New Year’s Eve Peak – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 339 – New Year’s Eve Peak & Peak 5917 (12-29-24)

12-29-24, 11:41 AM, 41ºF, junction of Hwy 385 & USFS Road No. 710 – A close call, but the American Dingo was here.

At the **start of USFS Road No. 710**. Photo looks WNW.

Looks familiar, SPHP. Already time for New Year’s Eve Peak (6,048 ft.)?

Not quite, Loop. We’re actually a couple of days early since it’s supposed to snow tomorrow.

Nothing wrong with that, SPHP. I like the snow! Besides, there’s supposed to be snow when we visit New Year’s Eve Peak. Tis the season, you know, and the snow makes everything so beautifully pristine and wintery white.

Oh, I agree! I like the snow, too, Loopster. Doesn’t seem right without any at all, but this is the last warm day. It’s supposed to turn quite a bit colder when the snow arrives, and stay that way well into January. Didn’t want you to suffer, so here we are, ready or not.

Lupe was always ready for adventure! Even if the timing was a bit off for New Year’s Eve Peak, that really wasn’t so unusual. The weather was often persnickety this time of year. In fact, in all the pilgrimages she’d made to New Year’s Eve Peak, she’d only managed to get there right on New Year’s Eve 4 times.

Even so, as the Carolina Dog set off along USFS Road No. 710, it did seem totally wrong that there wasn’t any snow at all. Hadn’t ever happened before. Felt more like fall than winter.

Heading up **USFS Road No. 710**. Photo looks W.

No. 710 was pretty flat at first, but soon began a gradual climb. After 0.5 mile, Lupe reached the overgrown junction with No. 710.1A.

At the junction with **USFS Road No. 710.1A**. Photo looks NW.

Gosh, Loop. Seems like forever since we’ve taken No. 710.1A. Want to go that way just to mix things up a bit?

I don’t remember ever going to New Year’s Eve Peak that way, SPHP. Will it work?

That’s because we’ve only been that way once before, more than 10 years ago, Loopster, and we didn’t go to New Year’s Eve Peak then. We went to Peak 6070 and Nugget Gulch Peak (5,991 ft.) instead. But, yeah, we can take No. 710.1A to New Year’s Eve Peak, if you’re willing to do a bit of exploring.

Very funny, SPHP! You know I love exploring!

Nearly level, No. 710.1A started out by wrapping around the E end of the big ridge to the N before turning back toward the NW.

A glimpse of the **Bald Hills** shortly after setting out on **No. 710.1A**. Photo looks E.

On the N side of the ridge, Lupe was delighted to find that there actually was a bit of snow. Not much, hardly any, in fact, but enough for her to take small bites of whenever she came to some.

A **skiff of snow**. **Scruton Mountain** (R of Center) between the trees. Photo looks NW.

At first, several homes and a road were in sight not too far off toward the N, but No. 710.1A eventually led to a gradual descent into a valley that felt much more remote.

Entering the **remote valley**. Photo looks WNW.

Although Lupe had been here once before, it had been so long ago that nothing seemed more than vaguely familiar as she followed No. 710.1A up the seldom-visited valley. Coming to grassy clearings, long lanes full of dead leaves bordered by aspens, and even part of a deer hide, it was almost like exploring an entirely new region.

Crossing a **small clearing**. Photo looks WNW.

A **lane of dead leaves**. Photo looks NW.

By the very interesting **piece of deer hide** (R of Center).

The road went on, gaining elevation more rapidly as Lupe continued WNW. When No. 710.1A suddenly curved SSW, it was decision time.

Following **USFS Road No. 710.1A** through **another clearing**. Photo looks WNW.

At the **point where USFS Road No. 710.1A turns SSW**. Photo looks SW.

Hold on, Loopster. We’ve got a couple of options here.

The road keeps going, SPHP. Aren’t we going to follow it?

That’s one option, Loop. If we stick with the road, it will end somewhere NW of Peak 5917. Continuing up that valley, we can swing around to the W, then climb New Year’s Eve Peak from the SSE.

