{"id":28435,"date":"2020-10-01T08:10:18","date_gmt":"2020-10-01T14:10:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=28435"},"modified":"2021-02-11T06:16:38","modified_gmt":"2021-02-11T13:16:38","slug":"freeze-out-point-riley-point-bighorn-mountains-wyoming-6-24-20","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=28435","title":{"rendered":"Freeze Out Point & Riley Point, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming (6-24-20)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Days 1 & 2 of Lupe’s 1st Summer of 2020 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming!<\/em><\/p>\n

Dave Covill<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/a>‘s visit to the Black Hills at the end of May brought an abrupt end to over half a year of nearly unbroken adventure-free monotony. \u00a0 Lupe had already despaired of ever living a life of adventure again, but suddenly hopes, even great expectations, were revived.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog was enthused!\u00a0 She had gotten to go to Warren Peaks<\/span><\/a> (6,650 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Missouri Buttes<\/span><\/a> (5,374 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, and Black Elk Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,231 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> while Dave had been around.<\/p>\n

SPHP always said summer begins June 1st, and June was now magically here!\u00a0 Without a doubt, adventures galore were heading the American Dingo’s way!<\/p>\n

And then – nothing.\u00a0 The old routine returned.\u00a0 Lupe spent day after day laying on the carpet staring sadly out the window.\u00a0 Outside, the grass was green, had been for two months.\u00a0 Puffy white clouds plied brilliant blue skies, birds sang and flew by on warm, soft breezes.\u00a0 The mountains were waiting, but no Dingo appeared.<\/p>\n

Almost half shot already, 2020 – the Year of Perfect Vision, had gotten off to a very strange start.\u00a0 Consequently, SPHP was way behind, still trying to “catch up”.\u00a0 Despite SPHP’s assurances that good things were coming, those promises were empty.\u00a0 Days turned to weeks.<\/p>\n

Oh, there were morning walks in the park, and evening walks through the neighborhood.\u00a0 People, dogs, and the mail carrier strolled by every day.\u00a0 Now and then squirrels risked making an appearance.\u00a0 Mondays were the height of excitement – official Barking Day!\u00a0 The garbage and recycling trucks came, both making two passes in order to serve each side of the street.\u00a0 SPHP couldn’t get a thing done then.\u00a0 Not while the frantic Carolina Dog dashed inside and out, upstairs and down, all the while sounding a shrill ear-splitting alarm.<\/p>\n

Barking Day was fun, but small potatoes.\u00a0 A few hours of rambunctious action followed by yet another week of boredom.\u00a0 The solstice came and went.\u00a0 The glorious summer of 2020 was sailing by, never to return, and Lupe was missing out.<\/p>\n

6-23-20, 1:19 PM, 79\u00baF<\/em> – Loop knew the signs!\u00a0 Oh, yeah!\u00a0 She’d happily followed SPHP back and forth between the house and the G6 umpteen times this morning, before finally giving up and just laying in the shade of the big tree in the front yard to watch.\u00a0 SPHP was slow even at this task, but now the wait was over.\u00a0 The G6 was pulling out of the driveway, the American Dingo riding high on a pile of gear, supplies, pillows and blankets.\u00a0 Seemed like it had been forever and a day, but at long last a shiny new Dingo Vacation was underway!<\/p>\n

\"\"
On the road to adventure, 6-23-20!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So where we headed, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, not too far Looper!\u00a0 The Bighorn Range of Wyoming.<\/em><\/p>\n

I love the Bighorns!<\/em><\/p>\n

Me, too, Loop.\u00a0 We’ll be there before dark.\u00a0 Tomorrow you’ll be climbing mountains again.\u00a0 Promise!\u00a0 Nothing too hard, though.\u00a0 Figure we better ease back into the peakbagging business after lounging about for so long.<\/em><\/p>\n

Anything will be an improvement to the way things have been going, SPHP.\u00a0 Once acclimated, we can work our way up to bigger and better things.<\/em><\/p>\n

Right-O, dear Dingo!\u00a0 In the meantime, it’s all good.<\/em><\/p>\n

Even with an early afternoon start, there was time enough to take the scenic route.\u00a0 At Gillette, SPHP left I-90 to head NW on Hwy 14\/16.\u00a0 This provided the Carolina Dog a chance to drop by Spotted Horse for the first time in years.<\/p>\n

\"\"
At the Spotted Horse bar, which constitutes about all there is at Spotted Horse.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Always fun to get out and stretch at Spotted Horse!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP bought an ice cream treat, and would have shared it with Lupe, but she was only mildly interested.\u00a0 Most of it disappeared while SPHP read a plaque about Hunt’s 1811 Astorian Overland Expedition.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Getting to the Bighorns and exploring the American West used to be a good deal harder than it is these days.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By evening, Lupe really was in the Bighorns!\u00a0 It was still light out when SPHP parked the G6 near the turnaround loop at the end of USFS Road No. 168 (8:03 PM, 58\u00baF)<\/em>.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog got to explore some of the nearby dolomite formations, before calling it a day.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Thought this day would never come! Tomorrow should be great!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6-24-20, 6:45 AM, 55\u00baF, near the end of USFS Road No. 168<\/em> – The sun was up!\u00a0 Sort of a late start, since no one had slept all that well last night.\u00a0 Lupe had wanted out twice.\u00a0 The first time had been very dark, with the Milky Way blazing overhead.\u00a0 Naturally, the wily Dingo quickly sniffed out some chicken bones SPHP had forgotten on a log.\u00a0 A menacing growl warned she had not the slightest intention of giving up this glittering prize.\u00a0 Chomp, chomp, chomp!\u00a0 The bones vanished in a flash.<\/p>\n

Apparently no harm done.\u00a0 Looper was in good spirits on this beautiful, bright Bighorns morning.\u00a0 The long awaited time for action had arrived.\u00a0 First up, Freeze Out Point<\/span><\/a> (8,305 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>!\u00a0 The Carolina Dog sniffed her way over to the loop at the end of USFS Road No. 168, then started SE up a long open slope following somewhat rougher USFS Road No. 199.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Dolomite formations Lupe had explored yesterday evening. This side road soon peters out back among the rocks. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
About to set off for Freeze Out Point. USFS Road No. 199 is seen going up the slope on the R. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Looking NNW back down at the loop at the end of USFS Road No. 168 from No. 199.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This ought to be a snap, Loop!\u00a0 Not even 1.5 miles to Freeze Out Point.\u00a0 Moderate to gentle slope the whole way.\u00a0 An easy peakbagging success!\u00a0 We’ll gawk at the views, take a few photos, and be on our way back.<\/em><\/p>\n

Sounds great, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

And with that, Lupe dashed away.\u00a0 3 deer had caught her attention, and she needed to investigate.\u00a0 The deer melted into the forest long before the American Dingo got anywhere close to them, but Loopster just kept running through the fields of wildflowers for the pure joy of running.\u00a0 Fun to watch her.\u00a0 Yes, this Dingo Vacation was off to a great start!<\/p>\n

By the time Lupe returned, SPHP had reached the upper end of the first slope where No. 199 leveled out for a stretch alongside an old wooden fence.\u00a0 Freeze Out Point was now in sight.\u00a0 Surprisingly, it didn’t appear to be the complete cakewalk SPHP had anticipated.\u00a0 Looked like there might be some rock formations hidden back in the forest.\u00a0 Hopefully they wouldn’t be too vertical.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Freeze Out Point<\/strong> from a level stretch along USFS Road No. 199. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Didn’t take long to get up to the summit region, the E side of which was open ground.\u00a0 A stone fire ring sat out in the middle of this area, with a stack of small diameter firewood nearby.\u00a0 It had become increasingly clear on the way up that there definitely were higher rock formations concealed in the nearby forest.\u00a0 Lupe would have to check them out, but first it was time to enjoy the sweeping views from here.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Looking NW back down the road Lupe had just come up.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
At Freeze Out Point<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Gazing down on the territory to the ENE and high plains beyond the Bighorns.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
The views are best over this way!<\/em> Black Mountain<\/strong> (R) in the distance. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After an initial look around, Lupe and SPHP headed SW up into the trees.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog easily gained 20 to 25 feet of elevation before reaching the base of the closest rock formation.\u00a0 Ay-yi-yi!\u00a0 No way was she getting up that thing.\u00a0 A narrow wall of rock towered another 20 or 30 feet higher, its sides not only practically straight up and down, but with an overhang at the end.<\/p>\n

\"\"
This last step higher is a doozy, SPHP!<\/em> Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Oh, for pity sake!\u00a0 Freeze Out Point was supposed to be a gimme, Looper.\u00a0 Don’t tell me we’re gonna get skunked!<\/em><\/p>\n

Don’t give up so easy, SPHP!\u00a0 Maybe there’s another way, or an even higher point we can actually get to.\u00a0 Let’s look around.<\/em><\/p>\n

Peering along the NW side of the wall of rock revealed a steep, narrow chute that looked passable, but not all that promising.\u00a0 Venturing around to the SE, far more encouraging terrain was seen.<\/p>\n

\"\"
This ought to work, SPHP!<\/em> Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe managed to scramble up to a high point where the rock wall jutted out to the E.\u00a0 A couple of other spots 100 to 200 feet off to the N looked equally high, maybe even a foot or two higher.\u00a0 The rock wall was lumpy, narrow and full of fissures.\u00a0 The other high points weren’t accessible.\u00a0 No matter!\u00a0 This was good enough for Dingo work.\u00a0 Loopster was claiming a peakbagging success!<\/p>\n

\"\"
Black Mountain<\/strong> (Center) from Freeze Out Point. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
On Freeze Out Point<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Looking back N along the rock wall at a couple of competing high points that might even have been a bit higher.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Altogether, Lupe spend nearly an hour at Freeze Out Point, although not all of it way up on the rock wall.\u00a0 Before leaving, she did go back to check out that NW chute to see if it might provide a reasonable route up to the other high points.\u00a0 SPHP scrambled up first, before the American Dingo made her attempt.<\/p>\n

Two tremendous leaps were nearly successful, but each time Lupe fell back, scampering down to the safety of more level terrain well below the chute.\u00a0 On her third try she made it.\u00a0 Sadly, further exploration proved her efforts had been in vain.\u00a0 A narrow ledge above the chute did lead higher, but didn’t look worth chancing.\u00a0 Even if Loop managed to safely negotiate the ledge, it still didn’t look possible to get up to the top rocks.<\/p>\n

Oh, well!\u00a0 Never mind, Loop!\u00a0 Not going to risk breaking our necks to gain an extra foot.\u00a0 Let the purists and rock climbers do this.\u00a0 We’re outta here!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"
I guess we’re moving on, but Freeze Out Point<\/strong> was actually kind of fun!<\/em> Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
At the base of the NW chute that didn’t pan out. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The march back down USFS Road No. 199 was super easy.\u00a0 Despite being more complicated than originally anticipated, Freeze Out Point hadn’t taken all that long.\u00a0 The day was off to a good start!<\/p>\n

Riley Point<\/span><\/a> (8,536 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was Lupe’s next peakbagging objective.\u00a0 Once back at the G6 (9:12 AM, 66\u00baF)<\/em>, the American Dingo hopped in, and SPHP drove roughly 4 miles back out along USFS Road No. 168, parking close to the low point of a big open saddle near junctions with USFS Roads No. 149 & 150.<\/p>\n

Lupe had been here before.\u00a0 Two years ago, she had taken USFS Road No. 149 down the long valley to the NW before climbing up to the high point on the NW half of massive Dry Fork Ridge<\/span><\/a> (8,480 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, which was Sheridan County, Wyoming’s most prominent peak.\u00a0 That had been an all day adventure, but not a difficult one.<\/p>\n

Riley Point on the much closer SE half of Dry Fork Ridge was actually a bit higher, but evidently wasn’t as prominent.\u00a0 The topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a> showed USFS Road No. 150 going right to it.\u00a0 Once again, SPHP figured Lupe was just in for an easy road hike.\u00a0 Nevertheless, visiting Riley Point was going to take considerably longer than Freeze Out Point had, since it was close to 5 miles away.<\/p>\n

The day was warming up.\u00a0 The first thing Lupe did once she was out of the G6 was to run down an embankment to get a drink out of Camp Creek.\u00a0 She then laid in the shade of the G6 enjoying some Taste of the Wild, while SPHP devoured a piece of fried chicken.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Cooling off in Camp Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6-24-20, 10:06 AM, 68\u00baF, leaving for Riley Point<\/em> – Alrighty, Loopster!\u00a0 Let’s do this.\u00a0<\/em> Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho!<\/em>\u00a0 Lupe left the shade of the G6, and headed for USFS Road No. 150.\u00a0 Nearly all of the 1,000+ feet of net elevation gain required to get up to Riley Point would come in the first 2 miles, with the steepest part right at the start.\u00a0 Passing a Riley Point sign, the Carolina Dog started the long trudge higher.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Setting off for Riley Point. USFS Road No. 168 curves off to the R, while No. 150 heads up onto the SE end of Dry Fork Ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Signage near the start. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After a steady climb, the road actually dipped briefly before continuing higher.\u00a0 The day was mostly sunny.\u00a0 Although it really wasn’t all that hot out, it felt plenty warm if you were wearing a fur coat, which Lupe was.\u00a0 Not used to the thin air, SPHP paused frequently to rest.\u00a0 Loop eagerly lapped up additional water offered during these breaks.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Glancing back down at the G6 near USFS Road No. 168 after some initial progress up No. 150. The Camp Creek valley is on the L. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Halfway up the SE end of Dry Fork Ridge<\/strong> near a dip in the road. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Fortunately, a few well-positioned clouds often provided welcome shade during the exposed trek up to the start of the trees.\u00a0 Once Lupe reached the forest, she enjoyed more reliable relief from the blazing sun.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Taking a break. Twin Buttes<\/span><\/a> (8,235 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> are in the foreground on the R. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
On USFS Road No.150, quite happy to be in the shady forest.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No. 150 gained elevation more sporadically up here.\u00a0 At times, the road leveled out completely.\u00a0 Small glades and occasional larger meadows were scattered among the trees.\u00a0 Eventually, a short steepish rise ended at a “T” intersection.<\/p>\n

\"\"
At the “T” Intersection with USFS Road No. 201.01. Lupe had come up No. 150 from the L. The most direct route to Riley Point is the road beyond her. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hmm.\u00a0 The map showed this as a 4-way junction.\u00a0 A road should have continued straight ahead, but there didn’t seem to be one.\u00a0 This was somewhat important, because Lupe had another mission up here other than getting to Riley Point.\u00a0 Only 0.2 mile further N was HP8548<\/span><\/strong>, the high point at the SE end of Dry Fork Ridge.\u00a0 Since HP8548<\/span><\/strong> was higher than Riley Point<\/span><\/a> (8,536 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, seemed like Loop ought to visit it, too, while she was so close.\u00a0 The missing road was supposed to go almost right to it.<\/p>\n

Studying the 60 foot wide swath of open ground immediately beyond the intersection, SPHP noticed what appeared to be a very faint remnant of a road slightly off to the W (L).\u00a0 Following it to a gap at the edge of the forest, Lupe discovered an abandoned road that did continue N.<\/p>\n

Another 150 feet brought the American Dingo to a gate.\u00a0 SPHP opened it, letting her through.\u00a0 Just past the gate, a number of large trees had fallen across the road.\u00a0 Beyond them, the road continued higher.<\/p>\n

\"\"
At the gate. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe kept going.\u00a0 200 yards up a gentle slope, the forest ended.\u00a0 Entering a meadow, the faint road curved W.\u00a0 As the topo map indicated, slightly higher ground was nearby to the N.\u00a0 Leaving the road, Lupe explored a region of scraggly pines.\u00a0 She quickly came to a couple of large chunks of dolomite at the top of small rise.<\/p>\n

The Carolina Dog hopped up on the highest rock.\u00a0 Inches away was a 30 or 40 foot precipice.\u00a0 No doubt about it, Lupe had made it to HP8548<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"
HP8548<\/span><\/strong> at the SE end of Dry Fork Ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
An unseen cliff is just beyond Lupe, so there wasn’t any question whether she’d really reached HP8548<\/span><\/strong>. This was it, alright! Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The intention was to take a bit of a break here, but within minutes Lupe was being plagued by flies.\u00a0 So she left HP8548<\/span><\/strong>, now losing elevation as she headed W to rejoin the faint road.\u00a0 Lupe came across the road again just as it entered an old burn.\u00a0 This was quite a scenic spot.\u00a0 Ahead, large boulders were scattered across the broad ridge.\u00a0 Beyond them, vertical rock formations a good 20 or 30 feet high jutted up from the next rise.<\/p>\n

Wandering W among the interesting rocks, Lupe soon reached USFS Road No. 150 again.\u00a0 Almost immediately, she came to a side road not shown on the map that went NE up toward the vertical rock formations.\u00a0 However, Loop didn’t explore it.\u00a0 Instead, the American Dingo continued NW on No. 150.<\/p>\n

\"\"
In the burnt area W of HP8548<\/span><\/strong>. At the time, SPHP had been under the impression that HP8548<\/span><\/strong> was the true summit of all of Dry Fork Ridge. Months later, while reviewing the topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, SPHP realized that the true summit is actually up on one of rock formations seen here in the distance. The map shows a very small region over there in an 8560 foot contour. Didn’t really matter that Lupe never got over there. Not likely she could have made it to the top anyway. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Riley Point was still out of sight, a good 2.5 miles farther NW, but Lupe could follow USFS Road No. 150 all the way to it.\u00a0 The road went over a series of high spots separated by drops of up to 100 feet or even more.\u00a0 While most of Dry Fork Ridge was forested up here, the road usually passed through sunny meadows.<\/p>\n

\"\"
USFS Roads No. 150 and No. 201.01 divide up ahead. No. 201.01 heads off to the R, while No. 150 bears L on its way up to HP8461<\/span><\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Approaching HP8461<\/span><\/strong> (L). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Since the road was never steep, progress was rapid.\u00a0 Breaks continued to be taken for water, to sit in the shade for a few minutes, or just to enjoy wildflowers and other sights.\u00a0 Riley Point itself eventually came into view, still a bit of a march away.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Riley Point<\/strong> (L end of the forested ridge on the R) comes into sight. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Wildflowers along the way.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Getting there! Riley Point<\/strong> is the little clump of trees just R of Center.<\/em> Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A gain of nearly 200 feet was required from the last low point the road hit to get up to Riley Point.\u00a0 As Lupe closed in on her objective, the first high spot she reached had some wild-looking dead trees, but this still wasn’t quite the top.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Looking back as Lupe closes in on Riley Point. Black Mountain<\/span><\/a> (9,489 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (L) in the distance. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
View to the ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Almost there! The wild dead trees are on the L. The actual high point is over by the trees on the R. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
By the wild-looking dead trees. Not the top, but close to it. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The top of Riley Point<\/span><\/a> (8,536 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was just a little farther N.\u00a0 No tricky surprises here like at Freeze Out Point.\u00a0 Behind a small stand of trees and bushes along the SW edge of Dry Fork Ridge, Lupe found a minor dolomite outcropping partially covered with orange lichens.\u00a0 Clear ground to the NE provided easy access.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Lupe reaches Riley Point<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Made it! Nothing to it really!<\/em> Lupe on Riley Point<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The big view was to the SW overlooking the huge Dry Fork Creek canyon, which Lupe had once ventured down 2 years ago now.<\/p>\n

\"\"
The big view to the SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

With her last peakbagging mission of the day a success, Loop retreated 15 feet to the nearby stunted trees intent upon settling down in the shade of a low bush.\u00a0 Time for that longer break!<\/p>\n

\"\"
Happy Lupe hiding out from the hot sun at Riley Point.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe and SPHP relaxed.\u00a0 There was water and plenty to eat.\u00a0 The only thing the Carolina Dog didn’t care for about Riley Point were the insects.\u00a0 She stayed busy snapping at flies and a bee that kept annoying her.<\/p>\n

Everything seemed fine for a while, but suddenly Lupe went crazy!\u00a0 She appeared to be frantically licking the short needles of the bush she was hiding in.\u00a0 Upon closer inspection, SPHP saw that some kind of a bug had firmly attached itself to the end of her nose, and was busily stinging or biting her.\u00a0 Whether it was a black wasp, or merely a huge ant wasn’t clear.\u00a0 SPHP grabbed at it 3 times before succeeding in plucking it off.<\/p>\n

Lupe was immediately and tremendously relieved.\u00a0 Full of gratitude, she took to licking SPHP to show her sincere deep appreciation.<\/p>\n

A sunny, lazy hour drifted by.\u00a0 At one point, SPHP thought it might be fun to head farther NW to where Lupe could look over West Pass and see the NW half of Dry Fork Ridge where she’d been 2 years ago.\u00a0 However, a quick reconnaissance revealed that Loop would have to go another mile and lose more than 200 feet of elevation in order to get to where she could see past the forest well enough for a good view.<\/p>\n

\"\"
On open terrain just N of Riley Point<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
The NW half of Dry Fork Ridge<\/strong> is visible in the distance on the R. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The distance and elevation would all have to be retraced and regained on the way back.\u00a0 Eh, not worth it.\u00a0 Riley Point was good enough.\u00a0 Back to taking it easy!\u00a0 The inevitable moment arrived all too quickly.<\/p>\n

Guess it’s about time to head back, Loop.\u00a0 Been a nice day, a fine start to this Dingo Vacation, wouldn’t you say?<\/em><\/p>\n

If you don’t mind me saying so, SPHP, getting my nose stung wasn’t all that wonderful.\u00a0 Could have done without that!\u00a0 Haven’t seen a single squirrel, either.\u00a0 But otherwise, yes.\u00a0 Fun to be back in the Bighorns again.<\/em><\/p>\n

The return trip along USFS Road No. 150 seemed to go by quickly.\u00a0 Lupe trudged along at SPHP’s heels instead of exploring like she usually did.\u00a0 Maybe she was tired, or still felt hot?\u00a0 Off to the W there were often views of the big ridges sporting long snowbanks along the spine of the Bighorn Range.<\/p>\n

Before starting the 2 mile descent down off the SE end of Dry Fork Ridge, Lupe returned once again to High Point 8548<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 After a few moments of quiet contemplation in this remote spot, the Carolina Dog headed for the faint road leading to the hidden gate.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Guess this is about it for today’s adventures to Freeze Out Point, and Riley Point on Dry Fork Ridge! Stay tuned, though. We’re just getting going! More Bighorn Mountain adventures are on the way!<\/em> Lupe back at HP8538<\/span><\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Back at the G6 (5:30 PM, 70\u00baF)<\/em>, Lupe ran down to Camp Creek again for another cold drink.\u00a0 By now the sky was mostly cloudy, especially dark to the W.\u00a0 Driving out along USFS Road No. 168, intending to head for the Burgess picnic ground along the N Tongue River, SPHP stopped.<\/p>\n

Off to the N, beyond a field of lavender lupines and the mostly unseen Dry Fork Creek valley, there stood Dry Fork Ridge.\u00a0 Only the S end of the NW half was visible, but Lupe could see the entire length of the SE half where she’d spent most of the day.\u00a0 Two adventures, two years apart on Dry Fork Ridge, but this was it.\u00a0 Although the American Dingo would see the big ridge again from miles away, she wasn’t likely to ever return.\u00a0 Other adventures were calling.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Goodbye to Dry Fork Ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At the Burgess picnic ground, SPHP heated up beef stew and creamed corn.\u00a0 Dingoes love beef stew, but are decidedly indifferent to creamed corn.\u00a0 Loop got another drink from the N Tongue River.\u00a0 The beef stew vanished, and the evening swept by.\u00a0 After sunset, SPHP drove to USFS Road No. 165, 4+ miles NE of the Garden of the Gods<\/span><\/a> (9,163)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Lupe never heard the thunder, or the few raindrops that fell.\u00a0 After a long day in the fresh Bighorn mountain air, she was already in Dingo dreamland.\u00a0 (6-24-20, 9:13 PM)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"
Riley Point<\/strong>, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming 6-24-20<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

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

Dry Fork Ridge, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming (6-12-18)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

W<\/em>ant more Lupe adventures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose from Lupe’s Summer of 2020<\/span> Dingo Vacations to Wyoming, Utah & Montana Adventure Inde<\/strong>x<\/strong><\/span><\/a>,\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":"

Days 1 & 2 of Lupe’s 1st Summer of 2020 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming! Dave Covill‘s visit to the Black Hills at the end of May brought an abrupt end to over half a year of nearly unbroken adventure-free monotony. \u00a0 Lupe had already despaired of ever living a life of adventure again, but suddenly … Continue reading Freeze Out Point & Riley Point, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming (6-24-20)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":28196,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","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":[1293],"tags":[105,185,106,26,1291,104,1292,275],"class_list":["post-28435","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-summer-of-2020","tag-american-dingo","tag-bighorn-mountains","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-freeze-out-point","tag-lupe","tag-riley-point","tag-wyoming"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/IMG_6572.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\/28435","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=28435"}],"version-history":[{"count":55,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28435\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32061,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28435\/revisions\/32061"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/28196"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=28435"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=28435"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=28435"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}