{"id":19056,"date":"2019-02-12T08:10:39","date_gmt":"2019-02-12T15:10:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=19056"},"modified":"2019-02-20T14:24:26","modified_gmt":"2019-02-20T21:24:26","slug":"duncum-mountain-sheep-mountain-bighorn-mountains-wyoming-the-bighorn-county-montana-high-point-7-18-18","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=19056","title":{"rendered":"Duncum Mountain & Sheep Mountain, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming & the Bighorn County, Montana High Point (7-18-18)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Day 6 of Lupe’s 2018 Dingo Vacation to the Bighorn Mountains & Wind River Range of Wyoming!<\/em><\/p>\n

Hah!\u00a0 So easy!\u00a0 In a 20 mph NW wind, Lupe stood next to the little cairn at Duncum Mountain’s true summit.\u00a0 Less than 10 minutes ago (7:14 AM, 47\u00b0F)<\/em>, SPHP had parked the G6 at the highest point of USFS Road No. 11 just E of the summit.\u00a0 Except for what appeared to be a diffuse haze from the smoke of distant wildfires, the sky was clear.<\/p>\n

Lupe had views in every direction from the treeless, flat mountaintop.\u00a0 The last time she’d been here a little over a month ago, she hadn’t seen a thing.\u00a0 Duncum Mountain<\/span><\/a> (9,831 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> had been shrouded in dense fog.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
After having been here once before on a foggy evening more than a month ago, Lupe returns to the true (NW) summit of Duncum Mountain<\/strong>. Medicine Mountain<\/span><\/a> (9,962 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> is seen in the distance. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP had practically gotten lost in the fog back then.\u00a0 Seemed silly now.\u00a0 The top of the mountain, although big and flat, wasn’t nearly as large as it had seemed in the fog.\u00a0 The long, deep depression E of the cairn didn’t seem nearly as big as it had before either.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Miss Tasty Schnoz on Duncum Mountain<\/strong>. Big Pryor Mountain <\/span><\/a>(8,786 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (Center), site of a muddy adventure at the end of Lupe’s last Dingo Vacation in June, is in view.\u00a0 Devil Canyon<\/strong> on the L.\u00a0 Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Duncum Mountain has 2 summits, one to the NW where Lupe was now, and one only 1 foot lower a mile to the SE.\u00a0 Lupe had already been to the SE summit in June.\u00a0 She had gotten to see more there, since the fog had just been rolling in.\u00a0 By returning to the NW summit this morning when it was possible to get a look around, it felt like Loop had taken care of some unfinished business.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The SE summit<\/strong> (Center) from Duncum Mountain’s NW summit. Loopster had already explored the SE summit back in June. The cairn here on the NW summit is beyond Lupe’s head. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The most important view from Duncum Mountain for the Carolina Dog today was of Sheep Mountain<\/span><\/a> (9813 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> 5 miles to the N.\u00a0 That’s where she would be heading next.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
So that’s Sheep Mountain way over there? I hope there’s lots of sheep when we get there!<\/em> Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Sheep Mountain<\/strong> from Duncum Mountain with help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

All corked up and excited by her breezy romp on Duncum Mountain, Lupe returned to the G6.\u00a0 (7:35 AM)<\/em>.\u00a0 SPHP drove N on USFS Road No. 11.\u00a0 Two miles led to a junction where USFS Road No. 110 curved off to the E on its way to Boyd Ridge.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP stayed on No. 11.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching a junction with USFS Road No. 110. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A second junction was only another mile N.\u00a0 USFS Road No. 111 (Marble Quarry Road) headed off to the NE.\u00a0 No. 11 continued N toward Sheep Mountain.\u00a0 SPHP parked the G6 at the intersection.\u00a0 Looked like No. 11 (actually No. 11.01)<\/em> deteriorated significantly from here.<\/p>\n

Sheep Mountain was only 2 miles away.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP set off on paw and foot down No. 11.\u00a0 (8:26 AM, 51\u00b0F)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sheep Mountain<\/strong> from USFS Road No. 11. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the intersection of USFS Road No. 111 (Marble Canyon Road) (R) and No. 11 (or 11.01)<\/em> (L). More like 7 miles to the Montana state line the way No. 11 goes. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

