10:04 AM, 52ºF, junction of Maitland Road & USFS Road No. 195.2A – Last nice day of 4 or 5 unseasonably warm ones in a row in the Black Hills. Lupe was excited when she leapt out of the RAV4.
We’ve been here before, SPHP!
Oh, you remember! Yes, back on Expedition No. 308, we climbed Peak 5240 and visited Tetro Rock (5,546 ft.) from here, Loop.
So, what’s the plan today, SPHP? Or is it a surprise?
No deep, dark secret, Loopster. We’re here to climb the mountain right across Maitland Road.
Does it have a name, SPHP?
Nope. Just Peak 5508. It’s one of these new Lidar Data Set peaks with just a smidgen over 300 feet of prominence, Looper.
Last time out, we finally had success at Peak 5727, SPHP. Maybe this Lidar peak will work, too?
I believe it will, Loop. It’s just a 1,000+ foot trudge higher from here.
Let’s get at it then, SPHP. Which way?
See that bridge along Maitland Road over False Bottom Creek, Loopster? Head that way!
The bridge was only 150 feet away. Trotting over to it, Lupe didn’t even need this bridge. False Bottom Creek was bone dry.
Hmm. Peak 5508 looks mighty steep here, Loop. Let’s follow the creek bed downstream a little way.
Venturing N, the Carolina Dog didn’t get very far. The creek bed was rough, rocky, and partially blocked by deadfall and bushes.
I don’t know about this, SPHP. How far downstream do we need to go?
This really isn’t working out like I thought it would, Sweet Puppy. Forget the creek. Let’s try to climb out of here.
The W bank of False Bottom Creek was very steep. Covered with bushes and loose pine needles, even Lupe was having trouble powering higher. Clinging to trees, SPHP barely managed to reach a less daunting slope.
Continuing W, the climb remained fairly steep, but not nearly as bad as the initial scramble escaping False Bottom Creek. After gaining 150 feet of elevation, Lupe reached a reprieve, a nice flat stretch along a power line right-of-way.
Nice! At least this part will be easy, SPHP.
SPHP stood there panting hard for a couple of minutes.
Not really. We just cross this service road, and keep climbing, Loopster.
Up again, rather steeply, but at least it wasn’t far to a heavily-forested level region.
Dare I say it? This looks better again, SPHP.
You haven’t jinxed us, Looper. The topo map does show a fairly nice level stretch along in here. Enjoy it while it lasts, though!
Sure enough, heading SW now, it all went well for a little way before the terrain began to slope higher. Got pretty steep again near some rock outcroppings, yet the American Dingo had no problem scrambling above them. A stretch of gently sloping forest littered with deadfall was ahead.
Most of the deadfall was small. Following a broad ridge, picking a way through it wasn’t all that difficult. As Lupe kept gaining elevation, more and more snow was visible in a valley to the NW. Soon it was spreading across the ridge the Carolina Dog was on.
A little snow is a good thing, SPHP! I like it!
Lupe chomped mouthfuls of the cold, white stuff. The snow got deeper. By the time a bluff appeared ahead, the snow was much deeper. While it generally supported the Dingo’s weight, SPHP was having quite a time post-holing with every step.
The gentlest slope leading to the top of the bluff was toward the W.
Not sure I’d go that way, SPHP. We’ll be crossing a N slope to get there. The snow will be really deep.
Yeah, but it’s not that far to where we ought to be able to climb out of it, Loop. Besides, I’m not so sure we can get up above that bluff from the E.
Beneath a sunny sky, the snow was warming up fast. Going W turned into a ridiculous struggle. The snow was nearly 3 feet deep and full of unseen deadfall. Often breaking through the rapidly softening crust, Lupe thrashed around neck deep in snow. Repeatedly trapped by the hidden deadfall, SPHP could barely move.
The American Dingo managed to extract herself. Exhausted, she settled down on the unreliable crust.
You OK, Loopster? Your paw is bleeding!
Who knows, SPHP? It’s frozen, I don’t feel a thing!
Sheesh! 60ºF, and it’s like our own private little Donner party, Looper. I’m freezing, too, stuck here between the snow and the deadfall. Whose idea was this, anyway?
