{"id":24527,"date":"2019-11-17T08:10:47","date_gmt":"2019-11-17T15:10:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=24527"},"modified":"2020-01-13T12:14:56","modified_gmt":"2020-01-13T19:14:56","slug":"hesse-mountain-peak-10372-bighorn-mountains-wyoming-6-28-19","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=24527","title":{"rendered":"Hesse Mountain & Peak 10372, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming (6-28-19)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Day 3 of Lupe’s 1st 2019 Dingo Vacation to the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming!<\/em><\/p>\n

Despite a sign near the start of USFS Road No. 448 saying the road was impassable due to fallen trees, the G6 had made it to Munkres Pass (9,447 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> without any problem.\u00a0 Lupe had been here before.\u00a0 The first time was almost 5 years ago, when she had climbed Hesse Mountain<\/span><\/a> (10,385 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Unfortunately, clouds had swept in that day keeping the mountain shrouded in fog most of the time she’d been up there.<\/p>\n

\"\"
At Munkres Pass<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The American Dingo had finally returned determined to climb Hesse Mountain once again.\u00a0 Fog wasn’t going to be an issue today!\u00a0 This time Lupe was going to see the sights!\u00a0 As soon as SPHP had the pack ready, she set off once more for Hesse Mountain.\u00a0 (8:54 AM, 54\u00baF)<\/em><\/p>\n

At first, the terrain was nearly level as Lupe headed S.\u00a0 With no trail to follow, it was still rather slow going since the forest was full of deadfall timber.\u00a0 Spider webs annoyed SPHP.\u00a0 Lupe was happier with patches of snow she found to cool off on.\u00a0 Before long, Loop reached a meadow at the top of a small hill.\u00a0 SPHP was almost certain she had come to this very same meadow the first time she’d climbed Hesse Mountain, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"
In the level forest near the start of the trek to Hesse Mountain. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Staying cool!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hesse Mountain<\/span><\/a> (10,385 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was in view from the meadow only a mile away.\u00a0 Hesse has two summits of nearly equal elevation at opposite ends of a NE\/SW oriented ridge.\u00a0 Leaving the meadow, Lupe plunged back into the forest heading SE straight for the closer NE summit.\u00a0 The mountain vanished from sight.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Hesse Mountain<\/strong> from the meadow. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After a slight dip, the terrain leveled out before beginning to steepen.\u00a0 The rate of climb steadily increased.\u00a0 As Lupe gained elevation, there was less and less deadfall to contend with, but more snowbanks were hidden among the trees.\u00a0 Hillsides seeped water forming tiny streams.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog started coming to open lanes through the forest that were much easier to follow higher.<\/p>\n

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Back in the forest after leaving the meadow.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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As the terrain steepened, Lupe came to open lanes through the forest.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The first significant boulder fields appeared shortly before Lupe reached the end of the forest.\u00a0 Whenever possible, she avoided the boulders by staying on the grassy lanes.\u00a0 Above the forest, however, the last part of the climb to Hesse Mountain’s NE high point was nearly all talus.\u00a0 Fortunately, by then she was already close to the top.<\/p>\n

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Among the boulder fields shortly before the forest ends.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Hesse Mountain’s N ridge<\/strong> from the edge of the forest. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Oh, we’re getting there! That’s Hesse’s SW summit behind me.<\/em> Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
On the talus approaching the NE high point. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hesse Mountain’s NE summit proved to be a collection of rocks crowned by a modest cairn.\u00a0 The summit area was quite small, but a patch of grass provided a spot where Lupe could relax.\u00a0 Still a bit early, but it was getting close to lunch time.\u00a0 The American Dingo was ready to enjoy some Taste of the Wild along with the superb views.<\/p>\n

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Looper on the NE summit of Hesse Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Pretty rocky up here, but at least there is a place to relax!<\/em> NE summit of Hesse Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The usual fare, Taste of the Wild and water, were on the lunch menu again today. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The first time Lupe climbed Hesse Mountain in 2014, she’d only gone to the SW high point, which is supposed to be the true summit.\u00a0 She had never been to Hesse’s NE high point before.\u00a0 This glorious day, which was minus the fog that had been present back then, was the first time she’d had such spectacular clear views from Hesse Mountain.<\/p>\n

Among the many highlights were Hazelton Peak<\/span><\/a> (10,264 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> which Loop had climbed only yesterday, Hazelton Pyramid<\/span><\/a> (10,534 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> which she had climbed in 2016, and Peak<\/span> 10372<\/span><\/a><\/strong> all to the S.\u00a0 Far to the NNW snowy Bighorn Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,324 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Loaf Mountain<\/span><\/a> (11,722 ft.) <\/span><\/strong>were in sight.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Hazelton Peak<\/strong> (L) and Hazelton Pyramid<\/strong> (R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Hazelton Pyramid<\/strong> (L), Peak 10372<\/strong> (beyond Lupe’s head), and Hesse Mountain’s SW (true) summit<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Bighorn Peak<\/strong> is the snowiest high point on the L. Loaf Mountain<\/strong> is to the R of it (still L of Center). Photo looks NNW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Loaf Mountain<\/strong> (Center) with Bighorn Peak<\/strong> (L). Photo looks NNW with more help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The ridge leading to Hesse Mountain’s SW high point was of tremendous interest, too.\u00a0 The SW high point was the presumptive true summit, since that’s where the elevation of 10,385 feet was shown on the topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0 To complete her 2nd ascent, Lupe had to go there next.<\/p>\n

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The ridge leading to Hesse Mountain’s SW (true) summit<\/strong> (L). Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Another look. Peak 10372<\/strong> (L) and Hesse’s SW summit<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe didn’t head for the SW summit right away, but relaxed for a while at the NE high point.\u00a0 She kept busy snapping at flies the pleasant breeze wasn’t strong enough to discourage.\u00a0 After 40 minutes of that, though, she’d about had it.\u00a0 Tired of all the annoying buzzing, Loop set off for the true summit.<\/p>\n

Hesse Mountain’s SW high point was less than 0.25 mile away.\u00a0 The top of the ridge leading to it was extremely rough, so Lupe stayed to the NW (R) somewhat below the ridgeline.\u00a0 The talus wasn’t quite as large here, and there were sometimes grassy spots.\u00a0 It still took SPHP awhile to get there, but the American Dingo’s success was never in doubt.<\/p>\n

\"\"
By the cairn at Hesse Mountain’s true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No fog today!\u00a0 Beneath bright blues skies, Lupe stood by the cairn at the true summit of Hesse Mountain<\/span><\/a> (10,385 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> for the first time in nearly 5 years.\u00a0 The cairn was larger now than it used to be.\u00a0 Nearby, a couple of sharply slanting slabs of rock were the absolute high point.\u00a0 The topo map appeared to be correct.\u00a0 Although there wasn’t much difference, the NE high point did look a little lower.<\/p>\n

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Lupe by the two slanting slabs of rock at the true summit of Hesse Mountain<\/strong>. Cairn on the L. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Looking back at the NE high point<\/strong> (L). Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Zoomed in on Hesse’s NE summit<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Of course, the views here were similar to those from the NE high point, for the most part offering only a slightly different perspective.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Hazelton Peak<\/strong> (L), Hazelton Pyramid<\/strong> (Center), and Peak 10372<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Bighorn Peak<\/strong> (Center) and Loaf Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NNW with lots of help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Hazelton Peak<\/strong> (L) and Peak 10372<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For some reason, hardly any flies here, which was good!\u00a0 However, Lupe missed the grassy spot at the NE high point.\u00a0 The true summit lacked a comfortable place to rest.\u00a0 Rocks were everywhere!\u00a0 Lupe stayed only 30 minutes, before starting down Hesse Mountain’s NW ridge.<\/p>\n

The decent started out steeply with lots of big talus.\u00a0 Slow going again!\u00a0 Lupe stayed NE (R) of the ridgeline, which was too rough to follow.\u00a0 The trek finally got easier as she drew near a saddle.\u00a0 Loop turned SE here, still on talus, heading down toward a huge grassy bowl between Hesse Mountain and Peak<\/span> 10372<\/span><\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Starting down from the saddle along Hesse Mountain’s NW ridge. Peak 10372<\/strong> (R) and Hazelton Pyramid<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
On the way to Peak 10372<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
In the grassy bowl below the pass between Hesse Mountain (L) and Peak 10372 (R). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once down to the grassy region, crossing the open terrain was fast and easy.\u00a0 Lupe headed W far enough to get around the N end of Peak 10372’s NE ridge.\u00a0 She then turned S shortly after entering a forested valley that swept up along the W side of this same ridge past High Point 10091<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Hidden by the forest, the upper reaches of the valley contained snowbanks 4 feet deep.\u00a0 Dealing with the soft, deep snow became a struggle.\u00a0 To avoid the worst of it, Lupe ended up traveling along the edge of the pines close to the rocky ridgeline.\u00a0 Powder River Pass (9,677 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Peak<\/span> 10215<\/span><\/a><\/strong> were in view back to the NW.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Looking back at Powder River Pass<\/strong> (L) during the ascent of Peak 10372. Peak 10215<\/strong> is in the foreground on the R. Photo looks NW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The valley gradually curved SW, eventually ending at a relatively flat open area.\u00a0 The forest ended here, too.\u00a0 This was Peak 10372’s upper E shoulder.\u00a0 From cliffs along the edge, Lupe had big views to the E and S.<\/p>\n

Loop was already at 10,200+ feet, but to the W was a steep talus slope.\u00a0 The summit was up there somewhere, less than 200 feet higher.\u00a0 The American Dingo began to climb.<\/p>\n

\"\"
On Peak 10372’s upper E shoulder. The valley Lupe had been coming up and the forest both ended here. Ahead is a steep talus climb to the summit. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Heading up. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Approaching the high point Lupe had been climbing toward, the talus grew in size.\u00a0 Much of it stood almost on end, or at sharp angles.\u00a0 It also became apparent that this high point was not the top of the mountain.\u00a0 A three-pronged rock much farther W now looked like the summit.<\/p>\n

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Near the top, but not quite there yet. The true summit was somewhere farther along this ridge of large talus. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The ridgeline became nearly impassable.\u00a0 Slowly, carefully SPHP worked along it.\u00a0 Even Looper had to search cautiously for routes.<\/p>\n

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Near vertical talus along the ridgeline. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Upon reaching the three-prong rock, a big light-colored rock another 150 feet away definitely looked higher.\u00a0 The true summit of Peak<\/span> 10372<\/span><\/a><\/strong>!<\/p>\n

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Approaching the true summit of Peak 10372<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When Lupe got there, the whitish rock at the top of Peak 10372 didn’t look like it was positioned naturally.\u00a0 It sat balanced on 2 other stones with an air gap beneath it.\u00a0 However, it would have taken Hercules to lift that massive stone into place.\u00a0 So maybe it was natural?\u00a0 Who knew?<\/p>\n

Several smaller stones on the big white rock formed a little cairn.\u00a0 Lupe leapt up beside them to claim her 2nd peakbagging success of the day!<\/p>\n

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Made it! This is it – the true summit of Peak 10372<\/strong>! That’s Hazelton Pyramid<\/strong> (L) behind me.<\/em> Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Looking back along the highest stretch of the summit ridge. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Hesse Mountain<\/strong> from Peak 10372. Photo looks NE with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Quite a perch, isn’t it? Not that hard to get here either, except for that last tricky talus ridge.<\/em> Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

None of the summits Loopster had visited today provided much room to maneuver.\u00a0 However, the Carolina Dog was happy to see a sheltered spot practically right next to Peak 10372’s summit boulder.\u00a0 She hung out there, relaxing while SPHP took in the views.<\/p>\n

\"\"
The sheltered rest spot where Lupe could hang out close to the summit boulder (L). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Slightly different angle showing part of Peak 10372’s NW ridge<\/strong> (R). Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Hazelton Pyramid<\/strong> (L). Peak 10372’s summit rock (R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Bighorn Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,234 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (L) and Hesse Mountain<\/span><\/a> (10,385 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Bighorn Peak<\/strong> (L) with Darton Peak<\/a><\/span> (12,275 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/span> poking up just to the R. Loaf Mountain<\/strong> on the R. Hwy 16 and the road to Munkres Pass are seen below. Photo looks NNW with lots of help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
View to the SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Zoomed in on Hazelton Peak<\/strong>, which Lupe had climbed yesterday. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Lupe hanging out in her sheltered spot. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Just below the summit rock. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

45 minutes shot by at Peak 10372’s summit.\u00a0 Getting to be late afternoon.\u00a0 Sadly, time for Lupe to say good-bye.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Guess this is about it from Peak 10372! It’s been fabulous!<\/em> Hesse Mountain<\/strong> (L). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Carolina Dog lingered up on the summit rock while SPHP started down, enjoying Peak 10372 as long as she could.<\/p>\n

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Back on the summit rock. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Final moments on Peak 10372<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Trying to return via the nearly vertical talus ridge seemed unnecessarily slow and difficult.\u00a0 Lupe headed down Peak 10372’s NW ridge instead.\u00a0 For a long way this route was almost all talus, too.\u00a0 It took quite a while to get down to the trees again.\u00a0 Even in the forest, Lupe had to cross talus fields as she now headed NE.<\/p>\n

Upon reaching the forested valley where she had started up Peak 10372, Lupe angled NW.\u00a0 She went far down the valley, eventually coming to a broad grassy region at the base of Hesse Mountain’s W ridge.\u00a0 Progress was rapid until the Carolina Dog was able to get past the ridge and turn N.\u00a0 Here she reentered the forest, and wandered NW of Hesse Mountain for what seemed like a long time.<\/p>\n

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Exploring the forest NW of Hesse Mountain.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At last Looper came to an old abandoned USFS road (No. 522313)<\/em>.\u00a0\u00a0 Her Hesse Mountain & Peak 10372 adventure was almost over.\u00a0 USFS Road No. 448 where a short stroll back to Munkres Pass would bring her back to the G6 wasn’t much farther, yet the American Dingo now nearly met with disaster.<\/p>\n

SPHP suddenly sensed movement close to the road.\u00a0 A porcupine, only 6 or 7 feet away!\u00a0 Fortunately, Lupe did not lunge for it.\u00a0 Unmolested, the porcupine waddled away.<\/p>\n

Smart decision there, Loopster!\u00a0 Porcupines are extremely dangerous!<\/em><\/p>\n

Is that what that was?\u00a0 I was trying to figure out if it is good to eat!\u00a0 What’s for dinner when we get back, anyway?\u00a0 I’m famished!<\/em><\/p>\n

Chicken and dumplings.\u00a0 Don’t think you’ve ever had them before, but I can assure you they go down easier than porcupine.<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP was right.\u00a0 As it turns out, American Dingoes love chicken and dumplings!\u00a0 (End 7:41 PM)<\/em><\/p>\n

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On Peak 10372<\/strong>, Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming, 6-28-19<\/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\u00a0\u00a0 Prior Adventure<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Hesse Mountain, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming 8-6-14<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Hazelton Pyramid, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming 7-18-16<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

W<\/em>ant more Lupe adventures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose from Lupe’s 2019 Dingo Vacations to the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming Adventure Inde<\/strong>x<\/strong><\/a><\/span>,\u00a0Dingo Vacations Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a> or Master Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0Or subscribe free\u00a0to\u00a0new Lupe adventures<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Day 3 of Lupe’s 1st 2019 Dingo Vacation to the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming! Despite a sign near the start of USFS Road No. 448 saying the road was impassable due to fallen trees, the G6 had made it to Munkres Pass (9,447 ft.) without any problem.\u00a0 Lupe had been here before.\u00a0 The first time … Continue reading Hesse Mountain & Peak 10372, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming (6-28-19)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":24495,"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":[1175],"tags":[105,185,106,26,188,104,1187,11,275],"class_list":["post-24527","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-2019-bighorn-mountains","tag-american-dingo","tag-bighorn-mountains","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-hesse-mountain","tag-lupe","tag-peak-10372","tag-peakbagging","tag-wyoming"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/IMG_3670.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\/24527","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=24527"}],"version-history":[{"count":22,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24527\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25426,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24527\/revisions\/25426"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/24495"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=24527"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=24527"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=24527"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}