Lupe – Page 82 – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

The Chains Lakes Loop Trail & Table Mountain, Cascade Range, Washington (8-17-21)

Day 12 of Lupe’s 3rd Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to the West Coast!

10:27 AM, Austin Pass, Heather Meadows Recreation Area – A later start than it should have been, but that wasn’t Lupe’s fault. Coming to the North Cascades in Washington had finally paid off as far as escaping the wildfire smoke that hung over the rest of the American West, but even so, skies weren’t blue. Rain last night, then fog this morning.

Overcast, but at least the fog had finally lifted. Beyond a pond next to the parking lot, Table Mountain (5,742 ft.) was in sight. Whether that would last, or fog would return, was anybody’s guess.

**Table Mountain** (Center) from the **Austin Pass** parking lot. Photo looks SW.

Would be a lot better, if we had some sunshine, Loop. Still want to try it?

We’re here now, SPHP! Better take what we can get. Let’s give it a shot!

SPHP glanced at the posted trail map.

Alright, then! But let’s give the sky a chance to clear up before we get to the Table Mountain trail by taking the Chain Lakes trail counter-clockwise around the mountain. That’s the long way. Will take us quite a while.

Fine with me, SPHP! So, where do we go from here?

That way! Down to the visitor center, Looper.

Heading for the **Heather Meadows visitor center** (R). Photo looks W.

The visitor center was closed. Near it, displays were mounted on a rock wall overlooking the beautiful valley NE of Table Mountain.

**Table Mountain** (L) and the **Bagley Creek valley** (R). Photo looks W.

Huh. I don’t get it, Loopster! Late Tuesday morning in mid-August, and the visitor center is closed? Why?

We passed Mt. Baker Lodge on the way up, SPHP. Maybe this is just a ski resort area?

Hmm. You might be right, Looper. Winter’s probably when the big money is here. Quite an extensive trail system, though. I would think the visitor center would be open since it’s located by all these trails, and not over by the lodge or ski lifts.

No sign of the Chain Lakes trail, but a paved Fire & Ice trail headed SW. Maybe that was the way to go? Loop followed it down to a viewpoint overlooking upper Bagley Lake, but by then it was clear that the Fire & Ice trail was just going to loop back to the visitor center.

**Upper Bagley Lake** from the **Fire & Ice trail viewpoint**. Photo looks W.

Turning around to head back up to the visitor center, SPHP spotted a use trail leading over to a little ridge to the N.

Guess I’m not the only one that’s confused! Bet that use trail will get us down to the Chain Lakes trail! C’mon, Loop, let’s try it.

Worked great! Lupe was soon on a maintained trail that did lead down to the Chain Lakes trail, accessed via a stone bridge over Bagley Creek.

**Upper Bagley Lake** from the maintained trail. **Table Mountain** (L). Photo looks W.

Heading down to the stone bridge. Photo looks WNW.

Approaching the bridge over **Bagley Creek**.

After crossing the bridge, Lupe took the Chain Lakes trail W (L) along the N shore of Upper Bagley Lake. She came to one rocky section, but most of trail was flat and super easy.

Chain Lakes trail **N of Upper Bagley Lake**. Photo looks E.

Once past the lake, the trail began slowly gaining elevation. A remnant of a big snow field was melting off to the L. Soon a rock slide appeared ahead. The trail went right through it.

Approaching the rock slide. Photo looks W.

The melting snowfield. **HP5553** (Table Mountain’s E summit) (Center). Photo looks S.

Passing through the rock slide. Photo looks W.

Beyond the rock slide, the Chain Lakes trail entered the upper valley. Bagley Creek was only a small, tumbling stream up here. Lupe never had to cross it, but she did cross several tiny tributaries flowing over the trail as it began switchbacking higher.

**Bagley Creek** (L) from where the trail left it. Photo looks NW.

After switchbacking NNE up a steep slope, the Chain Lakes trail turned NW, now destined for Pass 5300 between Mazama Dome (5,800 ft.) and Table Mountain’s N Ridge. Views improved steadily during the long trek higher, but the sky remained as cloudy as ever.

**Pass 5300** (far L). **Mazama Dome** (L). Photo looks NW.

Looking SSE after climbing out of the valley. **Artist Point** (L), **HP5553** (R).

Getting closer to **Pass 5300** (L). **Mazama Dome** (R). Photo looks WSW.

Almost there! **Table Mountain’s N Ridge** (L), **Pass 5300** (R). Photo looks SSW.

12:34 PM, Pass 5300 – The Chain Lakes trail topped out more than 100 feet above Pass 5300 on Mazama Dome’s SE slopes. A shame it was still so cloudy! This was a very scenic area. Popular, too! Several groups of hikers were distributed about the region, and more were on the way.

About time for a chocolate coconut bar, isn’t it, SPHP?

That it was! Climbing a little above the trail, Lupe chose a boulder as a perch. SPHP shared the requested chocolate coconut bar with her.

On a clear day, the American Dingo would have enjoyed a spectacular view of Mount Shuksan (9,131 ft.) well beyond Upper Bagley Lake, but only the lower slopes could be seen now. Part of what had to be Table Mountain’s summit region was visible to the SSW. Looked only a few hundred feet higher. No way to get over there from here, though. A 200+ foot high cliff ran all along the mountain’s N face.

**Mount Shuksan** (Center) in clouds beyond **Upper Bagley Lake**. Photo looks SE.

**Pass 5300** with **Table Mountain’s N Ridge** (Center) beyond it. Photo looks S.

Views W of the pass were the most surprising, in fact, shocking, of all. Lasiocarpa Ridge (6,521 ft.) and Coleman Pinnacle (6,403 ft.) were in sight, but there was no sign of Iceberg Lake, largest of the Chain Lakes.

**Table Mountain** (L), **Coleman Pinnacle** (L of Center), **Lasiocarpa Ridge** (R of Center). Photo looks SSW.

Holy moly, Looper! I should have looked at the topo map more carefully!

Why? What’s wrong, SPHP?

Iceberg Lake is way down in a deep valley! Had no idea we were going to have to lose so much elevation! Here we’ve climbed all this way from Upper Bagley Lake only to have to lose it all again. Going to be a lot more elevation gain and loss on this little jaunt than I realized.

Well, not really. That was an exaggeration. Finally consulting the map, SPHP saw that the Carolina Dog was going to have to lose a little over 600 feet to get down to Iceberg Lake, half of what she’d gained on the way to Pass 5300 from Upper Bagley Lake. Still, 600 feet was nothing to sneeze at. It would all have to be regained soon enough.

For the moment, it was no big deal. Descending W of Pass 5300, losing 600 feet went smooth as silk on the good trail. Nice and easy! Lupe had barely started down when part of Iceberg Lake did come into view.

**Iceberg Lake** from the **W side of Pass 5300**. **Lasiocarpa Ridge** (L). Photo looks SW.

On the way down, Lupe lost sight of Iceberg Lake as the trail entered a heavily forested region. She’d lost nearly the entire required 600 feet when Hayes Lake, a smaller one N of Iceberg Lake, came into view.

**Hayes Lake**, middle lake of the **Galena Chain Lakes** group. Photo looks W.

Lucious, ripe blueberries were thick in this region, resulting in a delay as SPHP became entangled in the blueberry trap.

Come on, SPHP!

I’m trying, Loop, but they’re so scrumptious!

SPHP wasn’t trying very hard. Nevertheless, Lupe eventually prevailed. The Chain Lakes Trail continued WSW between Hayes Lake and Iceberg Lake. With the exception of one glimpse of Iceberg Lake, all the views were of Hayes Lake. Side trails went to Iceberg Lake, but they were all closed for restoration.

**W end of Iceberg Lake**. **Table Mountain** (L), **Coleman Pinnacle** (R). Photo looks S.

Beyond the gap between Hayes Lake and Iceberg Lake, the Chain Lakes trail turned S. Although only slightly W of Iceberg Lake, trees continued to block the views. SPHP was beginning to worry that Loopster never was going to get a good look at Iceberg Lake when, near the S end of the W shore, she came to a clearing.

And there was Iceberg Lake, deep green, mirror smooth, nestled at the foot of Table Mountain (5,742 ft.). Magnificent!

**Iceberg Lake**. **Pass 5300** (L), **Table Mountain** (Center, R). Photo looks E.

Near **Iceberg Lake’s outlet** (R). Photo looks SE.

From Iceberg Lake, the trail turned SW before curving S again to cross the outlet stream, one of the main sources of Wells Creek. Nearby, this stream flowed into Mazama Lakes, two small lakes very close together.

About to cross **Iceberg Lake’s outlet stream**. Photo looks S.

Convenient stepping stones so you don’t have to get your paws wet, if you don’t want to. Worked in mid-August!

From the S end of the smaller lake, which was little more than a pond, Wells Creek plunged into a deep canyon to the W.

Sounds like a big waterfall down there, SPHP!

The **smaller Mazama Lake**. An unseen waterfall leaves its far end. Photo looks S.

Sure did! The little stream made quite a roar as it exited the tiny lake. Would have been fun to go take a look, but if Lupe still hoped to climb Table Mountain, she needed to press on.

Whether climbing Table Mountain would even be possible, though, was increasingly in doubt. The Chain Lakes trail crossed a big rock slide as it left Mazama Lakes. Looking back, fog was sweeping in.

Leaving **Mazama Lakes**. Photo looks NNW.

**Mazama Lakes**. Getting foggy! Photo looks NW.

Crossing the rock slide. Photo looks SSE.

Gaining elevation again, the Chain Lakes trail became increasingly steep as Lupe continued past the rock slide. Fog came and went, but returned more and more frequently. A rounded ridge or hillside could sometimes be seen ahead. When Loop got there, the trail turned SE.

Heading for the **open ridge** or **hillside** (Center). Photo looks S.

The map showed a W route up Table Mountain somewhere not too far along this next trail section. Should be on the L. SPHP kept an eye out for it, as Lupe went through a forested stretch. Sure enough, she soon came to some kind of a trail that started up a steep slope on the L. No signage here, and the side trail was covered with branches, apparently to discourage its use.

Hmm. Maybe not such a good idea? Sticking with the Chain Lakes trail, Lupe kept going.

Upon leaving the forest, a long stretch of trail could be seen curving up to a much bigger open ridge. Views should have been spectacular along in here, but Loop enjoyed only occasional blurred glimpses of what was across the valley. Most of the time, she just trotted on through the fog.

Heading for the next big ridge (R). Photo looks SE.

Upon reaching the next ridge, Lupe came to a 3-way junction. By now, about the only thing that was clear was that the American Dingo wasn’t going to get to climb Table Mountain. No sense in expending that much effort in a dense gray fog. However, she could still go past Artist Point to Huntoon Point (5,247 ft.), which was lower, and also had a trail to it.

What do you think, Looper? Want to tag Huntoon Point? Not going to see a thing, but at least it counts as an ascent for the day.

Huntoon is kind of a pointless point, aye, SPHP?

Afraid so, Loop. Your call. Doesn’t really matter to me.

The Carolina Dog was in favor. Turning R at the junction, she’d only been going a few minutes, when a friendly young couple appeared out of the fog. Fortunately, SPHP stopped to chat with them. Right away they set SPHP straight. This wasn’t the way to Artist or Huntoon Point.

This was the Ptarmigan Ridge trail. Artist Point would have been a L turn back at the junction. They were heading back that way right now.

The fog suddenly cleared. The young couple was right! Artist Point and Huntoon Point were visible along a ridge more than a mile E.

Fog immediately swept over the ridge again. The vision vanished, and so did the young couple, eager to be on their way.

Nice to know I’m in the good paws of such an experienced navigator! After all these years, can’t you even read a map, SPHP?

Oh, hush, uppity Dingo! You know how it is! Easy to get lost in the fog. No visual clues, and fog always makes it seem like one has gone a whole lot farther than is actually the case.

Especially when the fog is in your brain, SPHP!

No doubt! Well, whatever. I plead guilty. So what? Get over it. C’mon! Onward, Puppy ho!

Lupe went back to the junction, and this time headed for Artist Point.

Traversing a steep slope, the trail was flat now. Progress was rapid. Soon it seemed like there was less fog. Artist Point kept appearing and disappearing from view. Now and then, Lupe could see across the valley.

Heading for **Artist Point** (Center). **Huntoon Point** (R). Photo looks E.

View to the SE. **Huntoon Point** (L). **Mount Ann (5,840 ft.)** (R).

It was meant to be. Loopster wasn’t far from Artist Point when a rough trail appeared going up the slope to the N (L). At this precise moment, the sun broke through the clouds. Wonder of wonders, blue sky! SPHP paused to check the map.

