Peak 5452 – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 327 – Pillar Peak, Peak 5452 & Dome Mountain (4-4-24)

8:02 AM, about ready to leave home –

Seriously, SPHP? We’re making yet another attempt on Peak 5452?

Yup! One more try, Looper.

Well, it better work this time, SPHP. These multiple fails are starting to be embarrassing.

Don’t worry, Loopster, you know what they say – fourth time’s a charm!

Third time! It’s supposed to be the third time that’s a charm, SPHP!

Eh, who’s counting?

I am, SPHP! Three fails already trying to get to Peak 5452! Doesn’t that mean anything to you?

Actually, it does, Loop. It means we’re going to start running out of new routes to even make an attempt, if we don’t succeed pretty soon. We’ll get there, though. Today!

9:13 AM, 62ºF, Camp 5 Trailhead – Such a beautiful morning! Already incredibly warm for an early spring day, too. Lupe leapt out of the RAV4 in fine spirits. A S wind was swaying the treetops, but there was scarcely a breeze at ground level.

We’re in for a long, but memorable day, Loopster! If we manage to tag Peak 5452, you’ll essentially be done with accessible Lists of John peaks with at least 300 feet of prominence in the Black Hills.

If you want my opinion, SPHP, the way things have been going, I’d say Peak 5452 is only semi-accessible, at best.

Confidence, Sweet Puppy! Onward! Puppy, ho!

Whether Peak 5452 was actually in the cards, or not, Lupe knew it was going to be a marvelous day for an adventure in the Black Hills. Leaving the Camp 5 trailhead, she headed S on Lost Gulch Road (USFS Road No. 172), eager to make the most of it.

Setting out from the **Camp 5 trailhead**. Photo looks NNE.

Quickly coming to and crossing the Boulder Creek drainage, a short climb led to a field where the road flattened out. A fork was ahead.

Heading for the **Boulder Creek drainage** on **Lost Gulch Road**. Photo looks SE.

At the fork. **Lost Gulch Road** on the R. Photo looks S.

Staying toward the R, Lupe stuck with Lost Gulch Road as it headed for the trees, then began climbing as it curved W up a valley. She soon came to another junction where Lost Gulch Road curved sharply S. USFS Road No. 172.1J, signed here as ATV Trail No. 8041, continued W.

Take No. 8041, Loop, but wait up a minute. I’m getting hot!

Climbing gradually into the forest on **Lost Gulch Road**. Photo looks SW.

Near the start of **ATV Trail No. 8041**. Photo looks W.

Lupe waited while SPHP removed a couple of layers, then kept going. No. 8041 promptly snaked up onto a ridge to the N, where it curved W again, following the ridge higher. Lupe soon caught sight of a familiar mountain off to the SW.

Pillar Peak (5,465 ft.)! I knew we’d been this way before. Are we going there first, SPHP?

Might as well, Loop. Pillar Peak is only 1.25 miles E of Peak 5452, and we’ll be going right by it.

**Pillar Peak** (L) from **ATV Trail No. 8041**. Photo looks SW.

No. 8041 continued steadily higher, gradually turning S. Lupe went at least another mile before the road topped out along Pillar Peak’s E flank. After a short descent into the upper end of a valley, No. 8041 curved SW toward a pass. Upon getting there, it was about time for a break.

Break time at the **pass SE of Pillar Peak**. Photo looks N.

A little Taste of the Wild and water was all Lupe needed. Continuing S over the pass, ATV Trail No. 8041 almost immediately ran into USFS Road No. 172.1H. Taking No. 172.1H a short distance W, Lupe abandoned the road to begin climbing NNW up a shallow, thinly forested valley.

Heading for **Pillar Peak’s SE slope**. Photo looks NNW.

The valley quickly led to a steeper slope. The American Dingo gained 300 feet of elevation from where she’d left No. 172.1H before the terrain began leveling out. With only scattered small trees in this region, a nice view of Bear Den Mountain (5,641 ft.) was back to the S.

**Bear Den Mountain** (L of Center) beyond **Lost Gulch**. Photo looks S.

Climbing at an easier pace now, a short relatively open stretch of low bushes and a bit of deadfall led to the crest of a small rise. As soon as Lupe got there, Pillar Peak’s rocky summit was dead ahead.

**Pillar Peak’s summit** (Center). Photo looks WNW.

11:26 AM, 71ºF, Pillar Peak (5,465 ft.) – Lupe stood on the true summit, a view of Terry Peak (7,069 ft.) and Deer Mountain (6,651 ft.) in the distance beyond her.

How’s this pose, SPHP? Good enough to earn me a chocolate coconut bar?

Absolutely, Loopster! Congratulations on your 5th ascent of Pillar Peak!