Got a mirror, SPHP? Try consulting it.
Off-balance and half-frozen, SPHP snapped a photo of Lupe’s Donner party moment. The struggle went on. This slope was steeper than it looked. Plowing uphill through the snow, post-holing with every step wasn’t easy, especially with paws constantly getting hung up amid the buried deadfall. It took nearly 40 minutes to escape, and get up onto that dang little bluff.
Is your paw badly frozen, Loopster? Let me feel it.
See for yourself, SPHP.
Stretching out her poor, frozen paw tinged with blood, Lupe let SPHP hold it.
Frozen! This paw is like an oven! I should be so lucky!
Dingoes have excellent circulation, SPHP. How did my Donner party photo turn out?
SPHP checked the iPhone.
Dingo feathers! My finger was in the way, Loopster.
Oh, shoot! Can you see me at all in the photo, SPHP?
Yup. Spot of blood on your paw and everything, Looper.
Then keep it, SPHP. You can still use it.
Really? My finger looks idiotic, like I have no idea what I’m doing, Loop.
Oh, a documentary! Even better, SPHP. Go ahead and use it. I’m sure not going to reenact it for you.
From the top of the bluff, less than 200 feet of elevation gain remained to reach Peak 5508’s summit. Gaining half of it on a relatively short romp SW, Lupe turned S along Peak 5508’s E rim.
So far, only a few badly tree-broken distant views had been seen during the entire ascent, but along the E rim, several glimpses between the trees were at least somewhat better. Tetro Rock (5,546 ft.) was the first easily recognizable point. On the opposite side of the deep False Bottom Creek canyon, Tetro Rock didn’t really look like a prominent rock at all. From here, it was just another forested hill.
Having gained the vast majority of the elevation required, Lupe began her search for Peak 5508’s summit on much more gently sloping terrain. Except near the E edge, 4″ to 6″ of snow covered this flatter region.
A second view of Tetro Rock appeared across the False Bottom Creek canyon. This time, Mount Theodore Roosevelt (5,682 ft.) was in sight beyond it.
Lupe was about as far S as the high ground went, but the mountain still rose toward the W. Heading that way, the American Dingo quickly came to a couple of rock formations that initially appeared to be true summit candidates. Both were a complete mess, covered with large deadfall.
Continuing W beyond these rock formations, the forest contained less deadfall. Moderately higher ground soon became visible ahead.
We’re getting close, Loopster! Can’t be much farther now.
12:50 PM, 58ºF, Peak 5508 – Lupe stood calmly on a rough, 50 foot long, rocky ridge protruding 10 feet above the surrounding forest. SPHP lifted the Carolina Dog a few feet so her front paws could tag the top of a fin of rock too narrow for her to stand on.
Congratulations, Loopster! Another successful Lidar peak ascent!
Yes, yes, lovely, SPHP. Thanks for the boost. Now put me down, please!
Scrambling around on the Peak 5508 summit ridge, a glimpse of snowy territory W of Burno Gulch was the only view. Pines hid everything else.
These Lidar peaks aren’t much for views, are they, SPHP?
The ones we can’t get to the top of have splendid views, Loop.
A fat lot of good that does us, SPHP. Say, did you happen to bring along a chocolate coconut bar?
Two of them, Looper!
Leaving the summit ridge, which was as lacking in comfort every bit as much as views, Lupe retreated to a better spot down in the forest. She enjoyed a glimpse of Spearfish Peak (5,798 ft.) 1.5 miles NW, but it was nothing to write home about. The chocolate coconut bar SPHP split with the American Dingo was far more interesting.
Want any water or Taste of the Wild, Loopster?
I thought you said you brought 2 chocolate coconut bars, SPHP.
I did. Saving the last one for the next peak we climb, Sweet-Tooth Puppy.
Are there more Lidar peaks around here, SPHP?
None nearby that we haven’t been to before Lidar was even a thing, Loop. I’d been thinking that we might continue on to Spearfish Peak, but with as much snow as there is around, and how steep getting down into and back out of Bruno Gulch would be, I’ve had a change of heart.
