Peak 4027 – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 330 – Centennial Trail No. 89: The Ponderosa Hike (5-24-24)

Uncle Joe, Aunt Andrea, and Cousin Dixie had arrived yesterday from Colorado, visiting Hotel Lupe for the first time this year. The excited Carolina Dog knew what that meant – adventure time in the Black Hills! However, on this Friday morning before Memorial Day, the first stop was a sad one, because it was also the first time they’d been here since Grandma died last December. At the Black Hills National Cemetery, Andrea placed a bouquet of red, white, and blue flowers on Grandma and Grandpa’s grave.

The Alkali Creek trailhead of Centennial Trail No. 89 was only a mile from the cemetery, and the starting point for one of Uncle Joe’s favorite hikes in the Black Hills. Due to its mix of rolling prairie and Ponderosa pine-covered ridges, it sort of reminded him of the old western show Bonanza, and he always referred to this region as the Ponderosa Hike. Now with Grandma gone, for the first time ever, Aunt Andrea was going to get to experience the Ponderosa Hike along with the rest of the gang.

9:17 AM, Centennial Trail No. 89 at the Alkali Creek trailhead – For late May, it was a cold day. With a stiff N wind blowing, the humans were all bundled up. On the other paw, both Lupe and Dixie seemed to relish the invigorating fresh air. They were raring to go!

**Lupe**, **Andrea**, **Joe**, and **Dixie** at the **Alkali Creek trailhead**. Photo looks NNW.

After crossing Horse Soldier Road, Centennial Trail No. 89 swung around to the E side of the first ridge and headed N. Bear Butte (4,431 ft.) was soon in sight from the top of a small rise. There was a trail junction here. Beyond a gate, Centennial Trail No. 89 went off to the L, heading W for the trees at the base of the ridge.

**Bear Butte** (R) from the first rise. Photo looks N.

After going through the gate, **Centennial Trail No. 89** heads for the base of the ridge. Photo looks W.

Approaching the trees, the trail angled NW, heading toward a region of scrub oaks. Climbing steadily among them, it first wound around to the N before curving back to the S.

After gaining some elevation, the oaks gave out. Continuing higher, the trail now wound through a mostly Ponderosa pine forest. Near the top of the ridge, the forest was quite open. The trail even went through a small meadow.

Passing through a meadow near the top of the ridge. Photo looks NW.

As the terrain began leveling out, a short distance off-trail there was a view of the Black Hills National Cemetery to the S. It was sad to think that both Grandma and Grandpa were down there now. It still almost didn’t seem real.

**Cousin Dixie** at the viewpoint. **Black Hills National Cemetery** (Center) beyond the I-90 interchange. Photo looks S.

Soaring high overhead, the late May sun was warming the day up. Now somewhat sheltered from the wind by the pines, and also warmed by the exertion of the climb, suddenly the humans were all feeling the need to shed some layers.

**Cousin Dixie** looking naturally fabulous during a brief human unbundling break. Photo looks NNE.

From the cemetery viewpoint, Centennial Trail No. 89 turned NNW, now gaining elevation very slowly. Peak 4027, the high point of the entire ridge, was only 1/8 of a mile farther. However, the trail didn’t go quite all the way up to the top, instead leveling out shortly after entering a big meadow where it swung around to the E, avoiding the actual summit.

Entering the **big meadow near Peak 4027**. Photo looks N.

Almost there, and not tagging the summit? That would never do! Lupe and SPHP insisted that everyone just had to make the short off-trail stroll to the top. With minimal extra effort involved, it was an easy sale.

Peak 4027’s summit region was mostly a roomy, flat meadow of tall grass with pines around the edges. There were even a few oaks. Nothing too exciting or special about it, except that Peak 4027 did sport a terrific view of Bear Butte off to the NNE.

**Lupe** and **Andrea** with **Bear Butte** (R) in the background. Photo looks NNE.

**Cousin Dixie** gets in on the action. **Bear Butte** (Center). Photo looks NNE.

Returning to Centennial Trail No. 89, it continued N from Peak 4027 on or near the crest of the ridge, now gradually losing elevation as it went through a mixed pine and scrub oak forest.

Lupe and Dixie lead the way. Photo looks N.

HP3983, the second highest point on this ridge, was 0.5 mile N of Peak 4027. Shortly before getting there, the trail began gaining elevation again as it entered another big meadow. There was a second gate up here, and a little beyond it an old dirt road took off heading NE down into the forest.

Approaching the **HP3983** region. Photo looks N.

**Andrea** and **Dixie** at the **second gate near HP3983** as **Joe** looks on. Photo looks N.

Sticking with Centennial Trail No. 89, it continued N past HP3983, soon dropping into the forest as well. After a dip of 50 feet, the trail regained half of it before starting down again. Another viewpoint was just ahead. From a rock formation with a cliff edge, the town of Sturgis was in sight.

The cliff didn’t faze Lupe at all.

**Sturgis** (Center) from the viewpoint at the N end of the ridge. Photo looks NW.

Joe and Andrea weren’t fazed, either, but they wouldn’t let Dixie get near it. Only a year old, Cousin Dixie was too rambunctious.

**Joe** and **Andrea** join **Lupe** at the **N viewpoint**. Photo looks NW.

From the N viewpoint, Centennial Trail No. 89 began winding down a lower ridge running NE. Before losing too much elevation, an opening in the forest provided a beautiful distant view of the prairie beyond the Black Hills.

The trail eventually wound down into a valley of scrub oaks.

In the **scrub oak valley**. Photo looks E.

After losing all the elevation previously gained, the valley emptied back out onto Horse Soldier Road again. Centennial Trail No. 89 continued NE on the other side. This was the start of the mostly prairie portion of the Ponderosa Hike. In late May, even the prairie was green and lush.

Contemplating the next portion of the Ponderosa Hike from **Horse Soldier Road**. Photo looks NE.

Almost immediately after crossing Horse Soldier Road, Trail No. 10 took off to the L. Lupe and SPHP had been on it before, but no one else had. It wasn’t yet part of the official Ponderosa Hike, although it might be possible to include it as part of a loop. In any case, Andrea still needed to experience the usual route. For now, Trail No. 10 got by-passed.

At the junction with Rough Rider Trail No. 10. Photo looks ENE.

Closeup of the junction signage. Photo looks ENE.

Discovering a tiny stream flowing out of a culvert, Dixie and Lupe had no qualms about helping themselves to a drink, even though the stream was rather mucky.

As Centennial Trail No. 89 headed out onto the prairie, the final ridge of the Ponderosa Hike came into view. Less than 150 high, this ridge wasn’t nearly as big a climb as the Peak 4027 ridge had been.

Heading out onto the prairie. **Final ridge of the Ponderosa Hike** (L). Photo looks NE.

The trail soon wound up to the top of this second ridge. Bear Butte and Fort Meade were both in sight from up here.

Up on the **second ridge**. Fort Meade (L) in the valley, **Bear Butte** (R of Center) beyond **Joe** and **Andrea**. Photo looks NNE.

It had always been a Ponderosa Hike tradition to take a seat in the shade of a few pines, and enjoy a rest break while contemplating these views. However, due to the brisk N wind, which still felt quite cool, the S side of the ridge was more appealing today.

Abandoning the windy N edge, a suitable spot far enough down the S slope to provide some protection from the wind was chosen instead. The humans munched on energy bars and apples. Dixie and Lupe had Taste of the Wild, water, and split a chocolate coconut bar. The panoramic view of rolling green prairie and low forested ridges was very pleasant.

Heading over to the S side of the ridge in search of a more sheltered break spot. **Bear Butte** (L). Photo looks NE.

Near the ultimately selected spot. Photo looks SE.

Although Centennial Trail No. 89 continues N all the way to the top of Bear Butte, this second ridge was the usual endpoint of the Ponderosa Hike. The route taken back to the Alkali Creek trailhead varies, but so far has never involved a complete retracement of the Peak 4027 ridge.

Today, the first part of the return consisted of a simple off-trail romp wandering S through the prairie. Dixie and Lupe had a blast running free, sniffing and exploring along the way. After crossing Horse Soldier Road again, another trail eventually led back to Centennial Trail No. 89 at the first gate.

Roaming free on the way back. Photo looks SSE.

1:00 PM – Once back at the Alkali Creek trailhead, Dixie and Lupe both helped themselves to a drink from Alkali Creek.

Back at **Alkali Creek**. Photo looks SW.

The day was still young! A big success, as usual, the Ponderosa Hike had taken only a few hours. Andrea had survived her initiation with flying colors, yet none of Hotel Lupe’s guests seemed to have any idea what to do next. Maybe it was time to head back to Hotel Lupe?

**Andrea** gloats as an **official survivor of the Ponderosa Hike**.

What, already? Perish the thought! Lupe and SPHP had other ideas … to be continued

Returning to Alkali Creek, the **Ponderosa Hike**, Black Hills of South Dakota 5-24-24

**Uncle Joe’s Ponderosa Hike GPS Track**

Links:

Next Black Hills Expedition Prior Black Hills Expedition

Centennial Trail No. 89 Map & Brochure

Uncle Joe’s Scrollable GPS Track

Want more Lupe adventures? Check out Lupe’s Black Hills, SD & WY Expeditions Adventure Index, Master Adventure Index, or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures!

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 281 – Centennial Trail No. 89: The Ponderosa Hike (10-29-21)

10-28-21 – Lupe could hardly believe her big soft Dingo ears! Uncle Joe, Aunt Andrea, and Cousin Dusty were coming from Colorado. Not only would they be here tonight, but Lupe had a brand new cousin that was coming with them, too!

When Cousin Laddie gets here, Loop, you’re going to have to be extra nice to him. Laddie’s had a tough life and might be scared. He’s a nice dog, a little Sheltie not even as big as you. So, no growling or rough-housing! Got that?

Why? What happened to Cousin Laddie, SPHP?

Oh, I don’t know the whole story, but Laddie’s been at the shelter. He got adopted, but a few months ago Laddie was grabbed by the neck and torn into by another dog in the same family that adopted him, and was just about done in. To survive, Laddie needed thousands of dollars worth of surgery. The fur on his chest is still growing back. Laddie’s also missing almost all his front teeth, which were rotten and had to be pulled back when he first got to the shelter.

No teeth? My poor cousin! His bark must be worse than his bite!

Probably right about that, Loop, but he still has his back teeth.

How come you’ve never mentioned Cousin Laddie before, SPHP?

Because he’s a brand new cousin. He just joined the family when Aunt Andrea and Uncle Joe agreed to adopt him, since he couldn’t stay with the same family any longer after being attacked. In fact, Laddie is his new name. He used to be called Danny Boy.

It was all true! Later that evening Uncle Joe, Aunt Andrea, and Cousins Dusty and Laddie did arrive. Loopster raced around barking for joy, wild with delight! Extremely curious about Cousin Laddie, she sniffed and sniffed. SPHP hadn’t said anything about sniffing. Lupe sniffed so much that Laddie maybe did get a little scared, but nothing bad happened.

The amazing thing about Cousin Laddie was that he was almost the same color as Lupe. Laddie’s fur was a lot longer, though, except on his chest where it had been cut. Laddie did have one front tooth, an upper canine on the L side. That lone tooth gave Laddie sort of a crooked smile. SPHP later said that Uncle Joe and Aunt Andrea should have named him Snaggle Fang.

10-29-21, Centennial Trail No. 89, Alkali Creek trailhead – Everyone was excited! Cousin Laddie was about to get his first introduction to the Black Hills. Cousin Dusty was 15 now, so the hike had to be a relatively easy one. The stretch of Centennial Trail No. 89 N of the Alkali Creek trailhead to a ridge overlooking the old 7th cavalry post at Fort Meade was one of Uncle Joe’s favorites, and would do nicely. He always called it the Ponderosa hike.

The whole pack at the start of Uncle Joe’s “Ponderosa Hike” along Centennial Trail No. 89. Photo looks NE.

Off to a good start, looking back toward the Alkali Creek trailhead. Photo looks SSW.

The first part of the trail was an easy stroll through the grasslands. Soon Bear Butte (4,422 ft.) was coming into view. At the top of a rise, the trail diverged by a gate in a barbed wire fence. Centennial Trail No. 89 went L here, heading W for a forested ridge.

**Bear Butte**. Photo looks NNE with help from the telephoto lens.

About to head up the ridge. Photo looks W.

Upon entering the forest at the base of the ridge, Centennial Trail No. 89 continued W, working steadily higher on a winding course. At nearly the end of October, autumn leaves still clinging to the scrub oaks were well past their scenic best, but did add splashes of color. Cousin Dusty, a veteran of many prior adventures in the Black Hills, was doing great! She often took turns leading the way with Lupe.

Still unaccustomed to the Black Hills and his new life, Cousin Laddie was happiest sticking close to Uncle Joe.

Loop and Dusty, together again in the Black Hills!

Getting close to the top of the ridge. Photo looks ESE.

Centennial Trail No. 89 reached the top of the ridge at its far S end. Here the trail leveled out. Peak 4027, true summit of the entire mile long ridge, was only a little farther N. The trail went practically right to it, but never did go quite all the way to the top, sweeping around the hillside E of the summit instead.

Naturally, being this close, Lupe had to tag the high point! The Carolina Dog left Centennial Trail No. 89, venturing up to the summit. Everyone else followed as a matter of course.

It took only a couple of minutes to reach the top, a big, flat, grassy field ringed by Ponderosa pines in most directions. Lupe, SPHP, Cousin Dusty, and Uncle Joe had all been here before, but this was Cousin Laddie’s first Black Hills peakbagging success. Peak 4027 was super easy, but Laddie seemed happy enough with it.

The whole pack up on **Peak 4027**. Photo looks NNW.

A short break was taken up on Peak 4027. Although trees blocked the views in most directions, Bear Butte and the prairies E of the Black Hills were on display. SPHP had brought apples and chocolate coconut bars. Uncle Joe shared Kirkland bars. All of the dogs enjoyed some chocolate coconut bar, and Cousin Dusty even wanted the apple cores. Water was available, too.

Cousin Dusty looking good at 15 on **Peak 4027**.

Dusty asking Uncle Joe if it’s alright to have some chocolate coconut bar?

In the sunshine back on good ole **Peak 4027**.

**Bear Butte** (Center) from **Peak 4027**. Photo looks NNE.

When all the goodies were gone, it was time to continue on. From Peak 4027, Centennial Trail No. 89 ran another 0.75 mile all the way to the far N end of the ridge. Most of this route was forested, but there was a big clearing approaching HP3983, and a little past HP3983 was a viewpoint off to the L (W) overlooking I-90.

Laddie **N of Peak 4027** hitting Centennial Trail No. 89 again.

Uncle Joe and the pack in the meadow approaching **HP3983**. Photo looks N.

At the **viewpoint N of HP3893** overlooking I-90 (R). Photo looks SSW.

At the N end of the ridge was another viewpoint overlooking the town of Sturgis. Oyster Mountain (4,040 ft.), Sly Hill (3,920 ft.), and Peak 3950 were all in sight, too.

At the N end of the ridge. **Oyster Mountain** (Center), **Sly Hill** (R) and **Peak 39050** (far R). Photo looks NW.

From the Sturgis viewpoint, the trail began descending NE. Halfway down the mountain it curved back into a valley to the S, then turned NE again upon reaching the valley floor. Scrub oaks were the most scenic feature of this trek, especially lower down where, protected from the wind, they still had quite a few leaves.

Cousin Dusty amid the scrub oaks as she enters the valley.

The valley of the scrub oaks eventually led clear down to Old Stone Road. Centennial Trail No. 89 crossed the road, entering a larger, flatter drainage which continued NE out toward the prairie. The trail soon curved E, but everyone abandoned it to take a shortcut up a grassy slope onto the ridge to the N.

Near the start of the wider drainage after crossing Old Stone Road. Photo looks NE.

Approaching the prairie. Centennial Trail No. 89 curves E (R) beyond the magnificent tree, but everyone left the trail here to go N (L) up onto the ridge. Photo looks NE.

Joe, Laddie and Dusty getting close to the top. Photo looks NW.

Overlooking both Fort Meade and Bear Butte (4,422 ft.), the top of this ridge was the traditional end of the “Ponderosa Hike”.

**Fort Meade** (L) and **Bear Butte** (R) from the end of Uncle Joe’s traditional “Ponderosa Hike”. Photo looks NNE.

Hardly a cloud in the sky, and incredibly warm for practically the end of October! A little farther W along the ridge, everyone hid out from the sun in the shade of a few large pine trees enjoying a second rest break. More bars, more apples, more water!

Relaxing in the shade at the end of the Ponderosa hike. Photo looks SW.

New cousin Laddie taking it easy on his first ever Black Hills expedition.

When the time came to start back, there was some discussion of possibly exploring farther W first. In the end, though, the whole pack headed right back down the grassy ridge’s S slope.

Ready to start back to the trailhead. Photo looks WSW.

Final moments on the grassy ridge. Photo looks S.

Rejoining Centennial Trail No. 89 down in the wide drainage, the pack followed it SW only a short distance. Before reaching Old Stone Road, it was decided not to return via the ridge leading to Peak 4027. Instead, a different trail was taken that went S down on the rolling prairie.

Briefly back on Centennial Trail No. 89 again S of the grassy ridge. Photo looks SW.

Lupe and Cousin Dusty out on the prairie. Photo looks SSW.

Still more than a mile from the Alkali Creek trailhead. Photo looks SSW.

Near the end, Centennial Trail No. 89 was eventually rejoined at the gate where it turned W going up to the forested ridge and Peak 4027. Getting just plain hot out! The sun was a beast with the temperature soaring into the mid 70’s ºF. In their fur coats, Lupe, Dusty and Laddie were all panting, tongues hanging out on the final stretch.

Arrival back at the Alkali Creek trailhead was promptly celebrated with a much anticipated cold drink out of Alkali Creek. Lupe and Laddie both eagerly waded in and drank their fill, but Dusty wasn’t satisfied with just getting her paws and insides wet. Instead, she plunked herself right down in the stream and stayed there.

Cousin Dusty cooling off in Alkali Creek.

No one was going anywhere, and Black Hills Expedition No. 281 wasn’t finished, until Cousin Dusty was ready to declare it over and done with. Taking her sweet time about it, Dusty finally got sufficiently cooled down to come dripping out of Alkali Creek.

A little under 4 hours round trip on a summery October afternoon, the Ponderosa hike had been a great choice! Easy enough for Dusty, and a gentle introduction to Black Hills peakbagging for Laddie, the day had been a success.

Links:

Next Black Hills Expedition Prior Black Hills Expedition

Centennial Trail No. 89 Brochure & Map

Want more Lupe adventures? Check out Lupe’s Black Hills, SD & WY Expeditions Adventure Index, Master Adventure Index, or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures!