Tag: #Omniten

Mount Powell, Montana with Mountaineer Jobe Wymore (7-20-17)

Days 10 – 13 of Lupe’s 2017 Dingo Vacation to the Wind River Range, Wyoming & Select Peaks in Montana

Day 10, 7-17-17  For the first time on this Dingo Vacation, the night sky was clear.  Lupe wanted out.  She sniffed around invisibly in darkness.  Overhead, the Milky Way gleamed in the heavens amidst diamond bright constellations.  The Carolina Dog was still tired, though.  She quickly returned to resume her snooze.

Morning arrived.  Time to leave the magnificent Wind River range.  Lupe and SPHP went down to lower Green River Lake.  The American Dingo gazed once more upon Squaretop Mountain (11,695 ft.), the massive NW sentinel of the Winds, looming silently beyond the clear, still lake.

Squaretop Mountain (R of Center), massive sentinel of the NW Wind River Range, beckons beyond lower Green River Lake. Lupe’s 3 day journey to climb Squaretop had been a failure, though a terrific adventure. Photo looks SE.

Lupe’s attempt to climb Squaretop had ended in failure, though she did look down on its summit from New Benchmark (11,850 ft.), the high point of her 3 day journey.  Though ultimately unsuccessful, the effort to reach Squaretop from Porcupine Pass had been a beautiful and challenging adventure.

White Rock (11,284 ft.) (L) and Squaretop Mountain (R) beyond lower Green River Lake with help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks SE.

Today would be the first of several travel and rest days.  After stopping in Pinedale for supplies, Lupe and SPHP headed NW on Hwy 191 past Bondurant and Hoback Junction.  The S approach to Jackson was teeming with tourists and activity.  The mob scene at the heart of it all was avoided by turning W on Hwy 22, which took Lupe over Teton Pass (8,429 ft.).

Lupe crossed the border into Idaho for the first time in nearly 5 years.  W of the Teton Range, Lupe and SPHP were in unfamiliar territory.  Dark clouds hung over the Tetons.  N of Driggs, Lupe experienced 20 miles of cloudburst, as SPHP drove N on Hwy 33.  Beyond the thunderstorm, it was sunny again.

Lupe in Idaho for the first time in nearly 5 years taking a short break from the G6 W of the Tetons. This was unfamiliar territory. Photo looks SE.

SPHP drove all day.  Lupe saw beautiful scenery she’d never seen before.  She barked at cows and horses.  She lapped up chocolate milk.  After several hours in Idaho, she left it again crossing into Montana on Hwy 87.  By day’s end, Lupe was a mile S of Silver Star at a pullout along Hwy 41 overlooking the Jefferson River.

Looking NE from a high point along Hwy 287 W of Ennis, MT.
Looking S up the Jefferson River near day’s end.
The Jefferson River S of Silver Star, Montana. Photo looks NE.

Day 11, 7-18-17  The next morning, Lupe and SPHP headed N.  Approaching Deer Lodge on I-90, Mount Powell (10,168 ft.) came into view a dozen miles to the W.  SPHP left I-90 at Exit 195 and drove all the way to the trailhead to see if the G6 could get there.  The roads weren’t bad, although the final stretch on USFS Road No. 670 was so narrow it was a good thing no vehicles were coming the other way.  Lupe spent most of the afternoon at the trailhead, happily relaxing in the shade watching squirrels and chipmunks.

On the way to the Mount Powell (L) trailhead. Although the sky was clear, the air was a bit hazy with smoke from distant forest fires. Photo looks NW.
Mount Powell (L) seen through the smoke haze with help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks NW.

Mount Powell was Lupe’s next peakbagging objective, but no attempt on the mountain was going to be made today.  Late in the afternoon, Lupe and SPHP went down to Deer Lodge where Lupe enjoyed a McDonald’s ice cream cone.  Lupe’s evening was spent watching boats, sea gulls, geese, and little fish jumping at Georgetown Lake W of Anaconda.

Sunset at Georgetown Lake W of Anaconda.
Geese on Georgetown Lake.

Day 12, 7-19-17  Three miles E of Georgetown Lake, SPHP noticed a sign for Storm Lake on the S side of Hwy 1.  Lupe had time, why not check it out?  The G6 made it nearly 8 of the 9 miles to Storm Lake on USFS Road No. 675.  Lupe and SPHP continued on paw and foot.  Clearings in the forest near the road were full of colorful wildflowers.

Lupe among the wildflowers on the last mile to Storm Lake.

Several groups of people were fishing at Storm Lake when Lupe arrived.  Across the lake Looper could see Little Rainbow Mountain (9,989 ft.), which didn’t look like it would be too hard a climb.  A trail led across a dam at the N end of the lake.  At the W end of the dam, Storm Lake Creek exited the lake.  Lupe and SPHP crossed the creek, and followed the trail S along the W side of Storm Lake.

Loop along the NW shore of Storm Lake. Mount Howe (10,472 ft.) (L) and Little Rainbow Mountain (9,989 ft.) (R) are in view. Photo looks SE.

After a long week in the Wind River range, SPHP wasn’t too ambitious.  Instead of climbing Little Rainbow Mountain with the American Dingo, SPHP opted for a swim in the lake.  Lupe was content to go wading, too.

Lupe wading near the S end of Storm Lake. Photo looks E.

The trail continued SE beyond the S end of Storm Lake.  Several hikers came along about this time.  One of them showed SPHP a map indicating that the trail would wind its way S for a mile or so to Storm Lake Pass.  Mount Tiny (9,848 ft.) was supposed to be an easy climb from there.  Still feeling lazy, Lupe and SPHP skipped Mount Tiny.  Lupe left the trail to circumnavigate Storm Lake instead.

After returning to the G6, Lupe and SPHP spent part of the afternoon at a park along Warm Springs Creek in Anaconda.  By evening, Loop was back at the Mount Powell trailhead.

Day 13, 7-20-17  After a day of travel and two days spent lazing around, the Carolina Dog woke up at 5:20 AM.  SPHP joined her outside the G6.  Today was the big day!  Lupe was going to climb Mount Powell!  SPHP had everything ready in short order, but then did nothing.  Lupe was puzzled.  What was the holdup?  She was anxious to get going.

Suddenly, those big soft Dingo ears heard a noise.  Something was coming!  A yet unseen vehicle was approaching the trailhead.  A minute later, a silver Jeep Wrangler Rubicon appeared.  Lupe ran over barking to greet it.  Much to her surprise, out of the Rubicon stepped someone she knew – mountaineer Jobe Wymore!

Lupe hadn’t seen Jobe since she’d served as his advance scout at South Dakota’s second highest mountain, Odakota Mountain (7,200 ft.), back home in the Black Hills.  That had been more than 15 months ago.  On 4-2-16, Lupe had actually accompanied Jobe to Odakota, and then gone on to the Wildcat Hills of Nebraska with him that very same day.  In Nebraska, she’d climbed Wildcat Mountain (5,025 ft.) before succumbing to the prickly terrors of cacti.  Jobe had helped carry the tenderpaw Dingo out of danger back to the Bluffman’s house.

