1:20 PM, 68ºF, USFS Road No. 530 near the Slate Creek Dam – No wind and a bright, blue sky greeted Lupe, Cousin Dixie, Uncle Joe, and SPHP. Such a beautiful, early fall day! Last day in the Black Hills, too, for Joe and Dixie before they’d be heading home to Colorado tomorrow, so the plan was to make the best of it. SPHP had proposed a super easy stroll down the Slate Creek valley however far they wanted to go.
Parked near the Slate Creek Dam along USFS Road No. 530. Photo looks ENE.
Naturally, first and second orders of business were to have a look at the shallow, weedy pond backed up by the dam, and admire the impressive wall of rock just across the road from its N end. Peering into the green water, Uncle Joe was immediately impressed by the size of 2 enormous rainbow trout lurking in the region above the spillway.
The weedy pond backed up by the Slate Creek dam. Photo looks S.The big wall of rock N of the pond. Photo looks NNE.A well-protected hornet’s nest, which also had a rock roof over it, too!
Before setting off along Slate Creek, Lupe and Dixie visited the waterfall below both the dam and the bridge where the creek left the pond. After a refreshing drink, the downstream trek began.
Slate Creek just below the dam. Photo looks SE.
Spur USFS Road No. 530.1C also went downstream, paralleling the creek. Numerous ATV’s roaring up and down it were raising dust and making a lot of noise. Happily, after following Slate Creek for only 0.25 mile, the road crossed it at a ford, then quickly dead-ended.
Cousin Dixie, who wasn’t quite 6 months old yet, encountered her first plank bridge at this ford. Uncle Joe demonstrated its use, and being a clever Aussie Shepherd, Dixie caught on right away. Lupe was the only one who forded the stream, cooling her paws off in the clear water.
ATV’s along USFS Road No. 530.1C. Photo looks NNW.Loopster fording Slate Creek. Joe and Dixie already across. Photo looks E.
Several big boulders and a fence with a narrow gate prevented anyone with wheels from getting too rambunctious and continuing past the No. 530.1C turnaround spot where the road ended. According to a nearby sign, that hadn’t always been the case. At one time, the road had kept going, crossing Slate Creek 25 times in the next 3.5 miles.
Lupe on the “Boulder of Guaranteed Tranquility” beyond which wheeled vehicles couldn’t go. Photo looks NE.Sign at the start of the single track trail.
Cousin Dixie liked the looks of the quiet valley ahead. Soon she was way out in front of everyone else. However, she did pause to make sure the rest of the gang was coming.
Dixie surveying the scene ahead from another Boulder of Tranquility. Photo looks E.Dixie leading the way. Photo looks SE.
An old guy with 2 dogs was coming this way. Joe leashed Dixie up, but the American Dingo wasn’t about to have her freedom wrecked, instead looming over the other dogs as they passed the boulder she was on.
Dixie temporarily corralled. Lupe: “Live free or … well, just live free!” Photo looks SE.
As the single track trail wound down the almost pancake flat Slate Creek valley, signs began appearing proclaiming the existence of at least one new mining claim in the area. As a geologist, Joe was interested in some of the recent exploratory digs. SPHP took a somewhat dimmer view of people staking new claims and digging up the Black Hills National Forest as if it was still the late 1870’s, but they were within their rights. At least none of the digs were very big.
By a recent, exploratory dig. Wonder what they found, if anything?
Continuing down the valley, yellow aspens added flashes of color among the darker pines. There were plenty more plank bridges to be crossed. Cousin Dixie was rapidly getting to be an expert at it!
At another bridge over Slate Creek.Cousin Dixie showing off her newly acquired bridge crossing technique.Along a shady stretch.A bright yellow aspen.Dixie and Joe leading the way.
A mile or more beyond the Boulder of Guaranteed Tranquility, the Slate Creek trail reached an intersection with Deerfield Trail No. 40 in a big meadow. Continuing downstream, now on the Deerfield Trail, Joe soon decided another 0.5 mile was about far enough. An old, fallen tree trunk provided spots for Joe and SPHP to sit, while Lupe and Dixie relaxed or sniffed about in the tall grass.
Joe and Lupe at the break spot/turnaround point.
