{"id":10473,"date":"2017-10-04T08:10:13","date_gmt":"2017-10-04T14:10:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=10473"},"modified":"2019-03-25T21:41:41","modified_gmt":"2019-03-26T03:41:41","slug":"black-mountain-laramie-range-wyoming-6-8-17","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=10473","title":{"rendered":"Black Mountain, Laramie Range, Wyoming (6-8-17)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Day 1 of Lupe’s 2017 Dingo Vacation to the Laramie Range, Wyoming & Beyond<\/em><\/p>\n

Nine months gone.\u00a0 Practically an eternity!\u00a0 Late in the evening, Lupe laid sad-faced and bored on the even sadder-looking old couch clawed up by 4 cats who no longer lived here.\u00a0 Did she ever even think anymore about those glorious days of her last and greatest 2016 Dingo Vacation<\/strong><\/span><\/a> when she’d gone all the way to the Canadian Rockies, Yukon & Alaska<\/strong><\/span><\/a>?<\/p>\n

If so, you couldn’t tell it.\u00a0 Of course, maybe she was thinking of those times, and how long ago and far away it all seemed was what was making her sad.\u00a0 Loopster heaved a sigh, staring vacantly over the edge of the couch.\u00a0 She looked like she had lost her last friend.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Forlorn Lupe.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

She hadn’t, of course.\u00a0 She’d been on lots of Black Hills expeditions<\/strong><\/span><\/a> full of adventures with SPHP over the last nine months.\u00a0 Fun times, but not the same as hitting the open road for days on end spent exploring exciting, beautiful, distant lands.<\/p>\n

While Loop moped on the couch, SPHP was not idle.\u00a0 A warm, fragrant breeze stirred the air.\u00a0 Late spring by the calendar.\u00a0 Early summer by SPHP’s reckoning.<\/p>\n

Better enjoy lounging around like that while you still can!<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe’s eyes shifted to watch SPHP busily checking equipment and supplies.\u00a0 Her expression didn’t change.<\/p>\n

You’ll see, soon enough!<\/em><\/p>\n

Promises, promises.\u00a0 Nothing fun happened.\u00a0 Dullsville.<\/p>\n

The next morning SPHP was up early.\u00a0 Shower, breakfast, and then back and forth packing all this stuff into the G6.\u00a0 Lupe began to realize something really was up.\u00a0 A glimmer of hope in her eyes grew rapidly to increasing anticipation.<\/p>\n

Mountain climbing season, Loopster!\u00a0 It’s here!\u00a0 You ready?<\/em><\/p>\n

Was she ever!\u00a0 Only a few hours later, Lupe was in Wyoming, whizzing along in the G6 headed for her first adventure of her first Dingo Vacation of 2017.\u00a0 Had the mood ever changed from last night!\u00a0 Looper was ready to let the good times roll!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe returns to the great state of Wyoming at the start of her first Dingo Vacation of 2017. Oh yeah, this is gonna be good!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe was headed for the Laramie Mountains in SE Wyoming.\u00a0 Only 8 days into June, it was still weeks early to head up into some of the higher Wyoming ranges for mountain climbing, since there would still be too much snow on the peaks.\u00a0 However, with the exception of Laramie Peak<\/span><\/a> (10,272 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, the highest mountains of the Laramie Range top out only a little over 9,000 ft.\u00a0 There might still be some snow around in early June, but not enough to be a problem.<\/p>\n

By early afternoon, Lupe reached Douglas, Wyoming.\u00a0 SPHP drove S from there on Hwy 94.\u00a0 The highway eventually turned to gravel and became County Road No. 5.\u00a0 A mile N of Esterbrook, SPHP had planned to let Lupe tag Prairie Dog Hill<\/span><\/a> (6,400 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> as her first peak “climbed” in the Laramie Range this year.\u00a0 It wasn’t even really a climb at all, since County Road No. 5 goes almost right over the high point.\u00a0 Pathetically easy.<\/p>\n

However, when Lupe arrived at Prairie Dog Hill, a cattle drive was in progress right on the road.\u00a0 Lupe was almost out of her mind with delight!\u00a0 She bounded from window to window of the G6 in a foaming-at-the-mouth barking frenzy.\u00a0 She was eager to get out and help drive some cattle herself!\u00a0 Not such a good idea.\u00a0 The cowboys might have an issue with that.\u00a0 SPHP drove on, turning E at Esterbrook on USFS Road No. 633.<\/p>\n

No. 633 wound N & E for several miles.\u00a0 Shortly after passing Esterbrook Campground, the road began to lose elevation and turned S.\u00a0 Lupe’s first real peakbagging objective, Black Mountain<\/span><\/a> (7,960 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, came into view.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Black Mountain<\/strong> (L) comes into view from USFS Road No. 633. Laramie Peak<\/strong>, the highest mountain of the Laramie Range is seen in the distance on the R. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Black Mountain<\/strong> (Center) was Lupe’s first real peakbagging goal of her 2017 Dingo Vacation to the Laramie Range & Beyond. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Black Mountain was still 9 or 10 miles SSW from where it first came into view.\u00a0 On the way there, Lupe stopped by Horseshoe Creek, which flowed right along USFS Road No. 633 for a couple of miles.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe stops by scenic Horseshoe Creek on the way to Black Mountain. She would later spend the night at the pullout off USFS Road No. 633 seen beyond her.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Looking for USFS Road No. 667, SPHP turned off No. 633 at Camp Laramie Peak, a Boy Scout camp at Harris Park.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP made inquiry at the main office on how to find No. 667 to Black Mountain.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe stopped at Camp Laramie Peak<\/strong> to inquire about how to find USFS Road No. 667 to Black Mountain<\/strong>. She was a good deal more enthusiastic about how this day was going than the boy outside the Boy Scout camp’s main office.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Camp Laramie Peak was just opening up for the summer season.\u00a0 Councilors were already here, but the first Boy Scouts were just beginning to arrive.\u00a0 Fortunately, an official was available who told SPHP that USFS Road No. 667 (unmarked) to Laramie Peak went right through the camp.\u00a0 He pointed out a road that went S down a little hill.<\/p>\n

The road would quickly deteriorate to a high-clearance proposition – it wasn’t going to be G6 friendly at all.\u00a0 This was known in advance from the topo map where No. 667 was marked 4WD.\u00a0 The intention all along had been to ditch the G6 somewhere, and follow the road on paw and foot.\u00a0 Fortunately, SPHP was free to park the G6 at Camp Laramie Peak at a small parking area near the main office.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
It turned out that USFS Road No. 667 (a 4WD road) to Black Mountain<\/strong> goes right through Camp Laramie Peak<\/strong>. The officials at the camp said SPHP was free to park the G6 at a small lot not far from the main office, so Lupe’s trek up Black Mountain<\/strong> started right here.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At 3:08 PM (79\u00b0F), Lupe and SPHP set off.\u00a0 There had been one caveat mentioned at the office about taking USFS Road No. 667.\u00a0 The road went through Boy Scout property for the first half mile or so.\u00a0 Leaving the road was not permitted.\u00a0 No trespassing on Boy Scout land!\u00a0 Seemed like an odd demand from an organization dedicated in part to promoting the outdoors, but another official reiterated this rule as Lupe and SPHP ambled along the road through the camp.<\/p>\n

Whatever, no problem.\u00a0 SPHP adhered rigidly to this restriction.\u00a0 The American Dingo, having spent most of the day cooped up in the G6, was somewhat less diligent.\u00a0 Lupe had a fun time roaming and exploring the forest not too far from the road.<\/p>\n

After dipping down through camp, No. 667 crossed a small stream and then began to wind W climbing steadily. \u00a0 Bluebells were growing in profusion in the forests and fields.\u00a0 It was a pretty day, a bit warm, and Lupe was off to a good start.\u00a0 She was beyond forbidden Boy Scout territory in a jiffy.\u00a0 A mile from camp, she arrived at a minor saddle near large rock formations.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Loopster among the bluebells.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About a mile from Camp Laramie Peak<\/strong>, Lupe reached these large rock formations at a minor saddle. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Still hidden from view more than a mile N of the minor saddle was Peak<\/span> 7320<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, another mountain SPHP hoped Lupe would get a chance to climb.\u00a0 First things first, though!\u00a0 The road turned due S from the saddle and climbed more steeply than before.\u00a0 Lupe followed it, continuing toward Black Mountain.<\/p>\n

No. 667 soon turned SW and leveled out for a little way.\u00a0 Peak 7320 now came into view back to the N.\u00a0 The mountain was capped by a huge knob of solid rock.\u00a0 Lupe might not be able to get to the top, even if there was time enough later on for an attempt.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak<\/span> 7320<\/span><\/a><\/strong> from USFS Road No. 667 on the way to Black Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Off to the SW, the summit of Black Mountain had come into view, too.\u00a0 It was a little hard to recognize at first, but got easier to discern as Lupe continued along the road.\u00a0 A fire lookout tower was perched way up on the highest rocks.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The summit of Black Mountain<\/strong> (far L) came into view here, but it was still so far off, it was hard to recognize at first. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Getting closer! The fire lookout tower on the summit (Center) is now discernable. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The fire lookout tower at the summit (R of Center) with help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No. 667 soon began to climb again fairly steeply.\u00a0 Before long, it made one big jog to the NW before turning sharply S.\u00a0 Once it made the turn, the road started leveling out.\u00a0 Lupe was still gaining elevation, but at an easy pace.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog now enjoyed a pleasant journey S to the summit along the big N ridge.<\/p>\n

The views were increasingly beautiful!\u00a0 Albany Peak<\/span><\/a> (7720 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> could be seen to the SSE.\u00a0 A little farther on, Laramie Peak<\/span><\/a> (10,272 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> came into view to the SW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Albany Peak<\/strong> is seen straight up from Lupe on the L. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Laramie Peak<\/strong>, the highest mountain of the entire Laramie Range, comes into view. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe traveling the big N ridge. The summit is in view, still a little way off. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe continued S along No. 667 until it curled around a big rock formation, and suddenly ended at the base of the massive stone knob the fire lookout station was perched on.\u00a0 A steep metal stairway was the only way up.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe arrives at the end of USFS Road No. 667. She did not like the steep stairway leading to the fire lookout station. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The American Dingo didn’t like the look of those stairs!\u00a0 She stayed at the bottom, while SPHP climbed the first longest section.\u00a0 SPHP had to plead with her to follow.\u00a0 She finally did come up, but not until SPHP was about ready to go down and get her.<\/p>\n

A metal platform turned 90\u00b0, and led in a few feet to a 2nd shorter flight of stairs.\u00a0 SPHP climbed this 2nd set, only to turn around and see Lupe running back down the 1st flight all the way to the bottom again.\u00a0 SPHP returned to the top of the 1st flight to resume pleading and coaxing.\u00a0 Looper finally relented.\u00a0 This time she made it all the way to the fire lookout station to claim her peakbagging success!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Despite the long, scary metal stairway, Lupe makes it to the fire lookout station on Black Mountain<\/span><\/a> (7,960 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> to claim her peakbagging success! Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The day had been warm and the air calm all the way up the mountain.\u00a0 Even down at the base of the metal stairway, there hadn’t been much of a breeze.\u00a0 However, up at the fire lookout tower, it was considerably cooler.\u00a0 An annoyingly strong gusty wind was blowing out of the SSE.\u00a0 The last bit of elevation gain had made a surprising difference!<\/p>\n

It was so windy, Loopster wanted to take shelter in the lookout tower.\u00a0 She was most disappointed that it was padlocked shut, and no one was around to let her in.\u00a0 The views were splendid in every direction.\u00a0 Somewhat reluctantly, the Carolina Dog cooperated with taking photos.\u00a0 She preferred to spend her time on the N side of the tower out of the wind.<\/p>\n

Lupe and SPHP made several forays around the tower to check out the views, returning frequently to the N side for breaks from the wind.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Of course, the most impressive view from Black Mountain<\/strong> was toward Laramie Peak<\/span><\/a> (10,272 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, the highest mountain in the entire Laramie Range. Photo looks SW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looper checks out the view of Laramie Peak<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The view to the N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Another look to the N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Albany Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,720 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (L) from Black Mountain<\/strong>. County Road No. 71 down in the Cottonwood Creek valley is seen in the foreground. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Another look at Albany Peak<\/strong> a little later on with help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Haystack Peaks<\/strong> are seen in the foreground on the R. Beyond them in the distance is Bear Head Mountain (8,359 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Another look SSW, this time with more help from the telephoto lens. Haystack Peaks are in the foreground. Bear Head Mountain in the distance.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Laramie Peak<\/strong> (R) dominates Haystack Peaks<\/strong> (L foreground) and Bear Head Mountain<\/strong> (L distant). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The view to the NW. USFS Road No. 667 is seen below.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe spent a good 30 minutes up at the summit of Black Mountain<\/span><\/a> (7,960 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Before leaving, the Carolina Dog and SPHP took a longer break out of the wind on the N side of the lookout tower.\u00a0 Lupe had water and Taste of the Wild.\u00a0 Then it was time for one last look at Laramie Peak from the top, and a final stroll around the lookout tower.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A last look at Laramie Peak<\/strong> from the Black Mountain<\/strong> fire lookout tower. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
After half an hour up at the windy fire lookout tower on Black Mountain, Lupe waits on the sheltered N side of it for the signal from SPHP that it’s OK to start down and get out of the wind once and for all. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In her eagerness to get out of the wind, Lupe showed no fear of the long metal stairway leading down to USFS Road No. 667.\u00a0 She raced to the bottom in nothing flat.\u00a0 It was still a little breezy back down at the road, but nothing compared to the gusty wind up at the tower.<\/p>\n

SW of the lookout tower were some great viewpoints where Laramie Peak was on display.\u00a0 Lupe took a little time to sniff around and explore this area.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Laramie Peak<\/strong> from SW of the lookout tower. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking NE back up at the fire lookout tower.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When Lupe was satisfied with her explorations of the summit area, she headed back N along USFS Road No. 667.\u00a0 She would retrace her route up following the road all the way back to Camp Laramie Peak.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Bluebells on the way back.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Although SPHP had hoped Lupe would have time to take a crack at Peak 7320 on the way down, the sun was starting to get low.\u00a0 Since it looked like there wouldn’t be sufficient daylight to summit and get back to the road before dark, Lupe never made the attempt.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 7320<\/strong> (Center) seen a little before sunset on the way down Black Mountain<\/strong>. Unfortunately, Lupe wouldn’t have enough daylight to climb it and find her way back to the road before dark. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It was 9:11 PM (52 \u00b0F) when Lupe reached Camp Laramie Peak again.\u00a0 In fading light, she was treated to a ride S in the G6 down the Cottonwood Creek valley on County Road No. 71.\u00a0 SPHP wanted to check out potential access routes to Albany Peak.\u00a0 Maybe Lupe could climb it tomorrow?<\/p>\n

There proved to be numerous homes on private property along County Road No. 71.\u00a0 “No Trespassing” signs were posted all over the place.\u00a0 SPHP found one possible access point, but it wasn’t clear if this route went across private property or not.\u00a0 From Black Mountain, Lupe had seen a very large rock formation at the top of Albany Peak.\u00a0 Maybe she couldn’t even get to the top of the mountain, even if there was access?<\/p>\n

Reluctantly, SPHP decided Lupe should skip Albany Peak, at least on this trip.\u00a0 SPHP drove N again, as Lupe barked enthusiastically at antelope grazing in the fields at dusk.\u00a0 It was dark by the time Lupe stopped at a pullout along USFS Road No. 633 near Horseshoe Creek for the night.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sunset in the Laramie Range of Wyoming.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Only 24 hours ago, Lupe had been bored and despondent on the tattered old couch back home.\u00a0 Yet today she’d had a blast traveling to Wyoming and climbing Black Mountain.\u00a0 The lucky American Dingo’s summer of 2017 adventures had only just begun!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Laramie Peak<\/strong> from Black Mountain<\/strong>, 6-8-17<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Links:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Next Adventure<\/span><\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Prior Dingo Vacation<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Laramie Peak, Wyoming (8-9-15)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

2016 Laramie Mountains, Wyoming Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose\u00a0from\u00a0Lupe’s 2017 Laramie Range, Wyoming & Beyond Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a>,\u00a0Dingo Vacations Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a> or Master Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0Or subscribe free\u00a0to\u00a0new Lupe adventures<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/a>.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Day 1 of Lupe’s 2017 Dingo Vacation to the Laramie Range, Wyoming & Beyond Nine months gone.\u00a0 Practically an eternity!\u00a0 Late in the evening, Lupe laid sad-faced and bored on the even sadder-looking old couch clawed up by 4 cats who no longer lived here.\u00a0 Did she ever even think anymore about those glorious days … Continue reading Black Mountain, Laramie Range, Wyoming (6-8-17)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":10468,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[834],"tags":[105,294,106,26,655,104,275],"class_list":["post-10473","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-2017-laramie-range-wyoming-beyond","tag-american-dingo","tag-black-mountain","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-laramie-mountains","tag-lupe","tag-wyoming"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/IMG_4840.jpg?fit=1651%2C1238&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10473","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=10473"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10473\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21152,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10473\/revisions\/21152"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/10468"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=10473"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=10473"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=10473"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}