Now Jobe was coming with Lupe to Mount Powell!  She could hardly believe it!  She barked, leapt, and danced wildly around Jobe.  Of course, Jobe’s arrival was no mere coincidence – it had been prearranged.  And actually, Jobe wasn’t really coming along with Lupe and SPHP.  It was the other way around, Lupe and SPHP were tagging along on a mountain that Jobe needed to climb.

Mount Powell (10,168 ft.), the high point of Powell County in Montana, is on two massive peakbagging lists Jobe has been working on for years.  One list with 245 peaks (the short list!) contains all of the US county high points in all 48 contiguous states with at least 2,000 feet of prominence.  The other, longer list includes all 414 county high points of the western contiguous states (all the mountain states W of the prairie states).

After greetings were exchanged, Jobe, Lupe and SPHP set out on USFS Road No. 670, which was extremely rough W of the trailhead.  The road led steadily up the forested valley of the Dempsey Creek drainage.

SPHP’s prior research of possible routes up Mount Powell had shown that most climbers stay with the road at least as far as the mountain’s S ridge beyond Bohn Lake.  Some go all the way to a SW ridge in the vicinity of the Elliot Lakes.  These ridges were described in various reports as brushy, steep, cliffy, and containing boulder or scree fields.

However, climber Eric Higginbotham had explored a different route which sounded a lot easier.  The Higginbotham route left the road much sooner.  It passed through a huge alpine meadow (Marble Park on the map) early on, climbed in forest to High Point 8708, continued NW over a saddle, and eventually broke out of the forest on a broad ridge a mile SSE of the summit.

Higginbotham’s 7-19-15 Mount Powell trip report included a GPS track, an excellent description of how to find the trailhead, and a rather amusing account of his experience as well.  SPHP favored trying Higginbotham’s route.  Jobe must have, too.  Being technologically competent, he had already loaded Higginbotham’s GPS route into his smart phone.

The first thing to watch for was an open grassy slope on the NW side of the road about 0.67 mile from the trailhead.  The steep hillside soon came into view as Higginbotham had described it.  Jobe and Lupe led the way up.

Jobe & Lupe, reunited after more than 15 months, on the first open grassy hillside after leaving the road. This hillside was fairly steep. Photo looks E.

At the top of the steep hillside, Lupe re-entered the forest.  The ground leveled out to some degree as she continued up, heading W near the edge of the steep stuff.  Before too long, the terrain started pushing her N.  Loop quickly came upon the S end of Marble Park, the giant alpine meadow Higginbotham had mentioned.

Jobe & Lupe in Marble Park. Photo looks SSW.
The stroll up Marble Park was cake. The giant alpine meadow was just a nice long, steady, obstacle-free, moderate incline. Photo looks SSE.
The view ahead. Lupe & Jobe veered N (R) here gaining as much elevation as possible while still in Marble Park. Once back in the forest again, Loop & Jobe turned NW looking for High Point 8708, which isn’t in sight yet up on the forested ridge straight up from Lupe. Photo looks NW.

Marble Park was completely free of obstacles.  Jobe, Lupe and SPHP made rapid progress up the steady, moderately inclined slope.  Lupe stayed in the giant meadow as long as possible.  She didn’t re-enter the forest again until reaching Marble Park’s upper N end.  This allowed the American Dingo to completely avoid a shallow drainage to the W.

Once back in the forest, the next landmark along the way was High Point 8708, about 0.75 mile to the NW.  The forest was mostly open, the only real obstacle being scattered deadfall timber.  The climb initially steepened somewhat, but quickly became more gradual again.  Now and then, Jobe checked Lupe’s position versus Eric Higginbotham’s GPS track on his phone, but very little course correction was ever required.

When Lupe, Jobe and SPHP reached High Point 8708, the top of Mount Powell was in view 2 miles to the NW.

Jobe & Lupe reach High Point 8708. Mount Powell’s summit is now in view 2 miles to the NW.
A portion of Caruthers Lake is in view from High Point 8708. Photo looks W.

At High Point 8708, Lupe had already climbed 2,450 feet of the over 3,900 feet of elevation gain required to get to the summit of Mount Powell from the trailhead.  SPHP was amazed at how easy it had all been, and how quickly the time had gone by.  Credit for the easy route went to Eric.  Credit for making the time go by fast went to Jobe.

Lupe and SPHP really didn’t know Jobe well at all.  The only other time Lupe had been with Jobe was on that one day over 15 months ago.  Jobe had been friendly, considerate, and very kind.  He’d come to Lupe’s rescue carrying her over cactus infested badlands in Nebraska.  Jobe had also been a great conversationalist, expounding upon a variety of topics of interest to SPHP.

Shortly after leaving the trailhead this morning, Jobe had launched into a discussion of one of his favorite subjects – Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead.  Of course, SPHP was familiar with some of their top 40 hits, but that was about the extent of it.  Jobe, however, was an expert.  He didn’t consider the Dead’s top 40 hits even remotely among their best work.

Virtually the entire time it took to reach High Point 8708, Jobe had expounded upon the Grateful Dead.  A truly dedicated (fanatical?) fan, he listens to them almost exclusively.  Jobe knew not only all of the Dead’s songs, but how the songs had evolved and been perfected over time, at exactly which live concerts Jerry Garcia had performed the best renditions, all of the lyrics and their meanings, etc., etc.

SPHP couldn’t begin to absorb it all, but did gather that of the many Grateful Dead songs Jobe liked, he considered Morning Dew and Terrapin Station among their finest work.  Even though the subject matter was almost entirely unfamiliar to SPHP, Jobe’s enthusiastic and lively conversation had been so entertaining, it hardly seemed possible Lupe was already so close to Mount Powell.

Close she was, though.  Only a 0.75 mile long forested area, a significant portion of which was a relatively level saddle, now stood between Loop and the broad, bare S ridge leading to the final steep climb to the top of the mountain.  As Lupe left High Point 8708, and proceeded NW across the saddle, Jobe continued his time and distance warping commentary.  In no time at all, almost as if she had been teleported, the Carolina Dog broke out out of the forest and stood on the bare S ridge.

The lower part of the S ridge was a gentle incline, generously strewn with medium-sized flattish rocks, which were interspersed with small green plants and a few wildflowers.  Mount Powell was directly ahead.

In the lead, Jobe strikes out across Mount Powell’s nearly flat, barren S shoulder. The summit is straight ahead. Photo looks N.

The final ascent wasn’t any steeper than the grassy hillside Lupe had gone up right after leaving the road early on.  This slope was much rockier, but still just a walk up a hill.  Vegetation was present most of the way.  Lupe faced only a few short sections of nothing but scree.

Gettin’ there! Loopster & Jobe on the final ascent. Photo looks N.

Loopster arrived at the summit of Mount Powell (10,168 ft.) at 9:00 AM. Between Eric Higginbotham’s excellent route, and Jobe’s scintillating conversation (which by now had switched from the Grateful Dead to how life would be affected by coming technological changes), the whole trek up had taken only 3 hours.  To SPHP, it seemed like the easiest 3,900+ feet of off-trail elevation gain ever.

