Laramie Mountains – Page 4 – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Twin Peaks, Laramie Mountains, Wyoming (6-1-16)

Morning! (5:57 AM, 30°F) SPHP opened the door of the G6 to let Lupe out, and grabbed the boots left outside on the ground the previous evening in the hopes that they would dry out a little. SPHP’s boots had been soaking wet after spending much of the previous day hiking through snow drifts with Lupe on her fabulous day trip to Warbonnet Peak (9,414 ft.) and back.

Well, that didn’t work. The boots weren’t dry. They weren’t soaking wet, either. Instead, they were frozen stiff. It was chilly out. Outside, there was frost on the picnic table. SPHP turned on the engine to warm things up, with the blower blasting the boots with hot air to thaw them out. Lupe hopped back into the G6 to bask in the warmth.

SPHP studied the maps. SPHP hoped Lupe would be able to climb two more mountains today. The original plan had been to go for Buffalo Peak (9,387 ft.) and then Squaw Mountain (9,313 ft.), which were 4 or 5 miles N of the Campbell Creek campground where Lupe and SPHP had spent the night. The Peakbagger.com topo map showed a 4WD USFS Road No. 664 leaving Cold Spring Road (County Road No. 24), and leading after a few miles to a trail going between the two mountains.

However, SPHP had acquired a new map yesterday. The forest service personnel who had been reinstalling the campground sign (washed away by floods a few weeks ago), gave SPHP a “Motor Vehicle Use Map” for the Medicine Bow National Forest. It didn’t show the road and trail leading between Buffalo Peak and Squaw Mountain at all. It did show something interesting, though. There was a trailhead along Cold Spring Road, and a Twin Peaks trail No. 618 leading right to Twin Peaks (9,280 ft.).

The Peakbagger.com topo map also showed Trail No. 618, but did not agree with the Motor Vehicle Use Map. The Peakbagger.com map showed Trail No. 618 passing 0.5 mile N of the Twin Peaks summit.

By the time SPHP’s boots had thawed out enough to become sopping wet again, and pliable enough to put on, Lupe had new plan for the day. She was going to find the Twin Peaks trailhead, and take Trail No. 618 to Twin Peaks. If there was enough time left in the day after that, she would try for Squaw Mountain.

After breakfast, Lupe and SPHP left Campbell Creek campground. SPHP drove N on Cold Spring Road. Three miles N of the campground, SPHP saw a big empty parking lot next to the forest a little uphill and W of the road. There was no sign along the road, but SPHP turned in and parked anyway (8:25 AM).

A small wooden sign, in deteriorating condition, still said clearly “Twin Peaks Trail No. 618”. The sign was next to an old jeep or ATV trail heading W from the parking lot. There was absolutely no other information around. This is it, Loop! Let’s get going!

The old jeep trail went gradually up and over a low part of a ridge coming down from the SW. On the other side, a little over 0.5 mile from the trailhead, Lupe reached Roaring Fork Creek. Snow was still melting up in the mountains, so Roaring Fork Creek was living up to its name. The creek wasn’t terribly large, but big enough so that SPHP started wondering how much of a problem creek crossings were going to be on Trail No. 618.

SPHP needn’t have worried. Trail No. 618 never did cross Roaring Fork Creek even once, although it did cross a few much smaller tributaries, most of which were clearly seasonal in nature. None of the tributaries presented any problem.

Lupe trotted along Trail No. 618, sniffing here and there, and making occasional short forays into the forest to investigate points of interest to American Dingoes. The trail went W following the S side of the creek upstream, most of the time well above it. About where the trail had reached Roaring Fork Creek, the valley had narrowed and the forest had become denser. Lupe and SPHP enjoyed a shady trek, with the pleasant sound of water tumbling over rocks below.

Gradually, the trail became steeper. About 0.75 mile after reaching Roaring Fork Creek, Lupe came to an intersection. It was unmarked, of course. Here, the old jeep trail veered to the SW (L) and started climbing steeply. To the R, a single track trail led down a hill toward the creek.

Decision time. Which way Lupe? The Carolina Dog made no response. Instead, she looked expectantly up at SPHP. We better check the maps. Hang on a few minutes. SPHP already knew what they would show. The old jeep trail to the L looked like it was heading in the direction shown on the Motor Vehicle Use Map directly to Twin Peaks. The single track trail continuing up Roaring Fork Creek was the route shown on the Peakbagger.com topo map. Depending on which map one looked at, both were supposedly Trail No. 618.

Yep, that was what the maps showed alright. The Motor Vehicle Use Map showed almost no details. It was impossible to know if the jeep trail actually went up to the top of Twin Peaks or not. SPHP suspected it wouldn’t, although it must end somewhere not too far from the summit.

The Peakbagger.com map showed the Roaring Fork Creek route would ultimately leave Lupe facing at least 0.5 mile of off-trail bushwhacking going up the N slope of Twin Peaks. On the other hand, if Twin Peaks proved impossible to climb, Lupe’s alternative peak, Squaw Mountain, would be much closer.

SPHP pondered for 10 minutes. Lupe took the single track trail near Roaring Fork Creek.

After going a little way on the single track trail, Lupe reached a barbed wire fence across it. A yellow sign said “Please Close The Gate”. The sign must not have been very effective. Sterner measures had been put in place. There was no gate. Only a fence. It ended at a rock formation a foot to the L of the trail. Lupe and SPHP climbed over the rocks to get by.

A little farther on, a more serious situation developed. The trail came to a marshy area with lots of little streams running through it. Crossing the area wasn’t a problem, but following the trail was. SPHP lost it completely.

Lupe near one of the tributaries of Roaring Fork Creek. SPHP lost Trail No. 618 in this area, but Lupe soon found it again a little farther upstream.

Lupe soon found the trail again a little farther upstream, but from here on, the trail seemed to be seldom used. Most of the time it wasn’t hard to follow, but every so often, it faded away. SPHP lost the trail completely several times, but Lupe always came across it again.

Trail No. 618 eventually began to climb well above the level of Roaring Fork Creek. The trail and creek started to diverge. The trail turned more to the WSW, while the creek angled NW.

For a long way up the creek valley, the only really view had been N toward Squaw Mountain on the opposite side of the valley. However, as Lupe continued gaining elevation, she now started seeing occasional glimpses of a high point to the S. A long, moderately steep, forested slope led up toward it. That high point had to be some part of Twin Peaks.

