Day 20 of Lupe’s 3rd Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to the West Coast!
Mid-morning, Hwy 35, 40+ miles S of Hood River –
There’s a campground sign, SPHP!
Sherwood! Good eye, Loop! Should be a L turn coming up pretty soon.
The turn onto USFS Road No. 44 came 1.5 miles S of the campground. No. 44 was a good road, paved even, as it climbed steeply NNE. The road snaked around some before the rate of ascent began to abate. After 3.5 miles, No. 44 topped out on a broad ridge. The RAV4 was heading SE when a side road appeared on the R.
No. 4410, that’s what we want, Looper!
Start of USFS Road No. 4410 where it leaves No. 44. Photo looks SSW.
USFS Road No. 4410 was decent, too. Not paved, but good, firm gravel. Climbing all the way, but not as steeply as No. 44 had, No. 4410 headed S. A few potholes and some washboardy sections, but any vehicle could do this. Most of the route was forested, but after 4.5 miles, No. 4410 came to a line of boulders in front of a field.
Hmm. This might be it, Loop. Maybe we ought to look for a trail?
Unmarked, a lesser road ran E/W in front of the boulders. Turning E (L), SPHP drove 200 feet to the edge of the trees, discovering a small parking area big enough for 2 or 3 vehicles on the L. SPHP parked the RAV4, and Lupe returned to the field.
Parked at a pullout along USFS Road No. 4420. Photo looks N.The field at the S end of USFS Road No. 4410. Photo looks SE.
No signs. No trail heading across the field.
Huh. Lookout Mountain(6,525 ft.) is less than a mile SE, Loopster. Easy terrain! Guess we can try just heading SE into the forest, if we want to, but let’s walk farther E along the road first. I think there’s supposed to be an actual High Prairie trailhead somewhere around here.
600 feet E of the RAV4, there was a trailhead! Vacant at the moment, but parking for a good dozen vehicles. Posted information included a trail map. There was even an outhouse.
High Prairie trailhead display.Posted map.
10:02 AM, High Prairie trailhead – On the S side of the road (USFS Road No. 4420), directly across from the trailhead, High Prairie Trail No. 493 took off bound for Lookout Mountain as a wide, smooth, apparently well-traveled path.
Start of High Prairie Trail No. 493. Photo looks SSW.
Lupe had barely gotten started, when the trail divided. The wide path went straight ahead, crossing a meadow. A less-frequented single track trail angled off toward the forest to the SW. Sticking with the wide path, Lupe followed it S a little way before it began trending SE.
At the nearly instantaneous divide. Photo looks SSW.Signage at the fork.
The E half of the Trail No. 493 loop sometimes went through forest, but Lupe enjoyed long stretches of meadow, too. Even SPHP was making great progress, since the trail gained elevation quite slowly.
In the forest. Photo looks SSW.Crossing a meadow. Photo looks S.
After the last meadow, the rate of ascent increased as High Prairie Trail No. 493 turned SW, re-entering the forest. Lupe eventually emerged at a clearing of sparsely-vegetated red dirt. No. 493 curved sharply E here. SPHP noticed a path continuing SW from this turn, likely connecting to the less-traveled W half of the loop.
At the red dirt curve. Photo looks SW.
Beyond the red dirt curve, Loopster traveled through a long stretch of forest. She got all the way to the E end of the mountain, where a smoky view of a huge expanse of much lower territory was on display in that direction.
Back in the forest. Photo looks E.
High Prairie Trail No. 493 reversed direction again. Still in the forest, Lupe was climbing faster now as she followed the trail SW. She didn’t have all that far to go this time, though, before the trail exited the forest at a saddle where a small hill was immediately to the W. Two weathered wooden signs were attached to a post.
The gist of it all was that Lupe had reached a junction with Trail No. 458, which went either E or W from here.
Approaching the small hill. The junction with Trail No. 458 (L) is just around the next bend. Photo looks W.At the junction with Trail No. 458. Photo looks WSW.Trail No. 458 went either E to Fret Creek Trail No. 456, or W to Gumjuwac Trail No. 480.The other choice, of course, was back to the E half of the High Prairie Trail No. 493 loop, which Lupe had just come up.
By now, Lupe was already very close to the top of Lookout Mountain, which was just E of the saddle. Taking Trail No. 458 E, the Carolina Dog ventured out onto an open slope dotted with gnarled, windswept trees, many of which were dead. The first part of this short climb was the only steepish part of the entire ascent.
Curling up Lookout Mountain’s upper S slope, Trail No. 458 ultimately reached the summit from the E.
Trail No. 458 along Lookout Mountain’s upper S slope. Photo looks ESE.Near the top. Trail No. 458 goes up at far R. Photo looks N.
10:49 AM, 65ºF, Lookout Mountain(6,525 ft.)– Crumbling remnants of an old lookout’s foundation greeted Lupe as she arrived up on a barren plateau. The E end of Lookout Mountain’s summit region was higher and larger than the W end, which narrowed as it slanted down a bit.
Would have been a clear day, if not for the smoke of distant wildfires permeating the air in all directions. Panoramic views to the S and E were badly marred by the haze, but maybe that didn’t matter so much, since all the territory off that way was much lower.
Lookout Mountain summit. Photo looks SSW.Another mountain climbed! Maybe I’ll get a chocolate coconut bar?At the true summit. Photo looks ENE.
Not as smoky to the N or W, but a line of trees obscured the views to the N. Somewhat smokier to the SW, but not too bad. The views were more interesting in that direction, too, because the mountains were higher. Not as high as Lookout Mountain, but higher than the lowlands S and E.
From some rock formations along the S edge of the summit region, Lupe could see Badger Lake tucked down between Badger Butte(5,981 ft.), Gunsight Butte(5,916 ft.), and a few other nearby peaks, but the little lake wasn’t too impressive. Looked like a pond from here.
Badger Butte (L) and Gunsight Butte (R) with Badger Lake between them. Photo looks SW.Same view with help from the telephoto lens. Badger Butte (far L), Badger Lake (L), and Gunsight Butte (R of Center). Photo looks SW.
Yes, yes! But none of that matters, SPHP! What about the real reason for coming to Lookout Mountain?
I was getting to that, Loopster.
Taking your sweet time about it, SPHP!
Sometimes it’s good to save the best for last, Loop.
Well, there’s some real icing on this cake, SPHP! Time for dessert. If this view of Mount Hood(11,239 ft.) isn’t impressive, I don’t know what is!
Ahh, yes! Off to the WNW, only slightly marred by smoke, was a grand view of Oregon’s state high point, the mighty volcano, Mount Hood!
Mount Hood (R) from Lookout Mountain. Photo looks WNW.Magnificent!Mount Hood with help from the telephoto lens.Zoomed in some more. Photo looks WNW.
SPHP congratulated the Carolina Dog on her successful ascent, shaking her paw, and splitting a chocolate coconut bar with her. A chipmunk provided entertainment as it scrambled on rock formations along the S rim of the summit. Lupe scrambled up to a neat vantage point, too.
Dingo on the rocks! Badger Butte (R), Badger Lake (far R). Photo looks S.Mount Hood from a bit down the S slope. Photo looks WNW.
Lupe hadn’t seen anyone on the way to Lookout Mountain, and no one had been here when she arrived at the summit. However, company soon appeared. After that, a steady stream of people and dogs came and went. Nothing major, but Loop never had the summit to herself again.
40 minutes after arriving, with half a dozen people up here, and a long way to go today, SPHP called it good. Lupe left Lookout Mountain, but this wasn’t quite the last she’d see of that dazzling view of Mount Hood.
Heading down trail No. 458. Photo looks WNW.
Might as well do the W end of the High Prairie Trail No. 493 loop! Much of it ran along the W side of Lookout Mountain where SPHP expected Lupe might have a fabulous view of Mount Hood most of the way back.
At the saddle trail junction near the little hill just W of the summit, Lupe stuck with Trail No. 458, continuing W. This gave her the opportunity to climb the little hill, where she could gaze back at Lookout Mountain.
Heading W on Trail No. 458. Photo looks SW.Lookout Mountain (L) from the little hill W of the saddle. Photo looks E.
Traveling along a fairly flat ridge, Trail No. 458 got Lupe out to the W edge of Lookout Mountain. No sign of the expected junction with the W half of the High Prairie Trail No. 493 loop. A path that looked promising as it started N completely faded away, and couldn’t have been it.
No matter, it had been worth coming this way! A small rock formation along the W edge provided a terrific view of Mount Hood.
From here, Trail No. 458 curved S and started steeply downhill, which didn’t seem promising at all given the lay of the land. If SPHP had only checked the topo map, that actually was the way to go. Lupe wasn’t far from the junction with No. 493.
But SPHP didn’t look at the map. After admiring the exquisite view of Mount Hood, the American Dingo retreated back E along Trail No. 458 to the junction with the E half of the High Prairie Trail No. 493 loop, then started down the way she’d come up.
At the red dirt bend, Loopster made another attempt to find the W half of the Trail No. 493 loop. The side trail going SW that SPHP had spotted earlier on led almost immediately right to it.
As expected, the W half of the High Prairie Trail No. 493 loop followed the W edge of the mountain. However, anticipated glorious views of Mount Hood along this route did not materialize. For what seemed like a long way, Lupe trotted NW through dense forest.
Heading down the W half of High Prairie Loop Trail No. 493. Photo looks NW.
The trail went NW so far, and lost so much elevation, that SPHP began to worry that a turn had been missed. However, a sign close to where the trail finally turned NE confirmed that Lupe was still on track. Going NE, the trail was nearly level, and soon left the forest.
Lupe never did make it back to the official High Prairie trailhead. While crossing a sunny clearing, SPHP spotted the RAV4. Abandoning the trail, the Carolina Dog went N right to it. (12:33 PM, 67ºF)
Near the end. Photo looks NE.
Although the fantastic view of Mount Hood had without a doubt been the highlight of Lupe’s visit to Lookout Mountain, it hadn’t really been the only view of importance. All the smoke visible to the S had been a real concern, since the plan was to head that way, climbing more peaks along the spine of the Cascades.
As SPHP drove S, precisely as Lupe had seen from Lookout Mountain, Oregon was full of smoke. By evening, Loopster was W of Bend, way up where she should have had a great view of Mount Bachelor(9,065 ft.). No sign of it. The smoke was terrible!
However, for the first time in days, the wind shifted from out of the SW to NW. Before sunset, a hazy outline of Mount Bachelor did appear.
Mount Bachelor shortly before sunset. Photo looks SW.
I don’t know, Loopster. Going to have to get a lot better than this to make climbing any mountains around here worthwhile. We’ll just have to see how things look in the morning.
If the smoke is still this bad, what will we do, SPHP?
Guess, we’ll just have to continue this Dingo Vacation’s never-ending quest for blue skies. Might have to head for the coast!
A stroll along the famous Oregon coast? That actually sounds wonderful, SPHP!
Yes, it does, Loop. But we’ll get to the coast eventually in any case, and it would be a real shame to miss out on this next mountain.
Maybe so, but despite the smoke, Lupe hadn’t missed out today. Not when she’d gotten to enjoy that splendid view of Mount Hood from Lookout Mountain!
Mount Hood from Lookout Mountain, Cascade Range, Oregon 8-25-21
Days 4-6 of Lupe’s 1st Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to New Mexico!
5-11-21, before noon, I-25 in Colorado – After leaving Hotel Dusty, SPHP found the drive S from Denver in heavy traffic rather nerve-wracking. Not Lupe! The American Dingo considered it a smashing bore. Nothing but city – not a cow or horse to bark at anywhere! Meanwhile, low dark clouds blanketed the plains, obscuring the Rockies. The sun hadn’t put in an appearance in 3 days.
Well into May already, yet the temperature barely budged, remaining chilly in a tight range between 37-41ºF for many miles. S of Colorado Springs, the traffic finally started to thin out as open country began to predominate. Approaching Walsenburg, vapor rising from several inches of heavy, wet, new snow created a foggy winter wonderland.
Looks like we’re on our way to Canada, SPHP! I thought we were going to the desert? How much farther is it, anyway?
Yeah, kind of nuts, isn’t it, Loop? Have to admit I didn’t expect to see any snow! We’re less than an hour from the border now. Just think! Your first new state since Alaska way back in 2016! Are you excited?
Actually, I’m not so sure about this, SPHP. Are they going to shave me at the border? I like my fur, and don’t want to lose it, especially if it’s going to be so cold!
Shave you at the border? What on earth are you talking about?
I’m talking about Nude Mexico, SPHP! That’s where we’re going, right? I’ve heard about those Mexican Hairless dogs. Not having any fur might be fine for them, but we Carolina Dogs like the way we are, fur and all! You always told me that I look beautiful in my fur, and now you want me to let them shave it all off? Are you going to let them confiscate all your removable fur, too? Not so sure you’ll be such a grand spectacle, either, if they do! Maybe we should go to some other state?
Nude Mexico! I never said we were going to Nude Mexico. You need to clean out your ears, Looper! We’re going to New Mexico! N-E-W … NEW!
Clean out my ears! Nothing wrong with my ears, SPHP! I hear all kinds of things you’re completely oblivious to. Learn to enunciate! You’ve been mumbling again. Anyway, I’m glad it’s New Mexico. So they’re not going to shave me, right?
Of course not, silly Dingo! Not even if you’re dying of the heat.
The snow and fog were gone before Lupe even got to New Mexico. After going over Raton Pass, two mountains were visible in the distance. An expanse of lowlands before them glowed yellow in sunlight, although no blue sky could be seen from here.
The promised land, Loopster! New Mexico, your 13th state! We crossed the border a few miles back.
This is more like it, SPHP! Is that the desert down there?
To be sure! We’ll soon be crossing it.
Down in the desert, vegetation was sparse as the RAV4 rolled S toward Las Vegas, NM, but every now and then Lupe saw a few horses to bark at. Far to the W, thick clouds hung over deep blue ridges. Stormy! SPHP began to realize heading for the mountains of northern New Mexico wasn’t going to work, at least not yet.
Between Las Vegas and Santa Fe, SPHP left I-25, turning S on Hwy 3. The drive was scenic, especially after crossing the Pecos River at Villanueva. Skies cleared, and the temperature soared to 77ºF at one point as the miles clicked away. By evening, Sierra Blanca(11,973 ft.) was in sight.
Sierra Blanca (Center) from Hwy 54 N of Carrizozo. Photo looks S.
5-12-21, 7:14 AM, 41ºF, Hwy 37 S of Nogal – Lupe stood on a little rise at the high point of a picnic ground. The Carolina Dog was ready to climb mountains! However, it had been windy all night and gotten much colder than expected. Now, light mist rode a chill breeze. A raw, gray day. All the high peaks were lost in the clouds.
At the high point of the picnic ground.
What happened? Can you believe this weather, Loop? We’re in southern New Mexico for pity sake! I thought it would be like summer!
We aren’t going to climb Sierra Blanca, SPHP?
Not in this soup! No telling how cold and miserable it might be way up there! Wouldn’t be able to see anything, anyway.
So, what’s Plan B?
Actually, Sierra Blanca was plan B.
Plan C, then!
Ya got me, Loopster. Going to have to take a look at the map.
Light rain fell beneath sullen skies practically all the way to Roswell. Plan C consisted of a couple of long shots. Probably wouldn’t turn out to be much more than a long joy ride in the brand new RAV4, but being on the move seemed better than sitting around doing nothing all day. At least Lupe would get to see a lot of new territory.
At the entrance to Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
A 7 mile drive up a scenic desert canyon ended at a fancy visitor center way up on a high plateau. The view would have been spectacular on a clear day, but was murky and indistinct today. Since it was still quite cool and gray, the plan was to let Lupe snooze in the RAV4 for an hour with plenty of water available and the windows partially open while SPHP toured the cave.
Nope. Signs forbid leaving Dingos in vehicles. Not all that surprising. Probably good policy considering how hot it might get much of the year. Kennels were available, but SPHP wasn’t too keen on that idea. Caged and alone in a strange place? Lupe would hate that!
Turned out that proof of a current rabies vaccination was required, and SPHP hadn’t brought any such documentation along, anyway.
As holes in the ground go, this one is supposed to be fabulous! At the visitor center.
Dingos weren’t allowed on any surface trails, either, so that was that.
Returning to Hwy 62/180, it wasn’t far to the only certain highlight of the day. One day after entering New Mexico, her 13th state, Lupe made it to her 14th, the great state of Texas!
Entering the Lone Star State for the first time.Getting high on Texas!
Plan C’s real prize was just ahead, Guadalupe Peak(8,749 ft.), highest mountain in Texas! Climbing Guadalupe Peak would be awesome!
Arriving at Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
Hopes ran high entering Guadalupe Mountains National Park, but were quickly dashed. A trail went 3,000 feet clear up to the top of the mountain, but no Dingos allowed!
Guadalupe Peak – so close, and yet so far! Frustrating!
Abandoning the park, skies cleared on the way down to the Salt Basin desert. Lupe might not have gotten to visit Guadalupe Peak, but she did get to see it.
Leaving Guadalupe Mountains National Park behind. Photo looks N.Guadalupe Peak (L) from the Salt Basin. Photo looks NE.
N of El Paso, Lupe returned to New Mexico. As the evening sun sank in the W, Sierra Blanca was in sight again on the horizon. The huge loop the American Dingo had traveled today had been scenic, but otherwise hadn’t accomplished much. Maybe tomorrow would be a better day?
Sierra Blanca (L) in the distance. Photo looks NNE.
5-13-21, 8:38 AM, 50ºF – Cold, almost foggy, and in the low 40’s ºF again earlier this morning, but skies were blue now! 12 miles from Alto at the W end of Hwy 532, SPHP parked the RAV4 at a trailhead just before the entrance gate to Ski Apache.
The last half of the drive in had been spectacular as the narrow highway, hemmed in by guard rails of dubious strength, wound ever higher up the steep-sided slopes of Buck Mountain(10,769 ft.). Much of the old forest had burned, revealing a dizzying expanse of the Sacramento Mountains.