Success! Mountaineer Jobe Wymore and Lupe relax at the summit of Mount Powell. Photo looks S.

The summit area was roomy, flat and strewn with rocks.  Lots of rocks had been piled up to make a big circular Dingo fortress with a cairn in the middle of it.  A survey benchmark was easily found.  Not a tree or a bush grew anywhere, so the summit provided commanding 360° views.  Unfortunately, smoke from forest fires farther W made the air rather hazy.  Smoke could be seen rising from several points.

This exposed survey benchmark was easily found at the summit.
Dempsey Basin from Mount Powell shortly after reaching the summit. Unfortunately, the air was a little hazy due to smoke from forest fires farther W. More smoke is rising in the distance R of Center. Photo looks SW.
Jobe makes adjustments to a shoe while Lupe sits nearby just outside of the circular Dingo fort. Photo looks SW.

Lupe, Jobe & SPHP remained at the top of Mount Powell for a whole hour.  Jobe pointed out several peaks in the distance he had been to, or at least recognized.  As a treat, he shared chocolate brittle with Lupe and SPHP, who were both quite taken with it.  An hour was plenty of time to gaze at the grand views in all directions.  As a W breeze grew stronger, smoke began billowing up more noticeably from a fire to the SW.

Loop on the W wall of the Dingo Fort. The summit of lower Deer Lodge Mountain (9,765 ft.) is in view on the L. Photo looks ENE.
Looking down on Martin Lake. Peak 9779 is beyond the lake on the L. Photo looks W.
Looking down on Dempsey Basin. From closest to most distant, the 4 lakes on the L are Upper Elliot Lake, Lower Elliot Lake, Caruthers Lake & Goat Lake. Mountain Ben Lake is farther away on the R. The small lake nearby on the R is unnamed on the map. Smoke billows up (Center) on the far horizon. Photo looks SW.
The bald “hill” on the R is Peak 9467. The higher peaks straight beyond it in the distance are somewhere near Storm Lake, where Lupe had been yesterday. Photo looks SSW with help from the telephoto lens.
Looking SW with considerable help from the telephoto lens at some of the highest peaks visible from Mount Powell. Peak 9502 is in the foreground on the R. The high mountain in the distance beyond it is Warren Peak (10,463 ft.). The highest of all is West Goat Peak (10,793 ft.) on the L.

Other than the haze, conditions on Mount Powell were near perfect with a light W breeze and temperatures in the low 70’s °F.  Nevertheless, the time to depart drew near.  Lupe took a final look around, while Jobe used his phone to enter data on this successful ascent.

Lupe takes a final look around from Mount Powell. The highest mountain beyond her is Pikes Peak (9,359 ft.). Photo looks N.
Loop on the SW wall of the Dingo Fort. Jobe uses his smart phone to enter data on this ascent into Peakbagger.com. Photo looks NW.
Loop ready to head down. Mount Powell’s bare S slope is seen below on the R. High Point 8708 is on the forested ridge beyond Loop on the L. This had been her ascent route, and the American Dingo would be going back this way, too. Photo looks SSE.

Eric Higginbotham’s route up had worked great!  There was no reason to stray from it on the way back to the trailhead.  Jobe helped the time go by with stories of the exploits of other mountaineers he knew, and adventures he’d had with some of them.  He discussed some of the major peakbagging goals he has been working on for many years, how he was within a few years of completing them, and what he might want to do when they were finished.

Lupe back on the broad, barren S ridge, with Deer Lodge Peak visible beyond her. Jobe’s on the phone checking on a friend who was late to report in from another mountain. Photo looks NE.
Almost down! Lupe back at Marble Park. Photo looks NW.

By the time Lupe was back at the trailhead (12:40 PM), she knew about an odd medical condition affecting Jobe’s hair, and the sad passing away of his favorite cat, known simply as “H”, in January.  Only partly in jest, Jobe had pronounced himself a 3 dimensional person due to his 3 main interests in life – peakbagging, the Grateful Dead, and craft beers.

Climbing Mount Powell with Jobe had been super fun!  The best news of all was that Loop’s time with Jobe wasn’t over yet.  Tomorrow, Lupe would get to climb another peak with him!  The original plan had been to go to Old Baldy South Slope (8,640 ft.).  However, that plan had changed.  Sacagawea Peak (9,650 ft.), with nearly 4,000 feet of prominence was up next!

Once details for the next rendezvous had been settled upon, Jobe roared off in his Rubicon.  A short while later, Lupe and SPHP headed out, too.  When Lupe reached I-90, temperatures were in the 90’s °F.  So much smoke was in the air now that Mount Powell was barely visible.  SPHP stopped to buy a box of ice cream bars in Anaconda.  A certain eager Carolina Dog provided dedicated assistance in devouring all 6 on the spot.

An air-conditioned ride E to Bozeman ensued, where SPHP obtained a roasted chicken for dinner.  Taking Hwy 86 N out of Bozeman, SPHP eventually found the road to Fairy Lake.  The poor G6 took considerable abuse on USFS Road No. 74, making it 3/4 of the way to Fairy Lake before SPHP had mercy and parked at a big pullout.  By nightfall, an American Dingo stuffed full of roasted chicken was ready for Dingo dreamland.

Mountaineer and friend Jobe Wymore relaxes on Mount Powell, Montana 7-20-17

Related Links:

To the Wildcat Hills of Nebraska with Mountaineer Jobe Wymore (4-2-16)

Naya Nuki Peak & Sacagawea Peak, Montana with Mountaineer Jobe Wymore (7-21-17)

Crazy Peak, Montana – On the Verge of EPIC with Mountaineer Jobe Wymore (7-22-17)

Morning Dew, The Grateful Dead (7-19-89)

Eric Higginbotham’s trip report on Mount Powell (7-19-15)

48 States County High Points with 2,000+ feet of Prominence

Western Contiguous USA County High Points

Want more Lupe adventures?  Choose from Lupe’s 2017 Wind River Range in Wyoming & Select Peaks in Montana Adventure Index, Dingo Vacations Adventure Index or Master Adventure Index.  Or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures.

Striving for Squaretop Mountain, Wind River Range, WY – Part 3: The Dome Peak Salvage Operation (7-16-17)

Day 9 of Lupe’s 2017 Dingo Vacation to the Wind River Range, Wyoming & Select Peaks in Montana

Lightning!  Oh, boy.  Nothing like getting drenched in the middle of the night.  Unable to sleep, SPHP used a small flashlight to study maps.  Meanwhile, the American Dingo, tired from yesterday’s fun and games on New Benchmark, and stuffed full of her entire food supply which she had devoured upon returning to Porcupine Pass, snoozed peacefully in the “tiny house” on her red sleeping bag.

Thunder rumbled for a couple of hours, but thankfully only a little rain fell.  At least that was a bit of luck.  The maps didn’t have any good news, though.  Lupe had made it to New Benchmark (11,850 ft.) yesterday, only to have her route E to Squaretop Mountain (11,695 ft.) blocked by a huge, steep snowbank.  What had been seen of a possible alternate route E from N of Porcupine Pass, hadn’t looked promising from New Benchmark, either.

