Spring Creek – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Black Hills, SD Expeditions No. 346 – Cousin Dixie Pays a Visit (10-9-25 to 10-12-25)

10-9-25, 12:30 PM – What a ruckus! Both thrilled and amazed, Lupe was barking frantically. Not to be outdone, Cousin Dixie was barking while leaping for joy. Oh, happy day! Uncle Joe, Aunt Andrea and Cousin Dixie had just arrived from Colorado.

Hotel Lupe’s welcome package included ice cream for all. Outdoor fun commenced a short while later with a Geyser Loop romp through the park. Excited as she could be, Cousin Dixie kept dashing in and out of a mucky stream, repeatedly emerging as a black-pawed Aussie.

10-10-25, 10:21 AM – As expected, after getting all settled in at Hotel Lupe yesterday, the main event of every subsequent day that Cousin Dixie was around was destined to feature at least one adventure in the Black Hills. After breakfast, Uncle Joe had asked SPHP for suggestions on something easy, scenic, and not too long to start out with.

How about a hike around Sylvan Lake? This proposition was readily agreed to by all.

**Uncle Joe**, **Aunt Andrea**, **Cousin Dixie** and **Lupe** at **Sylvan Lake**. Photo looks NNW.

Sylvan Lake was an excellent idea! However, upon arrival, unexpected trail maintenance made fully executing the loop plan impossible. The portion of the trail around the lake that went below the dam was closed. No loop for the Loopster, or anyone else, permitted!

Nothing to do but make the best of the situation. A horseshoe pattern would still work! Starting out along the SW side of the lake close to the store’s parking lot, Lupe led everyone NW along the broad gravel path that went to the dam.

**Sylvan Lake**. The dam is toward the L over by the line of rocks. Photo looks NW.

Lupe **near the dam**, which is just beyond the rock she’s on. Photo looks NE.

After visiting the dam, everyone headed back counter-clockwise almost clear around the lake over to rock formations that weren’t that far from the other end of the dam.

**Joe**, **Dixie** and **Lupe** on **rock formations** at the **other end of the horseshoe**. Photo looks WSW.

After taking in the view, this end of the horseshoe also had to be retraced clear back to Shadow waiting at the parking lot. Fine and dandy, happily the horseshoe technique had worked. Never really was any doubt about it. However, there had been another drawback to the Sylvan Lake trail. Quite justifiably, a throng of other people and dogs were at this popular destination. Cousin Dixie really would have preferred to be freer to roam and burn off some 2 year old Aussie energy.

Heading back to Shadow at the parking lot. Photo looks NE.

So where to? Even having to do nearly the entire Sylvan Lake loop trail twice hadn’t taken long at all. Plenty of time to explore another trail.

Lots of terrific trails are accessible from the Sylvan Lake area, but they would likely be busy, too. No worries! SPHP had the answer – a trek along Centennial Trail No. 89, either N or S, from the Iron Creek Horse Camp trailhead. A bit of a drive, but a very scenic one along Needles Highway No. 87. Wouldn’t take that long to get there, and cousins Dixie and Lupe would own the trail! SPHP was sure of it.

10-10-25, 11:46 AM, Iron Creek Horse Camp Trailhead, Centennial Trail No. 89 – Ahh, yes! This was looking good! Shadow was the only vehicle in the small parking lot at the trailhead. The only question now was, which way? N farther into the Black Elk Wilderness, or S away from it?

N into the wilderness was more scenic – full of big granite formations. On the other paw, S would be easier terrain. Really nothing too difficult either way, and complete privacy was highly likely in both directions.

**Centennial Trail No. 89** at the Iron Creek Horse Camp trailhead. Photo looks NE.

N it was, by unanimous consent! Following the trail up over a small rise, it then quickly descended to Iron Creek. Dixie promptly waded into a mucky pool upstream of a makeshift bridge. This experience was much to Cousin Dixie’s liking, even if not greeted with the same enthusiasm by Uncle Joe and Aunt Andrea.

**Cousin Muddy Paws** emerging from **Iron Creek**. Photo looks N.

Crossing the makeshift **“bridge”**. Photo looks E.

Temporarily muddy paws were no big deal. The adventure continued! Some fall colors were on display, although admittedly already past their prime. Centennial Trail No. 89 wound gradually higher through a quiet valley. Soon enough, the trail steepened, climbing into the region of big granite formations.

Approaching one of the first big **granite formations**.

A short break was taken near one of the smaller rock formations. Uncle Joe provided water, cheese sticks, and energy bars to interested parties. SPHP had apples available. Continuing on, the trail wound past more rock formations, eventually coming to a junction where Centennial Trail No. 89 shared a short stretch ahead with Grizzly Creek Trail No. 7.

**Andrea** and **Dixie** near one of the smaller granite formations. Photo looks W.

The whole pack at the **junction of Centennial Trail No. 89** (R) and **Grizzly Creek Trail No. 7** (L). Photo looks SE.

It was only a few hundred feet to where the trails parted ways again. At this point there was some discussion of which route to take from here, or whether to simply call this good, and head back?

Decision time! **Grizzly Creek Trail No. 7** (L), **Centennial Trail No. 89** (R), or back to the **Iron Creek Horse Camp trailhead**? Photo looks W.

Sticking with Centennial Trail No. 89 a little farther won out.

Exploring **Centennial Trail No. 89** a bit farther. Photo looks NNE.

0.3 mile led to a minor pass, which became the turnaround point. This pass was nearly to a junction with the Centennial Bypass Trail, which goes to the picnic ground on Iron Mountain (5,451 ft.). However, that destination would have been significantly farther.

At minor **Pass 5340**, the turnaround point. Photo looks S.

On the way back, another stop was made at the granite formation where the rest break had been taken earlier. No food, this time. Instead a bit of scrambling around on the rocks was in order. It was view appreciation time! (End 10-10-25, 2:15 PM)

**Lupe** and **Joe** checking out the views. Photo looks W.

Admiring a **massive granite formation** after a bit of scrambling. Photo looks NE.

10-11-25, 10:03 AM – Since Centennial Trail No. 89 had been such a hit yesterday, SPHP suggested another trail, even more remote, for today’s romp in the Black Hills. Nearly a year and a half ago, Dixie, Joe, Andrea and Lupe had set out along Deerfield Lake Loop Trail No. 40L from the Gold Run trailhead, and explored a section of the 11 mile long loop that circumnavigates the entire lake.

Why not pick up from where Dixie and the gang had left off back then? The Deerfield Reservoir dam would be only 2 or 3 miles farther. Lupe had actually been there with her friend Poppy in late April this year. It was an easy trek.

So that became the plan. Dixie was thrilled to be off-leash in the Black Hills again! Trails close to where she lives in Colorado are much more restrictive.

**Lupe**, **Andrea**, **Joe** and **Dixie** on **Deerfield Lake Loop Trail No. 40L**. Photo looks NNE.

Starting near Deerfield Cove Road (USFS Road No. 607), Deerfield Lake Loop Trail No. 40L was a gentle downhill stroll virtually all the way to Castle Creek. A tiny stream that was easily rock-hopped a couple of times was the only obstacle along the way.

**Deerfield Lake Loop Trail No. 40L** followed the old **USFS Road No. 607.1B** roadbed most of the way. Super easy!

Arriving at **Castle Creek**. Photo looks NW.

Castle Creek went through a culvert, so there was no need to ford it. Just beyond Castle Creek, a short stint on USFS Road No. 307 led to a view of the Deerfield Reservoir discharge pipes from the gaging station at the base of the dam. Water shot out of the duel pipes with impressive force.

**Castle Creek** exiting the base of the **Deerfield Reservoir dam**. Photo looks WSW.

A steepish side road with a single big switchback provided easy access to the top of the dam.

Heading up the **dam access road**. Photo looks NW.

The best view of Deerfield Reservoir was over at the SE end of the dam. An open slope nearby was a good spot to take a break.

Crossing the **dam**. **Break spot** is on the **grassy slope** at Center. Photo looks ESE.

Best dam view of **Deerfield Reservoir**. Photo looks WSW.

Taking a break on the hillside overlooking **Deerfield Reservoir**. Photo looks SW.

Once again, Uncle Joe provided cheese sticks and energy bars. SPHP still had apples available, plus water and Taste of the Wild for the dogs. Not entirely satisfied, Lupe and Dixie selfishly conspired to devour most of SPHP’s cheese stick, too.

Back in April, when Lupe had been here with Poppy, HV & LV, she’d gone as far as the end of the N bay, which really wasn’t all that much farther. Today, when the rest break was over, everyone headed back across the dam in that general direction, but only went as far as the first hill NW of the dam. From there, a circle was made back to the E in order to pick up Deerfield Lake Loop Trail No. 40L again.

Starting the trek S back to Shadow, this part of the trail went right by a terrific view of the Deerfield Reservoir dam with Castle Creek below it. (End, 10-11-25, 12:51 PM)

**Deerfield Reservoir dam** and **Castle Creek**. Photo looks SW.

Once back at Shadow, that was it for today’s adventure in the Black Hills, but Uncle Joe had another plan up his sleeve. He’d brought his portable ham radio, and wanted to make some ham contacts from Dinosaur Hill (3,673 ft.) in Rapid City.

Evidently, Cousin Dixie and Aunt Andrea weren’t much into ham radio. They preferred spending the rest of their day relaxing at Hotel Lupe. However, fondly remembering the glory days of Uncle Joe’s ham radio adventures from various Black Hills peaks with Summits on the Air, Lupe and SPHP tagged along.

Dinosaur Hill wasn’t the best ham radio spot. Farther S along Skyline Drive, the ridge Dinosaur Hill was part of was even higher. Better yet, there was even a parking lot right up on the crest of the ridge.

After attaching a 17 foot long telescoping antenna to the top of his car with a magnetic base, it wasn’t long before Uncle Joe was ready to start transmitting and receiving.

Uncle Joe running a fly-by-afternoon ham radio operation up on **Skyline Drive**.

Unfortunately, no Summits on the Air operation today. Years ago, Uncle Joe had lost his ability to log into that system under his old account for some unknown reason. That meant no huge radio traffic jam of other ham operators trying to make contact with him. Nevertheless, Joe did make successful Morse Code contacts with other ham radio operators in Pennsylvania, Nevada, Arizona, and California.

While Joe entertained himself with the radio, Lupe and SPHP admired the views of Rapid City and the Black Hills.

**Rapid City** from **Skyline Drive** with **Black Elk Peak** (L of Center) in the distance. Photo looks SW.

10-12-25, 1:33 PM – How time flies when you’re having fun! Cousin Dixie’s last day in the Black Hills before having to head back home to Arvada, Colorado had already arrived. A scenic jaunt from the Spring Creek trailhead up to Centennial Trail No. 89 at the Sheridan Lake dam was on tap this afternoon as Dixie’s final adventure of this visit.

Setting out from the **Spring Creek trailhead** off Sheridan Lake Road. Photo looks SW.

The trail to Sheridan Lake began with a bit of rockiness along Spring Creek, but once past that one spot, this was another super easy route.

At the one and only **rocky spot**. Photo looks WSW.

Beyond the rocky spot with smooth sailing along **Spring Creek**. Photo looks SW.

Most of this spur trail wasn’t that close to Spring Creek as it wound up a deep valley. However, it did cross the creek at several points along the way. Lupe and SPHP hadn’t been here in a while, and were surprised to see new, gently arched bridges with handrails at each crossing.

**Joe**, **Andrea**, and **Dixie** on the **first bridge**. Photo looks W.

**Andrea** demonstrates her **bridge-crossing technique**.

A **scenic spot** along the way. Photo looks NE.

Part of Sheridan Lake dam was already visible from the last bridge over Spring Creek. Once up to it, everyone crossed the dam to return to a spot previously reached along Centennial Trail No. 89 while coming from the Dakota Point trailhead during Cousin Dixie’s last visit in October, 2024.

Approaching the **Sheridan Lake dam** (R). Photo looks W.

Heading back across the dam, the plan was to continue S on Centennial Trail No. 89 along the SE shore of Sheridan Lake. Actually, somewhat above it. Most of the time, the trail stayed 20 to 30 feet above lake level.

Heading back to the S end of the dam. Photo looks SW.

**Sheridan Lake** from the S end of the dam. Photo looks WNW.

**Andrea** checks out a fairly elaborate makeshift shelter near the trail.

**Andrea** and Joe on **Centennial Trail No. 89** above the **SE shore of Sheridan Lake**. Photo looks WSW.

The whole pack got almost to the Flume trailhead at Blue Wing before turning back. And that was it for Cousin Dixie’s adventures in the Black Hills with Lupe on this visit. One last evening of fun and togetherness at Hotel Lupe remained, but farewells were destined to take place shortly after dawn tomorrow morning. (End 10-12-25, 3:47 PM)

Oh, it had all been such fun! Lupe and SPHP look forward to hosting Uncle Joe, Aunt Andrea, and Cousin Dixie at Hotel Lupe again.

Together at **Sylvan Lake**, Black Hills of South Dakota 10-10-25.

Links:

Next Black Hills Expedition Prior Black Hills Expedition

Lupe & Cousin Dixie’s GPS Tracks:

Sylvan Lake (10-10-25)

CT No. 89 N from the Iron Creek Horse Camp (10-10-25)

Deerfield Reservoir Dam (10-11-25)

Spring Creek to Sheridan Lake (10-12-25)

Centennial Trail No. 89 Map & Brochure

Deerfield Trails No. 40 & No. 40L Map & Brochure

Want more Lupe adventures? Choose from Lupe’s Black Hills, SD & WY Expeditions Adventure Index, Master Peak Map, Master Adventure Index, or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures!

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 228 – Centennial Trail No. 89: Spring Creek to Samelius (5-6-18)

Start: 9:09 AM, 58°F, Spring Creek trailhead of Centennial Trail No. 89

Lupe was back! For the second week in a row, she was starting her day’s adventures at the Spring Creek trailhead of Centennial Trail No. 89. Last week she had gone all the way N to Twin Sisters (5,244 ft.) and the Brush Creek trailhead. This time around, she was going to explore Centennial Trail No. 89 all the way S to the Samelius Peak trailhead.

Like last week, the first order of business was to follow the spur trail from the trailhead up Spring Creek. The spur trail would join the main trail at the Sheridan Lake dam. The Carolina Dog didn’t mind repeating this easy, scenic stroll at all.

Starting up the spur trail along **Spring Creek**.

Spring Creek canyon on the way to Sheridan Lake.

Shortly after crossing the first of three beam bridges over Spring Creek, Lupe heard a rush of water over and above the usual noise made by the creek. She soon came to the source of this noise. A tremendous waterfall was sending a spray of water not only down into Spring Creek, but even raining down upon the opposite shore.

A tremendous waterfall was raining down not only upon Spring Creek, but completely over it! Only a week ago, this waterfall hadn’t even been here.

Lupe had been on this spur trail lots of times. No waterfall had ever been here before! Only a week ago, it hadn’t been here, either. How strange! Loop went closer to investigate.

Hmm. This wasn’t a real waterfall, at least not a natural one. Water was shooting out of the side of the canyon from halfway below the ridgeline above. Must be a pipe or some other man made source up there.

*A horizontal waterfall! Now that’s something you don’t see everyday!*

The horizontal waterfall made quite an impression. Lupe liked cooling off in its spray. Once she was cool and wet enough, she continued up the spur trail.

Crossing the 2nd beam bridge over **Spring Creek**.

Continuing up the canyon. The trail is nearly level almost all the way to Sheridan Lake.

Crossing the 3rd and final beam bridge. Part of the Sheridan Lake dam is now in view ahead. Photo looks WNW.

The spur trail joins the main Centennial Trail No. 89 at the S end of the Sheridan Lake dam. Last week Lupe had gone N across the dam. This time she didn’t. Instead, she left the dam going W across a brushy area, part of the seldom needed lake overflow channel. She quickly reached the S shore of Sheridan Lake.

On the S shore at the far E end of **Sheridan Lake**. The rounded hill at Center beyond the lake is **Clark Mountain** **(5,267 ft.)**.

Looking back at **Sheridan Lake dam**. Photo looks NE.

A sign about Sheridan Lake was nearby. The sign mentioned the trail system and showed a map of Flume Trail No. 50. Centennial Trail No. 89 and Flume Trail No. 50 are the same trail along the SE shore of Sheridan Lake, but they split here near the dam. Centennial Trail No. 89 continues N across the dam, but Flume Trail No. 50 goes E.

This sign about Sheridan Lake is posted near the divergence of Centennial Trail No. 89 and Flume Trail No. 50.

Lupe followed the dual Centennial/Flume trail SW along the SE shore of Sheridan Lake. The ground right along the shoreline was fairly steep. The nearly level trail stayed 30 to 40 feet above the lake. A Ponderosa pine forest permitted only tree broken views.

The joint Centennial/Flume trail stays 30 or 40 feet above the SE shore of Sheridan Lake. Photo looks SW.

0.5 mile from the dam, Lupe was getting close to Blue Wing, a residential resort community where the Flume Trail begins. The lakeshore wasn’t as steep here, so she went down to take a look at the Blue Wing inlet. The lake was smooth as glass. A red-wing blackbird was singing from a perch on a cattail. Shouldn’t it have been a blue-wing blackbird?

Lupe visits the **Blue Wing inlet** of **Sheridan Lake**. Photo looks NNW.

A footbridge led across an orange creek into the resort community of Blue Wing. The Flume trailhead of Centennial Trail No. 89 was close by. This was the W end of Flume Trail No. 50.

A footbridge leads across an orange creek as Lupe reaches the resort community of **Blue Wing**. This is the W end of Flume Trail No. 50.

Centennial Trail No. 89 skirted the N end of Blue Wing on a curving stretch of paved road. After only a few hundred feet, the trail left the road heading W into open forest. It soon turned S. Looper was gaining elevation steadily now. The trail began passing small rock formations.

SW of Blue Wing, Lupe reaches small rock formations along Centennial Trail No. 89. Photo looks S.

0.5 mile from Sheridan Lake, Centennial Trail No. 89 crossed a gravel road. The trail now began to steepen. Switchbacks appeared. Lupe started getting glimpses of Sheridan Lake again.

After gaining several hundred feet of elevation, the trail turned W. It passed just S of a couple of big rock formations N of High Point 5412. Lupe left the trail to climb up onto the lowest one. Part of Sheridan Lake was in view a mile away. (topo map)

On the lower of two big rock formations N of the trail. The higher one is on the L. Part of Sheridan Lake is in view. Photo looks N.

Lupe didn’t bother climbing the highest of the two rock formations. It wasn’t until the Carolina dog returned to the trail and went a bit further that she saw that the higher rock formation was already occupied! Way up near the top, a couple of turkey buzzards sat surveying the scene.

Turkey buzzards were already in possession of the rock formation Lupe hadn’t climbed.

Continuing on, Centennial Trail No. 89 went down a few switchbacks and crossed a saddle leading toward High Point 5624. The trail then turned SSW passing E of High Point 5624. Here the trail bounced up and down along the mountainside. Lupe kept gaining elevation only to lose it again. Forest permitted only tree broken views of Calumet Ridge (5,601 ft.) to the ENE, and Mount Warner (5,889 ft.) to the S.

Beyond High Point 5624, Centennial Trail No. 89 left the pine forest. Lupe descended into a valley of aspens and open ground.

Lupe reaches the valley S of High Point 5624. Photo looks SW.

The trail began following a grassy abandoned road which went W up the valley. Lupe ended up back in the pine forest on a saddle at the top of a ridge. For the first time, she had tree broken views of distant ridges and mountains to the SW.

The American Dingo had reached the main ridgeline leading to Mount Warner. For the next 0.75 mile, Centennial Trail No. 89 stayed high on the ridge climbing steadily SSW toward the summit. At the top of the mountain, the trail passed 50 feet N of the true summit.

Light rain showers were sweeping in out of the N when Lupe reached the highest rocks on Mount Warner (5,889 ft.).

At the summit of **Mount Warner** 50 feet S of Centennial Trail No. 89. Photo looks W.

Lupe and SPHP took shelter from the rain along the S side of a line of rocks at the summit. Time for a break, anyway! Lupe wasn’t hungry yet, but she was ready for water. SPHP had an apple. Half an hour went by simply relaxing. The rain showers moved on and the sun came out.

Trees hid the views from Mount Warner in most directions. From down the S slope a little way, Lupe was able to get a fairly good look at both Samelius Peak (5,856 ft.) and more distant Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.).

**Samelius Peak** (L) and **Black Elk Peak** (Center) from **Mount Warner**. Photo looks SW.

Lupe still had a lot of exploring to do. She returned to Centennial Trail No. 89, which now lost elevation heading SE. The trail quickly brought her to a rock shelf providing a less obstructed view of Samelius Peak.

From the rock shelf, Centennial Trail No. 89 began curving E. Loopster entered a more level area where the forest was full of deadfall timber. Pine bark beetles had taken a heavy toll here. This stretch wasn’t long, however. Soon the forest was looking better again. Lupe briefly went to check out the views from a rock outcropping 100 feet N of the trail.

*Hey! Guess what? I can still see a tiny piece of Sheridan Lake from here!* Photo looks N.

The view to the N wasn’t bad. Lupe could still see a sliver of Sheridan Lake, but this was the last time she would see it. Lupe returned to the trail. It went E a little way, then turned N losing elevation more rapidly again. The terrain leveled out at a saddle between Mount Warner and High Point 5636.

At the broad saddle between Mount Warner and High Point 5636. Photo looks SE.

From the saddle, Centennial Trail No. 89 turned SE and proceeded clear around the SE end of Mount Warner. At first, Lupe was losing elevation at an easy pace. Later on the trail wound along the mountainside going both up and down with little net elevation change.

Going around the SE end of Mount Warner. Photo looks SSE.

Once around the end of the mountain, Centennial No. 89 turned NW and began climbing toward the still unseen saddle between Mount Warner and Samelius Peak. Another 1.5 miles on the trail would bring Lupe to the Samelius Peak trailhead.

However, Lupe had been on this part of the trail before. Maybe it was time for something a little different? A bit of peakbagging was in order! Lupe and SPHP left Centennial Trail No. 89 heading SE down a valley. After wandering for 0.25 mile, Loopster turned SW and began climbing. Another 0.25 mile brought her to the saddle between Hardesty Peak (5,562 ft.) and Samelius Peak (5,856 ft.).

Off trail in the saddle between Hardesty Peak & Samelius Peak. Photo looks WSW.

Lupe paused in the saddle for another water break, but was soon on her way up the NNW slope of Hardesty Peak. The climb from the saddle was steep, but involved only 200 feet of elevation gain. Loop went up near the E edge of a boulder field. Before long, she was on Hardesty Peak’s E/W running summit ridge.

The true summit was only a little E of where Lupe came up. Although forest hid the views in almost every direction, both Samelius Peak and Mount Warner could be seen from here.

At the true summit of **Hardesty Peak**. **Mount Warner** is on the L. Photo looks NE.

*Oh, we’ve come a way from **Mount Warner** (Center), SPHP! **Samelius Peak** (L) is close by, though. Are we going there next?* Photo looks N.

**Samelius Peak** from **Hardesty Peak**. Photo looks NW.

Time was marching on. Lupe needed to as well. Nearby Samelius Peak was her last peakbagging destination for the day. The American Dingo went back down to the saddle leading to Samelius Peak the same way she had come up.

On the way back down to the saddle leading to **Samelius Peak** (R) Lupe stayed R (E) of this boulder field. Photo looks NW.

The climb up Samelius Peak was longer than going up Hardesty Peak had been. Lupe gained more than 500 feet of elevation following a SE ridge to a S ridge, which led to the summit. Close to the summit were a few minor high points and saddles, but nothing posed any real difficulty along the way.

The weather had changed again, however, by the time Lupe reached the top. Rain showers were passing through once more. Loop discovered a crude Dingo shelter at the top of Samelius Peak. Unfortunately, it was so primitive it really didn’t provide any protection from the rain.

At the summit of **Samelius Peak**. Rain showers are sweeping through once more. The lower hill at Center is **Humbolt Mountain (5,722 ft.)**. **Storm Hill (5,656 ft.)** is on the L. Photo looks WNW.

Lupe discovers a crude Dingo shelter at the top of **Samelius Peak**.

*Would you mind calling a roofing contractor, SPHP? This really isn’t much help.*

The Dingo shelter didn’t amount to much, but oh well. Lupe decided she was hungry! As rain sprinkled down, she devoured all of her Taste of the Wild. SPHP ate the last apple. After a while, the rain diminished as the showers moved off.

Although the top of Samelius Peak was forested, there were more openings between the trees here where Lupe could see the views than either Mount Warner or Hardesty Peak had provided.

**Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.)** from **Samelius Peak**. Photo looks SW.

**Black Elk Peak** with help from the telephoto lens.

Loop on Samelius Peak’s highest rock. **Humbolt Mountain** is beyond her on the L. **Five Points (6,221 ft.)** is on the R. Photo looks NW.

**Custer Peak (6,804 ft.)** is the distant pointy peak on the L. **New Year’s Eve Peak (6,046 ft.)** is the highest point on the R. Photo looks NW with help from the telephoto lens.

After 45 minutes at the top of Samelius Peak, Lupe was ready to move on. She had a last look around the summit area, then headed down the mountain.

The Samelius Peak trailhead of Centennial Trail No. 89 was only 0.4 mile away to the SW. Lupe headed WSW to intercept the trail only a little N of the trailhead. For a long way, this route was quite steep, but it finally started leveling out to some degree. Lupe soon intercepted Centennial Trail No. 89 as expected.

**Samelius Peak** summit area. Photo looks NE.

**Samelius Peak** summit again. This time looking SW.

Starting down the mountain. Photo looks E back up toward the summit.

Back on Centennial Trail No. 89. Photo looks SW.

The Samelius Peak trailhead wasn’t far from here. Even though it was the wrong direction considering the time of day, Lupe went all the way to it.

*Climbed 3 mountains and made it all the way to the Samelius Peak trailhead. Pretty good, huh?*

Centennial Trail map. As the trail goes, it’s 8 miles one way between the Spring Creek & Samelius Peak trailheads.

It was evening. No time to dilly dally here at the trailhead. The sun would still be up for at least an hour, maybe close to two. However, Lupe faced an 8 mile long return to the Spring Creek trailhead. Somewhere along the way, it was going to get dark.

Almost as soon as she reached the Samelius Peak trailhead, Lupe started back. This time she would take Centennial Trail No. 89 the whole way.

*Oh, a long beautiful evening stroll ahead. Maybe we’ll see some deers?*

The sun was still up, but on the horizon when Lupe reached the summit of Mount Warner for the second time. She no more than tagged the true summit before hurrying on. Sunlight disappeared from the mountains. Dusk, then darkness. The flashlight came out before Loop reached Blue Wing. No moon, but the sky was clear and the stars were brilliant.

A black night, but reflections of starlight sparkled in Sheridan Lake as Lupe trotted by well above the shoreline. In inky darkness, she crossed the beam bridges over Spring Creek. Lupe heard, but did not see, the odd horizontal waterfall still spraying from the mountainside.

The G6 sat alone at the Spring Creek trailhead when Lupe arrived. It had been a long day, but another good one on Centennial Trail No. 89. (10:28 PM, 47°F)