7:55 AM, 49ºF – The sky looked like rain, but it wasn’t raining yet as SPHP made the turn off Hwy 385. A short gravel drive curved back into a lovely hidden enclave.
Guess we can park over here, Loopster.
Wow! What a sweet spot! Is this Poppy’s house, SPHP?
Must be, Looper. Let’s go see if HV (Dawnette) & LV (Rollie) are ready.
Of course, they were. Lupe hadn’t even made it over to the deck in front of the house when suddenly Poppy was up there barking furiously with excitement down at the Carolina Dog.
I don’t think Poppy remembers me from Hat Mountain, SPHP.
I think she does – intruder!
Hey! She must be barking at you, SPHP!
No matter. HV appeared almost instantly and quickly calmed Poppy down. A moment later LV joined the group.
After an exchange of greetings, the adventure began from right there at Poppy’s house. Poppy, HV, and LV led the way NNE up a little draw to a fence, then W over a minor pass and on down to USFS Road No. 738 in Ruby Gulch. Turning N on the road, Black Elk Peak(7,231 ft.) soon came into view back to the S.
Heading up the draw behind Poppy’s house. Photo looks NNE.Black Elk Peak (R of Center) from USFS Road No. 738 in Ruby Gulch. Photo looks S.
Lupe had never been in Ruby Gulch before, but Poppy, HV, and LV knew all about it. Rollie pointed out quite a few deer carcasses along the way. Mountain lion kills! Poppy wasn’t allowed off-leash until well beyond them.
The trek up Ruby Gulch wasn’t very long, less than 0.5 mile. No. 738 soon left it continuing N over Pass 4980. Poppy was free to roam just like Lupe from here on, and had an absolute blast leading the way. HV and LV had to keep an eye on her, because she sometimes raced so far ahead. Even Lupe couldn’t begin to keep up with Poppy. Fortunately, Poppy returned often to check on how all the slowpokes were faring.
The view from Pass 4980 after leaving Ruby Gulch. Photo looks N.
A gradual descent beyond Pass 4980 led to another minor pass, then on down to a junction with USFS Road No. 738.1B near a power line where Whaley Gulch split off from South Fork Gulch. Looking SE, Peak5741 was in sight. Although the American Dingo had once been there, SPHP didn’t recognize it from here.
Heading into South Fork Gulch. Photo looks NNE.South Fork Gulch. USFS Road No. 738.1B (L), Whaley Gulch (R). Photo looks N.Peak 5741 (L of Center) from South Fork Gulch. Photo looks SE.
While either road would have worked as a route to Horse Creek, this expedition’s ultimate destination, Poppy and Lupe stuck with No. 738, which now angled NE up Whaley Gulch. However, the road soon curved E, climbing out of the gulch. When No. 738 flattened out at another pass, Rollie recommended abandoning the road to continue N, a shortcut that would save 0.75 mile.
In Whaley Gulch. Photo looks N.About to abandon USFS Road No. 738. Photo looks N.
The off-road exploration was fun! Poppy and LV led the way through a hilly region where most of the forest had burned, which opened up the views to some extent. Quite a bit of deadfall was around, but avoiding most of it was relatively easy. After 0.5 mile, this shortcut eventually led down to USFS Road No. 669 in Gordon Gulch.
Exploring with HV during the off-road shortcut. Photo looks ENE.Near part of the forest that survived the fire. Photo looks NNE.Poppy investigating a deer skeleton.Amid the deadfall shortly before the descent into Gordon Gulch. Photo looks NNE.On USFS Road No. 669 in Gordon Gulch. Photo looks WNW.
Gordon Gulch was wider than the other valleys had been. Bordered by forest, the valley floor was mostly open meadow. Following No. 669 NW, a small pond soon appeared. Glad to see it, Lupe immediately helped herself to a drink. Poppy wasn’t so certain about this water source, but took a few licks, too. A small clear-running stream reached a bit farther on might have been a better choice.
Sampling the little Gordon Gulch pond. Photo looks NW.By the tiny seasonal stream beyond the pond. Photo looks NNW.