This is it, Loop! Start of the Table Mountain trail!

I thought we passed it way back there, remember, SPHP?

That was the W approach. This is the E route. If it’s going to turn sunny, we can still go!

Looking up, the nearly vertical E end of Table Mountain was in sight. Two people were up there! Winding their way down the mountain, they were going pretty fast.

**E end of Table Mountain** (L) from the Chain Lakes trail. Photo looks NW.

C’mon, Loop! Let’s go talk to them!

Setting off on the rough side trail, a short climb got Lupe up to a clearing on a ridge. Turned out that there was another 3-way trail junction here. Maybe a good spot to wait for the 2 hikers.

Starting up the very rocky trail. Photo looks N.

An older couple soon appeared. They were happy to chat. The trail up Table Mountain wasn’t as difficult as they’d been led to believe. Despite constant exposure on the way up, the trail was good. Plenty wide, just have to be a little careful. Once on the summit plateau, the rest is easy. Absolutely gorgeous!

No one at all left up there now! Oh, and one more thing. No pets, due to some loose rock and the exposure.

And with that, they were on their way.

What? No pets! Lupe had seen lots of dogs on the Chain Lakes trail. No one had a problem with them.

Tough break, SPHP! Guess you’ll have to wait here. I’ll tell you all about it when I get back! Might want to brush up on your map reading till then.

Hey, now! They meant you, not me, crazy Dingo! You’re the pet. Besides, they said not a soul is up there. Might well be true, as foggy as its been. Let’s go sneak a peek at what’s involved.

Sure enough, Lupe passed 2 no pets signs in the forest before emerging where she had a clear view of Table Mountain’s E end. Both signs were old and almost falling over. SPHP wasn’t impressed.

Doesn’t look like they really care, Looper. We came more than 1,000 miles for this, and won’t be bothering anyone. Let’s have at it.

**E end of Table Mountain**. Photo looks W.

The trail up was awesome! Loose rocks? Yes, some, but Looper didn’t make any of them tumble. Mostly solid rock. Exposure? Yes, but the trail was always 3 or 4 feet wide. It wound ever higher in spectacular fashion. Soon the American Dingo was looking down on both Artist Point and Huntoon Point.

Awesome route! Despite appearances, completely non-technical. Just a walk-up.

**Artist Point parking lot** (Center) with **Huntoon Point** beyond it. Photo looks SE.

A bigger climb than it appeared, but it didn’t take that long for Lupe to reach the end of the exposed part of the trail. As the terrain leveled out, the trail curved W around the S side of a hill. Instead of following it, Lupe climbed the hill. A couple of minutes got her to HP5553.

4:30 PM, HP5553, Table Mountain’s E summit – Wow! Incredible! It was another world up here! Table Mountain had a much more alpine feel than the Chain Lakes trail did. Lots of rock, patches of snow, blue-green tarns. A few trees, mostly along the steep S edge of the mountain. The broad summit plateau stretched nearly 0.75 mile to the true summit at the far W end.

Lupe stood at the absolute high point of the E summit next to a small cairn. A taller one rested nearby on a lower rock formation. The older couple was right! Absolutely gorgeous up here! Only one disappointing development. Blue skies had been a fleeting phenomenon. None now. Whole sky was gray again, all the higher peaks hidden in the clouds.

At **HP5553**, **Table Mountain’s E summit**. Photo looks W.

**Table Mountain’s N Ridge** (R, beyond Lupe). Photo looks NW.

Same view with help from the telephoto lens.

Oh, to have been here on a clear day! Why had the sun appeared, then forsaken the Carolina Dog? Mere glimpse of Mount Shuksan (9,131 ft.), and no sign at all of Mount Baker (10,781 ft.).

**Mount Shuksan** (Center) from **HP5553**. Photo looks ESE.

It was what it was. Lupe was going to have to make the best of it. Still awesome up here! At least the local surroundings were all visible. Far better fortune than she’d been resigned to half an hour ago. Along the S edge of the summit plateau, the Table Mountain trail wound W toward the true summit.

Looks like fun, SPHP! C’mon, let’s get there before the whole mountain is socked in again!

A fabulous adventure ahead! Photo looks WSW.

Lupe headed W, picking up the trail again shortly before reaching a low spot where a big snowbank was melting away. Clearly, a frosty frolic was in order! Looper ran off to complete the mission.

Snow! Lovely, deliciously cold, snow! **Mazama Dome** (Center) in the clouds beyond **Table Mountain’s N ridge**. Photo looks NW.

The whole trek W was a grand time! A rumpled summit plateau made for a fair amount of up and down along the way. To Loopster’s delight, the Table Mountain trail actually crossed more snowbanks. By the forest along the S edge, it circled past a shallow tarn. Beneath the moody sky, there were rocky ascents and declines as wisps of fog sailed by.

Lupe had a blast exploring both on and off trail. The final rocky ascent to the true summit region at the W end of the plateau began all too soon.

Closing in on the W end of the summit plateau. Photo looks W.

Near the end, SPHP lost the trail again, making a short, but very steep scramble necessary.

Looking back from the top of the mini-scramble. Photo looks E.

Not much farther now! A last push higher, and the terrain began to level out. A forested high point was visible along the S edge of the mountain. At first, it appeared to be the true summit, but getting closer, a similar hillock obviously a bit higher appeared even farther W.

By now, Loop had rediscovered the trail, which continued on toward the second high point.

Final rocky climb ahead. Photo looks WSW.

5:26 PM, 48ºF, Table Mountain (5,742 ft.) – Foggy. Lupe stood on a flat rock at the top of a rise only 10 or 12 feet higher than the surrounding territory. A few trees and stumps took up much of the space on Table Mountain’s true summit, which was only 10 feet in diameter.

No indication of a survey benchmark, despite one shown on the map. No registry, or even a cairn. Under current circumstances, two small tarns to the NE at the base of this knoll were the only view.

Success! **Table Mountain’s true summit**. Photo looks SW.

Outlaw American Dingo on **Table Mountain**.

Paw shaking time, Loopster! Congratulations on your successful ascent! Never would have believed it only a little while ago.

Thanks, SPHP! Might I take this opportunity to mention that paw shaking time is also chocolate coconut bar time?

SPHP found a spot to sit down. Showing true dedication while curled up on SPHP’s lap, the Carolina Dog did her best to lighten the pack of any lurking chocolate coconut bars, a project completed in jig time.