Beyond being quiet, pleasant, and partially shaded, there was nothing at all remarkable about this particular spot, but it was a nice place to take a break before heading back. Joe had brought a variety of energy/snack bars to choose from, and SPHP shared a couple of apples. While Dixie eagerly sampled Lupe’s Taste of the Wild, the Carolina Dog preferred a chocolate coconut bar.
Nearly the entire way here, Dixie had kept on with her rather annoying youthful habit of trying to herd Lupe, which the American Dingo had done her best to ignore, despite her frequent warning growls providing absolutely no relief.
On the way back, though, a gleam in Dixie’s eye hinted at a new game dawning in the Aussie Shepherd’s mind. With Joe calling her from the opposite bank, Dixie suddenly realized that it might be fun to forget both herding and the bridge business, and dash right on through Slate Creek.
Dixie suddenly realizing that she doesn’t have to do either herding or the bridge thing.Charging into Slate Creek!
This new sport of making a huge splash in Slate Creek, then spraying Joe with water as she shook herself off was so much fun, that Dixie repeated it several times. However, that didn’t mean Dixie had completely given up on bridges.
Lupe sets up a blockade. Not letting you by until you promise to quit harassing me, Dixie!
Lupe’s bridge blockage was completely unsuccessful as far as getting Dixie to quit herding her, but everyone else managed to enjoy the rest of the return unmolested. Even Lupe got a few breaks now and then when Dixie’s attention wandered.
Heading back up the Slate Creek valley. Photo looks SSW.Along Slate Creek. Photo looks SW.A pleasant afternoon. Photo looks SW.
3:32 PM – Despite a leisurely pace, the return hardly seemed to take any time at all on this beautiful Black Hills afternoon. Before long, everyone was back at the pond above the Slate Creek dam, peering into the green water. At least for the moment, the ATV’ers were gone and tranquility reigned here, too.
Back at the pond above the Slate Creek dam. Photo looks S.Another angle. Photo looks NE.
Lupe and SPHP had a lot of fun with Uncle Joe, Aunt Andrea, and Cousin Dixie the last few days. Sadly, bright and early tomorrow morning they would all be on their way back to Colorado. However, unsuspected at the time, Cousin Dixie would be back for more Black Hills adventures with Lupe much sooner than anyone expected.
Lupe and Dixie by the pond above the Slate Creek Dam, Black Hills of South Dakota, 10-8-23
7:59 AM, 28ºF, Cascade Falls, S of Hot Springs – Shadows were long, but the day already bright as the sun came peeping over the mountains. The steps leading down to Cascade Creek from the picnic ground were icy, forcing SPHP to use the railing for support. Reaching Cascade Falls, mist was rising into the chilly morning air from both the swimming hole, and the lukewarm stream tumbling into it.
Arriving early at Cascade Falls. Photo looks SW.Cascade Falls. Photo looks NW.
Beautiful! Love Cascade Falls, SPHP, but it’s still January! Kind of early in the season to go swimming, isn’t it?
Ha! No doubt, Loopster! Not too early to do a little wading, though.
As SPHP sat down and began removing boots and socks, the Carolina Dog appeared more concerned than convinced.
Cascade Creek immediately above the falls. Photo looks NNW.
Even though the water wasn’t all that cold or deep, Lupe was reluctant to follow SPHP into the stream. The creek bottom was smooth and firm, but uneven with sudden drops of a foot or more, enough to freak the American Dingo out a bit, causing her to freeze up midstream.
Reluctantly midstream. Photo looks NNE.
Just follow me, Loop. It’s not deep at all, if you take the exact same route.
After fording Cascade Creek, SPHP sat down and began putting socks and boots back on again.
Aren’t we staying here at the creek like we’ve always done before, SPHP?
Nope. Cascade Falls may be a great place to hang out during the summer, Looper, but we’re actually here to visit Line Camp Peak(4,530 ft.) today.
Line Camp Peak? Never heard of it, SPHP.
That’s the name I just gave it, Loop, because the topo map shows a Line Camp 0.33 mile SW of the summit. On Lists of John, it’s merely Peak4535.
Oh, I get it! We’re back to tagging Lists of John peaks with a minimum of 300 feet of prominence. What is a line camp, anyway, SPHP?
