South Dakota – Page 8 – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 300 – Peak 5266 & Peak 5360 (4-8-22)

Morning in Peedee Gulch near Deadwood –

Sorry, Loopster, this just isn’t going to work.

Are you sure this is the right road, SPHP?

Yup, but I didn’t realize there was so much development going on around here, Loop. Apparently this is all private property. Peak 5452 is out. So is Lexington Hill. No access, at least from this direction.

So, what are we going to do, SPHP?

No worries! We’ve got other Lists of John peaks to try not too far away.

Peak 5266 was next on Lupe’s list of possibilities. Driving back down Peedee Gulch, SPHP turned W on Hwy 14A. At the lowest point near Whitewood Creek E of Deadwood and the junction with Hwy 85, a L (S) turn led immediately to a large dirt parking area. A “for sale” sign was advertising a lot including quite a few acres. Exactly what was for sale wasn’t clear, but a road with a single set of tracks in the snow went through an open white gate.

Hah! Maybe we can buy Peak 5266, Loop? Let’s have a look!

Setting off for Peak 5266. Photo looks S.

9:56 AM, 41ºF – Mountain shopping was an entirely new idea! Owning a piece of the Black Hills – Lupe liked the sound of that! Going through the white gate, she set off to inspect the property.

The snowy road immediately began curving SW, and quickly led to a junction with a muddy road. Following it S, Peak 5266 was already in sight only 0.75 mile ahead.

**Peak 5266** (R) from the muddy road. Photo looks SSE.

Avoiding the muck as much as possible, it wasn’t far to another curve SW where snow still covered the road. A steepish, but otherwise easy march led to a flat area. Lupe now had a clearer view of Peak 5266, and was already high enough to see Mount Theodore Roosevelt (5,680 ft.) and Peak 5360 off to the NW.

Past the mud, approaching the snowy turn to the SW.

On the steepish road march higher. Photo looks SW.

**Peak 5266** from the flat region. Photo looks S.

**Mount Theodore Roosevelt** (Center) and **Peak 5360** (R). Photo looks NW.

A couple more roads left the flat spot. The American Dingo took the one going SE. The initial stretch was nearly level, but the map showed that this road would eventually work its way up to a point less than 200 feet below Peak 5266’s summit. After passing under a power line, the road bent E.

Passing under the power line. Photo looks SW.

Although Lupe saw no one, and didn’t come to any more for sale signs, indications of change were everywhere. Primitive side roads had been bulldozed off in various directions. Recently logged trees were stacked here and there. Electric junction boxes sat awaiting use.

Looks like this whole mountain really is for sale, SPHP!

Apparently this N slope is going to be, if it isn’t already, Loop. Destined to be turned into a housing development by the looks of things. Going to be some beautiful building sites with views up here pretty soon. Kind of sad, though. Peak 5266 will never be the same.

Humans and their progress, SPHP.

I know. What can I say? We all have to live somewhere.

Passing signs of impending development. Photo looks ESE.

Before Lupe got far enough E to reach the point where the road would turn S beginning a winding journey back W again, heavy machinery could be heard not too far ahead. Abandoning the road, Looper began climbing through the snowy forest directly up Peak 5266’s N slope.

Didn’t take long to get above the pines to a rather steep region full of young aspens. By the time Loop intercepted the road again, she was above most of the aspens, too. The road was buried under such deep snow drifts up here that there was no advantage in trying to follow it. Crossing the road as soon as she came to a spot where it was possible to do so, the Carolina Dog reached a barren slope.

Leaving the road to head through the forest. Photo looks SSW.

200 feet higher now, back on the road again. Photo looks W.

About to tackle **Peak 5266’s upper N slope**. Photo looks S.

The summit couldn’t be much farther! Passing minor outcroppings, Lupe headed for a limestone escarpment visible along the upper end of the slope, obvious source of several huge chunks that had broken away ages ago. Bear Butte (4,422 ft.) was already in sight far to the NE.

**Bear Butte** (L) from **Peak 5266’s N slope**. Photo looks ENE.

Approaching the limestone escarpment. Photo looks S.

Once above the escarpment, open terrain that wasn’t as steep led to the summit. Several deer enjoying the day here weren’t anxious to strike up an acquaintance with a Carolina Dog. As soon as they spotted Lupe, they all dashed away, much to her disappointment.

Above the escarpment, on final approach. Photo looks SW.

One of Peak 5266’s current residents before the humans move in.

11:09 AM, 45ºF, Peak 5266 – Lupe arrived at a summit region so big and flat that it was hard to say which little rock might be the absolute high point. Short dry grass covered the entire hilltop. No trees, only a few bushes toward the N where the terrain began gradually dropping away.

Wow! What beautiful views from up here, SPHP!

This is a sweet viewpoint, Loop! Sort of surprising for a minor peak like this, but the openness is key. The snow still lingering on the hills doesn’t hurt a thing, either.

The views really were nice. Terry Peak (7,064 ft.) off to the SW, flanked by both Deer Mountain (6,652 ft.) and Bald Mountain (6,617 ft.), was the big standout.

**Deer Mountain** (L), **Terry Peak** (R), and **Bald Mountain** (far R). Photo looks SW.

**Terry Peak** (L), **Bald Mountain** (Center). Looking SW with help from the telephoto lens.

In the completely opposite direction, Bear Butte (4,422 ft.), looking quite small from here, lurked beyond the main body of the Black Hills.

**Crook Mountain (4,930 ft.)** (L), **Bear Butte** (L of Center). Photo looks NE.

**Bear Butte** with lots of help from the telephoto lens.

Much more to see, too! Something of interest in almost every direction. Peak 5177, another Lists of John peak Lupe had recently visited rather late one day in January, from which she’d had a great view of the lights of Deadwood, was to the NNE overlooking the Whitewood Creek valley.

**Junction of Hwy 14A & Hwy 85 E of Deadwood** (L), **Whitewood Creek valley** (R), **Peak 5177** (far R). Photo looks NNE.

**Whitewood Creek valley** (L of Center), **Peak 5177** (R). Photo looks NNE.

White Rocks (5,250 ft.) was only 0.5 mile W. NW, Lupe could see both the top of Mount Theodore Roosevelt (5,680 ft.) and Peak 5360, the next Lists of John peak she intended to visit.

