{"id":16896,"date":"2018-11-12T08:10:25","date_gmt":"2018-11-12T15:10:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=16896"},"modified":"2020-09-24T15:20:09","modified_gmt":"2020-09-24T21:20:09","slug":"black-hills-sd-expedition-no-237-centennial-trail-no-89-pilot-knob-to-south-boxelder-creek-10-18-18","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=16896","title":{"rendered":"Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 237 – Centennial Trail No. 89: Pilot Knob to South Boxelder Creek (10-18-18)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Start – 8:55 AM, 50 \u00b0F, Pilot Knob trailhead of Centennial Trail No. 89<\/em><\/p>\n

The first half of October had been cold and wet, but that was history now.\u00a0 This morning was clear and bright, and it was already 50 \u00b0F when Lupe and SPHP arrived at the Pilot Knob trailhead along USFS Road No. 208 (Merritt Road).\u00a0 The air was calm down here at the trailhead, but Lupe could hear a breeze up in the pines.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe arrives at the Pilot Knob trailhead of Centennial Trail No. 89. It was going to be a great day with highs near 60\u00b0F expected. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe was eager to get started, which was a good thing.\u00a0 Days are getting short by the second half of October, and she had a long way to go.\u00a0 The South Boxelder Creek trailhead of Centennial Trail No. 89<\/strong><\/span><\/a> near Nemo was 7.6 miles away, a 15.2 mile round trip.\u00a0 And that was if Loop stayed on the trail, which she wouldn’t, because a little off-trail peakbagging was part of the plan for the day, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
It’s 7.6 miles one way to the South Boxelder Creek trailhead from the Pilot Knob trailhead – 15.2 miles round trip. And that’s if you don’t climb any mountains on the side along the way!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Only a few minutes on the trail got Loopster up the first forested slope and around the bend to the N where she could see Pilot Knob<\/span><\/a> (5,440 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> beyond a big field.\u00a0 Pilot Knob didn’t look like much from here, but Loop had been there recently on Expedition No. 235<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0 Pilot Knob was actually a fun little climb and the views from the top had been surprisingly good.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Hey, SPHP! There’s Pilot Knob (L) again! We were just up there not too long ago, remember?<\/em> Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe followed Centennial Trail No. 89 NNW along the E side of the big field.\u00a0 Near the end of the field, the trail curved NE and went past a sign for Boodleman Spring, which didn’t seem to have much in the way of water.\u00a0 The trail got steeper after passing Boodleman Spring, and soon turned N again going up a forested valley.<\/p>\n

After passing under a big power line, Centennial Trail No. 89 bent NW paralleling the power line.\u00a0 When the power line reached a high point, the trail curved away to the E.\u00a0 Lupe briefly left the trail to check out this high point, but there really wasn’t much to see.<\/p>\n

Returning to the trail, Loop and SPHP followed it around the S end of a nearby hill to the E.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Going around the S end of the hill E of the power line’s high point. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe had been gaining elevation ever since leaving the Pilot Knob trailhead.\u00a0 However, as Centennial Trail No. 89 curved back around to the N on the E side the hill, the trail reached a high point, too.<\/p>\n

Ahead was a limited view of a high ridge beyond a deep valley.\u00a0 Several high points could be seen along this ridge, which extended off toward the NNW.\u00a0 The topo map revealed that the closest high point was Peak<\/span> 5701<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, the highest spot along the entire ridge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5701<\/strong> (Center) is in view as Centennial Trail No. 89 descends into the valley of the West Fork of Estes Creek. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Although Peak 5701 and the rest of the ridge it was on looked intriguing, Centennial Trail No. 89 wasn’t going up there.\u00a0 The trail went toward Peak 5701, but upon reaching the floor of the deep valley it turned E at the base of the mountain.<\/p>\n

The American Dingo had entered the valley of the West Fork of Estes Creek.\u00a0 Looper soon came to a large puddle where Estes Creek crossed Centennial Trail No. 89.\u00a0 The creek itself was a mere trickle only an inch or two deep.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe reaches the puddle where the West Fork of Estes Creek crosses Centennial Trail No. 89. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For 0.5 mile, Lupe continued E going down the valley on the N side of the West Fork of Estes Creek.\u00a0 The creek gained some flow along the way, but remained quite a small stream.\u00a0 NW of High Point 5452<\/strong> the trail left the valley floor climbing up onto a small rise.\u00a0 From here, the trail turned N gaining elevation gradually as it wound around the SE end of Peak 5701.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe at a junction of Centennial Trail No. 89 and ATV trail No. 8251 shortly after leaving the West Fork of Estes Creek. Centennial Trail No. 89 is also an ATV trail all the way from Pilot Knob to South Boxelder Creek. In fact, it’s possible to go even farther on an ATV all the way to the Dalton Lake trailhead. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Going around Peak 5701’s E ridge. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Centennial Trail No. 89 eventually brought Lupe around E of Peak 5701.\u00a0 For 0.75 mile, the trail now headed NNW roughly paralleling the long ridge between Peak<\/span> 5701<\/span><\/a><\/strong> and Peak<\/span> 5628<\/span><\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Now E of Peak 5701 heading NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While the first part of this area was forested, farther on Lupe came to meadows, too.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog reached a spot where she had a fairly clear view of Peak<\/span> 5440<\/span><\/a><\/strong> off to the NE.<\/p>\n

Peak 5440 didn’t look too impressive.\u00a0 It was just a flat-topped forested hill.\u00a0 Yet with 360 feet of prominence, Peak 5440 was the most prominent mountain along the entire route Lupe would be traveling today.\u00a0 So the plan was to take a little off-trail side trip to climb Peak 5440.\u00a0 After seeing it, though, expectations were none too high.\u00a0 Loop probably wouldn’t be able to see anything but trees from up there.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Despite technically being the most prominent peak along this section of Centennial Trail No. 89, Peak 5440 didn’t look too impressive. Lupe intended to climb it anyway. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Continuing on, Looper soon had views of Peak<\/span> 5701<\/span><\/a><\/strong> again and the long ridge going NNW from it to Peak<\/span> 5628<\/span><\/a><\/strong>.\u00a0 That big ridge looked a lot more intriguing than Peak 5440 did.\u00a0 Despite not having as much prominence, it was higher and appeared to at least offer some views.\u00a0 Peak 5701 even had a little snow.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5701<\/strong> (L) looked more interesting than Peak 5440, and even had some snow. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail gradually curved toward the NE.\u00a0 Stands of aspens sported a few yellow leaves, the last of 2018’s autumn colors.\u00a0 Approaching Peak 5440, Lupe came to a couple of ponds surrounded by wooden fences.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A few colorful aspen leaves were about the last of this autumn’s display. Peak 5701<\/strong> is on the R. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe comes to a fenced-in pond as Centennial Trail No. 89 approaches Peak 5440<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beyond the ponds, Centennial Trail No. 89 curved N again.\u00a0 This was as close as the trail was going to get to Peak 5440.\u00a0 Looper left the trail and began to climb, heading first E, then SE as she got higher up.<\/p>\n

Lupe soon reached a grassy area on the W face of Peak 5440 that she had seen earlier from a distance.\u00a0 This was the only place she was likely to see much from Peak 5440.\u00a0 She actually had a rather nice view of Peak 5701 and the long ridge to Peak 5628 from here.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5701<\/strong> (L) and Peak 5628<\/strong> (R) from the upper W slope of Peak 5440. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5701<\/strong> from Peak 5440. SPHP sort of wished Lupe was climbing Peak 5701 instead. It looked far more interesting. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From the grassy area with a view, Lupe still faced the steepest part of the climb up Peak<\/span> 5440<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, but even so, it wasn’t difficult and didn’t take her long.\u00a0 The terrain soon began to level out.\u00a0 The topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a> showed two 5,440 foot contours on the mountain.\u00a0 Lupe headed NE through dense forest looking for the first one, which contained by far the smallest area.\u00a0 A single large boulder proved to be the clear high point of this contour.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe on the big boulder which appeared to be the high point of the first and smallest 5,440 contour shown on the topo map. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The area contained by the larger 5,440 foot contour was only a couple hundred yards farther NE.\u00a0 Loopster traveled through dense forest the entire way.\u00a0 She seemed to gain at least some elevation.\u00a0 This larger area was almost certainly higher than the big boulder, and had to be the location of the true summit.<\/p>\n

No big boulder or other definite high point existed here, however.\u00a0 The true summit might have been any of a number of smallish rocks located on nearly flat terrain that sloped only very gradually toward the SE.\u00a0 The most interesting thing about this place was actually a 15 or 20 foot high escarpment along the NW edge of the area.\u00a0 Forest blocked all views, but the escarpment featured some interesting rock formations.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The true summit of Peak 5440<\/strong> is right around here somewhere!<\/em> Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Hardly matters which of these rocks is the true summit of Peak 5540<\/strong>. Can’t see a thing except trees from any of them anyway! I’m calling this good enough for Dingo work!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
This escarpment along the NW edge of the summit area is cool, though!<\/em> Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Exploring is always fun, but Peak<\/span> 5440<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span> was the sort of place Lupe was only likely to get to once.\u00a0 Might as well linger a while to enjoy whatever the experience had to offer.\u00a0 It was time for a short break, anyway.\u00a0 The usual fare was on offer.\u00a0 Water and Taste of the Wild for Lupe.\u00a0 An apple for SPHP.<\/p>\n

When break time was over, it was back to Centennial Trail No. 89 by the same route Lupe had taken up.\u00a0 Upon reaching the trail, Lupe continued N.\u00a0 She soon came to a sign saying it was 4.5 miles to Nemo or 3.5 miles back to Pilot Knob.\u00a0 Nemo was about a mile beyond the South Boxelder Creek trailhead, so this was about the halfway point.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe reaches a sign near the halfway point between the Pilot Knob and South Boxelder Creek trailheads. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It wasn’t much farther to another high point.\u00a0 Centennial Trail No. 89 had been gaining elevation, albeit quite gradually, ever since leaving the West Fork of Estes Creek.\u00a0 N of Peak 5440, however, the trail went over a broad, gentle pass.\u00a0 On the other side Lupe was soon losing elevation faster than she had gained it.\u00a0 She was entering the upper reaches of yet another valley.<\/p>\n

Loop hadn’t gone far beyond the high point when she reached a sign for Caryl Spring.\u00a0 Caryl Spring consisted of several inches of standing water full of fallen leaves.\u00a0 Lupe cooled her paws off, and helped herself to a drink.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
As Lupe headed toward the pass N of Peak 5440, she caught sight of this high ridge N of Peak 5628. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Loopster at the high point of Centennial Trail No. 89 N of Peak 5440. There was a major road junction here, but not much in the way of signage. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Starting down into the next valley. Caryl Spring is right around the bend.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe standing paw deep in Caryl Spring<\/strong>, which did have a few inches of water.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From Caryl Spring the trail continued E farther down the valley, but not for long.\u00a0 When the valley turned N, Centennial Trail No. 89 took off to the SE up a side draw.\u00a0 Lupe gained close to 100 feet of elevation going over a minor ridge extending NNE from Peak 5440.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog was soon over this ridge and starting a descent that would take her into Blue Draw.<\/p>\n

Loop reached a sign indicating the South Boxelder Creek trailhead was only a mile ahead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Gaining elevation again going over the minor ridge NNE of Peak 5440. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Beginning the descent into Blue Draw after crossing the ridge. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Getting there! Only a mile to go to the South Boxelder Creek trailhead!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A junction existed where Centennial Trail No. 89 reached Blue Draw.\u00a0 It wasn’t clear where the road heading SW was going other than farther up the draw.\u00a0 Where it went didn’t really matter.\u00a0 Loop just needed to head down the valley.\u00a0 At the lower end of Blue Draw she would find the South Boxelder Creek trailhead.\u00a0 The trail headed NE at first, then E the rest of the way.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe in Blue Draw<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching a seasonal stream in Blue Draw<\/strong>. It was just a puddle today.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trek down Blue Draw was shady and pleasant, but it seemed like Lupe had gone more than a mile since seeing the sign about the trailhead.\u00a0 Finally she saw a ramp for ATV’s and a gate ahead.\u00a0 Just beyond the gate was the bridge over Boxelder Creek.\u00a0 This was it!\u00a0 Looper had reached the trailhead!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Oh, look! There’s the gate and ATV access ramp. We’re just about to the South Boxelder Creek trailhead!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Loop on the bridge over Boxelder Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Boxelder Creek<\/strong> looking downstream (SE) from the bridge.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking upstream (NNW) from the bridge.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe reaches her Centennial Trail No. 89 destination for the day, the South Boxelder Creek trailhead<\/strong>. Photo looks ESE in the direction of Nemo, which is out of sight about a mile away.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Despite Lupe’s side trip to Peak 5440, she had made fairly good time getting to the South Boxelder Creek trailhead.\u00a0 Her Centennial Trail No. 89 explorations were complete for the day, although she still had to repeat the experience going all the way back to Pilot Knob again.<\/p>\n

Not yet, though!\u00a0 Time for another rest break.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP relaxed for a while on a grassy bank by the creek.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
So we made it! That wasn’t so hard now, was it? And look at this beautiful stream and scenic bridge to adventure!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Guess that’s about it unless we come up with some other grand scheme on the way back to Pilot Knob!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Well, that would have been it, but on the way back to Pilot Knob the American Dingo made such excellent progress that when she reached the pass N of Peak 5440 again, SPHP realized that the sun wouldn’t set for at least another couple of hours.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
So what do you say, SPHP? Still want to explore that big ridge going from Peak 5628<\/strong> (R) to Peak 5701<\/strong> (L)?<\/em> Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The big ridge with Peak<\/span> 5701<\/span><\/a><\/strong> at the S end and Peak<\/span> 5628<\/span><\/a><\/strong> at the N end was now in sight.\u00a0 Seemed like Lupe had enough daylight left to explore it.\u00a0 The American Dingo was willing, so why not?<\/p>\n

Lupe and SPHP left Centennial Trail No. 89 heading SW for a saddle N of Peak 5628.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe now off trail on her way to the saddle N of Peak 5628. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At first, the way was easy.\u00a0 The terrain gained elevation slowly.\u00a0 Lupe came to few obstacles.\u00a0 For a while, SPHP even thought Loop might be on a long abandoned road, but it was hard to tell for certain.<\/p>\n

As the Carolina Dog got closer to the saddle, though, the going got tougher.\u00a0 No road here!\u00a0 Lupe passed through a very dense pine forest.\u00a0 Beyond that was an area of mixed pines and aspens thick with deadfall timber.\u00a0 Loop didn’t have much farther to go to reach the saddle, but progress in the middle of this mess was slow, slow, slow.<\/p>\n

The map showed a road going up to the saddle.\u00a0 Lupe ought to come to it, but for a long way she didn’t.\u00a0 SPHP had about decided the road didn’t exist any more, when suddenly there was Lupe, standing right on it.\u00a0 Loop headed W on this road until it was clear she was due N of Peak 5628 and wasn’t going to gain any more elevation sticking with the road.<\/p>\n

Time to start up Peak 5628!\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP left the road heading S up a fairly steep slope.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe reaches the road leading to the saddle N of Peak 5628. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Loop in the saddle N of Peak 5628. She left the road here. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The hardest part of the climb was the very beginning.\u00a0 The slope was steepest here, and again full of deadfall timber.\u00a0 Once Lupe was above the deadfall, the rest of the way was much easier.\u00a0 The elevation gain from the saddle to the top of Peak 5628 was only about 300 feet, so it didn’t take long.<\/p>\n

Close to the summit, Lupe discovered a platform of rock with a good view of Custer Peak<\/span><\/a> (6,804 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/span>.\u00a0 A nearby rock formation proved to be the true summit of Peak 5628.\u00a0 Looper had no problem getting up onto the highest rock.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
This platform of rock near the true summit of Peak 5628 provided a distant view of Custer Peak<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe at the summit of Peak 5628<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Oh, I’m glad we came here, SPHP! Quite a few trees around, but the views are most definitely better from here than they were at Peak 5440!<\/em> Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Quite a few trees grew near the top of Peak 5628, so views were limited.\u00a0 However, this was definitely better than Peak 5440 had been.\u00a0 Not only could Lupe see Custer Peak, but a little way S of the summit was an open area where she had a good look at Peak 5701 at the opposite end of the ridge.<\/p>\n

Looper could also see a broad expanse of territory to the S and W.\u00a0 Even Black Elk Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,231 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was in view, although it was quite far away.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
There’s our next peakbagging objective, Peak 5701<\/strong> (Center)!<\/em> Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A broad expanse of Black Hills territory was visible to the S & W. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking back toward the summit of Peak 5628<\/strong> from the S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP had expected Lupe would have an easy time traveling along the ridgeline from Peak 5628 to Peak 5701.\u00a0 However, the highest part of the ridge was capped by large rock formations.\u00a0 Large quantities of deadfall timber existed in some places, too.<\/p>\n

Traveling the highest part of the ridge would have taken too much time.\u00a0 Lupe made far faster progress staying somewhat lower on the W side of the ridge.\u00a0 She avoided the much steeper E side.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Loop heading S along the ridge from Peak 5628 to Peak 5701. The highest part of the ridgeline was too rocky for efficient travel. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The climb up Peak 5701 was short, but fairly steep and rocky.\u00a0 The top of the mountain had quite a bit of rock, too.\u00a0 The summit area was forested, but breaks in the trees provided some views.\u00a0 The highest point was toward the SE at the edge of an uneven rocky platform.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The sun was getting low by the time Lupe reached Peak 5701<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking back over the ridgeline Lupe had just traversed toward Peak 5628<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looper reaches the true summit of Peak 5701<\/strong>. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe and SPHP took the last rest break of the day up on Peak 5701.\u00a0 The best views were toward the N and E from a rocks a little below and SE of the true summit.\u00a0 Lupe could see both of the other mountains she had climbed today, and a big expanse of territory she had passed through on Centennial Trail No. 89.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking down on Peak 5440<\/strong> (Center) from Peak 5701. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5628<\/strong> (Center) from Peak 5701. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The sun was still up when Lupe headed N off Peak 5701 back down to the ridge leading to Peak 5628.\u00a0 She went only far enough to reach a slope she could easily descend into the valley to the W.\u00a0 This valley drained S into the valley of the West Fork of Estes Creek, but SPHP wasn’t certain which direction Lupe ought to go once she got there.<\/p>\n

Which way to Centennial Trail No. 89?\u00a0 The sun had set.\u00a0 Light was now fading fast.\u00a0 A decision needed to be made quickly.\u00a0 When a brief foray to the E didn’t reveal anything that looked familiar, the Carolina Dog turned and went W.<\/p>\n

W proved to be the wrong direction.\u00a0 No matter.\u00a0 Lupe continued up the valley of the West Fork of Estes Creek until she reached the power line she had been to much earlier in the day.\u00a0 Following the power line SE got Loop back to Centennial Trail No. 89.<\/p>\n

Since striking out for Peak 5628, Lupe’s return route had bypassed most of the trail.\u00a0 Less than a mile remained to the Pilot Knob trailhead.\u00a0 It had been a great day, and was now a beautiful evening.\u00a0 Darkness reigned.\u00a0 Stars twinkled.\u00a0 A coyote howled.\u00a0 Puppy, ho!\u00a0 Onward!\u00a0 Almost there.\u00a0 (End 6:38 PM, 44\u00b0F)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe on Peak 5701<\/strong>, Black Hills, South Dakota 10-18-18<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

Next Black Hills Expedition<\/span><\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Prior Black Hills Expedition<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Next Trail Section S<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 235 – Centennial Trail No. 89: Deer Creek to Pilot Knob (9-29-18)<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Next Trail Section N<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 238 – Centennial Trail No. 89: South Boxelder Creek to Dalton Lake (10-28-18)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0 Check out Lupe’s Black Hills, SD & WY\u00a0Expeditions\u00a0Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, Master Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/a>!<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Start – 8:55 AM, 50 \u00b0F, Pilot Knob trailhead of Centennial Trail No. 89 The first half of October had been cold and wet, but that was history now.\u00a0 This morning was clear and bright, and it was already 50 \u00b0F when Lupe and SPHP arrived at the Pilot Knob trailhead along USFS Road No. … Continue reading Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 237 – Centennial Trail No. 89: Pilot Knob to South Boxelder Creek (10-18-18)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":16852,"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":[6],"tags":[105,9,106,527,104,754,999,1000,991,998],"class_list":["post-16896","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-black-hills","tag-american-dingo","tag-black-hills-expeditions","tag-carolina-dog","tag-centennial-trail-no-89","tag-lupe","tag-peak-5440","tag-peak-5628","tag-peak-5701","tag-pilot-knob-trailhead","tag-south-boxelder-creek-trailhead"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/IMG_2406.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\/16896","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=16896"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16896\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28427,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16896\/revisions\/28427"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/16852"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=16896"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=16896"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=16896"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}