**Deer Mountain** (L of Center), **Terry Peak** (R of Center) on the horizon. Photo looks SW.

After shaking Lupe’s paw, SPHP produced the desired chocolate coconut bar, and split it with her. Just getting this far seemed like a pretty good romp. SPHP found some dry grass to sit on. Lupe curled up nearby.

After offering Lupe more Taste of the Wild, water, and a duck jerky, SPHP munched on an apple. Pillar Peak’s open summit featuring small rock outcroppings 3 or 4 feet high provided views in every direction.

Many peaks Lupe had been to were visible from here, although some were quite far off. Due to its isolated location on the prairie several miles beyond the Black Hills, Bear Butte (4,431 ft.) stood out. In nearly the opposite direction, Custer Peak (6,809 ft.) was high enough to be seen over the intervening hills.

**Bear Butte** (L of Center). Photo looks NE.

Cone-shaped **Custer Peak** (R of Center) on the horizon. Photo looks SSW.

In addition to Bear Den Mountain, Whitewood Peak (5,141 ft.) and Peak 5400 were among the more notable closer hills and ridges.

**Whitewood Peak** (R of Center). Photo looks NNW.

**Bear Den Mountain** (Center). Photo looks S.

You’re forgetting the most important one, SPHP!

I’m just saving it for last, Loopster.

And last, but certainly not least, the forested hill of primary interest not only today, but during 3 prior failed attempts, the elusive Peak 5452 sat in clear view only 1.25 miles due W.

**Terry Peak** (L), **Peak 5452** (Center) in the foreground. Photo looks W.

Less than 3 weeks ago the American Dingo had been even closer to Peak 5452 while on Dome Mountain (5,510 ft.), yet had run out of daylight to get there due to the difficulty of the intervening terrain. Hoping to avoid another failure, a certain sense of urgency existed about getting on with today’s attempt. Even so, Pillar Peak was such a grand viewpoint and old favorite, that Lupe stayed for her full traditional summit hour.

Once that final minute ticked away, though, it was Onward! Puppy, ho! Well, sort of. Even after leaving Pillar Peak’s summit, Lupe scrambled around a bit on nearby rock formations offering snazzy views.

**Terry Peak** (L) from some of the Pillar Peak rocks. Photo looks W.

A glance back at the **Pillar Peak summit block** (R of Center). Photo looks NNW.

Leaving Pillar Peak, Lupe began by setting off in the same direction she’d come up from, but quickly turned due S. The intent was to head straight for the saddle leading to Dome Mountain. A steepish, somewhat rocky descent got her down to it.

**Bear Den Mountain** (L). **Saddle leading to Dome Mountain** (Center). Photo looks S.

Entering the saddle region. **Bear Den Mountain** (L). Photo looks S.

So far, Lupe had been in familiar territory, however, that was about to change.

Alrighty, Looper! Time to head W young Dingo! Let’s see if we can do it.

Peak 5452 or bust, SPHP!

Peak 5452 was in sight straight ahead as Lupe roamed W down a grassy slope toward stands of young aspens and a few pines.

Heading for **Peak 5452** (Center). Photo looks W.

**Pillar Peak** (L) as seen shortly after starting down the valley. Photo looks NNE.

It soon became apparent that Lupe could easily avoid the worst of the young aspen thickets by staying toward the S, along the base of Dome Mountain. This route worked out well as the descent steepened. Even SPHP was making great progress.

S (L) of most of the aspens. **Peak 5452** (R of Center). Photo looks W.

Another look at **Pillar Peak** (L) after descending from the **saddle** (far R). Photo looks NE.

Winding along Dome Mountain’s lower N slope, Lupe passed some big rocks, eventually coming to a small stream.

Among boulders at the **base of Dome Mountain**. Photo looks WSW.

After getting a drink while crossing the stream, Lupe had to climb a little up into the pines in order to keep heading W. The terrain soon leveled out somewhat, allowing the Carolina Dog to simply maintain about the same elevation as she followed the contour of the mountain through a lumpy area. A few deer spotted running through the open forest along in here added a moment of excitement.

Before going much farther, glimpses of a deep valley appeared ahead. SPHP checked the map.

It’s another 400 feet down into the Two Bit Creek valley from here, Loop. We’ll likely cliff out if we try to keep going W.

Which way then, SPHP?

Go N, Loopster. We can lose some elevation on the way down to a saddle S of HP5032. If the slope isn’t too steep, maybe we can turn W again there?

On the way down to the saddle, Lupe passed a number of small mining exploration pits. Once there, a tall rock formation was visible atop a rise a bit farther N from a little clearing below it.

Is that rock tower HP5032, SPHP?

Might be, Loopster. It’s certainly in the right vicinity, although the real HP5032 might actually be a little farther N. Doesn’t really matter, though. We don’t need to go up there. Let’s have a look at the slope leading down into the Two Bit Creek valley.

The forested slope to the W was steep, but fairly open and uniform.

Looks good to me, SPHP. Can you manage it?

As long as it doesn’t get much steeper farther down, yeah, no problem!

The long, steady descent went well until frozen Two Bit Creek appeared below. A line of 20 foot tall cliffs bordered the creek on each side.

Oh, good grief! There’s got to be a break in the cliffs somewhere, Looper. Try going S. Looks the most promising over that way.

Going S worked. A short scramble down a less vertical spot got Lupe down to Two Bit Creek, which could be heard gurgling below a thick layer of ice.

On frozen **Two Bit Creek**. Photo looks N.

So far, so good! Now all the American Dingo had to do was find a way past the cliff on the W side of the stream. Trotting 50 feet farther S over the ice, Lupe found an easy way up just beyond a bend. Climbing W, she soon came to a view of Peak 5452’s lower E slope directly ahead.

An easy route out of the valley was just around this next bend. Photo looks SSE.

From Two Bit Creek, Peak 5452’s summit was more than 800 feet higher. The steepest part of the climb came in middle on an open slope sporting a few rock outcroppings. It was windy up here, but Lupe gained views of Pillar Peak and Dome Mountain as she kept climbing.

Steepest part of the climb. Photo looks NW.

**Pillar Peak** (Center) from partway up Peak 5452. Photo looks E.

The forest above was more open than expected when SPHP managed to reach it, yet provided a surprising amount of protection from the wind. The rate of climb diminished as Lupe headed for the S end of Peak 5452’s summit region. When she got there, views were limited to heavily tree-broken glimpses.

**S end of the summit region**. Photo looks SW.

Turning N, an easy stroll higher soon led to a small clearing in the pines.

3:27 PM, 63ºF, Peak 5452 – The wind was 20 mph out of the S up in the pines, but only a light breeze at ground level. 20 feet W, the forest had been thinned, yet not enough to provide any decent views.

So, this is it, SPHP? Peak 5452’s true summit?

Yup! Such as it is, we’re finally here, Loopster. Can you believe it?

I can’t tell you how happy I am to be here after all these attempts, SPHP. You better have another chocolate coconut bar in the pack!

I’m glad, too, Loop! And yes, I made sure I brought a chocolate coconut bar for the occasion. We’ve surely earned this one!

SPHP shook Lupe’s paw, congratulating the Carolina Dog with much praise for all her valiant attempts to reach Peak 5452, finally brought to a successful conclusion, then produced the highly anticipated chocolate coconut bar. Water, 2 duck jerkies, and Taste of the Wild completed Lupe’s repast, while SPHP drank a strawberry Equate.

Anyone else would have left almost immediately. Peak 5452’s summit had little to commend it. No views, just a perfectly ordinary, dull, flat spot in the forest. Yet there was no sense of disappointment at all. Lupe had seen Peak 5452 from a distance so many times that both she and SPHP had known what to expect.

Seemed like it had been a long trek to get here. Felt good to sit on the pine needles together simply listening to the wind moan in the pines.

Since Lupe wasn’t likely to ever visit this out of the way peak again, she remained for her full traditional summit hour, enjoying this long-sought experience as much as possible. At one point she wandered a bit farther N with SPHP to make certain there was no higher spot on the mountain. There wasn’t.

Returning to the clearing, Lupe laid down on the pine needles, making herself comfortable. As treetops swayed in the wind, SPHP spoke calmly of the American Dingo’s 3 prior attempts to get here, reflecting on each one while stroking her soft ears. Her Peak 5452 adventures were nearly history now, soon to be events of the past rather than something to strive for and look forward to.

Relaxing on the pine needles. Photo looks WNW.

So, Peak 5452 is the last of the Lists of John peaks in the Black Hills with at least 300 feet of prominence that we’ll be visiting, SPHP?

More or less, Loop. No doubt we’ll return to some we’ve been to before, and might visit one or two more new ones, but I don’t think there are any more you haven’t been to that are both accessible and would involve an adventure like this. Kind of the end of an era for us. Lists of John gave us a reason to visit quite a few peaks we’d never considered before.

4:27 PM – Speaking of adventures, Lupe’s summit hour was up.

Ready to roll, Loopster?

I suppose, SPHP.

Good. I’d been thinking we might hit Peak 5400 on the way back, but it’s too late for that. However, we might be able to get to Dome Mountain (5,510 ft.). Want to pay it one last visit?

Do you really think we can get there before dark, SPHP?

Yes, but not the way we tried last time, Looper.

Despite having just been there twice less than 3 weeks ago, Lupe was willing to visit Dome Mountain again. Going farther S before turning E during her Peak 5452 descent, she followed a very windy edge where Dome Mountain was in view.

**Dome Mountain** (Center) from Peak 5452. Photo looks SSE.

Another angle. **Dome Mountain** (L of Center). Photo looks S.

After crossing Two Bit Creek at the same place as before, Lupe made the steep climb back up to the saddle S of HP5032.

Back on the E side of **Two Bit Creek**. Photo looks SW.

So, how do we get to Dome Mountain’s summit from here, SPHP?

SPHP needed a moment to gasp for air before replying.

Turn S, back the way we came again, Looper, but this time just keep going. Don’t turn E.

Another substantial climb through the forest had SPHP dragging by the time the terrain began leveling out again. Turning SE along a broad, flat ridge, Lupe had a blast exploring this easy ground, still displaying great energy. Even SPHP was soon able to pick up the pace again.

Climbing gradually as the flattest ground led S again, Lupe discovered a snow bank. The snow was only a few inches deep, but covered quite a bit of territory. Feeling frisky, the American Dingo delighted in rolling around on it, paws thrashing, while chomping mouthfuls of the delicious wet snow. Once beyond the snow, she began circling around to the W.

6:55 PM, 57ºF, Dome Mountain (5,510 ft.) – Lupe made the short, rocky scramble to the summit, arriving just in time to enjoy the alpenglow. Once again, SPHP shook the Carolina Dog’s paw, congratulating her on her unexpected return to this remote peak.

Back at **Dome Mountain’s true summit**. **Pillar Peak** (Center). Photo looks NE.

Unfortunately, the chocolate coconut bar supply was completely wiped out. Taste of the Wild and water were a poor substitute, but that was it for remaining supplies. When the Taste of the Wild was gone, too, Lupe curled up on SPHP’s lap to watch the sunset.

Not as windy here as over at Peak 5452, now more than a mile NW. As the sun sank toward the horizon, the breeze weakened further. Felt kind of funny being here again so soon, but also like the right decision.

For 20 minutes, Lupe and SPHP enjoyed being on Dome Mountain.

7:15 PM – Still a long way back to the RAV4, Loopster.

Aww, the sun isn’t even down yet, SPHP. Sunset might be awesome!

I know, Loop, but it would sure be nice to at least make it back to a road before it gets dark.

A last look around, and Lupe was on her way.

A final glance at **Peak 5452** (L of Center). Photo looks NW.

Sunset from **Dome Mountain**. **Terry Peak** (L of Center).

Leaving **Dome Mountain**. Photo looks SW.

As dusk deepened, SPHP overshot the region where Lupe should have turned N toward the ridge that would have gotten her back to the saddle S of Pillar Peak. Due to this unforced error, the American Dingo wound up exploring a valley that took her NE.

If it hadn’t been for a faint, long abandoned road, the entire valley would have been a miserable bushwhack. As it was, only the last part after the ancient road completely faded away was like that. A pitch black descent while thrashing through a dense tangle of bushes and trees ensued, alleviated only by the weak beam of the small flashlight.

In the end, Lupe eventually popped out on USFS Road No. 172.1H, 0.5 mile S of where she’d left it many hours ago. The Carolina Dog’s Peak 5452 adventures were all but over now, only a long road hike, nearly all of it downhill beneath the silent stars, remained. (End 9:39 PM, 51ºF)

On **Peak 5452**, Black Hills of South Dakota 4-4-24

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Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 326 – Dome Mountain & Another Peak 5452 Fiasco (3-15-24)

10:33 AM, 42ºF, Gilt Edge Road (USFS Road No. 170) – After driving past quite a few homes and “no outlet” signs in a woodsy subdivision, SPHP parked at a muddy pullout on the R.

I don’t know, Loop. Guess this will do.

Uh-oh! Don’t know what, SPHP?

Well, we’re in the right general area, Loopster, but it’s been 9 years and a day since we first visited what’s left of Anchor Hill (5,720 ft.), and then went on to Dome Mountain (5,510 ft.). Evidently I no longer remember exactly how we got to them. Nothing looks the least bit familiar to me. I thought it would.

You should have reviewed my old posts before we came then, SPHP.

Wish I had now, Looper. Wasn’t expecting to see so much private property on the way in.

C’mon now, SPHP! You told me that this was going to work. 3rd time’s a charm for Peak 5452, and all that sort of thing.

Oh, I’m just confused. This should still work, Looper. Bit of a trek from here, but the map shows this road leading to a couple of routes going right past Anchor Hill, then continuing NE to the general vicinity of the ridge S of Dome Mountain. If we get that far without anyone objecting, we’ve got it made. That ridge is how we reached Dome Mountain 9 years ago, and we can continue on to Peak 5452 from there.

So what are we waiting for, SPHP? An engraved invitation?

Oh, nothing, I guess. Onward! Puppy, ho!

Trotting N along Gilt Edge Road on a gentle incline, Lupe passed under a power line. The road quickly topped out, and a short gradual descent led to a junction with a couple of other roads at a curve. A red and white sign was posted along the route SPHP had intended to take.

What does it say, SPHP?

Veteran’s driveway, Loop. No UTV’s or ATV’s.

Oh, we’re fine then, aren’t we, SPHP? We don’t have any unidentified TV’s.

Probably. The sign seems pretty friendly, Looper. Actually has a smiley face and says “Thank you!”

Even better, SPHP. Let’s keep going!

Eh, I don’t know, Loopster. Seems odd to have a driveway sign here. The map shows this road continuing on for a couple of miles with quite a few off-shoots. Where is this Veteran’s place? The next house we come to? End of the road?

How should I know, SPHP? What else can we do?

Why don’t we just stick with Gilt Edge Road, Loop? It’ll lead to another route that will get us close to Anchor Hill where it will join up with this same Veteran’s driveway side road. Maybe the situation will be clearer over there?

Fine with me, SPHP.

Gilt Edge Road went E from this junction, continuing downhill. SPHP soon had a change of heart, reinforced by a more careful examination of the topo map.

Gilt Edge Road is going to keep going downhill for a bit before turning up again, Loop. Let’s not lose all that elevation.

Sheesh! Make up your mind, if you still have one, SPHP! Back up to the Veteran’s driveway then?

Yes, but not along Gilt Edge Road. Let’s just take a shortcut through the forest to where we can rejoin it near Anchor Hill.

Leaving Gilt Edge Road, Lupe climbed a steepish forested slope that soon led to the top of a hill a short distance NE. This summit was open, and had a great view of a large region to the E where the mountains had been torn apart and rearranged. Various roads ran through it all.

Wow! What happened here, SPHP?

I believe you’re looking at the former Gilt Edge gold and silver mine, Loop. It’s a contaminated EPA superfund site now.

Part of the former **Gilt Edge Gold Mine**. Photo looks E.

Contaminated? That’s sad, SPHP.

Tragic, Loop! If I understand correctly, contaminating might be a better word for it. Of course, the rock is all natural, but exposing so much of it at once during mining operations allows toxic quantities of heavy metals and other chemicals to leach out into streams and aquifers.

Destroys the mountains that used to be here, too, SPHP.

Absolutely! See that mountain that essentially had half of it sliced off over to the NE, Loopster? If I’m reading the map correctly, that’s what’s left of Anchor Hill.

More of the **Gilt Edge Mine**. What’s left of **Anchor Hill** (L). Photo looks NE.

Didn’t you say that we’d been to Anchor Hill 9 years ago, SPHP? I don’t have any recollection of ever seeing a cliff like that.

Me, either, Loop, and the mine’s been closed for decades. I can’t explain it.

A total mystery, but one that had nothing at all to do with the American Dingo’s main objective today, which was to finally get to Peak 5452 after tagging Dome Mountain along the way.

Abandoning the hill with the view of the Gilt Edge Mine, Lupe roamed generally N for a good 0.5 mile before turning E and almost immediately running into the same road that had the Veteran’s driveway sign back at the first junction. This road skirted Anchor Hill to the N, then wound around a bit as it took a generally NE course.

More red and white signs about the Veteran’s driveway appeared, and at least one mentioned U.S. Veterans, as if whatever property the driveway led to was owned by a group or organization rather than an individual. In any case, the Carolina Dog kept going, encountering no traffic at all.

Continuing along the Veteran’s driveway road. Photo looks NE.

Nearly a mile beyond Anchor Hill, the road finally forked, leading to 2 separate properties. The N fork led almost immediately to a fancy black gate for the Shooting Star Ranch. The fork going SE appeared to end at a house that wasn’t too far away.

Which way, SPHP?

Still don’t remember any of this. Avoid them both, Loopster. The ridge to Dome Mountain that we’re trying to get to is 0.5 mile NNE.

The American Dingo plunged into the forest. Gradually losing elevation, she eventually came to a wide saddle leading to a shorter uphill stretch. When she reached the top, sure enough, Dome Mountain’s rocky summit block was in sight only another 0.5 mile N. Peak 5452 was in view, too, a perfectly ordinary forested hill 1.5 miles NNW.

Heading up to the ridge S of Dome Mountain. Photo looks NNE.

**Peak 5452** (L), **Whitewood Peak** (Center), **Dome Mountain** (R). Photo looks N.

Alrighty, Loop! We’re finally getting somewhere! I have no recollection of how on earth we ever got here 9 years ago, but this looks familiar. We just follow this ridge NE over to the S end of Dome Mountain, then circle NW to reach the summit. Much of this region burned way back when, so there will be a ton of miserable deadfall in our way until we get to the opposite end of the ridge, but it’s all cake after that!

Miserable deadfall. Yes, that does sound familiar, SPHP. It’s the cake I’m interested in!

Lupe had reached the ridge at a fairly high spot that was both wide and relatively level. Following it ENE, the ridge began to narrow. Soon the Carolina Dog was out of the taller, more mature forest and into an area where new growth dominated. Young pines, aspens, and bushes slowed progress. The deadfall SPHP remembered was still here, and remained somewhat of a problem, but it was mostly small diameter stuff already significantly weathered and weakened by the passage of time.

Off to the ESE, Bear Den Mountain (5,641 ft.) was in view across Lost Gulch.

**Bear Den Mountain** (R of Center). Photo looks ESE.

We were over there a long time ago, too, weren’t we, SPHP?

Yes, we were, Loop. I remember you standing on a log near the summit, then going down it’s W slope to some kind of a road.

Well, then maybe Bear Den Mountain is where we went to Anchor Hill from, and then wound up over here somehow, SPHP?

Hmm. You might be right, Looper. Makes me curious what your old Bear Den Mountain post says. I’ll have to check it out when we get home.

The ridge continued to narrow and went gradually downhill. Some cool yellow, orange, and tan rock formations ran along the narrowest part of the spine. The outcroppings weren’t very big, but made excellent Dingo perches from which to enjoy the views.

Following the ridge. **S end of Dome Mountain region** (L & Center), **Lost Gulch** (R). Photo looks NE.

**Dome Mountain summit** (R of Center). Photo looks NW.

Approaching the S end of Dome Mountain, the ridge widened out again. A gradual climb through an open region full of the decaying deadfall led toward the live forest. Getting through the deadfall was really no longer all that difficult. Soon Lupe was trotting along easily as she explored the relatively flat, open, live forest SPHP remembered from long ago.

Exploring the **S end of Dome Mountain**. Photo looks NNE.

Hah! We made it to the cake part, Loopster!

I’m loving it, SPHP!

Heading N through the open forest, progress was rapid. However, when the time came to turn W toward Dome Mountain’s summit, Lupe quickly ran into thickets of dense bushes and more deadfall. A rocky high point provided a glimpse of Dome Mountain’s summit block, which wasn’t that far away now. The vegetation covering most of the rest of the terrain leading to it looked easier, too, which was encouraging.

Getting closer! **Dome Mountain’s summit block** (R). Photo looks W.

From this high point, an intense, but short bushwhack got the Carolina Dog to a minor dip leading to a region of lower bushes and less deadfall that was much easier to deal with. Soon Lupe was standing on a little snowbank on Dome Mountain’s N ridge. Minutes ago, 7 or 8 deer had been up here. The summit block was now only a short, easy stroll away.

Both Terry Peak (7,069 ft.), and a glimpse of Deer Mountain (6,651 ft.) were in sight off to the WSW.

On **Dome Mountain’s N ridge**. **Summit block** (L), **Deer Mountain** (Center), **Terry Peak** (R). Photo looks WSW.

On the Ides of March, for the first time in 9 years and a day, Lupe made the short, rocky scramble to the top of Dome Mountain (5,510 ft.).

1:54 PM, 54ºF – The top of the summit block was a region of rocks and low scratchy bushes 60 feet long and 20 feet wide. Lupe had come up near the true summit at the E end. A couple of dead trees bleached by the sun stood nearby. The rest of the terrain, bordered by cliffs on all sides, sloped gradually down toward a cairn near the W end.

Much of the **summit region** from the **cairn** (L) near the W end. Photo looks E.

Many peaks the American Dingo had been to before were in sight. The equally rocky summit of Pillar Peak (5,465 ft.), and much lower, heavily forested top of Crook Mountain (4,938 ft.) were NNE. A vast expanse of the brown plains of western South Dakota were visible beyond them.

At **Dome Mountain’s true summit**. **Crook Mountain** (L), **Pillar Peak** (R). Photo looks NNE.

Bear Den Mountain (5,641 ft.) was visible again to the SE. The territory Lupe had come from was due S. WSW, the extra bit of elevation up here provided a noticeably better look at Deer Mountain (6,651 ft.). Even Terry Peak (7,069 ft.) looked a bit grander.

**Bear Den Mountain** (R). Photo looks SE.

The region Lupe had come from. Photo looks SSW.

**Deer Mountain** (far L), **Terry Peak** (Center). Photo looks WSW.

Due N, Whitewood Peak (5,141 ft.) looked small and insignificant. The flat summit of Mount Theodore Roosevelt (5,682 ft.) was visible NW. Polo Peak (5,423 ft.) and Green Mountain (5,334 ft.) more to the NNW were so far away that they were harder to positively identify.

Eh, didn’t matter. What really did matter today was much closer. Only 1.25 miles NNW stood the Carolina Dog’s true objective, Peak 5452.

**Mount Theodore Roosevelt** (L), **Polo Peak** **& Green Mountain** (L of Center), **Peak 5452** (R of Center), **Whitewood Peak** (far R). Photo looks NW.

SPHP found a spot to sit down near the cairn. The ground was so rocky that Lupe couldn’t get comfortable, so she curled up on SPHP’s lap.

Peak 5452 doesn’t look that far away now, SPHP.

Yeah. Going to be nice to finally get there, Loop. It’s about the last of the Lists of John peaks with 300 feet of prominence in the Black Hills you haven’t been to yet that, despite our 2 prior failures, is at least somewhat accessible. Once we’ve been there, we can concentrate on other things.

Like what, SPHP?

Oh, I don’t know, Looper. Maybe we’ll revisit some of the coolest peaks we first went to long ago, like this one? Or, we can go back to wandering like we used to before we got so into peakbagging. There are still lots of places we’ve never been to that might be every bit as beautiful and interesting as many of the mountaintops.

As long as we don’t quit exploring the Black Hills, I’m fine with whatever, SPHP, on one condition.

Condition? What condition, Loop?

You’ll still bring chocolate coconut bars, even if we don’t climb a mountain.

Deal! Let’s shake on it. By the way, congratulations on reaching the top of Dome Mountain again. I suppose you’re ready for a chocolate coconut bar right now. Just happen to have one in the pack.

After the paw shake and sharing of the ever-popular chocolate coconut bar, Lupe inhaled the last 2 Canine Carry-outs that Dave Covill had sent her for Christmas, munched on Taste of the Wild, and lapped a big drink of water from her silver bowl. Meanwhile, SPHP peeled an orange and drank a strawberry Equate.

Dome Mountain was a cool place with it’s sweet views, remote feel, and unusual summit block for the Black Hills. Unfortunately, it was already mid-afternoon. Staying for Lupe’s full traditional summit hour didn’t make sense with Peak 5452 still on the agenda, despite how long it had been since the last time she’d been here.

Nevertheless, 40 minutes zoomed by before the American Dingo sprang into action at SPHP’s insistence.

We better get moving, Loop! Not that far to Peak 5452, but the Two Bit Creek valley is pretty deep, and we’ve got to cross it to get over there.

After a brief return to Dome Mountain’s true summit, Lupe scrambled back down to the N ridge. Two minor high points were strung out along it, neither one much more than a blip. She paused at the last one for a look back, before starting the descent to Two Bit Creek in earnest.

**Dome Mountain’s N ridge** (foreground) from the **true summit**. **Crook Mountain** (Center), **Pillar Peak** (R). Photo looks NNE.

A glance back at the **true summit** (R) from the **last high point along the N ridge**. Photo looks S.

Continuing N, Lupe headed down a steepish slope densely covered with bushes hiding considerable deadfall within. Although this first descent wasn’t all that long, it was a bit of an unexpected struggle to get down to a bush-and-deadfall-free saddle at the start of the live forest.

Exactly where to go from here wasn’t entirely clear. In truth, SPHP hadn’t given it much thought. Looked like most any route might work. Lupe could leave the N ridge here, dropping down into valleys on either side, or keep going N through the forest on fairly level terrain before searching for a way down.

Probably doesn’t matter which way we go, Loopster, but it might be best to start losing some elevation right away.

So descend into one of these valleys, SPHP? Which one?

They’ll meet before they reach Two Bit Creek, Loop, so either one, I guess. Why don’t we go E? Topo map seems to indicate the initial descent won’t be quite as steep.

Angling ENE, the initial descent was indeed easy enough, however, it went on longer than SPHP expected. By the time Lupe reached a narrow V-shaped bottom with deadfall in it, there was snow on the ground.

Down in the snowy V-shaped ravine. Photo looks SW.

Ick! Not what I was hoping for, Looper. It better not keep on like this very far.

Continuing NE down the ravine, Lupe kept coming to more deadfall. Although the Carolina Dog generally managed quite nicely, the slippery snow made getting past the annoying deadfall problematic for SPHP.

Progress was made, but the slow descent chewed up precious daylight. Eventually, the valley began curving NW and broadening out. Little or no snow was present here, and scenic cliffs were visible way up on the next ridge to the NE. Unfortunately, dense stands of young aspens kept SPHP from picking up the pace too much, although this broader region was definitely better than the narrow ravine.

Scenic cliffs ahead as the valley widens out. Photo looks N.

Once beyond most of the aspens, the descent got easier for a while, but the valley soon narrowed to a V-shaped bottom again. This time, minor vertical drops required a bit of caution. As the Carolina Dog kept going, she began coming to pools of water, then a tiny stream.

By a pool of water in the lower valley. Photo looks SE.

Fortunately, Lupe always found ways past the vertical drops and pools. At last, a narrow gap between rock walls led to another drop requiring caution. Once below it, the valley opened up.

The American Dingo had made it to where the E and W valleys met.

At the point where the valleys met. Photo looks WSW.

4:14 PM – Looking N, farther down the now combined drainage of the two valleys, a small stream ran through a lumpy region full of snow, ice, and thickets of small trees and bushes. Certainly not impassable, but not much of an improvement, either. This disappointing view, and the low angle of the sun said it all.

I can’t believe it, Loop! Another Peak 5452 fail!

Can’t we just cross Two Bit Creek and start climbing, SPHP? We’re almost there!

Peak 5452 isn’t as close as you think, Loopster. We haven’t even made it down to Two Bit Creek yet. This stream is just a tributary. Getting too late in the day to continue this ridiculous bushwhack. We aren’t going to get back to the RAV4 until after dark, even if we turn back now, but we might be able to reach the road while there’s still some light. If we keep going, we’ll have to fight our way back through this jungle at night. Not worth it!

So, we’re just giving up on Peak 5452? How far away can it be, SPHP?

0.67 mile as the crow flies, but we aren’t crows, Looper. We’re just being sensible and giving up for today. We’ll get to Peak 5452! We’ll return for another attempt someday soon. Promise!

And have to do this all over again, SPHP?

No, not this. We’ll find another approach, a better one. Think of it as merely another adventure, Loop!

I’m thinking of it as merely another chocolate coconut bar, SPHP. One that I’d hoped to devour within the hour, not on some unknown future date.

Less than 0.2 mile from Two Bit Creek, reluctantly resigning herself to yet another Peak 5452 fail, the American Dingo started back. Not the same way she’d gotten here, though. This time she explored the valley that had come down from the W side of Dome Mountain. This valley was wider and turned out to be generally easier going.

At first, the icy stream flowed along the base of vertical rock walls. It might have been entirely possible to simply march up this valley all the way to the ridge S of Dome Mountain, then on to the Veteran’s driveway, but SPHP was tired of being confined in deep valleys.

As soon as we get past these rock walls to a manageable slope, let’s climb back up Dome Mountain, Loop.

Lupe was all for it. She agreed, rather enthusiastically, too, especially when SPHP admitted to having another chocolate coconut bar in the pack that had been intended for Peak 5452, and promised to share it.

Beyond the rock walls, the slope was mighty steep where Lupe started up from the shady valley. SPHP barely made it to a more doable incline. When Lupe reached sunshine, she graciously allowed SPHP a rest break to gasp for air. Taunting and tantalizing, Peak 5452 was back in sight less than 0.75 mile NNW.

The slope remained steep all the way up to a rocky high point visible above. When Lupe got to it, a 10 or 15 foot scramble got her to the top. Crook Mountain, Pillar Peak, and some of the cliffs she’d seen on her way down the E valley were among the views.

Approaching the minor rocky high point at the upper end of the slope. Photo looks SE.

At the high point. **Crook Mountain** (L), top of **Pillar Peak** (R). Photo looks NE.

Once past this minor rock formation, most of the rest of the way was an easy stroll through the forest. Only the slope covered with bushes and hidden deadfall on the way up to the high point at the N end of Dome Mountain’s upper N ridge was difficult. Ascending this slope was even more miserable than going down it had been, but Lupe made it.

**High point at the end of the upper N ridge** (L of Center), **Dome Mountain’s summit block** (R of Center). Photo looks S.

Back on the **upper N ridge N high point** (L), **summit block** (R). Photo looks S.

6:12 PM, 48ºF – The sun was still up when the Carolina Dog reached the true summit of Dome Mountain (5,510 ft.) for the second time today. A somewhat chilly 10 mph breeze was blowing out of the WNW, but the gleam of the sharply slanting evening sunlight beautifully illuminated everything it touched.

Back at the **true summit of** **Dome Mountain**. Photo looks NNE.

As promised, SPHP split another chocolate coconut bar with Lupe after shaking her paw again. She then dined on Taste of the Wild, duck jerky, and water, while SPHP munched an apple.

With miles to go and the sun sinking fast, 15 minutes was about all that could be spared before scrambling back down off the summit. During the trek S through the open, level forest, Lupe had a grand time roaming at will. Then it was back across the ridge full of decaying deadfall and minor rock formations.

Dusk was turning to night, the air crisp and calm, when Lupe reached the Veteran’s driveway again. Silver stars twinkling above, this time she stuck with it all the way back to Gilt Edge Road. At one point, red lights on the towers atop Terry Peak were seen blinking in the black distance.

No traffic. Only silence. What a day it had been! For the first time in 9 years and a day, the Carolina Dog been on Dome Mountain, not once, but twice. Yet the moment she’d stand on Peak 5452 had eluded Lupe once again, remaining in the always uncertain future. (End, 8:16 PM, 42ºF)