**Terry Peak** and **Bald Mountain** (L), **White Rocks** (Center). Photo looks W.

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

**Mount Theodore Roosevelt** (L), **Peak 5360** (R). Photo looks NW.

Looking S, mostly barren slopes white with snow rose along both sides of Spruce Gulch toward unfamiliar hilltops capped by dark green pines. More to the E, Lexington Hill (5,485 ft.) and Peak 5452, which had both proven inaccessible from Peedee Gulch, were in sight.

**Spruce Gulch** (L of Center). Photo looks S.

**Lexington Hill** (Center). Photo looks SSE.

Peak 5452 was even farther away now than it had been at Peedee Gulch. Still the wrong direction to approach it from, anyway, but Lexington Hill was a different situation.

Gosh, Loop! Lexington Hill can’t be any more than 1.5 miles from here. All open country, so we shouldn’t have any trouble getting over there. It isn’t a Lists of John peak with a minimum of 300 feet of prominence, but it’s a named peak we’ve never been to in the Black Hills. Want to try it?

No time like the present, SPHP! Let’s do it!

**Peak 5452** (L) and the **next hill leading to Lexington Hill** (R). Photo looks SE.

Loop would have to lose 300 feet of elevation before she could start up Lexington Hill. Heading down Peak 5266’s gentle SE slope, she made it to a sudden drop. Peering over the edge, the Carolina Dog found herself gazing down on someone’s house.

Someone else already bought part of Peak 5266, SPHP!

So I see. Well, we can’t go traipsing uninvited right through someone’s yard, Looper. That’s just asking for trouble. Would love to climb it, but maybe we better forget about Lexington Hill?

Forced to abandon the Lexington Hill idea, Lupe briefly returned to Peak 5266’s summit before heading down the N slope, this time aiming more directly for the flat spot where the road going back down to the muddy stretch left the mountain.

About as far down **Peak 5266’s SE slope** as Lupe got before having to head back up. Photo looks NW.

12:49 PM, 46ºF, back at the RAV4 –

Peak 5266 was pretty cool, SPHP! Fabulous views! Are we going to buy it?

Wish we could, Loopster, but I really can’t afford to buy a whole mountain.

Aww! Please, please, please! It’s not such a big mountain, but if it’s too much, then how about buying just the top? That’s where we’d want to be, anyway, you know. Imagine living way up there! We’d leave the yard all natural, so the deers could still live up there with us!

Sounds terrific, Lupe, but I didn’t see any for sale signs up top, did you? The only for sale sign is way down here near the bottom. Not nearly enough acreage involved to go clear to the top of the mountain. Don’t think it’s for sale, at least, not yet.

Maybe someday then, SPHP?

Maybe, Loop, but I think we’re dreaming.

12:56 PM, 46ºF, a pullout near the junction of Mount Roosevelt Road & Stage Run Road, 0.25 mile NW of Peak 5360 –

This should be an easy one, Looper! All Black Hills National Forest, so no access issues at all, and it’s not that far away.

About to set out for Peak 5360. Photo looks SE.

Ignoring an obvious snowy lane heading directly up the hill to the SE, SPHP led Lupe past a pile of snow the plow had left at the end of the pullout. Another lane beyond the snow pile curved along the hillside, then seemed to switchback up it. However, this lane soon seemed less and less like a road, or even a path.

Buried in many places beneath a couple of feet of snow, it was hard to tell exactly what sort of route this was that Loop was trying to follow. The slope was pretty steep, but the top of the ridge didn’t look all that much higher, so a decision was soon made to simply go straight up the slope. As soon as Loopster got above the trees, which only took a few minutes, Peak 5360 was already in sight.

A little steep near the end, SPHP, but Peak 5360 is going to be cake!

2 minutes later, Lupe made it to dry ground up on the ridgeline. Slash piles left over from old logging operations dotted the ridge, and even Peak 5360’s upper slopes. An easy stroll along the open ridge, and the American Dingo was at the base of the final rocky pitch higher.

Up on the ridge. **Peak 5360** (R). Photo looks SE.

About as steep as it got closing in on the summit. Photo looks SE.

1:24 PM, 46ºF, Peak 5360 – Tilting skyward SW, the true summit of Peak 5360 was a platform of solid rock that provided an even better view of Terry Peak, Deer Mountain, and Bald Mountain than the one Lupe had enjoyed from Peak 5266. Foley Mountain (6,640 ft.) was in sight from this angle, too.

**Peak 5360 true summit**. **Deer Mountain** (L), **Terry Peak & Bald Mountain** (L of Center), **Foley Mountain** (Center). Photo looks SW.

**Terry Peak** & **Bald Mountain** (L), **Foley Mountain** (L of Center). Photo looks SW with help from the telephoto lens.

Let’s hang out right here, Loop. This is a cool summit, too. We’re really lucking out with these last 2 Lists of John peaks!

This isn’t as good a spot to build a house, SPHP. Not enough room, but what a dramatic viewpoint!

No homes allowed in the National Forest, anyway, Looper. Care for a chocolate coconut bar?

Thought you’d never ask, SPHP! Way past lunch time, you know.

Yup. There’s Taste of the Wild for you, too.

Looking down the SE ridge, Peak 5266 was in sight. Peak 5360 was only 100 feet higher, but that was enough to make quite a difference. From here, SPHP could identify some peaks Lupe hadn’t been to in a long time. Pillar Peak (5,469 ft.), Bear Den Mountain (5,642 ft.), Dome Mountain (5,512 ft.), and Anchor Hill (5,720 ft.) were all on display.

**Pillar Peak** (far L), **Dome Mountain** (L) and **Bear Den Mountain** (L of Center) all on the horizon. **Peak 5266** (Center) in the foreground with **Anchor Hill** (Center) beyond it. **White Rocks** (far R). Photo looks SE.

**Peak 5266** (L) with **Anchor Hill** beyond. **Spruce Gulch** (R), **White Rocks** (far R). Photo looks SE with help from the telephoto lens.

