{"id":17493,"date":"2018-12-06T08:10:10","date_gmt":"2018-12-06T15:10:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=17493"},"modified":"2020-11-20T09:44:52","modified_gmt":"2020-11-20T16:44:52","slug":"black-hills-sd-expedition-no-240-deerfield-lake-loop-trail-no-40l-hat-mountain-11-14-18","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=17493","title":{"rendered":"Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 240 – Deerfield Lake Loop Trail No. 40L & Hat Mountain (11-14-18)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Start – 8:33 AM, 39\u00b0F at the Gold Run trailhead, Deerfield Reservoir<\/em><\/p>\n

Nearly mid-November, but such a beautiful morning that an expedition way out in the W central Black Hills seemed like a great idea.\u00a0 Loopster might not have many more chances to get out in the high country before winter set in.\u00a0 She arrived at the Gold Run trailhead by Deerfield Reservoir to find a skiff of snow already on the ground.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe arrives at the Gold Run trailhead<\/strong> near Deerfield Reservoir in the W central Black Hills. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe’s primary objective was an easy one.\u00a0 She was here for a romp around Deerfield Reservoir exploring Lake Loop Trail No. 40L<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0 The 11.65 mile long trail would be perfect for a leisurely all day expedition this time of year.\u00a0 The American Dingo would encounter a fair amount of elevation gain and loss along the way, but in easily managed chunks without any truly steep parts.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looper ready to set out on Deerfield Lake Loop Trail No. 40L. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Gold Run trailhead is located at the S end of an arm of Deerfield Reservoir.\u00a0 The plan was to follow Lake Loop Trail No. 40L clockwise around the lake.\u00a0 Lupe set off heading N along the W side of the bay.\u00a0 A thin shelf of ice covered by snow extended out from the near shore.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Flag Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,937 ft.) <\/span><\/strong>(Center L) is in view beyond the S arm of Deerfield Reservoir. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Gold Run trailhead (R) is at the end of this S arm of Deerfield Reservoir. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lake Loop Trail No. 40L followed the S arm of Deerfield Reservoir N, but not all the way to the main body of the lake.\u00a0 Before getting that far, the trail turned W climbing a modest slope.\u00a0 At the top, Lupe found a road leading to a nearby picnic ground.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Nearing the main part of Deerfield Reservoir<\/strong>, Lake Loop Trail No. 40L turned W (L) here and climbed a modest slope. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail followed the road a very short distance SW to a junction.\u00a0 Here Lupe turned R (NW) onto a road going downhill.\u00a0 100 feet brought her to a marker where the trail left the road again.\u00a0 Lake Loop Trail No. 40L went W before heading S up a draw taking Lupe away from the lake.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Going S up a draw heading away from the lake.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After gaining some elevation, Lake Loop Trail No. 40L left the draw, crossed Whitetail Loop Road, and began gradually working its way W.\u00a0 The trail wound through ravines and along hillsides.\u00a0 Lupe was well S of the lake, glimpses of which were only occasionally in sight.<\/p>\n

This part of the forest was full of deadfall timber.\u00a0 Fortunately, the trail was mostly free of it.\u00a0 Even so, Looper came to places where the trail would have been easy to lose.\u00a0 The trail was not marked at a couple of critical points.\u00a0 Paying a little extra attention went a long way toward staying on the right path.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
S of the lake on hillsides strewn with deadfall timber. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe got as much as 150 to 200 feet above lake level before Lake Loop Trail No. 40L started a steady descent.\u00a0 The trail eventually brought her down to Whitetail Loop Road again along the S shore near the W end of the lake.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Loop near the high point of the trail approaching the W end of Deerfield Reservoir<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On Whitetail Loop Road near the W end of Deerfield Reservoir<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail followed Whitetail Loop Road only a short distance W before cutting NW across a small field.\u00a0 A sign commemorating Deerfield Dam & Reservoir stood 50 feet SW of the trail.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Starting around the W end of Deerfield Reservoir<\/strong> after leaving Whitetail Loop Road. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Near the commemorative sign at the SW end of Deerfield Reservoir<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After visiting the sign, Lupe returned to the trail.\u00a0 It took her around the W end of Deerfield Reservoir staying right beside paved Deerfield Road much of the way.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back on the trail going around the W end of Deerfield Reservoir<\/strong>. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Following Deerfield Road<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beyond the W end of the lake, a footbridge over Castle Creek came into view.\u00a0 Castle Creek is Deerfield Reservoir’s main water source.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The footbridge over Castle Creek comes into view. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the footbridge over Castle Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking downstream. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe crossed the footbridge.\u00a0 Lake Loop Trail No. 40L followed Castle Creek SE.\u00a0 Nearing the W end of Deerfield Reservoir again, Loop came upon a forested high point.<\/p>\n

Nearby rocks offered a unique vantage point.\u00a0 The American Dingo left the trail for a look around.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Near the W end of Deerfield Reservoir again. Deerfield Road is now on the other side of the lake. Whitetail Loop Road (far L) is also in sight. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
W end of Deerfield Reservoir<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe’s travels along the most accessible portions of Deerfield Reservoir were now over.\u00a0 From here on she would be in more remote territory.\u00a0 Beyond the rocky viewpoint Lake Loop Trail No. 40L headed NE into the forest.\u00a0 Lupe followed abandoned roads with a bit of snow on them.\u00a0 For quite a while Deerfield Reservoir was no longer in view.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Following a snowy road. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
For a while, Lupe didn’t see the lake at all. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After more than a mile, Lupe reached a junction with a spur trail from the unseen North Shore trailhead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Just past the junction with a spur trail from the North Shore trailhead. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Shortly after passing this junction, Loopster reached a flat grassy area overlooking Deerfield Reservoir.\u00a0 A substantial portion of the main body of the lake was in view from here.\u00a0 Hat Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,779 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> could be seen off to the S beyond the lake.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe reaches a large grassy area overlooking Deerfield Reservoir<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Hat Mountain<\/strong> (Center) was in sight. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
N slope of Hat Mountain<\/strong> with help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking E from the grassy area.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lake Loop Trail No. 40L now turned ENE paralleling the N shore of the lake.\u00a0 Lupe crossed hilly open terrain providing continuous lake views.\u00a0 Approaching High Point 6087<\/span><\/strong> from the W, the trail re-entered the forest.\u00a0 Lupe gained elevation going around the S side of High Point 6087<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 (Scroll N from Hat Mountain on the topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.)<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Loop back in the forest with a tree-broken lake view on the way around High Point 6087. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Most of the way around High Point 6087<\/span><\/strong> trees effectively blocked the views.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP took a short break near a lone spot where it was possible to get a decent look around.\u00a0 Green Mountain<\/span><\/a> (7,164 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and even the top of more distant Copper Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,920 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> could be seen.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Hat Mountain<\/strong> from close to High Point 6087. Photo looks S with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Green Mountain<\/strong> (Center) and more distant Copper Mountain<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A glimpse back toward the W end of the lake. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Continuing on after the break, Lake Loop Trail No. 40L wrapped around the E side of High Point 6087<\/span><\/strong>, too.\u00a0 The forest permitted occasional glimpses of peaks in various directions.\u00a0 Lupe saw Hat Mountain again, and got a pretty good look at Nipple Butte<\/span><\/a> (6,800 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Continuing around High Point 6087. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Another look at Hat Mountain<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At one point, shortly before reaching a shattered forest, SPHP thought Castle Peak<\/span><\/a> (6,358 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> could be seen off to the NE.\u00a0 Thinking Lupe would get an even better look at it, SPHP failed to take a photo.\u00a0 Unfortunately, Castle Peak never came into view again.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Shortly before reaching this shattered forest, Lupe had a distant view of Castle Peak. Unfortunately, SPHP did not take a photo, and Castle Peak never came into view again. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lake Loop Trail No. 40L continued winding around NE of High Point 6087.\u00a0 Lupe came to a view of another part of Deerfield Reservoir more to the E which hadn’t been in sight before.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog could see the start of the first of two NW arms of the lake.\u00a0 She would have to go around both arms.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Somewhere NE of High Point 6087. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A previously unseen portion of Deerfield Reservoir comes into view. The closest part is the start of one of 2 NW arms that Lupe would have to go around. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail turned NW then began to lose elevation.\u00a0 The first NW arm of the lake wasn’t in view again until Lupe was nearly down to lake level.\u00a0 Looper crossed a wooden bridge over a tiny stream in a scenic draw.\u00a0 Around the next bend to the E was the W tip of the first NW arm.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Crossing the wooden bridge in the scenic draw. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
By the W tip of the first NW arm. Lupe still had to get past a N tip, too. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This first NW arm of the lake also had a slightly larger N tip.\u00a0 Lupe was soon heading N again on the way around the N tip.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Beyond the N tip of the first NW arm. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail continued N past the end of the N tip reaching a fence line at the S end of Reynold’s Prairie, an extensive area of grasslands.\u00a0 Lupe had a great view of South Castle Rock<\/span><\/a> (6,840 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Castle Rock<\/span><\/a> (6,783 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Nipple Butte<\/span><\/a> (6,800 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, and Flag Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,937 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> from here.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
South Castle Rock<\/strong> (L), Castle Rock<\/strong> (part of same ridge straight up from Lupe), Nipple Butte<\/strong> (R of Center) & Flag Mountain<\/strong> (far R) from the S end of Reynold’s Prairie. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail turned E.\u00a0 Deerfield Reservoir was left behind.\u00a0 Lupe crossed a road leading to the Custer Trails campground.\u00a0 Eventually Deerfield Reservoir came back into view.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
After getting around the first NW arm of the lake, Lupe headed E for perhaps 0.5 mile before Deerfield Reservoir came back into view again. Photo looks SSW toward Hat Mountain<\/strong> (Center).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Soon the trail curved back around to the N again.\u00a0 Although it wasn’t in view yet, Lupe was getting close to the second and last NW arm of the lake.\u00a0 Lake Loop Trail No. 40L led across grasslands on the way N.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking back as Lake Loop Trail No. 40L curves N again. Hat Mountain is in the distance on the R. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Heading N once more through the grasslands of Reynolds Prairie. Castle Rock<\/strong> (L), Nipple Butte<\/strong> (Center) and Flag Mountain<\/strong> (R) are all in sight. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The second NW arm of the lake was longer than the first one, perhaps 0.25 mile in total length.\u00a0 Coming over the top of a grassy hill, Lupe saw the end of it ahead.\u00a0 She followed Lake Loop Trail No. 40 along treeless hillsides clear around the N end, crossing a tiny stream in the process.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Coming over a grassy hill, the N end of the second NW arm of Deerfield Reservoir comes into view. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Getting closer to the N end. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking back along the length of the second NW arm. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once across, the trail followed the tiny stream SE back to the second NW arm.\u00a0 Lupe was only slightly above the level of the lake.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading back toward the second NW arm of the lake after crossing the tiny stream. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
So far, so good! We’re easily over halfway around Deerfield Reservoir now!<\/em> Looper down by the 2nd NW arm. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After passing some pine trees on the way over a small rise, Looper came to a large grassy draw that led off to the E.\u00a0 She went through a gate in a barbed wire fence and found she had a couple of choices.\u00a0 She could go E on a trail heading up the draw, or follow a different trail back to the edge of the lake, hoping it would continue SE along the shore.<\/p>\n

A sign did not clearly indicate which way the official trail went.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP made a foray down to the lake.\u00a0 Nope.\u00a0 The trial faded away.\u00a0 The shoreline farther SE looked too heavily forested and steep to follow.\u00a0 Lupe headed E back up the draw, and soon came to markers for Lake Loop Trail No. 40L again.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The E draw (L) where there was confusion over which way the trail went is seen across the 2nd NW arm of the lake. Going R (SE) along the far shore was the wrong way and proved impractical. Lake Loop Trail No. 40L actually goes partway up the draw before turning R (SE) toward higher ground. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beyond the E draw, the trail headed SE or E across more open territory.\u00a0 Looking back to the NW, Lupe had her final views of South Castle Rock, Nipple Butte and Flag Mountain.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking back after going through one of more than half a dozen gates Lupe came to along Lake Loop Trail No. 40L. South Castle Rock<\/strong> (L), Castle Rock<\/strong> (Center), and Nipple Butte<\/strong> (R) are in view for the last time. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe had now traveled the entire length of Deerfield Reservoir N of the lake.\u00a0 Lake Loop Trail No. 40L turned decisively SE.\u00a0 Lupe entered the forest again and started losing elevation. Before she had lost much, an opening on a hillside provided a first view of Deerfield Dam.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Deerfield Dam<\/strong> comes into view. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Continuing a bit farther down the trail, Lupe discovered an even better viewpoint where she could see both the dam and Castle Creek.\u00a0 A nice spot for a rest break while enjoying the scene!\u00a0 Castle Creek roared as it shot out of two large culverts at the base of the dam.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Deerfield Dam & Castle Creek. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Castle Creek<\/strong> gushes out of two large culverts at the base of Deerfield Dam<\/strong>. Photo looks SW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When break time was over, Lupe returned to the trail, which now headed S down into the Castle Creek valley.\u00a0 Upon reaching the valley floor, Lake Loop Trail No. 40L continued S on a road over Castle Creek, but Lupe didn’t cross the creek yet.<\/p>\n

Lake Loop Trail No. 40L didn’t go to Castle Creek’s outlet below Deerfield Dam, but a dirt road did.\u00a0 Lupe had even seen a side road that went right up onto the dam itself.\u00a0 Seemed like the American Dingo ought to explore these highlights while she was in the area.<\/p>\n

Loopster began her off trail investigations trotting NNW up the dirt road to Castle Creek’s outlet at the base of the dam.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Come on! Let’s go take a look at Castle Creek roaring out from the base of Deerfield Dam!<\/em> Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
This is it! Castle Creek comes gushing out of these two big pipes.<\/em> Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Here’s more of a side view.<\/em> Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Wonder how much ice forms in the dead of winter?<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After visiting Castle Creek’s exit from the base of Deerfield Dam, Lupe next went up the side road to the top of the dam itself.\u00a0 Deerfield Dam is oriented roughly NW\/SE.\u00a0 Loopster reached the top of the dam near the NW end.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Deerfield Reservoir<\/strong> from the NW end of the dam. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe at Deerfield Dam.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking along the length of the dam. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The lake was beautiful from the NW end of the dam, but SPHP figured Loop might as well go see it from the SE end, too.\u00a0 She was glad she did.\u00a0 If anything, the views were even prettier from here!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sweet! This might be the best view of Deerfield Reservoir<\/strong> yet!<\/em> Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe at the SE end of Deerfield Dam<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking NW along the dam.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The side trip to the Deerfield Dam hadn’t taken all that much time, but it was definitely getting later in the day.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP left the dam and returned to Lake Loop Trail No. 40 down by Castle Creek.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking upstream along Castle Creek<\/strong> below the dam. Lake Loop Trail No. 40L crosses the creek on a road over it near this point. This is the lowest elevation point along the entire trek around Deerfield Reservoir. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe now took the road S over Castle Creek.\u00a0 This Castle Creek crossing was the lowest elevation point of the entire trek around Deerfield Reservoir.\u00a0 Lake Loop Trail No. 40L now began a long, steady, gentle ascent of a narrow, winding valley.\u00a0 This was the valley of Dutchman Creek.\u00a0 The creek was small, especially at first, but did have some flow.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe starts up into the Dutchman Creek valley. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

0.25 mile up Dutchman Creek valley, Lupe came to a trail junction.\u00a0 She had been here once before a very long time ago on a day when she had been badly injured by barbed wire.\u00a0 Poor Looper had had to run many miles back to the G6 from here with a big bloody gash in one of her legs.<\/p>\n

This junction was with Deerfield Trail No. 40<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, which goes 23 miles E to another junction with the 111 mile long Centennial Trail No. 89<\/strong><\/span><\/a> before ending at the Deer Creek trailhead.\u00a0 SPHP had forgotten exactly where Deerfield Trail No. 40 meets Deerfield Lake Loop Trail No. 40L, but this was it.\u00a0 Lupe had found the junction again.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe rediscovers the junction with Deerfield Trail No. 40<\/strong> down in the Dutchman Creek valley about 0.25 mile SE of where Lake Loop Trail No. 40L<\/strong> crosses Castle Creek E of Deerfield Dam. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Without ever leaving the Lake Loop\/Deerfield\/Centennial trail system it’s possible to go all the way to Wind Cave National Park<\/strong><\/span><\/a> in the S or Bear Butte State Park<\/strong><\/span><\/a> in the N.\u00a0 Be that as it may, Loop just needed to head back to the G6 now.\u00a0 Another sign at the junction said she was a mere 2.5 miles from the Gold Run trailhead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Another sign at the junction with Deerfield Trail No. 40 said Lupe was only 2.5 miles from the Gold Run trailhead where she had started out this morning. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"\"<\/a>Lupe and SPHP continued S on Lake Loop Trail No. 40L.\u00a0 Dutchman Creek exhibited greater flow, not less, as Lupe progressed up the valley.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Continuing up the Dutchman Creek valley. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
By Dutchman Creek<\/strong> near its point of greatest flow. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lake Loop Trail No. 40 eventually veered W.\u00a0 Dutchman Creek vanished.\u00a0 The trail continued on following dirt roads most of the time.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading WSW after the trail abandoned Dutchman Creek. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Other unmarked roads began to intersect the road the trail followed.\u00a0 Which way?\u00a0 Trail markers weren’t reliably present at important points.\u00a0 The trail had been following a road S again for quite a way when Lupe came to a place where the road divided.\u00a0 S or W?\u00a0 A broken marker lay on the ground, but which direction it was supposed to point was no longer clear.<\/p>\n

200 yards on the road going S revealed no more markers.\u00a0 Worse, the road seemed to be turning SE, definitely the wrong direction.\u00a0 Loopster returned to the junction with the broken marker.\u00a0 Taking the road W, another road quickly came into view at the far end of a field.\u00a0 Better yet, a single track trail angled S off the road Lupe was on into the trees.\u00a0 A pink ribbon tied around a tree highlighted a small marker nailed to the trunk.<\/p>\n

No question now.\u00a0 Lupe headed S on the single track.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A little W of a confusing junction where the road divided, Lupe finds Lake Loop Trail No. 40L again (L) as it leaves a dirt road angling S into the trees.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For farther than SPHP expected, the single track went S paralleling the road Lupe had seen at the far end of the field.\u00a0 This was Deerfield Cove Road, which goes N to Dutchman Campground then on to a boat ramp on the S shore of Deerfield Reservoir.\u00a0 Lake Loop Road No. 40L finally turned W and crossed this road.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About to cross Deerfield Cove Road. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The sun was low.\u00a0 Only a mile back to the Gold Run trailhead!\u00a0 Slanting sunbeams highlighted the forest as Lupe crossed the highest ground reached anywhere along Lake Loop Trail No. 40L.\u00a0 Looper was now in the vicinity of High Point 6248 <\/span><\/strong>and couldn’t have passed far from it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Somewhere in the vicinity of High Point 6248<\/strong>, the highest ground encountered anywhere along Lake Loop Trail No. 40L. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Hat Mountain<\/strong> (Center) again as seen through the late afternoon sunlit forest. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The long gradual uphill stretch that had started way back at Castle Creek was over.\u00a0 The terrain near High Point 6248<\/span><\/strong> was fairly flat for quite a distance.\u00a0 Finally the trail started down.\u00a0 Lupe was on the descent to the E side of the S arm of Deerfield Reservoir.\u00a0 When she got there, the Gold Run trailhead was in sight.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe reaches the E shore of Deerfield Reservoir’s S arm. Gold Run trailhead where she had started out from this morning is in sight at the far S end. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A shortcut across a field at the S end of the lake directly to the Gold Run trailhead would have saved a bunch of distance.\u00a0 However, the field was fenced off, and Lupe would have had to cross Gold Run Creek.\u00a0 So she stuck with Lake Loop Trail No. 40L, which went the long way around all the way S to Deerfield Road before turning back N to the trailhead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking back at Gold Run trailhead (L) from Lake Loop Trail No. 40L near Deerfield Road. The trail sure took the long way around to get there! Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The sun was still up, but not for much longer, when Lupe reached the Gold Run trailhead again. \u00a0(End – 4:12 PM, 41\u00b0F)<\/em>\u00a0 The American Dingo had successfully explored all of Lake Loop Trail No. 40L.\u00a0 She’d gone clear around Deerfield Reservoir.\u00a0 Even so, Loop wasn’t quite done yet.<\/p>\n

Barely enough daylight left for a quick peakbagging effort!\u00a0 The sun was so low, SPHP drove Lupe W to USFS Road No. 691 (Williams Draw Road), then S to a side road only 0.5 mile N of Hat Mountain.<\/p>\n

Lupe had seen Hat Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,779 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> from so many places on Lake Loop Trail No. 40L, that climbing it seemed like a great way to end the day.\u00a0 Up and back wouldn’t take long.\u00a0 No sense in lugging the backpack along was there?\u00a0 SPHP left it in the G6.\u00a0 (Start – 4:19 PM, 41\u00b0F)<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe followed USFS Road No. 691 a little farther S before plunging into the forest.\u00a0 Halfway up the NE slope, SPHP realized leaving the backpack behind meant no flashlight.\u00a0 Doh!\u00a0 Too late to go back for one now.\u00a0 Just another reason to hurry.\u00a0 No flashlight meant Loop wasn’t going to get to tarry more than a few minutes up on Hat Mountain.<\/p>\n

The sun was already down by the time Lupe reached the summit, but the sunset was still developing.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog could linger enjoying the colorful display a bit longer than expected.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe (R) reaches the flat summit of Hat Mountain just after sunset.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Reynolds Prairie<\/strong> (Center) and part of Deerfield Reservoir<\/strong> (R) from Hat Mountain. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Green Mountain<\/strong> (L) from Hat Mountain. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The glory of sunset faded as quickly as it arrived.\u00a0 The rush back down to USFS Road No. 691 began.\u00a0 Sensing the urgency SPHP felt, Lupe charged ahead.<\/p>\n

Made it with photons to spare!\u00a0 A short easy road hike back to the G6, and Expedition No. 240 was done.\u00a0 Another adventure come and gone.\u00a0 No complaints.\u00a0 None at all.\u00a0 Lake Loop Trail No. 40L had been a perfect day.\u00a0 (End – 5:16 PM, 39\u00b0F)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sunset from Hat Mountain, Black Hills of South Dakota, 11-14-18<\/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\u00a0\u00a0 Prior Black Hills Expedition<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 256 – Deerfield Trail No. 40: Daugherty Trailhead to Signal Knob & Deerfield Lake (10-30-20)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Deerfield Lake Loop Trail No. 40L – Map & Brochure<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Gold Run trailhead directions:\u00a0 From Hill City take Deerfield Road (Highway 17) 14.6 miles NW to a signed R turn onto a dirt road.\u00a0 The trailhead is visible from this turn 0.2 mile to the N.<\/em><\/p>\n

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

Start – 8:33 AM, 39\u00b0F at the Gold Run trailhead, Deerfield Reservoir Nearly mid-November, but such a beautiful morning that an expedition way out in the W central Black Hills seemed like a great idea.\u00a0 Loopster might not have many more chances to get out in the high country before winter set in.\u00a0 She arrived … Continue reading Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 240 – Deerfield Lake Loop Trail No. 40L & Hat Mountain (11-14-18)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":17452,"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":[105,9,106,1014,986,118,1013,104,304],"class_list":["post-17493","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-deerfield-lake","tag-deerfield-reservoir","tag-hat-mountain","tag-lake-loop-trail-no-40l","tag-lupe","tag-south-dakota"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/IMG_2628.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\/17493","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=17493"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17493\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":29835,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17493\/revisions\/29835"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/17452"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=17493"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=17493"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=17493"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}