Wind River Peak – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Wind River Peak, Wyoming – Part 4: Tayo Lake to Worthen Meadow (7-12-17)

Day 5 of Lupe’s 2017 Dingo Vacation to the Wind River Range, Wyoming & Select Peaks in Montana

The sun was up, and so was SPHP, busily engaged in breaking camp. Was Lupe OK? For once, it was the American Dingo that still seemed tired. Lupe remained relaxing in her “tiny house” until SPHP was ready to disassemble it.

Looking WNW from Lupe’s “tiny house” the morning after she’d climbed Wind River Peak. It was going to be a glorious, but long day.

Come on out of there, Loop! It’s a glorious morning, and we have a long day ahead of us.

What’s the rush? Are we going to climb Wind River Peak (13,192 ft.) again?

I wish, but no, we aren’t. As much as I hate to leave such beautiful territory, it’s time to head back to civilization. The rush is that this whole trip was only supposed to take 3 days, and this is the 4th day. I’ve already had a bite to eat this morning, but now all I have left is one Cliff bar. No doubt you’ll want at least half of it.

We’re out of food!?

I am. You still have plenty Taste of the Wild. At least, until I start chowing down on it, which will happen tomorrow for sure, if we don’t get out of here. It’s a long way back to Worthen Meadow Reservoir.

What flavor did you say that Cliff bar was?

I didn’t, but it’s chocolate coconut, if you must know.

Oh, that does sound good! Let’s get going!

Lupe ready to leave base camp S of **Wind River Peak**. **Lake 11,145** is in view. Photo looks WNW.

Only 500 or 600 feet S of base camp, Tayo Lake came into view. Most of the lake was still covered in snow and ice. What a beautiful sight it was! It really was a shame to have to leave.

Shortly after departing base camp, ice and snow-covered **Tayo Lake** came into view again. **Mount Nystrom (12,356 ft.)** (Center) is in the distance. On the way past **Tayo Lake**, Lupe would go down the long ridge seen on the L. Photo looks SSE.

Loop had just been feeling lazy back in her tiny house. There wasn’t a thing wrong with her. On the way down to Tayo Lake, she was bursting with energy. She had a great time racing across the open heather and frisking on big snowbanks.

When Lupe got close to the end of Tayo Lake, SPHP suggested leaving the ridge to go down to the shore near the Tayo Creek outlet. Loopster was in favor of that. She hadn’t actually been to the lake shore on the way to Wind River Peak. This was her last chance to see it.

The water was perfectly still. High rock ridges reflected in the silvery smooth surface. Lupe could hear the nearby gurgling of Tayo Creek starting down the valley. Beyond Tayo Lake was the big green ridge where she’d spent the past two nights in her tiny house at base camp. From there she’d been able to look down on Lake 11,145, now hidden in a cirque above Tayo Lake. Wind River Peak towered over it all. Only yesterday, Lupe had been up there.

After a few minutes lost in contemplation of the magnificent scene, Lupe reminded SPHP it was time to press on. SPHP led Loopster back up onto the ridge. She then started S down wide snowy lanes flanked by stunted forest.

As Lupe descended, SPHP kept watching for the route she had taken up to Tayo Lake 2 days ago, but never really found it. Uncertain whether the Carolina Dog was too far W or E, SPHP led her back and forth in both directions. Lupe traveled over snowfields SPHP was certain she hadn’t been to before. Gradually it dawned on SPHP that Loop was too far W. It wouldn’t really matter, though, would it? The terrain should eventually funnel all routes down to the same general area.

The first indication of a potential problem came when Lupe reached a rushing stream. Cascading swiftly down a narrow channel, the stream was large enough to be Tayo Creek, yet Lupe was W of it. How could that be? Lupe had started off E of Tayo Creek when she left Tayo Lake, and hadn’t crossed it. SPHP was also certain Looper hadn’t crossed or even seen this stream on the way up to Tayo Lake 2 days ago. The maps revealed nothing. Hmm.

The first sign of a potential problem came when Lupe reached this swift stream somewhere well below Tayo Lake. Photo looks SSW.

Lupe followed the gushing stream down to a large clearing where it fed into a pond. A short distance below the pond, a smaller stream flowed down from the NW to join the larger one. The smaller stream almost certainly had to be Tayo Creek. Tayo Creek wasn’t particularly wide here, but was fairly deep.

Lupe reaches another smaller creek coming down from the NW. This had to be Tayo Creek. Photo looks WNW.

The larger stream just above the confluence with Tayo Creek. Photo looks NE.

Loop needed to get across Tayo Creek, but SPHP didn’t relish the idea of fording it. Near the confluence of the creeks, snow bridges extended over both streams. All the snow banks Lupe had crossed higher up had been strong enough to hold even SPHP’s weight. These snow bridges looked substantial, too.

Just below the confluence, another snow bridge went over the combined streams. If the snow bridge over Tayo Creek collapsed, Lupe might get swept under the downstream bridge where SPHP couldn’t help her.

The snow bridge over Tayo Creek just below the confluence with the large stream Lupe had been following. If Lupe got swept under it while trying to cross Tayo Creek, SPHP wouldn’t be able to help her.

SPHP tested the snow bridge by the edge of Tayo Creek. It seemed plenty sturdy enough. Lupe would be fine, if she went first.

Lupe ready to dash across the snow bridge over Tayo Creek. Photo looks SE.

Lupe dashed across the snow bridge with no problem. SPHP followed. The snow bridge held. Well, that was easy! Way easier than fording the creek would have been.

Lupe was now W of Tayo Creek. She wouldn’t have to cross it again, but knew from experience other big streams were still ahead. The American Dingo followed Tayo Creek S. She ran and sniffed happily in open green forest. Meanwhile, the stream plunged into a narrow canyon. Lupe was losing elevation much more slowly. Tayo Creek was soon far below her.

After crossing Tayo Creek, Lupe ran and played in an open green forest. Meanwhile, Tayo Creek plunged down a narrow canyon, leaving Lupe on much higher ground. Photo looks SE.

Tayo Creek disappeared from view. Lupe continued through the forest in a S or SE direction, still losing elevation. A mere 15 minutes after crossing Tayo Creek, Lupe arrived at yet another large stream. This was the stream flowing E from Coon Lake.

15 minutes after crossing Tayo Creek, Lupe arrived at this stream from Coon Lake. Photo looks WSW.

The stream from Coon Lake was too wild to ford where Lupe reached it. Loop and SPHP followed it upstream looking for a place to cross. After 15 minutes, SPHP saw a single flat rock that the entire stream was flowing over. The water was shallow and evenly spread. Lupe could cross there!

A 15 minute upstream search brought Lupe near this flat rock where the stream was evenly spread out and shallow. Lupe could cross here! Photo looks SW.

Lupe had other ideas. While SPHP started for the flat rock, she found some other place to cross the creek. Suddenly, there she was on the opposite S bank!

Before she even reached the big flat rock, Lupe found a way across the stream from Coon Lake all on her own. SPHP never saw how she did it, but suddenly, there she was standing proudly on a snowbank on the far shore. Photo looks SW.

Having made it over the creek all on her own, Lupe was anxious for SPHP to follow. The big flat rock wasn’t far away, but rocks, trees and a considerable quantity of deadfall made it a struggle to get there. SPHP shouted to Lupe to stay where she was. For several minutes, she did. However, Loop became increasingly concerned as SPHP continued crashing around obstacles on the opposite shore.

When SPHP reached the flat rock, it was possible to see a good snow bridge only a little farther upstream. That would be an even better place to cross! SPHP pleaded with Lupe to remain where she was, but when SPHP turned away she couldn’t wait any longer. Suddenly she was at SPHP’s feet again, fine and dandy. She’d crossed the stream unseen a second time.

Upon reaching the snow bridge, Lupe could see she wasn’t far below a massive snowfield that extended out of sight up the slope to the W. Coon Lake must be up there somewhere, perhaps not too far away. Unfortunately, the already long day ahead meant Lupe didn’t have time for a side trip to go see it. She crossed the creek from Coon Lake for the third time on the snow bridge with SPHP.

S of the creek again, Loop headed SE through the forest. Half an hour went by before she reached another big stream. This was the stream from Mountain Sheep Lake.

After safely crossing the stream from Coon Lake 3 times, Lupe arrives at the next large stream. This one flows N out of Mountain Sheep Lake. Photo looks S.

Once again, Lupe had reached the stream at a poor place to attempt a crossing. She traveled upstream looking for a better spot, and soon stumbled upon Mountain Sheep Lake itself. The pretty lake was long, narrow, and tucked in a deep side valley off the main canyon Tayo Creek flows through.

Looking for a way across the stream from **Mountain Sheep Lake**, Lupe arrives at the lake itself. **Mountain Sheep Lake** was a beautiful sight tucked away in a deep side canyon. Photo looks S.

A short break was taken to admire Mountain Sheep Lake. When it was over, the problem of where to cross the outlet stream still needed to be resolved. There seemed to be two choices. Not too far downstream from the lake, the creek flowed through a rocky area where it might be possible to rock hop most of the way over.

A little downstream of Mountain Sheep Lake the creek passed through this stony area where Lupe might be able to rock hop most of the way across. Photo looks N.

The other choice was to ford the creek right at the outlet from Mountain Sheep Lake. The stream was wide here, but relatively shallow most of the way. The current was slower, too.

Looking across the outlet from **Mountain Sheep Lake**. Photo looks E.

SPHP thought maybe the outlet was the better choice. Convinced Lupe wouldn’t have a problem, SPHP started across, but Loop didn’t follow. SPHP made it to the opposite bank only to turn around and see poor Loop still stranded on the other side. She was intimidated by the width of the stream.

After crossing the stream at the outlet of **Mountain Sheep Lake**, SPHP turned around to find Lupe still stranded on the far shore. She was scared of the width of the creek, and hadn’t dared come across. Photo looks SW.

SPHP shouted encouragement to Loop. She could do this!

Lupe hesitated, clearly torn over what to do. She went back and forth along the far bank looking for an answer to her predicament. Finally, as she stood on a rock projecting into the stream, another urging from SPHP seemed to embolden her. She went back to the bank, then waded into the cold water. She had to swim, but only a little bit. Lupe made it across.

SPHP had rewarded Loop with pieces of the last chocolate coconut Cliff bar after she’d crossed Tayo Creek, and again after she’d crossed the creek from Coon Lake. Lupe looked at SPHP expectantly.

Guess, I knew all along you’d get most of this Cliff bar. Here you go, Loop.

I earned it!

Yes, I know. You did great, Looper.

Lupe wouldn’t face another major stream crossing for a long way now. The next landmark she would go by would be Poison Lake, about a mile to the NE. Lupe had a fantastic time in the forest, staying well S of Tayo Creek. The Carolina Dog displayed great energy and enthusiasm, crossing many minor streams and numerous big bogs. She frolicked and cooled off on snowbanks melting away in the soggy forest. She was back in prime squirrel territory, and spent much of her time barking happily.

Going around the SE end of Poison Lake, Lupe returned to the rock platform overlooking the lake she’d been to before on the way up. The sun was almost directly overhead. Time for another break. Lupe and SPHP sat together with a view of Wind River Peak far beyond Poison Lake. What little was left of the chocolate coconut Cliff bar met its doom.

Lupe at the edge of the rock platform overlooking **Poison Lake**. **Wind River Peak** (R) is in view in the distance.

Beyond Poison Lake, Lupe continued following the Tayo River downstream. She didn’t stay as close to it as she had on the way up, since she didn’t need to find a way across. She did see one of the two waterfalls she’d discovered on the way up, but whether it was the upper or lower falls, SPHP didn’t remember.

Lupe had a wonderful time in the forest, but she finally reached Lower Tayo Park again and came to the Middle Popo Agie River. She forded it at the S end of Lower Tayo Park just as she’d done before.

Lupe reaches the **Middle Popo Agie River** again at the S end of **Lower Tayo Park**. This was where she’d started her successful divide and conquer strategy two days ago that enabled her to get to **Tayo Lake** and **Wind River Peak**. Photo looks W.

Fording the **Middle Popo Agie River** at the S end of **Lower Tayo Park**. Photo looks SW.

Looking NW across **Lower Tayo Park**. **Tayo Creek** emerges from the forest across the valley to join the **Middle Popo Agie River** here. Photo looks NW.

Lupe had finally made it back to a trail! SPHP was curious to see what conditions were like now back at the ford where Trail No. 707 crosses the Middle Popo Agie River below its confluence with Tayo Creek. The situation really hadn’t changed much at all. The ford was still as badly flooded as it was before.

Lupe returned to Middle Fork Trail No. 700, and followed it NE downstream along the Middle Popo Agie River. She was getting close to the junction with Stough Creek Basin Trail No. 704 when a backpacker appeared ahead. He was the first person Lupe and SPHP had seen in 75 hours – more than 3 days.

The backpacker was from Flagstaff, Arizona. He said he was on his way to Tayo Lake, but had nearly turned back at the Stough Creek ford. SPHP explained the situation he would soon face at the flooded ford in Lower Tayo Park, and also described how Lupe had bushwhacked all the way to Tayo Lake and Wind River Peak.

Lupe by the **Middle Popo Agie River**. The trail junction where she would leave it to head for **Stough Creek** was nearby. Photo looks NNE.

The backpacker went on. Lupe would never know if he made it to Tayo Lake using her bushwhacking route or not. She soon left the Middle Popo Agie River on Trail No. 704 to Stough Creek.

Until now, Lupe had been going downhill nearly all day long. Now she had to climb. The American Dingo did great. She still had plenty of energy to run around looking for squirrels in the forest. SPHP felt played out, though. Going uphill was tough. At least a lot of snow had melted since Lupe had last been here, so it was easier to follow the trail.

Lupe reached the ford at Stough Creek. The situation had not changed from 3 days ago. SPHP still didn’t like the looks of it. Stough Creek was too fast, deep and scary! SPHP was going to have Lupe cross a little upstream of the ford again, then remembered the bridge over Stough Creek near the next trail intersection higher up. Maybe Lupe could just bushwhack up to that bridge?

Loop abandoned the trail for the final bushwhacking session of her Wind River Peak adventure. She hadn’t gone far when she came to a sizable tributary of Stough Creek. Loop forded this lesser creek, and entered a lovely green field that proved to be sopping wet. Another bog! She traipsed across it, and a second one, too, before finally reaching the forest and dry land on the other side.

The off-trail climb through the forest was steep. Lupe came to another major tributary of Stough Creek. It was all whitewater where Lupe reached it.

Lupe reaches a 2nd major tributary of Stough Creek trying to bushwhack up to a bridge.

Lupe followed the tributary upstream to where the terrain leveled out. Here she could ford the tributary without much of a problem. Shortly after crossing the tributary, she found a trail. Lupe followed the trail N. Within 300 feet she arrived at the bridge over Stough Creek. Yes!

Lupe on the bridge over Stough Creek. Bridges were a rare luxury on Lupe’s journey to Wind River Peak and back. Photo looks N.

Lupe had finally reached Stough Creek Lakes Trail No. 702. It would take her the rest of the way back to the Worthen Meadow trailhead, still a good 5 miles away. Only one major creek crossing remained, Roaring Fork Creek which would come near the end. Onward!

On Stough Creek Lakes Trail No. 702. This trail would take Lupe all the way back to the Worthen Meadow trailhead.

The Carolina Dog was now in a nearly level part of the forest. She soon came to the area where stagnant yellow and orange ponds were scattered among the trees. Up until now, the mosquitoes hadn’t been bad, but here they were terrible.

The climb back up to the high saddle N of High Point 10965 where Lupe had first seen Wind River Peak on her way in was torturous for SPHP, who was nearly exhausted by now. The plucky American Dingo was unfazed. Mosquitoes drove SPHP on. Even when Lupe reached the high saddle, they were bad enough to prevent any long delay. Lupe and SPHP did pause for a few moments, though, to gaze upon the grandeur of Wind River Peak for a final time.

A last look back at **Wind River Peak** from the high saddle. Photo looks WNW with help from the telephoto lens.

It was still 3 miles back to the Worthen Meadow trailhead from the high saddle. Nearly all of it was downhill, which helped SPHP a great deal. The constant whine of mosquitoes was maddening, but all the Deet was long gone. Lupe busied herself looking for squirrels in the forest. Rest assured American Dingoes never tire of this sport.

Another squirrel spotted! What could be more fun?

At long last, the final ford over Roaring Fork Creek next to Roaring Fork Lake appeared. Lupe ran down to the stream and plunked herself down in the water to cool off.

Lupe cools off in **Roaring Fork Creek**. This was the final stream ford of Lupe’s 4 day Wind River Peak adventure. Photo looks SE.

Roaring Fork Creek didn’t look any different than it had 3 days ago. The water was just as high as before. No matter. In a cloud of mosquitoes, SPHP prepared to cross, then simply went for it.

This time, SPHP stayed upstream of the big rock. The water wasn’t mid-thigh deep here like it was downstream of the rock, but was still several inches over the knee. The even gravelly bottom and gentle current made this ford seem trivial now after all the streams and rivers Lupe had crossed on the way to Wind River Peak and back.

Lupe hadn’t come, though. The water was over her head for a long way. SPHP tried coaxing her from the opposite bank, but without the aid of the enticing chocolate coconut Cliff bar, Lupe stayed put. Seeing further entreaties were futile, SPHP dumped the backpack and waded back into the stream.

As soon as Lupe saw help was on the way, she plunged into Roaring Fork Creek and started swimming toward SPHP. She remembered being on the big rock SPHP had put her on before midstream and swam to it. However, the rock was steep where she reached it. She tried, but Lupe couldn’t get up on it by herself. The current carried her out of sight behind the rock.

Lupe didn’t reappear downstream. What was happening? No doubt she was still striving to get up on the rock, but SPHP couldn’t see her. Before SPHP could get there, Loop grew fearful and gave up. Suddenly she was in view again heading back to shore. SPHP continued over to get her.

SPHP picked the cold, drenched Carolina Dog up, and carried the grateful, dripping Dingo across Roaring Fork Creek. Lupe’s last adventure of her 4 day journey to Wind River Peak was over.

At Worthen Meadow Reservoir, Lupe lost no time hopping into the G6 (9:00 PM). She curled up on her pillows and blankets, licked herself clean, and devoured an entire can of Alpo. She still had room for a McDonald’s cheeseburger in Lander an hour later. The night time scene at Lander City Park was astonishing. The place was absolutely packed with tents and RV’s.

SPHP took the last parking spot available. It was right beneath a bright streetlight. For some strange reason the streetlight cycled on and off at 30 second intervals. After Lupe’s long march all the way from Tayo Lake, it was only a minor annoyance. Lupe and SPHP were both fast asleep, dead to the world, still dreaming of fabulous Wind River Peak.

Wind River Peak, Wyoming – Part 2: Divide & Conquer – Tayo Park to Tayo Lake (7-10-17)

Wind River Peak, Wyoming – Part 3: Tayo Lake to the Summit (7-11-17)

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Wind River Peak, Wyoming – Part 3: Tayo Lake to the Summit (7-11-17)

Day 4 of Lupe’s 2017 Dingo Vacation to the Wind River Range, Wyoming & Select Peaks in Montana

Lupe wanted out. SPHP unzipped the door of her “tiny house”, and she vanished into the night. A nearly full moon hung over the mountains bathing the world in a ghostly glow. It was late, very late. Hours of light rain showers were over. Fortunately, the tiny house and everything in it had escaped being drenched. The clear sky was a welcome sight.

SPHP scanned nearby terrain tying to pick out the Carolina Dog. She was nowhere to be seen. Many secrets remain concealed beyond the pale power of moonlight to reveal. SPHP listened. Nothing but a soft breeze sighing.

Ten minutes later, she came racing back all out of breath.

Out having adventures in the night without me, aye Looper?

Maybe. A short one.

Want to tell me about it?

Nope, gonna go back to sleep now.

Smart. You’ll need some of that energy for Wind River Peak in the morning.

SPHP zipped the door of the tiny house shut as soon as Lupe was in. Best get as much shuteye as possible. Dawn couldn’t be more than a few hours away.

The moon was gone the next time Loop wanted out. Sol blazed well above the horizon. Morning! This was it! Breakfast. Final preparations. Everything ready. The great moment arrived. Now or never! Wind River Peak or bust! Lupe and SPHP headed N abandoning the tiny house. Nothing but up, now! 2,000 feet should about do it.

Lupe, who had been too tired to eat yesterday evening, was chock full of energy and ambition. She ran this way and that sniffing around big rocks. No squirrels, today! The American Dingo was already above tree line. SPHP was feeling the effects of the thin air, and two long days struggling to get to base camp above Tayo Lake. At the top of the first steep rise, SPHP paused to catch breath.

The S slopes of Wind River Peak (13,192 ft.) were directly ahead. The way up seemed straightforward enough. Just keep climbing while avoiding any steep snow. Lupe would work her way NW to gain a S ridge that looked snow-free all the way to the top. It would be a long boulder hop, but that was OK. American Dingoes are great scramblers! Nothing was in view that should prevent Lupe from reaching the summit.

Lupe pauses for a look around early on. Her best route up **Wind River Peak** looked obvious enough. Lupe would head for the upper portion of the bare S ridge seen on the L leading to the top. Photo looks NW.

Looking back at **Mt. Nystrom (12,356 ft.)** (Center). **Tayo Lake** is in view beyond Lupe. She had spent the night on a broad flat part of a ridge 400 ft. above **Tayo Lake**. She’s already higher than that here. Photo looks S.

Snowclad **Lake 11,145** is in view below a towering wall of rock. One of the high points along the ridge must be **Continental Tower (12,088 ft.)**. Photo looks SW.

Lupe and SPHP continued on, pausing now and then to look around and let SPHP catch breath. The terrain grew rockier. Lupe gained elevation steadily, but reaching the rocks slowed SPHP down considerably. The Carolina Dog had plenty of time to wander, sniff and survey the tremendous views.

**Lake 11,145** again from higher up. The high peak in the distance R of Center is likely **Peak 11,826**. Photo looks SW.

Getting close to the snow fields on Wind River Peak’s upper S slopes. Lupe is heading for the snow-free portion of the S ridge seen above the most distant snow field L of Center. Photo looks NW.

**Mt. Nystrom (12,356 ft.)** and **Tayo Lake** are in the distance on the L. **Lake 11,145** is below on the R. Lupe’s “tiny house” is too far away to be seen, but is situated down on the flat ridge above the near side of **Tayo Lake**.

**Lake 11,145** with help from the telephoto lens.

Looper couldn’t completely avoid the snow fields, but had no problem traversing them. She enjoyed the snow, and crossed at points that SPHP could manage. She made it above the last big snowfield, and gained the upper S ridge she’d been aiming for. The rest of the trek was just a long, long scramble up the rocks.

The morning had been breezy until now, but it was just plain windy way up here on the S ridge. A gusty 20 to 30 mph wind blew out of the W. Occasionally the air was calm for a moment or two between gusts, but most of the time the wind was powerful enough to be an annoyance. Lupe stayed E of the ridgeline for a little protection whenever possible.

Getting close to the last big snowfield and the upper S ridge. Photo looks NW.

At the base of the final snowfield. Photo looks N.

Lupe gains the S ridge. The terrain was like this the rest of the way to the summit. Long, slow, but nothing too scary or difficult at all! Photo looks N.

After a long scramble up countless rocks, the S ridge began to level out. Loopster had to be getting close to the top! She encountered a couple of larger rock formations, but had no problem scrambling around them. Ahead the ridge broadened out to perhaps an acre or more of gently sloping jumbled rock. Was that the summit?

A rock formation at the far N end looked noticeably higher than anything else in sight. Lupe headed for it. Even before she got there, it became apparent she was indeed approaching the summit of Wind River Peak (13,192 ft.). SPHP was overjoyed! The Carolina Dog had made it! Lupe leapt up onto the rock formation. She stood proudly in the breeze atop the glorious mountain.

Loopster astride the summit of **Wind River Peak**. Photo looks N.

*Come on up, SPHP! These views are amazing!* Photo looks N.

A seemingly endless procession of peaks of the **Wind River Range** stretch away beyond the horizon. Photo looks NNW.

SPHP joined Lupe at the top of the mountain. The sky was a bit hazy, whether due to smoke or humidity was hard to say. Even so, the views were simply superlative! SPHP congratulated Lupe on her peakbagging success, and shook her paw. For 10 minutes, Loop and SPHP sat in the wind up on the highest rocks, while SPHP stroked her soft ears and fur.

It wasn’t noon yet, but seemed like time for at least a snack. Lupe and SPHP got down off the summit rocks, and took shelter from the wind next to them. While Lupe devoured Taste of the Wild, SPHP had a Cliff bar, then searched around for a survey benchmark shown on the topo map. Nothing. SPHP couldn’t find a Nalgene bottle that was supposed to contain a summit register, either.

Puzzling. Wasn’t this the summit? It seemed obvious that it was. There were a couple of competing high points that didn’t look too much lower, though. One was to the E and the other along the W edge of the summit area. Better have Loop check them out, too, just in case.

Yeah, that was a good idea. Lupe had discovered a pika living among the summit rocks and was chasing it. The pika knew its home well, and had an easy time avoiding the Carolina Dog bent on its destruction. Completely fascinated by the elusive pika, Lupe was racing and bounding around oblivious to monstrous cliffs only a few feet away. Better put a swift end to this merry chase before it was Dingo overboard and the pika scored a victory!

Lupe found nothing among the large rocks at the E high point. Since she was close to the E edge of the summit area, she went a little further to check out the views over there.

Lupe near the E end of the summit area. Part of **Poison Lake**, which Lupe had gone around yesterday on the way here, is visible far down in the canyon a little to her R. The highest point beyond **Poison Lake** on the horizon is **Atlantic Peak (12,490 ft.)**.

Looking NE down the canyon (L) leading to **Pinto Park**. Part of the largest of the **Deep Creek Lakes** is seen straight up from Lupe’s head. Portions of **East Echo Lake** and the more distant **Baer Lakes** are also in view in the canyon.

The same view with help from the telephoto lens. **High Point 11,146** is the low hill just beyond the N end of the largest of the **Deep Creek Lakes** on the far R. Photo looks NE.

**Chimney Rock (12,653 ft.)** is whichever knob on the barren ridge seen in the foreground is highest. This ridge is part of the route up **Wind River Peak** from **Deep Creek Lakes**. Photo looks ENE.

Part of the **turquoise pond** at the upper end of the deep canyon leading NE down to the largest of the **Deep Creek Lakes** is in view more than 1,300 feet below Lupe. Photo looks NNE.

Looking WNW back across the field of jumbled rock constituting **Wind River Peak’s summit area**. The true summit is seen on the R.

Having seen the views to the E, Lupe visited several of the highest rocks along the mountain’s W edge. No sign of any benchmark or registry turned up here, either. However, the views to the W were even more glorious, due in no small part to the eye-catching proximity of Temple Peak (12,972 ft.) and East Temple Peak (12,600 ft.).

Lupe had even more spectacular views from some of the highest rocks along the W edge of Wind River Peak’s summit area. **Temple Peak** (L) and **East Temple Peak** (R) dominated the scene. Photo looks WSW.

**Temple Peak** (Center) and **East Temple Peak** (R) from **Wind River Peak**. Photo looks WSW.

**Temple Peak** from yet another rock. Photo looks WSW.

**East Temple Peak** (far L) and the S end of **Haystack Mountain (11,978 ft.)** (the near ridge beyond Lupe on the R). Photo looks WNW.

Beyond Haystack Mountain (11,978 ft.), Lupe could see the famed Cirque of the Towers, a gorgeous area she had been to before in 2015. Closer by, a slice of Black Joe Lake was in view more than 2,900 ft. below the American Dingo’s lofty vantage point.

**Haystack Mountain** (L) is the long sharp ridge beyond Loop. Beyond the R end of **Haystack Mountain** near Center is the famed **Cirque of the Towers**, a gorgeous area Lupe once visited in 2015. Photo looks NW.

The famed **Cirque of the Towers** dominates the foreground. Photo looks NW with help from the telephoto lens.

Unfortunately, there was enough humidity, smoke or whatever it was in the air to ruin any really distant views Loop would have had on a totally clear day. With 360° of incredibly beautiful nearby panoramic splendor to admire, though, it hardly mattered.

While Loop relaxed, SPHP took some close ups.

**Temple Peak (12,972 ft.)** Photo looks WSW.

Looking down on **East Temple Peak (12,600 ft.)**. Photo looks W.

Looking as far NNW as possible. SPHP didn’t recognize any of these peaks from this vantage point.

Loop? Loop, where are you?

The American Dingo had been resting at SPHP’s feet just a minute or two ago, but she wasn’t here now. SPHP quickly scanned Wind River Peak’s summit area. Nada. Where had she gone off to?

Sneaky Dingo!

Suddenly there she was, leaping and scrambling madly around the rocks over at the true summit. She hadn’t forgotten that pika, and had slunk off to pursue it again. No doubt mountaintop pika hunting was great sport, but it involved an element of real danger for both pika and Dingo.

A sneaky American Dingo back at the true summit of **Wind River Peak**. Photo looks WNW.

Once more, SPHP put an end to the merriment.

Lupe stayed up on the summit only a short while longer. An hour had flown by already. Maybe it was time to think of moving on? Many hours of daylight remained, but as slow as SPHP is climbing a mountain, SPHP somehow manages to be even slower going down rocky slopes like those on Wind River Peak.

Partly for the pika’s sake, and partly to get on with it, Lupe and SPHP left Wind River Peak’s true summit for the final time ambling S. Loop got up on a boulder for a last look at Temple Peak.

A final look at **Temple Peak** before Lupe left Wind River Peak’s summit. Photo looks WSW.

Lupe and SPHP continued S toward the rock formations near the start of the steeper descent down the S ridge. Of course, the views here were tremendous, too. Lupe delayed the start of her descent until SPHP had taken a few more photos of the magnificent Wind River Range.

The magnificent scene to the S. **Mt. Nystrom (11,356 ft.)** (L) is in the distance. Now familiar **Tayo Lake** (L of Center) and **Lake 11,145** (R) are the two largest lakes in sight. Portions of several other lakes can be seen as well. **Crow Lake** is at Center. **Mountain Sheep Lake** on the far L. **Little Sandy Lake** is in the distance on the R. Photo looks S.

Another look S with help from the telephoto lens. **Tayo Lake** (L), **Lake 11,145** (lower R), a slice of **Crow Lake** (Center – beyond the ridge), and **Little Sandy Lake** (R in the distance) are all in view.

**Continental Tower (12,088 ft.)** is at Center on the near ridge. Along the more distant ridge are **Little Sandy Lake Buttress (11,427 ft.)** at the far L end, **Peak 11,795** (R of Center), and **Peak 11,826** (R). **Lake 11,145** is at lower L. **Little Sandy Lake** is in the distance along the L edge. Photo looks SSW.

Looking SE. **Atlantic Peak (12,490 ft.)** (L of Center) is the high point on the horizon. **Mt. Nystrom (11,356 ft.)** is on the R. **Poison Lake** is in the deep canyon in front of **Atlantic Peak**. **Mountain Sheep Lake** is in the deep canyon R of Center. **Tayo Lake** at lower R.

**Little Sandy Lake** is in the distance at Center. Part of **Crow Lake** can be seen beyond the ridge on the L. Closer by also on the L is part of **Tayo Lake**. **Little Sandy Lake Buttress** is on the far ridge at R. Looking S with help from the telephoto lens.

Looking SSW. **Little Sandy Lake Buttress (11,427 ft.)** is at the L end of the more distant ridge. **Peak 11,795** at R along the same ridge. **Continental Tower (12,088 ft.)** is R of Center on the near ridge. **Lake 11,145** at lower L and **Little Sandy Lake** in the distance along the L edge.

An hour and a half after she’d arrived at the summit of Wind River Peak, Lupe began her descent in earnest. The Carolina Dog did lots of exploring, sight-seeing and waiting around as SPHP slowly clambered down the long rocky slopes. Two hours passed before Lupe was below the big snowfields again.

Back below the snow fields. Photo looks NW.

Another two hours passed before she arrived back at her “tiny house”. Although Wind River Peak didn’t look 2,000 feet higher from here, it most certainly was. Lupe and SPHP could both vouch for that now. At least 4 hours of daylight remained, but it had been another strenuous long day already. Lupe joined SPHP inside her tiny house for a needed nap.

It was evening by the time Lupe emerged again feeling refreshed. The rest had done SPHP some good, too. SPHP proposed a stroll over to Lake 11,145. Lupe was enthusiastic about the idea, but she never made it all the way to the lake. Streams and marshes blocked the final approach, and SPHP didn’t want to get wet feet.

As close to **Lake 11,145** as Lupe got on her evening stroll. SPHP didn’t want to get wet feet crossing streams and marshes to go the rest of the way. Photo looks W.

Loop circled around to the S end of the big ridge her tiny house was pitched on. For a long time, Lupe and SPHP sat together on a rock overlooking Tayo Lake watching the evening light fade from the mountains.

When the mosquitoes got bad, it was time to return to the tiny house. Lupe remained outside while SPHP arranged things inside for the coming night. When all was ready, SPHP went back out.

N farther up the ridge, more than 100 feet away, Lupe was all alone. She rested on the ground, still scanning the vast darkening wilderness. She saw SPHP, but didn’t come. For 10 minutes Lupe and SPHP watched each other from a distance. Loop didn’t move a muscle. What was she pondering all by herself?

Hard to say. SPHP would never really know, but if a guess had to be made, she may have been thinking about the elusive pika she would never see again that lives at the very top of towering Wind River Peak.

**Tayo Lake** at day’s end, **Wind River Range**, Wyoming 7-11-17

Related Links:

Prior Adventure

Wind River Peak, Wyoming – Part 4: Tayo Lake to Worthen Meadow (7-12-17)

Wind River Peak, Wyoming – Part 2: Divide & Conquer, Tayo Park to Tayo Lake (7-10-17)

Day 3 of Lupe’s 2017 Dingo Vacation to the Wind River Range, Wyoming & Select Peaks in Montana

Lupe hadn’t seen the stars all night. In the wee hours, SPHP woke to the sound of raindrops on her “tiny house”. Not good. The rain cover had been lost years ago. If it rained hard at all, everything would get soaking wet. Lupe wanted out to sniff around in the darkness. SPHP unzipped the door and let her go.

The Carolina Dog returned before too long, content to lay down on her red sleeping bag again. SPHP folded it over her for warmth. Light rain continued intermittently for hours. A gray dawn finally heralded the new day. Everything was damp. Better get going nonetheless.

Lupe in her “tiny house” at the start of a gray morning in the **Wind River Range**.

After a brief bite to eat, it was time to find out what fate had in store.

May as well leave things here while we do a quick reconnaissance, Loop. This might all be over before we even get started.

Over! Last night, you said you had a plan!

Yes, two plans actually. The first one is no doubt doomed from the start. We’ll know for certain in a few minutes. The second plan might well suffer the same fate. Maybe, though, it will leave us with some hope, at least for a while.

Oh! Doesn’t sound too good. Are we going back soon, then?

Yes, Looper, if neither plan works, we won’t have any choice. Our Wind River Peak dreams will be kaput. Come on! Let’s go down to the river, and get this over with.

The Middle Popo Agie River was only a couple minutes away from the tiny house. Surprisingly, the river had actually dropped an inch or two overnight. It wasn’t enough, not nearly enough. Plan A was a failure. Lupe would still have to traipse 80 feet or more through a shallow lake just to get to the river channel where the ford was. No way! The river was way out of its banks, and far too dangerous.

That was Plan A, SPHP? You’re kidding, right? You knew the river would still be flooding!

Of course, but yeah, hoping that the river had gone down enough to ford it was Plan A. We at least had to come and take another look, didn’t we? Thought maybe it would look more possible this morning than when I was tired last night. It doesn’t. Let’s go check out Plan B.

Plan B had better be a doozie compared to Plan A!

Lupe had spent the night camped only 0.25 mile away from the intersection of Trails No. 707 & 706 up in Tayo Park. From there, she would have had two possible routes to Wind River Peak (13,192 ft.). She could have taken No. 706 N to Deep Creek Lakes, or No. 707 W to Tayo Lake.

The original idea was to make a nice loop up via Deep Creek Lakes and down by Tayo Lake. SPHP had seen trip reports where others had done it that way. However, the Wind River Range still had tons of snow in the high country. Snow melt was flooding the Middle Popo Agie River. Loop couldn’t even get to the ford on Trail No. 707, never mind across the river.

Lupe and SPHP returned to her tiny house, then took a shortcut S to Middle Fork Trail No. 700. On the way, Lupe could see Tayo Creek on the opposite side of the valley roaring down a hillside to join forces with the Middle Popo Agie River only a little upstream of the ford. That sight was what had given SPHP hope yesterday evening. Maybe Loopster wasn’t totally thwarted yet in her efforts to get to Wind River Peak?

From this rock not far from her tiny house, Lupe could see **Tayo Creek** roaring down out of the forest to join forces with the **Middle Popo Agie River**. Photo looks NW.

**Tayo Creek** surges into the flooded valley of the **Middle Popo Agie River**. The tremendous flow in **Tayo Creek** was what gave SPHP the idea for Plan B. Photo looks NW.

Lupe reached Middle Fork Trail No. 700 a little S of where she’d left it yesterday evening to take Trail No. 707 to the flooding Middle Popo Agie River. A small wooden sign along No. 700 read simply “Tayo Park”.

Hey, Loop, look at that! We’re already at Tayo Park! Lower Tayo Park, that is. The topo map only shows Tayo Park on the other side of the Middle Popo Agie River 120 feet higher than where we are now. Guess there’s an Upper and a Lower Tayo Park? At least now we can say you did make it to Lower Tayo Park, if not the upper one.

Nothing’s really changed, though? We’re no better off than we were?

Not yet, sweet Dingo! We’ll know soon if there’s any hope of improvement.

Lupe and SPHP followed Middle Fork Trail No. 700 going S toward Sweetwater Gap. The Middle Popo Agie River snaked through flooded Lower Tayo Park just W of the trail.

The **Middle Popo Agie River** meanders through flooded **Lower Tayo Park**. Photo looks SW.

The S end of Lower Tayo Park was only 0.2 mile away. When Lupe got to it, SPHP led her off Trail No. 700 over to the Middle Popo Agie River.

Hey, you’re in luck Looper! It’s on! Let’s go back and get the tiny house and rest of the gear.

Plan B is going to work?

Well, at least at the start. We’ll just have to see how far we can get. No guarantees at all.

So what is Plan B exactly?

Divide and conquer.

Meaning?

Meaning we’re coming back to cross the Middle Popo Agie right here. Most of the flow at the ford comes from Tayo Creek, which is actually by far the larger of the 2 streams above their confluence in Lower Tayo Park. After crossing the Middle Popo Agie, we’ll still be on the wrong side of Tayo Creek. You will have to keep following it upstream until either there’s a way across, or some impassable obstacle blocks the way forward. The farther we can make it upstream, the more tributaries we’ll get by, the smaller Tayo Creek will be, and the better our chances of reaching the trail again somewhere.

So in the meantime, we’re going to let the waters divide, and conquer them one smaller stream at a time?

Precisely, dear Dingo!

So there won’t be a trail?

Nope, a total bushwhack for miles, probably.

Oh, I love bushwhacks, SPHP! Plan B sounds like a great adventure!

Doesn’t it, though?

What are we waiting for? Let’s run!

Lupe streaked back to Trail No. 700. Of course, SPHP was much slower, so Loop had to keep returning to bark encouragement. It wasn’t too long, though, before SPHP had retrieved the tiny house and all the gear. Once again, Lupe stood on the E bank of the Middle Popo Agie River at the S end of Lower Tayo Park.

Lupe along the E bank of the **Middle Popo Agie River** at the S end of **Lower Tayo Park**. Above the confluence with **Tayo Creek**, the river was much smaller here. Lupe would have no problem crossing to the W (L) bank all on her own. Photo looks NNE.

The Middle Popo Agie River was still a good-sized, fast flowing stream, but much smaller here than farther downstream where Tayo Creek added its torrential flow. SPHP forded the river first. Loop followed close behind. The waters were still pretty deep for her, but she managed to get across without any help. Plan B was underway!

Loop headed N along the W side of Lower Tayo Park. The whole bottom of the valley was a bog or worse. Lupe climbed a little up onto drier ground along the valley’s edge. She passed over a small forested ridge and came to a field on the other side, much of which also proved to be boggy. Loop crossed the wet field, and again climbed to drier ground in the forest.

The roar of Tayo Creek could be heard ahead. Lupe continued climbing steadily through open forest toward the noise. The terrain wasn’t bad at all. Mosquitoes were, though. Those miserable blood suckers were awful again today. 0.25 mile N of where Lupe had crossed the Middle Popo Agie, she reached a rock where she could see Tayo Creek rushing down a narrow channel below a steep bank. A small island was surrounded by whitewater.

Lupe reaches **Tayo Creek** 0.25 mile N of where she’d forded the **Middle Popo Agie River**. Photo looks WNW.

Somewhere not too far away on the other side of Tayo Creek was Trail No. 707 to Upper Tayo Park. As fully expected, Lupe had no way to cross the raging stream yet. Lupe and SPHP turned W staying in the forest and following Tayo Creek upstream.

After gaining only a little over 100 feet of elevation, the terrain began to level out. Lupe had reached the S side of Upper Tayo Park. The surface of Tayo Creek was calm here, though ripples showed the water was still moving fast. A bog full of bushes prevented the Carolina Dog from getting anywhere close to the creek, which looked deep. On the far side, the bog extended hundreds of feet beyond the stream.

Looking N across **Tayo Creek** toward a portion of **Upper Tayo Park**. The intersection of Trails No. 707 & No. 706 is somewhere on the other side of the stream, but Loop had no way to get across. Photo looks NNE.

The American Dingo continued WSW following Tayo Creek. Beyond Upper Tayo Park, she started gaining elevation again. Tayo Creek reverted to a whitewater torrent. Though most of the ground in the open forest was dry, Lupe and SPHP crossed many snowdrifts. Despite the mosquitoes, Loop was having a fantastic time! Squirrels were everywhere! The Carolina Dog’s incessant yipping and yapping echoed through the valley.

SPHP’s promise, recently made back at Jack Squirrel Peak (8,942 ft.) in the Laramie Range, to bring Loop to higher mountains where there would be squirrels galore was being fulfilled!

Above **Upper Tayo Park**, **Tayo Creek** became a whitewater torrent again. Lupe wasn’t worried about getting across. The forest on this side of the stream was full of squirrels to bark at! Photo looks W.

Tayo Creek was becoming even more wild as Lupe continued upstream. SPHP feared it would eventually flow right up against cliffs, or other obstacles on the S side of the valley that Lupe couldn’t get past. So far, though, it hadn’t. Instead of finding herself blocked, Lupe discovered a lovely waterfall.

Lupe discovers a waterfall on **Tayo Creek**.

Lupe came to two separate waterfalls on Tayo Creek. They weren’t far apart. The lower falls were the largest. Staying in the forest, the American Dingo had no problem continuing upstream beyond them.

**Lower Tayo Creek Falls**. These lower falls were the largest. Photo looks NNW.

On a snowbank between **Lower & Upper Tayo Creek Falls**. Apparently the snow here was quite tasty.

Lupe reaches **Upper Tayo Creek Falls**. Some of the open areas had an awful lot of snow around by the time Loop got this far. Fortunately, there wasn’t as much snow in the forest. Photo looks NNW.

Loop didn’t have to travel very far beyond the waterfalls before the valley began to open up more. The American Dingo could now see some of the high country ahead.

Above **Upper Tayo Creek Falls**, the valley started to open up. Lupe began getting glimpses of some of the high territory ahead. Photo looks W.

Loop had been making good progress. SPHP realized that the valley opening up meant the Carolina Dog was fast approaching Poison Lake. If she couldn’t get around it, Poison Lake would spell the end of Plan B’s success.

Poison Lake! You never said anything about a Poison Lake, SPHP!

Oh, don’t worry about it Loopster. I can’t imagine it’s actually poisonous.

Ridiculous humans! Then why on earth would it be called Poison Lake?

How should I know? Someone once had a poor experience, I suppose.

Well thanks so much for the heads up, SPHP! Think I’ll just keep eating snow and drinking from these smaller streams, if you don’t mind.

Suit yourself, Loop. I think you could drink gallons from Poison Lake and be none the worse for the wear, though.

Lupe went over the crest of a little saddle, and there it was. Charmingly named Poison Lake, dead ahead! Loop went right on down to the shore, but did not wet her whistle. The view was reassuring. Yeah, Loopster shouldn’t have any problem getting around the S side of the lake. That was welcome news! Poison Lake had been a potentially serious obstacle.

Lupe reaches the NE shore of enticing **Poison Lake**. Photo looks SW.

Views from the NE shore were reassuring. The terrain around the S side of the lake looked easy enough. Lupe would be able to get around **Poison Lake**, contrary to SPHP’s unwarranted fears. Photo looks SSW.

Lupe headed S through the forest close to the E shore of the lake. The steepest terrain was near the SE end of Poison Lake. Lupe had to climb some distance above the shoreline. She came upon a big rock platform with a great view of the lake. Loop could even see Wind River Peak from here!

The sky was finally clearing. The day was brighter, more cheerful, and pleasantly warm. The mosquitoes, which had been bad until now, were less troublesome on the big rock. Plan B was going well, much better than SPHP had feared. Time for a break to celebrate Lupe’s success in reaching this lovely spot!

Lupe and SPHP lingered on the big rock overlooking Poison Lake for close to half an hour, enjoying the views and successful execution of Plan B to this point.

Lupe reaches the big rock platform at the SSE end of **Poison Lake**. Photo looks WNW.

**Wind River Peak** (in the distance on the L) was visible from the big rock at **Poison Lake**. Photo looks NNW.

When break time was over, Lupe and SPHP continued the rest of the way around the S side of Poison Lake to the W shore. Lupe then began following Tayo Creek farther upstream. SPHP had hoped Loop would find a way across the stream beyond Poison Lake, but those hopes were quickly dashed.

The whole valley was boggy anywhere near Tayo Creek. The creek was smooth surfaced again as it flowed through nearly level terrain. The stream was so wide, it was hard to tell where Poison Lake ended and Tayo Creek began.

Beyond the main body of **Poison Lake** was this wide channel which might still have been part of the lake. Photo looks NNE.

Looking back at **Poison Lake**. The rock Loop was on in the previous photo is seen below on the R where the snow is. Photo looks NE.

Eventually Tayo Creek narrowed down enough so it was clear Loop was beyond Poison Lake. She finally came to a place where relatively dry ground went almost all the way to the creek’s edge. Loop and SPHP both made it onto a big white rock where it was possible to peer down into the water.

Good heavens! The water was very clear, but remarkably deep. It was easily over SPHP’s head, and perhaps twice that depth.

Lupe by **Tayo Creek** upstream from **Poison Lake**. Loop & SPHP both made it out to the big white rock at Center. From there Lupe could peer down into the clear, cold water. Tayo Creek’s depth was easily over SPHP’s head here! The rocky hill at Center in the distance is **High Point 10,662**. Photo looks WSW.

Since crossing Tayo Creek was still totally out of the question, Lupe pressed on. She had to stay quite a distance from the stream channel due to surrounding bogs. Looper traveled mostly in the forest or along its edge. The Carolina Dog was making progress, but even the hillsides were soaking wet now. Rivulets of snow melt ran down every ravine, and pooled in every low spot.

Often it was advantageous to travel over huge snowdrifts at the forest’s edge. Usually the drifts held even SPHP’s weight. For Lupe, they were Dingo super highways. As SPHP marched onward, Lupe dashed about the forest in a relentless search for the next squirrel to annoy, frequently enjoying success.

Nearly a mile from Poison Lake, Lupe finally reached a major obstacle. A stream much larger than any other tributaries of Tayo Creek she had come to so far cascaded down rocky rapids from the S. This had to be the stream from Mountain Sheep Lake.

Nearly a mile SW of **Poison Lake**, Lupe reaches a **major tributary of Tayo Creek** cascading down from **Mountain Sheep Lake**.

Crossing the tributary from Mountain Sheep Lake was an absolute necessity. Success would be a huge step forward in the divide and conquer plan. Failure meant defeat plain and simple – Lupe would have to turn back without ever having reached Wind River Peak.

Loop had reached the tributary at a bad spot. It didn’t look safe to cross here. The search began for a better place. The American Dingo needed to find one fast. The map showed that Mountain Sheep Lake probably wasn’t any more than 0.1 mile away. If Lupe reached the lake without finding a decent ford, it was all over.

The luck of the Dingo was with her! Going upstream, Lupe soon came to a place where the rocks were smaller. The creek spread out widely and evenly without deep spots. She could do this!

Lucky Lupe finds a decent place to ford the creek coming down from **Mountain Sheep Lake**. Photo looks SW.

Lupe had no problem fording the stream from Mountain Sheep Lake all by herself. This success was a huge boost to her chances of reaching Wind River Peak. Once across, Loop and SPHP turned NW. Tayo Lake wasn’t much more than 1.5 miles away now!

Before long, Lupe could see a signpost sticking up out of a snowbank ahead. She’d reached a trail junction! Both trails were hidden beneath the snow, but one sign pointing W was for Trail No. 705 to Coon Lake. The other sign was for Trail No. 707 to Tayo Lake!

Lupe came to this signpost sticking up out of the snow at the intersection of Trail No. 705 to **Coon Lake** and Trail No. 707 to **Tayo Lake**. Although both trails were hidden beneath snow, just getting to them was a huge psychological boost! Photo looks N.

Beyond the snowbank, Lupe found the actual trail to Tayo Lake. She quickly lost it again beneath more snow, and was almost immediately confronted with another big stream. This was the tributary of Tayo Creek coming down from Crow Lake to the W. After searching around in a bog not far from the trail intersection, Lupe found a way across this relatively large stream, too. More progress!

A steady climb NW through the forest began as Loop forged ahead looking for the trail to Tayo Lake. It took a while to find it again. Even once it was found, it was hard to keep it that way. The trail was a fairly minor single track here. It kept disappearing beneath more snow, or disguising itself as a small stream.

**Trail No. 707 to** **Tayo Lake** was hard to follow. It kept disappearing beneath snow drifts and disguising itself as a small stream.

About 0.5 mile from the trail intersection, the terrain leveled out. Trail No. 707 hardly existed here, but cairns showed Lupe was still on the right track. She was getting close to the final big creek crossing. Fording Tayo Creek could be delayed no longer.