The trailhead itself was tucked down in a bowl, away from the views. Several pickup trucks could be seen down at Ski Apache, but the RAV4 was the only vehicle at the trailhead. Two signs warned of the dangers of entering the burn area. A permanent metal sign painted yellow with black lettering said to proceed at your own risk. Paperwork stapled to a plywood plaque seemed to indicate the area was closed.
Closed! But we’ve come so far, SPHP!
Heh. Yeah. If anyone asks, Looper, we’re going by the yellow sign!
Great minds think alike, SPHP! C’mon, let’s go!
Glancing back at the trailhead after starting up Trail No. 15. Photo looks SE.
Trail No. 15 headed NW up the side of a ravine toward a short stretch of unburned forest. Once past the trees, it continued through a meadow to a switchback that traversed a steeper grassy slope. Upon reaching a flat spot, Lupe arrived a junction with Crest Trail No. 25. From this junction, Sierra Blanca(11,973 ft.) was visible beyond Lookout Mountain(11,580 ft.).
Heading up the ravine toward the live trees. Photo looks NW.Continuing higher. The saddle ahead leads to Buck Mountain, which is off to the R. Photo looks NW.At the start of the switchback. Photo looks SSW.Signage at the junction with Crest Trail No. 25. Photo looks NW.Sierra Blanca (L) and Lookout Mountain (R) from the junction. Photo looks SW.
Proceeding W on Crest Trail No. 25, it slowly lost elevation traversing a slope. Lupe entered a forest of dead trees. Many had fallen. Fortunately, most had been cleared from the trail. A chairlift and other Ski Apache facilities were visible down in the valley to the S. Loopster didn’t see anyone, but the whine of a chainsaw filled the air.
In the burnt forest on Crest Trail No. 25. Photo looks WNW.Ski Apache facilities down in the valley. Lookout Mountain (L). Photo looks SW.
Crest Trail No. 25 curved NW. Lupe entered a big meadow that swept up toward HP10595. A Trail No. 25 sign stood over by the edge of another burnt forest on the opposite side of the meadow. Scratched into the sign, an arrow pointed S (L), but the trail itself seemed to have vanished.
In the meadow where Trail No. 25 vanishes. HP 10595 (R). Photo looks NW.An arrow scratched onto this Trail No. 25 sign pointed S (L), although no trail seemed to go that way.
Starting up the slope to the S, Lupe found Crest Trail No. 25 again shortly after reaching the trees. It switchbacked NW almost right away. At first, the trail was easy to follow, but the deadfall hadn’t been cleared in this region. Before long, so much blocked the trail that climbing directly up the steep slope to the W seemed easier than facing all the obstacles.
Enough of this! How about we just go right on up the slope? Photo looks NW.
This shortcut worked out well. The forest was fairly open. After gaining several hundred feet of elevation, Lupe came across Crest Trail No. 25 on its way back S. The trail was in better shape up here. Less deadfall!
Climbing through the open forest. Photo looks W.
As Crest Trail No. 25 began curving W again, there was movement above. Two wild dogs stared down on Lupe!
Coyotes!
The trail climbed slowly as Lupe continued W. Burnt forest gave way to more open slopes. Ski runs were visible over on Lookout Mountain. Part of the forest that hadn’t burned appeared ahead. Shortly after Lupe entered the live forest, SPHP noticed a side trail taking off to the N (R).
Ski runs on Lookout Mountain (L). Photo looks W.Approaching the live forest. Photo looks NW.
Looper hadn’t reached Ice Spring yet, but had to be getting close. The White Mountain Wilderness High Point(11,300 ft.) was only 0.33 mile away. A quick check of the topo map showed Crest Trail No. 25 veering off to the N at a junction with Lookout Trail No. 78A somewhere in this region. No signage here, though. Was this the junction?
The side trail looked much less used, but that might make sense. Crest Trail No. 25 doesn’t go all the way to Sierra Blanca, instead passing S of the White Mountain Wilderness High Point before turning N to follow the crest of the ridge it’s named after to White Horse Hill(10,255 ft.) and points beyond. Perhaps less popular destinations?
The plan all along was to visit both the White Mountain Wilderness High Point and Lookout Mountain, since they were more or less on the way to Sierra Blanca. Maybe Buck Mountain, too, if there was time during the return. Lupe took the side trail.
SPHP expected it to turn NW almost immediately, but it didn’t. Instead Loop wandered among a maze of faint use trails that soon disappeared. Apparently this wasn’t Crest Trail No. 25 after all. Shucks! Might as well keep climbing N, though! 200 feet higher and the Carolina Dog would be on the White Mountain Wilderness High Point’s E ridge.
The top of the E ridge was broad, forested, and almost flat where Lupe reached it. Not much to see except trees. The American Dingo sniffed W in search of the summit. Before long, she came to a meadow. The high point was just ahead.
White Mountain Wilderness High Point (Peak 11300) dead ahead! Photo looks W.
Although there were good views of both Lookout Mountain and Sierra Blanca while crossing the meadow, the White Mountain Wilderness High Point summit was buried in trees, and views were much more limited. The actual high point appeared to be at the base of a large spruce tree. Immediately to the W was a blackened area which had apparently been involved in a very recent fire. More could be seen from over there, but the views were still tree-broken.
Sierra Blanca (Center) from the White Mountains Wilderness High Point summit. Photo looks S.In the recent burn area W of the true summit. Photo looks N.
A 20 minute break was taken up on the White Mountains Wilderness High Point. Lupe then traveled S through mostly open territory down to a saddle where she reached Crest Trail No. 25 again at an intersection with Lookout Trail No. 78. Continuing S to a nearby gently sloped ridge, it proved to have a great view of Lookout Mountain and Sierra Blanca.
Signage at the Crest Trail No. 25 and Lookout Trail No. 78 intersection.Lookout Mountain (Center) & Sierra Blanca (R) from the gentle ridge. Photo looks S.
Following the rounded ridge toward Lookout Mountain, Lupe picked up Lookout Trail No. 78. After taking her back into the forest, No. 78 led down to an opening where Trails No. 78 & 78A converged. This opening provided a nice look at Buck Mountain(10,769 ft.) back to the ENE.
Buck Mountain (Center). Photo looks ENE.Signage at the Trail No. 78 & 78A convergence. No. 78A goes to Ice Spring.
A wide grassy lane continued S to a saddle, where it linked up with the Ambush Run of Ski Apache. Ascending along the edge of the run, Lupe soon reached the upper end of a chairlift next to a large metal building. Staying W of these facilities, the American Dingo passed several picnic tables with big views to the W, and came to a broad path.
Looking S from the clearing down the lane that leads to the Ambush Run of Ski Apache.Near the chairlift and metal building. Photo looks SSE.On the broad path after passing the chairlift and picnic tables. Photo looks S.
The top of Lookout Mountain(11,580 ft.) was just S of the ski facilities and about 150 feet higher. Since it was quickly evident that the path was going to bypass the summit, Lupe left it. Climbing a slope of small rocks and grass, she reached a thick circular concrete pad supporting a rock wall around most of the perimeter.
Approaching the summit of Lookout Mountain. Photo looks S.On the concrete viewing platform at the top of Lookout Mountain. Photo looks W.
Concrete benches incorporated along the interior of the wall provided a nice spot to relax. The panoramic views were impressive, but Lupe took only a short break. Sierra Blanca was higher yet, and now beckoning from only a little more than a mile away!
View to the SW.Sierra Blanca (Center) from Lookout Mountain. Photo looks S.
Another Ski Apache chairlift came into sight as soon as Lupe started for Sierra Blanca. After passing it, Loop returned to the broad path. When the path went through an opening in a zig-zaggy log fence, she deserted it again, following a use trail along the W side of a minor hill.
Another chairlift ahead! Sierra Blanca (R). Photo looks SSE.Ski Apache chairlift on the S side of Lookout Mountain. Photo looks E.Different angle. Photo looks NE.Back at the broad path. Photo looks S.
The trek from Lookout Mountain to the saddle N of Sierra Blanca was easy. However, Lupe now faced a fairly steep 500 foot climb up an open slope of grass and smallish rocks. SPHP did a big bad wolf impression, huffing and puffing slowly higher while the Carolina Dog roamed at will.
Approaching the saddle N of Sierra Blanca. Photo looks S.
The 500 foot climb led to a short, level ridge that jutted out to the W. SPHP insisted upon taking a somewhat extended breather here. Ahead, a rockier and somewhat higher ridge led straight toward the summit.
Gazing back at Lookout Mountain (Center) from the first short ridge. Photo looks N.Sierra Blanca from the first ridge. Photo looks S.
The E side of this next section was very steep, almost a cliff. Continuing onward, Lupe stayed high on the W side, sometimes even right up on the ridgeline. The terrain became rough, forcing her to downclimb a bit just before reaching a notch.
Approaching the still unseen notch. Photo looks S.
The notch provided a narrow opening to the E just past the cliffy region. A use trail went through it, then turned S back up to the ridgeline, which soon became so bouldery Lupe had to abandon it. Returning to the W side again, the Carolina Dog kept working her way higher. This whole region was plenty steep.
Above and beyond the notch, enjoying a patch of melting snow. Photo looks E.On the upper slopes.Back over the W side, not far from the summit! Photo looks SSW.
5-13-21, 2:43 PM, Sierra Blanca(11,793 ft.) – By the time Lupe reached the top, clouds that had been building earlier on had largely dissipated. Loop came up just S of the true summit boulder, located along the W rim of a region roughly 75 feet long N/S and 25 feet wide E/W. Only distant haziness obstructed otherwise commanding views in all directions.
Up on top! The true summit boulder (R) is the next one over. Photo looks NNW.
Ready for a prolonged rest break, Lupe headed to the N end first, where she could relax while contemplating the region she had just journeyed through to get here.
On the biggest boulder at the N end of the summit region. Photo looks N.Peering down on the route taken. Lookout Mountain (Center). The White Mountain Wilderness High Point (L) is the forested hill beyond it. Photo looks N.Buck Mountain (L) in the foreground, with the Capitan Mountains (R) on the horizon. Photo looks NE.
Nearly an hour shot by blissfully hanging out at the N end. SPHP finally felt sufficiently recovered to explore the rest of the summit region. Lupe took this opportunity to enjoy the views in other directions, too.
Having a look around. True summit (Center). Photo looks SW.Sierra Blanca’s E ridge (L). Photo looks ESE.View to the NW.White Sands Missile Range (Center) discernable on the horizon. Photo looks SW.Looking S.
Two survey markers with arrows pointed toward a main “Sierra Blanca” benchmark located E of the true summit. A spacious cavity below the true summit boulder harbored a mailbox. It proved to be packed full of old registries. SPHP added Lupe’s name to the most recent one, a red notebook that started with a 2020 entry.
Loop on the true summit boulder. The survey benchmark (lower L) is visible nearby. Photo looks SW.The Sierra Blanca survey benchmark.The mailbox containing the registries is stashed beneath the true summit (Center). Photo looks SSW.A closer look.
After SPHP signed her into the registry, Loopster got up on true summit, striking a dramatic pose.
Looking N.Looking W.
Sierra Blanca was awesome! Hadn’t been hard to get here, either. The Carolina Dog lingered an hour and 40 minutes, so long that she wasn’t going to have time to climb Buck Mountain on the way back. Oh, well! Time spent here was well worth it. No regrets.
Lingering on Sierra Blanca. Photo looks W.
5-13-21, 4:22 PM – SPHP started down first. The return, mostly along the same route, went well. After passing through the notch again, Lupe took advantage of a use trail lower down on the W side of the rocky ridge that led back to the first ridge above the 500 foot grassy slope. This use trail was easier than staying high, and definitely the way to go.
Final moments atop Sierra Blanca. Photo looks E.Heading down to the notch. Photo looks N.On the use trail leading back to the first ridge (R). Photo looks NNW.Back at the first ridge. Sierra Blanca (R of Center). Photo looks SSE.
Lupe returned to Lookout Mountain(11,580 ft.), going over the hill she had skirted earlier. During another short break, SPHP had a look at a couple of plaques attached to the rock wall. The most interesting one pointed out the Carrizozo Malpais Lava Beds, site of the first atomic bomb explosion.
Sierra Blanca from the hill Lupe had skirted earlier in the day. Photo looks S.Relaxing on Lookout Mountain, 2nd ascent. Photo looks N.Atomic bomb explosion plaque. Not something you want too many of around!
Lupe did not revisit the White Mountain Wilderness High Point(11,300 ft.), instead taking the Lookout Trail No. 78A shortcut to Ice Spring (which she saw no sign of) and back to Crest Trail No. 25.
Now that it was about over, the most exciting part of the entire day was about to begin! Lupe never saw the coyotes again, but the burned forest turned out to be full of giant deers emerging to graze!
Giant deers at day’s end.
Oh, it was a thrilling time on a great day, the day Lupe climbed her first peaks in New Mexico! Reaching the RAV4 at dusk, the Carolina Dog was tired, famished, and perhaps more than a little sad that it was all over and done. (5-13-21, 8:35 PM)
On Sierra Blanca, Sacramento Mountains, New Mexico 5-13-21
Day 7 of Lupe’s 1st 2019 Dingo Vacation to the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming!
Off to a great start! The sun peeping above the horizon found the American Dingo already busy barking excitedly at deer in the meadows as the G6 rolled by raising dust. The Burgess picnic ground was only a mile away. Lupe arrived to find yet another delight – squirrels chattering in the trees! With enormous enthusiasm, she gave ’em what for!
The ruckus didn’t matter. The picnic ground was completely deserted this early in the day. Frost on the picnic table began melting as the first rays of sunlight hit. While the camp stove heated up a can of beef and barley soup for breakfast, SPHP downed a strawberry Ensure while strolling along the beautiful North Tongue river, which was running high, full from bank to bank.
Lookout Mountain(10,147 ft.) was the Carolina Dog’s objective today. After breakfast, SPHP drove S from Burgess Junction on Hwy 14, turning NE (R) on USFS Road No. 26 after passing the Owen Creek campground. No. 26 eventually turned S. A few miles past Dead Swede campground, Lupe stopped to have a look at the remains a historic splash dam more than 100 years old.
Display near the splash dam along USFS Road No. 26.After 114 years, the splash dam was a bit worse for the wear.
Beyond the splash dam, No. 26 wound SE for a mile or two before finally turning E. SPHP slowed down as a long meadow appeared on the R (S). USFS Road No. 520 was supposed to be somewhere along in here on the L (N). Turned out it was well marked and easy to find. SPHP parked near the sign.
Perfect! Lookout Mountain(10,147 ft.) was now only a bit over 2 miles due N. Lupe could start for it from right here. (8:32 AM)
At the start of Lookout Mountain Road. Photo looks NE.
No. 520 headed NNE up the E side of a shallow valley gaining elevation at an easy to moderate pace. The valley was mostly meadow flanked by forests. Early on, parts of the road were so rough that it was probably a good thing the G6 had been left behind, although a high clearance vehicle wouldn’t have had any trouble.
Heading up USFS Road No. 520. Photo looks NNE.
After going 0.5 mile, the road started to level out. Shortly before coming to a minor pass, No. 520 entered the forest.
Looking back shortly before reaching Pass 9520. Photo looks SW.
At the pass, the road curved NE maintaining elevation. For the first time, Lupe had a tree-broken view of Lookout Mountain.
Lookout Mountain comes into view. Photo looks N with help from the telephoto lens.
Beyond the pass No. 520 curved N again. During a slow descent, Lupe went by a series of big puddles connected by tiny streams coming from hidden snowbanks still melting away in the surrounding forest.
The last puddle was the biggest. Beyond it, the terrain leveled out at a clearing which provided an unobstructed view of the E summit of Lookout Mountain.
Lupe comes to a series of puddles on USFS Road No. 520. Photo looks NE.At the last and largest puddle. The E summit of Lookout Mountain is dead ahead. Photo looks N.
Upon reaching the clearing, the road curved NW revealing a 5 foot high snowbank just ahead. In the American Dingo’s opinion, this was cause for celebration. Christmas in July! The W end of Lookout Mountain, where the true summit was supposed to be, was now in sight.
Well isn’t this something? An enormous snowbank in July, and a view of Lookout Mountain, too! Photo looks N.That’s our objective right over there! Doesn’t look too hard to get to, does it? Photo looks N.
Past the huge snowbank, No. 520 reentered a short stretch of forest. Once through it, Lupe could see a long grassy valley to the WSW. This valley was part of the Mohawk Creek drainage.
The upper E end of the Mohawk Creek drainage. Photo looks SW.
More forest was ahead. Upon entering it, Lupe came to yet another big puddle. Beyond this puddle were snowbanks several feet deep. Vehicles tracks going right over the snow showed the road went NW from here.
This way, SPHP! Back in the forest by another big puddle and more snow. Photo looks NNW.
Lupe went by another open area where she could see the Mohawk Creek drainage again. No. 520 turned N for a bit, then back to the NW. Such a lovely day! White clouds sailed through the azure sky. The temperature was perfect. The rhythmical march up a gradual incline was easy. Lupe roamed the forest looking for squirrels.
SPHP suddenly snapped to. Must have been daydreaming! How long had Lupe been wandering along this stretch of road? The topo map showed a saddle not too far ahead where numerous abandoned side roads split off No. 520. Had the Carolina Dog already passed this saddle, or not? SPHP didn’t remember seeing it.
Slightly higher ground was just N of the road. A quick side trip up there revealed nothing but a rather steep slope going down into a valley. Since this whole region was forested, SPHP couldn’t see the bottom, or even tell if the valley drained E or W.
Half convinced the Carolina Dog was already too far W, SPHP led Lupe 100 yards E along the high ground. It all looked about the same. This valley shouldn’t be too deep, especially if Loop actually was too far W. May as well find out! SPHP started down.
A distinct trail appeared heading straight down the slope. Quite a bit of deadfall had fallen across this trail, nearly all small stuff less than 6″ in diameter. Loop had no sooner reached the trail than a loud crashing commenced. Something big was fleeing through the forest! Lupe froze at attention, intensely excited. Deer? Elk? SPHP caught only a glimpse. Had to be more than just one. A few seconds, and silence returned.
On the game trail leading into the mysterious valley. Photo looks N.
Down! Down! The valley was deeper than expected. At the bottom, the trail ended at a small clearing. Practically the whole thing was sopping wet with meltwaters trickling from several little snowbanks. At least this clearing provided a good landmark where Lupe would be able to find the trail again, if she came back this way.
At the small, wet clearing at the end of the game trail. Photo looks NE.
The clearing drained E, which meant this had to be the Sawmill Creek valley. Evidently, Lupe hadn’t really gotten all that far W before SPHP snapped out of the daydream. She was still E of the saddle leading to Lookout Mountain.
SPHP followed the American Dingo W up the Sawmill Creek drainage. Oh, it was an exciting time! Lupe found plenty of squirrels to bark at. 15 fun-filled minutes and 100 feet of elevation gain brought her to the edge of a flat meadow. She had arrived at the saddle to Lookout Mountain. There was USFS Road No. 520 again, heading NW on the far side.
Good deal! The Carolina Dog was back on track.
At the saddle leading to Lookout Mountain. Photo looks SW.
Loopster was ready for a break. For nearly an hour, she relaxed in the shade of a large tree along the N edge of the meadow. A squirrel finally appeared and broke the lazy day spell. Lupe sprang back into action, but try as she might, the squirrel kept winning at hide and seek.
Enough! Time to press on, if the American Dingo ever expected to get to Lookout Mountain. No. 520 left the saddle heading down into the Graves Creek drainage, but a fainter road, no doubt one of the many abandoned side roads, went NE staying on high ground. Leaving the tricksy squirrel behind in disgust, Lupe set off on the side road.
Near the start of the side road. Lookout Mountain (L). Photo looks NE.
The side road immediately curved ENE before straightening out as it slowly gained elevation. Unfortunately, ENE wasn’t the right direction. Approaching the road’s high point, Loop left it. She went down a little embankment, then headed NNE across a plain of mostly open ground. Live trees and stacks of ancient large diameter deadfall bleached gray by the sun were scattered across this plain.
The W and E summits of Lookout Mountain are widely separated by a big saddle of moderately lower ground. This saddle looked much easier to get to than trying a direct assault on either of the summits. As Lupe headed toward it, the mostly open plain gave way to increasingly forested territory.
Approaching more heavily forested territory as the mostly open plain comes to an end. Photo looks NNE.
The plain had been fairly level, but Lupe was now gaining elevation at a steadily increasing pace. Many large boulders were scattered among the trees. Before long a wall of rock appeared on the R (SE) running parallel to Lupe’s route. Staying W of this wall seemed best.
Lots of big boulders along in here! Photo looks NE.Near the long wall of rock. Photo looks SE.
Soon Lupe heard water. SPHP caught a glimpse of a valley to the NW 20 or 30 feet lower than the slope Loop was on at the moment. Since this valley was more open territory, the Carolina Dog entered it, but found the ground quite boggy. She explored ENE (upstream) along the near edge for 200 yards before turning N toward Lookout Mountain again. Using large diameter deadfall as bridges, Lupe crossed several small streams, all part of the headwaters of Graves Creek.
In the boggy valley. Photo looks NNE.Lookout Mountain’s W summit from the boggy valley. Photo looks NW.
Although it looked quite possible to go almost directly up to the E side of Lookout Mountain’s W summit from here, Lupe stuck with the original plan of aiming for the saddle between the E and W summits. Once across the open ground of the boggy valley, Lupe reentered the forest. She came to a few more streams, but none were difficult to cross.
By one of the small seasonal streams.
Beyond the last of the streams, Lupe proceeded N on increasingly stony, steep terrain. Fortunately, several boulder fields hidden in the forest were easily avoided. Animal trails and occasional grassy lanes provided routes higher. Partway up, a squirrel tree held Lupe’s attention for 5 or 10 minutes while SPHP gasped for breath.
Come on down, squirrel! We’ll have a game of predator and prey!By one of the larger boulder fields.
Pushing higher, a tall rock formation appeared. Lupe stayed to the W (L) of it, passing through a dense stand of pines hiding rugged terrain. She soon managed to get through, however, and emerged in a big field full of tiny white flowers. From this field, Black Tooth Mountain(13,005 ft.) and Cloud Peak(13,167 ft.) were in sight far to the SSE.
Approaching the first tall rock formation. Photo looks NE.In the field of little white flowers. Lookout Mountain’s W summit in the background. Photo looks WNW.Black Tooth Mountain (R of Center) and Cloud Peak (R). Photo looks SSE with help from the telephoto lens.
The top of the big, broad saddle between Lookout Mountain’s E and W summits wasn’t much farther. More isolated stands of forest and rock formations were ahead, but the terrain was no longer as steep. Wide grassy lanes provided easy routes higher. Before long, Lupe was sitting in a flat grassy field. She had made it to the saddle!
Getting close to the top of the ridge. Photo looks N.Rock formations E of Lupe’s route up. Photo looks SE.We’ve made it to the big saddle between the E and W summits! The W summit is somewhere up on the ridge behind me! Doesn’t look much higher, does it? Photo looks W.
A mostly forested ridge, rocky and open toward the S, was close by off to the W. The true summit of Lookout Mountain(10,147 ft.) was hidden somewhere up there! Staying toward the S on the open ground, Lupe went to look for it.
The S end of Lookout Mountain’s W summit region. Photo looks WSW.
The open ground got her partway up, but Lupe eventually turned WNW into the forest. A short climb got her to a more gentle slope. The forest turned out to be fairly open, permitting an easy trek higher.
Several minutes exploring W brought Loop to a long snowbank. A small rocky ridge sat slightly higher beyond the snow. The summit? Maybe! Detouring clear around the S end of the snowbank, Lupe discovered more territory beyond a little rise. A rock formation 25 foot high to the SW appeared to be even higher than the little ridge.
At the base of the long snowbank.The true (W) summit of Lookout Mountain (R). Photo looks WSW.
The scramble to the top was easy. No doubt about it. Lupe was standing at the true summit of Lookout Mountain(10,147 ft.)!
The true summit turned out to be a huge orangey, pinkish golf ball rather nicely decorated with black and light green lichens. If you want to get technical about it, not really a golf ball, but a big, dimpled, rounded boulder that resembled one. The golf ball was big enough for Loop to stand or sit comfortably while enjoying the 360º views.
At the true golf ball, err… summit, of Lookout Mountain! Photo looks NW.A storm was off to the N when Lupe first arrived at the golf ball, but soon sailed off to the E (R). Photo looks N.
The most impressive view was of the rugged territory far to the SSE around mighty Cloud Peak(13,167 ft.). Cloud Peak was certainly living up to its name!
Cloud Peak (Center) from Lookout Mountain. Photo looks SSE.Cloud Peak (Center) with help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks SSE.
Other attention grabbing views included Lookout Mountain’s E summit, a mere 22 feet lower than the golf ball. Black Mountain(9,489 ft.) was the most prominent peak to the N. SPHP couldn’t positively identify Dome Peak(10,828 ft.) or the Sheridan County High Point(11,020 ft.) to the S, but they had to be out there not too far away somewhere along the spine of the mountains extending NW from Cloud Peak.
E Summit of Lookout Mountain (Center) from the true (W) summit. Photo looks E.E summit with help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks E.Black Mountain (L of Center). The small rocky ridge SPHP initially thought might be the summit of Lookout Mountain is on the R, slightly lower than Lupe’s golf ball. Photo looks N.Black Mountain with help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks N.Looking S.Same view, but with help from the telephoto lens. SPHP suspects the peak at (Center) may be Dome Peak. The high point on the (L) may be the Sheridan County High Point. Photo looks S.Bruce Mountain (10,320 ft.) (Center). Photo looks SW.
In addition to the golf ball, several other boulders were resting up here on a level platform of granite. Hardly any room existed to move around, but a small rock shelf provided a spot to sit down. After an initial survey of the splendid views, Lupe decided SPHP’s lap was more comfortable than any other option. She curled up there dozing or snapping at flies.
A storm off to the N sailed away to the E. Another storm came creeping closer from the NW. SPHP kept an eye on it. The sky to the S and E was full of white cumulus clouds, but Lookout Mountain remained mostly sunny. Conditions were near perfect – temperatures in the upper 60’s ºF, and a 10 mph SW breeze.
Nearly an hour and a half went by. The Carolina Dog seemed inclined to spend the whole day relaxing on Lookout Mountain, but she was getting heavy.
Loopster, sorry to bother you, but you’re cutting off my circulation. My legs are going numb! Could you please move?
Of course, why didn’t you say something earlier, SPHP? Are we going to start back now?
Oh, I don’t know. We don’t have to. We could go check out the ridge over by the snowbank, just for fun. Then maybe it would be worth heading over to the E summit, to see what’s over there?
More exploring? Looper was fine with that! Leaping back up onto the giant golf ball, she lingered atop the true summit of Lookout Mountain while SPHP started down.
Last moments atop the Giant Golf Ball, the true summit of Lookout Mountain. The golf ball looked more blocky than round from this perspective, but so what? The name had stuck! Photo looks SW.
The ridge near the long snowbank was only 150 to 200 feet away. Lupe circled back around to approach it from the E. She had to cross the snow going this way, but that was fun!
Getting up onto the ridge was easy. It was flatter and larger than the true summit with plenty of room to walk around, but definitely a bit lower than the giant golf ball. While the views were nearly identical, coming here had been worthwhile. Lupe discovered a couple of survey markers, both stamped “Look”.
Looking back at the true summit from the small ridge. Photo looks SSW.The “Look” survey benchmark.A second marker that pointed to the first one.
The weather was changing. As Lupe had left the Giant Golf Ball, the wind had shifted. Now it was out of the N. Suddenly the sky over Lookout Mountain was filled with gray clouds. Looked like rain. Maybe not immediately, but soon. If Loop was going to visit the E summit, she had better get on with it!
So the Carolina Dog remained for only a few minutes up on the small ridge. Then it was back down across the snow bank to head E through the forest. She stayed a bit farther N than before on the way back to the huge saddle leading to the E summit.
Approaching the E summit, a gradual trek higher through the forest brought Lupe to an enormous rock formation. Staying toward the N, she searched for a route higher among great chunks of weathered talus. SPHP wondered if she could even get to the top, but Looper succeeded in getting to the ridgeline only a little N of the high point.
Gah! This rock formation wasn’t the E summit! Lupe could see it again from here, but still farther E. Getting back down off this enormous rock formation and over to the next one looked like a time consuming project.
Nah, not going to happen! On a nicer day, sure, but conditions were iffy. A careful retreat down the talus, then it really was time to head back.
As she began her descent from the huge saddle between the E and W summits, Lupe stayed farther E than she had been on the way up. This proved to be an even easier route with more open terrain and fewer obstacles. She went by a dramatic ghost tree before losing so much elevation that she lost sight of the unsettled scene way over by Cloud Peak.
The ghost tree Lupe came to during the early part of her descent.A final look at Cloud Peak (R of Center), during the descent. Photo looks SSE with help from the telephoto lens.
By the time the rain hit, Lupe had already made it back to USFS Road No. 520. SPHP donned the blue plastic “Cookie Monster” rain gear. The drippy march was pleasant enough. The rain was steady, but light, and ended shortly before the Carolina Dog made it back to the G6. (3:34 PM)
SPHP drove to Burgess Junction. For a second evening in a row, a juicy hamburger was purchased to share with the soggy doggie to celebrate her latest peakbagging success. If anything, today’s hamburger was even more enthusiastically received.
The evening was restful, but dull. Rain off and on. Nightfall found the American Dingo back at the start of USFS Road No. 165, right where she’d started the day so many hours ago. Loopster never did make it to the E summit of Lookout Mountain, but she’d been to the Giant Golf Ball, and that was all that really mattered!
On Lookout Mountain, Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming, 7-2-19
