{"id":12875,"date":"2018-04-14T08:10:45","date_gmt":"2018-04-14T14:10:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=12875"},"modified":"2018-04-23T09:22:23","modified_gmt":"2018-04-23T15:22:23","slug":"summit-peak-mount-saint-paul-stone-mountain-provincial-park-british-columbia-canada-8-4-17","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=12875","title":{"rendered":"Summit Peak & Mount Saint Paul, Stone Mountain Provincial Park, British Columbia, Canada (8-4-17)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Day 5 of Lupe’s 2017 Dingo Vacation to the Yukon & Alaska!<\/em><\/p>\n

The sky was clear and bright, that pale arctic blue that promises rare adventure.\u00a0 This was going to be a fantastic day!\u00a0 Five days into her Dingo Vacation, Lupe was finally going to get to tackle her first major peakbagging objective.\u00a0 She got a reasonably early start heading W on the Alaska Highway (6:41 AM, 50\u00b0F).\u00a0 A sign said it was still 60 km to Summit Lake.<\/p>\n

Summit Lake is situated at Summit Pass, the high point reached by the Alaska Highway as it goes through Stone Mountain Provincial Park in NE British Columbia.\u00a0 There’s a campground and a picnic ground at the E end of the lake.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP had stopped there last year on the way through the park for the first time.<\/p>\n

Lupe had been on her way home then at the tail end of her 2016 Dingo Vacation to the Canadian Rockies, Yukon & Alaska.\u00a0 She was out of time and couldn’t stay, but there had been new snow on the mountains, so conditions hadn’t been right anyway.\u00a0 However, Stone Mountain Provincial Park had been an impressive, gorgeous surprise.\u00a0 SPHP had left convinced that Lupe ought to come back some day.<\/p>\n

Now, only 11 months later, the American Dingo was on her way.\u00a0 She would arrive within the hour!<\/p>\n

Suddenly, Lupe spotted a fox next to the Alaska Highway!\u00a0 A skinny, somewhat strange looking fox of the far N.\u00a0 The fox had tall, thin black legs, a gray and tan coat, and the most amazingly luxurious tail, ever.\u00a0 SPHP slowed down hoping to get a picture.<\/p>\n

Lupe had a conniption fit, barking hysterically.\u00a0 Oddly enough, the little fox wasn’t fazed in the least.\u00a0 It seemed to take Lupe’s hysteria as a friendly greeting from a fellow canine.\u00a0 After SPHP got a photo, the fox trotted down the highway following the G6, staring hopefully at Lupe and SPHP as if it would like to hitch a ride, or wished Lupe would come out and play.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
This strange, skinny northern fox seemed interested in making friends with a hysterical Dingo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP watched it in the mirrors for a few moments before accelerating away.\u00a0 Best not to encourage the precious little fox to stay on the highway.\u00a0 Besides, the decibel level in the G6 was totally out of control.<\/p>\n

As it turned out, the fox wasn’t the only cause for hysteria.\u00a0 Next came 3 caribou.\u00a0 The caribou seemed to be licking something off the road.\u00a0 Salt?\u00a0 There was actually some traffic, but the caribou pretty much ignored it.\u00a0 They were reluctant to move for vehicles, but warily kept their distance from the foaming-at-the-mouth Carolina Dog.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe saw 3 caribou on her way to Stone Mountain Provincial Park. They couldn’t help but notice the deranged Dingo, too.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The caribou stayed busy purposely licking the highway. Maybe they were after salt? It was the only explanation SPHP could think of.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Although traffic had a hard time persuading the caribou to get out of the way, they were far more wary of Lupe.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As far as Lupe was concerned, the day was off to an exhilarating start!\u00a0 She arrived at Summit Lake in great spirits.\u00a0 SPHP parked at the picnic area next to the lake.\u00a0 After a quick bite to eat, it would be peakbagging time!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe arrives at Summit Lake<\/strong> in great spirits on a beautiful summer morning. The day had gotten off to an exhilarating start! Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Summit Peak trail starts right across the Alaska Highway from the campground and picnic area.\u00a0 After a quick breakfast, SPHP moved the G6 to the roomy trailhead parking lot.\u00a0 Only a couple of other vehicles were around.\u00a0 Before Lupe hit the trail, SPHP took a look at information and maps posted nearby.\u00a0 (9:04 AM, 61\u00b0F)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Information posted at the trailhead across the Alaska Highway from Summit Lake.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A closer look at the trail description.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
This more general map of the Summit Lake area shows other nearby trails, too.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The posted description for the Summit Peak trail was vague and somewhat misleading about the significance of 3 stars shown on the trail map.\u00a0 Only by comparing the posted information with what SPHP had brought along was SPHP certain what each star must represent.<\/p>\n

The first star was only the first high point at the closest end of what could be considered Summit Peak’s long summit ridge.\u00a0 It was both a false summit and a great viewpoint where apparently many people call it good and turn around.\u00a0 The second star was the location of Summit Peak’s true summit.\u00a0 The third star was the summit of Mount Saint Paul.\u00a0 The trail description barely mentioned Mount Saint Paul, and made it sound as though the third star was the summit of Summit Peak.<\/p>\n

As far as Lupe was concerned,\u00a0 Summit Peak<\/span><\/a> (6,611 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was only her first objective.\u00a0 SPHP really hoped the American Dingo would make it all the way to Mount Saint Paul<\/span><\/a> (6,985 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The first section of the Summit Peak trail was short.\u00a0 The trail climbed a bit, then emerged from the forest at an open level area where it passed by the end of a ridge on the L (W).\u00a0 Once Lupe was past the ridge, the trail dropped into a shallow ravine where it crossed a creek before climbing an embankment on the opposite side to enter a conifer forest.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe near the start of the Summit Peak trail in Stone Mountain Provincial Park<\/strong> in NE British Columbia. The trail leveled out here passing around the end of the ridge seen on the L. Part of Summit Peak<\/strong> is seen directly ahead. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Crossing the little creek early on. This creek was the only water source on the way up Summit Peak.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe climbed steeply through the forest until she reached the rim of the creek valley.\u00a0 Here the trail nearly leveled out and made a sweeping curve around to the W along the rim of the valley.\u00a0 Lupe was already high enough to have some beautiful views.\u00a0 SPHP was particularly intrigued by a mountain off to the S, which looked easily climbable.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Once beyond the creek, the trail climbed steeply to the rim of the valley before nearly leveling out. Here the trail sweeps around to the W along the rim. The trail ultimately goes up the rocky ridge ahead on the way to Summit Peak. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe was already high enough to have some beautiful views. SPHP was particularly intrigued by the mountain on the L, which looked like something Lupe could easily climb. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The pleasant trek along the rim of the creek valley didn’t last long.\u00a0 Soon Lupe was above treeline at the lower end of Summit Peak’s S ridge.\u00a0 The trail turned N here and headed up.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking NW up the creek valley from the base of Summit Peak’s steep S ridge. The trail turns NNE here to begin climbing up to the false summit at High Point 6,500<\/span><\/strong> (1,981 m).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The S ridge became progressively more rocky.\u00a0 The low vegetation began to disappear.\u00a0 Looper came to various rock formations.\u00a0 Sometimes there was a bit of scrambling involved, but nothing significant, scary or long.\u00a0 The trail became less obvious, and began to fade away.\u00a0 Sometimes Lupe followed cairns, though the general direction the route had to take was never in doubt.<\/p>\n

SPHP paused frequently to catch breath.\u00a0 The views were incredible!\u00a0 The higher Lupe went, the more spectacular they became.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Early in the climb up the long, rocky S ridge. The true summit of Summit Peak<\/strong> is seen on the L. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe’s route up the S ridge would take her first to the false summit at High Point 6,500<\/span><\/strong> (1,981 m) seen on the R. The true summit is in view on the L. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Summit Lake<\/strong> from partway up the S ridge. The campground and picnic area are visible on the L. The mountain beyond the lake and slightly to the right of Lupe is Mount Saint George<\/span><\/a> (7,402 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Puppy ho! Onward and upward! Lupe (L) leads the way. By now vegetation was scarce. Still a ways to go, though. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The upper end of the creek valley Lupe had crossed much farther down is at lower L. Sum<\/span>mit Pe<\/span>ak<\/span><\/a> (6,611 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> is in shadow on the R. Mount Saint Pa<\/strong><\/span>ul<\/strong><\/span><\/a> (6,985 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> is the high ridge in sunlight on the L. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe sometimes passed over rock formations like this one on the way up. Once in a while there was a bit of scrambling involved. Never anything scary or serious, however. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Getting close to the SE end of Summit Peak’s long summit ridge. The true summit is on the far L.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After a long climb, Lupe finally reached the upper end of the S ridge.\u00a0 She was now at the far SE end of Summit Peak’s long summit ridge.\u00a0 This was already a glorious viewpoint, but a somewhat higher point was in view not too far off to the NW.\u00a0 That was the false summit, High Point 6,500<\/span><\/strong> (1981 m), which corresponded to the first star on the trail map that was posted back at the trailhead.\u00a0 The mountain’s true summit could be seen beyond High Point 6,500<\/span><\/strong>, still some distance away.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
After the long climb up the S ridge, Lupe arrived here, at the far SE end of Summit Peak’s long summit ridge. High Point 6,500<\/span><\/strong> is near at hand on the R. Beyond it, appearing in shadow straight up from Lupe’s rump, is Summit Peak’s true summit<\/strong>. Mount Saint Paul<\/strong> is the high ridge on the L. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Same view with help from the telephoto lens. High Point 6,500<\/span><\/strong> (1,981 m) is on the R. The true summit<\/strong> is in shadow at Center. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After a pause to take in the views, Lupe and SPHP continued on to High Point 6,500<\/span><\/strong> (1,981 m).\u00a0 Getting there was cake.\u00a0 Lupe stood by a cairn at the top, which she had seen from a distance.\u00a0 This was the location of the first star on the trail map, and the place where most hikers supposedly turn around according to the information back at the trailhead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looper stands by the cairn at High Point 6,500<\/span><\/strong> (1,981 m). The far SE end of the long summit ridge, where Loop had just been, is seen a bit lower at Center. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking down the long S ridge Lupe had just come up from High Point 6500<\/span><\/strong> (1,981 m). Summit Lake<\/strong> close to where she’d started out from is in view below. Much smaller Flower Springs Lake<\/strong> can also be seen well beyond Summit Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

All the hard work was done!\u00a0 The weather was perfect.\u00a0 No way on earth were Lupe and SPHP going to turn around here!\u00a0 The American Dingo headed for the true summit.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Turn around here? No way! A fun, glorious, easy ridge walk to the true summit lies just ahead! The American Dingo was going for it! Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The stroll along the ridge leading to the summit was pure joy.\u00a0 So easy, such stupendous beauty on all sides, conditions absolutely perfect, and the happy realization that no obstacle was going to prevent Lupe from attaining her peakbagging success!<\/p>\n

Loopster reached the summit cairn to claim her first Stone Mountain Provincial Park summit.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Loopster at the true summit of Summit Peak<\/span><\/a> (6,611 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>. Mount Saint Paul<\/strong> in the background. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Summit Lake<\/strong> from the top of Summit Peak<\/strong>. The lower end of the S ridge Loop had come up is seen at lower L. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking SE back at High Point 6,500<\/span><\/strong> (1,981 m) (L). Upper portions of the S ridge are seen on the R.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Getting to the top of Summit Peak had been quite a trek.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP took a lengthy break at the summit.<\/p>\n

There was so much to look at and admire from up here!\u00a0 Many fabulous mountains of the Muskwa Range were in view.\u00a0 Some of the highest, most dramatic peaks were on the far W or SW horizon, sporting big snowfields and glaciers.\u00a0 SPHP had no idea what the names of those mountains might be.\u00a0 They were simply beautiful, remote, and mysterious.<\/p>\n

There was no lack of wonderful sights close by, either.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the far horizon, mostly toward the SW & W, Lupe saw many mysterious high mountains with snowfields and glaciers. Photo looks WNW(?) with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking W(?) with help from the telephoto lens. SPHP had no idea what the names of any of these beautiful peaks might be.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking WSW(?)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mount Saint George<\/span><\/a> (7,402 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> in sunlight (R). Summit Lake<\/strong> (lower L) and Flower Springs Lake<\/strong> beyond it. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
View to the ENE. The mountains were lower in this direction.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe wandering a bit down the N slope, the cairn at the top of Summit Peak<\/strong> in view beyond her. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Back at the cairn. Although the day had started out totally clear, puffy white clouds were building. They didn’t seem threatening yet. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
An American Dingo surveys Stone Mountain Provincial Park<\/strong> from Summit Peak<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
View to the N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe stands at the N end of the summit area. Beyond this point the mountain dropped off very sharply. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After 45 minutes on Summit Peak, it was time to think about starting for Mount Saint Paul.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP were about to leave when Lupe spotted movement.\u00a0 People were coming!\u00a0 They would arrive momentarily.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP waited, and met Dave & Nancy Leckschas.<\/p>\n

The Leckschas were from the Okanagan region.\u00a0 They were on a 2 month vacation, with plans to go up the Dempster highway.\u00a0 Dave said he had climbed Mount Saint George once, some 31 years ago.\u00a0 Summit Peak now seemed more difficult than that had been.\u00a0 Encouraging news, since Lupe and SPHP were hoping to climb Mount Saint George tomorrow!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe meets Dave & Nancy Leckschas<\/strong> from the Okanagan region on Summit Peak<\/strong>. The Leckschas were on a 2 month vacation which would include a trip up the Dempster Highway. Dave and Nancy were the only people Lupe saw all day, other than a couple of girls who had turned back early on.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When SPHP mentioned that Lupe intended to go on to Mount Saint Paul from here, Dave said there were already two people up there.\u00a0 Dave lent SPHP his field glasses, and sure enough, two people could be seen very close to Mount Saint Paul’s summit.<\/p>\n

After a nice chat with Dave and Nancy, Lupe and SPHP headed out, leaving the Leckschas to enjoy the solitude they had no doubt expected to find on Summit Peak.<\/p>\n

Referring to the rest of the route to Mount Saint Paul from Summit Peak, although not in a very clear manner, the information at the trailhead had said “After this viewpoint there are no more rock cairns or a visible trail but the peak can be reached by continuing on along the ridge of the mountain.”<\/p>\n

Well, maybe, but that’s not exactly how SPHP would have worded it.\u00a0 Looking toward Mount Saint Paul<\/span><\/a> (6,985 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> Lupe could see the ridge the sign was referring to alright.\u00a0 There was one teensy detail that had been left out.\u00a0 Continuing on along the ridge meant dropping more than 1,000 feet (330 m) down an extraordinarily steep rocky slope to a saddle leading to the next part of the ridge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking toward Mount Saint Paul<\/strong> (L), Lupe could see the ridge leading to it (R), but getting to that ridge meant dropping 1,000 feet down the very steep, rocky slope seen at lower R. Not to quibble, but it seemed to SPHP that this was a detail that might have been worth mentioning on the signage back at the trailhead. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At first, “continuing on along the ridge” going NW from Summit Peak looked like such a challenge that SPHP hesitated.\u00a0 This route was way steeper than anything the Carolina Dog had faced on the way up.\u00a0 However, there was no doubt this had to be the way.\u00a0 If others had done it, Lupe could too.\u00a0 Lupe started down.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
“Continuing on along the ridgeline”, a simple matter of a 1,000 foot steep rocky descent to the saddle below (green area on L) before having to subsequently regain it all immediately climbing back up onto the next part of the ridge (seen ahead also on the L). No choice, though. If Lupe was ever going to get to Mount Saint Paul<\/strong> from Summit Peak<\/strong>, she had to do it. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For a while, Dave and Nancy could be seen waving encouragement from up on Summit Peak as SPHP slowly, cautiously trudged down the steep slope.\u00a0 It was soon evident this was actually going to work, although SPHP was clearly destined to chew up a bunch of time on the descent.\u00a0 Finally the terrain began to level out.\u00a0 Lupe reached the saddle leading to the next part of the ridge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
After a lot of waiting around for SPHP, Lupe reaches the saddle leading to the next ridge. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The weather was suddenly starting to become questionable.\u00a0 Each cloud was now sprinkling rain as it sailed by.\u00a0 While Lupe traversed the saddle, the rain showers intensified.\u00a0 SPHP grudgingly called a halt to dig the plastic rain poncho out of the pack.<\/p>\n

Putting on the rain poncho worked wonders.\u00a0 Within 10 or 15 minutes the rain showers were kaput.\u00a0 Nada.\u00a0 No more the rest of the day.\u00a0 No doubt failing to have put on the rain poncho would have caused a cloudburst.\u00a0 Life can be like that.\u00a0 Anyway, the rain poncho had done its job.\u00a0 Back in the pack it went.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP began the process of regaining the 1,000 feet the American Dingo had just lost, and started up the next steep ridge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe just past the saddle area. Photo looks W up the valley leading to the base of Mount Saint Paul<\/strong> (L). Lupe needs to climb the lovely little ridge on the R to get there.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking back at Summit Peak<\/strong> (R) and the ridge Lupe followed down to the saddle seen below to get here. That whiner, SPHP! Doesn’t look bad at all from this angle! Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Starting to get high again! Summit Peak<\/strong> on the L. The ridge going down from Summit Peak<\/strong> to the R toward the far end of the valley is NOT<\/strong><\/em> the same S ridge Lupe climbed. That ridge is out of sight beyond the one seen here. Anyone interested in climbing only Mount Saint Paul<\/strong> might do well to skip Summit Peak<\/strong> entirely, and come up the valley on the R. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At first, the climb up onto the ridge beyond the saddle was steeper and more challenging than anything on the way up Summit Peak had been.\u00a0 Part of the way, SPHP found some use of hands advisable, even necessary.\u00a0 Lupe regained a lot of elevation before the situation improved.<\/p>\n

The ridge beyond the saddle didn’t become an easy trek until Loop was back up even with Summit Peak again.\u00a0 She was still gaining elevation from here, though, because this ridge went higher than Summit Peak.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the way up. The first part of the climb up this ridge beyond the saddle was steeper and more challenging than the S ridge Lupe had climbed going up Summit Peak<\/strong>. It’s starting to get easier here. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe (a tiny brown speck not far from the green patch on the R) up on the easier, more level part of the ridge. Mount Saint Paul<\/strong> is not pictured, still off to the L of this photo. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
In addition to grand views all around, there was beauty in miniature, too. The delicate, colorful tiny plants of the tundra are always fascinating.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Way up high again! The high point of the ridge beyond the deep saddle coming from Summit Peak is seen on the L. However, a 2nd saddle Lupe would have to go over was still ahead beyond that high point. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A second saddle existed along this ridge leading to Mount Saint Paul.\u00a0 Even if Lupe followed the very top of the ridgeline the entire way, she wouldn’t lose nearly so much elevation going down to this second saddle from the next high point as she had on that first enormous drop from Summit Peak.\u00a0 However, there didn’t seem to be any reason to gain more elevation than necessary only to lose and regain it again.<\/p>\n

Lupe climbed far enough to get a little higher than the second saddle, which she could see ahead.\u00a0 Here a faint, nearly level animal trail went directly across the slope S of the ridgeline straight to the saddle.\u00a0 Following this trail allowed Loop to skip the next high point she’d been approaching on the ridge.<\/p>\n

Once Lupe reached the second saddle, only the final steep climb to the summit of Mount Saint Paul remained.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Way up in NE British Columbia in Stone Mountain Provincial Park<\/strong>, intrepid American Dingo explorer Lupe continues up the ridge. Summit Peak<\/strong> is now far behind her on the R. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The second saddle is seen ahead on the R. Lupe headed straight for it from here following a faint animal trail across the rocky slope, enabling her to skip going all the way up to the high point on the far R. Mount Saint Paul<\/strong>, her ultimate objective, is on the L. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Loopster getting close to the second saddle. Mount Saint Paul<\/strong> on the L. On the final climb to the summit, Loop would stay slightly to the L (SE) of the ridge leading to it. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe pauses at the second saddle for a look back at beautiful Summit Peak<\/strong> (Center). The ridge she has been coming up is on the L. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The final climb to the summit of Mount Saint Paul from the second saddle was steep enough so it wasn’t entirely clear if Lupe and SPHP would even make it to the top.\u00a0 At last that happy moment arrived when Lupe popped up onto the summit plateau.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog had made it!\u00a0 SPHP was ecstatic!<\/p>\n

An easy stroll brought Lupe to a cairn along the W edge of the summit plateau.\u00a0 This was it, the summit of Mount Saint Paul<\/span><\/a> (6,985 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Made it! Lupe on the summit cairn on Mount Saint Paul<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking WNW. High Point 6831<\/span><\/strong> (2,082 m) is nearby at far R.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Oh, yeah! I made it! All the way up Mount Saint Paul!<\/em> Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Reaching the summit of Mount Saint Paul was cause for celebration!\u00a0 And a break, a fantastic hour long break.\u00a0 Lupe relaxed by the summit cairn.\u00a0 She had water and Taste of the Wild.\u00a0 She toured all around the whole roomy summit plateau, which was highest toward the NW, but relatively level overall.<\/p>\n

And of course, Lupe and SPHP gazed long upon the splendid glories of the Muskwa Range on display in every direction of the compass in Stone Mountain Provincial Park way up here in NE British Columbia.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking down the valley to the SW. A little section of McDonald Creek<\/strong> is seen way down at the far end. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Loop at the SW end of the summit plateau. Photo looks N back toward the true summit.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Loop still at the SW end of the summit plateau. The triangular high spot (R) at the end of the near ridge is High Point 6752<\/span><\/strong> (2058 m) Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
High Point 6722<\/span><\/strong> (2,058 m) is now on the L. Photo looks SW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Zoomed in on High Point 6752<\/span><\/strong> (2,058 m) in the foreground now. Next we’ll zoom in on some of those distant snowy peaks. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Zoomed way in on the high peak straight out beyond High Point 6752<\/span><\/strong> (2,058 m). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Now zoomed way in on the distant peak slightly more to the R (W). SPHP has no idea what the names of these gorgeous peaks are. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Two nearby ridges rise up to meet at Center of this photo. A more level sharp ridge continues farther from the meeting point sweeping around toward the R. The high point at the far R end is the summit of Mount Saint George<\/span><\/a> (7,402 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Zoomed in on Mount Saint George’s summit ridge<\/strong>. Tomorrow Lupe would try to climb Mount Saint George<\/span><\/a> (7,402 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>. She would go up the ridge seen at lower L to the meeting point reached with the ridge coming up from the lower R. From there, she would follow Mount Saint George’s sharp summit ridge<\/strong> as it sweeps around to the summit at the far end on the R. At least, that was the plan. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
SPHP no longer remembers what direction this distant snowfield was from Mount Saint Paul, but believes it was likely toward the W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking back up toward the summit of Mount Saint Paul<\/strong> from near the SE edge of the summit plateau.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The ridge Lupe came up from Summit Peak<\/strong> is highlighted in sunshine (Center). The first deep saddle from Summit Peak<\/strong> is at far R. The second saddle before the final ascent up Mount Saint Paul<\/strong> is on the far L. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Beautiful Lupe taking it easy on Mount Saint Paul<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the summit. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe’s beautiful, joyous hour on Mount Saint Paul passed by.\u00a0 It was a long way back to the G6.\u00a0 Best get a move on.\u00a0 Looper wasn’t going to return using the same route she had come up.\u00a0 It was late afternoon now, and she didn’t have time to go all the way back to Summit Peak.<\/p>\n

Back on Summit Peak, Dave Leckschas and SPHP had commented that Mount Saint Paul’s SE ridge looked like it ought to serve as a good shortcut back and a reasonably easy route down.\u00a0 Now looking down on it from above, it didn’t look quite so amenable.\u00a0 Most of the SE ridge was fine.\u00a0 Getting down to the easy part was the problem.\u00a0 The upper end of the ridge near the top of the mountain was steeper and more challenging than SPHP expected.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe relaxes near the E edge of the summit plateau. Here she’s got a fantastic view of Summit Peak<\/span><\/a> (6,611 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/span> (Center L) and High Point 6500<\/span><\/strong> (1,981 m) (Center R) leading to it. The distant ridge on the R is the one Lupe climbed on the way up Summit Peak<\/strong>. The near ridge at lower R is part of Mount Saint Paul’s SE ridge<\/strong> SPHP had expected Lupe would be able to take back to the G6.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The upper end of Mount Saint Paul’s SE ridge<\/strong> is in the foreground. Doesn’t look bad from this angle. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the top of the long SE ridge (foreground) leading down from Mount Saint Paul<\/strong>. Summit Peak<\/strong> at Center. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe and SPHP started down Mount Saint Paul’s SE ridge.\u00a0 The upper ridgeline was pretty ragged with drop offs that had to be negotiated around.\u00a0 Lupe always stayed on the less steep R (SW) side of the ridgeline when she couldn’t make progress right on it.<\/p>\n

SPHP is always terribly, terribly slow on steep rocky descents like this.\u00a0 After a while, SPHP became discontent with the rate of descent.\u00a0 Everything was fine, Lupe would have gotten there, but it seemed like it was taking forever to reach the lower, easier part of the ridge.\u00a0 SPHP got the numbskull idea that things looked easier off to the SW away from the ridgeline.<\/p>\n

They weren’t!\u00a0 Soon Lupe found herself far from the ridgeline heading down a slope so steep and rocky that even the Carolina Dog was becoming alarmed.\u00a0 Lupe begged SPHP to stop.\u00a0 She wanted to be held, petted, comforted, reassured.\u00a0 SPHP periodically obliged her, but never for long.\u00a0 It was imperative to get down to the easier terrain far below.<\/p>\n

Zigzagging ever so cautiously down the slope trying to avoid drop offs at a series of horizontal rock bands was incredibly slow, and Lupe had to go a lot farther down this way to reach more reasonable terrain than she would have staying on the ridge.\u00a0 The American Dingo made it, though.\u00a0 Anxious to be out of the rocks, she sped ahead long before SPHP was able to move freely.<\/p>\n

Deep in the shadow of the mountain, SPHP finally reached the floor of the upper valley.\u00a0 How long had that descent taken?\u00a0 It seemed like hours.\u00a0 Crazy!\u00a0 Pathetic!\u00a0 Nerve-wracking!\u00a0 Thankfully, it was all over now.\u00a0 To SPHP, the trek ahead down the huge valley was just a relaxing end to the long day of peakbagging.\u00a0 To Lupe it was the best part of the whole journey.<\/p>\n

Lupe ran and ran, far from SPHP, wherever she pleased.\u00a0 She sniffed, played, explored.\u00a0 SPHP had to keep an eye on that fleet brown and white speck dashing across the countryside, to make sure it never disappeared from sight for very long.\u00a0 Loop periodically returned, grinning ear to ear, panting hard.<\/p>\n

It was still a long way back.\u00a0 Lower down, Lupe came to hillsides full of bushes nearly as high as SPHP.\u00a0 Pushing through them threatened to become a difficult, hopefully not impossible, task.\u00a0 The sun was down, and the long twilight of the N country was slowly fading when finally a deep ravine appeared ahead.\u00a0 A creek was at the bottom.\u00a0 Lupe scouted the edge of the ravine until she found a way down to cross the creek.<\/p>\n

A 75 foot descent and subsequent higher ascent up a steep embankment on the other side of the creek brought Lupe to a much anticipated link to civilization.\u00a0 The trail!\u00a0 Yes it was here!\u00a0 Lupe was at the base of Summit Peak’s S ridge.\u00a0 No worries now.\u00a0 Puppy ho!\u00a0 Onward!\u00a0 Back to the G6.\u00a0 What a fabulous day!\u00a0 (9:50 PM)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Summit Peak<\/strong> (L). Mount Saint Paul’s SE ridge<\/strong> (Center). Lupe’s playground<\/strong> on the way back, the vast valley on the R. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

Mount Saint George, Stone Mountain Provincial Park, British Columbia, Canada (8-5-17)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Stone Mountain Provincial Park, British Columbia, Canada<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose\u00a0from\u00a0Lupe’s 2017 Dingo Vacation to the Yukon & Alaska 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<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Day 5 of Lupe’s 2017 Dingo Vacation to the Yukon & Alaska! The sky was clear and bright, that pale arctic blue that promises rare adventure.\u00a0 This was going to be a fantastic day!\u00a0 Five days into her Dingo Vacation, Lupe was finally going to get to tackle her first major peakbagging objective.\u00a0 She got … Continue reading Summit Peak & Mount Saint Paul, Stone Mountain Provincial Park, British Columbia, Canada (8-4-17)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":12855,"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":[835],"tags":[8,105,79,30,106,26,104,894,11,895,806],"class_list":["post-12875","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-2017-yukon-alaska","tag-omniten","tag-american-dingo","tag-british-columbia","tag-canada","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-lupe","tag-mount-saint-paul","tag-peakbagging","tag-stone-mountain-provincial-park","tag-summit-peak"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/IMG_6039.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\/12875","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=12875"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12875\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15733,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12875\/revisions\/15733"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/12855"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=12875"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=12875"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=12875"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}