2015 Wyoming, Colorado & Utah – Page 5 – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Big Marvine Peak, Colorado (8-18-15)

Lupe left the Mount Zirkel (12,180 ft.) area early on 8-18-15, Day 10 of Lupe’s great Summer of 2015 Dingo Vacation. SPHP drove down to Steamboat Springs, and a few miles S of town turned onto Hwy 131. Hwy 131 went SW through pleasant open country with mountains in the distance in almost all directions. Lupe liked it, because there were plenty of cows and horses to bark at along the way. She was having fun.

At Phippsburg, SPHP followed a road heading SW. It was marked with a sign that just said “Forest Service Access”. In two or three miles, this paved road led to an intersection with the Flat Tops Scenic Byway, which heads 82 miles W to Meeker. Lupe was only going to go about half that far before turning SE to get to Trappers Lake in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area.

The eastern half of the Flat Tops Scenic Byway that Lupe got to see was all gravel road. She went over Dunckley Pass (9,764′), past Vaughan Lake, and over Ripple Creek Pass (10,341′).

A few miles beyond Ripple Creek Pass was the turn to head SE to Trappers Lake. The road went up a large valley, through an area where the trees were nearly all dead. SPHP drove all the way to the very end of the road. There was a big gravel parking lot, and trailhead for a trail around Trappers Lake. Nearby was a picnic ground, if it can be called that. The entire picnic ground seemed to consist of a single picnic table overlooking Trappers Lake. Lupe and SPHP immediately laid claim to the picnic table, and had lunch with a beautiful view.

Lupe reaches Trapper's Lake in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area. — The picnic ground had a beautiful view of an American Dingo. Trappers Lake in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area could be seen, too.

After lunch, the plan was for Lupe to head up to either Trappers Peak (12,002 ft.) or Big Marvine Peak (11,879 ft.). SPHP was leaning toward Big Marvine Peak, since the topo maps showed a trail to a lookout at the top. Trappers Peak was closer, but there wasn’t any trail to it. Lupe set out from the nearby Wall Lake Trailhead at 12:36 PM. It was 60°F, clear (except for a smoky haze from distant forest fires), and breezy.

As Lupe started on the Wall Lake Trail, there was a strange high-pitched wailing or whistling sound. It soon turned out that it was the sound made by thousands of dead trees in the wind. SPHP immediately dubbed this portion of the Wall Lake Trail the Ghost Trees Trail instead. Lupe, being a fearless, strong Carolina Dog, showed not the slightest concern about the possibility of meeting any tree ghosts, even if there were thousands of them.

Lupe on the Ghost Trees Trail (Wall Lake Trail officially). Photo looks SSW towards a canyon Lupe was on her way to.

Flander Mountain from the Ghost Tree Trail. Photo looks SW. — Flander Mountain from the Ghost Trees Trail. The white plume is from a jet that flew by. Photo looks SW.

The Ghost Trees Trail went E of Anderson Lake heading S. Past Anderson Lake, the trail lost elevation until it reached an intersection near the lower end of a large canyon to the SSW. At the intersection, Lupe stayed on the Wall Lake Trail. Soon the trail led Lupe up into a living forest, marking the end of what SPHP could reasonably call the Ghost Trees Trail.

Lupe arrives at Anderson Lake along the Ghost Trees Trail. Photo looks S.

The Wall Lake Trail went through the forest heading SSW up the canyon. Eventually it started climbing the canyon’s W wall. Once Lupe had gained enough elevation to get above most of the forest, there were some pretty nice views, marred only by the persistent smoky haze. The trail reached the high ground above the cliffs at the S end of the canyon.

Looking NNE back at Trapper's Lake from the Wall Lake Trail. — Looking NNE back at Trappers Lake from the Wall Lake Trail.

Lupe had gained about 1,400 feet of elevation, and was now at 11,000 feet. She came to a junction in the trail almost immediately. Wall Lake Trail went to the left (E) and Oyster Lake Trail went to the right (W). SPHP’s maps showed that she needed to go to the right on the Oyster Lake Trail to get to Big Marvine Peak.

The high ground was gently rolling with lots of open heather. There were scattered forests and ponds, too. A big mountain was in view to the S. This was Trappers Peak. SPHP had gotten so fixated on Lupe going to Big Marvine Peak, that at first SPHP thought Trappers Peak was Big Marvine Peak. After about 30 minutes, when the Oyster Lake Trail seemed to be heading continually away from the mountain, SPHP realized the mistake.

Lupe emerges from the canyon to find Trapper's Peak in view to the S. — Lupe emerges from the canyon to find Trappers Peak in view to the S.

Trapper Peak from near the Oyster Lake Trail. Photo looks S.

So where was Big Marvine? SPHP knew it was some distance away to the W, but it wasn’t even in sight yet. Lupe wasn’t worried, she loved running around on the heather and exploring the forests. She drank from the ponds. Lupe was pretty much in Dingo Paradise.

The Oyster Lake Trail wound around to the SW, passing near a series of small ponds. From one of the ponds, SPHP spotted Big Marvine Peak for the first time.

Across the pond, like way, way across the pond, SPHP spots Big Marvine Peak in the distance. Photo looks W.

Yikes! Big Marvine Peak looked like it was a very long, long way off. SPHP suddenly wished Lupe had gotten a much earlier start. At least following the trail along the gently rolling high country went pretty fast. Lupe and SPHP hurried onward.

The last of the ponds Lupe passed was also the largest. It was the southernmost of the Twin Lakes. Although Lupe had clearly made progress towards Big Marvine, it still looked like quite a trek remained.

Even from the southernmost of the Twin Lakes, Big Marvine was still pretty far off.

After passing the Twin Lakes, SPHP started looking for a junction with the East Marvine Trail. The East Marvine Trail would head NW to pass a bit to the E of Big Marvine, while the Oyster Lake Trail would continue SW on to parts unknown. (Oyster Lake might be a good guess.)

Suddenly, SPHP heard someone shouting. A woman was hailing SPHP from S of the trail. Lupe ran over to investigate. It turned out there were two women there, along with a 12 year old brown dog named Aquila. Aquila was easy to spot wearing a red jacket. There wasn’t any trouble. The women were just being friendly. They were on the 3rd day of a 5 day backpacking trip, and hadn’t seen another soul all day.

Lupe and Aquila sniffed. SPHP chatted with the women. Their tents were pitched partway up a forested ridge to the S of the trail. The tents could be seen just above a scar on the ridge. The women seemed surprised that Lupe still intended not only to go climb Big Marvine, but then return all the way to the Wall Lake Trailhead near Trappers Lake. It was already late afternoon.

As nice as Aquila and the two women were, Big Marvine was calling. Lupe had to go. Everyone said goodbye. Then Lupe and SPHP were off. Before long, Lupe reached the junction. She turned NW on the East Marvine Trail. The East Marvine Trail featured a long line of big rock cairns with posts sticking out of them, a good thing since the trail itself soon faded away. For quite a distance, the ground was all open and treeless, so it was easy to follow the cairns. And Big Marvine was always in view. Lupe was getting steadily closer.

Getting there! Big Marvine Peak from near the East Marvine Trail. Photo looks W.

The maps showed a trail heading WSW to Big Marvine Peak from the East Marvine Trail. Lupe didn’t stay on the East Marvine Trail long enough to reach the junction. Instead she left the East Marvine Trail heading directly for the NE end of Big Marvine. There were small forested ridges to cross along the way and many bushy areas. Lupe liked exploring the maze of pathways through the bushes. To her, the bushes were practically a forest themselves.

As Lupe got close to Big Marvine Peak, SPHP ran into segments of the trail heading WSW toward it from the East Marvine Trail. There were some more big rock cairns with posts sticking out of them, but not many. SPHP followed the intermittent trail where it was present, and just headed for Big Marvine when it wasn’t clear where the trail went. Lupe ran this way and that, just excited to be roaming such wonderful territory.

Approaching the NE end of Big Marvine Peak. The topo map showed a trail switchbacking up the slope at the NE end of the mountain (L side of photo) and then continuing to a lookout at the far W end. — Approaching the NE end of Big Marvine Peak. The topo map showed a trail switchbacking up the slope at the NE end of the mountain (L side of photo), and then continuing to a lookout at the far W end.

When Lupe arrived at the NE end of Big Marvine Peak, SPHP saw no sign of a trail. The topo map showed a trail here switchbacking its way up the mountain to gain the ridgeline, and then continuing all the way to a lookout at the far W end of the peak. SPHP saw nothing, but a steep grassy slope. It definitely looked like this was the easiest, and perhaps only way up. Lupe and SPHP started going straight up the slope.

Lupe starts up the steep slope at the NE end of Big Marvine Peak. — Lupe partway up the steep slope at the NE end of Big Marvine Peak.

Things always seem steeper when you are really there. SPHP had to keep stopping to rest, but hadn’t gotten too far up the slope when suddenly SPHP ran into a switchback. There was a trail after all! It was faint, narrow, and evidently seldom used, but it was there. The trail was easy to follow, and did make things a lot easier for SPHP.

Lupe didn’t need to use any trail. She ran all over the place exploring this and that while SPHP trudged up along the switchbacks. Lupe frequently came over to check on SPHP’s progress and offer encouragement. “See, it’s easy, just do this” and she would bolt off in some new direction to play wild Dingo.

The switchbacks ended when the trail reached the ridgeline at the extreme E end of the mountain. At first the view to the W was blocked by the rising ridge, stunted trees and rock outcroppings. It didn’t take long, though, to head W past all that far enough to see what lay ahead – the broad ridge sloping up to the western summit of Big Marvine Peak.

Looking W up towards the summit of Big Marvine Peak. The summit cairn is seen as a spec towards the left at the top. — The easy part! Looking W up towards the summit of Big Marvine Peak.

This was the easy part, a more gentle slope up to the other end of the mountain where the summit was. Lupe only needed to gain another 200 to 300 feet of elevation, and she would be there! When Lupe started getting close to the top, it started getting breezy. Up on top, it was just plain windy. Lupe didn’t care for it. Her stay on Big Marvine Peak was going to be short.

The annoying smoke haze was still around, but other than that, there were some fabulous views from Big Marvine Peak. The surrounding territory featured big canyons, distant peaks of similar height, and lots of open high ground with scattered trees and ponds at about 11,000 feet elevation. On top of Big Marvine, Lupe and SPHP were nearly 900 feet higher at 11,879 feet.

