{"id":17772,"date":"2018-12-26T08:10:38","date_gmt":"2018-12-26T15:10:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=17772"},"modified":"2019-02-18T17:32:30","modified_gmt":"2019-02-19T00:32:30","slug":"hunt-mountain-bald-mountain-bighorn-range-wyoming-6-13-18","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=17772","title":{"rendered":"Hunt Mountain & Bald Mountain, Bighorn Range, Wyoming (6-13-18)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Day 5 of Lupe’s 2018 Dingo Vacation to the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming & Beyond!<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, this was going to be a cinch!\u00a0 USFS Road No. 10 had been rough, but the G6 had made it.\u00a0 SPHP parked near the road’s highest point.\u00a0 (11:33 AM, 53\u00b0F)<\/em>\u00a0 When Lupe hopped out, she was at 10,000 feet elevation.\u00a0 She could already see Cloud Peak<\/span><\/a> (13,167 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, mightiest of the Bighorn Range, far to the SE.<\/p>\n

Hunt Mountain<\/span><\/a> (10,162 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, the American Dingo’s immediate peakbagging objective, was only 0.67 mile W of the road.\u00a0 From this direction, a traipse up a gradual, treeless slope to the summit was mere child’s play. \u00a0 Good thing, too.\u00a0 After yesterday’s long march to Dry Fork Ridge<\/strong><\/span><\/a> and back, SPHP was, well, call it “low energy” today.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Hunt Mountain<\/strong> as seen from USFS Road No. 10 about 3 or 4 miles S of Highway 14A on the way to Lupe’s departure point. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Cloud Peak<\/strong> (Center) from close to where the G6 was parked along USFS Road No. 10. Photo looks SE with considerable assistance from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A 10 to 15 mph W breeze was blowing as Loopster set out for a small rock outcropping visible a short distance W of the road.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Hunt Mountain<\/strong> from the small rock outcropping. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From the rocks, a broad drainage area at the base of a big snowdrift was seen sloping gently to the NE.\u00a0 In order to avoid any wet terrain, Lupe turned SW gaining elevation slowly.\u00a0 Following the high ground, a big arc could be made around to the NW when she got closer to the W edge of Hunt Mountain.<\/p>\n

Lupe delighted in frolicking on a snowbank she found in a depression.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe enjoys a refreshing moment on the snowbank she discovered in this depression. Cloud Peak<\/strong> (L) is on the horizon. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The W face of Hunt Mountain drops off very sharply.\u00a0 As Lupe got close to the edge, she found fortification-like rock formations standing along the brink of a line of cliffs.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Fortification-like rock formations stood perched along the W edge of Hunt Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Near the W edge of Hunt Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW towards High Point 10,015<\/span><\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The summit of Hunt Mountain was still a little farther NNW.\u00a0 Traveling toward it, Lupe could soon see a tall cairn ahead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Traveling NNW along the W edge of Hunt Mountain<\/strong> a tall cairn (R) came into view. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Getting closer. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The tall cairn had a commanding view of a huge amount of territory W of the Bighorn Range.\u00a0 However, upon reaching it, Lupe could see that this first cairn was not at the top of Hunt Mountain.\u00a0 Another higher cairn was in sight farther N.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The tall cairn had a commanding view of a vast territory W of the Bighorn Range. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
From the first cairn, a second, higher cairn (R) could be seen. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Approaching the second cairn, Lupe came upon a sinkhole.\u00a0 Apparently parts of Hunt Mountain were hollow!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Loop discovers a sinkhole S of the 2nd cairn. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The second cairn proved to be the summit of Hunt Mountain<\/span><\/a> (10,162 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 With nothing to obstruct the views in any direction, Lupe enjoyed magnificent scenery everywhere she looked.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the summit. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A wider view of the summit area looking WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking WNW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Bald Mountain<\/span><\/a> (10,042 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> is L of the cairn. Duncum Mountain<\/span><\/a> (9,831 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> is on the horizon at Center. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Cloud Peak<\/span><\/a> (13,167 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Black Tooth Mountain<\/span><\/a> (13,005 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (L) and Cloud Peak<\/strong> (Center) with lots of help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The view to the NW was of particular interest.\u00a0 Lupe could see Bald Mountain<\/span><\/a> (10,042 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and more distant Medicine Mountain<\/span><\/a> (9.962 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, both of which she had been to before.\u00a0 In fact, she intended to visit Bald Mountain again later on today.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the summit of Hunt Mountain<\/strong>. Medicine Mountain<\/strong> (Center) is on the far horizon. Bald Mountain<\/strong> (R) streaked with long snowbanks is a bit closer. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Bald Mountain<\/strong> with help from the telephoto lens. Lupe intended to make her 5th ascent of Bald Mountain later this afternoon. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Medicine Mountain (R). The white sphere is part of an FAA installation. Medicine Mountain is the site of the Bighorn Medicine Wheel<\/span><\/strong><\/a>. Photo looks NW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Although sparse vegetation gave Hunt Mountain an overall barren look, tiny wildflowers decorated the summit.\u00a0 Orange lichens grew on many of the whitish stones.\u00a0 A knob of stone nearly as high as the summit stood close by to the N.\u00a0 Just for fun, Lupe got up on top of it, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The overall rather barren appearance of Hunt Mountain was deceiving. Tiny wildflowers flourished among the rocks.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Pink flowers were fairly uncommon. Blue and yellow ones were predominant.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
These yellow flowers grew on a knob of rock N of the summit that had a particularly nice display of orange lichens, too. Medicine Mountain<\/strong> (Center) & Bald Mountain<\/strong> (R) are on the horizon. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe by the yellow flowers on the N knob of rock. Medicine Mountain<\/strong> (L) and Bald Mountain<\/strong> (R) both in view. Photo looks NW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In addition to the second tall cairn, Lupe found two survey markers on top of Hunt Mountain.\u00a0 Both were stamped “Hudson” and had arrows that pointed toward a pile of rocks between them.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe stands near the first of the survey markers she came to, Hudson No. 2. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Hudson No. 2.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Hudson No. 1.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hunt Mountain offered an awful lot of scenic bang for the amount of effort required to get here!\u00a0 However, it was rather breezy at the summit.\u00a0 After taking in the sights, Lupe and SPHP retreated down the slope E of the summit to escape the W wind.<\/p>\n

Lupe went as far as a rim of rocks overlooking the big snowbank that had been visible from the first little rock outcropping she had come to after leaving the road.\u00a0 A big boulder on the rim provided some shade.\u00a0 Low on water, SPHP packed a couple of water bottles and a jug with snow, setting them out in the sun so the snow would melt.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Loop near the big boulder while waiting for the sun to melt snow packed into the water containers. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe and SPHP rested by the big boulder, relaxing while waiting for the snow to melt.\u00a0 Weary from yesterday’s exertions, Looper put her head down and fell fast asleep.\u00a0 Soon SPHP was out of it, too.<\/p>\n

When SPHP came to, Lupe was gone!\u00a0 A squeaking noise.\u00a0 Marmots!\u00a0 SPHP scanned the rocky rim of the ridge.\u00a0 There she was!\u00a0 The Carolina Dog had snuck off to go looking for marmots among the rocks.\u00a0 SPHP called her back.\u00a0 She returned marmotless, but evidently enthused and entertained by her futile hunt for them.\u00a0 This was, after all, “Hunt” Mountain.<\/p>\n

SPHP packed more snow into the water containers.\u00a0 Better not fall asleep this time, no matter how tempting it was.\u00a0 SPHP started writing in the trip journal.\u00a0 Looper got bored, and passed out again.\u00a0 Time ebbed away.<\/p>\n

Suddenly, a distant pop followed by a closer one.\u00a0 What the?\u00a0 Within a minute, another couple of pops.\u00a0 Same deal, except the second pop was much closer.\u00a0 Gunfire!\u00a0 Lupe was awake and concerned.\u00a0 Someone was using the boulder she was resting beside for target practice!\u00a0 Ordering Loop to stay down, SPHP stood up displaying a red shirt and waved.<\/p>\n

At first, SPHP didn’t see anyone, but a pickup truck was now in view off to the E parked close to the G6.\u00a0 Oh, yeah.\u00a0 There he was!\u00a0 Off to the SW, someone carrying a rifle was heading for the W edge of Hunt Mountain, but well S of the summit.<\/p>\n

Hmm.\u00a0 Maybe enough snow had melted?\u00a0 The gunfire made a convincing case.\u00a0 SPHP gathered the water bottles up.\u00a0 Lupe returned to the summit of Hunt Mountain for a final look around before heading back to the G6.\u00a0 On the way down, whoever it was with the rifle was seen far to the S on a rock platform along the W edge of the mountain.\u00a0 The rifle was now set up on a tripod.<\/p>\n

No further incidents occurred.\u00a0 An easy downhill stroll, and Loop was back at the G6.\u00a0 (3:10 PM, 59\u00b0F)<\/em>\u00a0 SPHP drove off, conceding the rifleman complete possession of Hunt Mountain.\u00a0 Too much hunting going on at Hunt Mountain for SPHP’s tastes.\u00a0 The American Dingo was done here, anyway.\u00a0 On to Bald Mountain<\/span><\/a> (10,042 ft.)<\/strong><\/span>!<\/p>\n

Once back down to Highway 14A, SPHP turned L (W).\u00a0 9 or 10 miles later came another L turn into the Bald Mountain campground.\u00a0 SPHP parked the G6 at the S end of the campground road.\u00a0 (4:24 PM, 66\u00b0F)<\/em><\/p>\n

Loop left the campground heading SE.\u00a0 Bald Mountain was dead ahead.\u00a0 This would be her 5th ascent!\u00a0 Like at Hunt Mountain, there was nothing to climbing Bald Mountain.\u00a0 Bald Mountain is just a big, rounded hill.\u00a0 This was going to be harder, though.\u00a0 The summit was 2 miles away, and the Carolina Dog would have to gain nearly 1,000 feet of elevation.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Loopster sets off on her 5th ascent of Bald Mountain<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A big stand of pines stood S of the most direct route up Bald Mountain.\u00a0 Lupe would like the woods, so SPHP headed for it.\u00a0 Loop crossed a small creek.\u00a0 The ground near the forest turned out to be wet, much boggier than SPHP had anticipated.\u00a0 Yellow wildflowers grew in profusion.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Crossing a small creek on the way to the forest.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Yellow wildflowers were abundant in and near the boggy forest.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Carolina Dog did have fun exploring the boggy woods.\u00a0 Lupe found a squirrel to bark at, a surefire source of Dingo happiness.\u00a0 SPHP enjoyed being out of the wind, but it didn’t last.\u00a0 The forest encompassed only a small area.\u00a0 Soon Looper was through it.\u00a0 The ascent of Bald Mountain began in earnest.<\/p>\n

The climb was the same relentless uphill trudge as always, but seemed harder.\u00a0 Low energy SPHP was just plain tired from the start.\u00a0 Loopster didn’t like the W wind, which blew harder as she gained elevation.\u00a0 The treeless slope offered absolutely no refuge.\u00a0 By the time Lupe made it to top of the W end of the mountain, the wind was 20 to 25 mph.<\/p>\n

There was a reason Lupe was on Bald Mountain for a 5th time.\u00a0 In addition to tagging the summit, SPHP wanted to fix the names.\u00a0 In this wind, the American Dingo wasn’t too keen on either idea.\u00a0 SPHP had success finding the names fairly quickly, but Lupe was not happy about having to wait around for 20 minutes while SPHP repaired them.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Loopster sits next to her name after SPHP repaired it. Hunt Mountain<\/strong> is in the distance directly behind her. The summit of Bald Mountain<\/strong> is on the L. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Loop was even more disgusted when SPHP made it clear that going on to the summit was a requirement.\u00a0 She soon resigned herself to the idea of this wind tunnel trek, however, and led the way.\u00a0 It wasn’t so bad.\u00a0 Why, this gale was going to blow her clear to the top!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Loop, resigned to having to go all the way to the summit, leaves SPHP behind. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A 30 mph gale swept over the summit of Bald Mountain<\/span><\/a> (10,042 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 A birdhouse stood NW of a survey marker.\u00a0 Little blue, yellow, and white wildflowers blanketed the ground.\u00a0 Not a bush or a tree anywhere.<\/p>\n

A great view of Hunt Mountain<\/span><\/a> (10,162 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, where Lupe had just come from, was off to the SE.\u00a0 Medicine Mountain<\/strong> <\/span><\/a>(9,962 ft.)<\/strong><\/span> was only 4 miles NW, while Duncum Mountain<\/span><\/a> (9,831 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was farther N.\u00a0 Unfortunately, lingering to contemplate the fine views wasn’t going to happen under these conditions.\u00a0 Lupe stood bravely in the breeze hoping SPHP would just hurry up.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe reaches the top of Bald Mountain<\/strong> to claim her 5th successful ascent. Duncum Mountain<\/strong> (Center) is on the horizon. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Loop by the survey benchmark. The W end of Bald Mountain<\/strong> is beyond her with Medicine Mountain<\/strong> (Center) 4 miles away in the distance. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The survey benchmark.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Duncum Mountain<\/strong> (L of Center) again. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Hunt Mountain<\/strong> (L) and High Point 10,015<\/span><\/strong> (straight up from the pipe). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Hunt Mountain<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SE with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Loopster was thrilled when SPHP indicated it was finally time to head down.\u00a0 The wind made her wild, and she really took the lead now.\u00a0 Lupe raced here and there roaming a vast plain despite the gale.\u00a0 She passed by her name again, then paused at the W end of Bald Mountain before the steepest part of the descent.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looper takes the lead on the way down Bald Mountain<\/strong>. Medicine Mountain<\/strong> (Center) in the distance. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the steepest part of the descent. Medicine Mountain<\/strong> (Center). The road to the Bald Mountain campground is near the R edge. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The feral, ferocious were-puppy attacked SPHP twice.\u00a0 Once down off Bald Mountain, she again prowled the boggy forest.\u00a0 By the end, even the were-puppy was tired and hungry.\u00a0 Immediately upon reaching the G6, she devoured 2\/3 of a can of Alpo.\u00a0 (7:25 PM, 61\u00b0F)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
N of Bald Mountain<\/strong> late in the day. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A couple miles N of Highway 14A, SPHP found a dispersed camping spot off USFS Road No. 11 near the edge of the forest.\u00a0 The sun sank below the horizon.\u00a0 Hunt Mountain and Bald Mountain weren’t difficult peaks, but the fabulous scenery and fresh air had been enough for this day.<\/p>\n

In any case, the sandman was coming.\u00a0 The wild one curled up, and heaved a bleary-eyed sigh.\u00a0 SPHP drew her blankie over her.\u00a0 Moments later, magically re-energized, the were-puppy bounded off to new adventures in the mountains of Dingo dreamland.\u00a0 Perhaps the restless breeze blew there tonight, too?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
In the wild W wind atop Bald Mountain<\/strong>, Bighorn Range, Wyoming 6-13-18<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Notes:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Hunt Mountain<\/strong> directions: In the northern Bighorns, go W from Burgess Junction on Hwy 14A approximately 14 miles to a L (S) turn onto USFS Road No. 10.\u00a0 Follow No. 10 about 5 miles to the highest part of the road.\u00a0 Hunt Mountain is 0.67 mile E.<\/em><\/p>\n

Bald Mountain<\/strong> directions: Go approximately 24 miles W of Burgess Junction on Hwy 14A (10 miles beyond the turn to Hunt Mountain).\u00a0 Take a L (S) turn into the Bald Mountain campground.\u00a0 Bald Mountain is 2 miles SE.<\/em><\/p>\n

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

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

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose\u00a0from\u00a0Lupe’s 2018 Dingo Vacation to the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming & Beyond Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a>,\u00a0Dingo Vacations Adventure Index<\/strong><\/a><\/span> 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 2018 Dingo Vacation to the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming & Beyond! Oh, this was going to be a cinch!\u00a0 USFS Road No. 10 had been rough, but the G6 had made it.\u00a0 SPHP parked near the road’s highest point.\u00a0 (11:33 AM, 53\u00b0F)\u00a0 When Lupe hopped out, she was at 10,000 feet … Continue reading Hunt Mountain & Bald Mountain, Bighorn Range, Wyoming (6-13-18)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":17747,"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":[1003],"tags":[105,149,185,106,26,1019,104,275],"class_list":["post-17772","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-2018-bighorn-mountains-wyoming-beyond","tag-american-dingo","tag-bald-mountain","tag-bighorn-mountains","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-hunt-mountain","tag-lupe","tag-wyoming"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/IMG_9500.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\/17772","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=17772"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17772\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19717,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17772\/revisions\/19717"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/17747"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=17772"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=17772"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=17772"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}