Born on a W breeze, fog streamed by, intermittently hiding even the nearby tarns to the NE. Occasionally the view opened up. Huge valleys were visible then, but not the surrounding peaks. A small tarn could be seen way down on a flat region to the N.

Conditions eventually improved. Far to the W, a bright patch of yellow sky appeared along the horizon. End of the clouds? Yellow brightness slowly grew, as if coming this way, but never seemed to get any closer. Then, suddenly, the lower glacier-clad slopes of Mount Baker cleared.

**Mount Baker** beyond **Coleman Spire** (L) and **Lasiocarpa Ridge** (Center). Photo looks SW with help from the telephoto lens.

Beyond the two tarns to the NE, another heavily forested high point looked to be about the same elevation. The possibility that it might be the true summit couldn’t be ruled out from here.

We ought to investigate. Ready to do a little more exploring, Loop?

Already tired of sitting, the American Dingo was all for it. Going around the W end of the two tarns, she headed for the competing high point. SPHP kept an eye on Mount Baker, hoping more might be revealed.

Over at the competing high point, Lupe sniffed about the highest ground to the extent possible, but the forest was so dense that it was difficult to maneuver. Couldn’t see the first high point at all from here, so it really wasn’t possible to tell if this was actually the true summit, or not.

No survey benchmark, no cairn, not even a path into this thicket! Don’t think this is it, Loopster.

Farther NE, more high points were visible out on open terrain. Lupe ventured that way. Fun and interesting territory, but definitely lower.

**N portion of the true summit region**. **HP5553** (lower E summit) visible at (Center). **Mount Shuksan** (R). Photo looks E.

6:19 PM, Table Mountain – Returning to the consensus true summit, the American Dingo sat on the highest rock for the final time, Mount Baker still partially on display beyond her. Sadly, time to go.

Table Mountain has been a blast, SPHP! So glad we got to come here. Nothing against Huntoon Point, but this had to be better!

Yes, it’s been fun, Looper. Funny how things work out sometimes. The only brief sunny moment of the whole day at the right spot made all the difference. Never would have happened without that encouragement.

Final moments at **Table Mountain’s true summit**. Photo looks SW.

The fun wasn’t over yet! Lupe had the whole return along the length of the entire summit plateau to look forward to, followed by that awesome snaking exposed route down off the mountain.

SPHP kept an eye on it, but Mount Baker’s summit never fully emerged from the clouds. Still some gorgeous views of the rest of the mountain, though, in the evening light. Lupe sniffed and ran to her heart’s content on the magnificent plateau. Progress was rapid going E, since it was mostly downhill this way.

**Mount Baker** (Center) during the descent. Photo looks SW.

7:29 PM – The sky was about as clear as it had been all day long when Lupe reached the official start of the Chain Lakes and Table Mountain trails at Artist Point. The giant parking lot and the road leading up to it from Austin Pass were new, open today for the first time after repair.

Perhaps why only a few vehicles were here this evening? Lupe went over to join the small crowd gathered to see Mount Baker at sunset. Sherman Peak (10,160 ft.) was visible from this perspective, too.

Start of the Chain Lakes and Table Mountain trails at Artist Point.

**Sherman Peak** (L of Center), **Mount Baker** (R) from **Artist Point**. Photo looks SW.

Just in time! Two minutes after reaching Artist Point, fog came boiling up out of the valley to the S. The show was over. Sherman and Baker vanished in an instant. The fog was so dense that SPHP had a hard time finding the road leaving the parking lot.

The rest was easy. A pleasant brand new road hike all the way down to Austin Pass. Lupe was soon below the fog. She wasn’t far from the end, when the clouds to the E fled, revealing Mount Shuksan (9,131 ft.).

**Mount Shuksan** (Center). Photo looks ESE.

Lupe’s RAV4 (blue) down at **Austin Pass**. Photo looks N.

The Chain Lakes trail and Table Mountain! What a fantastic, memorable day! No doubt would have been even better, if the skies had been blue. Lupe had been lucky, though, and had gotten to see almost everything.

In any case, there can’t be too many Carolina Dogs that can say they have ever seen Mount Baker from the glorious, fog-swept summit of Table Mountain! (End 8:25 PM, 51ºF)

**Mount Baker** from **Table Mountain**, Cascade Range, Washington 8-17-21

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Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 294 – 1,000,000 Vertical Feet! (1-29-22)

Dark, but not entirely. The yellow crescent moon hanging low in the E was not alone. One bright star nearby. A planet, actually. The morning star, Venus, its identity betrayed by the rosy glow spreading along the horizon As the RAV4 cruised S, Lupe was so happy!

Can’t believe it, SPHP! My Lists of John mini-blitz is really taking off, isn’t it? Black Hills Expeditions 2 days in a row! That hardly ever happens.

Hah! Grand finale! Your Lists of John mini-blitz ends today, Looper!

S of Custer, SPHP kept an eye on the RAV4’s temperature readout. Low 40’s °F when Lupe had left home, but plunging now. Incredible! Why? It was supposed to get into the mid-50’s °F today!

Off highway, after miles of dust and gravel, SPHP pulled over to the side of the road.

Hop on out, Loop. Let’s have a look!

A mile S, a forested ridge resembled a submarine surfaced on a sea of grass.

See that bump in the middle, Looper? Think that’s it!

That’s what, SPHP?

Top of Peak 4480, Loop. Your first Lists of John peak of the day.

**Peak 4480** (R of Center). Photo looks SSE.

7:59 AM, 14ºF, start of USFS Road No. 645 off Red Canyon Road (Fall River No. 15, USFS Road No. 322) –

14ºF! Yowser! Had no idea it would be this cold, Looper. Better start warming up fast, or I’m calling it.

Lupe had no intention of letting that happen! Nothing like a good march higher to get the blood circulating! Without hesitating, the American Dingo took off, heading N up USFS Road No. 645.

USFS Road No. 645 (R) where it leaves Red Canyon Road. Photo looks NW.

Five frosty minutes got Lupe up to where the grade decreased quite a bit. A grassy field was ahead, illuminated by a feeble morning sun. No detectable warmth to it, but just being in sunshine lifted spirits.

Glancing back at **Red Canyon** as No. 645 starts to level out. Photo looks S.

After crossing the field, No. 645 curved NE, climbing faster again. The road wound through a stretch of pine forest up to a larger field. Crusty snow crunched underpaw. Sometimes Lupe could see her breath.

Leaving the first field behind. Photo looks SSW.

Crossing the next field. Photo looks ENE.

So, why is my Lists of John mini-blitz going to end today, SPHP? You never said.

Oh, because today you are officially going to complete your achievement, Looper!

Wow! Really? Will I have climbed all the Lists of John peaks?

Hah! No! That will never happen, Looper! Not even limited to all the ones in South Dakota, or just the ones in the Black Hills.

Why not, SPHP?

Well, because a few of them are simply beyond our capabilities. Others are on private property, or forbidden for other reasons, like Mount Rushmore.

The road kept going. Soon a line of low bluffs appeared ahead. No. 645 went right to them. Near the base of the bluffs, Lupe came to a round water trough. Cursory inspection revealed that it was empty.

Heading for the bluffs (R). Photo looks NE.

From the water trough, No. 645 went SE, climbing more aggressively as it curled around the S end of the bluffs. The road then turned N, taking Lupe up to the territory above them. From here, No. 645 curved NE, still gaining elevation until it finally leveled out at yet another big field. Beyond this field was a long hill.

Above the bluffs now, which are unseen off to the L. Photo looks N.

Approaching the next hill. Photo looks NE.

That’s it, Loopster! Top of Peak 4480!

Looked like an easy climb. Lupe might easily have gone right up the W slope. However, the Carolina Dog stuck with the road, which ultimately swung clear around the S end of the hill. Along the way, No. 645 passed through a gap where a rock on the L had names carved into it.

No one Lupe knew had signed the rock, though, so after a brief pause, she continued on her way. The road dipped, then wound E up onto a large grassy plain.

Going through the gap. Names were carved into the rock wall on the L. Photo looks E.

On the high prairie S of the summit hill. Photo looks NNE.

Lupe followed No. 645 all the way around to where it topped out SE of the summit hill. She then left the road, heading straight for the S end.

Cactus! Loop instantly became reluctant to continue, insisting that SPHP scout the route out first before she would follow. Got a little steep and rocky, but not until the Carolina Dog was already almost up on top.

Getting close to the top of the S end of the summit hill. Photo looks NW.

The S end of the summit hill was lower than the N end, but the views were great! A little different from typical Black Hills fare, Peak 4480 was way off in the far SW part of the hills, a region that was lower and drier. Not as much forest here, so the views were more expansive.

Nearby, grasslands and low forested hills were in sight. To the SW, Lupe could see the plains of Wyoming. Matias Peak (4,780 ft.) was only a couple of miles SE.

**S end of Peak 4480**. Wyoming is in the distance off to the R. Photo looks S.

**Matias Peak** (R of Center). Photo looks SE.

Having seen the sights from the S end, Lupe headed N in search of the true summit. An easy trek higher among a mix of pines, junipers, and small clearings led to a big clearing surrounded by trees. Couldn’t hold a candle to the S end as far as views, because there weren’t any, but Peak 4480’s summit region had a quiet, almost secretive feel to it.

A lone rock not too far from the N edge proved to be the true summit.

Heading N along the summit plateau in search of the true summit. Photo looks N.

The big clearing at the N end. Summit is dead ahead. Photo looks N.

**True summit of Peak 4480**. Photo looks E.

9:13 AM, 25ºF, Peak 4480 – Warmer, but no big heat wave yet. Still chilly. Fortunately, only a slight NW breeze. SPHP dumped the pack against the summit rock, then sat next to Lupe shaking her paw.

Congratulations, Loopster! Your first Lists of John peak of the day!

Thank you, SPHP! How many of them are we going to do?

3, with any luck. 2 might do it as far as your achievement is concerned, but maybe not. Need all 3 to be certain of success. Slam dunk, then.

And what is this grand achievement that we’ve been doing this Lists of John mini-blitz for this month?

Oh, you’ve been working on this achievement a lot longer than just this month, Loop! Lists of John really has nothing to do with it, just a fun way to pick out some new territory to explore while you finish up. In fact, you’ve been working on this achievement practically your whole life.

What does that mean, SPHP? Don’t keep me in suspenders any longer!

Climb all 3 of these Lists of John peaks today, Loopster, and you will have completed over 1,000,000 total vertical feet of elevation gain.

Is 1,000,000 a whole bunch, SPHP?

Sure felt that way on many occasions, Loop. More than 189 miles straight up! Includes all of the peaks that you’ve climbed, whether hard or easy. 1,000,000 isn’t any kind of a record, though, not even close. Sam Grant and Greg Gerlach have each logged nearly 6,000,000 total vertical feet.

Dingo feathers, SPHP! Nobody could have done that much!

Oh, yes! They have! It’s all documented on Peakbagger.com, same place where I’ve documented your climbs. Don’t feel too bad, Loop! Officially, you will be 77th to reach the 1,000,000 mark on Peakbagger.com, if we succeed today. Not too shabby. And your 1,000,000 isn’t even an accurate number. You actually hit 1,000,000 vertical feet long ago. There are a lot of early treks that I never added to Peakbagger.com for you, and even after I started to, for years I only entered net elevation gain, instead of total.

So, you mean I’ve been shortchanged, SPHP? How many total vertical feet have I really climbed?

Heh! Yes, you’ve been shortchanged. Never realized we would be doing all this when you started out, or I would have kept better track. How many vertical feet have you really done? Who knows? Hundreds of thousands more for sure that I could estimate, if I just took the time to do it, because I do have some old journals. Maybe another 1,000,000 or 2,000,000, if we’d had a way to track all the endless running around you did, that I didn’t, but we don’t. Anyway, it doesn’t matter. Tracking statistics like this is just for fun. No big prize.

Well, that’s disappointing! 1,000,000 total vertical feet of elevation gain that you make such a fuss about, and then there’s no big prize, SPHP? Humans are crazy! Any chance of a small prize as an early installment? How about a chocolate coconut bar?

Eh, I’m saving those for later. You can have a couple of MarroBone treats, though.

The MarroBones didn’t survive any longer than a chocolate coconut bar would have. Hoping to find a viewpoint, SPHP wandered a little way down the NW slope, but didn’t go very far since it was all forested. Lupe returned to the big clearing near the summit rock. Even without any distant views, it was pretty up here.

Returning to the summit (R) after a quick foray down the NW slope. Photo looks E.

In the lovely clearing. Summit rock (R). Photo looks SW.

25 minutes shot by. If Looper was going to get her 1,000,000 today, she should probably move on, especially if she wanted to explore the big loop she could take back to the RAV4.

What do you think, Loop? Want to explore the big loop, or head right back to the RAV4? Completing the loop would be about 2.5 times as far, but its mostly a downhill road hike. Ought to be easy.

We’re here now, SPHP! Let’s see what there is to see!

Leaving Peak 4480’s summit, Lupe headed NNE. A short, forested slope led down to a smaller clearing. Although also rimmed with trees, at the far N end, a few rocks offered a view of the red dirt prairie below, and Elk Benchmark (5,669 ft.) on the NW horizon.

In the **smaller clearing NNE of the true summit**. Photo looks NNE.

**Elk Benchmark** (Center) on the horizon. Photo looks NW.

After enjoying the view, Lupe went back S a little way looking for a good spot to descend the fairly steep slope to the E. Finding one, she ventured down through the forest to a big snowfield below it. Several deer went racing away to the NE, providing some excitement.

Crossing part of a big tableland, Loop reached USFS Road No. 685 again, happily without experiencing the pain of any cacti mishaps.

**Peak 4480** from USFS Road No. 645 again. Photo looks W.

The big loop was worth seeing! Initially heading NE away from Peak 4480, USFS Road No. 645 soon began curving SE, then S. At first, Lupe was out on the big open tableland. As she got farther S, the road ran along the edge of the canyon separating Peak 4480 from Matias Peak. Views from the rim of the canyon were lovely.

Passing a weather station (R). Photo looks SSE.

**Matias Peak** (R of Center) across the canyon. Photo looks SE.

**Matias Peak** (Center) with a little help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks ESE.

Eventually the road began a long, winding descent SE along the edge of the canyon. Near the end, No. 645 led into USFS Road No. 379, which in turn soon got Lupe back to Red Canyon Road.

Descending into the canyon. Photo looks SE.

Winding down to USFS Road No. 379 (L). Photo looks SE.

Shortly after starting the 0.75 mile trek N on Red Canyon Road back to the RAV4, a brown and white sign was down in the ditch to the W.

Near the sign along Red Canyon Road. Photo looks WNW.

What does this sign say, SPHP?

Well, let’s see, Looper. It says: Deadwood – Custer Cheyenne Stage Route, 1875-1877, Metz Family Massacred Here, April 24, 1875

Massacred! The whole family? Right here, SPHP?

Guess so, or hereabouts. Anyway, that’s what it says, Loop.

That’s terrible! And twice in a row now! I don’t like it.

Twice in a row? What are you talking about?

Don’t you remember, SPHP? Only yesterday, on Expedition No. 293 we came to James Fernando Shepard’s grave. Murdered for a mining claim!

Oh, yeah! That’s right!

I’ve got a bad feeling about this SPHP! Let’s go! It’s a warning!

A warning! The Metz family was massacred even longer ago than poor Mr. Shepard was murdered. Doesn’t have anything to do with us. You’re being ridiculous, Loop!

How can you be so sure, SPHP? What if we’re cursed?

Cursed? Why would we be cursed?

Have I reached 1,000,000 vertical feet of elevation gain yet, SPHP?

Officially? No, but you must be real close to it by now.

How close?

Oh, more than 999,000 feet for sure.

We’re never going to make it to 1,000,000 vertical feet, SPHP! Something terrible is going to happen! We’ve come to a murder, then a massacre. We’re next!

For pity sake, Looper! Get a grip! We’ll be just fine.

It’s been nice knowing you, SPHP. Maybe we should just go home instead of tempting fate?

Oh, no we’re not. We going to the RAV4, then on to the next mountain. Not going to get this close, then quit climbing mountains, curse or no curse! (End 11:25 AM)

The doomed Dingo on Red Canyon Road, almost back to the RAV4. Photo looks NW.

The next mountain wasn’t very far away. On the way to it, SPHP stopped for a look at a striking red rock butte capped by a layer of white. Around the next bend, SPHP stopped again to consider a big ridge to the SW.

The beautiful red rock butte, actually part of a long, continuous wall. Photo looks NNW.

The big ridge around the bend. Photo looks SW.

That’s Peak 4400, Loop! Your next Lists of John peak.

Could have climbed Peak 4400 from the N easily enough, but not without crossing private ranch lands. The American Dingo would have to go for it from the W, where there was USFS access.

11:50 AM, 45ºF, USFS Road No. 316 – Day was half-shot already! Had warmed up nicely, though. Lupe trotted E down No. 316 to the turn by the entrance to the Hey Ranch. Leaving the road, she continued E along a fence to a first little hill on the L, which she then climbed.

Nice view of the RAV4 and forested ridges back to the W from here, but the ridge to the NE was of more interest. Big rocks were along the steep upper rim. Not a problem! Gaps were visible among them. Lupe could get up there easily enough. The American Dingo pressed on.

**W side of the Peak 4400 ridge** from USFS Road No. 316. Photo looks ENE.

By the **entrance to the Hey Ranch**. Lupe didn’t go in. Photo looks SSW.

Following the fence to the first hill (L). Photo looks E.

Looking back from the first hill. Photo looks WSW.

Next ridge from the first hill. Photo looks ENE.

Once up on top, the view from the ridge was a bit surprising. This was more of a second hill than part of the main Peak 4400 ridge, which was still farther E. Looked like Lupe had started climbing too soon. Might have been better to go around both of these hills before starting up.

Live and learn! A little late for that now!

*Made it!* Up on the second hill. Photo looks NW.

The main ridge from the second hill. Photo looks SE.

Closest part of the main ridge from the second hill. Photo looks NE.

Deadfall left over from a forest fire made maneuvering difficult. Just took a little time. Soon Lupe was through it, heading down to a saddle that connected with the closest part of the main ridge. After crossing the saddle, another steep climb got the Carolina Dog up onto the W rim.

**Robinson Ranch** from near the top. Photo looks W.

Except that this wasn’t actually part of Peak 4400’s main ridge, either! Just a third hill. Rinse and repeat! Crossing this third hill, Lupe went down to another saddle leading to yet another climb.

At last, the steep part of the ascent was over. The American Dingo was now up on Peak 4400’s enormous summit plateau, but way out W on a lower part of it near the N end, still 0.5 mile WSW of the true summit. To the E, the terrain still rose, but at a much easier pace. Going over a little rise, a moderately higher part of the plateau was ahead.

Up on the **Peak 4400 plateau**. Photo looks ENE.

The vast plateau was interesting territory. No cactus at all! Lupe liked that. Mostly grassland, but at one time there had been a fair amount of forest up here, too. Nearly all of it had burned.

Looper trotted E, enjoying the sense of elevated spaciousness. Weird rock formations were concentrated near the edge, but also scattered across the plain.

Such strange and wonderful territory, SPHP!

Yeah! This is awesome, isn’t it, Loop? Not many places in the Black Hills like this. Be fun to camp up here on a starry night!

On the upper plateau, Lupe came to a particularly strange formation. It was so cool!

At the **Dingo Throne**! A 2-seater for king and queen. Photo looks SE.

Gently rolling terrain flattened further as Lupe finally drew near the E side of the summit plateau, and was nearly as flat as a pancake by the time she turned N.

The topo map showed the true summit way out near the NE end of the mountain. Did look like there might be slightly higher ground over that way as the Carolina Dog got closer. On the way there, Lupe came to a low region bordered by walls of rock.

Along the **SW edge of the low region**. True summit somewhere on the other side. Photo looks NE.

Fortunately, the small cliffs along the NW end of the low region were not continuous. Loopster was able to get across. Once on the other side, it wasn’t far to a collection of rocks that appeared to be the true summit of Peak 4400. Located right along the edge of an even larger low region to the NW, this was a very scenic spot!

At the **apparent true summit of Peak 4400** (R). Photo looks NE.

**True summit**. Another angle. What a unique view! Photo looks NNW.

Of course, on a mountain as flat as Peak 4400, there were other rocks nearby that appeared to be in contention for the title of true summit, as well. Before visiting them, it was time for a break.

Hey, Looper! Why don’t we go find a spot along the NE edge to relax? Should be some pretty sweet views!

Fine with me, SPHP!

1:30 PM, 45ºF, Peak 4400 –

Congratulations, once again, Loopster! Another Lists of John peak climbed!

Two down and one to go! Then my Lists of John mini-blitz will be over, right, SPHP?

Yeah, that’s right, Loop.

Do you think I’ve officially hit 1,000,000 feet of total vertical gain yet?

Not sure. Maybe. If you haven’t, you’re extremely close. No more than 100 or 200 feet away. Might have hit it already. Tell you what. How about we celebrate right now just in case? We’ll split a chocolate coconut bar, and you can have another couple of MarroBones. How’s that?

Not a hard sell. The enthusiastic Dingo made short work of it all, then curled up on SPHP’s lap, crunching Taste of the Wild from her silver bowl, while SPHP munched an apple. The views were splendid!

Along the NE edge on a rock by the rest spot. Photo looks NW.

**Loopster at 1,000,000 total vertical feet**, or very close to it. Photo looks NW.

**Peak 4480** (L), where Lupe had just been, in front of **Matias Peak**. Photo looks SSE.

A peaceful, happy, half hour drifted away.

You know, SPHP, since this is both such a scenic mountain and momentous occasion, we really ought to do some more exploring up here before we have to go!

You’re absolutely right, Loop! Looks like there is still some fun stuff a little farther NW of here. Let’s sniff around over that way for a little bit.

Fabulous rock formations along the NE edge. Photo looks NW.

Overlooking the NW low region (L). Photo looks NW.

About as far N as Loop got along the edge of the escarpment. Photo looks NW.

Lupe had a fun time scrambling around among the rocks. Could have spent many hours roaming around up here, but that was not to be. She was a Dingo on a mission. One more Lists of John peak to go!

Starting back, Loopster visited another rock in contention for title of true summit that wasn’t far from the one SPHP actually thought was it.

On the contender. **SPHP’s anointed true summit** (far L). Photo looks SW.

The NW low region from the contender rock. Photo looks NW.

An hour after arriving, Lupe left the true summit rock for the last time. The angle of the sun warned against any more dilly-dallying. Peak 4400 had been a big, scenic success. Confidence and joy were in the air as the American Dingo worked her way around the NW end of the low region bordered by cliffs again.

And then she saw it.

SPHP, look! The curse! We’re doomed! 1,000,000 vertical feet will be the end of us!

How strange! Lupe had found another rock formation reminiscent of the Dingo Throne. This throne was only a one-seater though, and that seat was occupied. The ruler was right there – a twisted, entirely black tree. A vision of evil!

A death tree, SPHP!

The **death tree** – evil, enthroned ruler, and Dingo curser of Peak 4400. Photo looks SE.

Guess we better say our prayers, Looper! We’re a goner for sure now!

Well, what else could SPHP say? Anyone would know a death tree when they saw one. No denying it! And yet, the nervous Dingo’s return went well overall. Going down the W slope, a promising path led off to the N and got Loop stuck among a giant patch of obnoxious deadfall, but that was the only aggravation. She soon made it down to USFS Road No. 316 somewhat N of the Robinson Ranch.

From there, it was just a pleasant afternoon stroll along the road back to the RAV4. (3:21 PM, 53ºF)

Getting close to where Lupe would have to head down the W slope. Photo looks SW.

3:51 PM, Dewey Road (Custer County No. 769) – Cows! Despite having barked hysterically at every cow in sight from the G6, and now the RAV4, zillions of times over the years, cows were coming to see Lupe!

Although hesitant, at first, the cows seemed genuinely happy to see the pesky Carolina Dog. They were gathering from all across their huge field. Amazed, Lupe didn’t bark, but stood watching their approach.

Lupe, the cheering cows, and **Peak 4440** (Center). Photo looks S.

Wow, Lupe! Look at this! All the abuse you’ve doled out to them, yet the cows are coming to cheer you on to 1,000,000 total vertical feet! Hear all that mooing? They love you!

Well, it was either that, or perhaps the cows were hoping SPHP still had plenty of chocolate coconut bars to distribute? Who knew? In any case, Lupe was as happy and excited to see all the lovely black cows, as they were to see her.

I’m shocked! You must be right, SPHP! That’s so kind of them. I don’t know what to say. I’m humbled!

Unfortunately, the cows were a bit of a problem. Peak 4440, Lupe’s last Lists of John peak of the day, was in sight beyond their field. Clearly, wandering through a whole herd of cows eager to make the American Dingo’s acquaintance would never do. Furthermore, there was no sign of USFS Road No. 394.2A which was supposed to go due S through this field to USFS land providing the quickest access to Peak 4440.

There was another way, but it would take longer. Better get with it!

Come on, Loopster! Back to the RAV4! We’re going to have to drive a little farther W.

Lupe started to come, but suddenly began limping terribly, hopping about with her L rear paw in the air.

Ow! Ow! Ow! I can’t, SPHP! It’s the curse!

What on earth? What happened, Loop? What’s wrong with you?

I just told you, SPHP! I’m stricken by the murdered, massacred, death tree curse of 1,000,000 total vertical feet! We’re never going to get there! My paw is broken! Oh, it hurts! Ow, ow, ow!

Hold still! Lemme, see that paw, Loop. Uh-huh! How’s that?

Lupe was stunned. An instant cure! Her paw was fine again.

You can remove curses, SPHP? I never knew! All these years you’ve been a wizard incognito? Fantastic disguise, by the way.

Oh, yes! Remove curses all the time! Provided that the curse is that you’ve stepped on a burr.

4:02 PM, 52ºF, Dewey Road, SSW of Walsh Well – Gotta hurry! Getting late on a January afternoon, and Peak 4440 was 1.5 miles SE. And that was just to the base of the mountain. Lupe would still have to climb it!

Onward! Puppy, ho!

As Lupe followed a fence S, a little luck. A walk-in area! The American Dingo could save some time cutting across the big field to the E. No need to go clear around the SW corner to stay on USFS land.

**Peak 4440** (R) from the walk-in area sign. Photo looks ESE.

The shortcut brought Lupe to a nearly level plain sloping gradually SE. Peak 4440 was directly ahead, but Lupe was already in shadow. A race against time was on, but some caution had to be used. Scattered patches of large-spined cactus thrived here. SPHP kept an eye out for danger, as Miss Bare Paws made for the mountain.

Hurrying across the plain. **Peak 4440** (Center). Photo looks SE.

Discovery of a cactus-free, two-track road, perhaps some remnant of USFS Road No. 391.2A, helped speed things along. When the two-track got close to a wide drainage, Lupe abandoned the road, crossed the drainage, and headed straight for Peak 4440’s NW slopes.

On the cacti-free super highway. **Peak 4440** (L). Photo looks SSE.

About to cross the odd, almost artificial-looking drainage. Photo looks N.

Peak 4440 has two summits, N and S, the N one being highest. The plan was to head up to the saddle between them, then turn N. However, Lupe had started up before going far enough S. This mistake wasn’t evident until she’d already gained considerable elevation. The terrain forced her toward the mountain’s N ridge.

Too late to do anything about it! Just hope it works! The Carolina Dog was already committed, barely keeping up with the last rays of the sun.

Climbing **Peak 4440**. **N (true) summit** (Center) dead ahead. Photo looks SE.

The sun was gone by the time Looper reached the N ridge. Twilight was coming on. Amid rocks and junipers, Lupe went up the steep narrow ridge, staying toward the E sometimes, because both the ridgeline and the W slope were just too difficult.

At an open spot where Lupe first reached the N ridge. Photo looks N.

By the time a top appeared, the light was so dim that the camera could barely compensate without producing fuzzy images. Lupe had made it, though! The summit was only seconds away!

5:19 PM, 43ºF, Peak 4440 – Curse or no curse, 1,000,000 total vertical feet, a once in a lifetime achievement, complete! In twilight, Lupe stood atop Peak 4440’s N and true summit. Hard to believe it was over. No doubt at all about it now, though. The American Dingo had done way more than enough.

From the E, a night sky was approaching. To the W, high thin clouds were still on fire, a brilliant orange glow.

Congratulations, Lupe! May I shake your paw? 1,000,000+ total vertical feet! It’s official now. Don’t think too many Dingoes have ever done that!

Offering her sweet little paw, Lupe looked expectantly up at SPHP.

Alright! Yes, I have another chocolate coconut bar for you, but it will have to wait a few minutes. We better get some pictures to commemorate the occasion while we still can.

**Wyoming** on the horizon. Photo looks W.

Most of the **N summit ridge**. Photo looks S.

OK, that’s about it Loop. Thank you!

What a remote and odd little mountain Peak 4440 was! Such an unlikely spot to be celebrating 1,000,000 total vertical feet. Unlikely time of year, too. Almost the end of January? Hardly the heart of climbing season, yet here Lupe was.

In the dying light, two earnest, trusting eyes gazed up at SPHP.

Have I done well, SPHP?

Oh, sweet puppy! Yes! Yes! Yes! You’ve been magnificent all these years! You’re the greatest ever! I love you so much!

Another chocolate coconut bar met its devourer. 2 MarroBones suffered a similar fate. Lupe curled up on SPHP’s lap to watch the world go dark. Far below, cows were mooing, cheering Lupe’s success!

Cows weren’t the only ones cheering for Lupe. Before the first silver stars appeared, suddenly there was a forlorn yipping synonymous with the Old West.

The wild dogs, SPHP!

They must be happy for you, too, Looper!

The coyotes sang to Lupe, but only a few verses before they were done.

6:06 PM – Cows, coyotes, a slight rustling of the wind, but mostly silence, and a million memories. 45 minutes atop Peak 4440, and the universe glittered overhead. Below, a black void. Time to go.

Maybe there really was a curse? Despite the aid of an experienced Dingo guide, and the tiny flashlight, SPHP had a terrible time trying to find the way back down in the dark. Everything was so steep! Nothing worked! Took a long, weary time to get back down to the two-track road well S of where Lupe had left it.

Still more than a mile to go! As crusty snow crunched underpaw, the Big Dipper and North Star showed the way. Cold now. Lupe was tired, SPHP was tired, but it would all be over soon. What a day! (8:17 PM, 22ºF)

2-4-22 – Six days later, SPHP did throw a 1,000,000+ Total Vertical Feet party for Lupe. It was held at Grandma’s apartment, and was she ever surprised! Steve, Xochitl, Felix, and Asher all came. Cake, candles, ice cream, a Busy Rib Hide, and Beggin’ Strips! The whole nine yards! What more could a peakbagging Dingo ever want?

The fabulous **1,000,799 vertical feet cake**!

The star of the show, and her guests. L to R: Felix, Steve, Asher, Xochitl & Grandma.

The guest of honor’s moment of flaming trepidation.

What more could I ever want, SPHP? So glad you asked! Better get some paper and a pencil so you can write it all down. For my 2,000,000 total vertical feet party, I’d suggest …

**Peak 4400**, Black Hills of South Dakota on **1,000,000+ Total Vertical Feet Day**, 1-29-22

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