American Dingo really needed to do was to get down to the saddle leading to Wildcat Peak. With snow still melting on Peak 5500’s SE face, it was just steep and slick enough to be a bit of a challenge for SPHP.

**Wildcat Peak** (Center) from where Lupe started down into the valley. Photo looks SE.

A slow, cautious descent went fine. Lupe got down to where the terrain leveled out somewhat below and SW of the saddle. Didn’t take her long to get up to it. A big clearing at the saddle was full of deep snow.

Heading down **Peak 5500’s SE face**. Photo looks NNW.

At the saddle between Peak 5500 and Wildcat Peak. Photo looks NE.

The trek up Wildcat Peak was reminiscent of the one up Peak 5500. A bit steeper on average, but the American Dingo was again climbing SE near the E edge of a long ridge. Still plenty of wildlife tracks in the snow, but no human ones here. The fabled Bighorn sheep again disappointed by failing to put in an appearance.

Heading up **Wildcat Peak** (Center). Fairly steep along in here. Photo looks SE.

Following a wildlife highway partway up on easier terrain. Photo looks SE.

As Lupe regained elevation, Elk Benchmark (5,669 ft.) came into sight again, along with a steadily improving view of Peak 5500.

**Peak 5500** (L) and **Elk Benchmark** (R). Photo looks N.

Not far from the top of **Wildcat Peak** now. **Peak 5500** (L) and **Elk Benchmark** (R). Photo looks N.

Wildcat Peak (5,500 ft.) had definite true summit, a huge rock at the NW end of a summit ridge several hundred feet long. Many boulders that weren’t much lower were strung out along the entire length of this ridge, but there was no denying that the one at the NW end was higher than any other.

Loop near **Wildcat Peak’s true summit boulder** (L). Photo looks NE.

Not a wildcat in sight, SPHP!

Nope. But then why should there be, Looper? If I remember right, last time you were here you proclaimed this mountain to be American Dingo Peak, didn’t you? “Bring it on, Wildcats!” and all that sort of thing.

Oh, that’s right, I did! Kind of forgot about that. Can’t even sniff any sign of a wildcat now.

No wildcat prints in the snow, either. Guess you scared ’em all off. They probably figured you’d be back every now and then to defend American Dingo Peak against all comers.

That must be it! I sort of thought wildcats might still sneak up here now and then, but maybe wildcats know about Carolina Dogs’ reputation for ferocity?

Makes sense to me, Loopster. Certainly explains the current dearth of wildcats. The poor wildcats are terrified to get anywhere near this joint.

The summit boulder was too tall for Lupe to be able to get up onto it by herself. SPHP wasn’t about to lift her way up there, either, when it was all slick with snow on top. No sense in risking a fall.

Instead, both Loop and SPHP got up on the highest rock next to it. As Loopster’s personal representative, SPHP reached up and tapped the top of the summit boulder. Success! Good enough for Dingo work, anyway!

At the **true summit**, or as close to it as Lupe got. Photo looks NNW.

**Wildcat Peak** or **American Dingo Peak** – take your pick!

Wildcat Peak’s mostly forested summit region sloped away to the SW, but toward the SE end of the upper ridge there was a clearing with big views to the S. Leaving the true summit, Lupe headed that way.

Heading for the SE end of Wildcat Peak’s summit ridge. Photo looks SE.

On a big rock near the SE end. Photo looks SSE.

Looking back along the summit ridge. Photo looks NW.

Although it was still quite cool and windy, the snow had partially melted off some of the big rocks near the SE end of the ridge. Choosing a rock with a reasonably big dry spot, SPHP sat down. Lupe snuggled close, and was soon curled up on SPHP’s lap, since solid rock ranks distressingly low on the Dingo comfort scale.

Break time! Taste of the Wild, a chocolate coconut bar, and an apple – the usual fare. It all disappeared while contemplating the dazzling white scene to the S. A huge expanse was in sight, but none of it was higher than Wildcat Peak where Lupe was now.

That wasn’t quite true. Barely detectable way off on the far SW horizon, shimmered a faint white triangle. Might even have been a cloud, except that the triangle never moved or changed. SPHP was almost certain it was actually the top of Laramie Peak (10,272 ft.).

Much closer, 5 miles SSE, were several peaks Lupe had visited nearly 5 years ago. Sullivan Peak (4,967 ft.) and Twin Buttes (4,949 ft.) were both long white ridges, the highest points in that region. Red Point (4,680 ft.) was little more than a tiny, heavily-forested, dark green hill. Nothing red about it!

The 2 most distant white ridges are **Sullivan Peak** (L of Center) and **Twin Buttes** (R). The forested hill (L) is **Red Point**. Photo looks SSE with help from the telephoto lens.

Looking down **Wildcat Peak’s S slope**. Photo looks S.

Oh, it’s good to be back on American Dingo Peak, isn’t it, SPHP?

Certainly is, Loop! You going to let the wildcats reclaim their mountain now that you’ve visited it twice?

That’s getting a little radical, SPHP! Maybe we Dingoes can just share it with them? Wouldn’t really mind if some wildcats want to come prowling through here now and then. I actually like cats, you know!

Of course! Cats are cool. And wildcats are super cool!

Brisk, snow-blindingly brilliant, blue sky minutes drifted away one by one. Really was good to be here again. All too soon, it was time for the American Dingo to start back.

An hour after Lupe first reached the top of Wildcat Peak, she passed by the true summit boulder again. Before leaving for good, Loop ventured briefly out to the E edge of the mountain a little NE of the summit.

Everything off to the E looked pretty flat, but it was all a beautiful mix of green forests and white prairies beneath the wild blue sky. Banks of red dirt added a few little splotches of color. A long way to anything higher than Wildcat Peak.

Sadly, time to head back. Photo looks NW.

Near the **true summit** again. Photo looks E.

Leaving **Wildcat Peak**. **Peak 5500** (L) and **Elk Benchmark** (R). Photo looks N.

Lupe’s return varied only slightly from the way she’d come up. Down at the saddle leading to Peak 5500, the Carolina Dog simply headed straight up the SE slope. Steep, but no worse than it had been farther W. Once back up on Peak 5500’s S ridge, Loop headed N.

Back on **Peak 5500’s S ridge**. Photo looks NNE.

Hey, SPHP! I’ve been thinking.

Dat so? What about? Do tell!

This is Peak 5500, right?

Yup.

No other name for it?

Not that I know of, Loop.

Well, then! If the wildcats want their peak back, maybe Peak 5500 can be American Dingo Peak instead? That way everyone’s happy! The giant deers have their Elk Benchmark, the wildcats have Wildcat Peak again, and we American Dingoes have our own mountain, too! How do you like that idea, SPHP?

Mighty considerate of you, Loopster! American Dingoes wouldn’t really lose much in the change, either. Peak 5500 is just as high as Wildcat Peak.

American Dingo Peak is a much snazzier name than plain old Peak 5500, too, SPHP, and Wildcat Peak already had a good name! It’s settled then! Peak 5500 is the new American Dingo Peak! The wildcats can have their mountain back.

OK, fine! As far as we’re concerned, so it is! Only one problem, Looper.

Problem? What problem?

What happens when the Bighorn sheep want their own mountain?

I’m not a magician, SPHP! You snooze, you lose! I’m claiming Peak 5500 for the American Dingoes. The sheep can have Bighorn Sheep Pass. After all, that’s where they put their sign!

Back at **Peak 5500’s summit**. (aka the new **American Dingo Peak**!) Photo looks N.

With the issue resolved, it was – Onward! Puppy, ho! On the way down the NW ridge leading to newly proclaimed Bighorn Sheep Pass, Lupe stopped briefly at some of the big rocks to enjoy the views.

Second time at this rock. Not as snowy as it had been earlier. Photo looks N.

On a spiffy Dingo display pedestal. Photo looks NW.

A nice look at the lower end of the NW ridge. Most of it is actually in Wyoming, but Lupe is still in South Dakota at this point. Photo looks W.

The Carolina Dog was almost down to Bighorn Sheep Pass, when all of a sudden there was an enchanting sound in the forest. Lupe dashed away, snow flying behind her! SPHP followed the Dingo’s shrill yipping to a squirrel tree.

Pleading with the squirrel to come down and play.

Happy times! Only squirrel of the whole day, but one was better than none. Every bit as good as a Bighorn sheep or a wildcat as far as Lupe was concerned. Joy rang through the forest. Once satisfied that she had given the squirrel what for, Lupe explored some big rocks to the W.