The only other alternative was to go S from Porcupine Pass down the Dodge Creek valley far enough to pick up a trail heading E to the Lozier Lakes area.  Loop could then try going N from Kenny or Marten Lakes.  She would lose more than 1,000 feet of elevation from her current position at Porcupine Pass, though, all of which would have to be regained, plus a lot more.  And it was a long, long way around.  With supplies low already, circling clear around to the S wasn’t realistic.

What that meant was failure.  Lupe simply wasn’t going to make it to her prime objective.  Sadly, Squaretop Mountain was out.  No matter how SPHP looked at it, that was the depressing news the maps contained.  May as well beat a retreat back down to Green River Lakes when dawn arrived.

Leaving!  Why are we leaving?  Just because we can’t get all the way to Squaretop Mountain doesn’t mean we have to turn tail and flee, does it, SPHP?  We have more time don’t we?  It took us a whole day to get here!  It’s a wonderful morning.  We’re already at nearly 11,000 feet.  What’s wrong with all these mountains around here?  Can’t we climb one of them instead?

All true, Looper.  If you’re up for trying something else, I guess we could.  Didn’t really bring any decent maps of anything other than the route I thought we could take to Squaretop, but some of the territory W of here looked pretty fun and not too difficult from New Benchmark yesterday.  The maps do show a Dome Peak (11,234 ft.) a few miles SSW of here.  We could salvage something from this day, and try for Dome Peak if you like.

Sure!  Why not?  Dome Peak is fine with me.  Let the salvage operations begin!  I’m raring to go!

SPHP disassembled Lupe’s tiny house and packed everything up.  The first step in the journey to Dome Peak was to head SW over Porcupine Pass Peak (10,890 ft.), which Lupe had visited yesterday morning, too.  It was a short, easy walk to the top, a nice change of pace after a couple of long, hard days.

Loop back up on Porcupine Pass Peak for the 2nd morning in a row. Porcupine Pass is below on the L. Photo looks E toward New Benchmark, which Lupe had climbed yesterday, and where she’d had to abort her journey to Squaretop Mountain due to steep snow.
Loop at the summit of Porcupine Pass Peak again. Dome Peak, her new peakbagging objective, is in the distance straight up from Looper. Photo looks SSW with help from the telephoto lens.

A beautiful sunny trek across Porcupine Pass Peak brought Lupe to a rounded slope that descended gradually to another pass.  This pass was unnamed on the maps, but might easily be considered Porcupine Pass SW.

Looking down on the unnamed pass SW of Porcupine Pass Peak. On the way to Dome Peak, Lupe would climb up the other side of this pass. She discovered a trail going up the far slope, which SPHP should have paid more attention to, since it would have been useful later in the day. It was the correct route to the Jim Creek Trail. Peak 11,125, the first of 3 major high points Lupe would come to on her way to Dome Peak is seen on the L. Photo looks SW.

A trail went over the unnamed pass.  A quick look at the map showed this would be a longer, but perhaps far less steep route down into the Porcupine Creek drainage than going N from Porcupine Pass when the time came to head back to Green River Lakes.  SPHP liked this idea, and decided to stash the tiny house and sleeping bags behind a big rock in the pass.

Lupe cools off on a big snowfield on the S side of the unnamed pass SW of Porcupine Pass Peak. Photo looks SSE.

Lupe continued SW on across the unnamed pass.  She climbed up the slope on the far side, which was somewhat steeper than the slope from Porcupine Pass Peak had been, but it wasn’t a problem.  SPHP was puzzled when more than halfway up the Carolina Dog discovered a trail winding up this slope.

This trail was unexpected, and SPHP paid little attention to it, assuming it was only a side trail from the main one going over the unnamed pass.  This incorrect assessment would have repercussions later in the day.  At any rate, Lupe made it up the slope on the far side of the pass, where she had a great view back toward Porcupine Pass Peak (10,890 ft.).

Looking back from the far (SW) side of the unnamed pass. Porcupine Pass Peak is the gentle green hill at Center. Peak 11,420 is on the L. Part of New Benchmark is seen along the R edge. Photo looks NE.

Lupe turned S and headed for Peak 11,125.  This was great territory!  Open and rolling in a rugged, but not difficult, sort of way.  Big snowfields and grassy slopes, scattered rocks, and a myriad of clear trickling streams.  Beneath blue skies and sunshine, Lupe ran and ran, streaking over great distances.  SPHP strode easily along.  Oh, yeah!  This was fun!

30 minutes later, Lupe arrived at the top of Peak 11,125.  The summit was a relatively small area of big rocks and bigger views.

Lupe at the top of Peak 11,125. The upper Boulder Creek drainage area is seen below. Photo looks WSW.
Lupe’s objective, Dome Peak (L), is the distant rounded high point on the horizon. Photo looks SSW.
Looking across Dodge Creek canyon from Peak 11,125. In the foreground on the other side are Peak 11,695 (far L) and Peak 11,290 (L). Between them on the horizon is Gannett Peak (L), the highest mountain in Wyoming. Photo looks E.
Gannett Peak (13,804 ft.) (far L) is on the horizon. Peak 11,290 is in the foreground. Photo looks ESE from Peak 11,125 with help from the telephoto lens.
Lupe on Peak 11,125. Photo looks NW with help from the telephoto lens.
Looking NNW.
The impressive view to the S with a lot of help from the telephoto lens. Peak 11,166 is the high point L of Center. Dome Peak is the rounded high point on the R.

Dome Peak was still close to 3 miles away, so Lupe didn’t linger long at Peak 11,125.  To get down off the mountain, she circled back around to the NW until the terrain permitted her to turn SW.  She crossed a snowy basin which was part of the uppermost NE portion of the Boulder Creek drainage area.

Loop cools down in the snowy basin SW of Peak 11,125. This basin is part of Boulder Creek’s uppermost NE drainage area. The next high point Lupe headed for is seen on the L. Photo looks SW.

The next high point on Lupe’s way was immediately S of the snowy basin.  The lower slopes of this hill were also snow-covered.  SPHP found the climb easiest staying on lanes of bare ground when possible.  Meanwhile, the Carolina Dog wandered wherever she pleased.

This hill wasn’t as high as Peak 11,125.  The upper slopes were far less snowy than lower down.  Scattered stands of stunted trees grew amid a great deal of rock.  In fact, the whole hill was almost solid rock.

Lupe reaches the top of the 2nd high point on her way to Dome Peak. This hill wasn’t quite 11,000 feet. Photo looks SE.
Same view with help from the telephoto lens. Palmer Canyon is across the way on the L. Peak 10,985 is at Center, and Peak 11,166 is on the R. Photo looks SE.

From the second high point, Lupe could see the next hill ahead to the S.  It was higher than this one, and must have been nearly the same elevation as Peak 11,125.  A long, broad green slope with patches of snow to the E led toward a rocky summit.  The slope was a steady climb, but getting to the top should be a piece of cake.

Lupe lost elevation again going W down off the second high point.  She soon turned S and headed straight for the third high point.

The long green slope leading up the third high point. Lupe headed for the highest rocks seen just R of Center. Photo looks S,

Loop reached the top of the long green slope at a big rock outcropping at the NE end of a long summit ridge.  Dome Peak was in view again.  The American Dingo had been making good progress toward her objective.  She was already halfway there!