20 minutes later, the Carolina Dog was back.\u00a0 Why, No. 11 wasn’t so bad!\u00a0 A short initial stretch was rough, but the G6 ought to be able to sneak through.\u00a0 The road got better just down the hill.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP piled in.\u00a0 Carefully, carefully SPHP nursed the G6 through the rough zone.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
No. 11 snakes away toward Sheep Mountain<\/strong>. The road was pretty good here, a little N of the junction with Marble Canyon Road. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lousy idea!\u00a0 The good stretch of road wasn’t that long.\u00a0 The G6 managed to make it all the way to a third junction S of Sheep Mountain, but SPHP vowed never again!\u00a0 High clearance would have made all the difference in the world.\u00a0 Of course, Pontiac always boasted of building excitement into every vehicle.\u00a0 The excitement of wondering if you are ever actually going to get there or not.<\/p>\n

Still, the G6 was a trooper.\u00a0 Lupe was practically at Sheep Mountain’s S slope.\u00a0 SPHP parked near the junction of USFS Road No. 105, which goes to Hannans Coulee, and No. 11.\u00a0 (9:05 AM, 51\u00b0F)\u00a0 <\/em>Lupe hopped out and started climbing.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the junction of USFS Road No. 105 (L) to Hannan’s Coulee, and No. 11.01 (R) to the Montana state line. Sheep Mountain’s S slope is dead ahead. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Starting up Sheep Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The S end of Sheep Mountain was a big, rounded, grassy slope dotted with big rocks.\u00a0 Lupe was in for a long, but easy climb.\u00a0 She came to a couple of larger rock outcroppings on the way.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the first big rock outcropping of the S slope. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
None so far. All the sheep must be up on top!<\/em> At the second outcropping. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The top of Sheep Mountain was a vast plain, slightly higher toward the far N end where large, vertical-sided, flat rock formations appeared to delineate a sharp edge.\u00a0 To the Carolina Dog’s immense disappointment, not a single sheep was to be seen.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
To Lupe’s chagrin, not a single sheep was evident on Sheep Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As Lupe approached the rock formations, it began to dawn on SPHP that what had seemed like a complete cake walk might not be so easy after all.\u00a0 Deep fissures scarred the N end of Sheep Mountain dividing massive platforms of rock into separate islands in the sky.<\/p>\n

Loop might not even be able to get close to the summit!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The N end of Sheep Mountain<\/strong> featured deep fissures. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The situation wasn’t as worrisome as it first appeared.\u00a0 The long fissures weren’t necessarily continuous.\u00a0 Lupe crossed one at a merely shallow spot.\u00a0 She was soon next to the highest platform, located along the NW side of the mountain.\u00a0 Here, though, the fissures prevented her from getting any closer.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Loop was able to cross the big fissure beyond her, merely a shallow dip here. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Stymied! The highest platform is on the L, but there is an unseen fissure between here and there. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This wasn’t going to work.\u00a0 Lupe circled back around to the SW looking for a way to enter the fissure separating her from the highest platform.<\/p>\n

Yes!\u00a0 There was a way!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Circling a little back around to the SW, Lupe found a way into this fissure next to the highest platform (L). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A closer look at the fissure Loopster was about to explore. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe went through the fissure.\u00a0 Even though the rock platforms were only 25 or 30 feet high, she reached the far end without seeing a way up.\u00a0 Here she discovered another fissure perpendicular to the one she had just come through.\u00a0 Turning L, this second fissure ended at two windows opening onto cliffs.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The window to the NNE at the W end of the second fissure.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking through the window to the NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From the W end of the second fissure, Lupe saw a place where she could scramble up to a narrow shelf along the N side of the highest platform.\u00a0 Whether it would lead to a route to the top or not wasn’t clear, but it looked worth trying.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking ESE along the second fissure. Lupe is standing on the narrow shelf along the N end of the highest platform. The first fissure Lupe had come through is unseen on the R 10 or 15 feet beyond the backpack.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe could travel along the shelf easily enough, but overhanging rock forced SPHP to crawl 8 or 10 feet before being able to stand.\u00a0 The top of the platform wasn’t all that much higher, but this N end presented no opportunity to get up there.\u00a0 It appeared possible, though, that the shelf might extend around the corner leading into the first fissure.<\/p>\n

It did!\u00a0 As soon as Loop made the turn, she saw a route up.\u00a0 In a flash, the American Dingo scrambled to the top of Sheep Mountain<\/span><\/a> (9,813 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

This had to be it, didn’t it?\u00a0 Old boards and smooth wire like Lupe had seen at many other summits were scattered around.\u00a0 A crude circle of big rocks surrounded the “Sheep” benchmark.\u00a0 Yeah, this was it!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the summit of Sheep Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe stands on rocks that form part of the circle around the Sheep survey benchmark. Big Pryor Mountain<\/span><\/a> (8,786 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (L) and East Pryor Mountain<\/span><\/a> (8,776 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (R) are in the background. Photo looks NW with lots of help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The Sheep survey benchmark.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nails were sticking out of the old boards.\u00a0 First thing SPHP did was to toss all the boards into one big pile so Looper wouldn’t get hurt.\u00a0 Then, after discovering the survey benchmark, it was time for a look around.<\/p>\n

Off to the NE was another rock formation that looked like it might even be a few feet higher than this one.\u00a0 Hard to tell, but it certainly had to be close to as high as Lupe was here, if not higher.\u00a0 Hmm.\u00a0 Maybe she could check out that high point, too?<\/p>\n

As it was, if this was good enough for the surveyor, it was good enough for Dingo work.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog was claiming a successful ascent of Sheep Mountain<\/span><\/a> (9,813 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, whether she ever got over there or not!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Another high point (Center) to the NE looked like it was in contention for true summit. The Sheep survey benchmark is partially in view (R of Center) near the lower edge. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In all directions, Lupe had sweeping views of typical Bighorn Mountain high country.\u00a0 Sheep Mountain isn’t in a particularly rugged part of the range.\u00a0 The overall impression was one of vastness.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking NNE along the N end of Sheep Mountain<\/strong>. USFS Road No. 11.01 can be seen heading up a grassy hill (L) which is High Point 9811<\/span><\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Devil Canyon<\/strong>. Photo looks W with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Medicine Mountain<\/span><\/a> (9,962 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (L). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Duncum Mountain<\/span><\/a> (9,831 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (R) is the distant grassy ridge with a little snow on it. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A look at the first rock platform Lupe had come to from which she’d had to retreat. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once again, the views to the N were of particular interest.\u00a0 Lupe’s final objective, the Big Horn County High Point<\/span><\/a> (9,257 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> at the Montana border was less than 5 miles NNW as the crow flies.\u00a0 A line of sheer cliffs could be seen in that direction.\u00a0 Beyond them were two more distant high points.\u00a0 Hard to tell from here exactly where the Big Horn County High Point might be, but it had to be somewhere in that vicinity.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe’s next objective, the Big Horn County High Point in Montana, had to be somewhere close to the line of high cliffs (Center) on the horizon. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
This line of cliffs (Center) is actually the S edge of High Point 9222<\/span><\/strong> (topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a>). The Big Horn County, MT High Point<\/strong> is the next forested hill beyond the cliffs toward the L. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The sights from Sheep Mountain were beautiful, but with such a long trek ahead, Lupe stayed up on the summit platform only half an hour.\u00a0 She wanted to spend at least some time seeing if she could get over to that competing high point to the NE.<\/p>\n

As Lupe was about to start back down, SPHP suddenly spotted a second survey marker.\u00a0 Loop had gone right by it on the way up.\u00a0 This marker also said “Sheep” and had an arrow pointing toward the benchmark in the circle of rocks.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About ready to head back down into the fissures, Lupe stands in front of a 2nd survey marker. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe had gone right past “Sheep No. 1” on the way up. SPHP hadn’t noticed it then.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Loop down on the shelf she would follow around to the L. She is right beside the first fissure she had explored. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once back down at the W end of the second fissure again, Lupe headed E through it.\u00a0 She emerged at a flat, open area.\u00a0 To the N was a wall of rock.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Loop confronts a wall of rock after traveling through the second fissure. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Getting past the rock wall was easy enough.\u00a0 Lupe dropped down a slope to the E, then turned N again.\u00a0 Soon she had worked her way around to the backside of the competing high point.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Going around the E side of the rock wall. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the backside of the competing high point (L). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The competing high point was only a 20 or 25 foot high scramble, but it was steep with exposure.\u00a0 SPHP considered it, but ultimately decided against an attempt.\u00a0 Lupe could have climbed up easily enough, but she wasn’t going to, not if SPHP wasn’t.\u00a0 Nah, not worth it.\u00a0 A little too scary.\u00a0 The top looked narrow and precarious.<\/p>\n

Beyond yet another smaller rock formation to the N, Sheep Mountain dropped off sharply.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP retreated S back around the rock wall, through the fissures, and headed SE.\u00a0 As soon as it was practical, Lupe started down the E slope.\u00a0 She turned NE, passing through bits of forest, which she enjoyed, ultimately returning to USFS Road No. 11.01.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Beyond this much smaller rock formation, Sheep Mountain dropped off sharply. Lupe and SPHP retreated back to the S. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the way back down to USFS Road No. 11.01. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Upon reaching No. 11.01 again, a 4 mile trek N began.\u00a0 The road switchbacked around a little on the way down Sheep Mountain’s N slope.\u00a0 N of Point 9162<\/span><\/strong> Loop traveled W of the road through a forested area to get out of the sun and wind.\u00a0 However, the forest soon ended, and Loopster returned to the breezy, open road.<\/p>\n

By the time Lupe reached a saddle S of High Point 9118<\/span><\/strong>, she had lost nearly 1,000 feet of elevation.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Taking a break at the saddle S of High Point 9118<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Looper now had to regain a quarter of that 1,000 feet going up and over High Point 9118<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 She came to two intersections on the way.\u00a0 First, USFS Road No. 103 angled off to the L on its way to Cookstove Basin.\u00a0 Higher up, a faint No. 101 disappeared into sparse grass E of No. 11.01.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the first intersection on the way up High Point 9118<\/span><\/strong>. No. 103 to Cookstove Basin is on the L. Lupe, of course, stayed to the R on No. 11.01. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From the top of High Point 9118, Lupe had a nice view of Sheep Mountain back to the S.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sheep Mountain<\/strong> from High Point 9118<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

She could also see N most of the rest of the way to the Montana state line.\u00a0 From here on, the elevation changes along No. 11.01 were minor.\u00a0 The road became an easy, breezy stroll along the open, rolling spine of the Bighorn Range.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
USFS Road No. 11.01 heads N for the Montana border. Grassy High Point 9203<\/span><\/strong> (L) is in cloud shadow. The Big Horn County High Point lies beyond the cliffs of High Point 9222<\/span><\/strong> (far L). Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Hurry it up, SPHP! I’m looking right into the sun!<\/em> The Big Horn County, Montana High Point is in the forest peeping up beyond the cliffs of High Point 9222<\/span><\/strong> (L). High Point 9203<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks NNW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Approaching the Montana state line, No. 11.01 curved W, then back to the N as it entered the Lime Creek drainage.\u00a0 A rough unmarked road, which may have been USFS Road No. 647, headed up a ridge to the W.\u00a0 Lupe followed No. 11.01 all the way down to a fenced-off cattle guard.\u00a0 The American Dingo had made it to the Montana border!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
USFS Road No. 11.01 heads down into the Lime Creek drainage<\/strong>. The road going up the next ridge may be No. 647. The hill at (Center) is well into Montana. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the Montana border! The Big Horn County, MT High Point is 0.67 mile W from here. Photo looks NW from the Wyoming side.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
What may be USFS Road No. 647 from No. 11.01. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Big Horn County, MT High Point was only 0.67 mile W from where Looper reached the Montana border.\u00a0 Still on the Wyoming side, she turned W following the fence, but soon came to a second fence which had fallen over leaving 4 strands of barbed wire laying on the ground.\u00a0 To avoid this hazard, Lupe left the fence line and took the unmarked road (No. 647?)<\/em> WSW.<\/p>\n

This road climbed steadily, and angled even farther away from the fence heading SW along the SE side of a big drainage.\u00a0 Soon Lupe could see the big hill the fence had headed for on the far side of the drainage.\u00a0 That hill had to be the Big Horn County High Point!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Wildflowers along Lupe’s route.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
There it is! The Big Horn County, Montana High Point<\/strong> is up on that hill!<\/em> Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Heading around the SW end of the big drainage without losing elevation, Lupe then turned NNW.\u00a0 She discovered a jeep trail, and followed it up to the Big Horn County High Point<\/span><\/a> (9,257 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The top of the mountain was pleasant, but unremarkable.\u00a0 A 300 or 400 foot wide clearing of nearly level ground was surrounded on most sides by conifer forest.\u00a0 The only significant views were to the S or SE where there were few interfering trees.\u00a0 The barbed wire fence along the Wyoming\/Montana line divided the clearing into roughly equal parts, half in Wyoming and half in Montana.<\/p>\n

The highest ground was a bit lumpy and more toward the W side of the clearing, but still out in the open.\u00a0 A closed gate in the fence wasn’t far from the forest.\u00a0 SPHP did not open the gate.\u00a0 Instead, Lupe snuck under it.\u00a0 She was now in Montana.<\/p>\n

SPHP had read trip reports saying a cairn was supposed to be close to this gate.\u00a0 Lupe found no cairn, but did find 5 white stones laying next to one another 10 feet NE of the E end of the gate.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the Montana side of the gate in the border fence. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Possible remnant of a cairn?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A 5 foot yellow wand stood 20 feet E of the gate, and 5 or 6 feet N of the fence.\u00a0 Next to it was a short vertical pipe capped with a survey marker saying “Big Horn”.\u00a0 The base of the yellow wand was cracked and in poor condition, but for now the wand still stood swaying in a gentle breeze.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Loopster barely inside Montana next to the yellow wand and survey marker at the Big Horn County High Point<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
This Big Horn boundary post was 5 or 6 feet N of the fence. Maybe the fence is actually that far into Wyoming?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe sniffed a little way into Montana.\u00a0 70 feet NW of the gate, right along the edge of the forest, she made a discovery.\u00a0 White rocks spelled out a 2 word message.\u00a0 Only the “O” in the first word was legible, but the second word was clearly “land”.\u00a0 No doubt the message was intended to be “Crow Land”.<\/p>\n

Trip reports SPHP had seen online had indicated “No Trespassing” signs were along the fence both here at the Big Horn County High Point, and back where USFS Road No. 11.01 reached the Montana border, but Lupe and SPHP had seen none at all anywhere today.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
This message from the Crow Tribe was 70 feet NW of the gate, which was as far as the Carolina Dog went. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Short lengths of barbed wire were scattered around the area near the fence by the cairn remnant and the survey marker.\u00a0 Not a good thing.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP retreated back into Wyoming.<\/p>\n

It was a beautiful day, 60\u00b0 F with puffy white clouds sailing by.\u00a0 The W wind had blown 15 to 20 mph most of the way here, but now it was only a soft breeze.\u00a0 Lupe liked the idea of resting in the shade at the edge of the forest.\u00a0 SPHP noticed she was licking her L front paw.<\/p>\n

Close inspection revealed a couple small pieces of some dark material stuck in the fur between her pads.\u00a0 They didn’t look all that significant, but perhaps they were causing some abrasion?\u00a0 SPHP pulled them out.\u00a0 Lupe kept licking.\u00a0 When that grew tiresome, she took a nap.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Snoozing by the edge of the forest.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Close to an hour went by.\u00a0 Better get moving.\u00a0 SPHP hoped Lupe’s paw was OK.\u00a0 Coming up lame way out here wouldn’t be good.\u00a0 Having seen what sights Montana’s Bighorn County High Point had to offer, Lupe and SPHP followed the jeep trail down the S slope.<\/p>\n

No sense in going way back to where USFS Road No. 11.01 reached the Montana border.\u00a0 Lupe could take a more scenic and shorter route now that she knew the lay of the land.\u00a0 A trip to High Point 9222<\/span><\/strong> was in order to see how the world looked from the top of those cliffs she’d seen much of the day.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Hey, let’s go take a look a things from High Point 9222<\/span><\/strong>! It’s that platform of rocks at the far end of this giant field. C’mon!<\/em> Sheep Mountain<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

High Point 9222<\/span><\/strong> was awesome!\u00a0 A narrow neck of rocky terrain led to a platform of rock jutting out to the S beyond the rest of the line of cliffs.\u00a0 This platform had several lobes.\u00a0 Lupe had tremendous views not only of the cliffs nearby, but of a huge 270\u00b0 panorama to the SE, SW, & NW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Cookstove Basin<\/strong> from High Point 9222<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking back toward the Big Horn County High Point<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the top of High Point 9222<\/span><\/strong>. Sheep Mountain<\/strong> (L) and Medicine Mountain<\/strong> (Center on the far horizon) in view. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
An amazing column with a pedestal on top. High Point 9203<\/span><\/strong> (R) in the background. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Big Pryor Mountain<\/strong> (Center) and East Pryor Mountain<\/strong> (R) both many miles away in a haze. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After taking in the wonderful views from High Point 9222, Lupe traveled E, ultimately going SE around the upper NE slopes of High Point 9203<\/span><\/strong>, then on down to intersect USFS Road No. 11.01 again.\u00a0 Lupe kept licking her front L paw, but at least it didn’t seem to be getting worse.<\/p>\n

Looper was all the way back to the saddle S of High Point 9118<\/span><\/strong> again, when SPHP suddenly realized a line of showers was approaching from the W.\u00a0 It became a race to get back to the G6 before they hit.\u00a0 Following the road, Lupe climbed the lower N slopes of Sheep Mountain.<\/p>\n

When No. 11.01 eventually began to lose elevation E of Sheep Mountain, the Carolina Dog left the road cutting S along the mountainside.\u00a0 This was somewhat of a shortcut, but still a long way.\u00a0 Lupe ended up passing NW of High Point 9586<\/span><\/strong> on Sheep Mountain’s SW ridge before returning to No. 11.01 again.<\/p>\n

Raindrops began falling several minutes before Lupe reached the G6.\u00a0 (6:21 PM, 61\u00b0F)<\/em>\u00a0 Fortunately, the shower didn’t amount to much, and soon blew on by.\u00a0 The G6 made a slow, careful escape of the lousy section of road back to the intersection with No. 11 and No. 111 (Point 9422<\/span><\/strong>)<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Lupe was at Highway 14A when the sun reappeared below a cloud bank as it sank rapidly toward the horizon.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog was famished!\u00a0 She devoured a whole can of Alpo.\u00a0 She followed up with a helping of Taste of the Wild.\u00a0 She was thirsty, and lapped up a bowlful of water.<\/p>\n

And Lupe was tired!\u00a0 Duncum Mountain, Sheep Mountain, and the Big Horn County, Montana High Point had been a long day.\u00a0 The G6 was parked E of Bald Mountain<\/span><\/a> (10,042 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> when Lupe curled up on her pile of pillows and blankets and fell fast asleep.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sunset, Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming 7-18-18<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

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

Bucking Mule Falls, Porcupine Falls & Duncum Mountain, Bighorn Range, Wyoming (6-14-18)<\/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<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Day 6 of Lupe’s 2018 Dingo Vacation to the Bighorn Mountains & Wind River Range of Wyoming! Hah!\u00a0 So easy!\u00a0 In a 20 mph NW wind, Lupe stood next to the little cairn at Duncum Mountain’s true summit.\u00a0 Less than 10 minutes ago (7:14 AM, 47\u00b0F), SPHP had parked the G6 at the highest point … Continue reading Duncum Mountain & Sheep Mountain, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming & the Bighorn County, Montana High Point (7-18-18)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":19022,"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":[105,1047,185,106,26,1024,104,417,183],"class_list":["post-19056","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-2018-bighorn-mountains-wind-river-range-wyoming","tag-american-dingo","tag-bighorn-county-high-point","tag-bighorn-mountains","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-duncum-mountain","tag-lupe","tag-montana","tag-sheep-mountain"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/IMG_9977.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\/19056","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=19056"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19056\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19848,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19056\/revisions\/19848"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/19022"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=19056"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=19056"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=19056"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}