Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 325 – Kruger Peak, Daisy Peak & Northeast Cicero Peak (2-29-24)

8:18 AM, 37ºF, Lower French Creek Road – As soon as SPHP parked the RAV4 at a wide spot on the W side of the road, Lupe leapt out.  After all, it was Leap Day!  In the shade of the pines, the morning air was still crisp, and a skiff of snow on the ground was much to the Carolina Dog’s liking.  Only 20 feet from the RAV4, French Creek gurgled away.

Parked near French Creek (L). Photo looks N.

Oh, I can tell already.  It’s going to be a great day, SPHP!

Hope, so Loop!  I’m looking forward to it, too.  Been a long time since we’ve been to the peaks we’ll be visiting today, and I always liked this region.

Have we been here before, SPHP?  Nothing looks the least bit familiar.

This part is new, Loopster, but we’re just coming from a new direction.  You’ll be in familiar territory soon enough.

Something old, something new – sounds good to me, SPHP.  Which way do we go?

N across French Creek, then W on USFS Road No. 342.1P.

A super simple plan that should have worked, but N of French Creek there was no sign of No. 342.1P leaving French Creek Road.

Hmm.  Odd.  I’m sure we’re in the right area.  Well, it’s all Black Hills National Forest land, Looper.  Road or no road, let’s head W.

Leaving Lower French Creek Road, Lupe climbed a short bank up into an open forest of tall pines.  She’d barely started W when she ran across faint remnants of No. 342.1P.  Following the road for only a few minutes led to a sunny little valley where two of the American Dingo’s objectives were already in sight.

Daisy Peak (L), Kruger Peak (R). Photo looks W.

That’s Daisy Peak (5,948 ft.) on the L, and Kruger Peak (5,858 ft.) on the R, Loop.

We’re this close already, SPHP?  This is going to be so easy!

Nothing wrong with easy.  Continuing up the valley, Lupe quickly came to an old USFS gate.  Going around it, a moderately steep climb soon led to the surprisingly cold and windy edge of a bigger valley with an even better view of both peaks.

The old USFS gate along No. 342.1P. Photo looks NW.
Daisy Peak (L) from the edge of the next valley. Photo looks W.
Kruger Peak (L of Center) from the same spot. Photo looks WNW.

Snow on the shady NW side of the ridge crunched underpaw on the way down into the valley.  This valley was actually quite a scenic area with views that quickly improved as Lupe started up Kruger Peak’s lower SE slopes.  Soon Mount Coolidge (6,023 ft.) was in sight off to the NE.

Daisy Peak (R). Photo looks SW.
Mount Coolidge (Center). Photo looks NE.

The slope steepened, becoming rocky and dotted with pines.  By the time Lupe reached the upper portions of Kruger Peak’s E ridge, the views had vanished as she wound through a forest of relatively young trees.

Heading up Kruger Peak’s lower SE slopes. Kruger Peak (L). Photo looks NW.
Some of the beautiful territory Lupe would be exploring today. Daisy Peak (R). Photo looks SW.

In full sun, the day was warming up fast.  SPHP shed layers twice before Lupe reached the top of Kruger Peak.  The true summit was at the E end of a large, heavily forested region.  A tree trunk with several inches of snow on it had fallen right over the high point.

At the true summit of Kruger Peak. Photo looks W.

9:28 AM, 46ºF, Kruger Peak (5,838 ft.)

Whew!  A bit of a climb, wasn’t it?  Let’s take a break Loop.

Oh, that wasn’t so hard, SPHP.  We got here pretty fast.  Could have been here sooner, too, if you hadn’t stopped to stare at the views so often.

Sort of had to, Looper.  Been sitting around too much this winter.  Anyway, congratulations on climbing Kruger Peak!  Want a duck jerky?

Silly question.  Golden Rewards duck jerky was all the rage of late with the Carolina Dog.  After SPHP shook Lupe’s paw, she snapped up the duck jerky, Dingo’ed it down in nothing flat, then chomped some snow.

Just E of the true summit an open SE slope and a big rock toward the N offered some nice views.  Both Custer Mountain (6,089 ft.) and Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.) were in sight.  With help from the telephoto lens, Little Devils Tower (6,960 ft.), the Cathedral Spires (6,946 ft.), and Peak 6920 were all easily identifiable, too.

Daisy Peak, less than 0.5 mile S, wasn’t all that much higher now.

Custer Mountain (L), Black Elk Peak (R of Center). Photo looks N.
Little Devils Tower (L), Cathedral Spires (Center), Peak 6920 (R of Center), Black Elk Peak (R). Photo looks N with help from the telephoto lens.
Daisy Peak (Center) from Kruger Peak. Photo looks SW.

Even Kruger Peak’s true summit offered a glimpse of the western South Dakota prairies far beyond the Black Hills.

A narrow view of the prairies from Kruger Peak’s true summit. Photo looks E.

With 3 peaks on the American Dingo’s agenda today, spending a full hour on top of each one simply wasn’t going to be practical.  After a pleasant 25 minute break enjoying the views from the sunny SE slope near Kruger Peak’s true summit, it was time to move on.

Heading W through the forest over to the opposite end of Kruger Peak’s summit region, Lupe paused when she reached a rocky spot along the edge with a view to the WNW.

Peak 6040 was in sight 2 miles away, the only mountain any higher than Kruger Peak relatively nearby in this direction.

Peak 6040 (far R). Photo looks WNW.

Although there’d scarcely been much of a breeze at all back at the true summit, here along the W edge Lupe was exposed to a brisk 15 mph wind blowing in from out of the W.  Preferring the calm of the forest, the Carolina Dog continued her journey, heading SW down to the saddle leading to Daisy Peak.

Setting off for Daisy Peak. Photo looks SW.

As Lupe began her descent to the saddle, she passed a small cairn sitting on a boulder.  Why it was even there wasn’t at all clear.  Closing in on the saddle, she went over a 20 foot bump along the ridge before a final short descent to the saddle’s low point.

An ancient abandoned road came up to the saddle out of the NE from somewhere along Kruger Peak’s S flank.  Turning SSE at the saddle, this snow-covered road continued gradually up Daisy Peak’s E slope.  Lupe followed this road a little way before abandoning it to climb much more steeply straight up Daisy Peak’s slippery, snowy N slope.

A rocky spot most of the way up provided the best view yet of Peak 6040 and Custer Mountain (6,089 ft.) beyond the Glen Erin Creek valley, with Sylvan Peak (7,000 ft.) and Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.) on the horizon.

Peak 6040 (L), Sylvan Peak (R of Center) beyond Custer Mountain (R), Black Elk Peak (far R). Photo looks NNW.

Continuing S from this sweet viewpoint, the slope diminished.  The ridge narrowed and became rocky, fortunately not to the point of causing any real difficulties at all.  The Carolina Dog passed several more viewpoints before reaching Daisy Peak’s true summit.

At a scenic spot along Daisy Peak’s N ridge. Photo looks SSE.
Kruger Peak (L), Mount Coolidge (R) from Daisy Peak’s true summit. Photo looks NE.

10:29 AM, 45ºF, Daisy Peak (5,948 ft.) – The true summit was a small jumble of rocks a foot or two high amid dry grass and stickers.  A fairly large dead tree trunk that had been standing only a few feet away the last time Lupe was here more than 9 years ago was still erect.

Pines hid the views to the W, but a long grassy slope extending down to the SE offered a grand panorama in all other directions, including a look at Northeast Cicero Peak (6,240 ft.), Lupe’s final objective more than 2 miles SSW.

Daisy Peak summit (L), Black Elk Peak (R), Peak 6735 (far R). Photo looks NNW.
The big view looking SE.
Northeast Cicero Peak (L of Center). Photo looks SSW.

A 10 mph NW breeze made the summit chilly.  SPHP shook Lupe’s paw, then it was down the grassy SE slope far enough to get out of the wind.

About time for a chocolate coconut bar, or maybe another duck jerky, isn’t it, SPHP?

Tell ya what, Loopster.  How about both?  I’ll even throw in some Taste of the Wild and as much water as you can drink.

While Lupe chowed down, SPHP drank part of a vanilla Ensure, then ate an orange.  The views were great, and Daisy Peak seemed so familiar it was hard to believe it had been 9 years since Lupe’s last visit.  Half an hour shot by, and just like that, it was time to press on.

Let’s tag Daisy Peak’s summit again before we go, Loopster.  We can have a final look at Kruger Peak from here.  I noticed Peak 6735 over toward Black Elk Peak, and Peak 5778 near Stockade Lake, too, a couple more peaks that you’ve been to in the past.

Always a good idea to have a last look around before leaving a mountain, SPHP.  Especially when it might be 9 years before you see those views again.

You’re a wise Carolina Dog, Looper.

Kruger Peak (R) in the foreground with Peak 5788 beyond it. Peak 6735 (L) way off in the distance. Photo looks NNE.

After tagging Daisy Peak’s true summit again, Lupe headed down the steep S slope.  At first, she enjoyed a super nice view of Northeast Cicero Peak, but it vanished upon re-entering the forest.  The American Dingo eventually ran into a line of scenic rock formations along a narrow SW ridge on her way down to the saddle N of HP5706.

Starting down Daisy Peak’s S slope. Northeast Cicero Peak (Center). Photo looks SSW.
On a cool rock formation along Daisy Peak’s SW ridge. Photo looks SW.

Once down to the saddle, Lupe continued losing elevation as she circled around the lower W side of HP5706.  The woods were snowy during this part of the trek.  After turning S, she eventually reached USFS Road No. 337.1A.

In the snowy woods W of HP5706. Photo looks SW.
Arriving at USFS Road No. 337.1A. Photo looks S.

Lupe had several options as far as potential routes to Northeast Cicero Peak from here.  Since the lower end of one of the branches of its long N ridge was nearby, and the Carolina Dog had never explored this end of it before, that seemed like it might be fun and make the most sense.

Following No. 337.1A only a little way SW, Lupe then left it, heading S up into the forest.  She didn’t have far to go before coming to a sunny little rock outcropping with a bit of a view.

On the first rock outcropping near the far N end of North Cicero Peak’s long N ridge. Photo looks ESE.

The climb steepened from here.  At first, Lupe wandered up a forested slope, but as she got higher, she started coming to openings featuring better and better views.  The broad slope eventually narrowed down to a rocky ridgeline that angled SW.  Lupe had regained most of the elevation lost since leaving Daisy Peak when SPHP needed a longer breather at a particularly rocky spot.

Not an especially comfortable place for Lupe, but the views were nice.

An open spot along part of the steeper climb. Photo looks SSW.
Heading up the ridge before it got narrow and rocky. Photo looks SW.
Custer Mountain (far L), Peak 6735 (L) in the distance, HP5706 (R) in front of Daisy Peak. Photo looks NNE.
View looking ENE from the rocky rest spot.

After a 10 minute break, the trek higher continued.  Lupe scrambled amid the rocks just fine, but the rough terrain mixed with young aspens and a little slick snow made it slow going for SPHP.  Progress was made nevertheless, and the steepness of the ridge soon began to diminish.

Finally reaching a broader, flatter, grassy region, Northeast Cicero Peak was back in sight again.  Another short climb, and the American Dingo reached an unobstructed view of it from the top of HP6040.

Continuing up the rocky part of the ridge. Photo looks SSW.
Northeast Cicero Peak (Center) from the grassy region, HP6040 (R). Photo looks S.
Northeast Cicero Peak (Center) from HP6040. Photo looks S.

From HP6040, the ridgeline ran due S.  Lupe lost some elevation before reaching a saddle where it began angling SE.  The American Dingo had been to this next part of the ridge before.  Another steep climb soon led to the top of a relatively flat section of the ridge that was mostly open and featured some terrific views.

HP6145 (Center) along Northeast Cicero Peak’s WNW ridge. Photo looks WSW.
Heading for Northeast Cicero Peak’s upper N ridge (L). Photo looks SSE.
Northeast Cicero Peak (R) from the upper N ridge. Photo looks S.

The scenic trek along the upper N ridge was easy and fun.  It had always been one of the best parts of any visit to Northeast Cicero Peak.  Shortly before reaching HP6105 at the SE end, Lupe angled S toward the saddle dotted with pines leading to the final ascent.

After crossing the saddle, a moderately steep climb SW along a mostly open slope led to a familiar sight, the lone 4 foot high boulder at the NE end of the summit region.  The Carolina Dog had arrived!

Approaching Northeast Cicero Peak (R of Center). Photo looks SW.
On the summit region’s NE boulder. Photo looks SW.

2:38 PM, 48ºF, Northeast Cicero Peak (6,240 ft.) – It had been a fun, but long march.  SPHP shook Lupe’s paw while she was still up on the NE boulder, congratulating the American Dingo on her successful ascent.  She then leapt down and headed W over to the little 3 foot high rocky summit ridge 100 feet away, ready for an extended break.

The 20 mph SW wind sweeping over the exposed ridge felt cold.  After sharing the second chocolate coconut bar of the day, SPHP offered Lupe what was left of the duck jerky, more Taste of the Wild, and water.  She then curled up on the lee side of the ridge partially protected from the wind.  SPHP threw a jacket over her.

For half an hour, neither Lupe nor SPHP stirred.  The Carolina Dog tried to doze while SPHP downed a strawberry Equate and munched an apple, and when they were gone, simply sat listening to the wind in the pines and staring E out onto the distant prairies.

Resting below Northeast Cicero Peak’s true summit ridge. Photo looks WNW.

How ya doing, Looper?  Your summit hour’s half shot already.  We ought to get up and have a look around.

Ready if you are, SPHP.

The NE boulder (L) from the summit ridge. Photo looks ENE.

2.5 miles WSW, an enormous odd rock sat atop a much lower ridge.

Oh, I remember that rock, SPHP.  Isn’t that Cracked Molar?

That’s right, Loopster.  At least that’s what we used to call it, because that’s what it looks like from here.

Are you saying it has some other name, too, SPHP?

Yes, turns out that it does, Looper.  One day long after we named it, I looked at the topo map, and saw that its official name is Beecher Rock.

Beecher Rock?  Why?  Cracked Molar is way more descriptive, SPHP.

I have no idea, Loop.  Maybe it’s named after someone named Beecher?

Cracked Molar (L of Center) aka Beecher Rock. Photo looks WSW.
Cracked Molar (R). Photo looks WSW with help from the telephoto lens.

We ought to go see Cracked Molar up close someday, SPHP.

You know, I ‘ve been thinking we ought to visit Cicero Peak (6,166 ft.) again sometime by exploring Boland Ridge coming up from the S.  Maybe we can drop by Cracked Molar then, Loop?

That would work, and reminds me of something else, SPHP.  We should at least have a look at Cicero Peak (6,166 ft.), too, while we’re here today.

Excellent idea, Loopster.  Let’s do it!

Going a little way down the grassy slope SW of the summit ridge, it was possible to get a glimpse of Cicero Peak, but it wasn’t really a clear view.

Cicero Peak (far R). Photo looks S.
Cicero Peak (L). Photo looks SW.

Hmm.  I know there’s an open slope somewhere farther down that’s got a much better view of Cicero Peak, Loop.  Want to keep going to see if we come to it?

Sure, SPHP!  I’ll lead the way.

Descending into the trees, Lupe did come to a spot with a better view of Cicero Peak.  This view wasn’t from the open slope SPHP remembered, but that might have been quite a bit lower.  Not wanting to lose a whole lot of elevation, SPHP was satisfied.

Good job!  This is far enough, Looper.

Peak 6106 (Center), Cicero Peak (R). Photo looks SW.

Returning to the summit region, little remained of Lupe’s traditional summit hour.  For a few minutes she sat in the cool breeze and sunshine admiring the view to the W.  Nothing within sight was any higher in that direction, even though Lupe could see clear to Wyoming on the horizon.

Enjoying summit hour on Northeast Cicero Peak. Photo looks WSW.

3:42 PM, Northeast Cicero Peak – On this rare Leap Day afternoon, the sun’s rays were starting to cast long shadows.

About that time, Loopster.

I suppose.  I was just thinking, SPHP.  Wasn’t Leap Day when we saw the only mountain lion we’ve ever come across?

That’s right, Loopster.  We saw it right after visiting Bluelead Mountain on our way to Calumet Ridge (5,601 ft.).  That was 2 Leap Days ago.  Too bad I didn’t get a photo of that lion.  I tried, but was too slow.

Do you suppose we’ll see another mountain lion on our way back to the RAV4?  That would be so awesome, SPHP!

Heh.  Not too likely, Looper, but I suppose it’s possible.  No doubt mountain lions love to pounce on Leap Day.

Before abandoning Northeast Cicero Peak, Lupe returned once more to the summit’s NE boulder.

Back on Northeast Cicero Peak’s NE boulder. Mount Coolidge (R). Photo looks NE.

Pines hid most views N and S from Northeast Cicero Peak’s summit, but Lupe enjoyed some magnificent views on the way back N.

Peak 6040 and Sylvan Peak (L), Custer Mountain and Black Elk Peak (R of Center). Photo looks N.
Custer Mountain and Black Elk Peak (far L), Daisy Peak (L of Center), Mount Coolidge (R). Photo looks NNE.
View from S of HP6105. Photo looks SE.
Custer Mountain and Black Elk Peak (Center), Daisy Peak (R). Photo looks N.

The return was both beautiful and great fun!  The rocky NW end of the upper ridge N of Northeast Cicero Peak provided the last big view from on high.  Then it was down into the valley E of the lower part of the N ridge that Lupe had explored earlier during her ascent.

This valley was also quite beautiful, and an old favorite from back in the days when a young Carolina Dog used to come this way long ago.  Lupe picked up abandoned USFS Road No. 337.1B much higher than where the topo map showed it, and thoroughly enjoyed the long, easy descent on a road now covered with pines.

The last big view from on high. Photo looks NNW.
Descending into the big valley. Custer Mountain and Black Elk Peak (Center), Daisy Peak (R). Photo looks N.
Glancing back at the NW end of NE Cicero Peak’s upper N ridge (L). Photo looks S.

Approaching HP5706, the lower end of the valley flattened out.  Pines gave way to grasslands.  By the time Lupe reached the N end of USFS Road No. 337.1B at the intersection with No. 337.1A, sunlight remained only on the highest peaks.

HP5706 (L) and Daisy Peak (L of Center). Mount Coolidge (R). Photo looks NE.
At the N end of USFS Road No. 337.1B where it intersects No. 337.1A. Photo looks SSW.

The valley turned E here.  Lupe followed No. 337.1A down it farther than ever before, hurrying on as light faded.  Deep in a remote, increasingly narrow canyon, it would have been the perfect place for a Leap Day mountain lion to pounce.

None did.  The canyon eventually emptied out onto Lower French Creek Road, and the brightest silver stars were already twinkling overhead when Lupe finally reached the RAV4 again.  (5:59 PM, 35ºF)

On Northeast Cicero Peak, Black Hills of South Dakota, Leap Day 2024

Links:

Next Black Hills Expedition                  Prior Black Hills Expedition

Lupe’s Kruger Peak & Daisy Peak GPS Track

Lupe’s Northeast Cicero Peak GPS Track

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 109 – Cicero, Northeast Cicero, Daisy & Kruger Peaks (12-13-14)

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Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 109 – Cicero, Northeast Cicero, Daisy & Kruger Peaks (12-13-14)

Lupe was up before dawn.  SPHP hadn’t gotten up early enough for Expedition No. 108 to take Lupe to Cicero Peak (6,166 ft.), and wasn’t going to make the same mistake again.  The sun had yet to make an appearance, but sunrise was coming as Lupe and SPHP headed out in the G6.

Sunrise on 12-13-14.
Sunrise on 12-13-14.
Lupe hoping the early Carolina Dog gets the squirrel!
Lupe hoping the early Carolina Dog gets the squirrel!

By the time Lupe and SPHP turned onto USFS Road No. 338, the sun was well up above the horizon.  SPHP soon regretted turning onto No. 338.  A high clearance vehicle wouldn’t have had any problem, but the G6 just wasn’t built to take this kind of abuse.

The narrow road wasn’t steep, but it was littered with rocks large enough to worry about getting a hole torn in the bottom of the G6’s oil pan.  Some of the rocks were loose, but many were firmly attached to the mountain.  No. 338 wound an excruciatingly long 1.5 miles up to a little parking lot near the top of Cicero Peak.

The G6’s oil pan survived, but the bumpy ride couldn’t have done the alignment, suspension system or tires any good.  SPHP was by now firmly resolved that this was the G6’s one and only trip up Cicero Peak.  Never again!  At least there hadn’t been any traffic on the narrow road.  There had been only one possible place to turn around other than the little parking lot near the top.

Lupe, of course, was unconcerned.  She was eager to get out, and get going.  It was 8:43 AM (45°F), when she hopped out of the G6.  The first order of business, of course, was to go the very short remaining distance (30 feet of elevation) up to the summit.  In just a few minutes, Lupe was there sniffing around a little building near the base of a tower at the top.

The tower and small building at the top of Cicero Peak.

It turned out there were a few rocks W of the tower that were a little bit higher than where the tower sat.  Lupe went over and stood on them to claim her first peakbagging success of the day.  Not much of an accomplishment, really.  The G6 had done all the real work.  Still, Lupe was here, up at the top of Cicero Peak!

Lupe on the highest rocks on Cicero Peak.
Lupe on the highest rocks on Cicero Peak.

Although the top of Cicero Peak was pretty heavily forested, there were places not far below the summit where there were some pretty nice views.  From the little parking lot, Lupe could see off to the E.  S of the summit was a great open view to the S.  Except for a few peaks far to the W, Cicero Peak is the last peak this high this far S in the Black Hills.  Lupe could see a long way, clear into Nebraska.

Lupe could see a long way S from Cicero Peak.
Lupe could see a long way S from Cicero Peak.

USFS Road No. 338 was a lousy road to the top for the G6, but it made a great hiking trail.  After taking a shortcut down through the forest W of the summit, Lupe and SPHP followed No. 338 most of the way back down the mountain.

Near the only possible vehicle turnaround point along No. 338, Lupe and SPHP left the road to climb a grassy slope.  There were good views from here both back S toward Cicero Peak, and NE toward Lupe’s next peakbagging objective, Northeast Cicero Peak (6,240 ft.).

Lupe N of Cicero Peak. Photo looks S.
Lupe N of Cicero Peak. Photo looks S.
Lupe's next objective, Northeast Cicero Peak, is actually higher than Cicero Peak. Flynn Creek Road can be seen at the base of the mountain, especially toward the R. Photo looks NE.
Lupe’s next objective, Northeast Cicero Peak, is actually higher than Cicero Peak. Flynn Creek Road can be seen at the base of the mountain, especially toward the R. Photo looks NE.

From the grassy slope, Lupe headed directly toward Northeast Cicero Peak.  She went down the grassy slope, crossed USFS Road No. 338, and cut through a field dotted here and there with pines.  She entered the forest again shortly before reaching USFS Road No. 336 (Flynn Creek Road).

After crossing Flynn Creek Road at the bottom of the valley, Lupe started climbing NNW along a ridgeline.  After a while, it was became apparent that this ridge was not going to be a very direct route up Northeast Cicero Peak.  Lupe left the ridge, going down into the upper end of a draw.  The draw was forested lower down, but mostly open territory at the upper end where Lupe entered it.  Lupe found a trail to follow NNE up the other side of the draw.  She ultimately arrived up on a saddle ridge running ESE/WNW.

Lupe was now WNW of Northeast Cicero Peak.  From the saddle ridge, another higher ridge was visible to the ENE.  Most of that ridge was barren.  It looked like it had been ravaged by a forest fire at some point in the past.  Was that barren ridge Daisy Peak (5,948 ft.), Lupe’s 3rd peakbagging objective of the day?  It seemed to be too close, but the ridge led N to a forested hill, which might well be Kruger Peak (5,838 ft.), Lupe’s 4th peakbagging goal of the day.

Lupe reaches the saddle ridge WNW of Northeast Cicero Peak. Photo looks ENE at another higher ridge that SPHP initially mistook for Daisy Peak.
Lupe reaches the saddle ridge WNW of Northeast Cicero Peak. Photo looks ENE at another higher ridge that SPHP initially mistook for Daisy Peak.
This photo shows High Point 5999 (on the Peakbagger.com topo maps), which SPHP initially mistook for Kruger Peak. Photo looks N from the saddle ridge WNW of Northeast Cicero Peak.
This photo shows High Point 5999 (on the Peakbagger.com topo maps), which SPHP initially mistook for Kruger Peak. Photo looks N from the saddle ridge WNW of Northeast Cicero Peak.

The saddle ridge WNW of Northeast Cicero Peak also provided a great view toward higher mountains to the N and NW.

Looking NNW from the saddle ridge WNW of Northeast Cicero Peak. Some of the highest peaks of the Black Hills are in view.
Looking NNW from the saddle ridge WNW of Northeast Cicero Peak. Some of the highest peaks of the Black Hills are in view.

After taking in the views from the saddle area, it was time for Lupe to continue on up Northeast Cicero Peak.  From Cicero Peak, SPHP had noticed a large grassy area that extended high up onto the SW part of the mountain.  It couldn’t be too far away from where Lupe was now.  Lupe and SPHP set off heading SE to look for it.

After crossing a level open area, Lupe had to climb steeply up through a thick forest of young trees where there was snow on the ground.  Lupe emerged above the forest not far from the open area SPHP had seen from a distance.  A short trek to the SW brought Lupe to it.  There was a great view to the S of Cicero Peak.

Lupe SW of the summit of Northeast Cicero Peak. Photo looks S toward Cicero Peak.
Lupe SW of the summit of Northeast Cicero Peak. Photo looks S toward Cicero Peak.

Back at Cicero Peak, SPHP had also caught a glimpse through the trees of an interesting little hill to the W capped by a rock that looked very much like a broken tooth.  SPHP had dubbed it “Cracked Molar”.  From where Lupe was now, SW of the summit of Northeast Cicero Peak, there was a clear view of Cracked Molar.

"Cracked Molar" from the SW slopes of Northeast Cicero Peak.
“Cracked Molar” from the SW slopes of Northeast Cicero Peak.

From the SW viewpoint, a 10 minute trek took Lupe up to the summit of Northeast Cicero Peak.  The summit area was pretty broad and flat.  Most of it was grassy, open ground.  There was a little ridge of rocks just a few feet high, and several large boulders sitting around.  There were great views in every direction, except to the S and SE where trees were in the way.

Lupe on the little rock ridge on top of Northeast Cicero Peak. The boulder that is the true summit, can be seen beyond Lupe near the trees. Photo looks ENE.
Lupe on the little rock ridge on top of Northeast Cicero Peak. The boulder that is the true summit, can be seen beyond Lupe near the trees. Photo looks ENE.
Looking W from Northeast Cicero Peak. SPHP still hasn't figured out what mountains those high peaks seen above Lupe's back on the far horizon are.
Looking W from Northeast Cicero Peak. SPHP still hasn’t figured out what mountains those high peaks seen above Lupe’s back on the far horizon are.
Lupe perches comfortably up on the boulder that is the true summit of Northeast Cicero Peak. Beyond Lupe on the L side of the photo is a half forested (L side), half barren (R side) hill, which was Lupe's next peakbagging goal, Daisy Peak. Mt. Coolidge is seen just L of the dead tree on the R side of this photo. Photo looks NE.
Lupe perches comfortably up on the boulder that is the true summit of Northeast Cicero Peak. Beyond Lupe on the L side of the photo is a half forested (L side), half barren (R side) hill, which was Lupe’s next peakbagging goal, Daisy Peak. Mt. Coolidge is seen just L of the dead tree on the R side of this photo. Photo looks NE.
Daisy Peak (L) and Mt. Coolidge (R) from NE Cicero Peak. Photo looks NE.
Daisy Peak (L) and Mt. Coolidge (R) from NE Cicero Peak. Photo looks NE.
Harney Peak (7,242 ft.) (L) is the highest point on the horizon as seen from Northeast Cicero Peak. Custer Mountain is the forested hill seen just below and slightly to the R of Harney Peak. Daisy Peak is on the R side of the photo. Photo looks N.
Harney Peak (7,242 ft.) (L) is the highest point on the horizon. Custer Mountain is the forested hill seen just below and slightly to the R of Harney Peak. Daisy Peak is on the R side of the photo. Photo looks N.

Looking N from Northeast Cicero Peak, SPHP really began to doubt that the high barren ridge and forested high point Lupe had seen from the saddle ridge down WNW of Northeast Cicero Peak were really Daisy and Kruger Peaks.  They were just too close and easy to reach.  On the other hand, if they weren’t Daisy and Kruger Peaks, where were they?  Nothing else really stood out.

SPHP pondered the point as Lupe headed NE following a ridge down off Northeast Cicero Peak.  The going was kind of slow.  Rocks, dead timber, and scattered patches of snow were hidden in the grass.  About halfway down to the next ridge (the one mistaken for Daisy Peak), SPHP stopped to check the maps.  Lupe curled up near some rocks to enjoy the sunshine and get out of the breeze sweeping W across the ridgeline.

Lupe takes a sunny break out of the wind NE of Northeast Cicero Peak while SPHP checks the maps.
Lupe takes a sunny break out of the wind NE of Northeast Cicero Peak while SPHP checks the maps.

A look at the maps left no doubt.  There was no way the high barren ridge Lupe was approaching was Daisy Peak, nor was the forested hill beyond it Kruger Peak.  They had to be farther N, but another look in that direction left SPHP uncertain exactly which hills Lupe needed to head for.  For a couple of minutes, SPHP considered just having Lupe turn around and return to the G6.

Nah!  Lupe wasn’t going to turn around.  The area was scenic and interesting.  SPHP would figure out where Daisy and Kruger Peaks were eventually.  It was an adventure, in any case, and Lupe was having fun.  Onward!

The open ridge was a great place to be.  There were views in every direction.  Even well below the summit of Northeast Cicero Peak, Lupe was still quite high compared to much of the immediately surrounding terrain.  There continued to be numerous rocks in the grass, though, and lots of fallen timber, too.  To avoid tripping, SPHP had to stand still to look around.

Lupe reached the SSE end of the barren ridge.  Lupe and SPHP headed for a small rocky prominence toward the NE.  Time for a break.  SPHP ate an apple, studied maps, and looked around trying to figure out where Daisy Peak was.  Lupe had some Taste of the Wild.

Lupe at the break spot near the SSE end of the barren ridge. Photo looks NW.
Lupe at the break spot near the SSE end of the barren ridge. Photo looks NW.

OK.  SPHP had it figured out.  Daisy Peak was in sight off to the N.  It had to be that hill well N beyond the forested hill SPHP had originally mistaken for Kruger Peak (actually High Point 5999).  Kruger Peak wasn’t in view, but it was lower and probably hidden behind Daisy Peak.  Now that it had been properly identified, from now on Daisy Peak was going to be easy to recognize.  It was a rounded hill forested on the W side, and barren on the E side.

Daisy Peak was still quite a long way off.  Time to get moving.  Lupe and SPHP set off following the barren ridge NNW along the E side.  Lupe eventually worked her way up to the highest point on the ridge.  She continued NNW along the ridgeline from there.

The highest part of the barren ridge came to an end.  Lupe and SPHP went W down a rocky slope toward a saddle leading up to High Point 5999.  Partway down into the saddle, where the terrain became less rocky and not as steep, Lupe and SPHP paused.  There were good views back S toward Northeast Cicero Peak, and N toward Daisy Peak.

Looking SSW back at Northeast Cicero Peak from partway down into the saddle over to High Point 5999. Part of the ridge Lupe and SPHP had followed coming down to the NE from Northeast Cicero Peak is seen toward the L.
Looking SSW back at Northeast Cicero Peak from partway down into the saddle over to High Point 5999. Part of the ridge Lupe and SPHP had followed coming down to the NE from Northeast Cicero Peak is seen toward the L.
Daisy Peak is easily identifiable on the L. Lupe went all the way down to the bottom of the valley seen here on her way to climb Daisy Peak. Mt. Coolidge is the highest point on the R. Photo looks NNE.
Daisy Peak is easily identifiable on the L. Lupe went all the way down to the bottom of the valley seen here on her way to climb Daisy Peak. Mt. Coolidge is the highest point on the R. Photo looks NNE.

SPHP could see that if Lupe continued following the spine of the saddle area up to High Point 5999, Lupe was going to have a long trek over a lot of rough ground.  She would eventually have to lose elevation anyway, to get to Daisy Peak.  Instead of climbing High Point 5999, Lupe and SPHP left the saddle area going N down into a big valley.

At first the route down was steep, rocky and full of dead timber.  Gradually the going got easier.  As Lupe approached a small forest in the valley, she came to a road.  The road had been abandoned years ago.  Trees were growing on it, but it made a great trail.

At the far N end of the valley, Lupe reached an intersection with another road going E/W.  A marker showed that Lupe had been on USFS Road No. 337.1B.  She had just reached USFS Road No. 337.1A, although there was no marker saying so.  Lupe turned W (L) following No. 337.1A past a hill (High Point 5706) just to the N.

By the time Lupe was SW of High Point 5706, she was back in the forest.  Here No. 337.1A turned SW, but Daisy Peak was still off to the N beyond High Point No. 5706.  Lupe and SPHP left the road, and started climbing up the SW slope of High Point 5706.  The terrain grew increasingly steep, and it became easier to just travel N along the slope.

Lupe and SPHP made it around High Point 5706 to the saddle that led up to Daisy Peak.  Lupe went right on up the S slope to arrive at the summit.  The true summit of Daisy Peak was out in the open near the S end of the summit ridge.  There were good views from this grassy area in every direction except to the W and NW.  Mt. Coolidge (6,023 ft.) was notable off to the NE.

Lupe on Daisy Peak. Photo looks NE toward Mt. Coolidge.
Lupe on Daisy Peak. Photo looks NE toward Mt. Coolidge.
Mt. Coolidge from Daisy Peak.
Mt. Coolidge from Daisy Peak.
Northeast Cicero Peak from Daisy Peak. Photo looks SSW.
Northeast Cicero Peak from Daisy Peak. Photo looks SSW.

Looking N from Daisy Peak, Lupe could finally see Kruger Peak.  It wasn’t far off at all now, less than 0.5 mile.  After a short rest break, Lupe headed N along the Daisy Peak summit ridge.  Most of the ridge was forested, but at the very N end there was a great view of the big Glen Erin Creek valley and Custer Mountain (6,089 ft.) beyond it.

From Daisy Peak, Lupe could finally see Kruger Peak. It is the next hill over, and about 110 feet lower than Daisy Peak. Harney Peak is the highest point on the horizon. Photo looks N.
From Daisy Peak, Lupe could finally see Kruger Peak. It is the next hill over, and about 110 feet lower than Daisy Peak. Harney Peak is the highest point on the horizon. Photo looks N.
Kruger Peak is the next mostly barren ridge dotted with small trees seen here to the N. The summit is in the larger trees toward the L side of this photo. Lupe was going over there next! Mt. Coolidge is seen on the R. Photo looks NNE from Daisy Peak.
Kruger Peak is the next mostly barren ridge dotted with small trees seen here to the N. The summit is in the larger trees toward the L side of this photo. Lupe was going over there next! Mt. Coolidge is seen on the R. Photo looks NNE from Daisy Peak.
Custer Mountain is the forested hill seen on the L beyond the big Glen Erin Creek valley. Photo looks NNW from the N end of Daisy Peak.
Custer Mountain is the forested hill seen on the L beyond the big Glen Erin Creek valley. Photo looks NNW from the N end of Daisy Peak.

To get to Kruger Peak, Lupe and SPHP started directly down the N slope of Daisy Peak.  The going was slow, since the slope was fairly steep, snowy, and yet again there was a considerable amount of dead timber laying around.  Lupe came across an old road down in the saddle area between Daisy and Kruger Peaks, but didn’t follow it.  Instead, she just continued right on up to a high rocky point at the W end of the Kruger Peak summit.

Lupe perched on the highest rocks at the W end of Kruger Peak. This may not have been the true summit. Pictured between the trees is some ground to the E that looks slightly higher.
Lupe perched on the highest rocks at the W end of Kruger Peak. This may not have been the true summit. Pictured between the trees is some ground to the E that looks slightly higher.

The rocks at the W end of Kruger Peak may not have been the true summit.  There was an area a short distance E through the forest that was probably a little higher.  Lupe went over there, too, to make certain she had reached the very top of the mountain.  There were some rocks at the E high point, but they weren’t as impressive as those to the W.

By climbing Kruger Peak, Lupe had completed her 4th and final peakbagging goal of the day.  She wasn’t going to go any farther N beyond Kruger Peak.  The G6 was now 4 miles to the SSW as the crow flies.  The E high point (and probable true summit) of Kruger Peak seemed like a good place to stop and take a break.

There was another reason to stop, too.  Coming up Kruger Peak, Lupe had started hearing gunfire from down in the Glen Erin Creek valley to the W.  It made her nervous, and she had been begging SPHP to stop and hide.  So SPHP stopped and covered Lupe with a jacket so she would feel better.  Lupe was happy and felt safe curled up under the jacket.  SPHP ate an apple, checked the maps again, and took in the panoramic views to the E.

Daisy Peak from near the true summit of Kruger Peak. Photo looks SSW.
Daisy Peak from near the true summit of Kruger Peak. Photo looks SSW.

Lupe liked hiding under the jacket on Kruger Peak, but soon it was time to go.  As SPHP led her down the E spine of the mountain, Lupe kept trying to persuade SPHP to stop again.  Those big soft Carolina Dog ears could still hear gunfire far off to the W.  The sun was starting to get low, though, and it was a long winding way back to the G6.  Lupe and SPHP had to press on.

Lupe well down the E spine of Kruger Peak. Daisy Peak is seen on the R. Lupe traveled from here down into the valley below and over the saddle seen E (L) of Daisy Peak.
Lupe well down the E spine of Kruger Peak. Daisy Peak is seen on the R. Lupe traveled from here down into the valley below and over the saddle seen E (L) of Daisy Peak.

After losing quite a bit of elevation, Lupe and SPHP left the E spine of Kruger Peak.  Lupe headed S down into a valley where she saw lots of deer.  She headed for a saddle E of Daisy Peak.  On the other side of the saddle, the land was forested and lost elevation again.  Lupe had found a trail leading up to the saddle on the N side, and it continued down into the forest on the S side.

Daisy Peak from the NE.
Daisy Peak from the NE.

The trail eventually led to USFS Road No. 337.1A.  Lupe turned WSW (R) on it.  She passed the junction with No. 337.1B, which she had come down earlier before climbing Daisy Peak.  Lupe and SPHP just stayed on No. 337.1A all the way until it reached the main road, USFS Road No. 337.  Although the sun was down by now, there were still a few active squirrels in the trees along the way, so Lupe had some exciting times barking as twilight closed in.

Just prior to reaching No. 337, Lupe came to half a dozen bearded men standing around a pickup truck.  These were the first people Lupe and SPHP had seen since leaving the G6.  The men were drinking beer, and for some reason, putting little branches of spruce trees in the empty beer bottles so they stuck out as if they were Christmas trees.

The men said they were from Custer.  They weren’t hunters, just out drinking and talking in the woods having a good time.  They were quite friendly.  They treated Lupe kindly and offered SPHP a beer, which was politely declined.  SPHP chatted with them for a few minutes.  They seemed truly surprised to find out where Lupe had been.

Somewhere along USFS Road No. 337, Lupe got something stuck in her right ear.  She kept shaking her head and scratching.  SPHP tried to help her, but even with a flashlight couldn’t see anything in her ear.  SPHP scratched it for her, which she enjoyed, but it didn’t really help.  Lupe kept scratching it herself whenever SPHP stopped for more than a moment.  Her ear bothered her off and on the rest of the day.

No. 337 led to No. 336 (Flynn Creek Road).  No. 336 led to No. 338, the rocky road up to Cicero Peak.  It was pitch dark by the time Lupe and SPHP reached No. 338.  A red light could be seen up on the tower on Cicero Peak.  As Lupe and SPHP made the trek up the mountain, SPHP threw 100 – 200 large loose rocks off to the side of the road, hoping to make the trip back down less traumatic for the poor, abused G6.

Before leaving Cicero Peak, Lupe and SPHP went all the way back up to the very highest rocks on the mountain, so Lupe could claim a 2nd ascent.  At 6:06 PM (48°F), Lupe jumped into the G6 for the ride home.  Despite SPHP’s rock clearing efforts, it still took 25 minutes to carefully drive the 1.5 miles back down the mountain, but the G6 emerged unscathed.

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 109 was over.  It was the last expedition for SPHP and the 3 year old Carolina Dog.  Tomorrow was Lupe’s 4th birthday.  Lupe’s last day being 3 years old had been quite a day!

Lupe on her 4th birthday, 12-14-14.
Lupe on her 4th birthday, 12-14-14.

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