Carolina Dog – Page 91 – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 286 – Peak 4780 & Peak 4760 (12-2-21)

8:06 AM, 50ºF, Centennial Trail No. 89, Alkali Creek trailhead – Kind of a gray day, but pleasantly warm for December.

Centennial Trail No. 89 again, SPHP?

Hah! Yeah. You don’t mind do you, Loop?

Oh, no! I love the Centennial Trail, it’s just that we’ve been here several times recently. I was sort of expecting something different.

Well, you can blame poor planning on my part, Loopster. I should have checked out the Meade County Lists of John peaks before we came down here from the Elk Creek trailhead on Expedition No. 274. Didn’t even think about that. We could have tagged a couple of 300+ foot prominence peaks along the way.

So we’re going back to tag them today, SPHP?

Yup! Shouldn’t be too hard, we’ll be on Centennial Trail No. 89 most of the time. The peaks we’re going to are way back up in the hills, but not too far from the trail.

At the **Alkali Creek trailhead**. Photo looks NW.

Crossing the access road, Lupe set out following Centennial Trail No. 89 WNW through grasslands overlooking scrub oaks down in the Alkali Creek valley. She soon reached I-90, passed through a tunnel beneath it, under a railroad trestle, then up into a big field. From here, the trail headed SW gradually climbing toward the hills.

Setting out on Centennial Trail No. 89 along the **N side of the Alkali Creek valley**. Photo looks WNW.

The railroad trestle just past the tunnel. Photo looks SW.

Looking back toward I-90. Photo looks E.

Right after Centennial Trail No. 89 reached the forest at the base of the hills, Lupe left it venturing a short distance NW to a viewpoint where Alkali Creek passed through a narrow gap between small limestone cliffs. The creekbed was just a dry wash here.

By the limestone gap where Alkali Creek leaves the Black Hills. Photo looks NW.

Once back on Centennial Trail No. 89 again, the trail made a quick loop S before returning to the Alkali Creek valley. Heading SW, Lupe passed a scenic cliff, then entered a two-toned forest – the dark green of all the Ponderosa pines above, and dry orange of dead leaves still clinging to bushes below.

The trail soon left the Alkali Creek valley, turning SE up a side ravine. A layer of limestone cliffs capped the ridge to the NE. Lupe wandered up beneath the cliffs to sniff around and check them out.

A little above the trail, exploring along the base of the cliffs. Photo looks S.

Near the upper end of the ravine, just past the last of the cliffs, Loopster came to Poett’s Corner. By a rickety wooden gate, a poster was attached to a tree. A bell hung below the poster.

Although Lupe had been past Poett’s corner on several other Black Hills expeditions, she had never seen Poett. Poett was nowhere in sight now, either.

Kind of makes you wonder if Poett is still around, doesn’t it, SPHP?

Yes, it does, Looper. No telling what’s happened to Poett. Maybe Poett moved away, or has become bored with this trail and doesn’t come here any more?

Well, whatever happened, I hope Poett’s OK, SPHP! Hate to think that Poett might have gotten lost or stolen, or anything terrible like that.

Me, too, Loop, but seems likely we’ll never know the truth.

Centennial Trail No. 89 curved away from Poett’s Corner. It wound through the forest for a couple more miles, climbing steadily most of the time. At one point there was a view of Bear Butte (4,422 ft.) way out on the prairie to the NNE, but other than that, there was generally little to see except the forest itself.

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

Roughly 4 miles from the Alkali Creek trailhead, Centennial Trail No. 89 reached a ridge where Lupe came to a junction. While No. 89 continued over the ridge, another trail branched off to the R heading farther up it. A sign indicated that this was the way to the Sturgis City Dams.

Which way, SPHP?

Sturgis City Dams, Looper, but let’s have a look at Peak 4760 first.

From a small clearing near the trail junction, an unremarkable hill was visible a mile S. Heavily forested, it didn’t appear much different from countless others in the Black Hills region.

First glimpse of **Peak 4760**. Photo looks S.

Is that it, SPHP?

Yup. Guess we won’t be seeing much from up there by the looks of it. Way too many trees. Oh, well! Carry on, Loopster! Maybe Peak 4780 will be better?

Taking the trail that went past the Sturgis City Dams sign, Lupe headed up the ridge.

Near the trail junction, about to head for Peak 4780. Photo looks WNW.

The trail climbed at an easy pace along the broad ridge. Progress was rapid. Most of the ridge was forested, but sometimes there were views. Bear Butte came into sight again, followed by parts of Sturgis.

Heading W on the Sturgis City Dams trail.

**Bear Butte** (L of Center). Photo looks NNE.

Continuing W along the ridge. Photo looks W.

Parts of Sturgis came into view (beyond Lupe). Photo looks N.

How much farther to Peak 4780, SPHP? And why didn’t we go to Peak 4760 first, since we could already see it back at the junction?

Because we’re already on Peak 4780’s E ridge, Loop! The summit is close to the W end of the mountain, only 0.75 mile from the trail junction. Not much of a climb. We should get there pretty soon at this rate.

More than halfway along the ridge, the Sturgis City Dams trail angled over to the S edge, and began heading down. To the N, abandoned USFS Road No. 139.1E came up the N slope from the E, climbing more steeply than the trail had been as it continued W. The road provided another good look at Bear Butte as Lupe left the trail to follow it higher.

About to take abandoned USFS Road No. 139.1E higher. Photo looks W.

**Bear Butte** again. Photo looks NNE with help from the telephoto lens.

As No. 139.1E topped out, it faded away. Lupe had reached Peak 4780’s summit region, but the exact location of the true summit wasn’t entirely clear yet. A small hill just to the N appeared to be a likely candidate, so the American Dingo climbed it.

In the flat region where USFS Road No. 139.1E faded away.

Up on the first Peak 4780 summit candidate. Photo looks N.

Loopster kept exploring. The terrain rose slowly as she headed farther W. The Carolina Dog finally reached a region near the S edge where the terrain leveled out again. SPHP was pretty certain this had to be the true summit of Peak 4780.

At the **true summit of Peak 4780**. Photo looks NW.

Really nothing to see here except the forest. A fairly large area was very nearly the same elevation. A few tens of feet farther W, Lupe found a bit of a clearing where she had a view of rumpled green hills to to the SW from a little line of broken limestone. It was a sunny spot, and a good place to take a chocolate coconut bar break.

While SPHP dug one out of the pack, Lupe relaxed. Turned out the grass was full of hundreds of ladybugs! Swarming all over Looper’s fur, they must have tickled. She snapped up several ladybugs before turning her attention to the chocolate coconut bar when offered.

At the chocolate coconut bar break spot, which was very nearly as high as the nearby true summit. Photo looks E.

Loop awaiting her share of a chocolate coconut bar.

Lupe followed up the chocolate coconut bar with Taste of the Wild and water while SPHP munched an apple. Once that was gone, it was time to take a little more of a look around. A stump near the spot where Loop had taken her rest break offered a view of Veteran Peak (5,333 ft.).

**Veteran Peak** (L of Center). Photo looks SW.

Part of the slope below the break spot was open and grassy, so Looper ventured down there, too. She was rewarded with a more sweeping view than had been available from up on top, part of which included a really good look at Peak 4760 where she would be heading next.

In the open area below the break spot and true summit. Photo looks S.

**Peak 4760** (L of Center). Photo looks SE.

Unsurprisingly, the view from this new angle didn’t alter SPHP’s opinion that Lupe wouldn’t being seeing much other than trees from Peak 4760, either, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t going to make the journey. Never know what might be up there or along the way!

Returning to the top of the ridge, the American Dingo paid another brief visit to Peak 4780’s true summit before continuing on. Soon reaching the W end of the mountain, Lupe paused briefly to admire a better view of Veteran Peak before heading down.

On the way back up to the break spot. Photo looks N.

**Veteran Peak** (slightly L of Center) from the **W end of Peak 4780**. Photo looks SW.

Peak 4780’s upper W slope was surprisingly steep. Fortunately a band of cliffs was not continuous. Lupe found a way to get through it. The slope below the cliffs was still fairly steep, but posed no real problem on the way down to a saddle where the terrain leveled out.

Below a cliff at the **W end of Peak 4780**.

Heading down to the saddle. Photo looks W.

Once down at the saddle, Lupe turned SE. At first, she lost a little more elevation, but after running into a trail, she started regaining it again.

This was probably the same trail that went to the Sturgis City Dams, but Loop didn’t stay on it very far this time. Instead, she soon headed S through a field down to USFS Road No. 139.

Back on the trail to the Sturgis City Dams. **Peak 4760** (L of Center). Photo looks SE.

**S of Peak 4780** on USFS Road No. 139. Photo looks ENE.

After a short incline, Lupe followed No. 139 more than 0.75 mile E as it lost elevation, slowly at first, but much more quickly toward the end. In a secluded valley, the Carolina Dog came to a place she recognized.

Centennial Trail No. 89 crossed the road here. Lupe followed the trail S up a hill. It then leveled out and wound around to the W for a bit before turning SE the rest of the way to Bulldog Creek.

Heading E on USFS Road No. 139 as it starts losing elevation. Photo looks E.

At the junction with Centennial Trail No. 89. Photo looks S.

Centennial Trail No. 89 on the way to Bulldog Creek. Photo looks SE.

Bulldog Creek was very small, but at least had some water in it when Lupe was last here back on Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 274. Now the creekbed was bone dry. Abandoning Centennial Trail No. 89, Loopster followed the creekbed downstream.

Many branches hung over the creekbed. SPHP often had to duck. More problematic, some deadfall was across it, too. Following the creekbed E, Lupe soon came to a towering wall of rock that forced the stream S.

Approaching the wall of rock that forced Bulldog Creek S. Photo looks E.

Around this bend, Bulldog Creek was a total mess. Deadfall choked the creekbed, which actually had some standing water in it here. Loopster helped herself to a drink, while SPHP thrashed around trying to force a way through.

Loop standing in the pool of water where she managed to get a drink.

SPHP’s progress was dreadfully slow. Fortunately, Lupe didn’t need to follow Bulldog Creek much farther. It quickly turned E again. When it did, Lupe continued S, leaving the wretched stream behind.

Loop was now entering a valley in a very remote region. No sign that anyone ever comes this way! The plan was to follow the valley 0.33 mile S up to a saddle directly W of Peak 4760’s summit, then turn E making a direct assault. However, the floor of the valley was so thick with bushes, that SPHP found it easier staying toward the E.

The terrain forced Lupe higher and higher above the valley floor. SPHP finally realized that it would probably be easier to head SW straight up the mountain right here than try to traverse the increasingly steep slope leading to the saddle W of the summit.

The climb got steeper and steeper. SPHP was on the verge of clinging to trees, and paused repeatedly to gasp for breath. At one point there was a little open spot where Lupe could look back and see Peak 4780, but mostly it was just trees, trees, and more trees.

After gaining hundreds of feet of elevation, the rate of climb diminished slightly. The American Dingo persevered, finally reaching Peak 4760’s N ridge. She was already very high on the mountain. Beginning a search for the true summit, Lupe turned S.

Up on **Peak 4760’s N ridge**. Photo looks SW.

It wasn’t much farther. A sunny lane led right to it.

Approaching **Peak 4760’s summit**. Photo looks SSW.

In a flash, Lupe was there!

At **Peak 4760’s true summit**. Photo looks SSW.

2:11 PM, 65ºF, Peak 4760 true summit – The summit was a surprising place. Despite its prior densely forested appearance, a clearing ran along a short ridge. Although only a partial glimpse of Peak 4780 was available, Veteran Peak (5,333 ft.) was in sight again.

Surprisingly, in sunshine instead of shade. Photo looks NW.

The steep climb had made a genuine rest break a high priority. Before checking out the views, SPHP dug another chocolate coconut bar out of the pack, while Lupe laid down. Ladybugs were holding a convention in the unbelievably warm early December sunshine here, too, but there weren’t as many of them as there had been at Peak 4780.

Although Peak 4760 felt very remote, Lupe clearly wasn’t the only one to ever be here. However, the last visitors might have left a mighty long time ago. Five exceedingly rusty cans and a broken plastic spoon were grouped together right at the true summit.

After devouring her remaining Taste of the Wild, Looper slurped some water. SPHP polished off the last apple. Not much exploring to be done up here, but the time had come for it.

Heading S, the summit ridge soon began to slope lower, broadening out somewhat as it did so. There were scattered trees, but open ground, too. In fact, the best views from Peak 4760 were over this way.

Exploring S along the **summit ridge**. Photo looks NNE.

Toward the S, the ridge widened out and had some open space. Photo looks N.

Best view from the summit region. **Veteran Peak** (R of Center). Photo looks SW.

December afternoons are short. It was a long way back to Alkali Creek. Lupe lingered only 20 minutes up on Peak 4760 before SPHP grabbed the 5 rusty cans and broken spoon, and tossed them in the pack. Loop then started down the N ridge.

Lupe hadn’t lost much elevation yet, when she came to a place where a limestone platform jutted out toward the NW. From the end, there was a nice view of Peak 4780.

Then it was down, down, down Peak 4760’s N ridge! Lupe scrambled around a few rock formations, and dodged deadfall. When the N ridge eventually broadened out, becoming less distinct, Loop stayed toward the W, which put her on steep terrain.

After a long descent, Lupe reached Bulldog Creek 0.33 mile downstream of where she’d left it earlier. It was completely dry here. After crossing the creekbed, she had to scramble 40 feet up a steep bank to reach USFS Road No. 139 again.

0.5 mile on No. 139 brought Lupe back up to where Centennial Trail No. 89 crossed it. This time she took the trail N, eventually reaching the same junction where the trail to the Sturgis City Dams split off toward Peak 4780’s summit. Downhill essentially all the way back to the Alkali Creek trailhead from here.

Getting late, though! Light was fading as SPHP was finally able to pick up the pace. Considerable progress had been made down the mountain when suddenly there was movement in the deepening gloom ahead.

A dog! Not just any dog, either. Tail slowly wagging, Poett stood alone on the trail, waiting to greet Lupe!

They sniffed. Then Poett joined the procession, preferring to fall in at the end of the line. Still some distance down to Poett’s Corner. SPHP was glad when Poett began to fall behind. Evidently, Poett was going to be content to return home, instead of following Lupe past his gate and bell.

What a way to end the day, Loopster! You finally got to meet Poett, canine celebrity of the N Centennial Trail!

We were lucky, SPHP! I’m so glad to see that Poett’s well and still actively patrolling his part of Centennial Trail No. 89!

And who knows? If you head up into the Black Hills from the Alkali Creek trailhead, Poett may be there still. (End 5:31 PM, 51ºF)

**Poett** at dusk, Centennial Trail No. 89, Black Hills of South Dakota 12-2-21

Links:

Next Black Hills Expedition Prior Black Hills Expedition

Centennial Trail No. 89 Map & Brochure

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 274 – Centennial Trail No. 89: Elk Creek to Alkali Creek (4-10-21)

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

Doubletop Peak, Gros Ventre Range, WY – Part 2: Brewster Lake to the Summit! (7-4-21)

Days 13 & 14 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming!

7-4-21, Brewster Lake – A glorious morning! Lupe was up early, but so were Dale and Shannon. They were already disassembling their tents as Loop ran over to sniff with their dogs. SPHP paused to chat with Dale. Their plan was to head back down Dry Fork trail No. 98 to Lunch Lake where they would camp tonight after spending the day fishing.

Lupe headed the opposite direction, continuing W on the last section of trail N of Brewster Lake. Almost immediately, a couple accompanied by two huge German shepherds wearing goggles appeared. Neither the dogs, nor the humans, were friendly. They gave the American Dingo a wide berth as they passed by, apparently on their way out.

Loop would see no one else the rest of the day.

The **W shore of Brewster Lake**, where Lupe was heading. Photo looks SW.

At the NW end of Brewster Lake, the trail vanished as Lupe entered a maze of bushes in a low-lying area. A large waterfall could be heard, sometimes seen, off to the NW. Would be fun to check it out, but the Carolina Dog was already on a mission. Doubletop Peak (11,720 ft.), high point of the entire Gros Ventre Range, was her destination.

2 miles away, Doubletop’s NW summit was already peeking around the W end of Triangle Peak (11,525 ft.). A lot of incredibly scenic and unique territory was between here and there.

**Triangle Peak** (L) and **Doubletop Peak’s NW summit** (Center) beyond the **SW shore of Brewster Lake**. Photo looks S.

Sniffing her way through the lowland bushes, Lupe crossed 3 streams. None were problematic. The last stream had carved a deep channel, but it was so narrow that even SPHP could easily leap over it.

**Brewster Lake** from the lowlands. Photo looks SW.

The plan had been to head up a valley visible beyond the SW shore of Brewster Lake, then strike out for Doubletop Peak’s W ridge. However, as Lupe approached the W end of the lowlands, a wide ramp that sloped uniformly higher toward the SW was closer. Looked like a great way to start gaining elevation. Without bothering to consult the topo map, SPHP led Lupe toward it.

Crossing the lowlands. **Doubletop Peak** (L). The valley Lupe originally intended to go up starts in the region seen below it. Instead, SPHP led Loop toward the ramp on the R. Photo looks SSW.

Heading up the wide ramp. Photo looks SW.

After gaining 200 feet of elevation, Looper reached the top of the ramp. Ahead was a small, open depression. Turning S, the Carolina Dog trotted along the edge of the forest without descending into the depression. She soon came to the N rim of the valley she’d originally intended to go up.

Across the valley was a terrific view of a series of long ramps separated by minor, continuous cliff bands sloping up to the SW. In the distance, Doubletop Peak towered above them all.

At the **S end of the depression** looking over the **main valley SW of Brewster Lake**. **Doubletop Peak** (L of Center). Photo looks S.

At a glance, it was clear that Lupe was already well above the valley she should have gone up. Obviously, she was going to have to cross it pretty soon, but SPHP wasn’t eager to toss away elevation so recently gained. Rather than bite the bullet, and simply angle down into the main valley SW of Brewster Lake, there was another possibility.

Looking SW, a broad bench, partially green with vegetation, slanted higher on a course paralleling the NW side of the valley. Ignoring a line of cliffs above it, and although the bench could be seen narrowing near the upper end, SPHP speculated that maybe it would gradually meld into the valley somewhere up there without much elevation loss.

Figuring it would all work out, SPHP again led Lupe higher.

Staying R of Center, Lupe followed the greenery higher. Photo looks SW.

Worked great, at first. Easy to see that it would! Lupe climbed and climbed. Soon she had a tremendous view back toward Brewster Lake. The depression she’d gone by, and the valley SW of the lake were both in sight, too. SPHP was surprised to see that the lower valley was full of wetlands.

Looking back at **Brewster Lake** (Center). The **depression** (L) is along the edge of the forest. **Valley SW of Brewster Lake** (R). Photo looks NE.

As Loop kept going, confidence shriveled along with the greenery. The bench she was on was rapidly disappearing. Ahead was a world of rock.

And so much for the bench somehow melding nicely into the valley! The slope between what remained of the bench and the valley below was a rough jumble of huge talus that plunged steeply toward a wilderness of deep holes and fissures. Forget that!

At the end of the greenery with trouble ahead. Photo looks SW.

To the N, 60 to 80 feet higher, the line of small cliffs still rising toward the SW capped the increasingly steep slope Lupe was traversing. Despite rapidly dwindling prospects for this route, the Carolina Dog pressed on. SPHP hoped she could get far enough to see what was ahead beyond a bit of a corner.

Didn’t work. Just too steep! Not going to make it past that corner. Only 2 realistic choices now. Retreat, losing a ton of elevation, or find a way to get above the cliffs!

At about the end of what was possible. Photo looks SW.

The entire slope ahead was very steep now, yet scanning the cliffs above, it appeared there might be some sort of a cleft or break in the cliff line only a little farther on. The American Dingo scrambled toward it.

Getting close to the top! Photo looks W.

Dicey in a couple of spots, but Lupe made it! Above the cliffs, she found herself on a sloping surface of solid rock etched by the ages. With SPHP still hoping to come to some easy, or at least feasible, route down into the valley to the S, she again turned SW, venturing higher. Progress was rapid on this obstacle free terrain.

Above the cliffs on unusual, but much easier, terrain. Photo looks SW.

Somewhat surprisingly, this maneuver soon worked as well! Loop didn’t have to climb much farther before coming to a place where the cliff line disintegrated. Avoiding significant elevation loss wasn’t possible, but an easily manageable slope free of talus, deep fissures, or sudden drops led down into the valley to the S. Still a rocky descent, but there was even some vegetation again among it all.

On the brink of the slope leading down into the valley. **Doubletop Peak** (Center). Photo looks SSE.

Once down in the valley, Lupe crossed several snowmelt streams as she continued working her way S. It was easy going, and the scenery was absolutely gorgeous, but the American Dingo soon had to start regaining the elevation she’d lost.

Reaching the valley floor. If she’d climbed far enough, Loop could have come down this drainage, but she actually descended from the R. Photo looks NW.

Continuing a little farther down the valley while aiming for **Doubletop Peak** (L). Photo looks SSE.

**Triangle Peak** from the largest stream crossing. Photo looks E.

Starting up again after crossing the main valley. Photo looks S.

Lupe had reached a fascinating region! Crumbling layers of bedrock formed a maze of minor cliffs, long ramps, and benches. The Carolina Dog wandered through a wilderness of zones separated by walls and sudden drops. She crossed snowfields melting in the bright sunshine that fed streams gurgling unseen deep down in narrow cracks that were easily stepped or leapt over.

To the W, a high ridge of light-colored stone. To the E, the dark pyramid of Triangle Peak loomed over Brewster Lake shimmering far below.

Exploring the crumbling bedrock. Photo looks SW.

Crossing a snowfield. **Peak 11626** (L). **Darwin Peak (11,647 ft.)** (R) in the distance. Photo looks NNW.

Climbing steadily, but at a deliberately slower pace this time, Loopster worked her way S. As she started getting closer to Doubletop Peak, the rock formations began diminishing in size. The ridge to the W was no longer as high, and appeared to have transformed itself into the edge of a precipice not all that far away.

Continuing toward **Doubletop Peak**. Photo looks SSE.

Another look back at **Brewster Lake** (L) and **Triangle Peak** (R). Photo looks NE.

Getting close to the top of the ridge to the W (R) as the rock formations shrink in size. **Doubletop Peak** (L). Photo looks S.

A bit of vegetation began to appear. Loop had reached a high plain that wasn’t so rocky. Doubletop Peak was directly ahead now. Easy terrain leading toward it, but SPHP called a halt at a couple of large rocks.

Approaching **Doubletop Peak** (L). Photo looks S.

The plan all along had been to go up Doubletop Peak’s W ridge, which led to the lower NW summit, then proceed SE from there to the true summit. However, a couple of cliff bands could now be seen along the W ridge. They didn’t look all that big from way down here, but if either one proved continuous, it wouldn’t take much of a cliff to force a retreat.

As SPHP studied both the mountain and the topo map, it appeared that another, more certain approached existed. Lupe could head for the NE side of the mountain, then climb SW up an enormous ramp directly to the true summit. Part of the ramp was visible from here. Although just as steep as the W ridge, it appeared to be a smoother approach.

The W ridge was much closer. Lupe would have to lose a good 300 feet of elevation just to get to where she could start up the NE ramp. On the other paw, climbing partway up the W ridge only to be denied, and then having to circle all the way back down around to the NE losing even more elevation seemed a dreadful prospect.

Taking a middle course for the moment, the American Dingo resumed her trek toward Doubletop Peak. Meanwhile, SPHP dithered over which way to go as the mountain loomed closer and closer.

*Onward, Puppy, ho!* The question was whether to go up the **NE ramp** (L) or the **W ridge** (R). Photo looks SSE.

You can’t keep me in suspenders any longer, SPHP! You’ve got to decide! Which way?

W ridge, Loop! We’re so close now, we’ve got to give it a go!

Angling higher, the Carolina Dog reached the top of the ridge to the W a little N of where Doubletop Peak’s W ridge began. She was now along the edge of an enormous cliff with views to the W. Following the edge S, she soon ran into a huge confidence booster. A path headed directly for Doubletop’s W ridge. Looked seldom used, but it was there!

Along the edge of the enormous cliff. **Palmer Peak (11,404 ft.)** (R). Photo looks W.

On the path leading to **Doubletop Peak’s W ridge**. Photo looks SSE.

Even before Lupe reached the ridgeline, the views of Peak 11626 and Darwin Peak (11,647 ft.) back to the N were amazing! Once she got to the ridgeline, she gazed upon yet another incredible sight to the SSE. Both Hodges Peak (11,180 ft.) and Tosi Peak (11,380 ft.) were strung out along a stunning long chain of connected peaks.

**Peak 11626** (Center), **Darwin Peak** (R). Photo looks NW.

**Hodges Peak** (Center) directly in front of **Tosi Peak**. Photo looks SSE.

Upon reaching the lower end of Doubletop Peak’s W ridge, Lupe’s ascent began in earnest. One thing was immediately clear. She would have to go around the N side of any serious obstacles. The S side of the ridge was dangerously steep.

Impassable, SPHP! Might as well have been a cliff!

Yeah, that’s sort of what I was implying, Loop, but some people can do just about anything.

As Lupe turned E, the first cliff band wasn’t all that far away. From this close, it looked more like a jumble of enormous talus than a continual wall of rock, which was probably a good thing. Loop was soon at the base of it, looking for a way higher.

At the start of the first “cliff band”. Photo looks E.

Turned out to be easy! As expected, nothing to the S, but toward the N, Lupe discovered a lovely ramp.

A cinch! Lupe went right up the **ramp** (Center)! Photo looks ENE.

Past the first cliff band already! And it was the tallest one. However, newfound enthusiasm faded as Lupe approached the second cliff band. Although only a few tens of feet high, it looked problematic. No talus, only scree, but the ridge was narrower and steeper here. No chance of success either to the R or via a direct assault. Getting around the N side would be key.

Approaching the second (upper) cliff band. Photo looks E.

A wall of rock forced Lupe away from the ridgeline out onto the N slope. Fortunately, the wall wasn’t very tall, and shrank steadily as Loopster followed a small ledge below it E. The N slope was getting mighty steep by the time she could scramble higher. Rocks clattered down, but the American Dingo managed to regain the ridgeline.

Still more to go, but no significant obstacles in sight. Gonna make it!

Above the second cliff band, approaching the **NW summit**. Actually a bit of a use trail here. Photo looks E.

Closing in on the **NW summit** (L). **True summit** (R). Photo looks ESE.

11:32 AM, 70ºF, Doubletop Peak, NW summit – The NW summit was plenty roomy. Covered with small rocks, it was an almost level platform that sloped gradually away to the SE. Except for the W ridge, the edge seemed cliffy in other directions. Lupe stood at the high point near the NW end where she’d come up, looking down not only on Brewster Lake where she’d started out this morning, but even mighty Triangle Peak (11,535 ft.), as well.

**Brewster Lake** (Center), **Triangle Peak** (R). Photo looks N.

Stupendous sights were in virtually all other directions, too! A little hazy to see the really distant stuff, but copious mountain eye candy existed between here and every horizon.

Perfect conditions! Sunny, comfortably warm, no wind. A short break was taken to recover from the climb and enjoy the glories of the Gros Ventre Range. Soon, however, gnawing curiosity got the better of SPHP.

Off to the SE was the most important view of all. Lupe still hadn’t made it to the true summit of Doubletop Peak (11,720 ft.) yet. It was in sight, though, less than 0.2 mile away. What could be seen from the high point of the NW summit was encouraging. Lupe could climb that no sweat!

However, success wasn’t guaranteed. Beyond a lip, the slope that went from the NW summit down to the saddle over to the true summit wasn’t in sight. A hidden sudden drop might effectively strand Lupe right here.

Don’t sit here fretting any longer, SPHP! I’m dying to know the truth, too! Let’s go check it out!

The possibility that the Carolina Dog was stranded on the NW summit wasn’t resolved one way or another until Lupe reached the lip.

Illusion, nothing more! The slope heading down to the saddle was cake – absolutely nothing to worry about. The trek was a joyful one! Lupe was soon ascending the ridge leading to the true summit.

Near the lip, with **Doubletop Peak’s true summit** dead ahead! Photo looks SE.

11:56 AM, 70ºF, true summit of Doubletop Peak – Two small flat chunks of crystal served as a summit cairn. Although close to it, they weren’t even at the absolute high point, which was along the S edge. No registry or survey benchmark in sight. With a smile on her face, Lupe squinted in the bright sunshine surrounded by a field of broken off-white rocks.

At the **true summit of Doubletop Peak**! Photo looks NW.

The two crystals, only a few inches across, serving as a summit cairn.

Congratulations, Loopster! This is it! The true summit of Doubletop Peak! May I shake your paw?

Absolutely, SPHP! And good call on coming up the W ridge!

Every now and then, I guess right! Sure glad we didn’t head for the NE ramp. Wouldn’t get here for another hour.

Fourth of July! The thrill of celebrating the holiday alone with Lupe on such a magnificent peak was indescribable. A quick tour of the sights was in order before settling down to relax. Hodges Peak (11,180 ft.) and more distant Tosi Peak (11,380 ft.) strung out along the miles long ridge fading away to the SSE was one of the most striking and unusual scenes.

**Hodges Peak** (mid range on the R) with pointy **Tosi Peak** (R of Center) beyond it. Photo looks SSE.

Peak 11626 and Darwin Peak (11,647 ft.) were on display toward the N. Triangle Peak (11,525 ft.) was considerably closer, but only a tiny sliver of Brewster Lake could still be seen beyond it from here. Looking NE down the Clear Creek valley, two smaller lakes were in sight.

**Peak 11626** (far L), **Darwin Peak** (L of Center) and **Triangle Peak** (R). Photo looks NNW.

Looking NE down the **Clear Creek valley**. The lower lake is **Lake 9022**.

The Wind River Range dominated the E horizon. Despite some haziness, it was possible to pick out Gannett Peak (13,804 ft.), Wyoming’s highest mountain.

**Wind River Range** on the horizon. **Gannett Peak** is toward the R. Photo looks ESE.

**Gannett Peak** (L). Photo looks SE with lots of help from the telephoto lens.

Two mountains stood out among the others toward the W or NW. One, almost directly W, consisted of curved striated light grey rock. Probably the SE summit of Flying Buttress (11,095 ft.). The other, more toward the NW and farther away, had a pointy summit and was clearly higher than anything else near it. Antoinette Peak (11,407 ft.)? Seemed likely, but SPHP wasn’t sure.

Possibly **SE summit of Flying Buttress** (L), and **Antoinette Peak** (R of Center), **Doubletop Peak’s NW summit** (far R). Photo looks WNW.

Same view with help from the telephoto lens. **SE end of Flying Buttress** (far L) and **Antoinette Peak** (R)? Photo looks WNW.

The scenic tour wouldn’t be complete without mentioning a dimly seen crag. Far, far to the NW lurked Wyoming’s most famous mountain – Grand Teton (13,770 ft.)!

Zoomed in on **Grand Teton** (Center). Photo looks NW.

Doubletop Peak’s true summit was nothing but rocks. No comfortable spot for Lupe to lay down. For a long time, she curled up on SPHP’s lap, facing toward Triangle Peak. A couple of chocolate coconut bars were shared to celebrate the Carolina Dog’s successful ascent. They vanished almost instantaneously.

12:51 PM, Doubletop Peak – Lupe’s precious summit hour took longer, but slipped away, too. With only a few minutes left, the American Dingo stood alone at the true summit. Soon time to go.

**Doubletop Peak true summit**. Photo looks WNW.

SPHP briefly wandered about taking it all in again. Over in a flash. Hate to, but:

Onward! Puppy, ho!

Leaving **Doubletop Peak**. Photo looks SE.

Loopster left Doubletop Peak’s true summit bound for the NW summit. She’d have to go over it again in order to head back down the W ridge.

Starting back to the **NW summit** (Center). Photo looks NW.

About to cross the saddle leading to the **NW summit** (Center). Photo looks NW.

Peering down the **W ridge**. Photo looks W.

A bit of caution required near the two cliff bands, but it all went well. Soon Lupe was down off the W ridge. The Carolina Dog headed NNE to roam once again the beautiful intricate maze of rocky ramps and sudden drops, crossing numerous snowfields and little streams in the process.

Down off the W ridge. **Triangle Peak** (R). Photo looks NE.

A glance back at **Doubletop Peak’s W ridge**. Photo looks SSE.

Rest break on the way back to **Brewster Lake** (L). **Triangle Peak** (R). Photo looks NE.

Trying to learn from the morning’s route mistake, once Lupe reached the big valley SW of Brewster Lake, SPHP had her go down it. However, the lowlands near the bottom proved too wet, forcing a climb onto the ridge between it and the wide ramp Loopster had ascended in the morning. Continuing lower, she then cliffed out, forcing a weary climb almost all the way back to the depression in order to get past a line of small cliffs preventing her from reaching the ramp again.

7-4-21, late afternoon, Brewster Lake – Not a soul in sight when Lupe reached her tiny house 200 feet from the NE shore of Brewster Lake. Tired, the Carolina Dog was anxious for a snooze. SPHP joined her.

Later, as shadow crept up Triangle Peak, Loop journeyed down to the lakeshore near Dry Fork Creek’s outlet, then stood watching the rippled surface. 3 times, a big trout swam by all alone. Sort of sad, but what a beautiful place! And what an adventure Doubletop Peak had been!

It wasn’t until the last rays of sunlight vanished from Triangle Peak’s very summit that Lupe returned to the tiny house for the night.

7-5-21, early – Looper left Brewster Lake under gray skies. Light rain seemed to energize her on the way down Dry Fork trail No. 98. By the time she reached Lunch Lake, the rain had ended and the clouds were breaking up. No sign of Dale and Shannon or their dogs. They must have already broken camp and left.

Past Lunch Lake, Lupe saw another grouse. Maybe the same one? SPHP saw something that had been missed on the way in, a sign for Ouzel Falls on the Gros Ventre River. This must be the real junction with Trail No. 96, not the fork farther on that Lupe had noticed 2 days ago.

Half an hour from Clear Creek, two young men coming up the ridge were surprised to see an American Dingo. Traffic was terrible today! They’d already seen one other party heading down. Might have been Dale and Shannon. SPHP assured them that no one else was still up at Brewster Lake where they were headed to do some fishing.

A young woman had just crossed Clear Creek as Lupe reached it. Her black lab was still running around on the far bank. His name was Floyd, like “Pink Floyd”, she said. SPHP muttered something about looking more like “Black Floyd”, and Lupe went on.

7-5-21, 11:05 AM, New Kinky Creek trailhead – Her 3 day Doubletop Peak adventure wasn’t officially over until Lupe reached the RAV4. During the drive out, she had a blast barking at gophers that kept dashing back and forth across the road, which was pretty rough in some sections prior to reaching the Green River.

The afternoon, and most of the evening were spent in Pinedale, but as the sun sank in the W, it was in Lupe’s bright eyes as SPHP drove out of town. Tomorrow would be a rest day, but the Carolina Dog had faith that the next big adventure was likely somewhere just around the bend.

**Doubletop Peak**, Gros Ventre Range, Wyoming 7-4-21

Links:

Next Adventure Prior Adventure

Doubletop Peak, Gros Ventre Range, Wyoming – Part 1: On the Dry Fork Trail to Brewster Lake (7-3-21)

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