Looking W, considerably more of Theodore Roosevelt Mountain was in sight. Spearfish Peak (5,800 ft.) was now visible on the horizon, too.

**Mount Theodore Roosevelt** (R of Center), **Spearfish Peak** (R). Photo looks W.

The SW edge of the summit platform Lupe was relaxing on was the brink of a cliff. Peering over it, homes along both sides of Stage Run Road were visible in the valley below. None of the homeowners would have had any inkling of the dramatic setting their homes were part of from down there.

**Stage Run Road** (below). **Deer Mountain** (Center). **Terry Peak**, **Bald Mountain** and **Foley Mountain** all (R). Photo looks SW.

Two more high points only moderately lower than the true summit were visible out along Peak 5360’s NE ridge.

Didn’t take us long to get up here, SPHP. Want to explore those other high points? They aren’t very far away.

Sure, Loop. Why not? Looks easy.

**Peak 5360’s NE ridge** from the true summit.

It was a fun little trek! From the rocks at the first high point, Lupe could see Polo Peak (5,410 ft.) and Green Mountain (5,325 ft.), and enjoyed a different perspective on Peak 5360’s true summit.

**Mount Theodore Roosevelt** (L), **Polo Peak** (R), and **Green Mountain** (far R) from the first high point. Photo looks WNW.

**Peak 5360’s true summit** (L), **Terry Peak** (Center), **Bald Mountain** (R of Center), and **Foley Mountain** (R). Photo looks SW.

The part of the ridge leading to the second high point had been clear cut, and was full of brown-needled slash piles. The ridge continued E to a third, somewhat lower, high point where it looked like there was either a monument, or giant cairn.

However, hoping to climb yet another Lists of John peak today, Lupe didn’t go that far, content with a view of Pillar Peak beyond a stretch of Hwy 14A from the second high point, instead.

Approaching the second high point. Photo looks ESE.

**Pillar Peak** (R) beyond Hwy 14A. Photo looks SE with help from the telephoto lens.

Well, about time to head back. Retracing her journey along the NE ridge, Lupe returned briefly to Peak 5360’s true summit.

**Terry Peak** and **Peak 5360’s true summit** (far L), **Mount Theodore Roosevelt** and the **first high point** (far R) from the second high point. Photo looks WSW.

Returning to the **true summit** (L). **Terry Peak** (Center), **Bald Mountain** (R of Center), **Foley Mountain** (R). Photo looks SW.

Back on **Peak 5360’s true summit**. **Peak 5266** (R). Photo looks SE.

Loop made it to the RAV4 (2:38 PM) with plenty of time to climb another Lists of John peak, but SPHP chose poorly. Driving to Central City and taking Maitland Road N, shortly after making a R (E) turn onto USFS Road No. 195.2A, it proved too soft and mucky with melting snow to get the Carolina Dog into position to climb Peak 5260.

Well, shucks, Loopster! We aren’t close enough now to anything else you still need to climb to get there today. Guess we’re going to have to call it kind of early. Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 300! Sort of a milestone. Hope you had a good time.

Oh, I did, SPHP! Both Peak 5266 and Peak 5360 were great viewpoints, and you did make Expedition No. 300 quite memorable for me today, too!

I did? What makes you say that, Looper?

First time you’ve ever talked about buying me a whole mountain, SPHP!

Maybe someday, but probably not. Never hurts to dream.

**Peak 5266**, Black Hills of South Dakota 4-8-22

Links:

Next Black Hills Expedition Prior Black Hills Expedition

Want more Lupe adventures? Check out Lupe’s Black Hills, SD & WY Expeditions Adventure Index, Master Adventure Index, or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures!

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 299 – Eleven Hour Gulch (3-28-22)

8:59 AM, 42ºF, Hwy 14A in Spearfish Canyon –

That must be it, Loop! I’ll find a place to turn around.

A mile up Spearfish Canyon from the old brick power plant on Spearfish Creek near the new Devil’s Bathtub trailhead, driving slowly, SPHP had seen a narrow crack in the limestone cliff off to the R. That crack was the entrance to locally famous Eleven Hour Gulch, which neither Lupe nor SPHP had ever been to before.

Turning around, SPHP parked at a small paved pullout on the creek side of Hwy 14A less than 200 feet down the canyon from the crack. Leaping out of the RAV4, Lupe discovered a cute memorial to Les Benth attached to an old tree stump next to the pullout.

By the Les Benth memorial at the pullout near Eleven Hour Gulch.

Venturing down the steep bank next to the pullout, Lupe had a quick drink from lovely Spearfish Creek, which had excellent flow this fine morning, prior to returning to Hwy 14A.

So, we’re not climbing any Lists of John peaks today, SPHP?

Nope. Well, maybe one, if we have time, Loop. Instead, we’re going to check out Eleven Hour Gulch, although this might not be the best time of year for it. Most of the pictures I’ve seen online have been taken during the winter when it looks like there are some awesome frozen waterfalls.

Might not be much left of them by now, SPHP. Already almost April!

Yeah, I know it, but no time like the present. Let’s have a look, shall we?

Crossing Hwy 14A, Lupe followed the road up to a trail that went past a few trees hiding a narrow gap between vertical limestone walls. The Carolina Dog had barely entered Eleven Hour Gulch when a remnant of a frozen waterfall came into sight ahead.

The entrance to **Eleven Hour Gulch** (Center) is on the other side of Hwy 14A. Photo looks up canyon from the pullout where the RAV4 was parked.

Entering **Eleven Hour Gulch**. Photo looks NW.

A small stream running down the gulch presented no big problems, but in the recesses of this narrow slot canyon where the sun rarely shines, quite a bit of ice was mixed in among the jumble of rocks that led up to the frozen waterfall.

The sheets of ice were hard, wet, and super slick, making what should have been an easy little scramble much trickier than it otherwise would have been. Even Lupe with her 4 on the floor could scarcely maintain traction, but exercising a bit of caution, the American Dingo made it up to the base of the frozen waterfall.

Even this late in the season after a dry winter, it was pretty impressive!

Hwy 14A from **Eleven Hour Gulch**. Photo looks SE.