Looking NW from Big Marvine Peak toward Rat Mountain. — Looking NW. **Rat Mountain** **(11,538 ft.)** is the high point of the closest ridge.

There was a small circular two foot wall of loose rocks close to the summit cairn.

Looking back towards the summit cairn and circular rock wall. Lupe is getting anxious to head down out of the wind.

Looking N towards Little Marvine Peaks (?) — Looking N. As near as SPHP can figure out, the mountain seen towards the left is marked Plateau on the maps. It may be one of the Little Marvine Peaks.

After SPHP had spent 20 minutes enjoying the views from Big Marvine Peak, Lupe wanted to get out of the wind. It was time to go. There was maybe a little over an hour left before sunset. Lupe headed down off the windy peak. She was soon out of the worst of the wind and having a good time again.

Lupe near stunted trees lower down on Big Marvine. — Lupe sniffs around near stunted trees lower down on Big Marvine.

A final look to the N from Big Marvine before heading down.

Leaving Big Marvine behind. — Farewell to Big Marvine.

Lupe had to retrace her entire route to Big Marvine to get back to the G6. The sun was down by the time Lupe reached the Oyster Lake Trail. The two women backpackers with their dog, Aquila, were sitting up on the ridge near their tents when Lupe and SPHP came by. They shouted down to SPHP, asking if Lupe had enough food, water, and a source of light. SPHP assured them everything was fine.

Lupe went on. Soon it was dark. The flashlight came out. Lupe wanted to stop. She was hungry. In addition to Taste of the Wild, SPHP shared a Cliff bar with her. Stars now shone above. The meal re-energized Lupe, and she pressed on.

Time passes slowly and trails seem longer in the black of night. Finally Lupe reached the Wall Lake Trail. She led the entire way down the big canyon, still sniffing and exploring everything, but now staying on or very close to the trail. It was 11:04 PM and 52°F out when Lupe reached the G6.

Maybe it would have been better to have just gone to Trappers Peak? It certainly would have been quicker and easier, but SPHP was glad Lupe had visited Big Marvine.

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Mount Zirkel, Colorado (8-17-15)

On the morning of 8-16-15, Day 8 of Lupe’s great Summer of 2015 Dingo Vacation, SPHP originally planned on climbing Bears Ears Peaks (10,577 ft.) with Lupe. Bears Ears Peaks is only 6 or 7 miles E of Black Mountain, which Lupe had climbed the day before. It was a good plan and SPHP should have stuck with it. Instead, SPHP started thinking about going to Mount Zirkel (12,180 ft.).

So Lupe’s day started with a long ride in the G6, much of it on dusty, gravel roads. Lupe headed back N to Hwy 70. There she went E, got to tour a 3 mile dead end road near the Little Snake River, and finally left Hwy 70 for the final time to go SE on route No. 710/129. No. 710/129 started out paved, but soon turned to gravel. The road followed the Little Snake River. Along the way, Lupe passed by multi-millionaire David Pratt’s impressive Three Forks Ranch.

Mountains along the way back to Hwy 70. These may be Bible Back Mountain (center) and Camel Back Mountain (R), but SPHP isn't certain about that. — Mountains along the way back to Hwy 70. These may be Bible Back Mountain (R Center) and Camel Back Mountain (Far R), but SPHP isn’t certain about that.

Looking downstream along the Little Snake River. — Looking upstream along the Little Snake River. The Little Snake River is a tributary of the Yampa River. Its confluence with the Yampa River is in NW Colorado not far from the E boundary of Dinosaur National Monument.

Lupe went through the Three Forks Ranch on her way to Mount Zirkel. — Lupe went by David Pratt’s fabulous Three Forks Ranch on her way to Mount Zirkel.

Lupe also got to see a rather impressive looking mountain that may be Hahn’s Peak.

Lupe and **Hahn’s Peak (10,839 ft.)** (?). Photo was taken along road No. 129 and looks S or SE.

At Columbine, SPHP was glad to reach paved roads again. Shortly before reaching Clark, SPHP found Seed House Road No. 64, which soon becomes No. 400. This road goes 12 miles ENE to the Slovenia Trailhead where Lupe would start for Mount Zirkel. Seed House Road was paved for 6 miles, and then became 6 miles of dusty and very washboardy gravel.

When Lupe arrived at the Slovenia Trailhead it was packed. Cars were parked alongside the road for quite a distance even prior to reaching the trailhead. This was just a scouting trip anyway. It was already too late in the day for Lupe to start for Mount Zirkel. There was another consideration, too. A large dark thunderstorm out of the NW had been following Lupe and SPHP for several hours. It was now getting close to Mount Zirkel.

The rest of the 16th was spent basically just resting up for Mount Zirkel the next day. The dark storm thundered twice, then left the area still heading SE without doing anything. Lupe got to cool off in the Middle Fork of the Elk River. SPHP chatted with the campground host at the Seed House campground, who was very pleasant, but knew nothing about the trail to Mount Zirkel. Lupe filled up on Filet Mingon flavored Alpo and snoozed.

Lupe cools off in the middle fork of the Elk River. — Lupe cools off in the Middle Fork of the Elk River.