Really don’t know, Loopster. If I had to guess, I’d think a temporary work camp near the construction of some sort of road or utility. Way out here, maybe a pipeline or powerline. With any luck, maybe we’ll find out today.
Scrambling up the steep, heavily forested bank on the W side of Cascade Creek through pines, junipers, and bushes, the terrain leveled out after a 40 foot climb. Another steep-sided ravine full of pines and junipers was now to the L with grasslands visible above both sides.
On the NE side of Falls Canyon. Photo looks NW.
This big ravine is Falls Canyon, Loop, but we’re on the wrong side. We’re going to have to find a place to get across.
Although Falls Canyon was only 40 feet deep, Lupe was above a cliff with standing water below it. Heading NW, there was already a nice view of Devils Slide Mountain(3,960 ft.) back to the NE.
Beginning the search for a way across Falls Canyon. Photo looks WNW.Devils Slide Mountain (L). Photo looks NE.
After only 0.15 mile, the canyon divided. Falls Canyon turned N, while Mike Canyon continued NW. Lupe easily descended into Falls Canyon and climbed back out again here, but now had to cross Mike Canyon, as well. Another 0.1 mile NW got her to a good spot to enter Mike Canyon.
Exploring Mike Canyon. Photo looks E.
The terrain in the canyon was rolling and grassy, with a few inches of snow lingering along the more shaded SW side. Although the SW slope wasn’t a cliff, it was still mighty steep. Fortunately, Lupe didn’t have to sniff her way much farther up the canyon to find a spot where it was possible to scramble up and out, entering a region of typical western South Dakota prairie.
Up on the prairie. Photo looks SW.
S of Mike Canyon now, the prairie rose in a long, gradual climb as Lupe headed W. Didn’t take her long to notice that grass wasn’t the only thing growing out here. The Carolina Dog’s nemesis was here, too.
Yeouch! SPHP, there’s cactus!
Lots of it, too. Progress slowed as Lupe insisted upon playing the cactus game. Remaining in one spot while SPHP scouted ahead, Lupe refused to budge until SPHP gave the signal that the route was cacti-free.
Playing the cactus game. Devils Slide Mountain (L). Photo looks E.
In some places, the cactus was so thick that carrying Lupe was the only way to keep going.
I sure hope it isn’t very far to Line Camp Peak, SPHP!
It’s a bit of a stroll, Loopster. Nearly 7 miles from Cascade Falls.
7 miles! We’ll never make it, SPHP! You can’t carry me that far, and I’m not walking barepaw through cactus infested fields for any 7 miles. You try it! It’s not fun.
Ahh, but there’s a road that goes nearly the entire way, Loop. We’ll soon come to it.
A road? Why didn’t you say so? That’s different, SPHP.
Continuing W, the terrain finally leveled out. From the top of a small rise, the Cheyenne River valley was now in sight off to the SW.
Cheyenne River valley (Center). Photo looks SW.
Alright! Almost there, Looper. USFS Road No. 647 should be just down this little slope about where the trees start. In fact, I think I see it.
Reaching the road put an end to the American Dingo’s cactus concerns. Turning NW again, her road hike commenced.
On USFS Road No. 647. Photo looks NW.
No. 647 was a scenic, easy march. Trending NW for miles through both prairie and open pine forests, the road steadily gained elevation. Soon Lupe was high enough to see Nebraska way off to the S.
Among the pines of the open forest. Photo looks NNE.Nebraska on the distant horizon. Photo looks SSE.
The Black Hills had been very warm for January recently, and today was no exception. The morning was warming up fast as the sun climbed into the cloudless sky. Very little snow remained, but Lupe was happy to find enough melting in the shade here and there to eat for a bit of moisture whenever she got thirsty.
Nothing happened on this pleasant journey until, approaching HP4040 after 2 miles on No. 647, the American Dingo spotted movement ahead. A lone horse with a thick black mane was running around up here. The horse trotted through the fields for a few minutes before disappearing into the forest, evidently on its way to some unknown destination.
Approaching HP4040 (R). Photo looks NW.“Black Mane“, the handsome horse of HP4040.
The road didn’t go all the way to the top of HP4040, instead flattening out as it turned W for a short stretch before losing 50 feet of elevation winding NW down into the uppermost reaches of Cedar Canyon.
About to descend into the upper reaches of Cedar Canyon (L). Photo looks WNW.
The uphill trek soon resumed as a somewhat steeper climb. Once out of Cedar Canyon, tablelands were in sight beyond Wildcat Canyon. Views of Wildcat Canyon improved as Lupe continued on.
Tablelands (Center) beyond the Wildcat Canyon region. Photo look W.Wildcat Canyon (R). Nebraska on the horizon again. Photo looks S.
A level stretch led to yet another gradual climb, which topped out near HP4154. However, there were enough trees up here to block any distant views, at least from along the road.
Approaching HP4154 (Center). Photo looks NW.
Beyond HP4154, more open territory provided a good look at the upper reaches of one of the branches of Wildcat Canyon. However, the views were even better just a little farther on, when the road swung over to the NE side of the long ridge it was following. Looking across Buck Canyon, quite a few peaks Lupe had once been to long, long ago were in sight.
Upper end of Wildcat Canyon (beyond Lupe). Photo looks WNW.
Yup. And if you look down Buck Canyon, Loopster, you can see not only Devils Slide Mountain(3,960 ft.) a mile or so from where we started, but Flagpole Mountain(4,320 ft.) as well.
Roundtop Hill (L) and Seven Sisters Range (R) beyond Buck Canyon. Photo looks NE.Devils Slide Mountain (L of Center) and Flagpole Mountain (R) in the distance. Buck Canyon (foreground). Photo looks SE.
Looks like we’ve come a long way already, SPHP.
Yeah, we’ve definitely made some progress, Loop. Still 1.5+ miles to Line Camp Peak, though.
For the next 0.67 mile, USFS Road No. 647 ran along the shady SW side of Buck Canyon, all mushy and wet with melting snow. After going up this incline, the rate of climb greatly diminished as the road turned W again for a little way before resuming its NW course. In this flat region, a large power line soon appeared ahead.
Heading up the muddy stretch along the SW side of Buck Canyon. Photo looks NNW.At the power line. Photo looks SW.
Hey! This power line might be why the line camp is on Line Camp Peak, SPHP.
Don’t know, Loop. According to the map, the line camp is still 0.67 mile NW. Seems sort of far. Plenty of excellent space right here for a camp, if it was meant to support the construction of this power line.
Continuing NW past the power line, it wasn’t much farther to a fork in the road. Taking the R fork, Lupe headed N through a huge, very gently sloping field. Line Camp Peak’s summit was now only another 0.25 mile, hidden somewhere among the pines directly ahead.
On the grassy summit plateau of Line Camp Peak. Photo looks N.
However, something else caught Lupe’s attention. Over toward the W end of the field, a whole herd of horses was hanging out near the area where the line camp was supposed to be.
Horses near the Line Camp region. Photo looks W with help from the telephoto lens.
Oh, I love horses, SPHP! Do you suppose they’re friendly? Maybe we should go see them? We can check out the line camp, too!
Whether friendly or not, let’s leave ’em be, Loop. The line camp mystery is of secondary importance. Let’s do what we came to do, first.
12:32 PM, 60ºF, Line Camp Peak(4,530 ft.) – Located near the NE end of the enormous summit plateau, Line Camp Peak’s true summit proved to be along a rocky, pine-covered, E/W running ridge that rose 10-15 feet above the immediately surrounding area. Only tree-broken views were available from the top, but a little SE of the summit, Lupe enjoyed a great view to the E across multiple canyons.
Seven Sisters Range (L) and Devils Slide Mountain (R) from Line Camp Peak. Photo looks E.On one of the highest boulders of the summit ridge. Photo looks NNW.Tree-broken views from the summit ridge. Photo looks SE.At the true summit. Photo looks N.
A long march, but an easy one! Congratulations, Loopster, you’ve made it to Line Camp Peak! May I shake your paw?
Not all of it was as easy as you make it sound, SPHP! But, yes, go ahead, you may shake my cactus-stabbed paw. Gently, please!
For the last day of January, this was an extraordinary day. Although wind now sighed in the treetops, the breeze was only light and variable at ground level, and at a sunny 60ºF, the air was pleasantly warm. For a while, Lupe and SPHP relaxed on patches of grass near the true summit after sharing water and a chocolate coconut bar.
There’d already been a few brief water and Taste of the Wild breaks on the way here, and the American Dingo scarfed up some more as SPHP munched on an apple. Facing S toward the main part of the plateau, a glimpse of Nebraska was visible between the trees.
The break spot next to the true summit. Photo looks ESE.Nebraska (L of Center) on the horizon. Photo looks S.
Time ticked away as it always does.
Very nice here, isn’t it, Looper?
Absolutely, SPHP. I loved all the canyon views and seeing some of the peaks we haven’t been to in a long time on the way here, too.
Me, too, Loop. Getting to be 1:00 PM, though, and the days aren’t very long this time of year.
We’ve only been here half an hour, SPHP. You aren’t saying we have to leave already, are you? Can’t we at least stay for the rest of my traditional summit hour? Or maybe you’re wanting to spend the second half of it checking out the line camp? I’d do that.
Actually have something else in mind. Horse Trap Mountain(4,682 ft.) is only a little over a mile N of here. Been a long time ago, but remember how scenic it was up there, Loopster? Would be fun to return for a little while, if the skinny ridge leading to it is negotiable.
A chance to visit Horse Trap Mountain again, SPHP? Let’s do it!
Alright. We better get with it, though, Loop. Taking on Horse Trap means we’ll be getting back long after dark, even if we leave right now. However, before we go, stand on the true summit of Line Camp Peak here again for a minute. There’s kind of an interesting view showing that there’s a hollow spot beneath it.
Back on the true summit of Line Camp Peak. Photo looks NW.
1:01 PM – Setting out for Horse Trap Mountain, Lupe wandered W along Line Camp Peak’s little summit ridge, turning NW once it melted away in the forest. To SPHP’s surprise, the Carolina Dog quickly discovered an old road that went N, exactly the direction she needed to go.
A short descent led to a grassy bench, where a cluster of rocks along the NW edge promised a grand view of Hell Canyon. Going over to them, the view didn’t disappoint at all.
On the grassy bench at the far N end of Line Camp Peak. Photo looks NW.Hell Canyon from the N end of Line Camp Peak. Photo looks WSW.
Wow! This is gorgeous, Loop! Love this kind of territory. Doesn’t look like “Hell” Canyon at all to me.
Heh. Beautiful enough, SPHP. Probably full of cactus, though!
From the far N end of this bench, Lupe’s next objective was in sight.
Horse Trap Mountain (R of Center). Photo looks N.
There it is in all its glory, SPHP! Horse Trap Mountain! Doesn’t look like a difficult climb, either, if we can get down to the saddle leading to it.
Fortunately, getting to the saddle was no problem. The ancient jeep trail Lupe had found wound down to an intersection with USFS Road No. 327, which ran E/W right over it.
Following the old jeep trail (L) down to the saddle leading to Horse Trap Mountain (R). Photo looks N.HP4656 (Center) above the upper reaches of Hell Canyon. Photo looks N.HP4500 (Center) along Line Camp Peak’s E ridge. Photo looks ESE.
Crossing the saddle, the wind was 20 mph out of the W as Lupe started up Horse Trap Mountain’s S ridge. This fairly steep climb was actually a bit dangerous for the Carolina Dog due to a pair of parallel barbed wire fences running straight up the ridgeline, one of which was flat on the ground much of the way.
At one point, SPHP had to give the American Dingo a boost at a rocky spot, although Lupe could have gone around it, if necessary. Views were already marvelous from a couple of high points crossed during the 450 foot ascent. From the second one, Lupe had a terrific view of Horse Trap Mountain’s S face.
A band of limestone cliffs running along the upper rim appeared to have enough breaks in it to ensure a successful ascent.
Heading up Horse Trap Mountain’s S ridge. Line Camp Peak (L), Hell Canyon (R). Photo looks SSW.S face of Horse Trap Mountain from HP4550. Photo looks N.
Nothing to it! As Lupe closed in on the S face, a readily discernable trail went right on up. From atop the rocks along the S rim, Lupe enjoyed a tremendous view of Falls Canyon with Devils Slide Mountain(3,960 ft.) and Flagpole Mountain(4,320 ft.) beyond, and the prairies of western South Dakota stretching to the edge of vision beyond them.
Approaching the S rim of Horse Trap Mountain. Photo looks NW.Falls Canyon (Center), Devils Slide Mountain (L of Center), Flagpole Mountain (Center). Photo looks SE.HP4550 (L) along Horse Trap Mountain’s S ridge. Line Camp Peak (Center), Hell Canyon (R). Photo looks SSW.
2:16 PM, 57ºF, Horse Trap Mountain(4,682 ft.) – Lupe had come up at the lower S end of a huge, oval summit plateau covered with grass and scattered pines. Sloping gently up to the N, this plateau was ringed by a line of small cliffs around virtually the entire perimeter. Having been here once before, the Carolina Dog knew the true summit was along the opposite NNW edge.
Any preferences, SPHP? Want to go straight for the true summit, or circle around the perimeter where all the big views are?
Around the perimeter, Loopster. After all, the unobstructed views from this island in the sky are what make Horse Trap Mountain so special.
Clockwise, or counter-clockwise then, SPHP?
Your choice, Loop. Either way is fine with me.
Lupe chose clockwise. Within minutes she reached a particularly scenic overlook along the SW edge from rock formations providing a superb view of Line Camp Peak, lower Hell Canyon, and barren ridges to the W.
Circling around to the NW edge, the upper reaches of Hell Canyon were in sight. The top of Parker Peak(4,848 ft.), the Fall River county high point, was also visible, sticking up behind them.
2:27 PM – The wind was only 5-10 mph out of the NW by the time Lupe reached the true summit of Horse Trap Mountain after a leisurely stroll around the W end of the plateau. A couple of photos atop the summit rock, the usual congratulatory pawshake, and it was time for a break.
At the true summit of Horse Trap Mountain. Photo looks NNW.Parker Peak (R) from the true summit. Photo looks WNW.Taking it easy on Horse Trap Mountain. Parker Peak (Center), true summit rock (R). Photo looks NW.
Hard to believe we’re here again after all these years, Loop! So glad we came! Horse Trap Mountain is every bit as fabulous as I remembered it.
Most definitely agree, SPHP! Easily worthy of a chocolate coconut bar, maybe 2 or 3!
Um, yeah. Only one left, Loopster, but I do have a duck jerky for you, too.
Both were eagerly accepted, along with Taste of the Wild and water, then Lupe laid her head down.
Mind if I snooze for a bit, SPHP?
Not at all, Looper. It’s already been a long day.
SPHP drank a strawberry Equate and chomped the last apple. Only the sound of the wind broke a perfect silence. Amazing, unspoiled territory of this remote part of the Black Hills laid in all directions.
A glimpse of Elk Benchmark(5,669 ft.) and Wildcat Peak(5,500 ft.) was far to the NW. Black Elk Peak(7,131 ft.) was but a distant blip to the N. SPHP peered into Hell Canyon. Gorgeous, but Lupe might be right. Maybe it was full of cactus?
After a short nap, the Carolina Dog woke up and accompanied SPHP on a stroll to other nearby viewpoints.
3:15 PM, Horse Trap Mountain – The inevitable sad moment arrived.
About time to get back on the top rock, Loop.
Summit hour’s over already, SPHP?
Hate to say it, but yup, pretty quick now, Loopster.
At least we can still enjoy completing our circumnavigation of the summit plateau, SPHP.
Final moments on the true summit of Horse Trap Mountain. Photo looks NW.
A brief return to the true summit, and Lupe was on her way, this time circling around the E end of the plateau.
Leaving the true summit region. Photo looks E.
The views were grand going this way, too. All too soon, Lupe was back at the S end of the plateau, ready to start her descent along the S ridge.
Falls Canyon (L & Center) from the E edge. Devils Slide Mountain (L) and Flagpole Mountain (L of Center). Photo looks SE.Roundtop Hill (Center in foreground). Photo looks ESE with help from the telephoto lens.Back at the S end. HP4550 and Line Camp Peak (L of Center), Hell Canyon (R). Photo looks S.
4:43 PM, 55ºF – The wind had died completely, and the rapidly setting sun was already on the horizon by the time the American Dingo reached the summit of Line Camp Peak(4,530 ft.) again. She wouldn’t get much of a rest break at all here this time around.