After crossing the stream, USFS Road No. 669 began climbing at a faster clip. Leaving Gordon Gulch, the road headed up to a low forested ridge extending SE from Peak 5549. Lupe soon came to familiar territory, a junction SPHP recognized with USFS Road No. 669.1A.
At the junction with USFS Road No. 669.1A (unseen to the L). Photo looks N.
Rollie was also familiar with this territory. No. 669.1A connected with No. 738.1B, making it part of the alternate route leading back to Ruby Gulch. Rollie happened to mention a hornet’s nest he had once seen along No. 669.1A. Since Loopster and SPHP both like loops, a tour of this attraction during the return was an option well worth keeping in mind.
However, for the time being, the trek N on No. 669 continued. The road curved E after another 0.25 mile, but only for a little way. Reaching a meadow where Peak5520 was in sight dead ahead, it began sweeping back around to the NW again.
Continuing along USFS Road No. 669. Photo looks ENE.Peak 5520 (Center) from the meadow. Photo looks NE.
3 years and a day ago, Lupe had been up on Peak 5520 with Cousin Dusty and Uncle Joe. An easy one, it was one of the last Black Hills peaks Dusty had ever climbed. Poppy could have climbed it in a flash with all her energy and enthusiasm, but there were no summit goals today. After a brief contemplation of Peak 5520, everyone headed NW.
USFS Road No. 669 now descended a forested valley where several black mudholes lurked among the trees. Rollie and Dawnette urged Poppy to avoid them. 0.5 mile from Peak 5520, the largest pond of all appeared at a junction with USFS Road No. 243.2J.
Continuing down the next valley. Photo looks N.At the biggest pond near the junction with USFS Road No. 243.2J. Photo looks NNE.
Abandoning USFS Road No. 669 for No. 243.2J, Poppy and Lupe’s ultimate destination was now less than another 0.5 mile away. After passing a gate, No. 243.2J quickly led to Horse Creek, crossing it twice on the way to a stone marker commemorating “ECW Camp F-2 Horse Creek”, the site of an old Civilian Conservation Corp camp established back in the 1930’s during the Great Depression.
At the first ford of Horse Creek along USFS Road No. 243.2J. Photo looks NW.Success! At the Horse Creek CCC marker. Photo looks SW.
10:24 AM, 63ºF – The day had turned sunny and comfortably warm by the time Poppy and Lupe reached the CCC marker after a 4.6 mile romp. Dawnette has a Facebook page called “Picnicking in the Black Hills” so she promptly produced a red and white checkered cloth, and placed it on the ground in front of the marker. Poppy and Lupe posed for a few photos of this unique, rarely visited spot. Dawnette would eventually post the best one.
Famished Carolina Dog eagerly anticipating a chocolate coconut bar picnic.Poppy & Lupe in the winning photo Dawnette took.
The actual half hour combined picnic and rest break took place in the shade of a few big pines close to nearby Horse Creek. Lupe and SPHP split the usual chocolate coconut bar, and sampled the tasty sausage sticks Dawnette offered. Poppy enjoyed some of Lupe’s Taste of the Wild, then rolled over on the grass to let SPHP scratch her tummy.
The actual picnic site next to Horse Creek (R). Photo looks NNE.Rollie, Poppy, and Dawnette taking it easy.
The time flew. All too soon, it was time to head back. During the return, Poppy and Lupe did explore USFS Roads No. 669.1A and No. 738.1B. This route was a little longer, and involved more elevation gain and loss since it passed much closer to Five Points(6,221 ft.).
Back by the big pond at the intersection of USFS Roads No. 243.2J and No. 669 again. Photo looks SW.Crossing another part of Gordon Gulch on USFS Road No. 669.1A. Photo looks SW.A glimpse of Five Points (Center) from upper Whaley Gulch. Photo looks SW.
The sky clouded up again. A few raindrops fell. Thunder rumbled to the SW, and an intermittent light rain began. Rollie spotted the old hornet’s nest he’d seen before, but it was now abandoned and badly deteriorated.