0.5 mile NW of the trail intersection where Lupe had seen the signpost, the terrain leveled out. Here she’s standing next to one of the cairns showing she was still on the right track. Photo looks WNW.

Looking NNW toward **Wind River Peak** (L of Center).

Trail No. 707 was nowhere in sight when Lupe reached Tayo Creek again. A cairn on the opposite N shore showed that this was the ford, though. The creek was greatly reduced from the torrent it had been miles downstream. Divide and conquer had worked! SPHP waded across.

The trail was nowhere in sight when Lupe reached a much reduced **Tayo Creek** again. This was the right spot, though. A cairn for Trail No. 707 is in view on the far shore sitting on the snow to the R. Photo looks NE.

Even though Tayo Creek was greatly reduced, the water was still over Lupe’s head by the S bank where she reached it. An icy plunge into the swift stream was still intimidating. SPHP encouraged her to come, but Looper sat forlornly on the far bank looking worried.

Lupe had been doing great, but yet another icy plunge into a stream that was still over her head was intimidating. She did not follow SPHP across, and did not respond to encouragement. Photo looks SSW.

Poor Loopster was afraid. How many scary, icy river crossings did she have to make in a single day, anyway? SPHP decided to go help her, and turned around momentarily to drop the backpack. Even more afraid of being abandoned than she was of Tayo Creek, Loop plunged in and crossed all by herself. What a trooper!

Lupe’s climb resumed up a forested hill. Once again, the terrain soon leveled out. Up ahead, beyond a boggy plain, Loop saw a snowy saddle. That saddle was where Tayo Creek flows out of Tayo Lake. Lupe was almost there!

Across a small boggy plain, Lupe could see a snowy saddle (L). That saddle was where **Tayo Creek** flows out of **Tayo Lake**. Lupe was almost there! **Wind River Peak** is seen on the R. Photo looks NW.

Following cairns across the boggy plain toward the snowy saddle. Photo looks NW.

After crossing the bog, Lupe started climbing. She stayed NE of the snowy saddle following avalanche tracks through a stunted forest. Views behind her improved rapidly as Loop gained elevation. The view of Mt. Nystrom (12,356 ft.) was particularly impressive.

As Lupe made the final climb to **Tayo Lake**, the views behind her to the S improved rapidly. **Mt. Nystrom** (Center) was particularly impressive. Photo looks S.

**Mt. Nystrom** (R of Center) from near **Tayo Lake**. Photo looks S.

Finally, 250 feet above the boggy plain, Lupe saw her objective – Tayo Lake! Plan B – Divide & Conquer had worked! Despite what SPHP had thought were poor odds, Lupe had made it. She was really here!

Tayo Lake was absolutely gorgeous! A layer of snow and ice floated on most of its surface. Impressive rock walls guarded the S and W shores. Two miles N, and nearly 2,500 feet higher, Wind River Peak (13,192 ft.) beckoned. Tomorrow Lupe would have a chance to climb it. For the first time, her prospects for success suddenly seemed bright!

Upon reaching **Tayo Lake** (L), Lupe’s prospects for success climbing **Wind River Peak** (R) tomorrow suddenly seemed bright. Photo looks NW.

Despite what SPHP had regarded as poor odds, Divide & Conquer had worked! Lupe rests on a grassy shelf with a great view of **Tayo Lake**. The **Tayo Creek** outlet is below on the L. Photo looks W.

Beautiful **Tayo Lake** in the **Wind River Range**, WY. Photo looks WNW.

To the N & E of Tayo Lake, a long, broad ridge rose steadily toward the NW. Parts of the ridge were covered with stunted forests, but most of it was open ground. To further improve the chances of a successful ascent of Wind River Peak tomorrow, Lupe and SPHP started up the ridge.

From the broad ridge, Lupe could soon see a large waterfall plunging into a canyon to the E.

Continuing up a broad ridge **NE of Tayo Lake**, Lupe soon had a view of a large waterfall plunging into a canyon to the E. Photo looks ENE.

The same waterfall with help from the telephoto lens.

Lupe climbed more than 400 feet above Tayo Lake to a flat part of the ridge straight N of the lake. Although the afternoon had been mostly sunny, rain showers were now threatening. SPHP didn’t put up Lupe’s “tiny house” right away. Instead, Lupe and SPHP took a tour of the ridge to see the sights. An even higher mini-Tayo Lake, Lake 11,145, was in view to the W.

Rain showers were threatening as Lupe approached a flat part of the ridge 400 feet above and straight **N of Tayo Lake**. Photo looks WNW.

From the ridge **N of Tayo Lake**, Lupe could see another beautiful little lake. **Lake 11,145** was tucked beneath a wall of rock that reminded SPHP faintly of the famed **Cirque of the Towers**, also in the **Wind River Range** 8 miles to the NW. Photo looks WNW.

Looking down on **Tayo Lake** from the ridge to the N. **Mt. Nystrom (12,356 ft.)** is on the horizon (Center). Photo looks SSE.

It was early evening and had been another long day. Lupe and SPHP were weary. Both curled up together beside a big rock where there was a grand view of Tayo Lake 400 feet below. The rock had an overhang offering partial protection from any rain showers. Drowsiness set in. Before long, Lupe and SPHP were completely out it.

The nap was helpful. When it was over, the sky was clearer. Lupe and SPHP set off to the N on top of the ridge looking for a place to pitch Lupe’s “tiny house”. A good spot was hard to find. Although it looked grassy, the ridge was actually rather rocky and dotted with boulders. Finally Lupe came to a place at around 11,250 feet elevation where the ground was lumpy, but not rocky. This would do.

SPHP put up the tiny house. Lupe had a great view of Lake 11,145 to the W from here. She could see Wind River Peak to the N. It was supposed to be more than 2,000 feet higher, but didn’t look that high. No doubt that was an illusion. Tayo Lake wasn’t in sight, but a 500 or 600 foot stroll to the S was all it took for a grand view.

Lupe rests beside her “tiny house” pitched at 11,250 ft. elevation. **Mt. Nystrom** is in view (L of Center). Photo looks SSE.

The view of **Lake 11,145** from the tiny house. Photo looks WNW.

What a day it had been! Lupe had tons of fun racing around the woods barking at squirrels. She had forded 4 major streams, countless small creeks, crossed numerous soggy bogs and huge snow drifts, climbed on rocks, and traveled many a mile. Divide and Conquer had worked! The Carolina Dog was now in position for an ascent of Wind River Peak tomorrow.

She’d had hardly anything to eat all day, though. Part of a Cliff bar and a single bowl of Taste of the Wild. Didn’t matter. Lupe was too tired to eat. The sun wasn’t down quite yet, but Loop was ready to go inside her “tiny house” and curl up on her sleeping bag.

Outside, clouds were gathering. A few raindrops struck the tiny house. SPHP pulled some of her sleeping bag over the exhausted Carolina Dog.

So far, so good, Loopster. You did great again today, sweet Dingo! Just hope we don’t get drenched tonight.

Lupe didn’t hear it. She was already in Dingo dreamland still barking happily at all those lovely squirrels.

One tired puppy snoozing in her “tiny house” at 11,250 feet 1.5 miles SSE of **Wind River Peak**, WY 7-10-17.

Related Links:

Prior Adventure

Wind River Peak, Wyoming – Part 3: Tayo Lake to the Summit (7-11-17)