Lupe at the NE end of the 3rd high point’s long summit ridge. Dome Peak (R of Center) was in view again. Loop was already halfway there! Photo looks S.

Cliffs prevented the Carolina Dog from going any farther straight S.  It was clear the highest portions of the third high point’s long summit ridge were still off to the SW.  Lupe went W, skirting a series of large rocks a bit below and to the N of them.

Lupe had been doing great so far, but while she was working her way toward the true summit of the 3rd high point, SPHP suddenly realized there were problems ahead.

The first problem was the weather.  The sky had been almost completely clear all morning.  Now pillars of cumulus clouds could be seen boiling up off to the W.  They weren’t too big yet, but looked like trouble.

On the way to the highest part of the 3rd high point, SPHP suddenly realized there were problems ahead. The first problem was the weather. Pillars of cumulus clouds were boiling up in the W. Photo looks SW.
On the way to the top of the 3rd high point. Photo looks WSW.

The second problem was the realization that this 3rd high point still wasn’t part of the long ridge leading to Dome Peak.  That ridge was now in view to the SW.  Lupe would have to lose a couple hundred feet of elevation to get over to it.  That wasn’t a problem, and the long ridge wasn’t more than a few hundred feet high itself, but its sides were steep.  Steep with a continuous, big, long snowbank clinging to its upper slopes.

Lupe retreated a little down to the N from the 3rd high point. She would have to come down this way to get over to the ridge on the R leading to Dome Peak. That ridge wasn’t terribly high, but it was steep with a long continuous band of snow on its upper slopes. Photo looks WSW.

Lupe retreated a little down to the N from the 3rd high point.  She had to go this way to get around to the W, and head over to the ridge leading to Dome Peak.  SPHP stopped and stared at the long ridge for several minutes while Loop sat waiting patiently.

That ridge isn’t that high Loop.  It’s totally ridiculous, but I don’t see a way up it.  Not with that steep band of snow all along the upper edge.

We need to go over there?

Yeah, if you’re going to make it to Dome Peak, we need to get up on top.  It’s a really long ridge.  There’s part of it we don’t see from here farther S.  Maybe there’s a way up somewhere along the way?

Well, let’s go check it out!  I’ll help you find a way up, SPHP.

Thanks, Lupe, but hold on!  I’d say yes, but these clouds look like trouble.  They’re building fast.  Naturally, Dome Peak seems to be ground zero.  I hope you’ve had a good time on this romp, but we better call it.

What!  No Dome Peak?

Uh-uh.  It’s been fun, but I’m afraid our Dome Peak salvage operation is doomed to failure, too.  Thunderstorms will be on the way soon.  Let’s get out of here, while the getting is good.

Loop didn’t argue.  She just sighed, turned, and started trotting N back down the long green slope back toward the 2nd high point.  SPHP followed after her.

A look back at the 3rd high point and approaching weather shortly after giving up on Dome Peak and starting the retreat back N. Photo looks SW.
A look WNW down into the Boulder Creek canyon on the way down the long green slope.
Even though Lupe’s retreat had already begun, and her Dome Peak salvage operation had ended in failure, the scenery was still stunning. Gannett Peak (R) is on the horizon, along with many other huge peaks. Photo looks E on the way down the long green slope.
Heading back toward the 2nd high point, the low, almost solid rock hill at Center. Lupe wouldn’t climb it again. Instead, she went around the W (L) side. Peak 11,125, which was the first high point Lupe reached is in view on the R. Lupe didn’t climb it again either. Photo looks N.
Looking back at the long green slope to the 3rd high point (L). The long ridge Lupe never reached leading to Dome Peak is on the R. Photo looks SSW.

The American Dingo didn’t climb the 2nd high point again.  It was easier to just skip it and go around the W side.

Lupe came to this narrow tarn going around the W side of the 2nd high point on her way back N. Photo looks NNW.

Loop didn’t return to the top of Peak 11,125, either.  She stayed NW of it.  By the time she reached the snowfields N of Peak 11,125, it was clear the decision to abandon the effort to reach Dome Peak had been a good one.  The sky had grown dark.  Thunder rumbled to the S, back in the direction of Dome Peak.

By the time Lupe reached the snowfields N of Peak 11,125 again, the sky had turned dark. Thunder rumbled to the S. Photo looks W.

On the way back down into the unnamed pass SW of Porcupine Pass Peak to retrieve the tiny house and sleeping bags, Lupe came across the odd side trail once more.  Again, SPHP thought nothing of it.  Down in the pass, the weather was so threatening SPHP quickly dug the green plastic rain poncho out of the pack and put it on, before grabbing everything else and hurrying on.

Following the main trail NNW over the pass, Lupe and SPHP started the descent into the Porcupine Creek drainage area.  The trail quickly steepened, then vanished!  Light rain fell while Loop and SPHP searched for where the trail had disappeared to.  Nothing!

Lupe almost started down a large snowfield that went into a big gash in the mountainside.  The gash had high, steep sides of bare, loose soil and rocks.  The snowfield sloped ever more steeply down until it went out of sight.  It was impossible to tell how far down the snow went or how steep it became.

SPHP took another quick look at the map.  The trail Lupe wanted went quite a distance W before turning NE down into the Porcupine Creek drainage.  Hmm.  SPHP led Lupe partway back up to the pass, but only far enough to get around the upper end of the big gash.  Once W of the gash, the search for the trail resumed.

Still no trail.  The terrain quickly steepened.  Lupe was descending fast.  To the W was a large snowfield beneath a long rim of cliffs that curved NW.  Rocks and boulders stuck up out of the snow in some places.  If there was a trail here, it was almost certainly hidden beneath the snow.

W of the big gash, Lupe soon came to the edge of this snowfield beneath the line of cliffs seen curving away to the NW. If there was a trail here, it was buried beneath the snow. Photo looks WNW.

Lupe turned N descending a steep slope of bare ground along the E edge of the snowfield.  After losing some elevation, she saw a wall of rock extending W out into the snowfield, creating a partial break in it.  As Lupe and SPHP descended into a 2 foot gap between the wall of rock and the snowfield below, it started to rain harder.  The rock wall had a bit of an overhang offering partial protection from the weather.

Looking WNW from the narrow gap between the wall of rock and the snowfield below it.
Lupe takes shelter from the rain beneath a small overhang.

Standing around waiting for the storm to end, SPHP had time for reflection.  The light finally went on.  That odd side trail Lupe had found twice, the one that went up the slope on the W side of the pass, wasn’t a side trail at all!  It was the main trail Lupe had been looking for leading over to the Jim Creek trail!  It stayed way up high, and didn’t come down here at all.  The trail going N over the pass was just a dead end.  A more careful look at the maps confirmed it.

Lupe had already lost too much elevation to consider climbing all the way back up to the pass.  The main trail went through some beautiful, easy high country that would have been fun to see, but going that way would add at least a couple of miles to the trek back to Green River Lakes.  Besides, the storm was still back in that direction.  The snowfield below the wall of rock wasn’t so steep that Lupe and SPHP couldn’t just descend it instead.

This snowfield below the wall of rock wasn’t so steep that Lupe and SPHP couldn’t simply walk right on down it. That became the new plan when SPHP finally realized there wasn’t actually any trail going down this way. Photo looks NW toward Peak 11,246 (Center).

Despite all the thunder, it didn’t rain very hard or long.  The American Dingo emerged from her hiding place ready to tackle the long snowfield.  Down, down, down she went.  Progress was fast on the snow, but lower down it finally ran out.  Lupe then had to wait while SPHP slowly picked a way through boulder fields, occasionally assisted by lanes of vegetation.

Heading down the long snowfield. Peak 11,246 is on the L. Porcupine Creek valley on the R. Photo looks NNW.
Lower down, there was far less snow. Lupe had to wait around while SPHP slowly picked a way down through boulder fields. Although thunder continued to rumble off to the S for another couple of hours, the sky cleared to the N, and it didn’t rain again. Photo looks NW.

It took a long time for SPHP to finally reach the valley floor.  Another long march ensued in the forest looking for the Porcupine Trail.  The Carolina Dog eventually found it.  From then on, Lupe stuck to the trail, with only two exceptions.  Just as she had inadvertently done 2 days ago on the way up, Loop twice bushwhacked through the forest to avoid 4 unnecessary fordings of raging Porcupine Creek.

Flowers like these were common in the forests and fields of the miles long Porcupine Creek valley.
Looking for the Porcupine Trail down in the Porcupine Creek valley. Photo looks N.

The sun had gone down behind the mountains.  Light was fading by the time Lupe reached the final ford of Porcupine Creek near Green River Lakes.  The roar of the water was tremendous.  If anything, Porcupine Creek looked more dangerous than it had been 2 days ago.

Weary from the long trek, SPHP dithered for 15 minutes.  The courage to attempt the ford carrying both Lupe and the backpack could not be summoned.  The deafening, powerful flow was too intimidating.  A slip might end tragically, with dear Lupe swept away almost instantly to be pinned against debris clogging the stream immediately below the ford.  SPHP would have little chance of saving her, if that happened.  The thought was too terrible to bear.

The creek had to be forded somewhere, though.  There was no way to bushwhack around it this time.  SPHP finally led Lupe downstream through a bog, looking for a safer place to cross.  After a 10 minute march, Porcupine Creek spread out evenly so the water wasn’t so deep.  The creek was wide, but had a fairly long straight stretch here with no obstacles nearby downstream.  The water was still moving fast.  It wasn’t whitewater, though, and was only knee deep.

This was probably as good as it was going to get.  SPHP stepped down into the stream.  Lupe sat on the bank, lifting up her little freckled front paw to plead for help.  SPHP picked her up and started across.

The bottom of Porcupine Creek was full of medium-sized rounded rocks.  The rocks were slimy and slippery.  SPHP had a hard time finding good footing.  It was a real struggle to maintain balance against the swift current.

Two thirds of the way across, SPHP began to lose it.  Fighting for control, Lupe got slung around wildly this way and that.  For close to 10 seconds, the outcome remained uncertain.  Then Lupe was flung unceremoniously aside as SPHP fell face first in Porcupine Creek.

SPHP was totally drenched from head to toe, but recovered quickly.  Thankfully, the backpack with the camera and all the rest of the gear had stayed above water.  That was all fine.  But where was Lupe?  SPHP immediately turned to look downstream.  She wasn’t there!

Over here!

There she was!  The totally soaked Dingo was already standing safely on the far shore.  After her unexpected plunge into Porcupine Creek, she’d made it in a flash the rest of the way across unharmed on her own.  SPHP sloshed over to her, and stepped dripping up onto the bank.

That was better than a Tilt-A-Whirl, SPHP, but you might have warned me about the grand finale!  What do you call that exciting little maneuver?

Sorry about that Loop.  Glad you’re OK.  I think that last bit of excitement is what’s known as our final ignominious defeat on this whole failure prone trek striving to get to Squaretop Mountain.

We aren’t coming to any more fords, are we?

No, I saved the best for last.  This was it, we’re done with fords.  Think I’m all forded out.  At least we’re across this damn creek in one piece.  Come on, we still have miles to go, and the skeeters are bad.

The flashlight had to come out on the Lakeside Trail.  Stars shone above, but it was plenty dark in the forest.  Once back at the G6 (10:24 PM), Lupe devoured a whole can of Alpo before turning in for the night.  It was nearly midnight by the time SPHP was in dry clothes, and could join her in Dingo dreamland.

Lupe at Lower Green River Lake the next morning, with beautiful, iconic Squaretop Mountain, which she still hadn’t made it to the top of, in the distance on the R. Wind River Range, Wyoming.

Related Links:

Striving for Squaretop Mountain, Wind River Range, WY – Part 1: Green River Lakes to Porcupine Pass (7-13-17 & 7-14-17)

Striving for Squaretop Mountain, Wind River Range, WY – Part 2: New Benchmark – Victory & Defeat! (7-15-17)

Green River Lakes, Squaretop Mountain & The Highline Trail to Beaver Park, Wind River Range, WY (8-30-15)

Squaretop Mountain, Wind River Range, Wyoming – Part 1: On the Highline Trail from Green River Lakes to Beaver Park (7-20-18)

Squaretop Mountain, Wind River Range, Wyoming – Part 2: Beaver Park to the Summit (7-21-18)

Want more Lupe adventures?  Choose from Lupe’s 2017 Wind River Range in Wyoming & Select Peaks in Montana Adventure Index, Dingo Vacations Adventure Index, or Master Adventure Index.  Or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures.

Striving for Squaretop Mountain, Wind River Range, WY – Part 2: New Benchmark – Victory & Defeat! (7-15-17)

Day 8 of Lupe’s 2017 Dingo Vacation to the Wind River Range, Wyoming & Select Peaks in Montana

Before the sun was up, Lupe wanted out of her “tiny house”.  SPHP unzipped the door and let her go.  The Carolina Dog must have slept well.  She hadn’t been so perky last evening after her long trek to Porcupine Pass from Lower Green River Lake.  SPHP dozed a bit longer.  When SPHP finally emerged, Loop was busy watching 3 deer and a marmot.

Sweet!  Having a great time watching wildlife, aye Looper?

Oh, yes!  It turns out this Porcupine Pass is a terrific spot.  Don’t make any sudden movements, and please be quiet so the deer don’t run away!

Sorry, but we’ve got to get going, Loop.  Today’s the big day.  Squaretop Mountain or bust!  Before we head for New Benchmark, want to take a stroll up Porcupine Pass Peak for a better look at what we’re facing?

Sure!  Let me know when you’re ready.  I’m going to keep watching these deer till then.

Porcupine Pass Peak (10,890 ft.) is a barren hill on the SW side of Porcupine Pass.  Lupe gained less than 200 feet of elevation on her way to the top.  The stroll was an easy one, free of obstacles except for a steep snowbank just below the rim of the summit area.  Fortunately, the snowbank wasn’t large.  SPHP found a way around most of it.  The snow presented no problem at all to the American Dingo, who powered her way right on up, chomping snow for moisture as she went.

The top of Porcupine Pass Peak proved to be a large, gently rounded area, carpeted with green alpine plants.  Not a tree or bush anywhere.  Medium-sized rocks laid thinly scattered across the field.  In every direction, Lupe gazed upon magnificent mountains and huge valleys.

Looking down Porcupine Creek valley from Porcupine Pass Peak. Lupe had come up this valley yesterday on her way to Porcupine Pass where she’d spent the night. Photo looks N.
Looking W.
Lupe at the true summit of mighty Porcupine Pass Peak. Photo looks SW.
Looking S.
Looking SE across the Dodge Creek valley S of Porcupine Pass. Peak 11,290 is on the R.
Looking down on Porcupine Pass from Porcupine Pass Peak. Lupe’s tiny house where she’d spent the night is in sight. Peak 11,565 is on the L. Photo looks NE.

Beauty was everywhere, but the view to the E from Porcupine Pass Peak was disconcerting.  Beyond Porcupine Pass, Lupe had her first good look at New Benchmark (11,850 ft.).  The mountain was bigger, higher, and considerably more rugged than SPHP expected.

New Benchmark was the first of two major obstacles Lupe would face on her intended route to Squaretop Mountain (11,695 ft.).  Once safely past it, she would reach more favorable terrain on the way to Peaks 11,820 and 11,590.  The second obstacle she would come to was a steep drop down to a narrow saddle leading to Peak 11,415.  If Loop could cross that saddle, the remaining 1.5 miles N to the summit of Squaretop should be relatively easy.

Easy?  Too funny!  Staring only at maps, SPHP had been optimistic Lupe wouldn’t face anything more serious than a long ridge walk to get to Squaretop Mountain from Porcupine Pass today.  Now that the Carolina Dog was actually here, staring at the reality of New Benchmark, it was clear nothing about this was going to be easy.

Come on, Loopster!  We’ve got a gargantuan day ahead of us.  We’d best get on with it!

New Benchmark from Porcupine Pass Peak. Photo looks E.

Down at Porcupine Pass, SPHP disassembled Lupe’s tiny house.  It was now perfectly clear she wasn’t likely to get all the way to Squaretop Mountain and back again in a single day.  Everything had to come with.

Lupe and SPHP left Porcupine Pass.  The Carolina Dog lost a bit of elevation heading ESE over to the base of a long, steep, scree and talus slope.  This slope was the first big climb on the way up New Benchmark.

Lupe sniffs around at the base of the first steep rocky climb on the way up New Benchmark. Photo looks E

Lupe started climbing NE up the rough slope.  Looper had no trouble maneuvering around, but SPHP was slow as always.  Steady progress was being made, but it took a long time.  While SPHP struggled up, Lupe enjoyed scanning the rocky terrain from increasingly lofty perches.  Now and then, she encouraged SPHP to keep climbing.

Nearing the end of the steepest part of the first climb. Photo looks N.
Looking W back at Porcupine Pass (on the R straight up from Lupe’s head), and Porcupine Pass Peak (the low ridge in the foreground on the other side of upper Dodge Creek valley).

After a long way up, the terrain finally became less steep.  The rocks were bigger here, which was sometimes a help and sometimes a hindrance.  Lupe appeared to be coming to some kind of a top.

After a long climb, Lupe reached an area of larger rocks where the terrain wasn’t as steep. She appeared to be nearing some kind of a top. Photo looks E.

Loop reached a top alright, but it wasn’t the top of New Benchmark.  She was only halfway there on a false summit.  The false summit was a large area of rough ground full of big rocks and boulders.  Overall it was fairly level.  It wasn’t hard to move around here, which was encouraging.  SPHP was finally able to pick up the pace.

Lupe on the false summit 0.5 mile W of New Benchmark after the first big climb. Photo looks W.

The highest parts of the false summit were toward the SSE, but Lupe went only partway there.  A broad, relatively shallow saddle came into view leading NE to New Benchmark.

Halfway there! To New Benchmark (Center), that is. Squaretop Mountain wasn’t even in sight yet. Photo looks ENE from the false summit at the end of the first climb.

Much to her delight, the American Dingo got to romp across a big, gently sloping snowfield on her way down to the saddle.  At the saddle, she saw two beautiful pale blue tarns surrounded by ice and snow in a cirque below her to the NW.

Lupe on the saddle between the false summit and New Benchmark. She was impressed with the beauty of the two pale blue tarns surrounded by snow and ice seen below. Photo looks NW.

Once across the saddle, Lupe angled E.  The second big climb was about to begin.  Loop would have to gain just as much elevation as on the first leg up, but the terrain wasn’t quite as steep here.  It wasn’t nearly as rocky, either, which helped SPHP tremendously.  Lupe followed lanes of vegetation staying above, and safely away from, huge SW-facing cliffs.

Looking E from the saddle area at the 2nd and final big climb on the way up New Benchmark. The summit is R of Center. Lupe followed lanes of vegetation staying well above and away from the cliffs seen on the R. Photo looks E.

Suddenly, things were going well!  SPHP was able to climb much faster here.  Heart, lung and leg power were the only limitations.  SPHP could plod steadily upward instead of scrambling slowly among rocks.  Lupe was going to make it to the top of New Benchmark!  The question now was, what would she find on the other side?  Could she continue on to Squaretop Mountain?

Lupe and SPHP approached the summit full of hope.  Before long, the Carolina Dog was there, perched atop New Benchmark’s highest rocks!  New Benchmark (11,850 ft.) was a glorious peak in its own right.  The views of the Wind River Range were fantastic!

Lupe at 11,850 feet on top of New Benchmark. The views of the Wind River Range were spectacular! Photo looks SW.
Victory at New Benchmark! Lupe stands atop the summit. Photo looks N.
On another rock slightly below the summit that made a great Dingo perch. Photo looks NW with help from the telephoto lens.

New Benchmark’s summit area was fairly large and flat.  The highest rocks were along the NW edge.  Lupe and SPHP searched around for a registry or a survey benchmark, but found neither.

Looking NW at New Benchmark’s true summit (Center). Less than half of the summit area is in view here. Lupe & SPHP searched, but didn’t find a registry or survey benchmark (new or old!) anywhere.

While the views were grand in all directions, some of the most spectacular peaks were off to the E and SE along the continental divide.  Lupe could see Gannett Peak (13,804 ft.), the highest mountain in Wyoming.

Lupe along the SE edge of the summit area. A huge chasm was between her and the upper S ridge of Peak 11,820 (L). However, she could see over both the chasm and the ridge for a good look at Gannett Peak (on far L), the highest mountain in Wyoming. Photo looks ESE.
Gannett Peak (L) with help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks ESE.
The view to the SE from New Benchmark.

Reaching the summit of New Benchmark was a peakbagging victory for Lupe.  Her ultimate objective, however, was still Squaretop Mountain (11,695 ft.).  She could see it from New Benchmark, about 3.5 miles to the NE as the crow flies.  In fact, she was looking down on it.

Lupe could see Squaretop Mountain, her ultimate objective, from New Benchmark. The top of Squaretop is the flat barren ridge seen beyond the closest chasm. Photo looks NE with lots of help from the telephoto lens.

The news wasn’t good, though.  To get to Squaretop Mountain, Lupe needed to be able to get from New Benchmark over to easier terrain near Peak 11,820 to the E.  Cliffs eliminated any possibility of going directly E or SE, but the topo map showed Lupe ought to be able to go down New Benchmark’s NNE slope and reach a saddle leading E.  This route shouldn’t be any steeper than the route Lupe had taken up New Benchmark.

Lupe started down New Benchmark’s NNE slope, only to discover a huge, long snowbank wrapped around the N and NE side of the mountain.  The snow curved steeply away out of sight.  How far down the snow went, and how steep it became was impossible to tell.  Unequipped, SPHP wasn’t willing to walk out on the snow far enough to tell.  A slip might easily become a rocket slide hundreds of feet onto deadly rocks below.

Looking for a way over to the Peak 11,820 area, Lupe went partway down New Benchmark’s N slope. However, a huge snowbank wrapped around the N and NE sides of the mountain sloped steeply out of sight. Photo looks N.

The sky had been partly cloudy all morning.  For the last several hours, it had been especially cloudy to the NE.  It hadn’t look threatening, though, and Lupe had spent a full hour up on New Benchmark’s superb summit.  Now, as Loop stood on rocks above the steep snowbank gazing E, dark clouds and rain were sweeping over the continental divide not too many miles beyond Squaretop Mountain.

As Lupe stood on rocks of New Benchmark’s N slope looking for a way to the easier terrain she could see to the E beyond the steep snowbank, dark clouds and rain swept over the continental divide. Gannett Peak (R) is on the horizon straight up from Lupe’s head. The flat top of Squaretop Mountain is along the L edge of this photo. Photo looks E.

Not looking too good, is it, SPHP?

No, not really, Loop.  So frustrating!  This route has been more challenging than I expected, but it should have worked.  If this snowbank wasn’t here, I still believe we would have been able to scramble down this slope easily enough and continue E.

Would we have made it to Squaretop then?

Not sure, but we certainly could have gotten a lot closer.  Once beyond New Benchmark, it looks like a cinch to get at least as far as Peak 11,590.  Beyond that, who knows?  Can’t tell from here.  Maybe there isn’t a safe route across the saddle to Peak 11,415?  That would have been the last real obstacle, though.

So now what?  Are we beaten?

Looks like it, Loopster.  We’re staring at defeat here as far as Squaretop Mountain is concerned.  Weather’s looking kind of iffy, anyway.  Even if we could continue on, it might not be the smartest thing to spend the rest of the day sauntering around on exposed mountaintops.

Well, don’t take it too hard, SPHP.  We made it to New Benchmark, didn’t we?  That was a peakbagging victory.  New Benchmark is a splendid mountain, wouldn’t you say?

Oh, yes, indeed!  New Benchmark is awesome!  It’s a grand consolation prize as your peakbagging goes.  Still, as far as our original intentions went, this day has been a small victory, and a major defeat.  Had my heart set on Squaretop Mountain for you.  Thought we would be there today.  Really did.

Oh, whaa, whaa!  Get over it, SPHP.  Look at where we are, high in the glorious Wind River Range!  Let’s have fun!  We going back to Porcupine Pass now?

Yeah, I suppose we better.  No sense arguing with reality in the mountains, especially mountains as big as the Winds.  Onward, sweet puppy!

Now you’re talking!  Maybe the deers and marmot will still be there?  I hope so!

By the time Loop made it around to the W side of New Benchmark to start the first big descent, a storm could be seen approaching.  The surprising thing was that it was coming from the W where the sky had been relatively clear, instead of from the E.  The storm was quite some distance away, so it appeared the Carolina Dog still had time to carry on for a while.

Halfway down to the saddle leading to the false summit, suddenly the whole sky turned gray.  Clouds were forming directly overhead.  Light rain fell.  More was certainly on the way.  Continuing down the mountain, SPHP started looking for a place where Lupe could take shelter.  Some tall rocks with a slight overhang was all that was on offer.  Lupe reached this refuge moments before the downpour began in earnest.

It rained hard for half an hour, with pea-sized hail thrown into the mix toward the end just for fun.  Lupe was fairly well protected by the little overhang.  The Carolina Dog emerged from the experience only a bit damp.  SPHP, however, was thoroughly drenched.  Only SPHP’s head and shoulders had been spared.

Ha, ha!  Look at you, SPHP!  For once, you’re the drowned rat.  Usually I’m the soggy doggie!

Heh, that was a bit more refreshing than it needed to be, alright.  Come on, Looper, let’s move it!  The storm isn’t over yet.  Let’s get down to the saddle during this break.

Good idea.  I remember some really big rocks down there.  We can find a better place to hide!

Stray raindrops continued falling all the way down to the saddle.  Lupe was right about the big rocks.  The saddle featured a collection of huge boulders all jumbled together.  Loop and SPHP found a much larger overhang, almost like a cave.  Not a moment too soon, either.  No sooner was the American Dingo safe inside than the next downpour began.

This time it didn’t rain quite as hard.  A cold wind blew instead.  Another shot of pea-sized hail fell.  The cave wasn’t very big.  It would have been considerably more comfortable, if the ceiling had been higher and dripped less.  SPHP sat scrunched over on a small rock, watching water trickle down the wet ceiling, while Loop stared out of the cave.  Hopefully it would all be over soon.  This wouldn’t be such a great way to spend the night.

After 20 minutes, the rain tapered off.  A small patch of blue sky appeared.  Lupe watched the patch grow for 10 minutes before it seemed safe to venture out.  Scattered raindrops carried on the breeze continued falling as Lupe and SPHP headed SW toward the false summit.  By the time Lupe was there, the rain was over.

Lupe back on some of the big rocks in the area of the false summit. The rain was over now. Photo looks W.

As Lupe began the final big descent, the sky began to clear.  The lucky American Dingo would enjoy sunshine the rest of the way back to Porcupine Pass.  As usual, it took SPHP a long time going down the steep, rocky slopes.  It didn’t matter, though.  The air was fresh and clean, the sky blue, the mountains gorgeous.

Victory and defeat!  This was living the life of Lupe.  She had it better than Riley ever did!

On the final descent to Porcupine Pass. Photo looks SW.
Relaxing in the evening next to the tiny house in Porcupine Pass after the journey to New Benchmark and back, 7-15-17.

Related Links:

Striving for Squaretop Mountain, Wind River Range, WY – Part 3: The Dome Peak Salvage Operation (7-16-17)

Striving for Squaretop Mountain, Wind River Range, WY – Part 1: Lower Green River Lake to Porcupine Pass (7-13-17 & 7-14-17)

Green River Lakes, Squaretop Mountain & the Highline Trail to Beaver Park, Wind River Range, WY (8-30-15)

Want more Lupe adventures?  Choose from Lupe’s 2017 Wind River Range in Wyoming & Select Peaks in Montana Adventure Index, Dingo Vacations Adventure Index or Master Adventure Index.  Or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures.