{"id":18522,"date":"2019-01-19T08:10:56","date_gmt":"2019-01-19T15:10:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=18522"},"modified":"2019-02-18T20:13:29","modified_gmt":"2019-02-19T03:13:29","slug":"bomber-mountain-bighorn-mountains-wyoming-part-1-the-solitude-trail-to-gunboat-lake-7-14-18","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=18522","title":{"rendered":"Bomber Mountain, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming – Part 1: The Solitude Trail to Gunboat Lake (7-14-18)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Days 1 & 2 of Lupe’s 2018 Dingo Vacation to the Bighorn Mountains & Wind River Range in Wyoming!<\/em><\/p>\n

7-13-18, morning<\/em> – No doubt about it.\u00a0 Something was in the works – something big!\u00a0 All the signs were there.\u00a0 SPHP scurried endlessly about.\u00a0 As hours ticked by, Lupe gave up on following SPHP around.\u00a0 Apparently whatever was going on wasn’t happening imminently.<\/p>\n

SPHP had a present for Lupe!\u00a0 A bag on the front step said a marmot was inside, a dandy gift certain to be well received by an American Dingo.\u00a0 However, SPHP said there wasn’t actually a marmot in it.\u00a0 Disappointing, to say the least.\u00a0 A new tiny house was inside.\u00a0 Lupe’s old one had lacked a rain cover all these years, and was showing signs of wear and tear.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe with her gift from SPHP.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

7-13-18, 3:00 PM<\/em> – Finally!\u00a0 It was on now!\u00a0 Lupe was in the G6 on her pile of pillows and blankets.\u00a0 SPHP turned onto I-90.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog was bound for Wyoming!\u00a0 A bright, shiny, brand new Dingo Vacation was underway!<\/p>\n

7-13-18, 6:30 PM<\/em> – Less than a month after her last Dingo Vacation to the Bighorn Mountains had ended abruptly due to rainy weather, Lupe was back!\u00a0 This time she was in the southern Bighorns at Powder River Pass (9,677 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 During a short break from the G6, Loop ventured up to a small rock outcropping S of the pass.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak<\/span> 10215<\/span><\/a><\/strong> from Powder River Pass. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The views were gorgeous!\u00a0 Lupe was inspired to go mountain climbing right this very minute!\u00a0 However, she would have to wait.\u00a0 Getting into position to start for Bomber Mountain<\/strong><\/span><\/a> (12,840 ft.)<\/strong><\/span> tomorrow was all that was on the agenda this evening.<\/p>\n

SPHP drove W on Hwy 16.\u00a0 2 miles past Meadowlark Lake was a R (W) turn onto USFS Road No. 27 at Deer Haven Lodge.\u00a0 No. 27 promptly turned N.\u00a0 1.5 miles from Hwy 16, Lupe reached a junction where USFS Road No. 24 curved away to the L (W).\u00a0 A sign indicated it was 15 miles to Battle Park.\u00a0 Another sign said No. 24 was NOT an all-weather road.<\/p>\n

After Lupe’s escape from Big Pryor Mountain<\/strong><\/span><\/a> at the end of her last Dingo Vacation, the sign gave SPHP pause.\u00a0 Even so, the die was cast.\u00a0 Looper was at least going to try to get to the Bucking Mule Trailhead at Battle Park.\u00a0 Fortunately, other approaches to Bomber Mountain existed, if this one didn’t pan out.<\/p>\n

No. 24 to Battle Park wasn’t so bad, nowhere near as worrisome as the road to Big Pryor Mountain had been.\u00a0 Plenty of potholes and stones, but there were always ways around them.\u00a0 SPHP drove slowly.\u00a0 Lupe rode with her head out the window having a blast looking for squirrels and deer.<\/p>\n

After 14 miles in 45 minutes, Lupe reached the Middle Fork of Paint Rock Creek.\u00a0 A small trailhead was on the R 0.25 mile farther on.\u00a0 This was the Middle Fork trailhead from which Trail No. 066 provides access to Lily Lake.\u00a0 A sign said registration was required to enter the wilderness.\u00a0 The station was 0.25 mile away at Battle Park.<\/p>\n

SPHP parked the G6.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP walked to Battle Park.\u00a0 0.25 mile was more like 0.75 mile.\u00a0 When Lupe finally did reach Battle Park, SPHP was amazed.\u00a0 Expecting solitude, the place was packed with pickup trucks, trailers, people, horses and dogs!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Battle Park wasn’t exactly deserted when Lupe arrived. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Posted information at the entrance to Battle Park made no mention of any registration station.\u00a0 SPHP finally asked a group of people sitting around a bonfire about it.\u00a0 Oh, the registration station was still farther up the road at the opposite end of Battle Park.<\/p>\n

SPHP registered.\u00a0 Lupe visited the Bucking Mule trailhead at the end of the road.\u00a0 Upon returning to the G6, she found a squirrel right away at the Middle Fork trailhead, and watched it until dark.<\/p>\n

Although it was only 59\u00b0F out, the G6 was warm.\u00a0 Lupe lapped up lots of water, but spent hours panting atop her blankets.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog was tremendously excited, and too wound up to sleep.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
It’s all so exciting! I wonder what’s going to happen tomorrow?<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

7-14-18, early<\/em> – Despite having spent half the night awake, Lupe was up before the sun.\u00a0 She picked up right where she had left off yesterday evening.\u00a0 The forest rang with shrill, happy barking as the American Dingo rediscovered the same poor, bleary-eyed squirrel.\u00a0 Meanwhile, SPHP was getting ready.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the Middle Fork trailhead 0.75 mile (NOT<\/em> <\/strong>0.25 mile!<\/em>) from Battle Park.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

7-14-18, 7:04 AM<\/em> – The squirrel was going to have a fine day, after all.\u00a0 SPHP had granted it relief.\u00a0 Lupe and the G6 were now at the Bucking Mule trailhead just past Battle Park at the end of USFS Road No. 24.\u00a0 All was ready.\u00a0 The backpack was annoyingly heavy as backpacks are wont to be.\u00a0 This was it!\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP set off into the forest on Trail No. 164.<\/p>\n

While Bomber Mountain was Lupe’s ultimate peakbagging objective, the goal today was simply to get to Gunboat Lake near Florence Pass.\u00a0 Lupe had been to Gunboat Lake once before.\u00a0 A nice grassy ridge overlooking the lake had looked like a great place to set up base camp.\u00a0 So that was the plan.\u00a0 SPHP hoped it wasn’t overly ambitious.\u00a0 The weight of the dang backpack was the leading cause of doubt.\u00a0 It was 5 miles on Trail No. 164 just to get to the Solitude Trail (No. 038), and maybe another 6 miles on the Solitude Trail to get to Gunboat Lake.<\/p>\n

Looper wasn’t thinking about any of that as she trotted N through the forest.\u00a0 Why, planning things out and carting all that gear around was what she had SPHP for!\u00a0 Her job was just to sniff, run, play and explore.\u00a0 The American Dingo had no intention of neglecting her duties.\u00a0 She gave them her undivided attention.<\/p>\n

Trail No. 164 lost a bit of elevation in the first 0.25 mile to a ford at Battle Creek.\u00a0 The water was low.\u00a0 Crossing the creek was a trivial matter.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At Battle Creek<\/strong> 0.25 mile N of Bucking Mule trailhead. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Easy is good!\u00a0 Always nice when a potential obstacle turns out not to be one.\u00a0 Beyond the creek Lupe started gaining elevation.\u00a0 No. 164 wound NE through forest, occasionally passing near small glades.\u00a0 About a mile from the trailhead, Lupe reached the S end of Long Park, a vast meadow extending more than 1.5 miles N.\u00a0 Elk Mountain<\/a><\/span> (11,321 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was in sight off to the NE.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe reaches the S end of Long Park<\/strong>. Elk Mountain<\/strong> is on the R. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Trail No. 164 went N through Long Park staying close to the W side near the forest.\u00a0 After only 0.25 mile, Lupe reached the top of a minor rise. The trail ahead curved W down into a drainage.\u00a0 The topo map showed No. 164 would lose 150 feet of elevation before crossing Long Park Creek, ultimately regaining all the loss on the way back E to Long Park.<\/p>\n

Maybe there was a bridge where No. 164 crossed the creek, but the creek was divided into two streams up here in Long Park.\u00a0 If both were fordable, Lupe could save the detour W and avoid unnecessary elevation loss.\u00a0 Loop left the trail continuing straight N.\u00a0 Both branches of Long Park Creek proved to be simple rock hops.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Fording Long Park Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

N of the streams, Lupe picked up Trail No. 164 again.\u00a0 She came to no further obstacles traveling N through Long Park.\u00a0 SPHP tried to keep an eye out for Trail No. 120 going SE to Lily Lake, but saw no sign of it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Long Park<\/strong> from the N. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Getting close to the N end of Long Park. Cloud Peak<\/span><\/a> (13,167 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (L) has come into view. Elk Mountain<\/strong> is on the R. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As Lupe got closer to the N end of Long Park, No. 164 made a jog to the W before turning N again.\u00a0 Lupe had been gaining elevation slowly.\u00a0 The pace picked up when the trail entered the forest.\u00a0 Several people on horseback were coming the opposite direction as the Carolina Dog reached High Point 9810<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Adventures on horseback near High Point 9810<\/strong>! Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Reaching High Point 9810 was significant.\u00a0 Lupe had gained 680 feet of elevation since fording Battle Creek.\u00a0 This was the highest point along Trail No. 164.\u00a0 Lupe had a look around.\u00a0 The terrain was pretty flat, but she found a rock that looked like it might be the summit.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the top of High Point 9810<\/span><\/strong>, highest point along Trail No. 164. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In the middle of a flat area, the highest rock at High Point 9810 didn’t have the best view.\u00a0 The best view was from a boulder near the N edge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking NNE from High Point 9810<\/strong>‘s best viewpoint.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

High Point 9810 was 3 miles from the trailhead.\u00a0 Still 2 miles to go to reach the junction with the Solitude Trail.\u00a0 Loop and SPHP pressed on.<\/p>\n

The Carolina Dog was now about to lose all of the elevation she had gained.\u00a0 During a steady descent through the forest, Trail No. 164 wound generally NE.\u00a0 Occasionally there were clearings off in one direction or another.\u00a0 Looper came to a muddy stream where she took the liberty of helping herself to a drink and cooling off.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Cooling off in a muddy stream. What could be more fun? Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The map showed one interesting highlight more than halfway from High Point 9810 to the junction with the Solitude Trail.\u00a0 That was Grace Lake.\u00a0 Trail No. 164 would go right by it.<\/p>\n

Grace Lake was pretty!\u00a0 Lily pads grew near the W shore.\u00a0 Forested rocky slopes came down to the E shore.\u00a0 If SPHP wanted a respite from the heavy backpack, Lupe was perfectly content to lay in the shade with a view of the tranquil lake.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Oh, SPHP! Isn’t Grace Lake<\/strong> pretty!<\/em> Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Grace Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Taking a break in the shade by Grace Lake<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Elk Mountain<\/span><\/a> (11,321 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> from Grace Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

With a long way to go, the rest break at Grace Lake wasn’t nearly as long as SPHP would have liked.\u00a0 Lupe had to move on.\u00a0 Crossing the outlet stream, Loop was surprised to meet Jefe and Bailey Cleland.<\/p>\n

Jefe and Bailey were from Sturgis, South Dakota, so they were from the Black Hills, too!\u00a0 They were on their way back from a 4 day excursion up to Middle Cloud Peak Lake where Bailey had caught a golden trout.<\/p>\n

Jefe was 8 years old, part Labrador, Golden Retriever, and Rottweiler.\u00a0 The story of how Jefe and Bailey came to be together was both sad and heart-warming.\u00a0 Bailey had acquired Jefe after a friend had asked him to take care of Jefe for a month as a favor.\u00a0 The friend never returned for Jefe.\u00a0 Bailey hadn’t had the heart to take him to the pound.<\/p>\n

That was many years ago.\u00a0 The day Jefe had been abandoned with Bailey turned out to be his luckiest day ever!\u00a0 Here they were, living the dream together enjoying the Bighorn Mountains wilderness.\u00a0 They were as happy as Lupe and SPHP!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe with Bailey and Jefe at the Grace Lake outlet stream.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After a nice chat with Bailey and Jefe, Lupe and SPHP wished them well and carried on.\u00a0 N of Grace Lake, Trail No. 164 headed NE to a minor pass before dropping down into Paint Rock Creek canyon.\u00a0 A mile from Grace Lake, Lupe reached Solitude Trail (No. 038).<\/p>\n

Loop was now 5 miles from the Bucking Mule trailhead where she had started out. The Carolina Dog still wasn’t any higher than she had been there, having lost all the elevation she’d gained on the way to High Point 9810.\u00a0 There was nothing much to see here.\u00a0 Without hesitation, Lupe headed E up Paint Rock Creek canyon.<\/p>\n

The Solitude Trail immediately began to climb.\u00a0 The pace wasn’t difficult, though the backpack made it seem that way to SPHP.\u00a0 The trail stayed up in the forest along the S side of the valley, and never got close to Paint Rock Creek.\u00a0 The trail soon leveled out, and at one point reached a big clearing from which the creek could be seen.\u00a0 That didn’t last long.\u00a0 Lupe was soon right back in the forest.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
After more than 0.5 mile on the Solitude Trail, Lupe reaches a big clearing. Paint Rock Creek is barely visible on the L. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A mile on the Solitude Trail brought Lupe to a clearing at the top of a small rise.\u00a0 Filling Paint Rock Creek canyon, beautiful Lake Solitude was dead ahead!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
After heading E for a mile on the Solitude Trail, beautiful Lake Solitude<\/strong> came into view. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nearly a mile long, Lake Solitude was the largest lake Lupe would come to on this trip.\u00a0 Upon leaving the clearing W of the lake, the Solitude Trail returned to the forest.\u00a0 The lake was seldom visible again until Lupe was more than halfway along the S side.\u00a0 At the start of a large rock slide, a creek plunged down a steep slope S of the trail.<\/p>\n

Lupe climbed up on some of the rocks for a better look.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
More than halfway along Lake Solitude, a creek came plunging down to cross the trail from the S. This was at the start of a huge rock slide where Lake Solitude was coming into view again. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe up on the rocks by the creek. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Quite an impressive waterfall was in sight higher up.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By scrambling only a little way up the rocks next to the trail, Lupe got to see this cool waterfall. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Immediately beyond the creek, the views of Lake Solitude really opened up.\u00a0 The rock slide had wiped out all the trees long ago.\u00a0 Crossing the rock slide was no trouble.\u00a0 The Solitude Trail was a well constructed path.\u00a0 No rock hopping or trackless boulder fields to transit at all.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
So easy, and the views are fantastic!<\/em> Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the E end of Lake Solitude<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Near the E end of the lake, the Solitude Trail went right along the shore barely above lake level.\u00a0 Once Lupe got past the rock slide and huge rock formations, she was ready for another break at a grassy point next to the lake.\u00a0 Sticking around to enjoy Lake Solitude for a while seemed like a great idea to SPHP, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Near the E end of Lake Solitude the trail was right down by the shore. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Once beyond all the big rocks, Lupe took a break at this grassy point. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Relaxing by Lake Solitude.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

20 pleasant minutes shot by.\u00a0 Better get going.<\/p>\n

E of Lake Solitude it wasn’t entirely clear where the trail went.\u00a0 Lupe kept toward the R (S) of a large flat region.\u00a0 Several campsites were tucked back against the pines.\u00a0 None were occupied.\u00a0 From the campsites, Loop followed a fairly decent trail E.\u00a0 It quickly led to a ford of a rushing stream.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
E of Lake Solitude, Lupe comes to a ford of a rushing creek. This stream was far larger than any of the others she had come to.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe had reached Paint Rock Creek.\u00a0 The water was fast and deep enough to make SPHP leery.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog explored upstream until she came to a place where big rocks made it easier to cross.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Fording Paint Rock Creek.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once across Paint Rock Creek, Lupe returned to the trail.\u00a0 After a steep climb, the Carolina Dog arrived at a junction with a better trail.\u00a0 This had to be the Solitude Trail, didn’t it?\u00a0 Somewhere E of the lake, Loop must have gotten off the main track.<\/p>\n

The better trail went either gradually downhill to the NE or more steeply uphill to the SW.\u00a0 A brief foray going downhill revealed a footbridge over another big stream by a waterfall.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking down toward the Solitude Trail footbridge over the stream from Middle Cloud Peak Lake. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe was going the wrong way.\u00a0 The stream the footbridge went over had to be the major tributary of Paint Rock Creek which comes down from Middle Cloud Peak Lake.\u00a0 If Looper continued down to it, the trail would take her back to Lake Solitude.\u00a0 At least there was no question now which way she needed to go.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP turned around and headed back up.<\/p>\n

The longest, steepest climb of the day now began.\u00a0 The Solitude Trail turned E going up the N side of Paint Rock Creek canyon.\u00a0 Lupe was soon way above Paint Rock Creek.\u00a0 SPHP’s heavy pack meant the American Dingo had plenty of chances to relax and enjoy the scenery.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the way up Paint Rock Creek canyon<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking back toward Lake Solitude. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
View to the SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Whad’ya think, SPHP? Do these flowers make me look fat? …. Not in the least, Loopster. You’re gorgeous!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Indian Paintbrush<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Loopster living the dream along the Solitude Trail.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As long as the trail remained steep, the views of Lake Solitude back to the W became ever more spectacular.\u00a0 Eventually, though, the trail wasn’t as steep.\u00a0 As it began to level out, Paint Rock Creek was catching up.\u00a0 First, the stream came into view not terribly far below the Solitude Trail.\u00a0 A little farther on, Lupe came to another ford.<\/p>\n

No doubt there was somewhat less flow way up here.\u00a0 The water was also spread out much more.\u00a0 The stream wasn’t nearly as deep or fast.\u00a0 Lupe had no problem at all crossing Paint Rock Creek this time around.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
That’s quite a view, isn’t it<\/em>? Looking back at Lake Solitude<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
As the Solitude Trail began to level out, Paint Rock Creek<\/strong> could be seen S of the trail. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Loop reaches a 2nd ford of Paint Rock Creek<\/strong>. The water was spread out and shallower here making this crossing a much simpler task.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Now on the S side of Paint Rock Creek, Lupe continued E on the Solitude Trail.\u00a0 The American Dingo was gaining elevation again, heading for an area she had been to before.\u00a0 Nearly 2 years ago she had climbed Cloud Peak<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, the highest mountain in the Bighorn Range.\u00a0 Another 0.5 mile would bring Lupe to views of Cloud Peak and Paint Rock Creek Falls.<\/p>\n

That 0.5 mile took longer than it should have.\u00a0 Fatigue was setting in.\u00a0 SPHP was pausing frequently.\u00a0 Lupe was still making progress, though.\u00a0 She reached a high point along the trail.\u00a0 Good news!\u00a0 Both Cloud Peak<\/span><\/a> (13,167 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Bomber Mountain<\/span><\/strong><\/a> (12,840 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> were in view.\u00a0 Getting there!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Reaching this high spot brought good news. Both Cloud Peak<\/strong> (L) and Bomber Mountain<\/strong> (Center) were now in view off in the distance. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Paint Rock Creek<\/strong> and Cloud Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NE with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A little farther on, Paint Rock Creek Falls came into view.\u00a0 Lupe could see the grassy ridge slightly above and to the W of the falls where her old tiny house (tent) had been set up as a base camp.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Paint Rock Creek Falls is in sight across the valley beyond Lupe. Her old base camp prior to climbing Cloud Peak in 2016 had been on the slightly higher grassy bench L of the falls. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Paint Rock Creek Falls<\/strong> with lots of help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It was fun to see the area again!\u00a0 The pass leading to Mistymoon Lake wasn’t much farther.\u00a0 The 2 mile long climb from Lake Solitude would be over when the Carolina Dog got to the pass.\u00a0 In the meantime, the view of Lupe’s old base camp for her successful ascent of Cloud Peak served as inspiration.<\/p>\n

Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Puppy, ho? I’m waiting on you, SPHP!<\/em> Lupe rests by the Solitude Trail on the way to the pass to Mistymoon Lake. The big ridge ahead is the SW end of Bomber Mountain. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking back toward Paint Rock Creek canyon (Center) before leaving the area. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nearing the pass to Mistymoon Lake, Lupe found a snowbank to frolic on.\u00a0 The delightful experience seemed to give her a burst of new energy.\u00a0 Even so, SPHP wasn’t tempted to duplicate her chilly romp.\u00a0 Simply getting over the pass would be good enough.\u00a0 Almost there!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe absorbs new energy from a snowbank near the pass to Mistymoon Lake. She had been hot earlier in the day. This romp in the snow took care of that. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Suddenly, Lupe was<\/em> there.\u00a0 The top of the pass!\u00a0 Ahead was an easy 0.5 mile long downhill section that would get the Carolina Dog all the way to Mistymoon Lake.\u00a0 Pausing to look back, Cloud Peak loomed off to the NE.\u00a0 Much of the route Lupe had taken to the summit was in view.<\/p>\n

Would Looper find a similar route up Bomber Mountain tomorrow?\u00a0 Who knew?\u00a0 Hopefully.\u00a0 From Gunboat Lake 2 years ago, it had at least looked feasible.\u00a0 Either way, the American Dingo was going to find out.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP headed for Mistymoon Lake.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Cloud Peak<\/strong> from the Solitude Trail pass N of Mistymoon Lake. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The Solitude Trail heads S from the pass N of Mistymoon Lake. The lake is just beyond the hill on the L. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe really was re-energized!\u00a0 She loves this kind of open country, and roamed well ahead of SPHP.\u00a0 The day had been sunny and warm.\u00a0 Now that evening was coming on the sky had clouded up, and it was comfortably cool.\u00a0 Going downhill, even SPHP picked up the pace.\u00a0 Soon Lupe was on a slope overlooking Mistymoon Lake.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe reaches Mistymoon Lake<\/strong>. The Solitude Trail would take her around the W (R) side of the lake, then all the way back to the E (L) on the far shore. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Solitude Trail passes along the W and S sides of Mistymoon Lake.\u00a0 Near the SW shore Lupe reached a junction with the Mistymoon Trail (No. 063) coming up from the West Tensleep trailhead.\u00a0 Lupe could see part of Lake Marion to the S.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking SE across Mistymoon Lake<\/strong>. The Solitude Trail heads up the draw (R of Center) on the opposite shore on the way to the Fortress Lakes. The big ridge in the distance leads to Mather Peaks<\/span><\/a> (12,400 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe relaxes near the junction of the Mistymoon and Solitude trails. Part of Lake Marion is in view. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Cloud Peak<\/strong> (R in the distance) from Mistymoon Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe stuck with the Solitude Trail as it headed E along the S shore of Mistymoon Lake.\u00a0 After a rock hop over the outlet stream, Loop gained 200 feet of elevation on the way up a draw leading to the Fortress Lakes.\u00a0 This was the last significant elevation rise of the day.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
S shore of Mistymoon Lake<\/strong> after crossing the outlet stream. From here the Solitude Trail heads for the gap on the R which leads to the Fortress Lakes. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking back at Mistymoon Lake<\/strong> as Lupe departs for the Fortress Lakes. Elk Mountain<\/strong> is on the L. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Fortress Lakes were a welcome sight.\u00a0 Lupe was within 0.5 mile of Gunboat Lake!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the Fortress Lakes<\/strong> near the end of the day. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the Solitude Trail by the largest Fortress Lake<\/strong>. Elk Mountain<\/strong> (L) in the distance. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At last, Lupe was resting on the grassy ridge N of Gunboat Lake!\u00a0 SPHP wearily assembled her new Marmot tiny house.\u00a0 The old tiny house was shaped better.\u00a0 This one was longer than it needed to be, but not wide enough.\u00a0 It would have to do.\u00a0 At least it had a rain cover.\u00a0 Might need it, too!\u00a0 The sky was overcast, though not threatening at the moment.<\/p>\n

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Made it! Loop rests on the grassy ridge N of Gunboat Lake<\/strong>. Base camp was about to be established here. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Base camp! Lupe by her brand new Marmot tiny house. One of the smaller Fortress Lakes<\/strong> is in sight. Bomber Mountain<\/strong> in the distance on the L. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The tiny house was up!\u00a0 Base camp was established!\u00a0 Lupe had a great view of Gunboat Lake, one of the smaller Fortress Lakes, and the huge ridges leading to the possibly unseen summit of Bomber Mountain.\u00a0 The Solitude Trail could be seen heading NE for Florence Pass.\u00a0 Tomorrow Lupe would be making that trek!<\/p>\n

This was a great spot!\u00a0 It had been a long day, though.\u00a0 More than an hour before sunset, Lupe and SPHP crawled into the overly cozy Marmot tiny house to hit the hay.\u00a0 No sunset to miss, anyway.\u00a0 A while back the sun had already sunk into a gloomy, murky haze.<\/p>\n

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It’s nice enough, I suppose. A real marmot would have been better, though!<\/em> Base camp, Gunboat Lake<\/strong>, Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming 7-14-18<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

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

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bomber Mountain, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming – Part 2: Gunboat Lake to Florence Pass & the Summit (7-15-18)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose\u00a0from\u00a0Lupe’s 2018 Dingo Vacation to the Bighorn Mountains & Wind River Range in Wyoming 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":"

Days 1 & 2 of Lupe’s 2018 Dingo Vacation to the Bighorn Mountains & Wind River Range in Wyoming! 7-13-18, morning – No doubt about it.\u00a0 Something was in the works – something big!\u00a0 All the signs were there.\u00a0 SPHP scurried endlessly about.\u00a0 As hours ticked by, Lupe gave up on following SPHP around.\u00a0 Apparently … Continue reading Bomber Mountain, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming – Part 1: The Solitude Trail to Gunboat Lake (7-14-18)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":18481,"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":[1033],"tags":[105,185,1034,1035,106,26,1036,104,674,275],"class_list":["post-18522","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-2018-bighorn-mountains-wind-river-range-wyoming","tag-american-dingo","tag-bighorn-mountains","tag-bomber-mountain","tag-bucking-mule-trailhead","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-gunboat-lake","tag-lupe","tag-solitude-trail","tag-wyoming"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/IMG_9760.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\/18522","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=18522"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18522\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19739,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18522\/revisions\/19739"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/18481"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=18522"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=18522"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=18522"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}