{"id":19428,"date":"2019-02-28T08:10:22","date_gmt":"2019-02-28T15:10:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=19428"},"modified":"2019-03-08T11:05:05","modified_gmt":"2019-03-08T18:05:05","slug":"squaretop-mountain-wind-river-range-wyoming-part-2-beaver-park-to-the-summit-7-21-18","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=19428","title":{"rendered":"Squaretop Mountain, Wind River Range, Wyoming – Part 2: Beaver Park to the Summit (7-21-18)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Days 9 & 10 of Lupe’s 2018 Dingo Vacation to the Bighorn Mountains & Wind River Range of Wyoming!<\/em><\/p>\n

7-21-18, morning, Beaver Park –<\/em> Yesterday’s march in from Green River Lakes had been tiring.\u00a0 Despite having crawled into Lupe’s new Marmot tiny house early, and having slept well, the sun was up again long before Lupe and SPHP reemerged.<\/p>\n

Not good.\u00a0 Not good at all.\u00a0 Looper hadn’t made it up to her intended base camp at Granite Lake yesterday evening.\u00a0 And now a late start from Beaver Park.\u00a0 This was the critical big day, too!\u00a0 Perhaps Lupe’s last chance to ever get to the top of Squaretop Mountain<\/span><\/a> (11,695 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Lupe and SPHP went over to meet the neighbors.\u00a0 John and Lisa were camped on the only truly dry ground in Beaver Park at a small grove of big pines near the S end.\u00a0 Loop had seen their tent yesterday, but they hadn’t been around then.<\/p>\n

Turned out John and Lisa had gone off climbing the big ridge to the W looking for Granite Lake.\u00a0 They hadn’t found any consistent trail up, but had made it to a forested high point on top of the ridge.\u00a0 They hadn’t seen any sign of Granite Lake, though.\u00a0 Without a map, they’d had no idea which way to go looking for it, either, so they’d just come back down.<\/p>\n

John and Lisa were from Illinois.\u00a0 They said they had been coming to camp for a week at this exact same spot in Beaver Park every year in late July for years now.\u00a0 Best week of every year – they loved the Wind River range!\u00a0 They’d been here a few days so far.\u00a0 Lots of people came and went.\u00a0 Many stopped by to ask them how to get to Granite Lake, or where the route up Squaretop Mountain was, but they really didn’t know.\u00a0 All they really knew was that very few of the people they talked to ever made it to Granite Lake.\u00a0 A teeny tiny minority succeeded in climbing Squaretop Mountain.<\/p>\n

“Squaretop Mountain Route<\/strong> … The route on up to Square Top is not difficult.\u00a0 The smallest child I ever took up there was 4 years old, but you have to hand him up over the ledges in a lot of places.” – Finis Mitchell in Wind River Trails<\/em><\/p>\n

About the time the conversation with John and Lisa was winding down, a dozen young men and teenagers emerged from the forest over by the ridge W of Beaver Park.\u00a0 SPHP talked to several of them as they came by.\u00a0 They had been camped up at Granite Lake the past 2 nights.\u00a0 Yesterday, every one of them had made it up Squaretop Mountain!\u00a0 Only took 3 hours to summit from the lake.<\/p>\n

One of the men had a GPS track of the route they’d taken.\u00a0 The screen was small and hard to see in the morning sunlight, but the glimpse SPHP got looked like they had gone W from Granite Lake, turning more NW as they got higher.\u00a0 The whole group was enthused by their success.\u00a0 They marched off to the Highline Trail and disappeared, apparently intent on returning to the trailhead at Lower Green River Lake.<\/p>\n

A shame they had all left so quickly!\u00a0 SPHP would have liked to have learned more about their route, and what they’d encountered.\u00a0 Still, this was certainly good news.\u00a0 Sounded like they had done exactly what Lupe intended to try based on Finis Mitchell’s account in Wind River Trails<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Better get on with it, too!\u00a0 9:30 AM already.\u00a0 John and Lisa wished Lupe success, then she headed NW across Beaver Park for the 1200 foot high W ridge where Granite Lake lay hidden above.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Starting for Squaretop Mountain<\/strong> (L) from Beaver Park<\/strong>. Granite Peak<\/span><\/a> (9,892 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

“Granite Lake Trail<\/strong> – A short distance after crossing the bridge a faint trail takes off to the right with a sign showing the Granite Lake Trail.\u00a0 This trail, an old horse trail, is very difficult to follow unless you’ve had a lot of mountain experience.\u00a0 In 1953 there was a big forest fire here.\u00a0 It burnt the whole side of the mountain and it’s still the mess that it was when the fire went out.” – Finis Mitchell in Wind River Trails<\/em><\/p>\n

“Squaretop Mountain Route<\/strong> – If you want to climb Square Top, after you cross the foot bridge on the Green River you go about 150 feet out into the woods and you come into the upper end of a big park.\u00a0 You go over to the edge of the timber and follow it down until you get down to and beyond the forest fire and downed timber.\u00a0 Then there is a draw comes right down from Granite Lake to the river, with green live timber in it.\u00a0 You work your way up the draw, past the burned area and pick up the old horse trail and go on to the lake …” – Finis Mitchell in Wind River Trails<\/em><\/p>\n

No doubt it all made perfect sense back in the 1970’s when Wind River Trails was published.\u00a0 However, Loopster hadn’t seen any signs for the Granite Lake trail, and in the 65 years since the forest fire, the forest had regenerated to a point where no burn area was visible.<\/p>\n

No worries, though.\u00a0 The topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a> was crystal clear.\u00a0 All Lupe had to do was head WNW up the 1200 foot ridge staying S of Granite Peak.\u00a0 Once the terrain leveled out, Granite Lake ought to be close at paw.\u00a0 Simple enough.<\/p>\n