Still exploring USFS Road No. 669.1A as raindrops begin to fall. Photo looks SW.
1:40 PM, 47ºF – A reprieve from the intermittent rain ended as everyone arrived back at Poppy’s house. The sky was dark when Poppy returned to her roomy kennel with a nice bed of straw after what both Dawnette and Rollie agreed was one of her longest off-leash adventures ever and a happy time. Poppy demonstrated her joy and remarkable leaping ability with a series of vertical “boings” that would have made a kangaroo proud as a heavier, steady rain began.
Dawnette and Rollie kindly invited Lupe into their immaculate home. SPHP accepted a Coke from Dawnette while Rollie lit the woodstove. During a fun, relaxing visit, the American Dingo spent more than an hour snoozing or watching chipmunks play in the rain on impressive rock terraces outside a sliding glass door.
It was raining harder than ever when the time came to say good-bye. Dawnette produced 3 bags of Canine Carry Out dog snacks for Lupe, then ventured out into the rain, too, as SPHP fetched Lupe’s gift to Poppy, a bag of duck jerky, from the RAV4. Despite the rain, Dawnette noticed right away that they were Golden Rewards brand – entirely appropriate, since Poppy is a golden retriever.
Well, that was a blast, SPHP! We ought to do this more often. Kind of nice to have some canine company for a change. Do you think Poppy would like to go on more Black Hills expeditions with us?
Oh, I bet she would, Loopster! However, summer is coming, and it will soon be time for your Dingo Vacations to start. We’ll have to check in with HV and LV again sometime after we get back in the fall.
With HV, Poppy & LV at their home near Ruby Gulch, Black Hills of South Dakota 4-25-24
8:18 AM, 37ºF, Lower French Creek Road – As soon as SPHP parked the RAV4 at a wide spot on the W side of the road, Lupe leapt out. After all, it was Leap Day! In the shade of the pines, the morning air was still crisp, and a skiff of snow on the ground was much to the Carolina Dog’s liking. Only 20 feet from the RAV4, French Creek gurgled away.
Parked near French Creek (L). Photo looks N.
Oh, I can tell already. It’s going to be a great day, SPHP!
Hope, so Loop! I’m looking forward to it, too. Been a long time since we’ve been to the peaks we’ll be visiting today, and I always liked this region.
Have we been here before, SPHP? Nothing looks the least bit familiar.
This part is new, Loopster, but we’re just coming from a new direction. You’ll be in familiar territory soon enough.
Something old, something new – sounds good to me, SPHP. Which way do we go?
N across French Creek, then W on USFS Road No. 342.1P.
A super simple plan that should have worked, but N of French Creek there was no sign of No. 342.1P leaving French Creek Road.
Hmm. Odd. I’m sure we’re in the right area. Well, it’s all Black Hills National Forest land, Looper. Road or no road, let’s head W.
Leaving Lower French Creek Road, Lupe climbed a short bank up into an open forest of tall pines. She’d barely started W when she ran across faint remnants of No. 342.1P. Following the road for only a few minutes led to a sunny little valley where two of the American Dingo’s objectives were already in sight.
We’re this close already, SPHP? This is going to be so easy!
Nothing wrong with easy. Continuing up the valley, Lupe quickly came to an old USFS gate. Going around it, a moderately steep climb soon led to the surprisingly cold and windy edge of a bigger valley with an even better view of both peaks.
The old USFS gate along No. 342.1P. Photo looks NW.Daisy Peak (L) from the edge of the next valley. Photo looks W.Kruger Peak (L of Center) from the same spot. Photo looks WNW.
Snow on the shady NW side of the ridge crunched underpaw on the way down into the valley. This valley was actually quite a scenic area with views that quickly improved as Lupe started up Kruger Peak’s lower SE slopes. Soon Mount Coolidge(6,023 ft.) was in sight off to the NE.
The slope steepened, becoming rocky and dotted with pines. By the time Lupe reached the upper portions of Kruger Peak’s E ridge, the views had vanished as she wound through a forest of relatively young trees.