Sounds easy enough, SPHP. What’s the other choice?

We can leave the road here, Looper, continuing NW to a powerline, then follow New Year’s Eve Peak’s N ridge.

We’ve never climbed New Year’s Eve Peak from the N before, have we, SPHP? Let’s do that!

Heading NW shortly after abandoning USFS Road No. 710.1A. Photo looks NW.

Exploring at will after leaving USFS Road No. 710.1A was definitely more interesting. Climbing steadily at a moderate pace, the American Dingo soon came to some sickly looking bushes. Beyond them she reached a forest of tall pines where there was quite a bit of deadfall. Once through the tall pines, Lupe entered a steeper part of the valley featuring some rock formations and so much deadfall that it was becoming a problem.

By the **sickly bushes**. **Tall pines** dead ahead. Photo looks WNW.

Among the **tall pines**. Photo looks WNW.

Amid the **troublesome deadfall**. Photo looks WNW.

The deadfall was such a mess that SPHP was eager to get out of it. A ridge where the situation might be different was visible just ahead, but angling W while crossing a shallow valley seemed like the quickest way to make an escape.

Crossing the valley worked great! Once on the other side, the Carolina Dog quickly left the worst of the deadfall behind. Climbing gradually through an open forest, Lupe came to an abandoned road not shown on the maps. Following it, glimpses of the powerline soon began appearing between the trees off to the NW.

In the **open forest** beyond the worst of the deadfall. Photo looks W.

On the unexpected **abandoned road**. Photo looks WSW.

Rather than going all the way to the powerline, Lupe turned S before reaching it, leaving the road and beginning a steeper climb in search of New Year’s Eve Peak’s N ridge. At the top of the first rise, she came to a region of kinnikinnick, still somewhat green among several boulders.

On the rise carpeted with **kinnikinnick**. Photo looks SW.

Turning SW, an easy flat stretch led to an even steeper climb. Exploring hidden paths and narrow lanes among the trees, the American Dingo’s ascent began in earnest. Early on, a view of the Seth Bullock Lookout Tower on Scruton Mountain (5,923 ft.) appeared back to the N.

The **Seth Bullock Lookout Tower** (R of Center) atop **Scruton Mountain**. Photo looks N.

The intent was to go right on up New Year’s Eve Peak’s N ridge, but with another 250 feet yet to go, Lupe ran into a road at the 5,800 foot level. Almost perfectly flat, and so long abandoned that trees were growing on it, both where this road came from and where it went were a mystery.

SPHP had been huffing and puffing during the steep climb.

Huh. Want to explore this road a bit, Looper? We’ve got time, and it’s flat enough to almost be like taking a break.

Sure, SPHP! But which way, L or R?

How about L, Loopster? Maybe it will take us over to the NE ridge? If it does, we can complete our ascent from there.

Turning L on the road, it immediately curved SSE. In all the times Lupe had been to New Year’s Eve Peak, she’d never explored this side of the mountain before. Seemed strange to think that this road had been here all these years, and she’d never even known of its existence.

Exploring the formerly unknown road on the N side of the mountain. Photo looks SSE.

The old road was an easy stroll. Sure enough, it eventually hooked around to the NE, crossing New Year’s Eve Peak’s NE ridge at a spacious flat region. Starting downhill, the road continued SE toward Peak 5917, which could be seen through the forest.

Near the curve at the end of the stretch going SSE. Photo looks SSE.

In the **flat region** where the road crossed the **NE ridge**. **Peak 5917** (R of Center) ahead. Photo looks SE.

Hmm. Wonder if this road is actually a continuation of USFS Road No. 710.1A, Loopster? Might head right down to it, if we keep going.

That may be, SPHP, but we’ve got a mountain to climb! If you want, we can check it out on the way back.

Leaving the road, Lupe headed SW up New Year’s Eve Peak’s NE ridge. Although plenty wide, it was narrower than the N ridge, which had been more like a broad slope than a ridge. Strewn with rocks, as the Carolina Dog climbed, big rock formations began to appear along the NE ridge. Fortunately, they were easily avoided or navigated. Some of the rocks provided nice views of Peak 5917.

Starting up the **NE ridge**. Photo looks SW.

Once above the most massive rock formations, Lupe came to another, more extensive region of pale yellow-green kinnikinnick. This area was just below a smaller rock formation at New Year’s Eve Peak’s E high point. Naturally, Lupe made the tiny scramble to the top.

On the **carpet of kinnikinnick** below the **E high point** (Center). Photo looks SW.

Have we ever been here before, SPHP?

I think so, Loop. Seems like we came down here from the summit once upon a time, but this was as far as we went before going back.

The true summit was now only a mere 50 feet higher and 0.15 mile W. It wouldn’t take long to get there.

At **New Year’s Eve Peak’s true summit**. Photo looks SSW.

1:59 PM, 38°F, New Year’s Eve Peak (6,048 ft.) – Beneath the overcast sky, snow granules created an oddly festive air as the American Dingo bounded onto the familiar true summit rock.

Oh, it’s good to be back on New Year’s Eve Peak, isn’t it, SPHP?

Always, Loopster. More than anywhere else, this has been our special place in the Black Hills.

It was good to be back. Wonderful, in fact, but sobering, too. This was where Lupe came either near the very end or very start of each year. New Year’s Eve Peak was a place to contemplate the cherished memories and events of a dying year, and whatever hopes and dreams existed for what was yet to come.

Facing the imminent demise of what has been is always hard. Yet time waits for no Dingo, however beloved.

SPHP shook Lupe’s proffered paw.

Congratulations on returning to New Year’s Eve Peak, Loopster! Hard to believe 2024 is nearly over isn’t it? When we were last here on January 1st, we had the entire year ahead of us, and now it’s gone.

2024 was a terrific year, SPHP! Don’t rush it, we still have 2 more days! By the way, what’s the chocolate coconut bar situation? Excellent, I hope!

For the first time, other than near the far horizon, the hills to the W had virtually no snow on them. Instead of facing that way as usual during a long break, today the panorama toward the SE seemed more attractive. Boulder Hill (5,336 ft.), Silver Mountain (5,418 ft.), and Calumet Ridge (5,615 ft.) were all in sight beyond Sheridan Lake.

SPHP split the expected and much coveted chocolate coconut bar with Lupe, then provided her with water, Taste of the Wild, and eventually a duck jerky, as well. Meanwhile, SPHP drank a vanilla Equate, then chomped on an apple.

**Boulder Hill** (L), **Silver Mountain** (Center), and **Calumet Ridge** beyond **Sheridan Lake** (R). Photo looks SE.

The **normally snowy hills** (R). Photo looks WSW.

Much like 2024 itself, Lupe’s traditional summit hour was soon rapidly slipping away. Done with the apple, SPHP paced between familiar views.

Guess we should take a few more photos, Looper.

Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.) was the big attraction to the S, but SPHP also drove the American Dingo nuts with repeated requests to return to the summit rock and the region just W of it.

**Black Elk Peak** (Center), **Five Points** (R) between Lupe’s ears. Photo looks S.

Back at the **true summit**. Photo looks SSE.

On the rock above the **traditional break spot** (R). **True summit** (L). Photo looks SE.

3:01 PM, New Year’s Eve Peak (6,048 ft.) – Patiently waiting, Lupe was back on the summit rock for the umpteenth time.

Final moments on the **summit rock**. Photo looks W.

That’s good. Thank you, Loopster! Summit hour is over. Suppose we may as well head out.

Lupe leapt down off the boulder.

Are we going back down the NE ridge to finish checking out where that old road goes, SPHP?

No, maybe another time. Our usual route is more scenic, Loop. I’d rather see it again.

To Pistol Point then, SPHP?

Yup. Onward! Puppy, ho!

Bidding a fond farewell to New Year’s Eve Peak for another year, the Carolina Dog started down the mountain’s S slope. It led to a narrow, kind of rocky, S ridge that ultimately swept around to the E.

The late afternoon gloom seemed to bring out the wildlife. Swirling in the gray sky, a bald eagle made several passes, soon followed by a couple of turkey vultures. Several deer instantly vanished into the forest as Lupe approached Pistol Point.

3:33 PM – On the edge of a much more open region offering panoramic views, Pistol Point had long been a favorite spot. Looking S, Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.), Sylvan Hill (6,998 ft.), Five Points (6,228 ft.), and False North Point (6,134 ft.) all stood out.

**Black Elk Peak** (L), **Sylvan Hill** (Center), **Five Points** (R of Center), **False North Point** (R). Photo looks SSW.

Peak 5800, which Lupe had climbed on a number of occasions during her annual jaunts to New Year’s Eve Peak, was ESE. An uncharacteristic drab brown this year, the rolling territory dotted with pines leading to Peak 5800 was always fun to explore.

**Peak 5800** (Center) from **Pistol Point**. Photo looks ESE.

Unfortunately, it was already so late that by the time the American Dingo could get to Peak 5800, it would already be dark.

If Peak 5800 is too far, why don’t we climb Peak 5917 instead, SPHP?

An excellent alternative, Looper! Let’s do it!

Peak 5917 was only 0.5 mile from Pistol Point. On the way over there, Lupe once again spotted wildlife, this time a herd of 5 whitetail deer. Already aware of the Carolina Dog’s approach, they disappeared over Peak 5917’s lower S ridge.

4:15 PM, 37°F, Peak 5917 – The clouds which had blanketed the entire sky all day were suddenly showing signs of breaking up, an unexpected development with snow in the forecast tomorrow.

On **Peak 5917**. **Scruton Mountain** (far L), a little slice of **Pactola Reservoir** (far R). Photo looks NNE.

**New Year’s Eve Peak** (Center) from **Peak 5917**. Photo looks WNW.

A prolonged stay wasn’t in the cards at this hour on a late December day, but Lupe hadn’t been on Peak 5917’s summit even 10 minutes when she noticed something.

Look, SPHP! There’s a colorful sunset going on.

Sure enough, on the far horizon beyond Pistol Point, a small section of sky was ablaze with orange and gold.

**Sunset** (Center) beyond **Pistol Point**. Photo looks WSW.

Awesome, Loopster! Never dreamed we would get to see one today.

The sunset was a rare, if fleeting, treat. In all the times Lupe had been to New Year’s Eve Peak, SPHP could remember only a couple of other times when the day ended with a beautiful sunset. In 2016, there had been a spectacular one, but most years had been a dud, the hoped for display of year end glory disappointing with little or nothing worth mentioning.

Hurry, SPHP! Let’s get the best picture we can before it’s gone!

A cluster of rocks 100 feet S of the summit provided the best view.

**Sunset** from **Peak 5917**. **Five Points** (L), **False North Point** (L of Center), and **Pistol Point** (far R). Photo looks SW.

4:30 PM, Peak 5917 – Another 2 minutes, and the show was already over and done with. Lupe now stood on another rock with Peak 5800 in sight, along with the familiar territory N of that mountain where she would soon rejoin USFS Road No. 710 on the way back to the RAV4.

**Bald Hills** (L), **Peak 5800** (R). Photo looks ESE.

2 minutes was all it had taken for the colorful sunset to fade away. 2 more days, and 2024 itself would vanish into history. It all suddenly seemed so shockingly fast. As Lupe led the way down Peak 5917’s E slope, a pervasive sense that the American Dingo was not only leading the way back to the RAV4, but into the future itself swept over SPHP.

The mood had something of premonition about it. You can return to a place, but never to a time. Each moment is a unique, irretrievable point on the short journey of life.

With the light beginning to fade, the scene ahead seemed more beautiful than ever. Suddenly, Lupe turned and looked back.

Are you still coming, SPHP?

Heading into the future, Black Hills of South Dakota 12-29-24

Always, Sweet Puppy! Right behind you! (End 5:11 PM, 37ºF)

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Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 322 – Peak 6070 & New Year’s Eve Peak (1-1-24)

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Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 322 – Peak 6070 & New Year’s Eve Peak (1-1-24)

10:10 AM, 32ºF, junction of Horse Creek Road & USFS Road No. 243.2B –

A brand new year 2024, and it’s a glorious day, SPHP!