Lupe and SPHP took a break. SPHP needed to check the topo map to determine where Lupe should leave the trail. She would have to go S to start the climb up Twin Peaks. The topo map showed that Lupe was approaching a saddle in the trail. To the N of it were some contours indicating minor high points. The trail’s high point should be a good place to turn S.

The trail leveled out slowly as it approached the saddle. Some fairly impressive rock outcroppings began appearing on the N side of the trail. Lupe reached the saddle.

Lupe nears the saddle area where she would have to leave Trail No. 618 to climb S up Twin Peaks. These rock formations a short distance N of the trail helped confirm Lupe’s location. Photo looks NNW.

Lupe and SPHP went a little farther W on the trail. It started losing elevation at a pretty good clip. Yes, Lupe had made it to the saddle. No doubt about it. Lupe and SPHP went back to the trail’s high point. It was time for Lupe to leave Trail No. 618. SPHP took one more look at the topo map. Lupe would be climbing the N slopes of Twin Peaks. The map seemed to indicate the climb would be easiest going around toward the NE side of the mountain.

Lupe and SPHP left Trail No. 618 going S. The ground was almost level close to the trail, but Lupe soon reached the beginning of the long slope upward. Nothing but forest could be seen above. Just like yesterday, during Lupe’s trip to Warbonnet Peak, this forest with a N exposure was full of snow. The snow was stacked in drifts 2 to 4 feet high. The long struggle up the mountain began.

SPHP tried to angle toward the SE to get over to the NE slope of the mountain, as suggested by the topo map. The terrain didn’t want to cooperate. The easiest way up kept looking like it was farther to the W, where Lupe would be going up the NW side of the mountain. Lupe and SPHP made forays to the E where possible, but the terrain always soon started looking easier back toward the W.

Lupe was having a great time. The snow wasn’t a problem for her. SPHP made fewer attempts to go E, gradually giving in to the terrain. Lupe was destined to climb Twin Peaks from the NW.

Lupe climbed and climbed. Finally, she came to a more level area in the forest. A quick stroll led her to a rock formation. Now she could get a look at what was ahead.

Lupe reaches the first real viewpoint on her way up Twin Peaks from the NW. Photo looks SE toward the summit. Although hidden by trees in this photo, there was some very deep snow just to the L of the rocky ridge seen beyond Lupe on the R. Photo looks SE.

From the rocks, Lupe could see the summit of Twin Peaks ahead. The rest of the climb to the top didn’t look terribly long, but it was steeper than before. A rough, stony ridge rose from the NW almost to the top of the mountain, before turning E to the summit. Lupe could try to follow that ridge. Climbing directly up the steep, snowy, forested N slope was the other option.

After a short break, Lupe and SPHP left the rock formation. Lupe lost a little elevation crossing a shallow saddle. Lupe and SPHP stayed in the forest a little to the E of the rough, stony ridge. The slope kept getting steeper and steeper, the higher Lupe went.

SPHP decided Lupe should try to get up on the rough, stony ridge. Deep snowdrifts were in the shade of the NE side of the ridge. Lupe and SPHP had to climb up over them to reach the ridgeline. Lupe made it first. SPHP followed.

SPHP wondered if the ridge would be too rough to follow. If Lupe had gotten on it a little lower down, it looked like it would have been. From where Lupe reached it, however, the ridge wasn’t hard to follow. There was little or no snow on the ridgeline. Lupe began to make rapid progress.

Soon there were cliffs to the SW. Their height increased as Lupe climbed. A huge view opened up to the S. The ridge turned E. Lupe was nearing the summit. Instead of staying up on the highest rocks, Lupe and SPHP traversed ledges slightly below and to the S of them. The ledges were 5 or 6 feet wide, and seemed safer than the rocks above, despite the cliffs along the edge.

Lupe and SPHP proceeded carefully. Just short of the summit was a gap in the rocks. Beyond the gap was a wall of rock that looked like a potential problem. SPHP could get up it, but how was Lupe going to get up there?

SPHP told Lupe to wait, and went closer to get a better look. Suddenly, a Carolina Dog appeared above! Lupe had found a way up on her own. She knew what she was doing. Now it was SPHP turn. SPHP had to pass through a crack between two big rocks. The L boulder moved slightly as soon as SPHP touched it! It wasn’t completely stable. That was unnerving!

SPHP pushed gently on the boulder again. Yes, it did move, and quite easily. It rocked back and forth. More force didn’t make it move any farther, though. It wasn’t going to fall, its range of motion was quite limited. SPHP joined Lupe on top of Twin Peaks (9,280 ft.)!

Lupe reaches the top of Twin Peaks (9,290 ft.)! Squaw Mountain is on the L. Photo looks NE. — Lupe reaches the top of **Twin Peaks (9,280 ft.)**! Squaw Mountain is on the L. Photo looks NE.

Right away, it was apparent that Lupe was at the true summit of Twin Peaks. The summit area was quite small, with cliffs to the N and S. The last part of Lupe’s climb had been from the W along the narrow rocky ridge and ledges. To the E, rocks went another 10 feet farther before reaching a drop off.

Lucky, Lupe! Purely by accident, Lupe and SPHP had come up the NW spine of the mountain. From the top, it looked like the only possible route Lupe and SPHP could have managed. Lupe had made it, though! Now she had fabulous 360° views, and a chance to rest while enjoying her peakbagging success.

Buffalo Peak (9,387 ft.) (L of Center) and Squaw Mountain (9,313 ft.) (forested ridge with a high point near Lupe's head) were originally supposed to be Lupe's peakbagging goals this day. Photo looks NNE from Twin Peaks. — **Buffalo Peak (9,387 ft.)** (L of Center) and **Squaw Mountain (9,313 ft.)** (forested ridge with a high point near Lupe’s head) were originally supposed to be Lupe’s peakbagging goals this day. Photo looks NNE from Twin Peaks.

Looking SE from Twin Peaks toward territory familiar to Lupe! Laramie Peak (10,272 ft.) is seen on the far horizon on the R. Closer and farther to the R is Warbonnet Peak (9,414 ft.), where Lupe and SPHP had been the day before. High Point 9310 is on the far R. — Looking SE from Twin Peaks toward territory familiar to Lupe! **Laramie Peak (10,272 ft.)** is seen on the far horizon on the R. Closer and farther to the R is **Warbonnet Peak (9,414 ft.)**, where Lupe and SPHP had been the day before. **High Point 9310** is on the far R.