Sunset from the summit of Line Camp Peak. Photo looks W.
Enjoy it while you can, Looper. 10 minutes, then we’re moving on.
What about the line camp, SPHP? Are we ever going to check it out?
Yup. That’s why we’re in a rush. Going to be too dark to see anything, if we don’t get over there pretty quick.
The last rays of sunshine were filtering through the trees as Lupe headed SW across the big field where the horses had been earlier in the day. No sign of them now. SPHP overshot the turn W to the line camp. Lupe was well on her way to HP4509 before SPHP realized the error.
Doubling back in haste, dusk was deepening among the pines when the Carolina Dog reached the location marked as the line camp on the map. Nothing here. No towers, sheds, shacks, or other structures at all, only a few pieces of metal quietly rusting away in the tall grass.
So what makes this a line camp, SPHP?
No idea, Loop. Only our cartographer knows for sure. Had no idea what to expect from a line camp, and still don’t, except maybe not much at all.
Exploring farther along the N edge of the point W of the line camp, trees hid the views, except from one spot where Lupe caught a final glimpse of a familiar sight.
Horse Trap Mountain (L) from W of the Line Camp. Photo looks NNE.
And that was it. The return march back along USFS Road No. 647 was even easier now going downhill. Lupe barked at a small plane that flew almost directly overhead while there was still light in the sky. However, it wasn’t long before the tiny flashlight had to come out.
On this black, moonless night, the Milky Way was stunningly bright. Rising in the SE, Orion was directly ahead. Back to the N, the Big Dipper stood on end. Geese honked as they flew by unseen, and coyotes sang a wild, mournful chorus before silence reigned again. Many miles away widely dispersed lights revealed the locations of remote ranch homes.
Nearly 14 hours after leaving the RAV, Lupe forded Cascade Creek again, completely unfazed by the jet black water or ghostly mist rising from it.
Line Camp Peak and Horse Trap Mountain! What a magnificent day they had been! (9:55 PM, 36ºF)
Line Camp Peak from Horse Trap Mountain, Black Hills of South Dakota 1-31-24
10:31 AM, 57ºF – It was the 2nd day of Cousin Dixie, Uncle Joe, and Aunt Andrea’s stay at Hotel Lupe. As usual, once Andrea left to spend the day with Grandma; Joe, Dixie, Lupe, and SPHP had all piled into the RAV4. Now it was parked near the N end of USFS Road No. 203, a little S of the junction with No. 256.
Near the N end of USFS Road No. 203, aka Minnesota Ridge Road. Photo looks SSW.
Although signed as Minnesota Ridge Road, No. 203 wouldn’t actually get anywhere near the summit. Didn’t really matter, since today’s romp didn’t necessarily envision a peakbagging goal, anyway, although that was obviously an option. Greens Gulch was the chosen destination, an easy road hike all the way.
It was a beautiful, bright, warm early fall day, as everyone set off across a flat region heading SSE along No. 203. The road then began a gradual descent before bottoming out 0.5 mile from the RAV4 at a junction with No. 203.1B. Here, 5 month old Cousin Dixie was amazed to see large black animals roaming the forest.
Lupe knew what they were! Cows! For some reason these cows were wandering through the forest instead of hanging out in some grassy meadow. Dixie was keenly interested in this phenomenon, prompting Joe to leash her up lest any real excitement ensue. The cows themselves didn’t seem all that eager to make any non-bovine acquaintances, and hastily ventured off even deeper into the forest.
Dixie discovers cows (center). Photo looks S.
No. 203 wound E from here over a small rise, soon leading to a glimpse of the gently sloping N end of Minnesota Ridge(6,240 ft.). Beyond this view, the road dipped again heading SE into another stretch of forest.
A glimpse of the N end of Minnesota Ridge (Center). Photo looks SE.Another nicely shaded stretch of USFS Road No. 203. Photo looks SE.
Before long, the road was regaining elevation again as it broke out of the forest into a giant meadow dotted with aspens sporting yellow leaves. A larger herd of black cows was sensibly busy grazing in this field. Most of these cows were far enough away to pay little attention to Lupe and her new Aussie Shepherd cousin side-kick.