Early the next morning, there were two big white dogs outside the G6. Lupe went to sniff with them. They were much bigger and outnumbered her, so after a minute she growled a low Dingo growl, just to let them know not to mess with her. Lupe tends to be friendlier to smaller dogs.

The two white dogs had wandered through looking kind of lost the evening before. SPHP was rather concerned about them. They had collars, but no tags. They seemed like older dogs and were kind of shy. SPHP gave each of them a Cheesy Barkin’ Beggin’ Strip, half a can of Alpo, and some Taste of the Wild. Both dogs seemed to enjoy the little feast and hopeful for even more, although they didn’t act like they were famished.

Lost or abandoned old dogs? SPHP thought maybe they were.

A couple of members of the canine clean plate club.

Lupe and SPHP went to the Seed House campground. SPHP talked to the campground host again and told him about the two white dogs. He had seen them the evening before, too. However, he didn’t know what to do about it. SPHP decided to wait to see if the dogs were still around after Lupe climbed Mount Zirkel to do anything further about them.

When Lupe arrived at the Slovenia trailhead, there was a poster showing a picture of a big white dog exactly like the ones Lupe and SPHP had seen. The poster said they were Livestock Protection Dogs trained to herd sheep. They should not be reported lost or stray, and should not be taken to town. That settled that, except it still seemed odd to SPHP that the two dogs hadn’t been anywhere near any sheep or sheepherder. Maybe they’d made a career change, figuring they could make a better living panhandling from dumb tourists.

In any case, at 7:55 AM (8-17-15, Day 9, 46°F, clear and calm) Lupe set off on Gold Creek Lake Trail No. 1150 for Mount Zirkel. The trail headed E through the forest along Gold Creek, which rushed down to the W with very good flow. Lupe soon crossed the creek on a good wooden bridge. Later there was a place where there was no bridge, just a big log across the creek. Lupe just trotted across, and even SPHP managed not to take a plunge. The highlight of the trail on the way to Gold Creek Lake was a lovely waterfall.

The good wooden bridge across Gold Creek near the start of the Gold Creek Lake Trail.

After about 2.5 miles, Lupe reached Gold Creek Lake.

Lupe reaches Gold Creek Lake. Photo looks E.

The trail continued ENE past the N shore of Gold Creek Lake. Soon after leaving the lake, Lupe passed a junction with the Wyoming Trail No. 1101. Shortly after that, the trail crossed Gold Creek again. This time there wasn’t any bridge, not even a log. Gold Creek was already quite a bit smaller than it was a couple of miles downstream. Lupe and SPHP easily just forded it. In the springtime or early summer, this might be a treacherous or impossible crossing.

Lupe enjoys fording Gold Creek. SPHP gets soaking wet boots and feet, and is a bit less enthused about the experience.

After the ford, Gold Creek passed through a narrow gap in the canyon perhaps a mile from Gold Creek Lake. The trail went through the same gap on the N side of the creek, but now well above it. On the E side of the gap, there was a huge valley which gradually curved towards the N. Gold Creek Lake Trail started climbing the N side of the valley. Pretty soon it reached a junction with the Gilpin Trail No. 1161.

Beyond the junction with the Gilpin Trail, the Gold Creek Lake Trail went NE without much change in elevation for about 0.70 mile until it reached Red Dirt Pass Trail No. 1142. At this junction, the Gold Creek Lake Trail turned SE to cross the huge valley and climb up to Ute Pass. Lupe, however, needed to take the Red Dirt Pass Trail to reach Mt. Zirkel.

Lupe emerges from the narrow gap into this wide valley. Photo looks ESE.

Here Lupe is still on the Gold Creek Lake Trail, now NE beyond the junction with the Gilpin Trail. Flattop Mountain lies ahead. Photo looks NE.

The W side of Flattop Mountain from the Gold Creek Lake Trail. Photo looks NE.

Lupe at the junction of the Gold Creek Lake and Red Dirt Pass trail junction. — Lupe at the junction of the Gold Creek Lake and Red Dirt Pass trails.

The Red Dirt Pass Trail headed N for a couple of miles to reach Red Dirt Pass at the upper end of the huge valley. The forest gradually thinned out and then disappeared along the way. The E side of the valley was the impressive steep W side of Flattop Mountain. During the last part of the climb to Red Dirt Pass, the trail climbed steeply up long switchbacks. Although the air had been calm down in the forest, it was very windy when Lupe arrived up at Red Dirt Pass.

Red Dirt Pass came into view to the N up ahead as Lupe followed the Red Dirt Pass Trail. — Red Dirt Pass came into view ahead to the N as Lupe followed the Red Dirt Pass Trail.

Lupe looks N at the scene to the W of Red Dirt Trail. SPHP considered having Lupe climb up to the high point shown here as a shortcut to Mt. Zirkel, but decided to stay on the Red Dirt Pass Trail instead. — Lupe looks N at the scene to the W of Red Dirt Pass Trail. SPHP considered having Lupe climb up to the high point shown here as a shortcut to Mt. Zirkel, but decided to stay on the Red Dirt Pass Trail instead.

Lupe getting closer to Red Dirt Pass seen ahead. Photo looks N.

Red Dirt Pass. To the left of the pass is the way to Mt. Zirkel. To the right is the way to Flattop Mountain.

Looking SE from Red Dirt Pass Trail along the W side of Flattop Mountain. — Looking SE from Red Dirt Pass Trail along the W side of **Flattop Mountain (12,118 ft.)**.

Lupe reaches Red Dirt Pass. Dang, it's windy here! Photo looks W where Lupe will have to go next on her way to Mount Zirkel. — Lupe reaches Red Dirt Pass. Dang, it’s windy here! Photo looks NW where Lupe will have to go next on her way to Mount Zirkel.

A look back to the S at the big valley Lupe came up to reach Red Dirt Pass.

The other side of Red Dirt Pass. This photo looks NNE.

There is no trail from Red Dirt Pass the rest of the way to Mt. Zirkel. Fortunately, it was easy to climb up to the NW from the pass to the high ground leading to Mt. Zirkel. The way up wasn’t too steep. It was a mix of boulders and heather. Lupe was glad to leave windy Red Dirt Pass. Above and away from the narrow pass, the wind died down to just a light breeze.

Lupe leads the way from Red Dirt Pass toward Mt. Zirkel. Photo looks NW.

Hurry it up, SPHP! I can see Mt. Zirkel from here!

Once up on the high ground NW of Red Dirt Pass, Mt. Zirkel was finally in view. A long, broad ridge of heather and boulders swept around to the W and turned N to reach the summit. The summit itself had four separate prongs to it. Three of them appeared to be very nearly the same height. SPHP was glad the fourth prong was definitely lower. It was way too rugged for Lupe and SPHP to climb.

Lupe's first view of Mt. Zirkel from the high ground above Red Dirt Pass. Photo looks NW. — Lupe’s first view of Mt. Zirkel from the high ground above Red Dirt Pass. Photo looks NW.

The way to Mt. Zirkel was obvious – just follow the big ridge and stay away from the cliffs. Lupe loved it up here and ran around exploring with great enthusiasm and energy. SPHP was very enthusiastic, too. There were fantastic views all around.

Looking W at rugged Big Agnes. — Looking W at rugged **Big Agnes Mountain (12,040 ft.)**.

A look S towards Point 12,006, the more distant high point on the right.

While Lupe was approaching the summit of Mt. Zirkel, SPHP was looking at the three prong summit trying to decide which prong was highest. From various angles, different prongs looked slightly higher than the others. At first, SPHP thought the middle prong was the highest. Later the left prong looked higher. In the end, they were all of such similar height, it hardly mattered which prong Lupe climbed.

A guy from Steamboat Springs passed SPHP on the way. SPHP watched to see which prong he climbed. He climbed the pointy one at the far left. He returned to report that it was an easy scramble with amazing views. When asked, he said the other prongs looked a bit higher from the top, but not enough to make much difference.

SPHP had already learned from Lupe’s trip up Browns Peak (11,722 ft.) that whichever high point Lupe climbed, the others would inevitably look higher. SPHP decided Lupe would climb the pointy left prong, too, and call it good.

Getting there! Lupe on her way up the left prong of Mt. Zirkel.

Lupe and SPHP reached the top of the left prong of Mt. Zirkel. For Lupe, it was a new record! Mt. Zirkel at 12,180 feet was now the highest mountain she had ever climbed, surpassing Medicine Bow Peak (12,013 ft.), which she had climbed only a week before. The views were stunning.

Looking towards the middle prong from almost the top of the left prong. — Looking towards the middle prong of the Mt. Zirkel summit from almost the top of the left prong.

Looking S from the summit towards Gilpin Lake.

Big Agnes from Mt. Zirkel summit. Photo looks W. — Big Agnes Mountain from Mt. Zirkel summit. Photo looks W.

Lupe holed up in a safe spot in the rocks just below the very top of the left prong.

There wasn’t room to do anything at the pointy top of the left prong. It wasn’t even possible to get up on top of the highest rock without exposure to some tremendous cliffs. After a few minutes up there, Lupe and SPHP retreated down about 30 feet of elevation to where there was a place with a little cave-like area and room to move around a bit while enjoying the views. Lupe and SPHP took a break and hung out here for a while.

Lupe looks SE back along the ridge towards Red Dirt Pass and Flattop Mountain. — Lupe looks SE back along the ridge towards Red Dirt Pass and **Flattop Mountain (12,118 ft.)**.

SPHP had two options in mind for Lupe on the way back. The first, and preferred option, was for Lupe to climb the other side of Red Dirt Pass to get up on Flattop Mountain. The second option was for Lupe to go back down to the Gilpin Trail and take it to Gilpin Lake. SPHP pondered the merits of each choice. Meanwhile, Lupe happily romped around the heather as she again traversed the broad ridge leading back to Red Dirt Pass.

Lupe after starting on her way back to Red Dirt Pass. — Starting back to Red Dirt Pass.

Another peek at Big Agnes to the W. — Another peek at Big Agnes Mountain to the W.

Don't forget to sniff the flowers! — Don’t forget to sniff the flowers!

Lupe takes a last look back at Mt. Zirkel before heading down to Red Dirt Pass. — A last look back at Mt. Zirkel before heading down to Red Dirt Pass. Lupe really had a fun time on Mt. Zirkel!

Time was getting to be a factor, but the main issue to decide whether or not Lupe would climb Flattop Mountain was how steep the other side of Red Dirt Pass looked.

Looking across Red Dirt Pass from the Mt. Zirkel side towards Flattop Mountain. Should Lupe go up there? — Looking across Red Dirt Pass from the Mt. Zirkel side towards Flattop Mountain. Should Lupe go up there, or go to Gilpin Lake?

The ridge heading up to Flattop Mountain was much narrower and somewhat steeper than the one Lupe had climbed to reach Mt. Zirkel. It looked especially steep near the top where it was narrowest. There was no doubt Lupe could do it, but SPHP might have a hard time. SPHP chickened out. Lupe would just have to tell everyone she would have climbed Flattop Mountain, if SPHP hadn’t been tagging along.

Lupe and SPHP took the Red Dirt Pass Trail back down into the huge valley. Going down it was easier to see and appreciate the beautiful scenery along the way.

The upper end of the U-shaped valley. High Point 12,006 is at the left end of the ridge. Photo looks W from the Red Dirt Pass Trail. — The upper end of the U-shaped valley. That’s probably High Point 12,006 at the left end of the ridge. Photo looks W from the Red Dirt Pass Trail.

The W side of Flattop Mountain. Photo looks SE.

Once down past the switchbacks, Lupe and SPHP wandered exploring some of the valley to the W of Red Dirt Pass Trail. Eventually Lupe returned to the trail and followed it back to the Gold Creek Lake Trail. When she reached the Gilpin Trail, she took it. By taking the Gilpin Trail, Lupe would make a loop on the rest of the way back to the Slovenia Trailhead and get to see new sights.

The Gilpin Trail climbed pretty steeply up to a pass that Lupe had to go over to see Gilpin Lake. On the way up the switchbacks on the Gilpin Trail, a strange thing happened. SPHP heard a tree growl. It was a rather low and threatening growl. SPHP turned to look at Lupe. Lupe looked up at SPHP. The tree growled again. It definitely wasn’t Lupe growling.

The tree was about 15 feet from the trail. Lupe and SPHP were already a bit past it. Slowly SPHP backed on up the trail a little farther beyond the tree. Lupe followed. The tree didn’t growl again. Instead there were cracking and tearing noises. Odd behavior for a tree, to say the least. Yet Lupe seemed calm and SPHP could see nothing else. Cracking, tearing and popping sounds went on for a couple of minutes. SPHP decided the best thing to do was let it remain a mystery. Lupe continued on up to the pass.

Once over the pass, Gilpin Lake came into view. Gilpin Lake was considerably larger than Gold Creek Lake had been. The surrounding scenery was even more rugged and beautiful, too. Lupe followed the trail down to Gilpin Lake.

Lupe reaches the pass. Gilpin Lake is now visible to the N.

By the time Lupe reached Gilpin Lake, it was getting close to sunset. This photo looks S back toward the pass Lupe had just come over.

Gilpin Lake in the Zirkel Wilderness. The pass over to the Gold Creek Lake Trail is at the far left.

It was still several miles from Gilpin Lake back to the Slovenia Trailhead. With the sun starting to get low, it was soon time for Lupe to continue on down the trail. Although there had been people along the trails earlier in the day, Lupe and SPHP had seen no one since meeting the guy from Steamboat Springs shortly before Lupe reached Mt. Zirkel.

A cloud to the S threatened to rain, but only sprinkled a bit. The sun went down and twilight came on. The rushing waters of Gilpin Creek were the only sound. The scenery faded into darkness. Only the solitude and an American Dingo remained with SPHP in the beautiful valley.

Gilpin Creek, Mount Zirkel Wilderness, Colorado.

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Black Mountain, Moffat County Highpoint, Colorado (8-15-15)

Dawn on Day 7 of Lupe’s great Summer of 2015 Dingo Vacation found Lupe at Battle Pass in southern Wyoming. The American Dingo was up and ready to go. Another great day of Dingo adventures was about to begin. Lupe and SPHP headed W on Hwy 70. Lupe’s peakbagging goal for the day was going to take her out of Wyoming and into Colorado to climb Black Mountain (10,840 ft.), the Moffat County High Point.

Lupe up at dawn at Battle Pass, WY in the Sierra Madre range.

The drive down Hwy 70 from Battle Pass went through gorgeous, unspoiled mountain scenery. Lupe rode with her head out of the window in the wind. She had a look of pure joy on her face. Highway 70 left Wyoming and entered Colorado. Lupe passed the Slater U.S. Post Office on the N side of the road. If there was a town of Slater somewhere around here, Lupe and SPHP didn’t see it. Lupe turned S on South Slater Creek Road, a gravel road that crossed the Little Snake River.

South Slater Creek Road headed S for a mile, and then followed Slater Creek through a narrow gap in a high ridge. Immediately beyond the gap was an intersection. Lupe and SPHP took the fork to the left across the creek. SPHP was expecting this to be County Road No. 82, but a sign said Moffat County 1. The road headed S along the E side of the Slater Creek valley for miles, eventually turning more SE and gaining quite a bit of elevation. The grand unspoiled vistas brought to mind the days of the Old West.

Looking W down at the Slater Creek Valley and beyond.

Eventually SPHP saw a sign for County Road No. 82. Lupe was on the right road, but not for long. A few miles later, the road forked at the Brush Mountain Ranch. A sign said No. 82 continued E. The other choice was an unmarked road that went S. SPHP didn’t have any detailed maps of the area, and assumed continuing on No. 82 was the right thing to do. Lupe headed E. Soon a very nice looking mountain came into view off to the N. SPHP didn’t know it at the time, but this was Brush Mountain (9,869 ft.).

Lupe near Brush Mountain in Colorado. Photo looks N.

SPHP was looking for USFS Road No. 110, but County Road No. 82 went on and on. The scenery was all beautiful and remote. There began to be some signs though, that Lupe was on the wrong road for getting to Black Mountain. USFS Road No. 110 never appeared. Suddenly No. 82 magically became No. 80. After No. 80 went S for some miles, there was a sign pointing to Bears Ears (10,577 ft.). It pointed W instead of SE. Signs mentioned California Park, which SPHP had never heard of before.

In California Park SE of **Saddle Mountain (10,057 ft.)**. Photo looks NW.

SPHP became convinced it just couldn’t be this far to USFS Road No. 110. Finally at the top of a small ridge, there was a trailhead of some sort with a map posted. After studying the map, SPHP realized that the correct road was the one that turned S way back at the Brush Mountain Ranch. Gah! It was 22 miles of gravel just to get back there. Lupe didn’t mind. Neither did SPHP either, not really. Sometimes unplanned adventures just happen. This was one of them.

Quite some time later, Lupe and SPHP reached Brush Mountain Ranch again. This time Lupe took the road headed S. Soon there was a sign with the unhelpful message “1W”. The road crossed Slater Creek. SPHP stopped and let Lupe out of the G6 to go get a drink. Instead she raced off down into the trees. SPHP hadn’t noticed the huge black cow resting in the shade chewing its cud. Lupe ran right up to it and barked furiously in its face.

The cow was pretty comfy where it was. Never before in its entire life had the cow seen such a shrill, noisy, annoying thing as the Carolina Dog that had suddenly appeared out of nowhere. There was only one good thing about it. The frantic doggie was tiny by comparison. The cow declined to get up. It wasn’t going anywhere. SPHP called Lupe. She came racing back up the hill. Her enthusiastic expression showed what worlds of fun it was threatening the monstrous cow. She couldn’t believe SPHP had let her out of the G6 to do that. Lupe never did get a drink out of the creek.

SPHP drove on. In practically no time, there was a sign for USFS Road No. 110. At last! No. 110 wound around in the forest. Locals kept blocking the road. Some people had cut down a huge dead tree. They were cutting it up and loading the pieces onto a big trailer. They had to move their trailer so Lupe and SPHP could get by. A guy in a pickup and a guy in a sheepherder’s rig going in opposite directions were stopped on the road while they chatted. Lupe and SPHP came through to bust up the conversation. One of them thanked SPHP a moment later. The conversation had gone on way too long.

Looking W somewhere along the way to Black Mountain. — Looking W somewhere along the drive to Black Mountain. SPHP believes these may be **Mount Oliphant (10,670 ft.)** (L), **Buck Point (10,550 ft.)** (Center), and **Mount Welba** **(10,569 ft.)** (R).

It was lunch time by the time Lupe and SPHP reached the Black Mountain trailhead along USFS Road No. 110. Lupe and SPHP had lunch in the shade of some small trees. Finally, at 12:54 PM (69°F), Lupe and SPHP started for Black Mountain on Trail No. 1185.

For a short distance, the trail was faint and hard to follow as it climbed steeply through an area of tall grass. Beyond the tall grass the trail was in much better shape. It was easy to follow and headed NW along the SW slope of a big forested ridge. The trail undulated up and down. There was a net elevation gain, but not all that much. The forest provided welcome shade. Now and then there were glimpses of distant territory to the SW.

Eventually Trail No. 1185 reached a saddle between the forested ridge and Black Mountain. Beyond the saddle, the trail started climbing much more steeply.

Four horseback riders appeared. They were heading down. Lupe and SPHP got off the trail to let them pass. They stopped. The first rider said Lupe would get up on the mountain just in time for the lightning to be snapping and popping real good. On this encouraging note, the riders continued on. As the last horse went by, Lupe couldn’t contain herself any longer and barked. SPHP grabbed her nose and held her mouth shut to keep her from spooking the horses.

After the horses went by, it wouldn’t have taken too long to finish the steep part of the climb to get up on Black Mountain. However, someone far down the mountain started firing a gun as if a war was breaking out. The sound carried very well way up the mountain. Lupe kept wanting to stop and hide. SPHP finally persuaded her to finish the steep climb.

Once up on top, a sign by the trail said Black Mountain, East Summit, 10,801 ft. SPHP stopped and sat on a big log. Lupe was happy resting and hiding out nearby.

Lupe happily rests on Black Mountain while she waits for the sound of gunfire far below to stop. — Lupe rests happily on Black Mountain while she hides from the sound of gunfire.

Black Mountain is a plateau. The entire mountaintop is pretty flat with sharp drops all around the edges. The mountain has two large parts separated by a comparatively narrow ridge of level ground. The W part of the mountain is somewhat smaller than the E part. Lupe had arrived on the mountain near the far SE corner of the larger E part. The E portion of Black Mountain extends more than 0.5 mile NW/SE, and at most 0.25 mile SW/NE. Trail No. 1185 runs along the length of the SW rim.

The war ended and no more gunfire was heard. Since the E end of the mountain is just an increasingly narrow flat ridge, it was a short easy walk from where Lupe came up over to the N side of the mountain. Lupe and SPHP went to see what was over there. There was quite a nice view.

Lupe at the NE rim of Black Mountain very near the E end of the plateau. Photo looks N. — Lupe at the N rim very near the E end of the Black Mountain plateau. Photo looks N. The high mountain on the L is likely Buck Point.

After seeing the view to the N, it was time for Lupe to find the true summit of Black Mountain. The highest point and true summit was shown on SPHP’s topo map as being less than 0.25 mile to the W. It was supposed to be a very short distance N of the trail. Lupe and SPHP headed W on the trail to find it.

Unsurprisingly, there really wasn’t any identifiable exact summit. Being a plateau, the top of Black Mountain was so level it was hard to say any particular point was the absolute highest. None of the territory N of the trail looked noticeably higher than the trail itself. In fact, not too far N of the trail, the ground clearly began to lose elevation. SPHP chose a spot with a few flowers a bit N of the trail for Lupe’s official summit of Black Mountain photo.

Lupe’s official summit of Black Mountain photo. This place looked about as high as anywhere else on the mountain. Close enough for Dingo work!

After Lupe’s summit photo, Lupe and SPHP went back to the trail to continue NW along the SW rim of Black Mountain. Soon Lupe wanted to stop again. Now there were faint rumblings of thunder. SPHP agreed to stop at a point where there was a good view from the SW rim. It was possible to see a long way to the S, but the view was marred by smoke haze. There had been some haze back in Wyoming, but the smoke was definitely thicker here in Colorado.

A look back from the SW rim of Black Mountain towards the SE. A road is visible going up the first distant ridge just to the right of the tall tree at the center of this photo. The G6 is parked back over there. — A look back from the edge of Black Mountain towards the SE. A road is visible going up the first distant ridge just to the right of the tall tree at the center of this photo. The trailhead where the G6 is parked is at the highest point seen on that road from here.

It was kind of hot – at least in the 70’s °F. Lupe and SPHP sat near the edge of Black Mountain. Soon both fell asleep. Suddenly SPHP awoke to the sound of puppy feet dashing away. Lupe had heard a squirrel. The usual commotion ensued. When it was over, Lupe was completely revived. Lupe and SPHP continued NW on the trail. By now there were sprinkles of rain, but nothing serious. The rain soon quit.

The clouds passed on by. It was sunny again when Lupe reached the NW end of the E portion of Black Mountain. Lupe was close to the narrow flat area that connects the E part of Black Mountain with the W part. Lupe and SPHP crossed over to the N side of the mountain to check out the view over there.

Looking N from the NW end of the E portion of Black Mountain. SPHP believes the mountain at center is Mount Oliphant and the one on the right is Buck Point. Mount Welba may be on the left.

A communications site was shown on the topo map. Sure enough, a little tower was in clear view a bit farther W.

Lupe reached the communications site on Black Mountain. Photo looks NE.

From the tower at the communications site, Lupe and SPHP headed SW. At a cliff, Lupe could see a long forested ridge extending S from the W portion of Black Mountain. There was a big gulf of open space between the cliff where Lupe was and that far S ridge.

The high ridge that extends S from the W portion of Black Mountain. Lupe did not explore any farther in that direction. — This high ridge that extends S from the W portion of Black Mountain. Lupe did not explore any farther in that direction.

Lupe could have gone on to explore the W portion of Black Mountain, but SPHP was satisfied she had gone far enough. It was getting to be time to turn around. On the way back, Lupe and SPHP explored the NE rim of the E part of Black Mountain. The ground was definitely lower and not as level here as along the SW rim, but it was still pretty easy going through the forest. With no trail, SPHP thought about how few people or American Dingoes must ever venture to this part of Black Mountain.

It was beautiful and peaceful. There were little meadows filled with flowers, although most were now past their prime. There were many places with good views to the N. Lupe and SPHP had a very fun time exploring.

These flowers toward the NE rim of Black Mountain were still looking pretty bright and beautiful.

Lupe near the NE rim of Black Mountain. She is getting close to the SE end of the mountain again here.

Shortly before Lupe reached the trail again near the far SE end of the mountain, SPHP realized a big dark cloud was approaching from the W. Lupe and SPHP headed down as soon as Lupe reached the trail.

The dark cloud started sprinkling rain. Lupe kept wanting to stop due to thunder. SPHP made her press on. Lupe had lost considerable elevation, and was already at the end of the steep part of the trail, when the storm hit. It rained harder and the wind blew. Lupe and SPHP took shelter beneath a clump of trees right next to the trail. The trees provided pretty good protection. Lupe didn’t get very wet. The worst was over in 10-15 minutes.

Lupe was still reluctant to go on. She could still hear the thunder. Then she saw a deer in the forest. In an instant, the thunder was forgotten. An hour before sunset, Lupe was back at the G6. Her adventures on Black Mountain were done.

Happy days. Lupe in a meadow of flowers near the NE rim of Black Mountain where Dingoes are seldom seen.

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