Maybe Lupe didn’t like being up on the exposed rocks of the small summit area, or maybe she was simply ready for a break. After SPHP took a few photos of her on the summit, she went down to rest in a slot below the highest rocks.

The slot was a couple of feet wide and deep, 4 or 5 feet long, and protected by rock on three sides. The only opening was toward the W. There was a little grass for Lupe to lay down on, and a bit of shade. Lupe tried to close her eyes and rest, but a fly kept harassing her.

While Lupe snapped at the bothersome fly, SPHP tried to identify some of the surrounding mountains.

Buffalo Peak looked like a forest fire had swept over it. Photo looks NNE using the telephoto lens. — **Buffalo Peak (9,387 ft.)** looked like a forest fire had swept over it. Photo looks NNE using the telephoto lens.

The high point on the R may be Buck Peak (9,061 ft.). Photo looks NNW. — The high point on the R may be **Buck Peak (9,061 ft.)**. Photo looks NNW.

The conical mountain on the R may be Gunnysack (9,061 ft.). Photo looks NW using the telephoto lens. — The conical mountain on the R may be **Gunnysack (9,061 ft.)**. Photo looks NW using the telephoto lens.

Lupe tries to rest in the safety of her slot in the rocks. Photo looks W at the rough, rocky ridge Lupe navigated on the way up. Sometimes she was up on top, but this high up she mostly followed rock ledges a bit lower down on the L (S).

One of the mysteries of Twin Peaks was why it was even called Twin Peaks. Lupe was clearly at the highest point on the mountain, with unobstructed views in every direction. Yet there didn’t seem to be any other similar peak nearby to be its “twin”. There were some lower ridges of rounded rocks a little way E of the summit, but they were close enough so it was hard to consider them a separate peak.

Looking at the E end of the summit area from the top. The lower ridges topped with rounded rocks seemed too close to be the "twin" of Twin Peaks. — Looking at the E end of the summit area from the top. The lower ridges topped with rounded rocks seemed too close to be the “twin” of Twin Peaks.

SPHP decided High Point 9225 to the SE had to be the twin, but it didn’t look like one at all, at least not from here. High Point 9225 was a much longer, flatter, broader ridge. It didn’t resemble the true summit where Lupe was one bit.

High Point 9225, seen as the long flat ridge going all the way across this photo in the foreground, didn't look like a twin of Twin Peaks at all. Maybe it does from a different angle. Photo looks SE. — **High Point 9225**, seen as the long flat ridge going all the way across this photo in the foreground, didn’t look like a twin of Twin Peaks at all. Maybe it does from a different angle. Photo looks SE.

Lupe and SPHP remained up on Twin Peaks for around 45 minutes. As lovely as the views were, the time came to think about moving on. Squaw Mountain (9,313 ft.) was next! Climbing Squaw Mountain didn’t look hard at all, but would take hours. Lupe and SPHP took a last look around from Twin Peaks, before starting a careful descent.

Looking WSW from Twin Peaks. Photo taken using the telephoto lens.

Lupe stands at the summit of Twin Peaks, just above the slot in the rocks where she’d taken her rest break. Photo looks E.

At first, Lupe and SPHP retraced her route up on the way down. The narrow, rocky ridge presented no other obvious options. Eventually, though, Lupe got back down to more forgiving terrain.

SPHP had seen some open ground way down in the valley to the NW of Twin Peaks. It was W and NW of the saddle where Lupe had left Trail No. 618. SPHP suspected this open ground might lead far enough N to take Lupe around to the NW end of Squaw Mountain. After Lupe passed by the rock formation where she had gotten her first good look at the summit of Twin Peaks from the NW, Lupe and SPHP continued down trying to stay toward the NW.

Somehow, it didn’t work. Much to SPHP’s surprise, Lupe arrived at Trail No. 618 again right back at the top of the saddle. Lupe needed to go N from here to get to the W end of Squaw Mountain. However, the big rock formation N of the trail hadn’t gone anywhere. To get around it, Lupe could either go W or E.

SPHP decided Lupe should try going E. The plan was to turn N, and eventually NW going up the Roaring Fork Creek valley. Based on what had been seen from up on Twin Peaks, Lupe ought to find open ground somewhere W of Squaw Mountain.

Working her way around to the N side of the big rock formation, Lupe gained a little elevation, and ran into more snow. Not as much snow as on the N slope of Twin Peaks, but enough to slow SPHP down. Deadfall timber was abundant, too. Progress wasn’t as fast as SPHP had hoped.

The dense forest went on and on. Lupe did not come to open ground, even though she was getting closer and closer to the W end of Squaw Mountain. Now gradually losing elevation, the American Dingo came upon a series of small bright green openings in the forest. These bright green areas were swampy, full of shallow standing water and trickling little streams. The green openings were beautiful, but crossing them took time, as SPHP tried to avoid the wettest spots.

In the end, Lupe reached a final bright green marsh, somewhat bigger than the others. She had made it back to Roaring Fork Creek, but much farther upstream than before. The creek flowed E in the forest a little beyond the N edge of the marsh. Lupe went to the far NW end.

Lupe was now just S of the far W end of Squaw Mountain. It had taken longer to get here than SPHP had expected. Lupe hadn’t come to any easy open ground. Beyond the marsh, a damp, dank forest continued for who knew how much farther?

There were still hours of daylight left. SPHP had no doubt Lupe would be able to get to the summit of Squaw Mountain before dark. That wasn’t good enough, though. Lupe and SPHP weren’t at all equipped to spend a night on the mountain. Lupe would need enough daylight to find her way back to the trail through miles of trackless forest before dark. She wouldn’t have that much time.

Lupe stood on a rotting log at the edge of the forest. She was at her point of farthest advance. SPHP stared deeper into the forest, wistfully. Maybe Lupe would come back again some day to climb Squaw Mountain. Or maybe this was it, her only chance, a moment passing into history. Sorry, Lupe, we aren’t going to make it this time.

Lupe at her point of farthest advance on her way to Squaw Mountain. She is just S of the W end of it here. Photo looks NW into the damp, dank forest she would have had to travel through to continue. Photo looks NW.