Heading up Kruger Peak’s lower SE slopes. Kruger Peak (L). Photo looks NW.Some of the beautiful territory Lupe would be exploring today. Daisy Peak (R). Photo looks SW.
In full sun, the day was warming up fast. SPHP shed layers twice before Lupe reached the top of Kruger Peak. The true summit was at the E end of a large, heavily forested region. A tree trunk with several inches of snow on it had fallen right over the high point.
Whew! A bit of a climb, wasn’t it? Let’s take a break Loop.
Oh, that wasn’t so hard, SPHP. We got here pretty fast. Could have been here sooner, too, if you hadn’t stopped to stare at the views so often.
Sort of had to, Looper. Been sitting around too much this winter. Anyway, congratulations on climbing Kruger Peak! Want a duck jerky?
Silly question. Golden Rewards duck jerky was all the rage of late with the Carolina Dog. After SPHP shook Lupe’s paw, she snapped up the duck jerky, Dingo’ed it down in nothing flat, then chomped some snow.
Just E of the true summit an open SE slope and a big rock toward the N offered some nice views. Both Custer Mountain(6,089 ft.) and Black Elk Peak(7,231 ft.) were in sight. With help from the telephoto lens, Little Devils Tower(6,960 ft.), the Cathedral Spires(6,946 ft.), and Peak6920 were all easily identifiable, too.
Daisy Peak, less than 0.5 mile S, wasn’t all that much higher now.
Custer Mountain (L), Black Elk Peak (R of Center). Photo looks N.Little Devils Tower (L), Cathedral Spires (Center), Peak 6920 (R of Center), Black Elk Peak (R). Photo looks N with help from the telephoto lens.Daisy Peak (Center) from Kruger Peak. Photo looks SW.
Even Kruger Peak’s true summit offered a glimpse of the western South Dakota prairies far beyond the Black Hills.
A narrow view of the prairies from Kruger Peak’s true summit. Photo looks E.
With 3 peaks on the American Dingo’s agenda today, spending a full hour on top of each one simply wasn’t going to be practical. After a pleasant 25 minute break enjoying the views from the sunny SE slope near Kruger Peak’s true summit, it was time to move on.
Heading W through the forest over to the opposite end of Kruger Peak’s summit region, Lupe paused when she reached a rocky spot along the edge with a view to the WNW.
Peak6040 was in sight 2 miles away, the only mountain any higher than Kruger Peak relatively nearby in this direction.
Peak 6040 (far R). Photo looks WNW.
Although there’d scarcely been much of a breeze at all back at the true summit, here along the W edge Lupe was exposed to a brisk 15 mph wind blowing in from out of the W. Preferring the calm of the forest, the Carolina Dog continued her journey, heading SW down to the saddle leading to Daisy Peak.
Setting off for Daisy Peak. Photo looks SW.
As Lupe began her descent to the saddle, she passed a small cairn sitting on a boulder. Why it was even there wasn’t at all clear. Closing in on the saddle, she went over a 20 foot bump along the ridge before a final short descent to the saddle’s low point.
An ancient abandoned road came up to the saddle out of the NE from somewhere along Kruger Peak’s S flank. Turning SSE at the saddle, this snow-covered road continued gradually up Daisy Peak’s E slope. Lupe followed this road a little way before abandoning it to climb much more steeply straight up Daisy Peak’s slippery, snowy N slope.
A rocky spot most of the way up provided the best view yet of Peak6040 and Custer Mountain(6,089 ft.) beyond the Glen Erin Creek valley, with Sylvan Peak(7,000 ft.) and Black Elk Peak(7,231 ft.) on the horizon.
Peak 6040 (L), Sylvan Peak (R of Center) beyond Custer Mountain (R), Black Elk Peak (far R). Photo looks NNW.
Continuing S from this sweet viewpoint, the slope diminished. The ridge narrowed and became rocky, fortunately not to the point of causing any real difficulties at all. The Carolina Dog passed several more viewpoints before reaching Daisy Peak’s true summit.
At a scenic spot along Daisy Peak’s N ridge. Photo looks SSE.Kruger Peak (L), Mount Coolidge (R) from Daisy Peak’s true summit. Photo looks NE.
10:29 AM, 45ºF, Daisy Peak(5,948 ft.) – The true summit was a small jumble of rocks a foot or two high amid dry grass and stickers. A fairly large dead tree trunk that had been standing only a few feet away the last time Lupe was here more than 9 years ago was still erect.
Pines hid the views to the W, but a long grassy slope extending down to the SE offered a grand panorama in all other directions, including a look at Northeast Cicero Peak(6,240 ft.), Lupe’s final objective more than 2 miles SSW.
Daisy Peak summit (L), Black Elk Peak (R), Peak 6735 (far R). Photo looks NNW.The big view looking SE.Northeast Cicero Peak (L of Center). Photo looks SSW.
A 10 mph NW breeze made the summit chilly. SPHP shook Lupe’s paw, then it was down the grassy SE slope far enough to get out of the wind.
About time for a chocolate coconut bar, or maybe another duck jerky, isn’t it, SPHP?
Tell ya what, Loopster. How about both? I’ll even throw in some Taste of the Wild and as much water as you can drink.
While Lupe chowed down, SPHP drank part of a vanilla Ensure, then ate an orange. The views were great, and Daisy Peak seemed so familiar it was hard to believe it had been 9 years since Lupe’s last visit. Half an hour shot by, and just like that, it was time to press on.
Let’s tag Daisy Peak’s summit again before we go, Loopster. We can have a final look at Kruger Peak from here. I noticed Peak6735 over toward Black Elk Peak, and Peak5778 near Stockade Lake, too, a couple more peaks that you’ve been to in the past.
Always a good idea to have a last look around before leaving a mountain, SPHP. Especially when it might be 9 years before you see those views again.
You’re a wise Carolina Dog, Looper.
Kruger Peak (R) in the foreground with Peak 5788 beyond it. Peak 6735 (L) way off in the distance. Photo looks NNE.
After tagging Daisy Peak’s true summit again, Lupe headed down the steep S slope. At first, she enjoyed a super nice view of Northeast Cicero Peak, but it vanished upon re-entering the forest. The American Dingo eventually ran into a line of scenic rock formations along a narrow SW ridge on her way down to the saddle N of HP5706.
Starting down Daisy Peak’s S slope. Northeast Cicero Peak (Center). Photo looks SSW.On a cool rock formation along Daisy Peak’s SW ridge. Photo looks SW.
Once down to the saddle, Lupe continued losing elevation as she circled around the lower W side of HP5706. The woods were snowy during this part of the trek. After turning S, she eventually reached USFS Road No. 337.1A.
In the snowy woods W of HP5706. Photo looks SW.Arriving at USFS Road No. 337.1A. Photo looks S.
Lupe had several options as far as potential routes to Northeast Cicero Peak from here. Since the lower end of one of the branches of its long N ridge was nearby, and the Carolina Dog had never explored this end of it before, that seemed like it might be fun and make the most sense.
Following No. 337.1A only a little way SW, Lupe then left it, heading S up into the forest. She didn’t have far to go before coming to a sunny little rock outcropping with a bit of a view.
On the first rock outcropping near the far N end of North Cicero Peak’s long N ridge. Photo looks ESE.
The climb steepened from here. At first, Lupe wandered up a forested slope, but as she got higher, she started coming to openings featuring better and better views. The broad slope eventually narrowed down to a rocky ridgeline that angled SW. Lupe had regained most of the elevation lost since leaving Daisy Peak when SPHP needed a longer breather at a particularly rocky spot.
Not an especially comfortable place for Lupe, but the views were nice.
An open spot along part of the steeper climb. Photo looks SSW.Heading up the ridge before it got narrow and rocky. Photo looks SW.Custer Mountain (far L), Peak 6735 (L) in the distance, HP5706 (R) in front of Daisy Peak. Photo looks NNE.View looking ENE from the rocky rest spot.
After a 10 minute break, the trek higher continued. Lupe scrambled amid the rocks just fine, but the rough terrain mixed with young aspens and a little slick snow made it slow going for SPHP. Progress was made nevertheless, and the steepness of the ridge soon began to diminish.
Finally reaching a broader, flatter, grassy region, Northeast Cicero Peak was back in sight again. Another short climb, and the American Dingo reached an unobstructed view of it from the top of HP6040.
Continuing up the rocky part of the ridge. Photo looks SSW.Northeast Cicero Peak (Center) from the grassy region, HP6040 (R). Photo looks S.Northeast Cicero Peak (Center) from HP6040. Photo looks S.
From HP6040, the ridgeline ran due S. Lupe lost some elevation before reaching a saddle where it began angling SE. The American Dingo had been to this next part of the ridge before. Another steep climb soon led to the top of a relatively flat section of the ridge that was mostly open and featured some terrific views.
HP6145 (Center) along Northeast Cicero Peak’s WNW ridge. Photo looks WSW.Heading for Northeast Cicero Peak’s upper N ridge (L). Photo looks SSE.Northeast Cicero Peak (R) from the upper N ridge. Photo looks S.
The scenic trek along the upper N ridge was easy and fun. It had always been one of the best parts of any visit to Northeast Cicero Peak. Shortly before reaching HP6105 at the SE end, Lupe angled S toward the saddle dotted with pines leading to the final ascent.
After crossing the saddle, a moderately steep climb SW along a mostly open slope led to a familiar sight, the lone 4 foot high boulder at the NE end of the summit region. The Carolina Dog had arrived!
Approaching Northeast Cicero Peak (R of Center). Photo looks SW.On the summit region’s NE boulder. Photo looks SW.
2:38 PM, 48ºF, Northeast Cicero Peak(6,240 ft.) – It had been a fun, but long march. SPHP shook Lupe’s paw while she was still up on the NE boulder, congratulating the American Dingo on her successful ascent. She then leapt down and headed W over to the little 3 foot high rocky summit ridge 100 feet away, ready for an extended break.
The 20 mph SW wind sweeping over the exposed ridge felt cold. After sharing the second chocolate coconut bar of the day, SPHP offered Lupe what was left of the duck jerky, more Taste of the Wild, and water. She then curled up on the lee side of the ridge partially protected from the wind. SPHP threw a jacket over her.
For half an hour, neither Lupe nor SPHP stirred. The Carolina Dog tried to doze while SPHP downed a strawberry Equate and munched an apple, and when they were gone, simply sat listening to the wind in the pines and staring E out onto the distant prairies.
How ya doing, Looper? Your summit hour’s half shot already. We ought to get up and have a look around.
Ready if you are, SPHP.
The NE boulder (L) from the summit ridge. Photo looks ENE.
2.5 miles WSW, an enormous odd rock sat atop a much lower ridge.
Oh, I remember that rock, SPHP. Isn’t that Cracked Molar?
That’s right, Loopster. At least that’s what we used to call it, because that’s what it looks like from here.
Are you saying it has some other name, too, SPHP?
Yes, turns out that it does, Looper. One day long after we named it, I looked at the topo map, and saw that its official name is Beecher Rock.
Beecher Rock? Why? Cracked Molar is way more descriptive, SPHP.
I have no idea, Loop. Maybe it’s named after someone named Beecher?
Cracked Molar (L of Center) aka Beecher Rock. Photo looks WSW.Cracked Molar (R). Photo looks WSW with help from the telephoto lens.
We ought to go see Cracked Molar up close someday, SPHP.
You know, I ‘ve been thinking we ought to visit Cicero Peak(6,166 ft.) again sometime by exploring Boland Ridge coming up from the S. Maybe we can drop by Cracked Molar then, Loop?
That would work, and reminds me of something else, SPHP. We should at least have a look at Cicero Peak(6,166 ft.), too, while we’re here today.
Excellent idea, Loopster. Let’s do it!
Going a little way down the grassy slope SW of the summit ridge, it was possible to get a glimpse of Cicero Peak, but it wasn’t really a clear view.
Hmm. I know there’s an open slope somewhere farther down that’s got a much better view of Cicero Peak, Loop. Want to keep going to see if we come to it?
Sure, SPHP! I’ll lead the way.
Descending into the trees, Lupe did come to a spot with a better view of Cicero Peak. This view wasn’t from the open slope SPHP remembered, but that might have been quite a bit lower. Not wanting to lose a whole lot of elevation, SPHP was satisfied.
Returning to the summit region, little remained of Lupe’s traditional summit hour. For a few minutes she sat in the cool breeze and sunshine admiring the view to the W. Nothing within sight was any higher in that direction, even though Lupe could see clear to Wyoming on the horizon.
Enjoying summit hour on Northeast Cicero Peak. Photo looks WSW.
3:42 PM, Northeast Cicero Peak – On this rare Leap Day afternoon, the sun’s rays were starting to cast long shadows.
About that time, Loopster.
I suppose. I was just thinking, SPHP. Wasn’t Leap Day when we saw the only mountain lion we’ve ever come across?
That’s right, Loopster. We saw it right after visiting Bluelead Mountain on our way to Calumet Ridge(5,601 ft.). That was 2 Leap Days ago. Too bad I didn’t get a photo of that lion. I tried, but was too slow.
Do you suppose we’ll see another mountain lion on our way back to the RAV4? That would be so awesome, SPHP!
Heh. Not too likely, Looper, but I suppose it’s possible. No doubt mountain lions love to pounce on Leap Day.
Before abandoning Northeast Cicero Peak, Lupe returned once more to the summit’s NE boulder.
Back on Northeast Cicero Peak’s NE boulder. Mount Coolidge (R). Photo looks NE.
Pines hid most views N and S from Northeast Cicero Peak’s summit, but Lupe enjoyed some magnificent views on the way back N.
Peak 6040 and Sylvan Peak (L), Custer Mountain and Black Elk Peak (R of Center). Photo looks N.Custer Mountain and Black Elk Peak (far L), Daisy Peak (L of Center), Mount Coolidge (R). Photo looks NNE.View from S of HP6105. Photo looks SE.Custer Mountain and Black Elk Peak (Center), Daisy Peak (R). Photo looks N.
The return was both beautiful and great fun! The rocky NW end of the upper ridge N of Northeast Cicero Peak provided the last big view from on high. Then it was down into the valley E of the lower part of the N ridge that Lupe had explored earlier during her ascent.
This valley was also quite beautiful, and an old favorite from back in the days when a young Carolina Dog used to come this way long ago. Lupe picked up abandoned USFS Road No. 337.1B much higher than where the topo map showed it, and thoroughly enjoyed the long, easy descent on a road now covered with pines.
The last big view from on high. Photo looks NNW.Descending into the big valley. Custer Mountain and Black Elk Peak (Center), Daisy Peak (R). Photo looks N.Glancing back at the NW end of NE Cicero Peak’s upper N ridge (L). Photo looks S.
Approaching HP5706, the lower end of the valley flattened out. Pines gave way to grasslands. By the time Lupe reached the N end of USFS Road No. 337.1B at the intersection with No. 337.1A, sunlight remained only on the highest peaks.
HP5706 (L) and Daisy Peak (L of Center). Mount Coolidge (R). Photo looks NE.At the N end of USFS Road No. 337.1B where it intersects No. 337.1A. Photo looks SSW.
The valley turned E here. Lupe followed No. 337.1A down it farther than ever before, hurrying on as light faded. Deep in a remote, increasingly narrow canyon, it would have been the perfect place for a Leap Day mountain lion to pounce.
None did. The canyon eventually emptied out onto Lower French Creek Road, and the brightest silver stars were already twinkling overhead when Lupe finally reached the RAV4 again. (5:59 PM, 35ºF)
On Northeast Cicero Peak, Black Hills of South Dakota, Leap Day 2024