Snow that had fallen just before Christmas sparkled in bright sunshine beneath blue, blue heavens above. Lupe had been thrilled and anxious to be underway this morning, when SPHP announced that it was time for her annual pilgrimage to New Year’s Eve Peak (6,046 ft.).

Indeed it is, Loopster! Couldn’t be better! I’m about ready. Shall we?

We shall, SPHP!

Then, Onward! Puppy, ho!

Parked at the start of **USFS Road No. 243.2B** just off Horse Creek Road. Photo looks W.

Horse Creek Road had been plowed, but was icy as Lupe trotted W to the start of USFS Road No. 257. After going past the access gate, the Carolina Dog entered a level field where the snow was 4″ to 6″ deep. Ahead, the hills where the forest had burned years ago were already mostly brown again due to their S exposure.

At the start of **USFS Road No. 257**. Photo looks NNE.

Oh, I get it! This looks familiar, SPHP. We’re taking our alternate route to New Year’s Eve Peak, aren’t we?

That’s right, Loop! Been wanting to hit Peak 6070 again for years, but the days are so short in December and January, that we don’t make it that far when we’ve gone over Peak 5800 first starting from USFS Road No. 710.

We’ll get to see something a little different then this year, SPHP.

Yup! In fact, part of today’s route to Peak 6070 will be up a valley we’ve never explored before, Looper. Should be fun!

Sticking with No. 257 as it crossed the field, Lupe soon reached a short stretch of tall pines. By the time she emerged from the trees, the road had turned NW, now heading up a wide, gentle valley. It wasn’t much farther to a junction.

Which way, SPHP?

No. 257 turns N here, which is the most direct route to New Year’s Eve Peak. That’s the way we’ve gone starting from Horse Creek Road before, Loop. Today, though, let’s keep going NW on No. 257.1A.

Past the first pines **No. 257** went through, heading up the wide valley. Photo looks NW.

**No. 257** close to where No. 257.1A split off. Lupe didn’t go this way. Photo looks NNE.

Almost entirely shaded, the snow was deeper on No. 257.1A. Staying a little N of the road, Lupe preferred continuing up the snowy valley in sunshine. After more than 0.5 mile, the valley narrowed. A thick stand of aspens was ahead.

A narrow trail through the aspens led to a clearing where Lupe rejoined No. 257.1A. The road headed straight for a couple of smaller stands of aspens prior to entering a Ponderosa pine forest. Upon reaching the pines, No. 257.1A turned N and began to climb.

Heading up the broad valley a bit **N of USFS Road No. 257.1A**. Photo looks NW.

On the trail through the aspens. Photo looks W.

In the clearing where Lupe rejoined No. 257.1A. Photo looks WNW.

Starting to climb following **No. 257.1A**. Photo looks NNW.

OK, Loop. We’ve now reached the part of No. 257.1A we’ve never been on before. It’s supposed to just keep going up this valley before dead-ending. By then we ought to be within 0.25 mile of the big power line between Peak 6070 and New Year’s Eve Peak.

Sounds good, SPHP! Exploring is a blast!

All the snow on No. 257.1A made the trudge higher a little harder than it otherwise would have been, but progress was good. Lupe sniffed and watched for deers and squirrels, seeing none. After a fairly long march, deadfall began covering the road. No. 257.1A faded away. Glimpses of the power line had already appeared ahead.

Over on the W side of the valley, the American Dingo discovered another old road. It quickly led to a small clearing where a big pine stood at the upper end. The ground beneath it was snow-free.

Want to take a short break under that pine tree, Loopster?

Fine with me, SPHP.

Lupe wasn’t hungry yet, turning down Taste of the Wild. SPHP sat in the sunshine beneath the old tree munching an apple. The Carolina Dog had gained enough elevation so that Black Elk Peak (7,137 ft.) was in sight. The day was now warm enough to make sitting there quite pleasant, but as soon as SPHP finished the apple, Lupe wanted to go.

Ready, SPHP?

I guess. Nice to relax and enjoy the view here, isn’t it?

The views will be better higher up, SPHP.

Loopster, ready to press on. **Black Elk Peak** (Center), in the distance. Photo looks S.

Beyond the big pine tree, the old road steepened some more. Glimpses of the power line continued to appear ahead. Before long, a grassy slope permitted a view of the top of the ridge to the W.

Let’s go up there, SPHP! Doesn’t look all that much higher.

Lead the way, Miss Ambitious!

The open slope (L) leading to the ridgeline. Photo looks NW.

Abandoning the road, Lupe headed up the grassy slope. As is often the case in the mountains, the top of the ridge was farther than it looked. No big deal, though. Once up there, the American Dingo followed the ridge N. Climbing among a series of small rock outcroppings, Lupe came to quite a nice viewpoint upon reaching the power line.

Told ya, it would be better up here, SPHP!

Well, of course. No argument from me, Looper.

At the **power line between Peak 6070 & New Year’s Eve Peak**. Photo looks NE.

Peak 6070 was only another 0.5 mile. Continuing N, then NW, from the power line, Lupe crossed USFS Road No. 244.1B as she made her way to Peak 6070’s S ridge. An easy traipse along the gently rolling ridge soon got her within striking distance of the summit. Passing another series of minor rock outcroppings, the American Dingo was there!

Exploring **Peak 6070’s S ridge**. Photo looks NNW.

Approaching the summit. Photo looks NNW.

**Peak 6070’s summit region**. Photo looks NNW.

Loopster atop **Peak 6070**! Photo looks W.

12:42 PM, 46ºF, Peak 6070 – Lupe stood smiling happily in the sunshine atop the highest rocks.

Dear Loopster! May I be the first to shake your paw, and congratulate you on your magnificent ascent of Peak 6070 on this fine New Year’s Day of 2024? Well done!

You may be first and last to shake my paw, SPHP, since no one else is here. This ascent wasn’t that hard, anyway, pure fun!

Nevertheless, it’s an important ascent. Peak 6070 is the first mountain we’ve climbed in 2024. Feels like we’re getting off to a good start!

It does, SPHP! And know what would make it even better?

I do, Looper. A chocolate coconut bar! Happen to have one in the pack for this very occasion.

Glad to hear that I’ve finally got you trained, SPHP!

Peak 6070’s summit area was plenty big enough to move around some, but the views were mostly hidden by trees. Furthermore, there was so much snow around that the only dry places to sit were on exposed rock, which wasn’t that comfortable. Retreating a little down the S slope, a grassy area provided a few dry spots with a much more open view.

Let’s split a chocolate coconut bar here, Loop!

Bring it on, SPHP!

The next half hour + was spent relaxing right here, admiring the view of Five Points (6,221 ft.) and False North Point (6,130 ft.) roughly 4 miles away, with Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.), Sylvan Peak (7,000 ft.) and what was probably Zimmer Ridge (6,600 ft.) on the horizon beyond.

**Five Points** (L of Center) and **False North Point** (Center) in the foreground, with **Black Elk Peak** (L), **Sylvan Peak** (Center) and **Zimmer Ridge** (R) beyond. Photo looks S.

The chocolate coconut bar vanished, along with some Taste of the Wild. SPHP drank an Ensure. The Carolina Dog preferred snow, but lapped a little water, anyway. Nothing moved. Even the air barely stirred. The peace and silence were amazing. SPHP had already shed some layers, due to how very comfortably warm it was in the sun. Time ticked away.

This is the life, SPHP!

Isn’t it, Loop? I suppose we better think about moving on pretty soon again, though, if we’re still going to visit New Year’s Eve Peak.

Well, we can’t miss that, SPHP! It’s tradition!

With enough of Lupe’s summit hour left to do a little more exploration of Peak 6070, the American Dingo returned briefly to the snowy summit.

Loop returning to the **Peak 6070 summit**. Photo looks SSE.

Final moments on **top of Peak 6070**. Photo looks SSE.

Then it was down Peak 6070’s N ridge for the first time ever, going just a little way to where it was possible to circle around to a SW shoulder of the mountain that had been visible from the break spot. This shoulder had looked like it might offer a view to the W. Sure enough, a nice view of Nugget Gulch Peak (6,000 ft.) greeted Lupe, with high ridges of the E edge of the limestone plateau visible on the far horizon.

**Nugget Gulch Peak** (R of Center) from Peak 6070. Photo looks WNW.

50 minutes after arriving at Peak 6070, shorting her summit hour a bit to save daylight, Lupe was on her way again. Cutting E across the grassy fields on the mountain’s S slope a little below her break spot, she got to see that beautiful view to the S again, as well as a sweeping view off to the SW of Peak 6043, Peak 6167, and Old Bald Peak (6,130 ft.).

Looking S again from **Peak 6070’s upper S slopes**.

**Peak** **6043** (L), **Peak 6167** (L of Center), **Old Bald Peak** (R of Center). Photo looks SW.

Just think, SPHP! We were over on Old Bald Peak less than 1.5 months ago with new Cousin Dixie! Bet she would have liked to be here on Peak 6070 with us today, too!

Oh, I’m sure of it, Looper! Dixie would love this!

Leaving along Peak 6070’s S ridge, Lupe soon caught a glimpse of her next objective, New Year’s Eve Peak, only a little over a mile SE. Upon reaching USFS Road No. 244.1B again, this time she followed it along the power line to Peak 6070’s SE ridge. From here, she had an even better view of New Year’s Eve Peak.

**New Year’s Eve Peak** (L) from Peak 6070’s S ridge. Photo looks SE.

**USFS Road No. 244.1B**, which Lupe followed to this point. Photo looks SW.

**New Year’s Eve Peak** (R) from the power line. Photo looks E.

Following Peak 6070’s SE ridge after leaving the power line, there were spots where the ridge was quite narrow and crowned with near vertical rock formations of modest size. Beyond these obstacles, Lupe turned E to descend a long, forested slope before reaching the ridge’s high point near the SE end.

In the shade of the ridge, the snow was deep on this steep-sided traverse, but soon enough, the saddle leading to New Year’s Eve Peak appeared ahead. After crossing this saddle, Lupe began her ascent of New Year’s Eve Peak’s steep W slope.

Approaching the saddle leading to **New Year’s Eve Peak** (Center). Photo looks E.

2:44 PM, 41ºF, New Year’s Eve Peak (6,046 ft.) – The sun was sinking, the day cooling off, when Lupe leapt up onto the summit boulder. Small pines nearby that had been growing up since the forest was thinned 10 years ago, were getting bigger every year. SPHP congratulated Lupe on her 11th ascent of New Year’s Eve Peak. The Carolina Dog smiled.

Back on **New Year’s Eve Peak’s summit boulder**! Photo looks WSW.

Surrounded by the young pines that will soon hide the views again. Photo looks SE.

It’s good to be back on New Year’s Eve Peak, isn’t it, SPHP?

Always, Loopster! It’s our place to brood and mourn over the old year, or ring in the new one. Kind of glad we’re here to ring in the new year this time. 2023 ended too sadly.

We’ll always remember Grandma, SPHP.

I know, Loop. Not the same as seeing her, though, is it? Anyway, it’s New Year 2024, so no brooding! I’ve done enough of that. Let’s have a seat, and enjoy our traditional view of the snowy hills to the W.

That’s the spirit, SPHP! We can think about all the grand adventures we’re going to have in 2024 while chomping another chocolate coconut bar!

The classic New Year’s Eve Peak view of the snowy hills. Photo looks W.

As SPHP sat down on a rock, suddenly the day’s long silence was broken by the sound of gunfire, immediately making the Carolina Dog nervous. Somewhere not too far off to the W, someone had decided to get in some target practice. Multiple rounds were fired at regular intervals.

After sharing the final chocolate coconut bar of the day, Lupe had more Taste of the Wild before laying down on the rocks next to SPHP.

That can’t be very comfortable, Looper, laying on a cold, hard rock. Want to get on my lap?

I’m fine, SPHP. Wish that gunfire, would stop once and for all, though.

Yeah, me too, Loopster. Kind of hard to contemplate much of anything when someone’s blazing away like that.

SPHP threw a jacket over Lupe. A few minutes of silence often prevailed before the next burst of gunfire erupted again. SPHP munched another apple while Lupe gazed out at those familiar snowy hills.

More than half an hour went by before target practice evidently ended.

Glad we came, Loop. Shall we take a few more pictures before bidding a fond farewell to New Year’s Eve Peak for another year?

Lupe struck a dramatic pose on a rock before returning briefly to the summit boulder. Then from over on the rocks along the S edge, she had a good look at Boulder Hill (5,331 ft.), Silver Mountain (5,405 ft.), and Calumet Ridge (5,601 ft.) way off to the SE in the general direction of Sheridan Lake. Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.), mightiest of the Black Hills, was almost directly S.

A dramatic New Year’s Eve Peak pose shortly before sunset. Photo looks WSW.

Final moments on the **summit boulder**. Photo looks SE.

**Boulder Hill** (L of Center), **Silver Peak** (Center), and **Calumet Ridge** (R of Center) above **Sheridan Lake** on the horizon. Photo looks SE.

**Black Elk Peak** (beyond Lupe), **Five Points** (R). Photo looks S.

50 minutes after arriving atop New Year’s Eve Peak, Lupe headed down the S ridge.

So did you get much planning done on what we’re going to do this year, SPHP?

Nothing definitive, Loop, but we have mountains of possibilities. Actually, the first thing we need to do is at least get your blog caught up at little bit on your 2023 adventures. I’m like 7 months behind!

Blogging’s fine in winter, SPHP, but the days are already getting longer!

When the days begin to lengthen, the cold begins to strengthen! That’s what my Grandma used to say, Loopster.

Maybe for another month, SPHP, but spring will come.

The S ridge widened as it curled around to the E. Lupe followed it all the way to Pistol Point. It was nearly alpenglow time when the Carolina Dog got there.

Lupe paused here long enough to take a look at the territory she usually explores on her way to New Year’s Eve Peak. Peak 5917 was less than 0.5 mile NE. Peak 5800 was nearly 1.5 miles ESE.

**Peak 5917** (L), **Peak 5800** (R) from Pistol Point. Photo looks E.

I’d climb all these mountains every year, if the days were longer, SPHP!

They will be in a few months, Loop. Maybe it would be fun to visit them when the grass is green sometime?

Maybe, SPHP, but I’m used to them this way, with a blanket of snow.

The sun was nearly down when Lupe left Pistol Point. As the American Dingo lost elevation during a fairly steep descent into the snowy valley to the S, the sun vanished behind the mountains.

Final moments at **Pistol Point**. Photo looks SW.

About to begin the descent into the valley. **Black Elk Peak** (R). Photo looks SSE.

A last look at **Peak 5800** (L). Photo looks ESE.

This was certainly a beautiful day, SPHP. We’re off to a great start in 2024!

That we are, Loop. Looks like for once, we might get a decent sunset, too.

Remember that year when the sunset was so fantastically colorful, SPHP? Really awesome!

I do, Loop. Long time ago now. This will be the first year since then to even come close to that display.

Sunset from the **valley S of Pistol Point**. **Black Elk Peak** (L of Center), **Five Points** (R), **False North Point** (far R). Photo looks S.

The air turned cold. The snow turned crunchy. Still exploring, as dusk deepened, the Carolina Dog eventually encountered USFS Road No. 257 again. By the time she reached the RAV4, the brightest stars were visible in the rapidly darkening sky.

Lupe was happy! She’d not only visited Peak 6070 for the first time in years, but kept up her New Year’s Eve Peak tradition. Who knew what adventures 2024 would hold? The American Dingo was optimistic! What a fine day this one had been! (End 5:22 PM, 30ºF)