When Lupe reached the G6 again, it was 5:27 PM (65°F). Soon Lupe and SPHP were heading N on Cold Spring Road. Lupe’s trip to the Laramie Mountains was ending, but Lupe and SPHP were still having fun. The drive to Douglas was absolutely gorgeous. Mile after mile of unspoiled classic western scenery.

Pronghorn antelope and cows caught Lupe’s attention. Barkfest was on! Lupe sped past them all having the time of her life. In the rear view mirror, Squaw Mountain and Buffalo Peak loomed impressively high and blue.

Maybe some day.

Links:

Next Dingo Vacation Prior Adventure

This Dingo Vacation Prior Dingo Vacation

Squaw Mountain, Laramie Range, Wyoming (6-12-17)

Buffalo Peak & Twin Peaks in the Laramie Range of Wyoming (6-12-17 & 6-13-17)

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Warbonnet Peak, the Converse County, Wyoming High Point (5-31-16)

In the wee hours of the morning, Lupe wanted out. SPHP opened the door of the G6, and she bounded into the night. No stars. A light mist explained why. Hours later, dawn came. Low hanging clouds hid the mountains. There wasn’t a speck of blue sky anywhere. Maybe it was time to move on?

The plan had been for Lupe to explore nearby Twin Mountain (8,831 ft.) and the Sherman Benchmark area in the Laramie Mountains SE of Laramie, WY. Now there didn’t seem to be much point, unless the clouds were going to burn off soon.

Lupe had spent the last 2 days peakbagging in these mountains. Most of her goals had been achieved, or ruled out as too difficult. The more SPHP thought about it, the more it seemed like a good idea to move on, whether the sky cleared or not. Warbonnet Peak (9,414 ft.) was calling.

Warbonnet Peak was in the Laramie Mountains, too, but far away in the NW part of the range. It was a beautiful drive. The farther NW Lupe went, the more beautiful and remote the scenery became. N of the town of Medicine Bow, Lupe and SPHP left Hwy 487, taking Little Medicine Road for miles through high rolling plains where there were more pronghorn antelope than cows for Lupe to bark at.

The gravel road slowly deteriorated. There was almost no signage. At least not that meant anything unless you knew the names of the local ranchers. SPHP made a wrong turn onto Holaday Road. Almost 10 miles later, a red pickup truck appeared going the opposite direction. Turned out the lady driving it was lost, too. However, she had a great road atlas showing every little dirt road in Wyoming.

A couple minutes later, it was all figured out. The red pickup truck raced W out of sight. Lupe and SPHP turned around and followed it, but there was no way the poor G6 could keep up with a pickup on these roads. SPHP turned N onto Little Medicine Road again. Lupe enjoyed a spectacular ride up into the Laramie Mountains.

Little Medicine Road is shown on Wyoming state road maps. In combination with other roads, there was supposed to be a route through the Laramie Mountains here going all the way N to Douglas, WY. The creek crossings were mighty rough, though, for a road shown on the official state map. One might think an official state map would only show principal routes. In Wyoming, one would be wrong.

Lupe had already been going downhill again for miles when SPHP saw a couple of people. Did they know where the Campbell Creek campground was? They sure did. This was it! Heavy rains and flooding 3 weeks ago had washed out roads in the area. The county had just patched them enough to be passable. The two people were park service employees putting the campground sign back up. The campground was closed for a few days yet, but it was OK to stay here. No fees or services until the campground opened.

Perfect! That was a deal. Lupe and SPHP took the very last of the six campsites, No. 6 at the upstream end of the campground.

Lupe arrives at the Campbell Creek campground.

After a few minutes of preparation, Lupe and SPHP struck out for Warbonnet Peak (12:15 PM, 50°F). A wide trail led upstream on the W side of Campbell Creek. Lupe hadn’t gone very far when she reached a creek crossing. The creek was still swollen with melting snow. SPHP didn’t want freezing cold wet feet this early in the trip. There was a narrow spot just downstream. Maybe SPHP could jump across?

Lupe is a great jumper! SPHP, not so much. SPHP decided maybe it would be better to go upstream looking for a better spot. Lupe and SPHP explored the W bank a bit farther up. Nothing.

The first stream crossing over Campbell Creek. Lupe is a bit upstream looking for a better way across for SPHP.

Turn back, jump across the narrow spot, or ford the icy cold creek? Those were the choices. SPHP threw the backpack across the creek. Then SPHP jumped. Made it! Good thing Campbell Creek wasn’t any wider, though.

Lupe and SPHP continued upstream along the trail. The ground was marshy. The trail itself was part trail, and part mucky little streams. Almost everywhere, the ground was sopping wet. Lupe and SPHP had to weave through the forest, on and off the trail, to avoid deadfall timber and particularly wet spots. Lupe hadn’t gone much farther, when she came to a stone fire ring. It was right on the trail at a rare dry spot.

Edward Earl had written about taking this trail up Campbell Creek on the way to Warbonnet Peak more than 7 years ago on May 24, 2009. SPHP had a copy of Mr. Earl’s trip report in the backpack. In it, Mr. Earl described a long slog with creek crossings, deadfall, brush, swamps and occasional deep snow. Conditions didn’t seem like they had changed for the better since then.

Even before Lupe had left home more than a week ago, Edward Earl’s trip report had SPHP thinking maybe there was another way to Warbonnet Peak from Campbell Creek? The topo map showed a long, broad ridge to the E of the creek that eventually wound its way past high points all the way to Warbonnet Peak. There wouldn’t be any roads or trails – just forests, fields, rocks and whatever else Lupe might encounter.

The first problem, of course, was how to climb 500 ft. up out of the Campbell Creek valley to get onto the ridge? Directly ahead, just past the fire ring, was a steep rocky spine coming all the way down to the trail from the NE. Climbing near the spine didn’t look that bad, though it was impossible to say how far up things would remain that way. Forests hid the slope.

Lupe wasn’t far from the campground yet at all. Nearly the entirety of Edward Earl’s miserable slog along Campbell Creek lay ahead. Whatcha, think Loop? Long, miserable slog along a questionable trail down by the creek, or try pioneering a new American Dingo route?

American Dingoes are high spirited and adventurous. Lupe was not only ready, but eager, to trail blaze an all new Lupe route to Warbonnet Peak. Lupe and SPHP left the trail, climbing NE along the rocky spine. Up and up. A forested hill came into view over on the W (opposite) side of the creek valley. Lupe and SPHP were gaining on it. Before long, Lupe was as high as it was.

The slope continued up. Lupe came to small rock outcroppings. The climb was steep, but steady. There were always manageable ways higher. Multiple ways, actually. SPHP had to stop for breathers, but leg and lung power were the only real limitations. When Lupe was clearly higher than the forested hill across the valley, things started leveling out. Lupe had made it up onto the ridge E of Campbell Creek!

Lupe found a snowbank to cool off on in the forest. While Lupe was chillin’, SPHP consulted the topo map. Time to change direction. From here the ridge sloped gently up toward the SE. When Lupe was sufficiently cooled down, Lupe and SPHP turned S or SE wandering through the forest. The going was much easier now.

Lupe found this snowbank to cool off on up on the ridge E of Campbell Creek.

Before too long, SPHP saw an opening in the forest. A small, partially sunlit hill was nearby off to the SW. It looked like the hill was on the edge of a drop off. Lupe and SPHP headed over to climb the little hill. A view would be great. SPHP could get oriented properly.

Lupe saw a high forested ridge to the SE. The ridge was situated beyond a big gap over much lower ground SPHP realized must drain W toward Campbell Creek. The SW end of the long ridge featured a towering cliff. Take a break, Lupe! Time to figure out where we are.

SPHP studied the topo map for several minutes, comparing it to the view from the little hill. It seemed pretty clear. OK, Loopster. This little hill is most likely High Point 8585. That high forested ridge to the SE has got to be High Point 9180. About 0.25 mile to the E should be High Point 8590. We will have to go over there to get around this big drainage before we can continue SSE to High Point 9180.

Lupe at the High Point 8585 viewpoint. High Point 9180 is the big forested ridge on the L. High Point 9254 is seen in the distance on the R. Photo looks SSE.

Lupe waits on High Point 8585 for SPHP to figure out which way to go next.

Lupe and SPHP left High Point 8585 going E near the edge of the drainage to the S. Lupe’s immediate objective was to get to High Point 8590. It didn’t take Lupe long to get there.

Lupe arrives at High Point 8590. The SW portion of the High Point 9180 ridge is seen on the L. Photo looks S.

Lupe at High Point 8590. High Point 8585, where she had just come from, is the little hill with the rock outcropping slightly to the L beyond her. Photo looks W.

From High Point 8590, Lupe faced another big climb, 590 feet of elevation gain, up the forested NNW slope of High Point 9180. The topo map showed that Lupe might not have to climb all the way to the top. Maybe she could skirt around to the NE of the high point.

Lupe about to leave the High Point 8590 area to start the big climb up to High Point 9180 directly ahead. Maybe she could climb only partway up and skirt around to the NE (L)? Photo looks SSE.

Soon after Lupe entered the forest to begin the climb up High Point 9180, it became apparent a tougher climb was in store than anticipated. As expected, the slope was moderately steep, and there was the usual deadfall timber. That wasn’t the problem. The problem was Lupe found snow. Lots of it. Almost everywhere.

The snow was soft and melting. Around the bases of most tree trunks, little or none remained. Between the trees, though, snow was stacked in drifts 2 to 4 feet high. Lupe was light enough to travel over the snowdrifts. SPHP was stuck post holing. The climb became a relentless endurance struggle.

Going around the NE side of High Point 9180 wasn’t going to be possible. Sheltered by the mountain’s shadow, the snow was deepest over there. Lupe and SPHP worked over more to the W, close to the edge of the drainage. Better exposure to the sun meant less snow. SPHP was able to climb faster.

It wasn’t until Lupe was on the upper portion of the slope that she started angling back farther E. Just below the ridgeline were the biggest snow drifts yet, 6 to 8 feet high. Lupe trotted up the snow to the top. A few minutes later, SPHP was able to join her. SPHP had to stop to breathe.

When SPHP could move again, Lupe and SPHP set out SW exploring along the ridgeline. Lupe had come up at the NE end of the highest part of the High Point 9180 ridge. Lupe appeared to be at the true summit. There wasn’t any snow on the exposed rocks near the edge. Lupe found a glorious view off to the NW, only 50 – 100 feet from where she had reached the ridgeline.

The glorious view to the NW from up on High Point 9180. The low forested hill seen straight up from the stump to the L of Lupe is High Point 8585, now far below.

Lupe found this cool rock with a water basin in it up on High Point 9180. It was very close to the true summit, near the edge of the ridge where the fabulous views were. This water basin rock was only 50 feet from where Lupe reached the ridgeline in the area beyond her toward the R.

The fabulous view to the NW made High Point 9180 seem like a great objective in and of itself. Lupe and SPHP liked the rocky ridge with numerous viewpoints. Lupe had to press on, though. Warbonnet Peak was still a more than 1.5 miles to the SE as the crow flies. So far, Lupe and SPHP hadn’t even seen it yet.

Lupe and SPHP left the edge of the ridge behind and turned SE, immediately disappearing into the forest again. The ground was sloping gently downward now, but the way forward was still a struggle.

Despite a southern exposure, even this part of the forest was full of snowdrifts. To make things worse, the deadfall timber was thicker than before. If the rest of the way was going to be like this, Lupe wouldn’t make it to Warbonnet Peak – not through this kind of stuff. Maybe Lupe and SPHP should have stuck to Edward Earl’s route?

SPHP was thinking these gloomy thoughts, when suddenly the forest ended. Ahead was open ground! And off to the SE was a high peak, Warbonnet Peak!

Lupe breaks out of the forest SE of the High Point 9180 summit. Off in the distance is her ultimate objective – Warbonnet Peak! Photo looks SE.

Objective Warbonnet Peak (L) and next obstacle High Point 9310 (R) from the open ground SE of High Point 9180. Photo looks SE.

When Lupe emerged from the forest SE of the High Point 9180 summit, her next major obstacle on the way to Warbonnet Peak was High Point 9310. This large solid rock knob was in view to the S between High Point 9310 and High Point 9254. Open ground led almost all the way down to it. Photo looks S using the telephoto lens.

Lupe on the open ground after emerging from the forest SE of the summit of High Point 9180. High Point 9254 is in view. Lupe's route to Warbonnet Peak didn't take her close to High Point 9254, but Edward Earl's trip report mentioned it. Photo looks S. — Lupe on the open ground after emerging from the forest SE of the summit of High Point 9180. High Point 9254 is in view. Lupe’s route to Warbonnet Peak didn’t take her close to High Point 9254, but Edward Earl’s trip report mentioned it. Photo looks S.

Reaching the open ground and finally seeing Warbonnet Peak was most encouraging! Lupe still faced obstacles, however. The biggest obstacle was High Point 9310. It was directly ahead. SPHP could see quite a bit of snow up on it. Once again, SPHP consulted the topo map.

The topo map contours suggested the possible existence of cliffs on the far (SE) side of High Point 9310. Climbing to the top made no sense. Skirting High Point 9310 to the NE would definitely be shortest.

Lupe and SPHP made excellent time over the open ground heading down the slope toward High Point 9310. However, as Lupe approached the area NE of High Point 9310, the view was not encouraging. The area was heavily forested. Big snowbanks were near the trees.

Lupe and SPHP made only a short foray into the forest. The snow was deep. Like 5 or 6 feet deep, in many places. Staring further into the dark, dense forest, with snow piled so deep it looked like winter, prospects seemed simply ominous. Battling through for any significant distance looked impossibly slow and difficult. Lupe and SHP beat a hasty retreat.

From higher up, where Lupe had first broken out of the forest SE of High Point 9180, she had seen a huge knob of solid rock to the SW of High Point 9310. Open ground led almost all the way to it. Lupe would have to try going around High Point 9310 from somewhere over there. Lupe and SPHP turned S looking for the huge rock knob. Being a huge rock knob near open ground, it wasn’t hard to find.

The open ground ended a short distance before Lupe reached the big rock knob SW of High Point 9310, but she had no problem finding it. Photo looks S.

Lupe and SPHP went over a small saddle to the NE of the huge rock knob. On the other side was a forested valley coming up from the SW. Lupe could see plenty of snow down below, but there wasn’t any up on the slope where Lupe and SPHP were. Lupe and SPHP tried to head NE on the slope between High Point 9310 and the valley to the SE. Lupe’s goal was to maintain elevation as much as possible while avoiding the snow.

Looking back at the huge rock knob from the SE after crossing the saddle to the NE (R) of it. Photo looks NW.

For a while, Lupe and SPHP had no problem maintaining elevation, but as Lupe drew closer to the area right below the High Point 9310 summit, the terrain grew more rocky and steep. Progress slowed. Finally, it was time to give it up. Lupe would be better off going down to face the snow in the valley.

Lupe maintaining elevation trying to get around High Point 9310, which looms above. Photo looks NE.

Lupe below High Point 9310. She gave up trying to maintain elevation here and headed SE (toward the camera and to the R) down into the snowy forest in the valley. Photo looks N.

It wasn’t terribly far down to the valley floor. This valley had a SW exposure. Although there were snow drifts, they were only 2 to 3 feet high. SPHP had seen some open ground to the SE somewhere on the opposite side of the valley. Lupe and SPHP tried to find it.

Lupe and SPHP passed to the SW of some higher ground before beginning the climb out of the valley. On the way up, Lupe did find open ground, although she was already well up the slope by then. Soon Lupe was astride a boulder in a wide saddle on a ridgeline leading SE. The next obstacle, another forest with snow in it, was just ahead. A quick glance at the topo map, and SPHP decided the ridge ahead was High Point 9223, the last major obstacle on the way to Warbonnet Peak.

Lupe reaches open ground SE of High Point 9310. SPHP assumed the ridge ahead was the final obstacle on the way to Warbonnet Peak, High Point 9223. SPHP was wrong! Photo looks SE.

High Point 9223 didn’t look that high. It looked like Lupe could easily climb it. However, there didn’t seem to be any point in doing so. The topo map showed it should be possible to go around either end of the ridge. By now SPHP had figured out what that meant. The NE side would be dense forest with deep snow. The SW side was the way to go. Lupe and SPHP took the easy way, following open ground around to the SW.

Lupe climbed out of the snowy valley S of High Point 9310 coming up from the L. She arrived near the top of this little hill (Center). Lupe then followed the open ground down to the camera’s location. SPHP mistakenly thought Lupe was on her way around the SW end of High Point 9223. Photo looks N.

As expected, the open ground ended. Lupe entered the forest again, as she neared the SW end of the High Point 9223 ridge. Lupe climbed a little and made it over the lower part of the ridge, but the ground ahead dropped off surprisingly steeply. The terrain was so steep, that SPHP decided Lupe had better climb higher up to find easier ground on which to get around High Point 9223.

Lupe made a short, but very steep climb to the E up a rocky ridge along the N side of a narrow ravine. She arrived up on a platform of rocks along the spine of the ridge. The rocks presented a good view back to the NW toward High Point 9310. Ahead to the E was more level ground as SPHP had expected. Beyond the level ground was a high spot that SPHP was still thinking must be the top of High Point 9223. Lupe wasn’t that far away from it. There were too many trees to see much to the SE, where SPHP was expecting Lupe would soon see Warbonnet Peak.

Lupe made a short steep climb to arrive up on this rock platform with a view back to the NW. High Point 9310 (Center) is in the shadow of a cloud. At the time, SPHP thought Lupe was W of High Point 9223 here. She wasn't. High Point 9223 is the closest lower forested ridge seen on the R. Photo looks WNW. — Lupe made a short steep climb to arrive up on this rock platform with a view back to the NW. High Point 9310 (Center) is in the shadow of a cloud. At the time, SPHP thought Lupe was W of High Point 9223 here. She wasn’t. High Point 9223 is the closest lower forested ridge seen on the R. Photo looks WNW.

This relatively level ground Lupe came to after her short steep climb up the rocky ridge featured lots of exposed rock. Pictured not too far ahead is what SPHP still believed was the top of High Point 9223. Lupe and SPHP went toward it, but tried angling around to the R (SE) to get beyond it without climbing it. Photo looks E.

SPHP hadn’t consulted the topo map in a little while, but remembered it showed relatively flat ground on the SE side of High Point 9223. If Lupe could break out into the open beyond High Point 9223, Warbonnet Peak ought to be visible less than 0.5 mile away!

There was no reason to climb all the way to the top of High Point 9223. Lupe could now go around it on this relatively level terrain. Lupe and SPHP proceeded in the general direction of the top of High Point 9223, but angling 45° to the R (SE) to bypass it.

For a few minutes, Lupe and SPHP progressed quickly enough through a somewhat thinly forested area over and around big flat rocks. The slope began to steepen toward the S as the rocks gave way to more typical, denser forest. Everything seemed to be going fine. Any minute now, Lupe would see Warbonnet Peak up ahead!

Suddenly, there was trouble. The ground started dropping off sharply. Between the trees, Lupe and SPHP did see the blue outline of a massive peak. It was very far away, however. It wasn’t Warbonnet Peak, but SPHP recognized it. Lupe had been there before, last summer. Miles and miles away was the unmistakable shape of the highest peak of the Laramie Range – Laramie Peak (10,272 ft.).

Well, that wasn’t so surprising. What was surprising was that the easy, relatively level terrain the topo map showed SE of High Point 9223 wasn’t there! And where on God’s green earth was Warbonnet Peak? It was nowhere in sight! Something was wrong.

Maybe SPHP was just turned around a bit? Whatever the case, the ground now dropped off very steeply this way. Lupe would have to try going around the NE side of High Point 9223. She would have to backtrack some to do so. Fortunately it wasn’t far. Lupe and SPHP turned around. Before long, Lupe was in position. SPHP wasn’t looking forward to a difficult trek through dense forests and deep snow, but expected that was what was in store.

Lupe had hardly gotten started trying to go around the NE side of High Point 9223 when she came to a stunning view, once again seen only partially between the trees. The terrain dropped steeply for hundreds of feet. Far lower mountains were seen just a few miles away. Lupe wasn’t going to be able to go around High Point 9223 this way either!

She wouldn’t have to. The truth hit SPHP like a bolt out of the blue. Lupe wasn’t on the slopes of High Point 9223. She must have circumvented it to the S while on the way through the snowy valley SE of High Point 9310. This was great news, actually! SPHP now knew where Lupe was. She was already high on the upper slopes of Warbonnet Peak (9,414 ft.). The summit was only a short climb away!

Lupe high on the upper W slope of Warbonnet Peak. The summit was now only a few minute's short rocky climb away! Photo looks ENE. — Lupe high on the upper W slope of Warbonnet Peak. The summit was now only a few minute’s short rocky climb away! Photo looks ENE.

Within minutes, Lupe was attacking the last part of the steep, rocky W slope just shy of the summit. Suddenly she was there, standing atop Warbonnet Peak (9,414 ft.), the Converse County, WY High Point!

Lupe atop Warbonnet Peak (9,414 ft.) the Converse County, WY High Point. Photo looks ESE. — Lupe atop **Warbonnet Peak (9,414 ft.)** the Converse County, WY High Point. Photo looks ESE.

The survey benchmark on Warbonnet Peak. SPHP was a little disappointed it didn't even say "Warbonnet" on it. — The survey benchmark on Warbonnet Peak. SPHP was a little disappointed it didn’t even say “Warbonnet” on it.

The summit of Warbonnet Peak was virtually all rock, with little vegetation. Consequently, Lupe had fabulous 360° views. There were still quite a few hours of daylight left – plenty of time for Lupe and SPHP to take a long break relaxing, sharing chocolate coconut granola bars, and enjoying the world from such a terrific vantage point.

The summit area wasn’t terribly big, maybe 10 to 20 feet wide and three times that much long, but there was room to walk around a bit on the jumbled rocks and decide on a favorite perch.

SPHP found a plastic jar with a green lid (about the size of a medium-sized peanut butter jar) tucked down among the rocks near the survey benchmark. Inside was a green plastic Indian Chief, and a red and white round plastic souvenir left by a winehead chick and an ex-drunk.

It was good to see that the green Indian chief was appropriately equipped with his war bonnet on.

There was also a single sheet of paper, on the back of which was a climber’s log with only 4 entries on it, the first one dating back to 9-23-2011. The other side of the log was a copy of the same trip report by Edward Earl that SPHP had a copy of in the backpack. Unfortunately, there was nothing to write with in the jar, and SPHP hadn’t brought a pen along. Lupe’s ascent did not get recorded on the log.

This climber's log with only 4 entries on it was written on the back of a copy of the same trip report by Edward Earl that SPHP had a copy of in the backpack. Lupe hadn't taken Edward Earl's route, though. She had blazed her own trail here! — This climber’s log with only 4 entries on it was written on the back of a copy of the same trip report by Edward Earl that SPHP had a copy of in the backpack. Lupe hadn’t taken Edward Earl’s route, though. She had blazed her own trail here!

Lupe was a bit bored with the climber’s log and assorted associated paraphernalia. While SPHP fiddled around with it, she found a very small grassy spot on which to curl up for a snooze.

Lupe curls up on a tiny patch of grass and tries to get in a few winks up on Warbonnet Peak. In the background L of Center is a prominent forested ridge with high points at each end. The high point at the R end of the ridge is High Point 9254. The solid rock knob Lupe went past on her way around High Point 9310 is seen on the R. Lupe had passed just to the R of it. Photo looks WSW.

SPHP put the climber’s log and other items back in the plastic jar with the green top, returning the jar to its original resting place. While Lupe tried to snooze, SPHP took more photos of the views before discovering a larger Simply Orange plastic bottle a few feet away from the jar with the climber’s log.

Inside the Simply Orange bottle were a $1 bill, a penny, a folded newspaper article yellowed with age, and a photograph. SPHP had no way to get the photo or newspaper article out through the narrow neck of the bottle. SPHP left the cash inside, too.

Squaw Mountain (9,313 ft.) (ridge on L) and Buffalo Peak (9,387 ft.) (Center). Photo looks NW from Warbonnet Peak using the telephoto lens. — **Squaw Mountain (9,313 ft.)** (ridge on L) and **Buffalo Peak (9,387 ft.)** (Center). Photo looks NW from Warbonnet Peak using the telephoto lens.

Laramie Peak (10,272 ft.) (Center). Photo looks SE using the telephoto lens. — **Laramie Peak (10,272 ft.)** (Center). Photo looks SE using the telephoto lens.

The photo in the Simply Orange plastic bottle.

Despite what had seemed like a long trek to reach Warbonnet Peak, Lupe had arrived at the summit with what SPHP estimated to be 4 to 5 hours of daylight remaining before sunset. Lupe and SPHP were in no rush to leave. After an hour or so, though, the sun had clearly made progress across the sky. Lupe was starting to revive from her nap, and showed signs of being ready for action again.

Lupe still dozing, but she soon woke up ready for action again!

It was a long way back, and without any trails to follow, SPHP didn’t want to take a chance on not leaving enough time for Lupe to find her way back to Campbell Creek while it was still light out. A few more photos at the top, and it was time to bid a reluctant farewell to the fabulous views from Warbonnet Peak.

Lupe about to leave Warbonnet Peak. She was going to take the same way back to Campbell Creek, and would have to go past High Point 9310 (Center) and High Point 9180 (R) again. Photo looks WNW.

Lupe during her final moments atop Warbonnet Peak. Photo looks E.

Lupe and SPHP took the same route Lupe had just pioneered on the way back to Campbell Creek. Now that the route was known, Lupe made faster progress than before. It helped that the return trip was mostly downhill, Lupe now knew a few shortcuts, and this time SPHP didn’t have to keep stopping to check the topo map. It was still a long trek. The sun made steady progress on its way to the horizon.

Lupe back down to the area W of Warbonnet where SPHP had earlier mistakenly thought she was near High Point 9223. The top of Warbonnet Peak (NOT High Point 9223) is partially hidden in the trees behind her. Photo looks E.

A wily American Dingo prowls the snowy forested valley S of High Point 9310.

Once around High Point 9310 again, Lupe found a shortcut on her way back to the NW edge of the High Point 9180 ridge. She followed more open ground just a little farther to the W, instead of heading NW through the trees directly toward the actual summit.

This enabled Lupe to avoid the fairly short, but difficult trek through the snowy woods full of deadfall timber. When she reached the NW edge of the ridge, Lupe had a slightly longer trek back to the NE to the High Point 9180 summit. However, this was all much easier terrain. The view was terrific, too!

In fact, the highlight of the trip back was High Point 9180. If anything, the views were even prettier in the slanting light of early evening. Once again, Lupe and SPHP were impressed!

Lupe at the NW edge of the High Point 9180 ridge again. Photo looks NW.

Although Lupe was fearless, and greatly enjoyed her second round of exploration along her newly blazed Warbonnet Peak route, there were two places that were a bit worrisome to SPHP.

The first one was the trek down from High Point 9180 to High Point 8590. Once Lupe was off the top of the High Point 9180 ridge, the entire route down was endless forest, with snowdrifts several feet deep between the trees almost the whole way. The forest was so dense, there were no viewpoints anywhere along the way. It was hard to tell whether Lupe was on course, or not.

SPHP started off just fine, following tracks left in the snow earlier in the day, but eventually lost them at one of the rare places with little snow. From then on, SPHP had to worry about staying on the ridgeline to High Point 8590. Uncertain of the correct direction, Lupe and SPHP wandered back and forth as Lupe continued down the slope, hoping to find either Lupe’s old tracks again or a glimpse of High Point 8590.

The concern was that SPHP might be unwittingly leading Lupe down into one of the big drainages to the E or W instead of to High Point 8590. The way down the mountain seemed longer than SPHP remembered, which added to the concerns. When the forest ended with the clear ground to High Point 8590 straight ahead, exactly as planned, it was a relief.

SPHP was glad when Lupe finally broke out of the forest near High Point 8590 again. Photo looks back to the SE toward High Point 9180. The dense forest had yielded no views to orient by coming down. Lupe had started her descent from the highest ground near the L side of this photo.

The second worrisome part of the return trip came almost at the end. SPHP couldn’t remember exactly where Lupe first reached the ridge above Campbell Creek before she had turned toward High Point 8585. SPHP’s recollection was that it hadn’t taken Lupe very long to reach High Point 8585 after gaining the ridgeline.

Upon reaching High Point 8585 again, Lupe and SPHP went NNW not too far from the W side of the ridge until Lupe reached some small clearings. These seemed vaguely familiar. SPHP had Lupe start down the steep W slope of the ridge right after passing by the last of these clearings.

SPHP was soon convinced that this was NOT the exact place Lupe had come up earlier in the day. It just wasn’t as rocky. Once again, the way down seemed farther than SPHP remembered. However, the steep forested slope didn’t come to any cliffs or get treacherously steep, so Lupe and SPHP just kept going down. Sooner or later Lupe would reach Campbell Creek!

Lupe did reach Campbell Creek. Conveniently, the trail was right there on the near side of the creek. SPHP still wasn’t certain if Lupe was upstream or downstream of where she had left both creek and trail many hours earlier.

Lupe reaches Campbell Creek again near the end of her journey. SPHP didn't recognize the spot, and wasn't certain if Lupe was upstream or downstream of where she had first left the creek much earlier in the day. — Lupe reaches Campbell Creek again near the end of her journey. SPHP didn’t recognize the spot, and wasn’t certain if Lupe was upstream or downstream of where she had first left the creek much earlier in the day.

One thing was for certain, Campbell Creek campground was downstream. Lupe and SPHP started following the trail downstream. Almost immediately, Lupe came to the stone fire ring where she had first left the trail. Lupe and SPHP had come down the ridge less than 100 feet from it.

The only remaining excitement on the way back was when SPHP had to leap across that first creek crossing one more time. Campbell Creek was visibly a little higher now due to all the snow that had melted in the afternoon. Once again, SPHP pitched the backpack across Campbell Creek. Once again, SPHP made the leap successfully.

At 8:16 PM (41°F), Lupe arrived back at the G6. Warbonnet Peak had been quite a day!

SPHP noted it had taken Lupe 8 hours to go from Campbell Creek campground to Warbonnet Peak and back. Edward Earl’s trip report indicated it had only taken him 6 hours. Of course, Lupe and SPHP had stayed up at the summit for at least an hour, probably somewhat longer than Mr. Earl had been there (he didn’t say exactly how long he stayed). Still, it had taken Lupe longer on her new route.

Lupe looked at SPHP. Hey, we had a fabulous day, and made it there and back in one piece. What more do you want? The Carolina Dog was too polite to mention that unlike Edward Earl, she was stuck with waiting for SPHP all the time.

Now how about some Alpo? I’m famished!Lupe’s route to Warbonnet Peak would, of course, be easier and faster when there is little or no snow. Save time going around the NE side of High Point 9310, instead of SW near the huge rock knob, to reach the high ground near High Point 9223. Take a more direct approach up Warbonnet Peak itself from the NW, instead of going so far around to the W or SW.

Lupe would still climb to the top of High Point 9180. The views are worth it!

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