Wow! This is awesome, SPHP! We’ve never seen anything quite like this anywhere else in the Black Hills.

I have to agree, Loop. Really different! And so close to the highway, too!

The narrow canyon extended a little beyond the frozen waterfall to a pool of water at the base of a 10 foot drop where a crude wooden ladder led to an as yet unseen upper region. SPHP boosted Lupe nearly to the top of the ladder, where she was able to scramble the rest of the way up to the hidden territory above.

Approaching the ladder beyond the frozen waterfall. Photo looks NW.

The frozen waterfall from above the ladder. Photo looks ESE.

The upper canyon angled slightly toward the R, revealing a massive ice plug beneath a huge boulder lodged between the canyon walls only a short distance ahead. Exploring all the way to the ice plug, daylight could be seen above it from beneath the boulder.

Guess this is it, Loopster. We aren’t going to be able to get past this.

Wonder how far up Eleven Hour Gulch we could go once the ice melts? Don’t you, SPHP?

I do! We’re going to find out, too, Loop!

We are? How, SPHP? You just said yourself that we can’t go any farther.

You’ll see soon enough, Looper. C’mon, let’s head back.

Mystified by SPHP’s cryptic answer, Lupe turned and started back down to the scenic frozen waterfall.

Approaching the **frozen waterfall** again. Photo looks ESE.

Above the ladder (unseen) about to descend to the base of the frozen waterfall.

Exiting **Eleven Hour Gulch**. Photo looks SSE.

10:04 AM, 54ºF, Hwy 14A, back at the RAV4 – Leaving the pullout, SPHP turned the RAV4 around, driving farther up Spearfish Canyon.

Eleven Hour Gulch was very cool, SPHP, but isn’t very well named. Only took us an hour to explore it! Maybe we can come back sometime in the winter? Really would be a wonderland then, and maybe a little safer with some snow over the ice to provide better traction.

Think you’re right about that, Loop. Explains why I’ve seen only winter photos online. We got just a taste of what Eleven Hour Gulch would be like then this morning, but you’re wrong about Eleven Hour Gulch only taking us an hour to explore. We’ve only seen the short lower gulch so far, no doubt the heart of its scenic splendor, but we’re just getting started.

We are, SPHP?

Yup. We’re going to explore the upper gulch next! All the way back down to the ice plug, if possible. You’re going to be an Eleven Hour Gulch expert, Looper, by the time we’re done today!

11:20 AM, 64ºF, junction of Tinton Road and USFS Road No. 134.2L – Odd. For some reason, USFS Road No. 222 going W past Roughlock Falls from Savoy was closed, forcing a huge detour. A lovely scenic drive, but it had taken an entire hour to get into position to explore the upper reaches of Eleven Hour Gulch. After parking the RAV4, SPHP checked the map.

At the start of USFS Road No. 134.2L. Tinton Road (No. 134) (L). Photo looks SW.

Hmm. Guess I could have driven a little farther, Looper, we actually want USFS Road No. 222.2F. Ought to be just up the hill.

Taking a primitive road paralleling Tinton Road NNE for 0.1 mile, Lupe quickly reached the top of a rise where they merged. On the other side of Tinton Road, several inches of slushy snow were melting away in a big open flat region. USFS Road No. 222.2F left Tinton Road here, angling sharply back to the S.

Instead of taking No. 222.2F, which was mucky, Lupe followed a drier open corridor that went SSW through the forest. This corridor was quite scenic. Lupe stuck with it a little way, but soon returned to No. 222.2F near an open gate.

Taking the primitive road NNE from the RAV4 to the top of the rise. Photo looks NNE.

Start of USFS Road No. 222.2F where it leaves Tinton Road. Photo looks S.

On the beautiful path through the forest. Photo looks SSW.

By the open gate back at USFS Road No. 222.2F. Photo looks S.

Following No. 222.2F S from the gate, the road wasn’t as soft as it had been back at the start. Going gradually downhill, Lupe soon came to a fork. No. 222.2F climbed slightly as it veered off toward the SE, but Loop stuck with the other branch of the fork, which continued SSW, still going downhill. Before long, this more primitive road bottomed out. SPHP had another look at the map.

At the clearing where the primitive road bottoms out. Photo looks S.

Loopster needed to turn SE here to get back to No. 222.2F. Leaving the primitive road, she gained just a little elevation following a faint trail through a forest of young aspens. By the time she reached a field at the end of the aspens, the terrain was sloping gently downhill. Terry Peak (7,064 ft.) was visible on the horizon.

Exploring the aspen forest. Photo looks SE.

Entering the field. **Terry Peak** (Center) on the horizon. Photo looks SE.

OK, Loop! We’re now in the uppermost reaches of the Eleven Hour Gulch drainage.

Wow! This could hardly be any more different from the low end, SPHP.

That was for sure! USFS Road No. 222.2F was off toward the L side of the field along the base of a pine-covered hill. Angling toward it, Lupe was soon trotting easily down No. 222.2F again.

Glancing back at the aspen forest after reaching USFS Road No. 222.2F again. Photo looks NW.

Following No. 222.2F down the valley. Photo looks SE.

Continuing down the valley, more and more large patches of snow were seen melting away among the trees on the N slopes. Lupe finally came to a big patch right on the road. The snow was only a few inches deep, but that was plenty to frolic on while cooling off.

Following No. 222.2F for another 0.67 mile, Lupe came to a fork. Signage indicated that both branches were part of Loop D of the Big Hill cross country ski trail system.

Going uphill, USFS Road No. 222.2I curved off to the S (R) here. Lupe stuck with No. 222.2F, which went NE (L), continuing down the valley. A tiny creek soon appeared next to the road.

Continuing down the valley, still on USFS Road No. 222.2F. Photo looks NE.

The downhill trek was super easy. Didn’t take long to go another 0.6 mile from the fork where Lupe had reached Loop D. At a slight bend in the road, the Carolina Dog came to a clearing where there was another junction. A map posted here showed that the trailhead for the Big Hill trail system was off to the NW.

The Big Hill trailhead might actually have been a closer starting point. Loop A came down to this junction through another part of the upper Eleven Hour Gulch drainage, but SPHP hadn’t known how easy these cross country ski trails were to follow.