Cows grazing on the NW slopes of Minnesota Ridge. Photo looks E.
The road turned S, and flattened out. A lone ghoul tree stood ominously in this area. Lupe went over to investigate. In broad daylight, the ghoul tree didn’t seem that scary, but Halloween was only a few weeks away. No telling what frightening events might take place here then!
Custer Peak(6,804 ft.) was now in sight nearly 5 miles back to the N.
By the ghoul tree. Custer Peak (far L). Photo looks N.
Somewhere in the vicinity of the ghoul tree, USFS Road No. 203 turned into No. 203.1C. It was all quite odd. Maps showed No. 203 continuing SSE, but from an unconnected point nearly a mile E. Perhaps there had once been a connecting road segment?
In any event, this minor mystery hardly mattered. After continuing SSE across another large, flat region on No. 203.1C, another gradual descent began. Nearly a mile from the ghoul tree, a junction with USFS Roads No. 203.1D and No. 203.1E was reached.
This intersection was in the upper regions of Greens Gulch. No. 203.1C turned SW here, heading farther down the valley. That was the way to Silver Creek in the prettiest part of Greens Gulch.
Approaching the intersection in upper Greens Gulch. USFS Road No. 203.1E (L) continues S going uphill. No. 203.1C turned R farther into Greens Gulch. Photo looks SSE.
As the valley broadened out during the stroll on No. 203.1C deeper into Greens Gulch, Lupe trotted along sniffing wherever she pleased. Dixie alternately explored, or tried to herd Lupe without much success. As a geologist, Uncle Joe often paused to stare at the ground.
Heading farther into Greens Gulch on USFS Road No. 203.1C. Photo looks SSW.Greens Gulch starts widening out. Photo looks SW.
0.5 mile from the intersection, the start of the widest, most scenic part of Greens Gulch began coming into view. By now, a diminutive tributary of Silver Creek ran alongside No. 203.1C. There was more to see ahead, but unfortunately, it was already about time to take a break before heading back. Checking out a couple of hillside spots on the N side of the valley, the second one proved to be the better choice.
N end of the most scenic part of Greens Gulch. Photo looks W.Near the tiny tributary of Silver Creek. Photo looks W.With Uncle Joe and Cousin Dixie at the break spot on the N side of Greens Gulch.
12:32 PM, Greens Gulch – Not a cloud in the sky! Warm in the sun, Dixie and Lupe both appreciated the shade of a few pines along the edge of the forest. Downfall provided seats for Joe and SPHP. Although no peak had been climbed, for the 2nd day running, Lupe, Joe, and SPHP all enjoyed chocolate coconut bars while Dixie had to settle for Taste of the Wild. Joe generously also provided SPHP with a tasty fruit and nut bar from his selection. Water for all, of course!
Far, far away, another war had started in the Middle East this morning. No such strife here! Serene and lovely, Greens Gulch was indisputably a much better place to be.
The inevitable return was another pleasant trek, although mostly uphill this time. Retracing the same route, a little snake, somewhat rare in the Black Hills, was sunning itself on the road. A dangerous pleasure! Sadly, farther on, another young snake had been run over by one of the ATV’s that occasionally roared by.
Returning to USFS Road No. 203.1C. Photo looks SE.The little snake, a completely harmless variety.
The herd of black cows N of the ghoul tree had gone elsewhere by the time Lupe got back to where they’d been. While Dixie, Lupe, and SPHP entered their pasture to get a better look at Custer Peak, Joe stood quietly contemplating the scene from a gate close to the road, unaware that he was solving a mystery in the process.
Custer Peak (L) from the field where the cows had been. Photo looks N.Joe pondering the scene. Photo looks NE.
Why, of course! SPHP still didn’t realize it until much later, but that gate was obviously a USFS gate. Even though only the faintest signs of a road remained now, that gate must have been where the missing connecting portion of USFS Road No. 203 had once split off to join the rest of No. 203 E of Minnesota Ridge.
Not exactly an earthshaking discovery. The return trek resumed, and later that evening Aunt Andrea brought Grandma over to Hotel Lupe to partake of the spaghetti dinner SPHP whomped up for everyone, human or canine, that might be so inclined. (End 1:53 PM, 64ºF)