Nearing the timber, Lupe crossed a boggy area, then a mucky little trickle of a stream at the base of the big ridge.\u00a0 Any ravines or old trails were still probably farther N than where Lupe was.\u00a0 SPHP didn’t bother looking for them.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog went right up into the forest, and started a long climb.<\/p>\n

The slope was uniformly steep; wearying, but not dangerous.\u00a0 For a long way, the forest hid all views.\u00a0 Deadfall timber was present, but usually not that much.\u00a0 Lupe came to no major rock outcroppings or cliffs.\u00a0 The slope simply went up and up, with little variation.\u00a0 SPHP tried to angle NW, thinking Lupe was farther S than Mitchell’s recommended route.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the way up the 1200 foot ridge W of Beaver Park. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Loop was making good time going up the ridge, limited only by SPHP’s heart, lung and leg capacity.\u00a0 She was already quite high when she came to a clearing.\u00a0 Although the morning had started out sunny with bright blue skies, by now it had clouded up.\u00a0 A light rain began to fall.\u00a0 SPHP stopped to don the old blue plastic rain poncho.<\/p>\n

The clouds didn’t look all that threatening.\u00a0 Lupe continued climbing.\u00a0 She stayed in the clearing – a long, skinny, continuous strip that went W straight up the ridge nearly all the rest of the way to the top.\u00a0 The rain subsided, and SPHP stopped again to remove the poncho.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Following the clearing higher. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
From the clearing, Lupe had steadily improving views of the Green River valley<\/strong>, though the river itself could not be seen. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Two hours after leaving Beaver Park, Lupe reached the top of a hill.\u00a0 This seemed to be the high point of the entire 1200 foot ridge.\u00a0 The clearing had ended shortly before getting here.\u00a0 The hill was all fairly open forest, with lots of sizable deadfall timber scattered around.<\/p>\n

Lupe had no unobstructed views, but by moving about, much of the E face of Squaretop Mountain could be seen between the trees.\u00a0 A glimpse of Granite Peak was visible off to the N, but Granite Lake was not in sight.\u00a0 SPHP studied the views, comparing them to the topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

This was probably the same hill John and Lisa had made it to yesterday.\u00a0 Minus a map, they hadn’t known which way to go from here to get to Granite Lake.\u00a0 However, SPHP was just about certain where Lupe was.\u00a0 This hill had to be High Point 9385<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 The S end of Granite Lake was only 0.25 mile NW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At High Point 9385<\/span><\/strong>, a hill at the very top of the 1200 foot ridge. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Granite Peak<\/strong> (L) from High Point 9385<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

“Squaretop Mountain Route<\/strong> … You go right around the right hand side of the lake to the outlet and cross (no trouble crossing).\u00a0 You go back around the lake part way and take up a little tiny stream that comes off of Square Top.\u00a0 You follow that stream clear up till you get above timberline, crossing a lot of snow.\u00a0 There’s a break in the ledges and you can go clear to the top.” – Finis Mitchell in Wind River Trails<\/em><\/p>\n

Hmm.\u00a0 SPHP was surprised Lupe was still as far S as High Point 9385.\u00a0 The outlet stream Mitchell said to cross was way over at the N end of Granite Lake more than 0.5 mile away.\u00a0 Furthermore, she was already 140 feet higher than the lake.\u00a0 No doubt Mitchell was the expert, he’d spent nearly his whole life in the Wind River range.\u00a0 Maybe, though, there was a closer alternate way up?<\/p>\n

A giant cirque S of High Point 11383<\/span><\/strong> way up on Squaretop Mountain was partially in view.\u00a0 The topo map made it look like the cirque might not be as steep as Mitchell’s route farther N among the ledges.\u00a0 The last few hundred feet to the top looked challenging, but maybe it wasn’t all that bad?<\/p>\n

Part of what SPHP suspected was the area of Finis Mitchell’s route was also in view.\u00a0 The upper end of it looked challenging, too.\u00a0 Was it really any better?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The giant cirque<\/strong> (Center) S of High Point 11383<\/span><\/strong> (R) from High Point 9385<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The upper end of the cirque S of High Point 11383 with lots of help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
As SPHP understood it, Finis Mitchell’s route<\/strong> up Squaretop<\/strong> must be in the area near the center of this photo. Photo looks NW from High Point 9385<\/strong> with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The giant cirque was closer, but not a proven route.\u00a0 The safest choice, with the highest likelihood of success, was for Lupe to go find Granite Lake, then follow Mitchell’s instructions as precisely as possible.\u00a0 Those happy young guys Lupe had met down at Beaver Park this morning had apparently done just that.<\/p>\n

Maybe it was the lack of oxygen in the thin mountain air?\u00a0 SPHP led the Carolina Dog toward the giant cirque.<\/p>\n

Traveling SW through the forest from High Point 9385, Lupe came to a boggy clearing rich with tall green grasses.\u00a0 She stayed N of the clearing going W.\u00a0 Loop had lost only minor elevation coming down off High Point 9385 to this saddle area.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the rich green boggy clearing WSW of High Point 9385. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As Lupe got closer to Squaretop Mountain, she eventually turned NW to look for the inlet stream that comes down to Granite Lake from the giant cirque.\u00a0 SPHP thought the American Dingo might be able to follow this stream up into the cirque.<\/p>\n

In fact, in SPHP’s mind, Finis Mitchell’s brief description of his route up hadn’t entirely excluded the possibility that he actually did mean to take this same inlet stream up into the giant cirque.\u00a0 He never actually came out and said that, though, which he likely would have if that had been the case.<\/p>\n

