Wyoming Range – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Mount McDougal, Wyoming Range, Wyoming (6-21-22)

Days 5 & 6 of Lupe’s Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming!

6-20-22, 8:57 AM, 17 miles in on Smiths Fork Road –

OK, we’re done. This is a fiasco! Never going to get there this way! Bark, or something, Looper, if it looks like we’re about to go over the edge.

Ahead the road was blocked with snow. A pickup could have gotten through easily enough, but there were still miles to go, road conditions were steadily deteriorating, and there hadn’t been a bit of traffic. SPHP had no intention of getting the RAV4 stuck way out here.

Backing down for over a mile to a decent spot to turn around, the RAV4’s rear camera was highly useful in preventing an inadvertent plunge over the cliff edge into the frigid waters of Smiths Fork.

Guess you’re going to get to visit Afton, after all, Loopster!

Driving N through town on Hwy 89, Afton’s main claim to fame was the World’s Largest Elkhorn Arch, complete with battling elk.

Top of the **World’s Largest Elkhorn Arch** over Hwy 89 in Afton.

The whole purpose of trying to take Smiths Fork Road earlier had been to use it as a shortcut to Greys River Road and the Crow Creek trailhead providing access to Mount Fitzpatrick (10,907 ft.). SPHP kept driving N all the way to Alpine to reach Greys River Road there.

From Alpine, Greys River Road went E, then S up the Greys River valley. Lupe had a blast riding with her head out the window watching for wildlife. Plenty of deer, and a even a moose! A herd of black cattle elicited a furious response from the excited American Dingo. However, as beautiful as the mountains were, the views were a bit disconcerting.

First official day of summer tomorrow, Loop! Way more snow on some of these peaks than I was expecting.

We like the snow, don’t we, SPHP? Makes the mountains look so much more dramatic!

Yes, but more dramatic in reality, too, not just appearance, Loop. Having second thoughts about Mount Fitzpatrick.

Which one is Fitzpatrick, SPHP?

Oh, I don’t know. Wouldn’t recognize it if I saw it, but it’s one of these higher peaks.

You’re worried that it’s going to be too snowy, SPHP?

Yeah, I am. The last part of the climb is supposed to be a steep ascent up the N face. Might be a ton of snow on that side of the mountain.

Greys River Road went on and on. For some reason expecting to come to a pass at McDougal Gap Road before reaching the Crow Creek trailhead, SPHP got to daydreaming. Eventually, a pass was reached. SPHP parked the RAV4, and Lupe hopped out for a sniff.

Surprisingly cool out beneath a cloudy sky. A sign said Tri-Basin Divide.

**Peak 9730** (L) from **Tri-Basin Divide**. Photo looks SW.

6-20-22, 2:11 PM, Tri-Basin Divide, Wyoming Range –

Are we close to Mount Fitzpatrick yet, SPHP?

Not entirely sure, Loop. Doubt we’ll even be able to see Fitzpatrick from the road. We’ve come such a long way already, that I can’t image it being too much farther to the Crow Creek trailhead. Wonder what happened to McDougal Gap Road, anyway? Sure doesn’t seem to be here.

A check of the paper map SPHP had along shed no light on the mystery. Tri-Basin Divide wasn’t even shown on the map, which covered only a limited region.

Hmm, guess we’ll just have to keep an eye out for Crow Creek, Loopster. Hope there’s a sign. The trailhead isn’t a formal one. Should be on the R as we continue S.

Might be easy to miss, if there isn’t a sign, SPHP. What about your fancy new iPhone? Maybe you ought to check it, too? That peakbagger app helped us find Buck Mountain back in the Bighorns.

Oh, that’s right! Great idea, Loop! Might give us a good estimate on how much farther we need to go, if I can remember how to use it.

The iPhone and peakbagger app worked. The news was shocking.

Oh, good grief! Can this be right?

What does it say, SPHP? How much farther do we need to go?

No farther at all, Loop. We’re way too far S already! Mount Fitzpatrick is more than 18 miles NNW! Somehow I must have totally spaced out both McDougal Gap Road and Crow Creek.

Someone needs to pay more attention to what they’re doing, SPHP!

Heh. No denying that! Second fiasco of the day! No real harm done, though. The American Dingo enjoyed a 2nd long scenic drive, this time back N along Greys River Road. A Crow Creek sign was eventually seen at a bend in the road, just S of a small pullout with room enough for a few cars. That had to be the trailhead.

A mile S of the Crow Creek sign, a side road went into a big field with a lone picnic table. SPHP parked the RAV4 50 feet from the Greys River. Cold and damp! Afternoon high of 55ºF, and most of the time well below that, as brief periods of sunshine were interrupted by a series of rain showers. A respite an hour before sunset permitted an evening stroll to the Crow Creek sign and back.

Only sign along Greys River Road for the Crow Creek trailhead. Photo looks SW.

6-21-22, 6:18 AM, 28ºF, Greys River 1 mile S of the Crow Creek trailhead –

SPHP turned on the defroster, then hopped out to scrape ice off the RAV4’s windshield. Meanwhile, Lupe sniffed among frosty sagebrush, exploring nearby. It had been a cold night, but the sky was clear this morning. Longest day of the year! Should warm up fast.

During the drive N, the RAV4 warmed up even faster. The warmth felt good. Exciting drive, too! The Carolina Dog saw lots of deer, that same moose, and a bunny.

You do realize that you’ve way overshot the Crow Creek trailhead again, right, SPHP? How come?

Change of plans, Looper. Fitzpatrick is out, at least for the time being. It’s a backpack trip, and from the amount of snow we’ve seen, I’m convinced it’s too soon to take on the N face of any of these higher peaks.

So, where are we going, SPHP?

Mount McDougal (10,780 ft.), Loop! It’s a much shorter trek, a mere day hike up an E slope, so probably a lot less snow. Our chances of success ought to be much better there. Even if McDougal turns out to be a fail, at least we’ll only have wasted one day instead of two.

6-21-22, 7:45 AM, 35ºF, McDougal Gap trailhead – The turn E off Greys River Road onto McDougal Gap Road had come 10 miles N of the Crow Creek sign. Small wonder SPHP missed it yesterday. The only sign at the turn said “Sheep Creek”. No mention of McDougal Gap. No pass there, either. Evidently that was a figment of SPHP’s imagination.

Other than a little easily avoided rockfall, McDougal Gap Road had been in great shape. Lupe now stood in bright sunshine in a stony trailhead parking lot at the top of McDougal Gap, which actually was a pass, with a great view of Triple Peak (11,127 ft.) beyond her.

**Triple Peak** from the **McDougal Gap trailhead**. Photo looks S.

A dazzling morning – crisp and bright beneath a super blue sky cleansed by yesterday’s rains. Other than the RAV4, the gigantic parking lot was empty. A lone deer stood grazing near the edge of the forest over by the W end. Going to be a glorious day!

6-21-22, 9:27 AM, 58ºF – With Mount McDougal already in sight less than 2 miles from the trailhead, a leisurely start had been possible. As Lupe finally hit the trail after breakfast, and SPHP’s other dilly-dallying delays, the morning was already comfortably warm. Crossing a meadow, the trail entered a forest, where it followed USFS Road No. 10148 NNE.

Setting out for **Mount McDougal** (L). Photo looks N.

Following USFS Road No. 10148. Photo looks NNE.

Before long, the road forked, more than once as it turned out. Always staying toward the L, Lupe continued NNE.

At the first fork in the road. Photo looks N.

Still an easy trek, the road steepened. 0.75 mile from the trailhead, it narrowed back down to a single track trail. Lupe came to a clearing where Mount McDougal was in sight again. Crossing a tiny stream, she reached a larger opening where a mound of dark soil was exposed.

According to the map, the American Dingo had to be somewhere near the old Kleinstick Mine now. Was that black mound leftover tailings? Hard to say. Might have been natural, too. Lupe didn’t bother looking for the mine. Attention was focused on Mount McDougal’s upper E face. A surprising amount of snow up there! Seeing it, SPHP’s heart sank.

Climbing a little faster as the road narrows down to a single track trail. Photo looks N.

**Mount McDougal** in sight again. Photo looks NW.

Crossing a tiny stream near the location of the old Kleinstick Mine. Photo looks N.

By the mound of dark soil. **Mount McDougal’s snowy E face** (R). Photo looks NE.

Continuing past the Kleinstick Mine region, Lupe crossed another tiny stream. The trail climbed steeply back into the forest, then got easier again. A Wyoming Range National Recreational Trail sign was nailed to a tree. Beyond it, the forest started giving way to large meadows.

0.25 mile N of the mine, the trail flattened out completely. Abandoning it, Lupe climbed NW toward stands of aspens bearing new leaves.

The Wyoming Range National Recreation Trail emblem. According to the map, Lupe was on Trail No. 048.

Leaving the trail for **Mount McDougal**. Photo looks W.

Once past the aspens, things really opened up. A long green slope, partly covered with sagebrush, rose hundreds of feet toward scattered stands of conifers, bands of gray rock, and snowfields above. Lupe had a riot roaming at will while SPHP trudged higher, often pausing to take in the views while gasping for air.

Cooling off on one of the first snowbanks. Photo looks NNW.

Approaching a line of conifers below **McDougal’s E face**. Photo looks WNW.

Making progress! **Triple Peak** (L), **Peak 10290** (R of Center). Photo looks S.

Beyond the last big stand of conifers, a steep, barren slope led toward the first large snowfield. Above it, bands of gray rock formed long lines of small cliffs. The cliffs were of less concern than the snow. As steep as this slope was, if the snow proved icy, Lupe wasn’t going to be able to climb Mount McDougal.

SPHP wasn’t equipped for an ice climb. Poles were it.

Above the conifers, approaching the snowfields and cliffs. Photo looks W.

Postponing the inevitable, SPHP encouraged the Carolina Dog to avoid this first big snowfield as long as possible. Climbing on bare ground as far as she could, Lupe discovered the bones of someone who evidently hadn’t made it up Mount McDougal along the way.

Success is never guaranteed while climbing mountains.

Not the result Lupe or SPHP were looking for.

Moment of truth, SPHP! We going any higher?

The steep snowfield looked daunting. 200 feet up just to reach the base of the cliffs, with no obvious route above them.

Be careful, but let’s give it a shot, Looper. Onward! Puppy, ho!

The snow was soft, not icy. SPHP sank in a foot or two with every step. Lupe had no problem, the snow supporting her weight. A little higher up, the snow was firm enough to better support SPHP, too. Poles were a huge help, adding confidence that a rocket slide to the bottom wouldn’t take place.

Cautious progress was made. Soon the cliffs weren’t much farther.

Closing in on the gray cliffs. Photo looks W.

Right at the base of the cliffs, SPHP suddenly plunged mid-thigh deep into the snow. Took several minutes of struggle to get extracted again, while Lupe watched from the safety of the rocks.

Once SPHP was able to join her, it was time to look for a route through the cliff bands. Angling SSW, where the going looked easiest, Lupe led the way up a series of small ledges and ramps.

Starting up the gray rock cliffs. Photo looks SSW.

Loopster on a narrow, sloping bench. **Triple Peak** (L) in the distance. Photo looks S.

The cliff bands were taller than it initially appeared, perhaps 80 to 100 feet all told. Lupe managed to reach a fairly wide ramp below the tallest line of cliffs, which presented a continuous barrier 20 to 30 feet high.

There was a weakness a bit lower toward the S where the cliffs weren’t quite as high, but success appeared questionable even there. Turning N instead, following the ramp higher, Lupe searched for a better spot.

On the wide ramp, following the base of the cliffs. Photo looks N.

For a little way, the cliffs were impassable, but a cleft finally appeared that might work. The trickiest section was only 12 feet high, and had a few decent paw holds.

Ascending the cleft. **Lander Peak** (far L), **Triple Peak** (L) in the distance. Photo looks S.

Too vertical! Lupe needed help! Very carefully, SPHP managed to boost Looper to where she could claw the rest of the way up to safety herself.

Safely above the worst of the cleft. Photo looks W.

And that was the worst of it. Scrambling after Lupe, SPHP made it to the upper end of the cleft, too. The gray cliffs extended only a little higher, presenting no further problems.

The success experienced crossing this first snowfield, and getting past the gray cliff band, was encouraging, but more challenges lay ahead. Another steep stretch of dirt, scree, and scant vegetation led to a much larger snowfield. Way up along the E rim of the summit region, a long, continuous cornice curled out into space over the edge.

Approaching the upper snowfield. Photo looks W.

During the trudge up to this next snowfield, SPHP decided to aim toward a substantial region of bare ground slightly toward the S (L). Upon reaching the snowfield, Lupe started up.

Ascending the upper snowfield. Photo looks W.

Sneaking a peek back down the mountain. **Wind River Range** on the horizon. Photo looks NE.

This second steep snow climb seemed borderline foolish the entire way. Most of the snow was fairly soft, but this high up, there were a few icy sections, too, which absolutely had to be avoided. Lupe climbed several hundred feet up to the first rock outcropping. Happily, firm terrain was more frequent after that.

Following rock outcroppings higher wherever possible. Photo looks W.

It all worked! Lupe reached the big barren area SPHP had been aiming for. To the N, the enormous snowfield extended unbroken ever more steeply all the way up to the cornice hanging over the mountain’s E rim. The American Dingo didn’t have to worry about that, though. The bare ground she was on provided steep, loose support, all the way up to Mount McDougal’s SE ridge.

Back on solid ground. Actually, it was kind of loose. Photo looks WSW.

Heading up to the SE ridge. Photo looks WSW.

Looper reached the SE ridge within 100 vertical feet of the summit. For the first time in a long while, there were a few small flat areas, so a rest break was in order. Beef jerky and water for all! Sitting together, Lupe and SPHP contemplated the incredible views, and final obstacle above.

The cornice overhanging the E edge of the mountain did not extend all the way to the SE ridge, but a huge near-vertical wall of snow did. How was Lupe ever going to get up that? The snow wall appeared to be 20 to 40 feet high. Even if the American Dingo did get up it, how would she ever get down again in one piece?

At the break spot along the SE ridge. Photo looks NW.

So close, and yet so far? Summoning what energy could be mustered, Lupe and SPHP went up for a closer look.

Cornice view from just below the summit. Photo looks N.

*Have faith, SPHP! We’re almost there!* Photo looks SW.

The wall of snow wasn’t truly vertical, only almost so. And it wasn’t 40 feet high, merely 20. However, it remained a formidable obstacle. No way around it, L or R. For poor Lupe, it was either straight on up right here, or Mount McDougal was a fail!

Failure, after coming all this way? Sheesh! Stay here, Looper. I’m going to see if I can kick-step my way to the top.

The snow wall was kind of hard. Kicking steps into it took quite a bit of kicking, but SPHP managed to inch most of the way up. Looking down to check on Lupe, SPHP was shocked. That crazy Carolina Dog was right below SPHP, also using the steps!

Silly, adorable, faithful Dingo! Loop might easily fall and get hurt! SPHP couldn’t back down now, either. Kicking a few more steps into the snow, SPHP’s head was just getting to where another 5 feet that wasn’t quite as steep came into view, when suddenly, somehow, Lupe was right there, standing on the super steep slope on the brink of destruction, calmly blinking in the sunlight.

Up, Loop, up! Don’t stop here, you’ll fall! Keep going! Get to the top!

Up the American Dingo went, smiling broadly as SPHP joined her atop Mount McDougal moments later.

*About time, SPHP! Glad you made it!* Photo looks NW.

6-21-22, 2:06 PM, 62ºF, Mount McDougal (10,780 ft.) – Fear to elation! Atop an enormous snowbank that undulated hundreds of feet SW, Lupe had no more mountain to climb.

Wow, Loop! Can’t believe you climbed that wall of snow! Astounding! What a dramatic finish!

So, this is the top, SPHP?

Absolutely! In fact, it appears you’ve climbed above Mount McDougal! This snowbank is temporarily the true summit.

That’s got to be a first for us, SPHP! Don’t think we’ve ever climbed above a mountain before have we?

Not anywhere near this extent that I can remember, Looper.

**Mount McDougal summit +**! **Triple Peak** (L). Photo looks S.

On the enormous summit snowbank. Photo looks SW.

Greatly enhanced by the amount of snow lingering on the mountains on this crystal clear summer solstice day, the views were astonishing, too! SPHP hadn’t expected anything like this. Near and far, snowy peaks in almost every direction, except E toward the sagebrush prairie thousands of feet below.

The Wyoming and Salt River ranges to the S and SW were particularly awesome. Triple Peak (11,127 ft.) and Lander Peak (10,450 ft.) were easily identifiable only 4 or 5 miles S. SPHP didn’t recognize any other peaks, but Wyoming Peak (11,378 ft.), which Lupe had visited in 2015, might well have been on the S horizon. Mount Fitzpatrick (10,907 ft.), which she hadn’t been to yet, was likely in sight a dozen miles SW, too.

Mount McDougal technically extended another 3 miles NNW. Lupe had a grand view of several subpeaks strung out along the ridgeline, most notable of which was Peak 10742. Part of the Teton Range was visible far beyond it. More directly N, quite a bit closer than the Tetons, was an isolated snowy peak SPHP suspected might be Hoback Peak (10,862 ft.). Portions of the Gros Ventre Range were visible NNE well beyond it.

**Peak 10742** (L) along the **Mount McDougal ridge**. **Hoback Peak** (Center) far away. **Gros Ventre Range** (R) on the horizon. Photo looks N.

Glimpse of **the Tetons** (Center) beyond **Peak 10742** (R). Photo looks NNW with lots of help from the telephoto lens.

Far to the NE, the Wind River Range was in sight beyond a vast expanse of high sagebrush desert.

**Wind River Range** on the horizon. Photo looks NE.

Zoomed in on **giants of the Wind River Range**. Photo looks NE.

After an initial look around from Mount Dougal’s temporary snowbank summit, Lupe left the snow in search of the normal true summit, which was farther SW. An open lane of dirt near a line of stunted trees just N of the snowbank went that way.

Loop up on **the temporary snowbank true summit**. Photo looks ENE.

Heading SW in search of the normal true summit. Photo looks SW.

Whether Lupe actually crossed Mount McDougal’s official true summit somewhere along the way, or whether it might have been hidden under the snow was never clear, but the Carolina Dog did go all the way to the SW end of the summit region, where a cairn sat perched near the edge.

The cairn was hollow. SPHP wasn’t the least bit surprised to find a small upside down coffee can painted maroon inside. Beneath it, a jar with a red lid contained a pink notebook serving as a registry. As expected, the first entries were by Richard Carey and Shelley Rogers.

A classic Richard Carey registry installation inside the cairn.

Inside cover and first page of the registry.

For a long time, Lupe relaxed while SPHP read the registry, added her name to it, then munched an apple while gazing out upon the glorious mountain vistas. The tuckered out American Dingo even rolled over on her side for a while, dozing in the warm sun.

Resting near the cairn. **Salt River Range** in the background. Photo looks WSW.

The especially snowy peak (R of Center) may be **Peak 10499**. Photo looks SSW with help from the telephoto lens.

**Wyoming Range** in the foreground, **Salt River Range** beyond. **Peak 10499** (R). Photo looks SSW.

Looking S with lots of help from the telephoto lens.

Peering into the **North Fork of Sheep Creek valley**. **Greys River valley** and **Salt River Range** beyond the near ridge. Photo looks WNW.

Beef jerky and Taste of the Wild eventually revived Lupe. She then took a turn roaming about, surveying the views herself.

**Triple Peak** (Center), **Lander Peak** (L). Photo looks S.

**Triple Peak** (Center). Photo looks S with help from the telephoto lens.

Looking W down the **Sheep Creek valley** into the **Greys River valley**. **Salt River Range** beyond.

The plucky Carolina Dog even wandered back to the snow summit for a while, before returning to the region near the cairn for another rest.

Over near the snow summit again. Photo looks NE.

Back by the cairn. **Peak 10742** (L of Center), **Hoback Peak** (R of Center) in the distance. Photo looks N.

No wind, comfortably warm, tremendous clarity, spectacular views! Could it get any better? May it always be so! Lupe lingered, as time slipped away. Exactly 2 hours after arriving, Loop stood poised on the summit cairn for the last time.

A fantastic view, but sadly time to go. Photo looks SW.

SPHP was extraordinarily concerned as Lupe headed back to the snow summit. Following footsteps and clawing her way up was one thing, but how could Loop possibly get down the wall of snow without falling?

Peering down the SE ridge from the edge of the snow summit. Photo looks SE.

The mere thought was sickening. Looper was going to fall! SPHP was certain of it. Only one possible solution came to mind.

SPHP fastened her leash.

Stay right here, Loop! Don’t move a muscle until I tell you to!

On **Mount McDougal’s snow summit**, leashed up, awaiting orders. Photo looks WSW.

Trusting eyes watched SPHP slide slowly backward over the edge until the support of the kick steps was reached. Keeping a tight grip on a short section of leash, SPHP urged Lupe to start down.

Lupe fell! More than once, but the leash almost immediately halted each free fall, allowing the dangling Carolina Dog to frantically dig in, regain her balance and a precarious grip on the wall of snow.

Down, down! SPHP descended the kick steps as quickly as caution would allow. The ordeal was over and done with very quickly. Made it! Removing the leash, the American Dingo was no worse for the wear.

Oh, there was more to come during the long descent! Having braved the snow fields once, though, they didn’t seem as daunting, and the views were spectacular facing down the mountain.

The final obstacle of real concern was the near-vertical notch in the gray cliffs. Seemed even trickier going down than coming up. SPHP started down first, certain Lupe was going to need help again. However, just as SPHP managed to get past the worst spot, there was a noise. Looking up, Loopster was gone!

I’m down here, SPHP!

Looking down, the crazy American Dingo stood smiling, safe and sound, on the wide ramp below.

Are you completely nuts, Loop? How did you do that? Did you sprout Dingo wings and fly?

The answer remained Lupe’s little secret, a mystery for the ages.

One more snowfield to go, and the rest would all be easy! Lupe happily led the way. Mount McDougal (10,780 ft.) had been a fabulous day! (End 6:46 PM)

**Mount McDougal**, Wyoming Range, Wyoming 6-21-22

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Wyoming Peak, Wyoming (8-28-15)

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Bradley Mountain, Wyoming Range, Wyoming (7-9-21)

Days 17-19 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming!

7-8-21, 2:37 PM, E of Alpine – Only a few dispersed camping sites here, but the luck of the Dingo held! 15 minutes after arriving, the tattooed lady with two kids who were collecting seashells abandoned the best spot, allowing SPHP to seize it.

On a shady bank overlooking the Greys River, Lupe was set for the day! Miss Hot Paws cooled off wading along the edge of the beautiful river while SPHP took a dip, then spent her time snoozing, or barking at squirrels.

At the premier dispersed camping site overlooking the Greys River.

7-9-21, 6:28 AM, 46ºF – A cattle guard on Greys River Road was only a mile or two E of the spiffy dispersed camping site where Lupe had spent the night. SPHP parked the RAV4 at the second pullout on the R beyond it, which seemed to be about the right area.

Sure enough, on the opposite N side of the road, an unmarked use trail went up the embankment.

Setting out for Bradley Mountain (9,292 ft.), Lupe climbed steadily, but SPHP soon realized that the use trail she was on wasn’t climbing fast enough. The American Dingo had barely started when it curved around the L side of the ridge ahead as though destined to proceed up the valley to the W. Doubts already! Maybe this wasn’t the right trail? Loopster needed to be up on the ridgeline.

Off to a seemingly good start, looking back down on the river and Greys River Road. Photo looks S.

But the use trail soon headed toward the valley to the W. Photo looks WNW.

Starting to realize that Lupe needed to be up on the ridgeline (R). Photo looks N.

Hoping for the best, SPHP stuck with the use trail too long before giving up on it. Delaying the steep ascent required to get up onto the ridge had been a mistake. Looper faced a tough climb when she finally made her move. Any steeper, and SPHP would have been clinging to stuff. During pauses to gasp for breath, SPHP noticed that the loose gray soil was full of little white seashells, or maybe they were snail shells?

Off-trail, trying to get up to the ridgeline.

Reaching the ridgeline was a relief. The rounded ridge was plenty wide, and covered with sagebrush and plants with big arrow-shaped leaves. Scattered trees provided shade which wasn’t needed yet, but would be soon enough.

Even the ridge climbed at a fairly aggressive rate. Before long, Lupe was starting to get some views. Somewhat worryingly, toward the S, the sky was turning white.

Success! Happily, up on the ridgeline where life is better! Photo looks NW.

A long way up already, and starting to get some views. Photo looks S.

Another use trail ran up the ridge, which eventually broadened out into a small valley. The trail continued across it, then up to a higher region. A forested high point came into view ahead. Probably HP8518, the first of a series of big knobs SPHP had seen mentioned in various trip reports.

As Lupe continued higher, paused SPHP for breathers. The best view during these short breaks was of Stewart Mountain (10,103 ft.) back to the S. It’s barren summit stood out among the otherwise heavily forested region around it.

Crossing the small valley. Photo looks NNW.

**HP8518**, the first “knob” (L of Center) comes into view. Photo looks N.

Steadily higher, but easy terrain. **HP8518** (L). Photo looks N.

Looking back. **Stewart Mountain** (R). Photo looks S.

**Stewart Mountain**. Photo looks S with help from the telephoto lens.

The ridge broadened out into a wide sagebrush and big arrowhead leaf plant meadow. Losing the trail, Lupe stayed toward the E (R) side of the ridge where a few trees offered shade. A minor high point wasn’t far ahead. E of it, the terrain appeared to be topping out.

When Lupe got there, a short break was taken in the shade of several big trees. Ants had built a vast metropolis nearby. Across a flat region also full of sagebrush and the big arrowhead leaf plants, the minor highpoint was now seen to be a small, flat ridge. N of it, a second knob was visible above and beyond HP8518.

Approaching the **minor high point** (L), Lupe stayed toward the R. Photo looks N.

A small portion of the bustling red and black ant metropolis.

**Minor highpoint** (actually a small ridge) (L). **HP8518** (Center). Photo looks NW.

Loop was perfectly happy relaxing in the shade, but still had a long way to go. After water and only a short rest, she headed WNW across the flat region toward the little ridge, rediscovering the use trail again on the way. After climbing up onto the ridge, the trail turned N toward HP8518.

Lower down, the big arrowhead-shaped leaf plants had a dry, past their prime look, but up here they still sported big yellow flowers. HP8518‘s E slope was all meadow, and it sure appeared that the American Dingo ought to be able to go up that way easily enough. However, trip reports SPHP had read all suggested that the best route was W of the knobs.

Back on the trail near the top of the little ridge. **HP8518** (Center). Photo looks NNW.

Hmm. I don’t know. What do you think, Looper? Which way should we go? The E slope looks pretty good to me.

Why not let the trail decide, SPHP? If it goes W, fine! But if it fades away, staying E looks better to me, too, as long as we stick close enough to the forest to check for squirrels, and get out of the sun if we need to.

Starting up HP8518. the use trail headed into the trees. Lupe climbed only a little way before it did swing over toward the W. Since the trail was actually more distinct along in here, Loop stuck with it. Leveling out, the trail traversed a steep, mostly forested slope. Before long, there were open stretches, too, and a SW ridge could be seen ahead.

Heading for the **SW ridge** (L). Photo looks WNW.

Upon reaching the SW ridge, the trail divided. An easy 30 foot climb would have gotten Lupe up onto the open ridgeline, but the clearest branch of the trail turned NE, so she went that way instead.

The level traverse was over. Paralleling the SW ridge, never all that far from the crest, the use trail began another steep climb. Entering a big stand of aspens, Lupe followed a series of tight switchbacks higher.

After a good climb, the trail entered a conifer forest as it finally went over the crest of the SW ridge. Lupe was now on an another steep slope almost directly W of HP8518. The trail flattened out for a while before resuming the ascent at an easier pace.

Bradley Mountain’s summit was now only a mile NW. For the first time, the American Dingo began getting glimpses of it from small openings in the forest. Bradley Mountain (9,292 ft.) was just a big hill! Didn’t look difficult at all.

**Bradley Mountain** (L) from the W slope of **HP8518**. Photo looks N.

**Bradley Mountain summit** (Center). Photo looks NW with help from the telephoto lens.

Still below and W of the knobs, the trail began turning NNW. Lupe came to a flat corridor between conifer forest on the R (E) and aspens on the L (W). The corridor soon widened out into a big meadow providing the first truly unobstructed views of her objective.

On the level corridor between the aspens and conifers. Photo looks N.

Entering the meadow. **Bradley Mountain** dead ahead! Photo looks NW.

The trail vanished. Ahead, the meadow sloped downward. Rather than lose elevation, Lupe turned NE toward some tall trees. After a short rest in the shade, she continued up to the ridgeline the knobs were strung out along, picking up the trail again on the way.

The ridge was open where Loop reached it, already N of HP8518 and a couple of other knobs. HP8825, the last of the big knobs was now visible directly ahead. The trail aimed toward it, but well before getting there, went over to the W side of the ridgeline and descended to another part of the big meadow.

Finally up on the ridge the knobs were strung out along. **HP8825** (R) ahead! **Bradley Mountain** (L). Photo looks N.

About to drop down to the meadow again. Photo looks NW.

Looper lost maybe 60 feet of elevation before the trail leveled out. Soon she was climbing again. When the trail returned to the ridgeline NW of HP8825, Lupe was overjoyed!

SPHP, look! A glacier!

Streaking toward the Bradley Mountain Glacier, the American Dingo was off like a shot. Seconds later, she was there, enthusiastically rolling and thrashing about on the soft, cold snow of a big snowbank melting into a pond.

Ecstasy on the **Bradley Mountain Glacier**! Photo looks ESE.

Feeling a little hot, were you, aye, Loop?

You try climbing mountains in July wearing a fur coat, SPHP! You’ll see!

Climbing steadily, the trail continued up a little valley above the glacier. It soon veered W out onto a grassy, gently sloping bench on the upper S face of Bradley Mountain. Only 200 feet below the summit now, the trail continued W, seemingly uninterested in going there. However, it looked like Lupe could scramble N up to rock outcroppings along the E ridge, cutting some distance off a final assault on the summit.

Refreshed by her glacier experience, the Carolina Dog went for it.

On the sloping bench of the S face only 200 feet below the summit. Photo looks WNW.

Plenty steep, but perfectly doable. Some loose soil and rock near the top, but Lupe got there.

A Dingo’s eye view of the **Bradley Mountain Glacier**. Photo looks ESE.

Bradley Mountain’s E ridge was quite narrow where Loop reached it. A little gnarlier than expected, too. However, the view to the W was most encouraging. The Carolina Dog wasn’t far from the summit now, and only a little lower.

Destined for success, Lupe headed WNW. At one point she had to drop a little down the N side of the ridge to get past a sharp drop, but after that, the terrain wasn’t as rocky and began to broaden out. Suddenly, all that remained was a short grassy stroll to the high point.

**Summit** (R of Center) bound! Photo looks WNW.

Glancing back as the E ridge broadens out. **HP8825** (L of Center) in the foreground. Photo looks SE.

7-9-21, 12:29 PM, 70ºF – Lupe came up Bradley Mountain (9,292 ft.) from the ESE, arriving almost immediately at the true summit, situated close to the SE end of a summit region roughly 5 acres in size. Most of the mountaintop consisted of a rolling sagebrush meadow that sloped gradually down toward the NW. A band of trees stood along the N edge.

Directly over the true summit, a 12 foot tall metal framework supported a single large solar panel used to power a communications site. Beneath it was a small well-constructed cairn.

Although Bradley Mountain hadn’t been a rugged or difficult peak at all, roughly 3,400 feet of elevation had been gained over the course of 3 miles. Lupe and SPHP were both ready for a good long break. While SPHP checked out the cairn, the American Dingo relaxed in the shade cast by the solar panel.

By the cairn at the **true summit**. Photo looks NE.

Taking it easy on **Bradley Mountain**. Photo looks W.

The cairn was hollow. Removing one of the two rocks serving as a roof revealed an upside down tin can painted red. The sight brought a flood of emotion.

Loopster! Guess what? Richard Carey has been here! Remember Cathedral Mountain?

Up in the Brooks Range in Alaska, SPHP? Of course, I do! Oh, that was a glorious day! What a magnificent mountain!

No understatement there. Cathedral Mountain had been where Lupe first encountered one of Richard Carey’s signature red tin cans back in 2017. Lifting it, SPHP wasn’t surprised to see a jar containing a small red spiral notebook, a pen, and a pencil. Sure enough, the first entry in this little registry was by Richard Carey.

Gosh, Loop! If we’d been here less than a year ago, we could have met Richard Carey. And Shelley Rogers was with him!

Shelley Rogers?

Yes. Remember the Chandalar Shelf not too far from Atigun Pass?

Where we were going to climb Table Mountain (6,314 ft.), but had to turn back due to rain and fog, SPHP?

Yeah. Richard and Shelley climbed Table Mountain together, too. There’s a picture of Shelley on Peakbagger.com standing next to a cairn up there that’s as tall as she is. I looked at that picture so many times before we made our trivial attempt, that I almost expected we would find Shelley still standing there, if we had made it to the top.

The registry contained only one other entry. Dustin Erickson had been here on 6-1-21. SPHP added Lupe’s name before returning the registry to the jar and hiding it under the red tin can back inside the cairn.

For an hour, Loop and SPHP remained there beneath the solar panel. Every now and then the Carolina Dog had to move a little to stay in the shade. She munched at her Taste of the Wild or tried to doze while SPHP muttered away.

Funny, isn’t it, Loop?

Oh, yes! Absolutely hilarious! Care to mention what you’re talking about, SPHP?

All the names we see on Peakbagger.com. Thousands of them! At first, they’re all meaningless, but over time, some stand out. Usually because we’ve been to some of the same places. Like our first ill-fated peakbagging hero, Edward Earl, or Tim Worth! Not always, though. Yet after a while you start to feel like you somehow know these people, almost like they’re personal friends, even though we’ve never met or had any contact.

Haven’t we exchanged a few emails with Richard Carey, SPHP? I know we did!

True enough. Smart guy! Richard’s been to many exotic places, knows a lot of history, and writes extremely accurate trip reports. But I’m not just talking about Mr. Carey, but the whole peakbagging “community”, if you want to call it that.

Well, we know Jobe Wymore and Dave Covill, SPHP! And they’re both terrific! No doubt there are lots of great individuals, and canines I might add, out wandering in the mountains like us. Glad they’re not all here right now, though! We like it remote and secluded, don’t we?

Yeah, most of the time. Sometimes fun to have company.

We’re always together, SPHP!

True dat, sweet puppy!

Bradley Mountain was quiet enough. Unfortunately, the morning’s white sky had foretold the situation. A smoky haze was in all directions, and getting worse, carried in on a SW breeze. Grand Teton (13,770 ft.) had been faintly visible far to the N when Lupe first reached the summit, but no sign of it now.

Regardless, it was about time for a tour of the summit region. Splendid mountains everywhere, but the smoke was bad enough to significantly degrade all views. A glimpse of relatively nearby highlights was about it. These included Ferry Peak (9,612 ft.), a distinctive light gray ridge to the NW, the S end of the Palisades Reservoir to the W, and Stewart Mountain (10,103 ft.) to the S.

Setting off on the summit tour. Photo looks S.

**Ferry Peak** (Center). Photo looks NW.

**Palisades Reservoir**, dimly seen down by Alpine. Photo looks W.

**Stewart Mountain** (R). Photo looks S.

7-9-21, 1:59 PM – During the 1.5 hours Loopster had been up on Bradley Mountain the SW breeze had kicked up to more of a wind, and the air seemed to be getting smokier by the minute. Once again, the Carolina Dog sat by the cairn at the true summit.

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

Guess this is about it, huh, SPHP?

The way this smoke is looking, maybe in more ways than one, Looper. But you’re right, it’s time. Onward! Puppy, ho!

The descent via the same route went fine, fast and easy until SPHP made a change. Lupe was already clear down to the small valley the use trail had crossed on the way up, when SPHP decided that maybe going down the valley would be better than following the ridge.

Huge mistake! Started out OK, but soon Lupe was plunging steeply through thick vegetation neck high on SPHP. Slow, miserable! Thankfully, the American Dingo didn’t cliff out. The jungle ordeal seemed endless, but the situation eventually improved.

Finally popping out on Greys River Road 200 yards W of the RAV4, a steady stream of pickups and ATV’s roaring by kicked up clouds of dust during the hot trudge along the road. (End 5:56 PM, 87ºF)

All the dispersed camping sites along the Greys River were taken this late in the day. What now? Lupe still had plans in the Wyoming Range. Last year, the smoke from wildfires farther W hadn’t chased Loop out of Montana until August 10th. Seemed incredible it could be happening a whole month earlier here in Wyoming in 2021, yet the smoke was bad in Alpine.

Too hot down here in any case. In the end, SPHP drove all the way back to the Kilgore Creek trailhead near Hoback Peak where Lupe had been 2 nights ago.

7-10-21, 7:18 AM, 46ºF, Kilgore Creek trailhead – Precisely as feared, too smoky! The Wyoming Range had to be abandoned. Entering Pinedale an hour later, even the Wind River Range was enveloped in haze. Far to the NE, the Bighorn Range became Plan B. By mid-afternoon, Lupe was there. N of the Owl Creek Mountains, the sky had been an encouraging blue again.

Loopster spent the rest of the afternoon and evening at the Lake Point picnic ground overlooking Meadowlark Lake. Just before sunset, she took the short trail up to High Park Lookout (9,477 ft.).

**Bighorn Range** from **High Park Lookout**. Photo looks N.

Patches of snow were visible up on the big peaks along the spine of the Bighorns. Some haziness up there, but not too bad yet. However, the blue skies W of the Bighorns had already vanished during the few hours spent at Lake Point. Smoke to the S, even some to the E, and a big plume heading this way out of the NW.

Sorry, Lupe.

It’s over, SPHP?

Yup. Don’t think there’s any sense in waiting around. Likely to be worse by morning.

Half an hour later, SPHP briefly parked the RAV4 at Powder River Pass. Back to the WNW, a red sun sank into the murk, and was gone.

Now what, SPHP?

This is it, Looper. Your Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming is over. We’re heading home.

But it isn’t even mid-July yet, SPHP! Summer can’t be over!

Oh, it’s not! Looks like a long, hot, dry one still ahead. We’ll clean up and rest up at home, then figure out what to do. In the meantime, pray for a big monsoon to put out the fires out W.

Heh. How likely was that? Not very, but hope springs eternal. The American Dingo wasn’t giving up on the summer of 2021, certainly not yet! (End, 7-11-21, 1:12 AM, home)

On **Bradley Mountain**, Wyoming Range, Wyoming 7-9-21

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Bradley Mountain GPS Track by Sam Grant 7-9-20

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Hoback Peak, Wyoming Range, Wyoming (7-7-21)

Days 15 & 16 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming!

7-6-21, 1:16 PM – 6 miles S of Hwy 189/191 on Upper Hoback River Road, a side road with a 30710 sign angled off to the R (W). This must be it!

At the turn onto USFS Road No. 30710. Photo looks W.

It was. 2.5 miles later, after passing a horse camp, SPHP parked the RAV4 at the Kilgore Creek trailhead. This was a rest day. All the action was going to happen tomorrow. After spending much of the morning at various parks in Pinedale, Lupe could laze about right here all afternoon and evening.

A log had fallen across Kilgore Creek creating a foot high waterfall. No one else around. The Carolina Dog ate her fill, snapped at flies, dozed, and occasionally cooled her paws off and got a drink from the creek. A bit warmer than she would have liked, but overall a very pleasant time. SPHP worked on the trip journal.

7-7-21, 7:40 AM, 52ºF, Kilgore Creek trailhead – Daylight in the swamps! In fact, the sun had been up for a while now. A well-rested American Dingo trotted past the road closed sign, and headed SW on Kilgore Creek trail No. 136. A ford was around the first bend. Lupe waded across.

She was now officially on her way to Hoback Peak (10,862 ft.)!

Morning at the **Kilgore Creek trailhead**.

About to hit Kilgore Creek trail No. 136.

A long sunny meadow was ahead.

Following Kilgore Creek trail No. 136 through the long meadow. Photo looks SW.

Upon reaching the far end of the meadow, Lupe passed through a stretch of forest. The trail curved R and entered a clearing. A second ford was in sight. Loop again splashed through the stream, while SPHP managed to log hop it this time.

At the end of the meadow, about to enter the forest. Photo looks SW.

By **Kilgore Creek** after passing through the forest. Photo looks NE.

Fording **Kilgore Creek** a second time. Photo looks SSW.

Beyond the second ford, Lupe could see some of the mountains farther up the valley. The trail soon led to an abandoned stretch of USFS Road No. 30710. Climbing steadily at an easy pace, the old roadbed rose well above the level of Kilgore Creek, which could still be heard, but not seen.

Beyond the second ford with a glimpse of the mountains ahead.

Gradually gaining elevation following the old roadbed.

The road leveled out well before ending at a meadow. After crossing the meadow, Kilgore Creek trail No. 136 re-entered the forest. Suddenly Lupe was in an area that felt much wilder. The trail climbed in fits and starts, sometimes quite steeply, but there were also both up and down segments at minor ravine crossings, and even some flat stretches.

Loopster began to encounter some deadfall. Fortunately, there wasn’t all that much of it.

Entering the meadow where the old roadbed ended. Photo looks SW.

Crossing a small ravine. Photo looks NW.

Traversing a steep hillside. Photo looks WSW.

Roughly 3 miles from the trailhead, Lupe reached a ravine different from all the others. A tributary of Kilgore Creek flowed through a wide mucky channel of reddish-brown dirt. The whole ravine appeared to have been recently flooded. Lupe sauntered across completely oblivious to how muddy her paws got. SPHP used tree trunks half sunk in the mire to get past the worst of it.

Not far beyond this muddy ravine, the valley broadened out. Kilgore Creek was almost at the trail’s level again, and could be seen in some spots among the bushes covering much of the valley floor. Directly ahead, the mountains were much closer than before.

SPHP was starting to wonder. Somewhere along in here, Loopster was supposed to leave the trail after passing a waterfall. Kilgore Creek was rushing down drops of several feet in places, yet it wasn’t clear if any of these rapids constituted the waterfall in question, or not. The topo map showed a junction with High Line trail No. 136, which headed N, but the American Dingo hadn’t come to it. No signage, either.

Only a little farther on, there was a steep open slope on the R. Looked like it might be the last relatively easy place to climb out of this valley and go N. Perhaps Lupe ought to do that? Seemed like a good idea.

The valley opens up. Lupe headed for the steep open slope on the R. Photo looks W.

As it turned out, the trail was destined for the same slope SPHP had an eye on. Instead of continuing up the valley, the trail switchbacked up it. Lupe was getting close to the top, when the trail entered the forest along the W end of the slope. A short steep climb, and she reached a narrow ridgeline of red dirt.

A roar of water came from a deep ravine W of the ridgeline. On the far side, well above the ravine and where Lupe was now, a tall waterfall plunged down a very steep slope.

Think we’ve found that waterfall you’ve been looking for, SPHP!

I’d venture to say so, too, Loop! No doubt about it now!

At the lower end of the red dirt ridge with the waterfall in sight. Photo looks NW.

The trail, which must actually have been High Line trail No. 136 by now, even though SPHP hadn’t seen any junction, turned N following the red dirt ridge higher along the edge of the deep ravine. Turned out there were two waterfalls, not just one!

Climbing along the edge of the ravine. Photo looks NNW.

The main waterfall. Photo looks NW with help from the telephoto lens.

Twice as nice! Two waterfalls for the price of one! Photo looks W with help from the telephoto lens.

The red dirt ridge soon broadened and leveled out. Directly ahead was a lush green meadow. On its way to a pass E of a huge ridge, High Line trail No. 136 continued N right through the middle of it.

Time for a break! Lupe shared a chocolate coconut bar with SPHP, then relaxed in the shade while watching a deer graze. Meanwhile, SPHP checked the map again.

Entering the lush meadow beyond the waterfalls. Photo looks N.

Looks like this meadow must be where we’re supposed to leave the trail, Loopster.

We’re going to climb that big ridge, SPHP?

Yeah. Not all the way to the highest point, but we’ve got to find a way to get up into the drainage that feeds the waterfalls.

Halfway across the meadow, Lupe left High Line trail No. 136 angling NW toward the steep slope below the massive ridge. Off-trail, the meadow was a thick jungle of bluebells, Indian paintbrush, and other gorgeous wildflowers, but surprisingly uneven and rocky underpaw.

The terrain was steepening when the Carolina Dog made an unexpected discovery. A use trail! If Lupe had stayed on High Line trail No. 136 a bit farther, she would have run into it. As it was, she’d taken a shortcut. Angling gradually up to the SSW, the use trail appeared destined for the lowest part of the ridge a little N of the waterfalls.

The use trail made life, oh, so easy! Gaining elevation as she traversed the slope below the ridge, Lupe enjoyed a gorgeous view to the S.

In the meadow, approaching the ridge. Photo looks SW.

*Nothing to it!* Following the use trail. Photo looks SSW.

Upon reaching the top of the steep slope, the use trail entered the forest. Lupe had made it to the region above the waterfalls. Surprisingly, the use trail did not end here, but turned NW up an open lane.

Entering the region above the waterfalls. Photo looks NW.

This lane wasn’t nearly as steep as the slope Loopster had just come up. Beyond it, the trail angled more WNW, as the terrain flattened further. After crossing a tiny stream, the trail became so faint that it was hard to follow. Lupe wandered through a patchwork of clearings and forest, eventually arriving at the edge of a big clearing with a view of Hoback Peak’s NE face.

Approaching **Hoback Peak**. Photo looks WSW.

Turning WSW, Lupe aimed for an open corridor where she could ford the stream in the valley to the S. Crossing minor tributaries along the way, she avoided marshy areas where the bluebells grew thickest.

Where Loop reached it, even the main stream wasn’t very big. On the far bank was an amazing sight – one of the most profuse and dazzling displays of Indian paintbrush the American Dingo had ever seen.

Crossing the main stream. Photo looks W.

After fording the stream, a broad open corridor was visible next to a long line of trees on the slope ahead. SPHP knew that most climbers go up Hoback Peak’s NE ridge, which was still considerably farther W, but Lupe could climb that slope! Even the terrain above the line of trees looked perfectly feasible.

The wide corridor (L of Center). Photo looks SW.

Lupe climbed and climbed. Reaching the upper end of the line of trees, she turned W roaming a beautiful land. Fewer trees up here, though, and the day was sunny and warm. Too warm for a fur coat!

Loop started hanging back, resting in the shade until SPHP reached the next little stand of trees, or threatened to disappear from view entirely. Then she came running to catch up before seeking another shady spot.

In the beautiful territory above the long line of trees. Photo looks WSW.

Eventually that trick no longer worked. Hardly any trees around at all. Sticking much closer to SPHP again, Lupe trudged higher.

Loopster was heading SW up another long slope when she discovered a game trail that angled up toward the L (ESE). Pausing frequently to gasp for air, SPHP was in favor of any route that wasn’t quite so ambitious. A game trail was fine.

Past most of the trees, heading up an increasingly steep slope. Photo looks SW.

The game trail worked out beautifully. Only one spot where it got rather dicey. The dirt was packed so hard that SPHP’s poles couldn’t penetrate, and boots might lose traction. A 30 foot slide would lead to the brink of a minor cliff, a ride SPHP wasn’t anxious to experience.

Happily, the dicey spot was only 10 to 15 feet long. All went well. Lupe continued up the mountain, eventually leaving the trail to head straight on up the remaining 200 feet to the top of – what?

The view was a bit of a shock.

Good grief! We’re not in Kansas anymore, Loop!

Kansas! Hoback Peak is in Wyoming! I should hope we’re not in Kansas, SPHP! Have you lost your marbles?

No, I just meant that we aren’t where I thought we were.

And where was that, SPHP?

Somehow I’d gotten it in mind that we’d drifted far enough W that we were close to Hoback Peak’s NE ridge. This isn’t it.

Are you sure, SPHP? How do you know?

Yup, 100% certain. That’s got to be Hoback Peak over there!

Instead of being SW, as expected, Hoback Peak (10,862 ft.) was visible off to the WNW!

**Hoback Peak** (Center) from where Lupe reached the SE ridge. Photo looks WNW.

No harm done. Although Hoback Peak was still more than 0.5 mile away, what could be seen from here looked perfectly doable. Lupe turned WNW along the ridgeline.

The ridge was easy to follow. After going over a minor high point, Loop was far enough along to see that there were no major obstacles between here and Hoback’s SE subpeak other than stands of stunted conifers.

Turned out that the conifers weren’t any trouble, even though the ridge narrowed considerably as the Carolina Dog approached. Enough room remained along the brink of minor cliffs to the N (R) to squeeze past the trees without having to struggle through them.

Making progress along the SE ridge. **Hoback’s SE subpeak** (L of Center). **True summit** (R of Center). Photo looks WNW.

Looking back along the **SE ridge**. Photo looks SE.

Lupe was soon heading up Hoback Peak’s SE subpeak. SPHP considered going through a gap between it and a hill to the N to avoid unnecessary elevation gain. However, as Loop got closer, the gap looked so rocky that it seemed better to avoid it.

Heading up **Hoback Peak’s SE subpeak** (L). The gap on the R seemed enticing at this point. Photo looks W.

*Eh! Forget the gap. Too rocky!* **Hoback Peak SE summit** (L). **True summit** (Center). Photo looks WNW.

The SE summit proved to be a nice, barren, flat spot with room enough to move around. The American Dingo now had a grand view of Hoback Peak’s true summit beyond a saddle. Yet SPHP was initially dismayed. It looked like Lupe had cliffed out!

Closer scrutiny revealed that she shouldn’t have any trouble. Cake!

**Hoback Peak’s true summit** from the **SE subpeak**. Photo looks NW.

A rest was taken on the SE subpeak before heading down to the saddle leading to the true summit. Staying toward the NE (R) to avoid a cliff, Lupe passed through an interesting region of large sheets of flat, thin rocks. Once down to the grassy saddle, all that remained was a final weary, but joyful, trek higher.

Approaching the **true summit** (R). Photo looks WSW.

7-7-21, 2:29 PM, 70ºF, Hoback Peak – Hazy, but not too bad. Lupe stood by a survey benchmark at Hoback Peak’s true summit. Nearby was a small, disorganized pile of rocks. A former cairn? No registry, but 360º views! Colorful, rumpled peaks not too far N, the highest of which must have been Claus Peak (10,612 ft.), caught the eye.

At **Hoback Peak’s true summit**. Survey benchmark in front of Lupe. **Claus Peak** (R of Center) in the background. Photo looks N.

Ready to relax and enjoy her traditional summit hour, Loopster laid down. The air was humming. Flocks of butterflies chased each other in dizzying circles. Bees and flies buzzed by constantly. The tufts of grass that looked so comfortable were swarming with hundreds of ladybugs.

The American Dingo found dozing impossible. Annoyed, she snapped at flies and bees, and devoured ladybugs. Mountains were in all directions, except toward the SE where distant plains were visible. Nothing nearby was any higher than Hoback Peak (10,862 ft.).

Relaxing on **Hoback Peak**. The long line of lower peaks is **Grayback Ridge**. Photo looks WNW.

Not that there weren’t higher peaks in sight. Lots of them, actually, but they were all far away. The Wind River range was off to the E. To the NE, SPHP could pick out Doubletop Peak (11,720 ft.) in the Gros Ventre Range where Lupe had been only 3 days ago. Grand Teton (13,770 ft.) was faintly visible to the N. Countless others that SPHP didn’t recognize from here, too, all around.

**Grand Teton** (L) faintly on the horizon. **Claus Peak** (R of Center) much closer. Photo looks N with help from the telephoto lens.

The best views, though, were of all the fabulous territory nearby.

Looking down **Hoback Peak’s NE ridge**. Photo looks ENE.

Peering down **Hoback’s short NW ridge**. Photo looks NW.

**Hoback’s SE subpeak** (L of Center). **Crazy Mountain (10,545 ft.)** (R). Photo looks SE.

Like the whirling, buzzing cloud of insects, time flew by. Lupe and SPHP shared the last of the chocolate coconut bars. Taste of the Wild for Loop, and Mott’s applesauce for SPHP. Suddenly, sadly, summit hour was over.

Reluctantly, inevitably. Onward! Puppy, ho!

On the way back, Lupe varied her route down the mountain. Rather than go over the SE subpeak again, she turned NE from the saddle that led to it.

Leaving the **summit** (L). Photo looks WNW.

In the saddle leading to the SE subpeak (off the R edge). Photo looks ESE.

Gazing up at **Hoback’s SE subpeak** (Center). Photo looks SE.

For a long way, it was easy, a grassy slope that went relentlessly lower.

Heading down from the saddle. Photo looks NE.

SPHP probably should have tried to steer Lupe toward the NE ridge. She’d already lost a tremendous amount of elevation when a boulder field came into sight ahead. If SPHP had had enough sense to go 100 feet down a steep reddish-brown dirt gully toward the L (NW), which was still possible, Loopster would have enjoyed the easiest descent ever. Instead, SPHP led her ENE directly into the boulders.

Should have headed for **Hoback’s NE ridge** (beyond Lupe). Photo looks N.

The boulder field looked short. It was not. It extended much farther than initial appearances. A huge waste of time! Lupe was essentially cliffed out now, the much easier grassy terrain the reddish-brown dirt gully would have led to constantly in sight 100 – 200 feet lower.

Although a terribly inefficient route, progress was still possible. Slowly descending as she continued ENE, Lupe enjoyed fabulous views as she sniffed among the rocks, SPHP trailing behind.

A way down to the soft green meadows below finally appeared. Happily, it all worked out in the end.

Finally below the boulder fields. Photo looks N.

A beautiful evening amid spectacular surroundings! The Carolina Dog had no problem finding the trail that led back down to the lush meadow near the waterfalls. Reaching High Line trail No. 136 again, the success of the rest of the return was now assured.

7-7-21, 7:35 PM, 75°F, Kilgore Creek trailhead – What a day! Weary and famished, Lupe was eager to leap back into the RAV4 and curl up on her pink blanket. The sun was already down behind the mountains as she devoured an enormous evening meal.

Satisfied, Looper finally put her head down and closed her eyes. Then, while listening to the soothing music of the little waterfall on Kilgore Creek, paws still twitching, she was off again on new adventures in Dingo dreamland, perhaps roaming free once more among the lively, lofty peaks of the magnificent Wyoming Range.

On **Hoback Peak**, Wyoming Range, Wyoming 7-7-21

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