Oh? So what mysterious next peak do you have in mind then, SPHP?
Crow Peak (5,781 ft.) W of Spearfish, Looper. A bit of a drive, but I think we’ve got enough time to get there and climb it before dark. Another long uphill grind, but at a much easier pace.
And there’s a trail that goes all the way to the top, SPHP! I like it! We haven’t been to Crow Peak in ages.
Great! Let’s finish up here then, Looper, and head back to the RAV4.
First accepting some Taste of the Wild, nearly 40 minutes after arriving, Lupe returned to the Peak 5508 summit ridge.
How’s this for a final dramatic shot, SPHP?
Terrific! About as good as it’s going to get here, Loopster.
Retracing her Peak 5508 ascent route, Lupe’s descent was a breeze. So much faster and easier going downhill! (End 2:55 PM, 64ºF)
3:41 PM, 61ºF, Higgins Gulch – Crusty snow and ice crunched beneath the RAV4’s tires as SPHP pulled into the Crow Peak trailhead parking lot.
The sun is already sinking, SPHP.
Yup. Onward! Puppy, ho!
Passing through a metal gate in a wood rail fence, trail information was posted just a short distance into the forest.
The Crow Peak trail started out winding SW. Despite a gradual rate of climb, this first section was slow due to ice and mud. Progress improved greatly once Lupe got around to S-facing slopes where the trail was dry.
Even though most of the trail was easy, even including some fairly long flat sections, there were steeper areas where SPHP frequently paused.
We need to keep going, SPHP, if we want to reach the summit before dark.
I know, Loop. Just give me a minute. Peak 5508 took more out of me than I thought.
The Crow Peak trail began curving W, but with significant forays in other directions, too. First came a climb NNE, followed a little later on by two short stints N. During the second one, big rock formations were visible hundreds of feet above.
After the second turn N, the Crow Peak trail began climbing SW. Until now, the forest usually hadn’t been all that dense. In fact, part of it had burned years ago. As a result, there’d been some views of the hills and ridges to the S and W. However, Lupe now entered a forest thick enough to hide all views. The trail turned NW for a while, eventually curving E around the end of a hill.
Heading E, the trail leveled out. A sign saying “Crow Peak summit 1.8” appeared almost immediately after another curve N. At this sign, a faint trail on the L disappeared into the forest.
Wonder where this spur goes, SPHP? We’ve never explored it before.
I always used to wonder about that, too, Loopster. The map posted at the trailhead says this spur trail goes 0.5 mile to Beaver Ridge.
What’s at Beaver Ridge, SPHP?
Heh. No telling, Looper. Beavers? Seems unlikely. In any case, we don’t have time to check it out today. Onward!
Climbing steadily again, the Crow Peak trail ran NNW. A ridge capped by some big rock formations soon appeared off to the L.
I remember that ridge, SPHP! We climbed it once, didn’t we?
Yes, I believe so, Loopster. A long time ago.
Unfortunately, no time to make that a tradition. Lupe went on. After passing the N end of the ridge, the Crow Peak trail began making long switchbacks higher, working its way E. Rocky stretches appeared where there were no trees. For the first time, the Carolina Dog now had some distant views.
Wow! We can see clear into Wyoming, SPHP! The high point of that long ridge must be Warren Peaks (6,661 ft.).
That’s right, Loop. The small peak is Sundance Mountain (5,832 ft.).
Continuing up the switchbacks, the American Dingo soon enjoyed other views, as well. Far to the SW, Cement Ridge (6,669 ft.) was discernable on the horizon beyond many other hills.
The switchbacks ended at a sharp turn E. Now on a N slope where a shattered forest stood, suddenly the trail ahead was covered with snow. Crow Peak’s summit ridge was in view beyond it.
We’re almost there, SPHP!
Won’t be long now, Looper!
Took longer than it looked like it should have. SPHP exercised caution on the slippery slope, poles providing invaluable assistance. Once over to the base of the summit region, the trail made one more long foray N. This entire region was the best and most beautiful part of the trail. If it took a little while, so what?