Maybe Lupe could do some exploring that way during the return trip? For the time being, though, she just needed to keep following USFS Road No. 222.2F down the valley.

At the junction of Loops A, C & D of the Big Hill trail system. Photo looks ENE.

No. 222.2F headed ESE from this junction. According to the Big Hill Trail map, this stretch of the road was considered part of both Loops C and D. They parted ways only 0.33 mile ahead. There was a second map at this next junction, basically the same as the first one, except for the location of the “You Are Here” star.

This time, it was USFS Road No. 222.2F that veered off to the R (SE), now only part of Loop D again beyond this point. Looper finally left it here, taking No. 222.2L instead, which went straight ahead as part of Loop C.

Snow-covered USFS Road No. 222.2F (Loop D) goes off to the R here. Lupe continued straight on No. 222.2L (Loop C). Photo looks ESE.

No. 222.2L continued ESE for a little way before curving NE. The valley was narrower here, and no longer quite as shallow as before. Lupe soon came to a sign that wasn’t at any junction.

Always nice to know you’re on the right track!

After snaking SE for a bit, a good 0.75 mile from where Lupe had left Loop D, No. 222.2L bottomed out at a clearing. Turning N, the road started uphill.

Continuing down USFS Road No. 222.2L (Loop C). Photo looks E.

At the clearing where the USFS Road No. 222.2L bottoms out. Photo looks SE.

Alrighty, Loopster! This is where things get interesting. No roads or trails the rest of the way! Let’s hope we can do this.

Abandoning the road, Lupe entered the Eleven Hour Gulch wilderness.

Entering the wild, seldom seen part of **Eleven Hour Gulch**. Photo looks SSE.

Lupe had already gone a good 3 miles since leaving the RAV4. According to the topo map, the wild upper reaches of Eleven Hour Gulch went on for another 0.67 of a mile. Whether the American Dingo would come to impassable drops or other obstacles was a complete unknown.

Started out alright, but Eleven Hour Gulch soon narrowed after a turn to the W. Lupe came to a couple of feet of snow in this region. There were sudden drops, but only minor ones. Plenty of trees, rocks, and bushes to wind through. Progress was now very slow, but there was always a way through it all.

Exploring part of the snowy stretch. Photo looks WSW.

The snowy stretch wasn’t very long. Most of the snow vanished once Eleven Hour Gulch turned SW. A fair amount of deadfall was the main obstacle here. Sort of a mess, but it was still possible to make progress.

Plenty of obstacles, but nothing too terrible so far.

Loopster was more than halfway down the wild, upper section of Eleven Hour Gulch when the canyon curved SE. At this point, the valley became absolutely choked with large deadfall full of branches. No way through! Practically impossible.

The sides of the canyon were quite steep here, but staying toward the L, even SPHP was able to climb above the horrendous deadfall. Traversing the slope above the worst of it for several hundred feet, Lupe managed to get by. Returning to the valley floor, there was still some deadfall to contend with, along with some ice, but it was nothing compared to what she’d just circumvented.

Past the worst of the deadfall. Photo looks SSE.

Near the end, in an area full of brush, an odd sight appeared ahead. In the middle of seemingly nowhere, Lupe discovered a lamp post.

Why is this here, SPHP?

Beats me, Looper! Incredibly strange!

The lamp post was straight and tall. Looked to be in good condition, but did it work? Who knew? Seemed unlikely, to say the least. What would be the point, anyway?

Even before reaching the lamp post, a faint use trail had been detectable in some spots. It now became more distinct, winding among big rock formations. And then, suddenly, there it was!

A frozen waterfall was directly ahead. Not the tall, skinny waterfall Lupe had seen before down in the lower part of Eleven Hour Gulch. This frozen waterfall was wider, but shorter. It dropped down to the boulder Lupe had seen the ice plug beneath at the upper end of the lower gulch.

*How about that! Made it all the way to the lower gulch!* Photo looks SE.

2:44 PM, overlooking the lower, more famous end of Eleven Hour Gulch –

This is it, SPHP! We’ve made it to the lower end of Eleven Hour Gulch! I can see the top of the tall frozen waterfall from here. That makes it about time for a chocolate coconut bar, doesn’t it?

Yup! Let’s go take a look at the tall frozen waterfall first, Loop, see what the lower gulch looks like from above. Then we’ll split a chocolate coconut bar, and you can have some Taste of the Wild, too.

Crossing the upper frozen waterfall, which extends down to the ice plug beneath the boulder seen at lower L.

Lupe over on the other side, standing where she was about to enjoy a rest break.

Looking down on the same frozen waterfall Lupe had seen earlier. Photo looks SE.

The tall frozen waterfall from the break spot. Photo looks SE.

Relaxing after successfully exploring Eleven Hour Gulch.

Lupe’s Eleven Hour Gulch break spot was certainly unique. Where else can you see a frozen waterfall in the Black Hills? Maybe a few places along some creeks in the winter, but none as impressive at this one.

Wonder how many Dingoes have even been here, SPHP?

You mean up here looking down on the lower part of the gulch, Looper? Hard to say. Might not be all that difficult to get here from below once all the ice melts. Or maybe it isn’t that easy? Who knows? One thing for sure, there can’t be too many Dingoes that have ever explored the entire length of Eleven Hour Gulch!

After a leisurely rest break, the American Dingo had a little more to do here before starting back up the gulch. Loopster posed for a photo on the upper frozen waterfall prior to having another good look at the tall one. Sniffing around in the forest, she went far enough to look down on Hwy 14A and Spearfish Creek in Spearfish Canyon.

*Not every day that you get to stand on a frozen waterfall!* Photo looks NW.

**Eleven Hour Gulch**. *Wonder how big this frozen waterfall gets in the winter?*

Spearfish Canyon from **Eleven Hour Gulch**. Photo looks E.

Looking down on **Hwy 14A** and **Spearfish Creek.** Photo looks E.

45 minutes after reaching the lower gulch overlook, Lupe started back up Eleven Hour Gulch. Her return route was exactly the same all the way back to the clearing at the bend in the road where all the Big Hill Loop trails met. At that point she left USFS Road No. 222.2F to explore parts of Loop A and Loop B.

By a little ice-filled cave and trench as Lupe starts back up **upper Eleven Hour Gulch**.

Enjoying the tiny stream near USFS Road No. 222.2F again. Photo looks NW.

Setting off to explore parts of Big Hill Trails Loop A and Loop B. Photo looks NW

The sun was sinking, but it was a beautiful evening. After leaving Loop A, Loop B eventually topped out at a flat region 0.33 mile SE of where the RAV4 was parked. Lupe stuck with it only until the trail curved NE and started downhill.

Crossing a minor ice floe. Photo looks WNW.

A beautiful evening on Loop B. Photo looks W.

6:24 PM, 63ºF, junction of Tinton Road and USFS Road No. 134.2L – Rather than taking USFS Road No. 222.2F when she finally came across it again, Lupe continued off-trail straight for the RAV4. The gently rolling, thinly forested terrain was fun and easy to explore, but the American Dingo’s wonderful Eleven Hour Gulch adventure was now just about over. Nothing left but the beautiful drive home.

Well, wha’dya think, Loop? Made a day of it, didn’t we?

I had a great time, SPHP! Kind of a different Black Hills Expedition since we didn’t climb any peaks today, but we sure saw some unusual sights in the narrow slot canyon of the lower gulch. Eleven Hour Gulch is a Black Hills treasure hidden right off the highway!

Satisfied then, Loopster? Not feeling cheated, are you? Even counting driving time between the lower and upper gulches, Eleven Hour Gulch only took us a little shy of 9.5 hours. You didn’t get your full 11 hours in.

Oh, but I will, SPHP! Didn’t you say we could come back to the lower gulch sometime in the winter when it’s all snowy and the frozen waterfall is at its most glorious? We’ll finish our 11 hours then!

Sounds like a plan, sweet puppy!

Good! Let’s go home then, SPHP! I’m famished and ready for dinner.

**Eleven Hour Gulch**, Black Hills of South Dakota, 3-28-21

Lupe treasures collected – 4 plastic bottles, 4 aluminum cans

Links:

Next Black Hills Expedition Prior Black Hills Expedition

Want more Lupe adventures? Check out Lupe’s Black Hills, SD & WY Expeditions Adventure Index, Master Adventure Index, or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures!

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 298 – Peak 5212 & Peak 5213 (3-15-21)

9:05 AM, 47ºF, Custer State Park, Center Lake –

Center Lake is still frozen, SPHP!

Yeah, but don’t trust it, Loop. We’re going around the lake, not over it.

A path went S from the beach along the W shore. Easy as pie at first, but soon the shoreline started getting sort of steep and rocky. The Carolina Dog got by an initial tight spot, but more obstacles quickly decided SPHP that she’d be better off climbing W a bit. The maneuver worked, but the 40 feet of elevation gained all had to be lost again by the time Lupe made it around to the S end of the lake.

On the beach at **Center Lake**. The dam (L) is at the far end. Photo looks SSE.

Heading S along the W shore. Photo looks S.

Going past the first pinch point. Photo looks SSE.

**Center Lake** from the SW end. Photo looks NNE.

Center Lake is created by a dam over Coolidge Creek. Loop was going to have to cross the spillway. Not a big deal. Coolidge Creek is a relatively small stream. Spread out over the spillway, it was only inches deep.

Wading across the spillway. Photo looks N.

After crossing the spillway, a trail was visible in a field below the dam. Descending to the trail, the American Dingo was soon climbing at a good clip as she followed it ENE. After gaining 100 feet of elevation, the trail began to level out, briefly turning SE.

Following the trail after picking it up below the dam. Photo looks ENE.

We’ll need to climb this slope on the R, Loop.

Leave the trail, SPHP?

Yup. It’s just going to go back N along the E side of the lake.

About to leave the trail to climb the slope on the R. Photo looks SE.

And where are we going, SPHP?

HP5005 initially, Loop. Hoping we’ll see our real objective from there.

Continuing SE after leaving the trail, Looper gained another 100 feet of elevation. This got her to a flat spot next to a small rock formation. There was a bit of a view from here.

At the initial viewpoint. Photo looks SW.

This wasn’t HP5005 quite yet, which was only a little farther E. After a short break, Lupe headed up there. A big hill was in sight 0.6 mile ESE.

That’s where we’re going, Loop! Peak 5212.

Arriving at **HP5005**. Photo looks ENE.

**Peak 5212** (R of Center) from **HP5005**. Photo looks ESE.

SW portions of the South Fork of Bear Gulch were between HP5005 and Peak 5212. Rather than cross this fairly deep valley, Lupe could avoid at least some of the elevation loss she would otherwise incur by following a connecting ridge around the upper end of the gulch.

Starting down HP5005‘s S slope, Lupe quickly came to a clearing where Mount Coolidge (6,023 ft.) and Peak 5440 were in sight.

**Peak 5440** (L) and **Mount Coolidge** (R) from **HP5005‘s S slope**. Photo looks SW.

Same view with help from the telephoto lens. **Peak 5440** (L) and **Mount Coolidge** (R).

The ridge route was nice and wide without obstacles other than quite a bit of slash on the ground, but wasn’t without some elevation loss itself. The biggest drop of roughly 140 feet came early on S of HP5005. Most of this loss had to be regained almost immediately. Upon reaching HP4960, a flat-topped hill, Loop crossed it.

Beyond HP4960, the ridge went E. Not as much up and down now, but the ridge was narrower and presented more obstacles. A minor high point was capped with good-sized rock formations. Once around it, Lupe came to an area with a fair amount of deadfall.

Approaching a rocky high point. Photo looks ESE.

None of these obstacles presented any real difficulties, they just slowed things down a bit. Lupe was soon on her way up Peak 5212’s SW ridge.

Past most of the obstacles. **Peak 5440** (far L), **Mount Coolidge** (L). Photo looks WSW.

**HP5160** (R), **Peak 5212’s SE subpeak**. Photo looks ESE.

The **SW ridge**, not far from the summit. Photo looks NE.