When Lupe reached the inlet stream, what she saw fairly conclusively ruled out this possibility.\u00a0 Mitchell had described the stream to follow up the mountain as “tiny”.\u00a0 The inlet stream wasn’t huge, but had decent flow.\u00a0 Furthermore, it was braided with a number of channels, some widely separated, taking different courses down the mountain.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
After a climb in the forest and passing through a rocky area going NW, Lupe reached this slope where the inlet stream to Granite Lake poured down from the giant cirque in a number of different channels. Granite Peak<\/strong> (R). Edge of Squaretop Mountain<\/strong> (L). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
One of a number of similar channels of the Granite Lake inlet stream.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP thought it best to cross over to the N side of the inlet stream, so one by one, Lupe crossed the various channels.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Loop about to cross another channel.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As Lupe worked her way higher, the stream became more concentrated, the separate channels starting to combine into a single course.\u00a0 Loop was climbing fairly steep slopes that were partially forested, and part open meadows filled with wildflowers.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking higher from just N of the main stream course. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After a good climb, it appeared Lupe was approaching the base of a rock ledge or line of small cliffs.\u00a0 SPHP could find no break in this formation.\u00a0 Looper was forced S.\u00a0 She ultimately gained the top of the ledge by climbing a series of little waterfalls right up the main stream bed.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching a line of small cliffs. Lupe was forced to climb right in the stream bed (L) in order to get up on top. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Above the ledge, the terrain was still steep.\u00a0 Lupe stayed farther N again, as she worked her way W through mostly forested territory.\u00a0 She gained substantial elevation.\u00a0 The views back to the E and SE of the Green River canyon became ever more spectacular, though the valley floor down by the river still could not be seen.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading higher somewhere above the line of small cliffs. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Among the wildflowers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching rockier terrain. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On and on!\u00a0 The American Dingo kept climbing.\u00a0 Staying N of the stream, she made steady progress toward the giant cirque.\u00a0 The forest thinned out.\u00a0 The terrain became rockier.\u00a0 Lupe started coming to large boulder fields more and more often.\u00a0 The views opened up.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Hey, looky here! Now we’re starting to get somewhere!<\/em> Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Giant cirque S of High Point 11383<\/span><\/strong> dead ahead, I do believe!<\/em> Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Entering the E end of the giant cirque. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking up at what was directly above. Lupe would stay S (L) of the high point at Center. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking back down at the Green River canyon<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Whew! It’s farther than it looks, but we’re getting there!<\/em> Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As Lupe got higher and farther W into the giant cirque, SPHP expected to see some fairly easy routes up out of it along the upper edge.\u00a0 At first this seemed to be the case.\u00a0 However, as Looper got even closer, SPHP began to realize that all the channels or gullies leading to the upper lip of the cirque seemed to be full of snow at dangerously steep angles, far steeper than Lupe and SPHP were prepared to deal with.<\/p>\n

SPHP began scrutinizing all the cliffs along the upper edge of the cirque.\u00a0 Which way?\u00a0 Where should Lupe go?\u00a0 At the far SW end were several gullies that looked fairly promising.\u00a0 It appeared there might be a route over there where only a short section of snow would have to be crossed where there was exposure.\u00a0 However, that area was farthest away from where Lupe was now, and time was already a consideration.\u00a0 Who knew what it all actually looked like up close?<\/p>\n

Loop was closest to a big gully on the R (N).\u00a0 SPHP had great hopes for it, but as the Carolina Dog approached, those hopes were dashed.\u00a0 Way too steep.\u00a0 Too much snow.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
As Lupe got closer to the W end of the huge cirque, SPHP scanned the cliffs along the upper edge looking for a way up. The area seen directly beyond Lupe seemed to hold promise, but was farthest away. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Another look back at the Green River canyon<\/strong> from higher up. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe kept climbing.\u00a0 As the perspective changed, SPHP kept scanning for possibilities.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The most intriguing possibilities are on seen on the L, but getting over there would take some time. Photo looks SW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Getting closer to the first big gully (Center) that didn’t pan out. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Checking out that upper SW end of the cirque again. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Zoomed in on the upper W end of the cirque where a stream plunged down in a series of small waterfalls. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The next gully W beyond the first disappointing one on the R (N) looked like a decent option.\u00a0 It was narrower, and had a steep snow bank in it, too.\u00a0 However, it appeared Loopster could go up a 2 or 3 foot wide gap between the snow and the rock wall to the SW.\u00a0 She ought to be able to get high enough in this manner to reach a point where she could leave the gully, and have an easy climb the rest of the way up.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the next promising nearby possibility. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
OK, this might be the way! Going to try staying in between the rock wall and the L side of the snow bank<\/em>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By the time Lupe reached the bottom of the snow bank, it was clear this gully and the snow bank were much steeper than they had looked from below.\u00a0 However, it was possible to go carefully up the gap between the snow and the rock wall to the L.\u00a0 Loop did manage to get as high as it looked like she would have to before leaving the gully, but the escape route proved to be an illusion.<\/p>\n

No way!\u00a0 Ahead the rock wall protruded against the snow, completely closing off the gap Lupe was climbing up, and any possibility of going higher without actually getting up onto the snow.\u00a0 As steep as the snow bank was, that was completely out of the question.\u00a0 Failure!<\/p>\n

SPHP was ready to start a careful descent, when out of the corner of an eye, there was movement to the R.\u00a0 Lupe!\u00a0 In horror, SPHP glanced over to see her standing quite happily a few paces away right up on the snow.\u00a0 Apparently she had realized that she had to get up onto it in order to go any higher.\u00a0 Somehow she had done so of her own volition.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
In horror, SPHP realized Lupe was standing out of reach on the perilously steep snow.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe stood smiling proudly at SPHP.\u00a0 She was ready to keep going!\u00a0 If she lost her grip, though, and started to slide, there would be no stopping what would happen next.\u00a0 A 75 to 100 foot rocket slide straight down the chute to be dashed onto to the jagged rocks below!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking down the Gully of Death.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Come, Lupe!\u00a0 Come here, girl!\u00a0 Come!\u00a0 Come to me!<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe did.\u00a0 A couple of steps and she was within reach.\u00a0 SPHP grabbed her collar and yanked her to safety.\u00a0 Dodged a bullet!\u00a0 Gonna be OK.\u00a0 That careful retreat now began.\u00a0 No more getting up onto the snow!<\/p>\n

Time consuming, but Lupe made it safely down out of the Gully of Death.\u00a0 SPHP began leading her toward that most promising area way over to the SW.\u00a0 Lupe hadn’t gone far, however, when it looked like she might be able to simply scramble directly up the rocky slope just above her.\u00a0 Didn’t look far to some ledges and easier terrain above.\u00a0 Why not?<\/p>\n

Another illusion was why not.\u00a0 Once Lupe started up, it became clear this route was much steeper, and safety much farther and higher, than it had first appeared.\u00a0 Exposure!\u00a0 SPHP hates exposure!\u00a0 The route kept threatening to end abruptly.\u00a0 Many times SPHP managed to creep, crawl, or climb higher wondering if Lupe stood any chance of following.\u00a0 As if by magic, the Carolina Dog always did.<\/p>\n

What had appeared to be a 40 or 50 foot climb, turned out to be more like 200 or 300 before Lupe finally got to where the situation improved, and SPHP was certain the scary part was over.\u00a0 Never again!\u00a0 SPHP resolved Lupe would find another route for her descent.\u00a0 The thought of ever coming back down this way was petrifying.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Loop relaxing after a nerve-wracking ascent of the steepest part of her route out of the giant cirque. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe still had another 300 or 400 feet higher to go to completely escape the giant cirque, but the worst was over.\u00a0 Still a very steep trek at first, the slope of the terrain steadily decreased.\u00a0 Loop was on vegetation now.\u00a0 The ground wasn’t so rocky.\u00a0 She started having fun again roaming W, while leading the way up along the N side of a big ravine.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking back down. Lupe’s route higher was still very steep at first, but the worst was over. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Oh, yeah! Looking better now!<\/em> Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A stream full of tiny waterfalls flowed E down the center of the ravine.\u00a0 Lupe came to multiple false summits as she sniffed and explored higher.\u00a0 The slope of the terrain kept decreasing.\u00a0 Couldn’t be much farther!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe (Center, R of the closest snow) leads the way up the big ravine. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Out of the giant cirque at last, along the upper edge. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Finally!\u00a0 Loopster was out of the giant cirque!\u00a0 She stood at 11,000 feet, nearly 3,000 feet higher than where she’d started the day back at Beaver Park.\u00a0 She had reached Squaretop Mountain’s huge summit plateau, but was still a long way S of the actual true summit, nearly 700 feet higher.<\/p>\n

“Squaretop Mountain Route<\/strong> … When you get out on top, then in order to look back down to Green River Lakes (you’re on the rear end of the top) you have to go about a mile and a half over the top to where you can look back down over the lakes.\u00a0 From the main trail it’s a couple of miles to Granite Lake, then about another mile to the top.\u00a0 On the top you don’t have to go clear to the front to get a good view.\u00a0 You can stay along the right side and go out on points where you can see the river and your trail all the way up.\u00a0 You can turn around when you get on top and see clear back to Gannet Peak and a lot of the glaciers.\u00a0 You’re at 11,695 feet, about three and a half thousand feet above the river …” – Finis Mitchell in Wind River Trails<\/em><\/p>\n

The topo map disagreed with Mitchell’s distances, but his elevations were spot on.\u00a0 So was the overall gist of his description of the layout.\u00a0 Lupe needed to head N.\u00a0 The true summit was still a mile away as the crow flies.\u00a0 Though hours of daylight remained, it was clear she would be pressed for time on the return.\u00a0 Loop had to go even farther N than the summit in order to look down upon the Green River Lakes.<\/p>\n

Didn’t matter how long it was going to take.\u00a0 Though unprepared, even if it meant having to stay up on Squaretop overnight, the American Dingo was going to get there.\u00a0 Not coming this far only to beat a retreat!\u00a0 After pausing a few moments to enjoy the thrill of having escaped the giant cirque, Lupe headed N.<\/p>\n

Before her was a broad plain strewn with numerous low-lying boulders.\u00a0 Beyond this plain were flat-topped ridges of rock a few hundred feet high.\u00a0 A wonderful, easy romp was ahead all the way to those rocky ridges.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On Squaretop’s summit plateau after escaping the giant cirque. A wonderful, easy romp was ahead. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

0.33 mile N got Loop close to the first of the rocky ridges.\u00a0 The plateau was still broad here, but narrower than before.\u00a0 A wide lane of alpine meadow along the E side was clearly the easiest way forward.\u00a0 Lupe passed near large snow banks to the W from which tiny meltwater streams trickled down through the meadow and over the E edge.<\/p>\n

Were these snow banks the source of the tiny stream Finis Mitchell said to follow up from Granite Lake?\u00a0 SPHP was convinced they were.\u00a0 If so, Mitchell’s route must reach the summit plateau in this area.\u00a0 This theory seemed more than plausible.\u00a0 Unfortunately, Lupe couldn’t afford to waste valuable time further investigating this possibility.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe (R) leads the way past the snow banks W of the alpine meadow. This meadow may be where Finis Mitchell’s route reaches the summit plateau. Loop is headed for the E (R) end of the rocky ridge just ahead. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Carolina Dog continued on.\u00a0 Before getting very far beyond the snow banks, the first rock ridge extended almost all the way to the E edge of the mountain, choking off the alpine meadow.\u00a0 Lupe began climbing, and soon made a significant discovery.\u00a0 Cairns, and a faint trail!\u00a0 More evidence that Mitchell’s route did come this way.<\/p>\n

Looking back from the ridge, Lupe had a better view of the area where Mitchell’s route probably came up.\u00a0 From the alpine meadow, the terrain sloped ever more steeply down to the E seemingly destined for a plunge into an unseen abyss.\u00a0 Of course, if that actually was Mitchell’s route, the appearance had to be deceiving.\u00a0 Still, the unnerving scene did not make SPHP want Lupe to consider a descent that way on her return trip.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Starting the climb up the first rock ridge of the summit plateau. Photo looks S back the way Lupe had just come. The alpine meadow from which tiny streams trickle down to the E (L) is at Center. Mitchell’s route seemingly must come up from the ravine on the L.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking SE now from the same spot. If SPHP was right, Mitchell’s route continues down toward the lower L. Yikes!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Gannet Peak<\/span><\/a> (13,804 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (Center) from the same spot. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Cliffs along a notch in the E face of Squaretop Mountain. Green River valley<\/strong> below on the R. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe climbed NW, and reached a less rocky area N of the first ridge.\u00a0 A big notch coming in from the E face of Squaretop forced her to continue W or NW.\u00a0 A few minutes brought Loop clear over to Squaretop’s W edge for the first time.\u00a0 Here she could see partway down into the Marten Lake canyon, although she wasn’t close enough to the edge to see all the way down to the lake.<\/p>\n

Of more interest was the view to the SW.\u00a0 Off in the distance, there was New Benchmark<\/span><\/a> (11,850 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>!\u00a0 New Benchmark was the very mountain where Lupe had been stymied by a huge steep snowbank that prevented her from continuing toward Squaretop Mountain from the W in 2017.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Near the W edge looking over the Marten Lake canyon<\/strong>. New Benchmark<\/strong> is the high point in the distance farthest R near Center. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak<\/span> 11,820<\/span><\/a><\/strong> (L) and New Benchmark<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SW with lots of help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Having reached the W edge, the terrain now favored climbing back to the NE.\u00a0 Lupe came to a succession of relatively gently sloping rock strewn meadows where she made rapid progress.\u00a0 However, each meadow led to a much steeper, slower climb up a bouldery ridge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
One of a series of alpine meadows each leading to steeper climbs up boulder ridges. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Tiny wildflowers decorated the meadows.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After traversing several such meadows and ridges, a notable high point was seen ahead.\u00a0 A collection of large boulders forming a wall 25 or 30 feet high sat perched upon the largest ridge yet near the E edge of the mountain.\u00a0 Was that the summit of Squaretop Mountain<\/span><\/a> (11,695 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>?\u00a0 Lupe headed toward it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching what SPHP thought might be the true summit. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No!\u00a0 As Lupe scrambled up onto the ridge, a clearly higher collection of boulders was seen farther N.\u00a0 That<\/strong><\/em> was it, no doubt about it – the true summit of Squaretop Mountain!\u00a0 Lupe was almost there!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the true summit of Squaretop Mountain<\/strong> (Center)! Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The true summit was 500 feet farther N, sitting out on a flat plain full of rounded boulders far from any edge of the mountain.\u00a0 The boulders weren’t numerous enough to seriously impede progress.<\/p>\n

Ignoring the first high point she was already practically right next to, Lupe took off for the summit.\u00a0 She scrambled to the top from the W end in a flash.\u00a0 Easy, squeezy!\u00a0 Nothing to it!\u00a0 SPHP soon joined her.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe reaches the true summit of Squaretop Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Another similar collection of boulders sat even farther off to the N across the bouldery plain, but it was clearly lower.\u00a0 Lupe was definitely at the true summit.\u00a0 SPHP searched, but found no survey benchmark or registry.\u00a0 Only a pathetic little excuse for a cairn marked the top of mighty Squaretop Mountain<\/span><\/a> (11,695 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Even farther N across the bouldery plain sat yet another similar collection of boulders forming yet another high point, but it was clearly lower. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nothing impeded the views from Squaretop Mountain’s true summit.\u00a0 In nearly all directions Lupe saw a grand assortment of tremendous peaks.\u00a0 The most impressive lay mostly along spine of the Wind River Range off to the SE, where Gannet Peak<\/span><\/a> (13,804 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, highest in Wyoming, and many others SPHP didn’t recognize were on display.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe’s L ear (seen on the R) points up toward Gannet Peak<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Gannet Peak<\/strong> (L), the Wyoming state high point, from Squaretop Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks SE with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Same view with Gannet Peak<\/strong> on the L, but with less help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Gannet Peak<\/strong> (Center) and others along the spine of the Wind River Range<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Zoomed in on Peak 11,820<\/span><\/strong> (L) and New Benchmark<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
New Benchmark<\/span><\/a> (11,850 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (Center) far beyond Lupe. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Gannet Peak<\/strong> at far R. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking SSE with lots of help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Time was running out.\u00a0 Yet there was more to see from Squaretop, lots more.\u00a0 Due to the late start and all the other mistakes SPHP had made, Lupe only got to spend 15 or 20 minutes at the true summit before she really needed to be moving on.\u00a0 She had her peakbagging achievement, but still had not seen the premier view that makes Squaretop Mountain such an incredible destination.<\/p>\n

She still hadn’t seen the glorious view looking back down the Green River canyon all the way to the Green River Lakes.<\/p>\n

SPHP scrambled down first.\u00a0 For several magical minutes the Carolina Dog remained alone atop the true summit of Squaretop Mountain.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe alone at the true summit. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Hard to believe I’m finally really here!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Last moments awaiting the signal to come down.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP signaled.\u00a0 Lupe raced down.\u00a0 Puppy, ho!\u00a0 On to the next cluster of boulders to the N!\u00a0 May as well check it out.\u00a0 It was on the way to those fabulous, long highly anticipated views of the Green River Lakes.<\/p>\n

The next cluster was actually a somewhat trickier proposition.\u00a0 The top was narrow and a bit precarious.\u00a0 Another cairn was up here.\u00a0 However, a glance back to the S only served to confirm that the true summit really was back there.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Loop atop the far N high point. SPHP remained of the opinion that this was not the true summit. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Flags and purple wildflowers decorated this far N high point.\u00a0 The flags led SPHP to think maybe some did consider this the true summit?\u00a0 Who knew?\u00a0 Perhaps it was.\u00a0\u00a0 Mountains can produce strange and convincing illusions.\u00a0 No registry here, either, though.\u00a0 SPHP wasn’t swayed.\u00a0 Lupe ventured no opinion.\u00a0 She’d been both places now, so what difference did it make?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Up on the far N high point. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Purple wildflowers decorated the far N high point.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Did the flags mean this was actually the true summit? SPHP didn’t believe it. Lupe never said. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
So, SPHP, now that we’ve gotten all these preliminaries done, can we please get on with it and go see what we came to see?<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe didn’t stay on the far N high point long.\u00a0 The Green River Lakes were calling!<\/p>\n

Excitement mounted as the American Dingo approached the N edge of mighty Squaretop Mountain.\u00a0 Two minutes, and Looper was there.\u00a0 The mountain fell away revealing the view so long sought after.\u00a0 3,500 feet below, the Green River meandered away to the NNW toward Upper, and more distant Lower, Green River Lakes.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The Green River<\/strong> and Upper & Lower Green River Lakes<\/strong> from Squaretop Mountain<\/strong>. The big ridge on the R is White Rock<\/span><\/a> (11,284 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Upper Green River Lake<\/strong> is closest. The trailhead Lupe had started from yesterday is at the far end of more distant Lower Green River Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Green River Lakes<\/strong> from Squaretop Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Green River Lakes<\/strong> with lots of help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The view was stunning, glorious, magnificent!\u00a0 5 minutes was all the longer Lupe had to enjoy it.\u00a0 Time was pressing, if she expected to have any hope of getting off the mountain tonight.\u00a0 For those marvelous 5 minutes, Loop stood there near the edge of the precipice taking it all in.<\/p>\n

Off to the NW, a somewhat lower lobe of Squaretop’s summit extended farther N.\u00a0 Sadly, no time to go over there to explore and enjoy it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sadly, Lupe didn’t have time to go explore the slightly lower lobe of the summit (L), which extended farther N. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Should have been up here many hours ago.\u00a0 Would have been wonderful to have time to explore Squaretop Mountain’s vast summit from one end to the other.\u00a0 So much to do and see up here!<\/p>\n

How fun it would have been to visit the S end of the mountain, too!\u00a0 Way down by High Point 11415<\/span><\/strong>, S of the giant cirque, Lupe could have peered down upon the saddle to the SW leading to High Point 11590<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 She would have found out if she had ever stood a chance of getting here from New Benchmark.<\/p>\n

That would remain a mystery.\u00a0 SPHP regretted the mistakes which had delayed Lupe’s arrival at this grand viewpoint.\u00a0 Chief among them, not getting to Granite Lake to set up base camp yesterday evening, and then the needlessly late start this morning.<\/p>\n

Yet, at the same time, it had all been such an adventure!\u00a0 A completely joyous experience once it had been clear Lupe was going to succeed in escaping the giant cirque!\u00a0 Lupe had at long last made it to the summit of Squaretop Mountain.\u00a0 For these precious few minutes, she really was standing here by the soaring edge gazing down on the wondrous view of Green River Lakes.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Nice view. Got anything to eat in that pack, SPHP?<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"\"<\/a>The moment passed.\u00a0 Lupe headed S.<\/p>\n

The American Dingo’s Squaretop Mountain adventure was far from over.\u00a0 She traveled along the E edge of the mountain where she could peer down into the Green River canyon.\u00a0 Loop never made it to Granite Lake this morning, but now she did get to see it from more than 2,400 feet above.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking down on Granite Peak<\/span><\/a> (9,892 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (L), Granite Lake<\/strong> (R), and even Beaver Park<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks, umm, down. (And ESE!)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Along the E edge. The first high point SPHP thought might be Squaretop’s summit is on the far R. Glover Peak (12,068 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> is a little L of Center in the distance. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The Green River canyon<\/strong> from Squaretop Mountain<\/strong>. Gannet Peak<\/strong> on the L. Photo looks SE with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A final look back. Lower Green River Lake<\/strong> (L) and White Rock<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching Squaretop’s true summit<\/strong> (L) again. Peak 11820<\/span><\/strong> (Center) and New Benchmark<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As Lupe passed by Squaretop’s true summit once again, now heading S, the race was on!\u00a0 2.5 hours until sunset.\u00a0 No more than that.<\/p>\n

From above, it was possible to see that Lupe could avoid down climbing the worst of the bouldery ridges by staying farther W.\u00a0 Most of the clouds had blown away.\u00a0 A gorgeous evening!\u00a0 The views were fantastic as Loop raced S.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading back along Squaretop’s summit plateau. Glover Peak<\/strong> on the L. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A final look at Peak 11820<\/span><\/strong> (L) and New Benchmark<\/strong> (R) both near (Center) beyond the Marten Lake canyon<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe still had to go back near the E edge to get down from the first ridge she had come to on the summit plateau.\u00a0 Then it was through the alpine meadow, and past the big snow banks where the trickling streams were.\u00a0 The sun was still up, and would be for a while yet, as the Carolina Dog reached the big ravine leading E back down into the giant cirque.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe charges ahead toward the big ravine leading to the giant cirque. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Frolicking on a pink snow bank in the big ravine.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking down the big ravine leading to the W lip of the giant cirque. Gannet Peak in the distance L of Center. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Thirsty Dingo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
So what do you think of the rouge I put on back at the pink snow bank? Am I beautiful?<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe stayed near the stream down in the bottom of the big ravine as she drew near the upper lip of the giant cirque.\u00a0 Such trepidation!\u00a0 Was there going to be any reasonably safe way down?\u00a0 Lupe wasn’t even going to attempt a descent where she’d come up.\u00a0 Way too scary!<\/p>\n

Waterfalls and steep terrain had been visible along this stream before Lupe had made her ascent.\u00a0 However, Loop lost a surprising amount of elevation without any problem.\u00a0 Spirits soared when she started coming to cairns!\u00a0 The cairns helped tremendously, but eventually either SPHP lost the way or they ran out.<\/p>\n

The going became tricky.\u00a0 The cairns had led into another draw a little S of the stream.\u00a0 The route became very steep, with several down climbs SPHP had to help Lupe with.\u00a0 Fear grew.\u00a0 At one point it looked like this was it, Lupe had cliffed out, but after rounding a corner, a viable way lower appeared.<\/p>\n

SPHP was enormously relieved when Looper made it to the base of the gullies.\u00a0 The scariest part was over, but a lot of time had been chewed up during the cautious descent.\u00a0 The sun still shone on the mountaintops, but wouldn’t for much longer.<\/p>\n

Hurry!\u00a0 Hurry!\u00a0 Now it was down, down the giant cirque.\u00a0 Lupe stayed close to the bottom this time, mostly S of the stream instead of N.\u00a0 The frequent boulder fields were slow going, but Loop did come to a long snowfield, which helped her avoid some of them.\u00a0 On and on.<\/p>\n

Loop had been in the mountain’s shadow for a long time, and was N of the stream when she did cliff out.\u00a0 She had reached that first ledge she’d gotten around by climbing up the stream bed.\u00a0 Light was fading fast, but much easier terrain was still visible 300 or 400 feet lower.\u00a0 No way to get to it, though.<\/p>\n

Trying that trick in the stream bed again seemed like a bad idea now.\u00a0 It was getting hard to see.\u00a0 The terrain above the ledge seemed alarmingly steeper going down than it had going up.\u00a0 Staying far from the ledge, which would be easy to slide over, was a priority.\u00a0 So what now?<\/p>\n

Off to the S, beyond where the stream was, a 45\u00b0 forested slope went far down to the E.\u00a0 A viable option, if Lupe could get over there.\u00a0 Yeah, try that!\u00a0 Loop regained 75 feet of elevation before managing to work her way over to the stream again at a point where it could be crossed.<\/p>\n

By the time Loop succeeded in reaching the 45\u00b0 slope, the forest was so dark the headlamp and flashlight had to come out.\u00a0 There was a bit of a ridgeline here.\u00a0 The plan was to follow it down.\u00a0 Puppy, ho!\u00a0 Onward!<\/p>\n

The black forest phase of the ordeal began.\u00a0 Nothing at all could be seen except a tiny faintly lit region in SPHP’s immediate vicinity.\u00a0 Lupe sniffed her way around with complete confidence in and out of total darkness.\u00a0 For a while everything seemed to be going fine.\u00a0 Lupe lost elevation steadily, passing minor rock formations along the ridgeline.\u00a0 It was a long way down, though.\u00a0 She still had 1,500 feet of elevation to lose.<\/p>\n

The ridgeline eventually vanished.\u00a0 Lupe reached a boggy area where the terrain leveled out.\u00a0 Traveling along the S edge of the bog, she soon found herself following a tiny stream SE.\u00a0 The slope steepened, and the stream plunged through an area choked with deadfall timber.\u00a0 Progress nearly ground to a halt as SPHP struggled through the tangled mess.<\/p>\n

A few easier spots were encountered, but were always shortly followed by another steep descent amid more deadfall.\u00a0 Lupe lost what seemed to be an incredible amount of elevation, but the situation did not improve.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Weary Lupe tries to get a few winks in somewhere on the long black descent.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe finally came to an open slope.\u00a0 It was steep, too, but at least there was no deadfall.\u00a0 About this time, Loop got scared.\u00a0 She was starting to hear thunder and see lightning.\u00a0 Not that close yet, but coming this way.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog begged SPHP to stop.\u00a0 She wanted to hide and wait out the approaching storm.<\/p>\n

SPHP did stop briefly several times, but kept encouraging Loop to keep going.\u00a0 A few raindrops were felt.\u00a0 The rain was about to start in earnest.\u00a0 SPHP put on the blue rain poncho, then sat on an uncomfortably steep slope.\u00a0 Lupe cowered inside the poncho on SPHP’s lap.<\/p>\n

Lightning!\u00a0 Thunder!\u00a0 Rain fell for 20 minutes.\u00a0 Enough to get everything soaking wet.\u00a0 When it was over, the black descent resumed.\u00a0 The clearing ended.\u00a0 Back into the deadfall filled forest!\u00a0 Down, down, forever down!<\/p>\n

For hours the roar of the Green River had been heard from the canyon.\u00a0 Lupe was getting closer.\u00a0 The river’s roar became louder and louder, but she never seemed to get there.\u00a0 Finally, the river sounded much louder.\u00a0 Loop had to be very close now, but she hadn’t come to the Highline Trail.<\/p>\n

SPHP was virtually certain the trail was on the near side of the river, but in the dead of night fears mounted.\u00a0 What if it wasn’t?\u00a0 What if Looper reached the river as it cut through a steep-sided area almost impossible to traverse?\u00a0 What if she had already somehow crossed the trail without recognizing it?<\/p>\n

Nutty alone at night in the wilderness phantoms!\u00a0 Suddenly, when the roar of the Green River was so loud it seemed a few more steps would plunge Lupe into it, there she was, standing right on the Highline Trail.\u00a0 Thank heavens!\u00a0 The Green River actually was only a few feet away down a vertical embankment.<\/p>\n

0.75 mile back to Beaver Park and the Marmot tiny house.\u00a0 On the verge of utter exhaustion, Lupe and SPHP piled in.\u00a0 Famished, Loop devoured an entire can of Alpo.\u00a0 She curled up on her red sleeping bag.\u00a0 SPHP covered her as well as possible.\u00a0 She was gone in an instant, running strong and free again in the glow of the beautiful evening sunlight in Dingo Dreamland high up on Squaretop Mountain.<\/p>\n

7-22-18, morning, Beaver Park – <\/em>The sun beat down on the Marmot tiny house.\u00a0 Gonna cook in here!\u00a0 Wearily, SPHP crawled out.\u00a0 Lupe didn’t want to budge despite the heat.\u00a0 SPHP had to force her out into the shade beneath the rain flap.\u00a0 No energy at all.\u00a0 Just drained.\u00a0 An hour shot by while SPHP lazily took down the tiny house and packed up.<\/p>\n

John and Lisa were up, having their morning coffee.\u00a0 Before leaving, Lupe and SPHP went over to visit them.\u00a0 They were curious.\u00a0 Had Lupe made it up Squaretop Mountain?\u00a0 They’d begun to wonder when she hadn’t gotten back by dark.\u00a0 What time did she get in?<\/p>\n

Oh, yeah!\u00a0 Lupe had been there!\u00a0 She’d made it up Squaretop.\u00a0 As to what time she got back, SPHP had no clue.\u00a0 The tangled black forest had been endless.\u00a0 Seemed like 2 or 3 hours had gone by after the storm before Loop had made it back to Beaver Park.<\/p>\n

John was amazed.\u00a0 The storm had gone through at 1:30 AM.\u00a0 So Lupe got back around 4:00 AM?\u00a0 Maybe.\u00a0 Who really knew?\u00a0 SPHP’s estimate may well have been off.\u00a0 Time often passes far more slowly than one thinks in the dark.\u00a0 Still, it must have been plenty late.<\/p>\n

John and Lisa had news.\u00a0 They said that they’d been told about a good trail up to Granite Lake.\u00a0 Evidently a thin line of trees divides Beaver Park into two parts.\u00a0 The N section was smaller.\u00a0 Over along the W side there was supposedly a big rock at the base of the ridge close to where the good trail went up.\u00a0 Worth remembering, if Lupe ever came back.<\/p>\n

The sky clouded up.\u00a0 Noon already.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP bid John and Lisa farewell.\u00a0 A long trek back to the trailhead at Lower Green River Lake was in store.\u00a0 No matter.\u00a0 Loop had all day to get there.<\/p>\n

It was a slow plod.\u00a0 The mood had completely switched from the hopeful journey in 2 days ago.\u00a0 Light rain fell.\u00a0 Mosquitoes harassed.\u00a0 Depleted, Lupe and SPHP didn’t even stop by the beautiful rapids on the Green River.\u00a0 The dull gray sky and annoying bugs even discouraged paying any attention to the gorgeous scenery.\u00a0 A feeling of sadness developed.\u00a0 Squaretop Mountain was over.\u00a0 Would Lupe ever be back?\u00a0 Not likely.<\/p>\n

Forevermore in the mind’s eye, though, miles beyond the Green River Lakes, the spirit of the precious Dingo stands proudly at the brink of a spectacular precipice atop the mighty sentinel of the Wind River Range.\u00a0 She gazes down upon a splendid scene, still hopefully awaiting that happy day.<\/p>\n

End – 7-22-18, 8:00 PM, Lower Green River Lakes trailhead<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lower Green River Lake<\/strong> & Squaretop Mountain<\/strong>, Wind River Range of Wyoming 7-19-18<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

“Squaretop Mountain Route<\/strong> … Most younger groups such as Boy or Girl Scouts take two days going from the end of the road to the bridge at Beaver Park.\u00a0 There are numerous camping spots all over the area.\u00a0 From the bridge to the top of Square Top and back is a good day’s hike for this age group and families.” – Finis Mitchell in Wind River Trails<\/em><\/p>\n

What!\u00a0 Seriously?\u00a0 Good grief Looper, I must have seriously botched this one up.\u00a0 Seemed like a wonder we made it at all.\u00a0 Next time we’re staying at Granite Lake, getting up at dawn, and sticking with Mitchell’s route.\u00a0 You’re gonna have practically all day to explore the whole dang summit plateau!\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

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

Wind River Trails by Finis Mitchell<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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

Green River Lakes, Squaretop Mountain & The Highline Trail to Beaver Park, Wind River Range, Wyoming (8-30-15)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Striving for Squaretop Mountain, Wind River Range, WY – Part 1: Green River Lakes to Porcupine Pass (7-13-17 & 7-14-17)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Striving for Squaretop Mountain, Wind River Range, WY – Part 2: New Benchmark – Victory & Defeat! (7-15-17)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Striving for Squaretop Mountain, Wind River Range, WY – Part 3: The Dome Peak Salvage Operation (7-26-17)<\/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":"

Days 9 & 10 of Lupe’s 2018 Dingo Vacation to the Bighorn Mountains & Wind River Range of Wyoming! 7-21-18, morning, Beaver Park – Yesterday’s march in from Green River Lakes had been tiring.\u00a0 Despite having crawled into Lupe’s new Marmot tiny house early, and having slept well, the sun was up again long before … Continue reading Squaretop Mountain, Wind River Range, Wyoming – Part 2: Beaver Park to the Summit (7-21-18)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":19409,"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":[105,388,106,26,382,104,11,381,385,275],"class_list":["post-19428","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-2018-bighorn-mountains-wind-river-range-wyoming","tag-american-dingo","tag-beaver-park","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-green-river-lakes","tag-lupe","tag-peakbagging","tag-squaretop-mountain","tag-wind-river-range","tag-wyoming"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_0122.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\/19428","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=19428"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19428\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20474,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19428\/revisions\/20474"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/19409"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=19428"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=19428"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=19428"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}