Near the end of the push N, a big rock formation appeared ahead. The trail headed straight for it, then promptly ran into an 8 foot tall wall of solid rock immediately to the R of the rock formation. A dead end? No! Lupe had been here before. A quick scramble to the top of this wall was all that was required to get to where the trail continued beyond it.
Dingo’s play! Really nothing to it, SPHP!
Another 5 minutes, and the Crow Peak trail curved up onto the N end of the Crow Peak summit ridge. All Lupe had to do now was follow it S.
Big snowdrifts still clung to the upper E side of the Crow Peak summit ridge. Even most of the trail on top of the ridge was buried under deep snow. However, staying along the largely snow-free W slope, Lupe had little trouble on her journey S.
The Carolina Dog didn’t have much farther to go when she ventured up onto the summit ridge at a snow-free spot. Several boulders provided excellent perches from which to survey spectacular views N far out onto the prairies of western South Dakota. What little remained of the ascent and a view of Terry Peak (7,069 ft.) were in the opposite direction.
Fantastic views, SPHP! Let’s finish this!
6:25 PM, 55ºF, Crow Peak (5,781 ft.) – Basking in the glow of a rapidly sinking sun, a big Ponderosa pine stood at the very top of the mountain. Beyond gleaming white snowdrifts and that pine, Lupe could already see a weather-beaten old sign she had first stood next to nearly 10 years ago.
The best view of Terry Peak is over there. C’mon, SPHP!
I’m glad you thought of Crow Peak, SPHP. What an awesome view! How long has it been since the last time we were here?
Nearly 6 years, Looper.
Way too long, SPHP!
No argument there! SPHP shook Lupe’s paw, congratulating her on this long overdue third ascent. Returning to the big pine at the true summit, Lupe and SPHP were both ready for a long break.
A 10 mph breeze was coming out of the W, and the day was cooling off fast as Lupe relaxed on a layer of pine needles between the rocks. SPHP provided first water, then Taste of the Wild in her silver bowl, and even added a couple of bacon and cheese flavor Canine Carryouts.
Thanks, SPHP. Very tasty! But you do realize that I haven’t forgotten about that second chocolate coconut bar, right?
You’ve got a mind like a steel chocolate coconut bar trap, Loopster. Hang on. You earned it.
After splitting the last chocolate coconut bar with the insistent Carolina Dog, SPHP sat munching an apple. For a while, hopes were entertained for a colorful sunset, but the sun ultimately sank into a bank of clouds on the W horizon and was gone. Not even a hint of a rosy display.
Shucks. And we were so well-positioned for a spectacular end, too, Loop.
That’s the way the chocolate coconut bar crumbles, SPHP.
With the sun down, the light would soon be fading fast. Lupe revisited both ends of Crow Peak’s upper summit ridge for another look.
As her traditional summit hour began coming to an end, Lupe returned to the pine needles below the big pine, watching the lights of Spearfish starting to glow off to the ENE. Lookout Peak (4,483 ft.) was in sight just beyond the heart of the city. More directly E, and quite a bit farther away, Bear Butte (4,431 ft.) was still visible, looming on the horizon amid the growing gloom.
7:29 PM, Crow Peak – Standing up, SPHP hoisted the pack after digging the little flashlight out of it.
Summit hour’s over, SPHP?
Sadly, come and gone, Loopster. Just like us! Onward! Puppy, ho!
Heading N down the now firmer snow drifts already partially packed by other paws, Lupe paused for a final look once she reached the viewpoint with the big boulders. The lights of Spearfish were brighter than ever, a trend no doubt destined to continue as dusk turned to night.
Can the iPhone still see me, SPHP?
Yes. Barely.
Nearly all downhill, the dark, winding return was fun. By the time a tired American Dingo reached the RAV4 in Higgins Gulch, a few silver stars were shining between the clouds overhead. (9:23 PM, 37ºF)
Links:
Next Black Hills Expedition Prior Black Hills Expedition
Lupe’s Scrollable Peak 5508 GPS Track & Ascent Statistics
Lupe’s Crow Peak GPS Track & Ascent Statistics
Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 170 – Kirk Hill, Tetro Rock & Custer Peak (5-1-16)
Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 217 – Peak 4400, Peak 4420 & Lookout Peak (11-26-17)
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