Snake River Range – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Indian Peak, Snake River Range, Wyoming (6-26-22)

Day 11 of Lupe’s Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming!

9:02 AM, upper Dog Creek valley, Snake River Range – Another gorgeous morning! The American Dingo was off to kind of a late start after her big success getting to Observation Peak (9,960 ft.) yesterday. For the second day in a row, Lupe trotted across the big meadow in the upper Dog Creek valley, crossing small streams before reaching Trail No. 009.

Entering the big meadow in the **upper Dog Creek valley**. **HP9582** (R). Photo looks W.

Following the trail to where it climbed NW up a bare slope, this time when it turned SW heading into a forest full of snow, Loop abandoned the trail to climb due S along the ridgeline, enjoying a beautiful view of the Dog Creek valley and Wolf Mountain (9,483 ft.) along the way.

**Dog Creek valley** (Center), **Wolf Mountain** (R). Photo looks ENE.

As Lupe continued S, the rate of climb soon diminished. Up here, the ridge was forested, with big snow drifts slowly melting away in the shade. Turning SW, Lupe came to a snow-free clearing. Blanketed in snow, a mountain and part of an enormous ridge N of it were in view.

**Indian Peak** (L) from the clearing. Photo looks SSW.

There it is, Loopster! Indian Peak (9,683ft.)!

I know! We saw it lots of times yesterday, remember, SPHP? Not very far away, is it? We’re almost there already!

Yup! Maybe 0.5 mile as the crow flies. Looks like we could almost head straight for it, and climb right on up. Might be easier, though, if we can get back up onto the ridge N of it again.

Heading W toward the enormous ridge, Loopster re-entered the forest. Climbing a hill, she trotted over snow drifts hidden among the trees.

Heading W through the forest. Photo looks W.

This little hill wasn’t much of a climb. The terrain soon leveled out again. The Carolina Dog came to a second snow-free clearing providing an even better look at Indian Peak and the ridge N of it.

**Indian Peak** (L) and its **N ridge** (Center & R) from the second clearing. Photo looks SW.

The scene was as snowy as ever, the terrain steep enough to discourage SPHP from encouraging a direct assault.

Keep going W, Looper! Let’s see how things look over that way.

Crossing the second clearing, Lupe reached and passed through another band of trees, quickly emerging at the top of a rocky slope leading to the base of Indian Peak’s N ridge. Toward the NW, the big ridge was nearly snow-free, and didn’t appear to be as high. This was the same region where the topo map showed Trail No. 009 heading up onto the ridge.

Emerging from the trees near the base of the ridge. Photo looks SW.

Much less snow to the NW. Photo looks NW.

Looks easier to go up over there, doesn’t it, SPHP?

Sure does! Head that way, Loop. Maybe we’ll even find the trail again?

Going down the rock-strewn slope to the base of the ridge, the Carolina Dog found a small, icy tarn, but no sign of Trail No. 009. The snow-free part of the ridge was considerably steeper than the snowfield right next to it. When the snow generally held not only Lupe’s, but SPHP’s weight as well, venturing up the snowfield seemed the best option.

Near the icy snowmelt tarn. Photo looks NNW.

Heading up the snowfield. Photo looks W.

After a fair amount of progress up the slope, the snowfield steepened. Loop was still doing fine, but SPHP decided to abandon the snow for the bare ground, which despite being even steeper, provided better traction. Only a short trudge higher was now required to reach a bench bordered by a line of large, blocky boulders.

The boulders provided a good spot to take a breather, but Lupe was still only partway up the huge ridge. Another big climb, a snow-filled bowl, was to the W.

Another snow climb ahead! Photo looks SW.

Happily, although just as long, most of this climb wasn’t quite as steep as what the American Dingo had just done. Lupe enjoyed a pleasant romp in dazzling sunshine the rest of the way up.

Once on top, Loop found herself at a meadow near the low point of the entire ridge connecting Indian Peak and HP9582. This was about where Trail No. 099 ought to have come up from the E, and where Trail No. 056 should have begun its descent into Lake Basin to the W, but she saw no sign of either one. However, upon turning S to head for Indian Peak, the Carolina Dog quickly discovered a pile of trash beneath the first spruce trees she came to.

Another break was taken while SPHP gathered up all the miscellaneous trash for disposal later on. Sadly, a pile of 10 aluminum and tin cans had to be left behind due to a lack of space in the pack.

Up on the ridge. Someone had left a pile of trash beneath the closest spruce trees. Photo looks S.

The ridge narrowed and steepened as Lupe continued S past the dump. In some places, tightly-packed trees growing right along the crest of the ridge forced her to stay E out on the snow to get around them. The ridge eventually turned SE, and broadened out. Loopster traipsed up a bare, rather rocky, slope.

Climbing **Indian Peak**. Photo looks SE.

As she approached Indian Peak’s summit, the rate of climb diminished. Gnarled, old trees, many of them dead, were scattered along the upper W slope. Reaching the top, Lupe strode onto a huge snowbank wrapped around the N and E edges that covered most of a summit region 200+ feet long N/S, and 40 feet wide E/W.

Approaching **Indian Peak’s summit**. Photo looks SE.

11:37 AM, 63ºF, Indian Peak (9,683 ft.) – This snowbank was currently the mountain’s temporary true summit. The American Dingo stood at the high point near the N end. Far to the N, Grand Teton (13,770 ft.), Wyoming’s most famous mountain, soared into the blue.

**Grand Teton** (R of Center) from Indian Peak. Photo looks N.

**Grand Teton** (Center) with help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks N.

Tremendous views in all directions! After a quick glance around, Lupe headed for a cairn visible at the S end.

The **summit region** from the snowbank. Photo looks SSE.

The cairn proved to be a loosely assembled pile of light-colored rocks. No sign of any registry or survey benchmark. Loopster laid down near the cairn, SPHP sitting beside her.

Relaxing by the loosely assembled cairn (L). Photo looks N.

Guess, this is it, Loop! Congratulations on climbing Indian Peak, your last summit in the Snake River Range on this Dingo Vacation.

Smiling broadly, Lupe gently offered her sweet paw. SPHP shook it.

Too bad this is the last one, SPHP! This was the easiest mountain so far around here. Didn’t take us long at all, and the views are just as good!

Yeah, but we’re about out of supplies now. After this, we’re going to have to head back to the RAV4. So, let’s enjoy Indian Peak while we can! Chocolate coconut bar? Last one!

Chocolate coconut bars are never a tough sell. The last one vanished PDQ. Looper also polished off the last of the Taste of the Wild supply. SPHP munched away at the last apple.

Yet another perfect day! For quite a while, Lupe curled up on SPHP’s lap, enjoying the splendid view of now familiar mountains to the S from a slightly different perspective. Red Peak (9,771 ft.) was lined up almost directly behind Peak 9708. An easy ridge walk led to both of them.

In the distance, Peak 9736 and Deadhorse Peak (9,783 ft.) were more to the R, Bradley Mountain (9,292 ft.) and Stewart Mountain (10,103 ft.) even more distant to the L.

**Stewart Mountain** (L), **Peak 9708** with **Red Peak** (Center) beyond it, **Peak 9736** (R) and **Deadhorse Peak** (far R.) Photo looks S.

To the SW was a great look at the South Fork of Indian Creek valley, with Caribou Mountain (9,803 ft.) on the horizon.

**Peak 9736** (far L), **Deadhorse Peak** (L), **South Fork of Indian Creek valley** and **Caribou Mountain** (Center). Photo looks SW.

Eventually getting up to move around a bit, SPHP saw something shiny 40 feet down the SE slope. Turned out to be a bottle of Koala Springs beer, still half full. Emptying it onto the ground, the bottle got added to the rest of the trash stuffed in the pack.

Mount McDougal (10,780 ft.) and Triple Peak (11,127 ft.) could be made out far to the SSE, the Wind River Range, NE. Obs Benchmark (9,935 ft.) was only 2 miles due W, and Observation Peak (9,960 ft.), where Lupe had been only yesterday, a similar distance NW.

**Obs Benchmark** (L) and **Observation Peak** (R). Photo looks WNW.

At a leisurely pace, trying to savor every moment, Lupe and SPHP toured the entire summit region. As always, time flew. Another short rest back at the S end by the cairn, and sadly, it was time.

Been up here over an hour, Looper. Hate to say it, but we better move on. Got a long way to go.

Do you really think we’ll get all the way back to the RAV4 tonight, SPHP? Don’t you remember how long it took us to get up into this country?

Oh, don’t worry about that, Looper! We’re going to take a different route. This time, we’ll just find Trail No. 069, and follow it down the Dog Creek valley. Downhill all the way! Ought to be a snap. You’ll see!

12:44 PM, Indian Peak – Lupe headed N along the W edge of the summit region. A final glance back at the cairn where she’d spent most of her time up here, and she started down the NW slope, bound for the ridge leading N to HP9582.

Glancing back at the cairn (Center) before leaving **Indian Peak**. Photo looks S.

**Obs Benchmark** (L) and **Observation Peak** (R) as the descent begins. Photo looks WNW.

Heading down. **HP9582** (Center), **Grand Teton** (far R). Photo looks N.

The descent was fantastic! Everything was so beautiful! Loop loved the snowy trek back to the icy tarn. Varying her earlier route, she continued NE past the tarn, making rapid progress across a meadow.

About to leave the **N ridge**. **Wolf Mountain** (R). Photo looks NE.

Beyond the meadow, Lupe entered the snowy forest. Losing elevation, she eventually found Trail No. 009 again, following it back down to the upper Dog Creek valley. The Carolina Dog returned to the glen where the tiny house had been set up last night, so SPHP could retrieve it and the sleeping bags, already packed up and stashed among the trees.

Then it was back to the upper Dog Creek valley. Following Trail No. 009 SE, it was bound to lead to Trail No. 069.

All was well! Everything was going great, exactly as expected. No snow down here to hide the trails. Lupe roamed as she pleased, stopping to sniff wildflowers and anything else of interest, while SPHP made great strides on the downhill march. After a while, an unmarked trail left an abandoned horse camp, heading NE deeper into the Dog Creek valley.

Had to be Trail No. 069, right? No doubt about it!

However, Trail No. 069 soon began to exhibit unexpected behavior. Rather than staying down along the N bank of Dog Creek as shown on the map, the trail ran along slopes S of the stream, often well above it.

Worse, every time another tributary had to be crossed, there was a drop, followed by a steep 40 foot climb. Not such a big deal, but enough to be annoying, when tired and a nice, smooth, easy march down the valley had been anticipated.

On the S bank, temporarily close to **Dog Creek**. Photo looks SW.

The trail crossed Dog Creek a couple of times early on while it was still small, but the stream grew fast as tributaries added to the flow. There was so much up and down, that SPHP mentally began to keep a running total of Lupe’s estimated extra elevation gain.

2 miles from the horse camp, Lupe was on a steep slope S of Dog Creek, about 200 feet above it, when Trail No. 069 curved R around a bend into a steep snow-filled ravine. The trail appeared level as it traversed this ravine. Once beyond it, everything still seemed fine, but the trail soon began to fade amid dense vegetation.

Up until now, the trail had been easy to follow. Expecting it would soon improve, SPHP pressed on, Lupe now following on the steep slope. The trail did improve, but only for a little way. Suddenly it was gone!

Lupe was approaching the narrowest, deepest, most steep-sided part of the entire Dog Creek valley, a wilderness of old forest, huge deadfall, and lush vegetation. Progress slowed to a crawl as SPHP thrashed through the jungle. Loopster began hanging back. Playing her stalking game, the American Dingo refused to follow unless SPHP was out of sight.

You’re nuts, SPHP! This can’t be right!

I know that now, Loop, but we’ve already lost a bunch of elevation. Let’s try to get down to Dog Creek. We must have missed a turn back at that ravine. The trail must be somewhere over on the N side of the valley now.

It sure wasn’t over here, but getting down to Dog Creek wasn’t easy. SPHP chickened out on a slope so steep that a fall seemed inevitable. A desperate, clinging climb back up, only to try again a little farther on. This time it worked, barely. Fording Dog Creek, Lupe scrambled 100 feet up an almost equally steep slope on the N bank before … yes! The trail!

Having lost a fair amount of time, but feeling confident again, it was:

Onward! Puppy, ho!

That wasn’t the end of the problems, though. More discouraging uphill sections, tough when hungry and weary, but the deadfall was the worst. Not a huge amount, but far from uncommon, too. The dingdong deadfall often forced steep climbs around not only the tree fallen over the trail, but others forming a long wall above or below it. Rinse and repeat every so often, each effort sapping energy and causing additional delay.

The trail eventually dropped down to Dog Creek. A ford, a dangerous one! Only knee deep on SPHP, but flowing fast straight into rocky rapids and deadfall. SPHP could manage, but what about Lupe? Neck deep against a powerful current, she’d get swept away, battered mercilessly against the rocks, and pinned helplessly against deadfall. The water a deadly, relentless force, she’d drown.

Carrying Loopster across was out of the question. The rocky creekbed was too uneven, SPHP would need hands free in order to use poles just to maintain balance.

What are we going to do, SPHP?

Mount McDougal, Loop.

Mount McDougal! What is that supposed to mean?

Just like we did there, I’m going to leash you up, Looper. You’ll have to swim. I’ll hang on to the leash, so you don’t get swept downstream. Won’t let go for anything! Promise! It’s not that far, you’ll be across in no time. I’ll help pull you through.

SPHP started across first. Worried, but trusting SPHP completely, Loop plunged into the frigid water on command. Worked! Seconds later, the Carolina Dog was shaking herself off on the S bank.

Gah! Right around the next bend, another equally dangerous ford. Poor Lupe had to do it again!

High on a very steep slope N of Dog Creek, Lupe came to a tree fallen over the trail. Clearly, no way around this one, the slopes both above and below it were nearly cliffs. Forcing a way through the multitude of branches levitating the trunk was mandatory. Loop managed easily enough, but SPHP had a heck of a time squeezing through.

A mile and 500 feet of lost elevation beyond this trouble spot, stopped in fading light for a breather, a sudden, sickening realization.

Ugh, Loop! I’m sorry! We have to go back!

Back where, SPHP?

To that blasted tree!

The one with all the branches? Why?

Yeah. I forgot the camera. Almost certain I left it hanging on a branch, while strapping the pack back on. Entirely my fault, Loop, but we can’t lose it.

Wearily, back up the valley. Sure enough, the camera was there. Grab and go! Right back down the same mile for the 3rd time.

Camera retrieved, as light faded even from the mountaintops, Lupe quit playing her stalking game. Suddenly she seemed energized, leading the way, leaping over deadfall, often far ahead of SPHP, pausing frequently to look back to make certain SPHP was still coming.

Dog Creek valley was longer than SPHP ever imagined. Trail No. 069 went on and on. Two more fords appeared in rapid succession, but weren’t as threatening. Lupe crossed both on her own. Eventually, the valley broadened out. No more significant uphill sections! Loopster traveled through tunnels of dense vegetation shoulder high on SPHP.

The sun was down. Signs appeared at junctions! One for the Little Dog Creek Trail, the other for the Cabin Creek Trail. SPHP kept watching for the unmarked side trail Lupe had followed into Beaver Dam Canyon 3 days ago, but never saw it. Stars appeared. The little flashlight came out. Traveling fast, with nothing to eat since Indian Peak, Lupe was a star herself! Always leading, never fading, or falling back.

10:21 PM, Dog Creek trailhead – Suddenly, it was over! The RAV4 sat alone, patiently waiting at the trailhead. Lupe couldn’t wait to leap onto her pink blanket when SPHP opened the door. Instead of falling asleep, she licked her paws until SPHP fed her, inhaling a whole can of Ol’ Roy.

SPHP was dead tired, but couldn’t stand being in filthy, sopping-wet boots. Driving to the Pritchard Boat ramp, SPHP washed sore feet in the Snake River before donning night socks and the old Merrell slippers. It was nearly midnight by the time a weary American Dingo returned to the dark, quiet Dog Creek trailhead to pass out for the night.

Good thing SPHP had no inkling ahead of time what Trail No. 069 and the Dog Creek valley were going to be like. Loopster never would have climbed beautiful Indian Peak (9,683 ft.)!

On **Indian Peak**, Snake River Range, Wyoming 6-26-22

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Observation Peak, Snake River Range, Wyoming (6-25-22)

Day 10 of Lupe’s Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming!

7:34 AM, HP8844 on Wolf Mountain’s NE ridge –

I’ll be ready pretty quick, Looper!

The Carolina Dog was already ready. She watched patiently, though, as SPHP disassembled, then packed up her tiny house. The morning air was wonderfully cool and clear. Not a cloud in the sky! Nearby, the E face of Wolf Mountain (9,483 ft.) was brightly illuminated. Yesterday evening, Lupe had visited the summit.

Before long, it was Onward! Puppy, ho!

**Wolf Mountain** from **HP8844**. Photo looks SW.

Heading W around the N side of Wolf Mountain, the forest was full of huge snow banks. Snow covered long sections of Trail No. 062, slowing SPHP’s progress, and making the route difficult to follow. Meanwhile, Lupe was doing great! The American Dingo seemed energized. For the first time on this backpacking trip, Loop didn’t hang back playing her stalking game, instead keeping right up with SPHP, or leading the way.

Upon reaching the W side of Wolf Mountain, Trail No. 062 turned SW. A steady, snow-free, descent to Red Pass ensued.

Heading down to **Red Pass** (beyond Lupe). Snowy **Indian Peak** (R) in the distance. Photo looks SW.

Arriving at Red Pass, Lupe paused briefly to take in the view S toward the N end of the Salt River Range. She then followed the trail NW, as it began to loop up onto the ridge W of the pass.

**Red Pass** W of Wolf Mountain. Photo looks SW.

**N end of the Salt River Range** (L) from **Red Pass**. Photo looks S.

Back on a snowy N slope again, SPHP lost the trail. Lupe rediscovered it before reaching the crest of the ridge. Once on top, Trail No. 062 began winding W along the ridge, often staying N of the crest. Loop enjoyed a terrific view of the Teton Range from open ground overlooking huge meadows, but came to forested stretches, too.

**W of Red Pass**. **Grand Teton** (R). Photo looks N with help from the telephoto lens.

As awesome as the views were, Lupe was far more interested in a herd of giant deers in one of the meadows.

A couple of giant deers with help from the telephoto lens.

Even out in the open, the trail was sometimes hidden beneath enormous snowdrifts melting away beneath the dazzling late June sun. Lupe liked crossing them. Hitting a high point early on W of Red Pass, Trail No. 062 began a gradual descent, interrupted periodically by short climbs.

Crossing a snowdrift. **Indian Peak** (L). Photo looks W.

Following the ridge. Top of **Indian Peak** (L), **HP9582** (R). Photo looks W.

Winding W along the ridge more than 1.5 miles beyond Red Pass, Trail No. 062 then curved NW, starting a steeper, more prolonged, descent. Near the bottom, a snowmelt pond appeared. Instead of continuing down to it, the trail curved W again, going past a little glen.

Wha’dya think, Loop? We’re almost down to the upper Dog Creek valley. This looks like a good spot to set up your tiny house to me.

Nice and secluded, but it’s only noon, SPHP! Aren’t we going any farther? I thought we were going to climb another mountain today?

Yeah, we are, Loop, but I’d sure like to ditch some of this gear. Think we’re close enough to where we’re going now to get there and back before dark. In fact, if we don’t ditch this gear before we have to start climbing, it will slow me down so much that we may not get to another summit today.

Well, if that’s what you need to do, then do it, SPHP! Fine with me! By the way, where are we trying to get to today?

Kind of depends on how it goes, Looper. Observation Peak (9,960 ft.) is our main objective, but if it seems out of reach, we might have to settle for Indian Peak (9,683 ft.), since it’s closer.

1:14 PM, near the upper Dog Creek valley – SPHP had the tiny house set up again. Sleeping bags and whatever else was heavy and expendable were stashed inside. Time to press on!

Ready to set out from the resurrected tiny house. Photo looks SW.

Heading W from the tiny house, the trail descended another 40 feet. A flat, open plain in the upper Dog Creek valley was ahead. Crossing 2 tiny streams, Lupe roamed WNW over the plain. She soon reached a larger tributary of Dog Creek. A short distance beyond it, a trail headed SW.

Entering the **upper Dog Creek valley**. **HP9582** (R of Center) ahead. Photo looks WNW.

Wading in the larger tributary of Dog Creek. Photo looks WSW.

This new trail was Trail No. 009. The topo map showed it climbing up and over a steep ridge 0.33 mile NNW of Indian Peak. This same ridge was also Lupe’s intended route to Observation Peak, so following this trail seemed like a sensible thing to do.

Crossing the big tributary of Dog Creek again, Trail No. 009 curved NW, and soon began slanting up an open slope. Gaining 200 feet of elevation, it then turned SW into a forested valley full of snow.

Trail No. 009 vanishes beneath the snow. Photo looks SW.

From the amount of snow visible ahead, following the trail up onto the ridge N of Indian Peak suddenly no longer seemed viable. Abandoning No. 009, Lupe headed W into the forest.

The plan was to get to the ridge N of Indian Peak by the shortest route possible. After an initial climb, Lupe roamed through a large, relatively flat region of snowy woods, eventually emerging on a snow-covered plain just E of the ridge.

Heading W after abandoning Trail No. 009. Photo looks W.

Approaching the ridge between **Indian Peak** and **HP9582**. Photo looks W.

On the snowy plain below the ridge. Photo looks SW.

The ridge was such a steep climb that SPHP ventured up toward the NW where snow-free terrain provided better traction. A rest break was in order once up on top.

Relaxing on the ridge. **Indian Peak** (Center). Photo looks S.

Lupe had reached the ridgeline only a little S of HP9582. Following the broad ridge N after her break, a moderate rate of climb through mostly open forest got the Carolina Dog up to HP9582 without any difficulties. Next to a small area of flat, bare ground, a huge snowbank wrapped around the N and E edges, providing big views in those directions.

Wolf Mountain (9,483 ft.), where Loop had set out from this morning, and the long ridge she had traveled from Red Pass on the way here, were of particular interest.

**Wolf Mountain** (L of Center) in the foreground from **HP9582**. Photo looks ESE.

Forest hid the views to the S and W, but exploring HP9582‘s W slope, an opening was found where Observation Peak (9,960 ft.) was in sight.

**Observation Peak** (Center) from the upper W slope of HP9582. **HP9600** (R). Photo looks W with help from the telephoto lens.

Observation Peak was now only 1.25 miles W, but the American Dingo faced a fair amount of up and down along the ridge leading to it. The next objective was HP9600. Continuing down HP9582‘s W slope, Loop quickly broke out of the forest, coming to nicely rounded, open terrain.

Heading for **HP9600** (L). Photo looks NW.

Arriving at the saddle leading to HP9600, SPHP got the brilliant idea that unnecessary elevation gain could be avoided by traversing the S slope. Worked great until Lupe ran into a rock slide, which made it easier to simply climb to the top of HP9600.

At the **saddle leading to HP9600** (Center). Photo looks WNW.

The rock slide on **HP9600‘s SSW slope**. **Observation Peak** (L). Photo looks WNW.

Being forced higher was a good thing. The views from HP9600 were wonderful! Snow-clad Indian Peak (9,683 ft.) looked beautiful to the SSE. Peak 9708 and Red Peak (9,771 ft.) strung out along the ridge S of it were lovely, too. Off to the W was a great look at both Observation Peak and Obs Benchmark (9,935 ft.).

At **HP9600**. **Indian Peak** (L), **Peak 9708** and **Red Peak** (R). Photo looks S.

**Obs Benchmark** (L) and **Observation Peak** (R). Photo looks WSW.

The trek W along the ridge leading to Observation Peak from HP9600 was gorgeous! The S slopes were nearly all snow-free. The N slopes still harbored extensive snow fields, which Lupe sometimes had to cross.

Following the ridge to **Observation Peak** (R). **Obs Benchmark** (L). Photo looks W.

Crossing a snow field. **Observation Peak** (R). Photo looks W.

Near the end, Loop came to a signpost half-buried in a large snow field, the only sign she had seen since leaving the Dog Creek trailhead 2 days ago. It wasn’t much farther to Observation Peak now. From a little rise, a trail was seen heading up a moderately steep, rounded slope.

Oh, yeah! Pure cake!

At the rare sign post. **Observation Peak** (R). Photo looks W.

*Got it made in the sunshine now, SPHP! C’mon, let’s get there!* Photo looks WNW.

5:41 PM, 66ºF, 5mph SW breeze, Observation Peak (9,960 ft.) – Conditions were ideal when the American Dingo arrived on a 300 foot long, 20 – 25 foot wide, summit ridge running E/W. This open ridge was wider and rounded toward the E, narrower and somewhat rocky W.

Scraggly trees ran along the N side about 2/3 of the way toward the W. Near the tallest of these trees, big sticks were piled at the true summit, almost on top of a cairn harboring a clear plastic jar with a blue lid. Only an old photo film container was visible inside.

At **Observation Peak’s true summit**. Photo looks E.

The plastic jar inside the summit cairn.

Congratulations, Looper, on your successful ascent of Observation Peak! After our ghastly start two days ago, I wasn’t so certain I’d ever have the pleasure of shaking your paw here!

Persistence, SPHP! I’ll do most anything for a chocolate coconut bar!

Well, you’re in luck, sweet-tooth puppy! Happen to still have one in the pack. C’mon, let’s pick a spot to rest where there aren’t so many trees.

Grabbing the plastic jar from out of the cairn, SPHP led Lupe out to the W end of the summit ridge. The views were fabulous! After sharing the much anticipated chocolate coconut bar, Lupe curled up on SPHP’s lap. Far to the NNE, Grand Teton (13,770 ft.) and Mount Owen (12,928 ft.) dominated what could be seen of Wyoming’s famous Teton Range.

**Grand Teton** (L of Center) from the break spot. Photo looks NNE.

Zoomed in on **Grand Teton** (Center) and **Mount Owen** (R). Photo looks NNE.

While Lupe relaxed, SPHP removed the film cannister from the plastic jar, and opened it. Within were only 2 carefully folded pieces of paper. One was sopping wet and barely legible. SPHP could make out only “2020” and “Sketchy climb up from the NW. Scintillating view!”

The other paper was merely damp. Dated way back on July 4, 1996, it was much more legible.

Observation Peak was apparently Peak No. 504 for someone from Idaho Falls.

Weary after a 3 day march to get here, Lupe and SPHP remained seated out near the W end of the summit ridge for quite a while. Magnificent mountain scenery was on display in all directions.

Obs Benchmark (9,935 ft.), with a sheer N face, was the most intriguing of the relatively nearby peaks. A long ridge extending toward it clearly dropped sharply away before connecting to it. Probably not easy to get to Obs Benchmark from here.

**Obs Benchmark** (L). A sliver of the **Palisades Reservoir** is visible (R). Photo looks SW.

After a while, SPHP managed to summon enough energy to get up and stroll about to gaze more intently on some of the other views. Loopster was willing to tag along, but generally preferred to lay down whenever SPHP paused somewhere.

From the E end of the summit ridge, the ridge Lupe had followed from HP9600 to get here was in sight. Wolf Mountain and Indian Mountain were clearly lower than Observation Peak, but on the SE horizon was a peak that was definitely higher. SPHP didn’t realize it at the time, but that was probably Hoback Peak (10,862 ft). Lupe had been there!

**Wolf Mountain** (L) beyond **HP9600** & **HP9582**, **Indian Peak** (R), and **Hoback Peak** (R) on the horizon. Photo looks SE.

Stewart Mountain (10,103 ft.) and the N end of the Salt River Range were far to the S, well beyond a line consisting of Red Peak (9,771 ft.), Peak 9736, and Deadhorse Peak (9,767 ft.). Only the top of Bradley Mountain (9,292 ft.) was visible at mid-range between them.

**Red Peak** (L), top of **Bradley Mountain** (L of Center) beyond Lupe, **Stewart Mountain** (R of Center) on the horizon, **Peak 9736** (R), and **Deadhorse Peak** (far R). Photo looks S.

Back and forth along the summit ridge multiple times, so much to see!

**Peak 9618** (L of Center), **Grand Teton** (far R). Photo looks NNW.

Relaxing at the W end again. **Peak 9618** (R). Photo looks NW.

The sun was sinking. Still going to be up for a while, but getting back to the tiny house would take a while, too. Lupe returned briefly to the true summit, then relaxed once more back at the fabulous viewpoint near the W end of the summit ridge.

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

Final moments on **Observation Peak**. Photo looks N.

7:00 PM – Sadly, as always, precious time had flown. On this glorious evening, Lupe left Observation Peak heading down the E slope, back the way she’d come. Although tired, her entire return was one marvelous scene after another.

Descending from Observation Peak. **Lake Basin** (foreground), Photo looks S.

Once back to HP9582, the American Dingo varied her route. Descending a steep, open slope, she reached a saddle on the ridge going E. Here, a gendarme presented a tricky little scramble. Went just fine. No other obstacles lay beyond it. Loop was soon able to leave the ridge, roaming SE through meadows on a long descent into the upper Dog Creek valley.

The sun was down, but there was still light in the sky when the weary Carolina Dog reached the tiny house again. What a day it had been! Lupe had made it to Observation Peak, her main objective. Even if she did nothing more than return to the RAV4 from here, this backpacking trip was now an official success.

Great job, but you better sleep tight, Looper! You’re not done here in the Snake River Range quite yet!

On **Observation Peak**, Snake River Range, Wyoming 6-25-22

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Wolf Mountain, Snake River Range, Wyoming (6-24-22)

Days 7 – 9 of Lupe’s Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming!

6-22-22, ~ 9:30 AM, at the end of side Road No. 10399 off Greys River Road 2 or 3 miles N of the intersection with McDougal Gap Road –

Wha’dya think, Loop? Is this perfect, or what?

Looks terrific to me, too, SPHP, but do as you please. I’m not moving a muscle today!

That wasn’t entirely true, but almost. After SPHP parked the RAV4 at the turnaround loop at the end of Road No. 10399, the American Dingo did hop out for an initial inspection. A lovely dispersed camping site with a stone fire ring shaded by big conifers was right along the Greys River.

By the RAV4, nearby ridges could be seen from a small clearing to the E. On this cloudless day, sunshine poured in, rapidly warming the Greys River valley. A gorgeous day! Starting to feel like it really was summer. The warmth was wonderful.

The Carolina Dog wasn’t as enthused about the heat as SPHP was. Tired after her exploits on Mount McDougal (10,780 ft.) yesterday, Loopster clearly planned to spend virtually the entire day snoozing on her pink blanket. Before long, though, she was panting hard, unable to sleep.

I’m roasting! Can you do something about this heat, SPHP?

Moving the RAV4 slightly to get it back into the shade, and encouraging Loop to wade in the Greys River provided only temporary relief. The sun kept moving, putting the RAV4 right back into direct sunlight. Using blankets and dirty clothes, SPHP finally converted the RAV4 into a tent.

Much better! Conditions in the RAV4 were apparently quite tolerable. Loop sawed wood the rest of the morning, and all afternoon. A lazy summer day. She’d earned it!

Once the sun went down behind the mountains, Lupe was ready for an evening stroll. It was only 1/8 mile back to Greys River Road. Walking N, suddenly three cats, a big one and two small ones, crossed the road near Moffat Creek before slinking back into the forest. Bobcats? Lynx? They were too far ahead to tell.

Beyond Moffat Creek, Lupe also saw many deer as she roamed through a larger dispersed camping area near the Greys River. Cats and deer were about it for excitement at the end of this peaceful day.

6-23-22, Snake River at the Pritchard Boat Ramp along Hwy 26/89 – Soup for breakfast! SPHP had just finished eating when 2 USFS vehicles drove up and stopped. 3 employees stepped out, 2 young men and a woman. SPHP approached them.

Any of you happen to know how to get to the Dog Creek trailhead?

Sure do, you’re almost there! Take a L onto the highway like you’re going to Alpine. At the first bend where the road curves L, take the gravel road on the R just past a deer crossing sign. Might be 0.5 mile from here.

6-23-22, 63ºF, 10:39 AM, Dog Creek trailhead – Those USFS employees knew what they were talking about. After turning onto the gravel road past the deer crossing sign, it was only 0.75 mile to the trailhead. Shortly after turning W, the road went by the S end of Pritchard Pond, actually more of a swamp, before dead-ending in a sunny clearing.

A black car was already here, the only other vehicle at the trailhead. Not a soul around. As soon as the pack was ready, SPHP led the way, hitting Trail No. 069 going W up the Dog Creek valley.

About to leave the **Dog Creek trailhead**. Photo looks W.

Staying N of Dog Creek, the trail began as an easy trek, gaining elevation quite gradually. However, Lupe wasn’t showing any enthusiasm for this adventure. Maybe she was still tired, and wanted another day’s rest in the RAV4? Maybe she was hot? Normally a leader, the American Dingo insisted upon hanging back. Playing her stalking game, Lupe followed SPHP at a distance, only moving once SPHP was completely out of sight.

Even so, progress was rapid. Glimpses of Wolf Mountain (9,483 ft.) were seen early on. Butterflies flitted among big yellow wildflowers and other lush vegetation. The soothing sound of Dog Creek, a gray-green stream rushing down the valley, was always present.

**Dog Creek** with **Wolf Mountain** (Center) in the distance. Photo looks W.

The SPHP stalker among the yellow wildflowers.

A mile from the trailhead, the trail forked at an unmarked intersection. Easily the most heavily used branch, Dog Creek Trail No. 069 continued WNW up the Dog Creek valley. Turning S, the less traveled route quickly led straight into Dog Creek.

Calling Lupe to make sure she wouldn’t go the wrong way, SPHP forded the stream. Loopster soon appeared, and forded Dog Creek, too.

According to the topo map, this trail was supposed to head SW more than 0.5 mile up Beaver Dam Canyon before turning SSW for another 0.5 mile while climbing to Pass 6900. From the pass, the trail would then descend 0.2 mile to a junction with Trails No. 064 & No. 067 in the Cabin Creek drainage.

Started out sort of like that. From Dog Creek, the trail went S a little way up a forested slope, then leveled out as it curved W, entering a small clearing. Crossing this clearing quickly led to a tributary of Dog Creek.

While the map showed this tributary, it didn’t show the trail crossing it. Going back, a fainter trail was noticed splitting off to the L, matching up with what the map indicated.

Loop (R) in the shade at the small clearing. The trail at R leads to a tributary of Dog Creek. A much fainter trail, the one Lupe took, splits off to the L near the bottom of this photo. Photo looks WNW.

As expected, the faint trail went SW. Climbing a mostly forested slope, Lupe gained several hundred feet of elevation before the trail leveled out at the edge of a huge meadow in Beaver Dam Canyon.

Continuing SW midst lush vegetation, the trail rapidly faded away. A check of the map showed this trail on the SE side of the valley, but Lupe was toward the NW. Much of the meadow was actually swamp. Despite appearances, getting over to the other side wasn’t going to be easy.

Following dry ground along the base of the hills bordering the canyon, SPHP soon came to a thicket of willows. Beaver Dam Canyon turned W here. Lupe still need to get to the other side.

Turning SSW, SPHP forced a way through the willows, fording a small stream in the process. Lupe followed. Beyond this creek, the ground was soft, but not swampy. Skirting a mud flat, SPHP managed to reach the S side of Beaver Dam Canyon, and promptly discovered a trail.

Fording the small mucky stream among the willows.

Loopster near the mud flat. Photo looks NE.

Everything seemed to be back on track! However, following the trail W, it soon vanished again. The map showed the trail turning SW up a side drainage only a little farther on. As soon as this drainage appeared, SPHP led Lupe SSW up a slope thick with vegetation.

Starting the climb out of Beaver Dam Canyon. Photo looks SSW.

The slope got steeper and steeper. No sign of any trail. Dense bushes gave way to a forest full of deadfall. After gaining several hundred feet, it looked like the terrain was about to level out. It did, but the situation was not what SPHP expected.

Ahead was more steep terrain, especially toward the E. To the W, a deep valley. Everywhere visibility was extremely limited due to thick forest clogged with deadfall.

Joining SPHP up at the flat spot, Lupe plunked herself down, taking a break while SPHP checked the map. Exactly where the Carolina Dog was wasn’t entirely clear, but it appeared she was probably on the wrong side of this drainage, too. Loop was E, whereas the trail, if there really was one, ought to be W.

Resting at a flat spot S of Beaver Dam Canyon.

Wandering SSE, the terrain remained relatively level for a little way, but luck was running out. Unenthusiastic about how this whole adventure was panning out, Loopster took another rest break. No more flat terrain ahead, it was all steep, the deadfall worse than ever. Checking the map again, SPHP remained uncertain what course to take.

Waiting for SPHP to decide what to do. Photo looks NE.

Had to do something! Pass 6900, or at least some portion of the big ridge it was part of, couldn’t be any more than 0.33 mile S and a few hundred feet higher. Either had to head S to that ridge, or maybe go W to find the elusive trail that was supposed to lead to it.

Tried both. The afternoon became a hideous ordeal. Deadfall stacked 2, 3, even 4 high. Slopes so steep that SPHP was left clinging to trees, rocks, bushes, whatever was available. Eventually, a meadow could be seen on a hillside W of the drainage. Several counter-productive attempts were made to go W, but way too much hard won elevation had to be lost and regained to get over there. SPHP finally gave up on that notion.

The Carolina Dog’s stalking game only made matters worse. Lupe didn’t want to move. She only followed reluctantly, at a distance. Trying to stay out of sight, she succeeded. SPHP often didn’t know where she was, a constant worry. Loop might easily get lost, or injured, in this mess.

For years, SPHP had carried a whistle in the pack, but never used it. Today that changed. Helpfully, Lupe seemed to realize that the whistle meant business. She often appeared shortly after several blasts, but sometimes she didn’t. Then SPHP had to go back looking for her, often finding her sitting silently, alone in the forest, the way forward blocked by stacks of deadfall she couldn’t get past on her own.

Miserable hours dragged by. Progress was virtually non-existent. SPHP finally managed to climb high enough to reach a clearing. The forest was thinning out! Had to retreat one more time looking for Lupe to help her over the deadfall, but the situation improved after that. Ahead the slopes weren’t as steep. Soon the terrain was nearly flat. The top of the ridge couldn’t be much farther!

Saved! At an actual clearing on nearly flat terrain.

On even more open ground. Top of the same ridge Pass 6900 is part of is only a little higher directly ahead. Photo looks S.

6-23-22, 4:41 PM – The afternoon had been brutal, but Lupe was finally up on the Pass 6900 ridge S of Beaver Dam Canyon. SPHP was virtually certain she was somewhere E of the pass. Exhausted by the ordeal, a break was taken under some big pines next to a huge field of the yellow wildflowers. Looking SW across the Cabin Creek drainage, part of Wolf Mountain’s long SSE ridge was in sight.

On the **Pass 6900 ridge**, but E of the pass. **Part of Wolf Mountain’s SSE ridge** (L & Center) in the distance across the **upper Cabin Creek valley**. Photo looks SW.

Ready to move on again, SPHP panicked, unable to find the topo map even after a thorough search of all pockets. Intent upon heading back hoping to find it, the map turned up, dropped only 10 feet away among the flowers.

Thank heaven! Onward! Puppy, ho!

Heading WNW along the Pass 6900 ridge, Lupe kept playing her stalking game. Much less of a worry up here. The ridge was broad, a mix of open forest and meadows full of the big yellow flowers. Visibility was great, and movement easy.

At first some elevation was lost, but it was all soon regained and more. After topping out again, a long field of yellow flowers sloped down to a definite pass, beyond which was steeper terrain. When Loop reached the pass, wha’dya know? A trail!

Heading down to the pass. **Wolf Mountain** (Center). Photo looks W.

6-23-22, 5:30 PM, Trail No. 067, Pass 7020 – Lupe sat beneath a big pine tree near the S edge of the pass. There was quite a nice level spot with little vegetation here. Perfect for pitching the tiny house!

At the pass. The trail heads straight for Lupe beneath the first big pine. Photo looks SE.

So, this is the fabled Pass 6900 we’ve gone through so much trouble to get to, SPHP?

Think so, Looper, although I’m surprised we had to go this far W to find it.

Can we camp here, then? It’s a great spot, SPHP, and I really don’t want to go any farther.

Wish we could, Loop. I’m tired, too, but we’re nowhere near where I’d hoped we’d be by now. We still have several hours of daylight, and really ought to keep going.

Not the answer the American Dingo wanted, but following the trail SE off the ridge, her spirits were at least partly revived by the fact that it was going downhill.

Starting down into the **Cabin Creek drainage**. Photo looks SE.

SPHP kept expecting the trail to curve SW at any moment, but it didn’t. Instead, it continued trending SE. The intersection with Trails No. 064 & No. 067 should have appeared after 0.2 mile, but nowhere to be seen. Continuing lower, a tiny stream appeared on the R (SW) side of the trail. After going 0.4 mile, losing 250 to 300 feet of elevation, the trail turned S and crossed this creek.

No signs, no trail junction. SE all this way. Didn’t make sense. Certainly not what the map showed, unless …

This is it, Loop. We’re turning around.

You don’t mean we have to go right back up this same trail, do you, SPHP?

Exactomundo, Looper.

You’re certifiable, SPHP! Why?

Suspect we just came from Pass 7020, Loop, not Pass 6900.

And how did we manage that? We missed Pass 6900 completely, SPHP? I thought that was where we spent the entire day trying to get to. You never even mentioned any Pass 7020!

We were, but I think we crossed Pass 6900 without realizing it after our rest break up on the ridge. Remember that first dip? Maybe the trail we were looking for that used to cross it no longer exists?

Small wonder we didn’t find it then, SPHP!

Back up at the pass, SPHP wearily put up the tiny house. Loopster was thrilled! She entered before SPHP even got the rain cover on, or spread her sleeping bag out for her.

SPHP finished preparations for the coming night, then joined Lupe in the tiny house. After a bit to eat, SPHP checked the peakbagger app on the iPhone. No map shown, but Wolf Mountain (9,483 ft.) was 1.8 miles W. The paper map then told the tale. So, it was true! The tiny house was at Pass 7020. The trail outside was already Trail No. 067.

Knowing that was helpful, and at least somewhat encouraging, yet it had been a disastrous day. Extremely wearing, with little result. As the crow flies, Lupe wasn’t any more than 3 miles from the Dog Creek trailhead, even though the first mile had been a cake walk. The tiny house should already have been at HP8844 on Wolf Mountain’s NE ridge, the Carolina Dog already celebrating a successful ascent.

Wolf Mountain wasn’t even Lupe’s main objective on this trip. Another day like today, and she’d have to turn back before ever getting there. It was still light out when Lupe and SPHP both collapsed, too tired to care.

6-24-22, 8:28 AM, Pass 7020 – A night’s sleep had helped. SPHP’s spirits were revived. Peeking outside the tiny house, 2 giant deers were grazing nearby. They fled on seeing movement.

Look on the bright side, at least we know what to do now, Looper! All we have to do is follow Trail No. 067 up to HP8844. Even as the trail goes, it’s no more than 3 miles to Wolf Mountain’s summit.

Loop wasn’t buying it. The recalcitrant Carolina Dog clearly preferred life right here at Pass 7020 to another enormous effort. She remained in the tiny house as long as possible.

*Morning already?* Miss Reluctant at **Pass 7020.** Photo looks SE.

Recalcitrant or not, as soon as SPHP got strapped back into the pack, the American Dingo was on her way. However, Loop had no intentions of cooperating any more than she had to. Once again, she lagged behind, playing the stalking game.

This time, instead of taking Trail No. 067 SE, SPHP headed NW. Once across the pass, the trail dropped steadily into the upper reaches of Beaver Dam Canyon. As expected, Lupe soon reached a small stream. Beyond it, though, the trail continued NW, still losing elevation.

Crossing the stream in **upper Beaver Dam Canyon**.

Sheesh! Are you kidding me? I can’t believe this!

What’s wrong, SPHP?

According to the map, the trail is supposed to turn SW here, following this stream out the upper end of Beaver Dam Canyon, but it doesn’t!

Maybe it will, if we go a little farther, SPHP.

Sticking with the trail, SPHP followed it beyond the stream. The trail soon turned N, leveling out before climbing 50 feet through another meadow of yellow flowers to the top of a small forested hill.

Exploring beyond the stream. Photo looks S.

When the trail started a relatively steep descent after crossing the hill, SPHP was done.

Sensible suggestion, Looper, but it’s not panning out. I have no idea where this trail is going. Seems like either back to Dog Creek, or some other part of Beaver Dam Canyon. In any case, this isn’t the way to Wolf Mountain.

Back to Pass 7020 then, SPHP?

Afraid so, Loop.

6-24-22, 9:44 AM – SPHP wasn’t nearly as cheery as earlier on as Lupe left Pass 7020 for the second time this morning, now off-trail following open lanes WSW up a fairly steep slope. More than an hour wasted with hundreds of feet of unnecessary elevation loss and regain lugging this dang heavy pack! The day was off to a lousy start.

Leaving **Pass 7020** for the second time this morning. Photo looks WSW.

The terrain briefly flattened out after an initial climb, then steepened again. After passing through a forested region, a very steep meadow was ahead. Near the top, this meadow wasn’t as steep, and ultimately led to a flat, forested ridge.

Getting close to the top of the meadow. Photo looks W.

A rest break was taken on this ridge while enjoying a panoramic view to the E. Much of the territory Lupe had already traveled through was in sight. The Snake River was visible to the NE, and Peak 7633 to the SE. It didn’t look much higher than where Lupe was now.

**Snake River** (Center) from the ridge at the top of the meadow. Photo looks NE.

Realizing that Loop must be on Peak 7755‘s NNE ridge, an attempt was made to head W directly to the 7580 saddle leading to Wolf Mountain. However, the terrain soon dropped sharply. Nearly 100 feet of elevation were lost before coming to a rocky clearing where HP8844 was in sight.

**Wolf Mountain’s NE ridge** **(HP8844)** (R) from the clearing. Photo looks WNW.

A climb SW through a heavily forested region on steep slopes was now necessary to reach the 7580 saddle. This route threatened to become yet another fiasco similar to yesterday’s disaster. Fortunately, the obstacles weren’t as severe, and less distance was involved. Lupe made it to the saddle. Both Wolf Mountain and HP8844 were in view.

**Wolf Mountain** (Center) and **HP8844** (R) from **NW of Peak 7755**. Photo looks WNW.

Heading NW on relatively flat ground straight for Wolf Mountain’s NE ridge, the terrain began steepening. Passing through another forested stretch, Lupe reached a meadow at the base of the NE ridge’s E slope. A very steep climb ensued. After a rest break at around 8,100 feet, Trail No. 067 was rediscovered only 10 feet higher.

Finding the trail again was a huge boon. Heading NW, it climbed at an easier pace through meadows and enormous stands of young aspens. The trail turned W as it gradually swept around to the N side of the ridge. Lupe was thrilled to find some snow here.

On the **upper E slope of Wolf Mountain’s NE ridge**. Photo looks SSE.

Heading for the N side of the ridge. Photo looks NW.

On the N slope, enjoying some snow. Photo looks WNW.

Trail No. 067 didn’t go all the way up Wolf Mountain. In fact, it didn’t even get up to HP8844, passing 50 feet below it. Abandoning the trail, Lupe climbed up to HP8844. The top of this big ridge featured a small stand of trees to the W, but was otherwise open and somewhat rocky.

6-24-22, 2:24 PM, HP8844 – Only mid-afternoon, but Lupe and SPHP were both weary. Despite the rocks, SPHP found a decent spot to pitch Lupe’s tiny house. The views were already tremendous from right here. Far to the N, the Teton Range. SW, Wolf Mountain (9,483 ft.) loomed nearby.

**The Tetons** (L & Center) from **HP8844**. Photo looks N.

6-24-22, 4:55 PM, HP8844 – The tiny house had gone as far as it was going to today, but the Carolina Dog hadn’t. A late lunch and a nap had done both Lupe and SPHP a world of good. Might have been the extra rest, or maybe it was the snow and cooler air up here? Whatever the reason, the stalking game was over. Lupe led the way. Less than 700 feet to the top of Wolf Mountain (9,483 ft.)!

Heading for **Wolf Mountain**. Photo looks SW.

A forty foot dip, and it was all up the rest of the way. Following a long snowbank, Wolf Mountain’s NE slope was nearly obstacle free. No rocks, soft, damp soil, and scant vegetation other than scattered sagebrush. Moderately steep, and steepest near the top, but nothing unusual.

Approaching the summit ridge. Photo looks SW.

Lupe reached Wolf Mountain’s summit ridge near its lower N end. A long, skinny snowbank extended S along the upper E face protected by an escarpment of crumbling rock. This snowbank was nearly unbroken as Loopster followed it higher.

On the snowbank just below the summit ridge. Photo looks S.

Closing in on the **summit** (L of Center). Photo looks S.

6-24-22, 5:59 PM, 60ºF, Wolf Mountain (9,483 ft.) – The open summit ridge was an easy stroll. A 10-15 mph breeze was blowing out of the W when Lupe arrived at the true summit, marked by a 4 foot tall wooden stake protruding from amid low bushes. Several feet away, a collection of loose rocks, possibly the remains of a cairn, was the highest point.

On **Wolf Mountain’s true summit**. Photo looks S.

Congratulations, Loopster, on your successful ascent of Wolf Mountain! Can’t believe it took us 2 days to get here, but here we are!

Thank you, SPHP! It’s been, umm, interesting, hasn’t it? All worth it now, though! Look at these views!

Wolf Mountain wasn’t the highest peak around, but the views really were splendid. HP9301 was 0.7 mile S along Wolf Mountain’s long SSE ridge. Much farther S were a couple of peaks SPHP could identify with some confidence. Stewart Mountain (10,103 ft.) in the Salt River Range was the most distant, with Bradley Mountain (9,292 ft.) in the Wyoming Range somewhat closer. A year ago, Lupe had been on Bradley.

**HP9302** (L) in the foreground. **Stewart Mountain** (R of Center) in the distance. **Bradley Mountain** (R) somewhat closer. Photo looks S.

**Stewart Mountain** (R), **Bradley Mountain** (far R). Photo looks S with help from the telephoto lens.

Far to the NE, Gros Peak (11,180 ft.) was in sight, highest point of the Gros Ventre Range visible from here. Much closer, part of the Snake River was in view, too. Loopster could even see her tiny house, a little orange speck way down at HP8844 on Wolf Mountain’s NE ridge.

**Gros Peak** (R of Center) on the horizon. **Snake River** (R). **Lupe’s tiny house** an orange speck (L of Center). Photo looks NE.

**Gros Peak** (L), **Snake River** (R). Photo looks ENE with help from the telephoto lens.

Snow-capped Red Peak (9,771 ft.) and Peak 9708 were 3 or 4 miles SW. The summits of Deadhorse Peak (9,767 ft.) and Peak 9736 were visible beyond and between them.

**Red Peak** (L), **Peak 9736** (Center), **Deadhorse Peak** (R of Center), **Peak 9708** (R). Photo looks SW.

And far to the N, beyond the Snake River valley, stood the Teton Range with mighty Grand Teton (13,770 ft.) soaring skyward!

**Teton Range** (L & Center) on the horizon. Photo looks N.

**The Tetons** beyond the **Snake River Valley**. **Grand Teton** (R). Photo looks N with help from the telephoto lens.

No registry, no survey benchmark to look for. Wolf Mountain’s summit region wasn’t huge, but there was plenty of room to move around. The E edge was cliffy. To the W, scraggly trees and bushes, some of them dead, were scattered along a slope which was steep, but not as vertical.

Looking NW. **Dog Creek valley** in the foreground.

After shaking the American Dingo’s paw, and a good look at the fabulous views, SPHP sat down on the dirt, facing W into the breeze toward the scene most relevant to Lupe’s immediate future. Loop promptly curled up on SPHP’s lap. A hard-earned chocolate coconut bar was shared, then SPHP munched an apple while pondering what it all meant.

**Indian Peak** (L), **Obs Benchmark** (L of Center), **Observation Peak** (R). Photo looks W.

Same view with help from the telephoto lens. **Indian Peak** (far L), **Obs Benchmark** (L), and **Observation Peak** (far R). Photo looks W.

It’s too far! We’ll never get there and back in a day, especially the way things have been going. No way around it, I’m going to have to lug your tiny house and all that dang gear again tomorrow, aren’t I?

We’ll never get where, SPHP?

See that peak toward the R, Loop? That’s Observation Peak (9,960 ft.), our main objective on this little backpacking jaunt.

Nice, but what’s so special about it, SPHP?

Just one stat. Observation has 2,240 feet of prominence, 18th in Wyoming.

Doesn’t look so daunting from here, SPHP.

Don’t think it’s supposed to be all that daunting, Loop. It’s just so far from any roads that I can’t do it in a day. Hence, your tiny house.

Been 2 days already, SPHP.

Heh. Yeah, I thought we’d make it to Wolf in just one. So much for that! Not entirely my fault, though. These old maps led me to believe there were actual trails all this way. Maybe there are, but not how we went.

The W breeze died away. A gorgeous evening! Lupe and SPHP lingered, enjoying Wolf Mountain, which had been so unexpectedly difficult to get to. For a long time, Loop was content on SPHP’s lap while SPHP studied what lay ahead.

**Observation Peak** (Center) from **Wolf Mountain**. Photo looks WNW with lots of help from the telephoto lens.

**Indian Peak** (L), **Obs Benchmark** (R). Photo looks WSW.

6-24-22, 7:10 PM, Wolf Mountain – 70 minutes had flown. Better get with it! Another big Dingo Vacation adventure in the morning. For the last time, Lupe sat next to the wooden stake at the top of Wolf Mountain.

Back at the summit. **HP8829** beyond the stake. **HP9301** (R). Photo looks S.

SPHP started down first. For a few moments, an American Dingo stood proudly alone on Wolf Mountain.

SPHP called, and Lupe came running. Then it was down, down the mountain, a beautiful, easy descent.

6-24-22, 7:52 PM – Evening sunlight was still streaming over HP8844 when the Carolina Dog got back to her tiny house.

Wolf Mountain had been quite the adventure! With more action bright and (hopefully not too) early tomorrow, dinner and a long snooze were in order. Before the sun sank below the mountains, Lupe was in Dingo dreamland, with SPHP on the way.

**Wolf Mountain**, Snake River Range, Wyoming 6-24-22

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