11:12 AM, 53ºF – Peak 5212‘s summit region was large and much more open than expected. The true summit was easily identified, a boulder along the S edge with a great view of Peak 5440 and Mount Coolidge off to the SW, with more distant Northeast Cicero Peak (6,240 ft.) visible between them.

**Peak 5212**. **True summit** (L). Photo looks NW.

On **Peak 5212’s true summit**. **Peak 5440** (L), **Mount Coolidge** (Center) with **Northeast Cicero Peak** between them. Photo looks SW.

Congratulations, Loopster! You’ve just bagged another Lists of John peak. Only one left in Custer State Park that you haven’t been to yet.

Really? Can we see it from here, SPHP?

Nope, but you’ll be seeing it later on today. We’ll drive closer to it once we’re done here.

This calls for a chocolate coconut bar, SPHP!

Indeed it did! SPHP split one with Loop, then sat munching an apple. Lovely day! Always nice when the American Dingo arrived on a new peak that actually had some views like this, instead of being buried in trees. Nearly half an hour shot by before anyone stirred.

About time we had a look around, Loop. Let’s check out what else we can see from up here.

Hoping to catch a good view of HP5160, SPHP led Lupe partway down the SE ridge, but quickly gave up on that idea to avoid undue elevation loss. Heading NW back past the true summit was more successful. A line of hills featuring massive rock formations was visible off to the NE. Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.) and the Cathedral Spires (6,840 ft.) were in sight beyond Peak 5688 to the NW.

**SE end of the summit region**. Photo looks SE.

**Peak 5688** (Center) in the foreground. **Cathedral Spires** (R of Center) and **Black Elk Peak** (R) beyond. Photo looks NW.

Circling back to the true summit along Peak 5212’s upper S slope, Lupe finally did get a great view of HP5160.

Final moments on **Peak 5212’s true summit**. Photo looks NE.

Having seen what there was to see, Looper headed back down the SW ridge. Retracing her entire ridge route, the Carolina Dog was soon back at HP5005.

Descending **Peak 5212’s SW ridge**. Photo looks SW.

**Peak 5212** as seen on the way back to **HP5005**. Photo looks E.

From HP5005, instead of continuing back the same way, Lupe explored farther NE along the ridge. She soon came to another high point where a flat, open area was strewn with rocks, tufts of tall grass, and scattered pines. SPHP was under the impression that this area might even be a bit higher than HP5005. In any case, it offered a final view of Peak 5212.

Entering the elevated region **NE of HP5005**. Photo looks NE.

On one of the highest rocks. Photo looks SW.

Farewell, **Peak 5212**! Photo looks ESE.

The ridge played out beyond this last high point. Descending a N slope, Looper kept exploring. Coming down a little E of, and below, a broad, flat region, she turned NW, going up and over it. This led to a descent into a forested valley, and eventually back to the same trail Lupe had first reached down by Center Lake’s dam.

Following the trail NW, it first went up to a bit of a high spot with a view of the spillway, before descending to a road that went past a picnic area on the NE side of Center Lake. The rest of the return was mostly just a road hike around the N end of the lake. (End 1:18 PM, 58ºF)

Back at **Center Lake** with a view of the dam and spillway (Center). Photo looks SW.

Reaching the road that goes past the picnic area. Photo looks NW.

1:49 PM, 58ºF, French Creek Horse Camp – SPHP parked the RAV4 over at the trailhead for Centennial Trail No. 89.

The French Creek Horse Camp! We were here not that long ago, SPHP!

That’s right, Loop! Explored Centennial Trail No. 89 from Badger Hole, and went on to Peak 5120 from here.

Ugh! Hope we’re not doing that again, SPHP! Remember all the deadfall on the way there? Ghastly!

Yes, but we survived. Anyway, we’re not going to Peak 5120 again. Going to visit that last Lists of John peak here in Custer State Park that you haven’t been to yet, Peak 5213!

Peak 5213, SPHP? A mere one foot higher than Peak 5212 where we just were? Hope they’re like twins! Peak 5212 wasn’t that hard, and had some nice views.

Before leaving the French Creek Horse Camp, Lupe ran down to French Creek and helped herself to a drink. Last time she’d been here, the creek had been frozen over, but ice remained only along the banks now.

The route to Peak 5213 started out the same way as going to Peak 5120 had. After crossing a bridge over French Creek, Loop followed CSP Road No. 4 nearly 0.5 mile SE up to Pass 4780. A couple of bighorn sheep the American Dingo saw disappearing over the ridge to the W created some excitement along the way.

CSP Road No. 4 on the way to up **Pass 4780**. Photo looks SSE.

This time, instead of heading NE from Pass 4780 like she’d done on the way to Peak 5120, Lupe turned W on a dirt side road. A short climb through the forest led to a flat, open region.

A line of hills was now in sight to the SW.

Oh, joy! We’re in for it again, aren’t we Loop?

Most of the hills had burned. Going to be deadfall city, just like Peak 5120 had been! Maybe not, though, if this road went the right way.

*Let’s hope this road goes clear to the top!* Photo looks SW.

Yeah, good luck with that! Instead of continuing SW toward Peak 5213, after going over a little rise, the road dipped, then curved NW, vanishing down a valley. No choice. Abandoning the road, Lupe started climbing the deadfall infested ridge leading to the highest hill in sight.

Slow going, but the Carolina Dog remained cheerful.

*Don’t worry, we’ll get there!* Photo looks SW.

What a mess! Loopster leapt over, or snuck under, countless dead trees. Fortunately, most were relatively small diameter. Bit by bit, Lupe was closing in on her objective.

*Not too much farther now!* Photo looks SW.

It wasn’t until the Carolina Dog got to a rocky, deadfall-choked top that SPHP realized where she was.

Congratulations, Loop! Kind of an ordeal, wasn’t it?

Here we are, though, SPHP. We made it!

Umm, yeah, about that. There’s good news and bad news, Looper. Which do you want first?

I’ll take the good news, SPHP.

The good news is that we made it this far.

This far? What do you mean by that, SPHP? Isn’t this Peak 5213?

Uh, yes and no. Mostly no. That’s the bad news. Peak 5213 is sort of a big ridge with 3 high points all nearly the same elevation strung out N/S along it. We’re at the N summit now. See those two flat-topped hills to the S? Those are the other summits. The topo map only shows only one specific elevation other than contours – 5,213 feet way over at the S summit. Lists of John just calls this mountain Peak 5220 based on contour levels and shows the central high point as the presumed true summit.

So, what you’re telling me, SPHP, is that we still have to go to both of those other hills?

I knew you’d be thrilled, Looper!

On the **N summit**. **Center one** (Center) and **S one** (R). Photo looks S.

A somewhat clearer view. **Peak 5213 center summit** (L), **S summit** (Center). Photo looks S with help from the telephoto lens.

Well, with 3 high points to visit, Lupe clearly wasn’t going to have time for any traditional summit hour up on each one. In fact, there was no sense in dilly-dallying. Loop was going to be spending plenty of time slogging through the deadfall, and would not feel at all cheated out of a genuine Peak 5213 experience.

Loop did stay on the N summit long enough to check out a nice view to the NW, where Daisy Peak (5,948 ft.), Custer Mountain (6,089 ft.) and Mount Coolidge (6,023 ft.) were all in sight.

**Daisy Peak** (far L), **Custer Mountain** (L), **Mount Coolidge** (R). Photo looks NW.

Not bad, but … Onward! Puppy, ho!

The American Dingo started down the N high point’s SW slope destined for the ridge connecting all 3 high points. Once there, Lupe turned S. Fighting deadfall all the way, she made it to the middle high point’s NW slope. Less deadfall here meant the required 100 feet of elevation gain didn’t take her long.

Starting down the **N summit’s SW slope**. Photo looks SW.

Approaching the **middle high point’s NW slope**. Photo looks SE.

The central high point’s summit encompassed a much larger region than the N summit, which had been small and cramped. Loopster reached a plateau of rocks, wisps of tall yellow grass, and tree trunks. A couple of rocks along the NE edge appeared to be the absolute high point.

**Summit plateau** of **Peak 5213’s central high point**. Photo looks ESE.

**True summit** of the **middle high point**. This is where Lists of John shows the summit. Photo looks NE.

From the N summit, the other two high points appeared to be roughly the same elevation, but the perspective from the middle summit gave quite a different impression. The N summit looked definitely lower. Even the S summit looked a bit lower, but not convincingly enough to make a trip over there unnecessary.

**Peak 5213’s N summit** (Center) from the **middle summit**. Photo looks N.

**S summit** (L of Center) from the **middle high point**. Photo looks WSW.

Lupe continued on. The saddle leading to the S summit was broad and relatively deadfall free. Felt good to be able to move freely again! Loop was approaching the saddle’s low point, when she suddenly stopped and started whining, staring all the while toward the S high point’s E slope.

Giant deers, SPHP! A whole herd of them going up onto the S summit! Hurry up, I want to see them!

Approaching the **S summit**. Photo looks S.

Giant deers along the ridgeline. Photo looks S.

Must have been 20 giant deer, or more, but Lupe was whining so loudly that they could hear her and quickly vanished from view. They’d still been going up, though, as if they still intended to finish their climb of Peak 5213’s S summit.

SPHP tried, but although the saddle was relatively deadfall free, the S summit’s N slope was full of deadfall. Branches snapped and cracked as SPHP trudged higher. Noisy and slow! Not a good combination.

4:07 PM, 54ºF, Peak 5213 S summit – Unsurprisingly, too late! By the time SPHP reached the top, there was no sign of the giant deers. Loop was disappointed. Ahead stretched the largest summit plateau of all. It was another scene of desolation, but not quite as rocky as either of the other two summits. The marginally highest rocks were toward the SW, gripped in the clutches of the roots of a fallen tree.

Highest rocks of the **S summit**, where the map shows 5,213 feet of elevation. Photo looks NNE.

Views all around from here. Perhaps the best one was off to the WNW where Northeast Cicero Peak (6,240 ft.), Daisy Peak (5,948 ft.) and Custer Mountain (6,096 feet.) were on display about 5 miles away.

**Northeast Cicero Peak** (L), **Daisy Peak** (R of Center), **Custer Mountain** (far R). Photo looks WNW.

Well, that’s a wrap, Loop! Think it’s safe to say that you’ve been to the top of Peak 5213 now, no matter which high point is actually the true summit.

Any opinion on which one is really the true summit, SPHP?

Hard to say. Not the N high point, but either here or the middle high point might be it. And how about an opinion from you, Loop? Which mountain did you enjoy more, Peak 5212 or Peak 5213?

Peak 5212 was easier, prettier, and had some nice views, SPHP, but with big horn sheep and giant deers, Peak 5213 is my favorite!

Really? Despite all the wretched deadfall, and 3 summits to visit, Loop?

Yes! It was worth it to see the bighorns and giant deers.

Well, good! Glad the deadfall didn’t bother you that much, cause you’ll be seeing a lot more of it on the way back.

And she did! Heading N down off Peak 5213’s S summit, Lupe went past both the middle and N summits again, but didn’t climb them a second time. Instead, she continued N, then NW, along the ridge before finally descending into a valley to the W. The Carolina Dog didn’t fully escape the deadfall until she reached Centennial Trail No. 89 down in the valley.

This stretch of the trail was actually a road. A road that was still soft and mucky due to snow melt. Avoiding the mud, Lupe spent more time off road than on it, but the situation improved by the time she reached CSP Road No. 4 again SW of the French Creek Horse Camp.

**Centennial Trail No. 89**, which was actually a road here, on the way back to CSP Road No. 4 and the French Creek Horse Camp. Photo looks N.

The rest was super easy. CSP Road No. 4 was flat and firm. A beautiful evening stroll ended back at the French Creek Horse Camp with Lupe enjoying another cold, clear drink from French Creek before leaping back into the RAV4. Expedition over, time to go home! (5:41 PM, 55ºF)

**Peak 5212**, Black Hills of South Dakota 3-15-22

Links:

Next Black Hills Expedition Prior Black Hills Expedition

Want more Lupe adventures? Check out Lupe’s Black Hills, SD & WY Expeditions Adventure Index, Master Adventure Index, or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures!