{"id":28583,"date":"2020-10-06T08:10:22","date_gmt":"2020-10-06T14:10:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=28583"},"modified":"2021-02-11T06:17:49","modified_gmt":"2021-02-11T13:17:49","slug":"twin-buttes-rooster-hill-burnt-mountain-bighorn-mountains-wyoming-6-25-20","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=28583","title":{"rendered":"Twin Buttes, Rooster Hill & Burnt Mountain, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming (6-25-20)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Day 3 of\u00a0 Lupe’s 1st summer of 2020 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming!<\/em><\/p>\n

7:42 AM, 56\u00baF, junction of USFS Roads No. 15 & 165<\/em> –\u00a0 Partly cloudy.\u00a0 The morning air was cool and fresh, and a certain Carolina Dog was all rested up and ready for action!\u00a0 She was in luck.\u00a0 SPHP tromped N in a field of lupines W of USFS Road No. 15, while Lupe roamed happily among wildflowers and sagebrush.<\/p>\n

Super easy terrain.\u00a0 A gentle downslope led to Pass 8008<\/span><\/strong> where Lupe and SPHP crossed the road.\u00a0 Already only a little over a mile left to the higher of the Twin Buttes<\/span><\/a> (8,235)<\/span><\/strong>, which had been in sight all along.\u00a0 Nothing like a quick peakbagging success to start the day off right, and success seemed assured.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Twin Buttes<\/strong> (Center) from close to the junction of USFS Roads No. 15 & No. 165. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Closing in on Twin Buttes<\/strong> (L) after crossing Pass 8008<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A couple of minor high points were along the way.\u00a0 Loopster side-hilled the first one, staying a bit to the SE, but did venture up HP8070<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Once she got there, most of the terrain ahead was thick with sagebrush, but a narrow strip along the ridge leading to Twin Buttes was merely grassy.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Approaching HP8070<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On HP8070<\/span><\/strong>. The big ridge in the background on the R is part of Dry Fork Ridge<\/strong>. Lupe had been up there just yesterday on her way to Riley Point<\/span><\/a> (8,536 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Leaving HP8070<\/span><\/strong> along the sagebrush-free ridgeline leading to Twin Buttes<\/strong> (L). Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The American Dingo was soon at the base of the closest Twin Butte.\u00a0 On the way over here, it had been easy to see that the top of the mountain slanted evenly down to the NW from a precipice along the entire SE face.\u00a0 Only partially visible through the trees, a 2-tier line of smaller cliffs ran along the length of the heavily forested SW flank.\u00a0 These cliffs, only 20 to 40 feet high, also slanted down to the NW.<\/p>\n

Even if there wasn’t any direct way up through the cliff bands, SPHP was confident Lupe would be able to get around them.\u00a0 All she had to do was follow them NW until they melted away.\u00a0 The only question was how far NW she would have to go.<\/p>\n

\"\"
At the base of the first (SW) Twin Butte<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Starting up, Lupe angled N climbing a grassy slope full of wildflowers, scattered sagebrush and boulders.\u00a0 Entering the forest, she soon arrived at the base of the lower cliffs.\u00a0 Loopster followed the cliffs only a short distance NW before coming to a wide breach that allowed her to easily get above them.\u00a0 One cliff band down, one to go!<\/p>\n

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Below the lower cliffs. Lupe easily got above them by going a little farther NW (L). Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe headed N again following an animal trail up through the forest.\u00a0 She didn’t have to go very far before the upper cliffs came into view.<\/p>\n

These cliffs were a more formidable obstacle – a continuous vertical wall of rock 30 feet high.\u00a0 Below it, the steeply sloping terrain was chock full of big boulders.<\/p>\n

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At the base of the upper cliff band. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Scrambling toward a small break to the NW, it quickly became clear that route wasn’t going to work.\u00a0 Loop was going to have to retreat a bit, and go farther NW than that.\u00a0 However, only a short distance back to the SE, SPHP noticed another minor break in the cliff line that might be worth checking out.\u00a0 Investigation revealed a steep chute going up a fairly narrow cleft.<\/p>\n

Hmm.\u00a0 SPHP gave it a go first.\u00a0 At the top of the chute was a scramble up solid rock.\u00a0 The rock was essentially vertical, but at only 6 to 8 high, a few decent hand and foot holds allowed SPHP to get up above it next to a couple of big rocks with a large hollow spot beneath them.\u00a0 SPHP had stuffed the hiking poles into this grotto on the way up.\u00a0 It took a couple of minutes to descend into the grotto to retrieve the poles and get back out.<\/p>\n

Success!\u00a0 Well, partly.\u00a0 SPHP had made it up onto the upper cliff band, but Lupe was still way back down at the bottom of the chute, looking very anxious by now.\u00a0 While she could have climbed the chute easily enough, no way was she going to be able to get past that last exposed scrambly part on her own, and SPHP had no way to help her.<\/p>\n

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Grotto on the L, with Loopster still down at the bottom of the chute.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Along the edge of the cliffs 10 feet NW of the grotto, a log covered with moss was propped up at a slant.\u00a0 SPHP stashed the backpack next to it.<\/p>\n

You still down there, Looper?<\/em><\/p>\n

Of course, where else would I be?\u00a0 What’s going on, SPHP?\u00a0 Did you bring my Dingo wings?\u00a0 How do you expect me to get up there, anyway?\u00a0 You aren’t going to abandon me down here, are you?<\/em><\/p>\n

No, I’m not going to abandon you, but I am leaving for a few minutes to look for another way up.\u00a0 Shouldn’t take long, so stay right there.\u00a0 I’ll call you when I find one.\u00a0 And no, I didn’t bring any Dingo wings, so please be patient and don’t do anything crazy!<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe whimpered as SPHP disappeared from view.<\/p>\n

Heading NW down through the forest, SPHP stayed fairly close to the edge of the cliffs.\u00a0 200 feet from the grotto and mossy log, a large breach appeared in the cliff line.\u00a0 No sweat!\u00a0 Lupe wouldn’t have any trouble at all ascending here.\u00a0 SPHP began shouting.<\/p>\n

OK, Loop!\u00a0 Come this way!\u00a0 Loop!\u00a0 Come!\u00a0 Looooooop!\u00a0 Luuuuuupe!<\/em><\/p>\n

Silence.\u00a0 A minute later, here came a brown and white flash bounding through the woods.<\/p>\n

Good job, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

For once, aye?\u00a0 Welcome to “Dingo Breaks”, Loopster!<\/em><\/p>\n

Thank you, SPHP!\u00a0 Shouldn’t be anything to Twin Buttes now!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"
At Dingo Breaks<\/strong>, the easy way up Twin Buttes<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe and SPHP started up the mountain.\u00a0 A quick stop was made at the mossy log to retrieve the pack.\u00a0 The SE trek higher resumed after a big drink of water.<\/p>\n

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At the mossy log. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The forest had enough obstacles to make travel right along the edge of the cliffs problematic.\u00a0 Deadfall, low juniper bushes, and low branches made it advisable to stick with animal trails wherever possible.\u00a0 The top of Twin Buttes couldn’t be too far away.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Above the cliff bands, looking for the summit.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

600 or 700 feet from the mossy log, Lupe came to a clearing.\u00a0 By now the terrain wasn’t as steep, and even the forest was more open.\u00a0 Sunlight streamed through a narrow band of trees just ahead.<\/p>\n

Careful here, Loop.\u00a0 This is it!\u00a0 We’re almost to the top, and the SE edge.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"
Approaching the summit. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The sun was shining brightly as the American Dingo emerged from the forest along the SE edge of Twin Buttes<\/span><\/a> (8,235 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Lupe was farther NE than SPHP expected, and right at the highest rocks.\u00a0 In most places, the forest didn’t extend clear to the edge of the cliffs.\u00a0 A 5 to 10 foot wide shelf of flat rock bordered the rim, making it easy to move around.<\/p>\n

The Twin Buttes aren’t all that big, yet the views were impressive.\u00a0 800 feet lower, a long stretch of the North Tongue River was in sight.\u00a0 The river could easily be heard rushing through the valley.\u00a0 SPHP could pick out Black Mountain<\/span><\/a> (9,489 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Lookout Mountain<\/span><\/a> (10,147 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, and Dome Peak<\/span><\/a> (10,828 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> among the sweeping views to the E and S.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Along the SE rim. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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A closer look at the cliffs. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Peering down on the N Tongue River<\/strong>. Black Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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At the summit. N Tongue River<\/strong> (R). Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Still at the summit. Lookout Mountain<\/strong> (L), Dome Peak<\/strong> (Center), and Bruce Mountain<\/strong> (R) on the horizon. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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N Tongue River<\/strong> from the summit. Black Mountain<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Time for a break!\u00a0 Lupe gladly helped devour a chocolate coconut bar while SPHP enjoyed the views.\u00a0 Once the bar completed its vanishing act, exploring the SE rim was in order.\u00a0 Loop first went SW a little way.\u00a0 The G6 was visible as a tiny dot along USFS Road No. 15.\u00a0 Much closer by, HP8070 <\/span><\/strong>was in sight, as well as Garden of the Gods<\/span><\/a> (9,163 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> 5 miles beyond it.<\/p>\n

\"\"
HP8070<\/span><\/strong> (R) is seen beyond the next point along the SE rim of Twin Buttes<\/strong>. Garden of the Gods<\/strong> is on the horizon straight beyond it. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Of course, Loopster’s exploration of the SE rim wouldn’t be complete without venturing NE far enough to see the other Twin Butte.\u00a0 Passing by the summit again as she headed back that way, Lupe lost only minimal elevation by the time the other Twin Butte came into view.<\/p>\n

The topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a> showed the NE Twin Butte was 50 feet lower than the SW Twin Butte where Lupe was.<\/p>\n

\"\"
The NE Twin Butte<\/strong> (Center) was clearly lower. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Are we going to go climb the NE butte, too, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

We certainly could, Looper.\u00a0 It’s tempting, but this SW butte is clearly higher, and the views will be about the same over there.\u00a0 Maybe this is good enough?\u00a0 We’ve sort of got the idea of what’s around here, don’t we?\u00a0 Plenty of time left to explore some other peaks today, and see something different, if you’d rather do that.\u00a0 Wha’dya think?<\/em><\/p>\n

This is fun, but variety is the spice of life!\u00a0 Whatever you’d like to do, though.\u00a0 I’m just thrilled to be here in the Bighorns and back in action again!\u00a0 The NE Twin Butte is fine with me.<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, let’s not, and say we did.\u00a0 We can’t climb ’em all, you know.\u00a0 So many mountains, and so little time.<\/em><\/p>\n

Whatever.\u00a0 That’s cool, as long as we get to do something else.\u00a0 Onward, then!\u00a0 SPHP, ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

Hey, that’s supposed to be my line!\u00a0 Puppy, ho!\u00a0 Lead the way, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

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A final glance back along the SE rim before departing. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe returned to the clearing N of the cliffs.\u00a0 The clearing was long and skinny, and got her a lot closer to the SW edge of the mountain.\u00a0 Then it was NW back down through the forest to the grotto and mossy log, but even SPHP wasn’t going to try to use that chute route again, not when Dingo Breaks was only a little farther and so much easier.\u00a0 Heading down Dingo Breaks, SPHP noticed a couple of cairns for the first time – one near the top, and one near the bottom.<\/p>\n

From Dingo Breaks, it was just a matter of retracing the rest of the route Lupe had taken up.\u00a0 Soon she was past HP8070<\/span><\/strong> again, approaching USFS Road No. 15.\u00a0 A pleasant stroll back to the G6 was all that remained.\u00a0 (10:41 AM, 64\u00baF)<\/em><\/p>\n

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Closing in on USFS Road No. 15 again. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Burgess picnic ground was only a couple of miles from where the G6 was parked.\u00a0 A bit early for lunch, but why not?\u00a0 On the way there, SPHP stopped to look at a plaque close to the junction with USFS Road No. 163.\u00a0 The supports for the plaque were falling apart, but the display itself was undamaged.\u00a0 Turned out, it was about Twin Buttes!\"\"<\/p>\n

\"\"
Twin Buttes<\/strong> was fun, but we’re on to the next great thing. After lunch, that is!<\/em> HP8070<\/span><\/strong> (L), Twin Buttes<\/strong> & the Burgess Work Center (R). Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At the Burgess picnic ground, Lupe and SPHP shared a can of beef stew along the bank of the N Tongue River.\u00a0 By noon, the American Dingo was on her way again.\u00a0 SPHP drove to Burgess Junction, then turned W on Hwy 14A.<\/p>\n

Lupe enjoyed herself barking at cows, while SPHP kept an eye out for Wheddon Spring.\u00a0 In the meantime, the weather was deteriorating.\u00a0 By the time SPHP figured out where Wheddon Spring was, heading up Fishook Creek seemed inadvisable.\u00a0 Sunshine was a thing of the past.\u00a0 Gray clouds scudded across the sky, and it was getting colder instead of warmer out.\u00a0 Dropping by the Bald Mountain campground for water, thunder rumbled in the distance.<\/p>\n

SPHP drove back E a couple of miles to USFS Road No. 11, turned N, and was soon parking the G6 0.5 mile W of Rooster Hill<\/span><\/a> (9,420 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> on the N side of No. 134, just as it started to rain.<\/p>\n

We might as well have climbed the NE Twin Butte after all, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

So it seems, Loop.\u00a0 Not looking too good out there, is it?\u00a0 Think I’ll work on the trip journal while we wait and see what happens.\u00a0 No sense going out and getting sopping wet.<\/em><\/p>\n

That left Lupe with little to do except stare at the vacant fields out the window, or snooze.\u00a0 The pitter-patter of the raindrops put her under in nothing flat.\u00a0 Once the trip journal was caught up, SPHP faced the same dilemma.\u00a0 Outside, a series of light rain showers swept by, none of them serious, but clouds now clung to all the mountaintops.\u00a0 Might as well take a nap.<\/p>\n

5:35 PM, 52\u00baF, 0.5 mile W of Rooster Hill<\/em> – The windshield was dry when SPHP came to, must not have been raining for a while now.\u00a0 Still not a speck of blue sky anywhere, but the clouds had lifted.\u00a0 Rooster Hill and Burnt Mountain<\/span><\/a> (9,492 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> were both in view.<\/p>\n

Kind of late to be setting off on new adventures, but it was June.\u00a0 The light would last several hours yet, and neither objective was all that big or far away.\u00a0 If Looper still wanted to get anything more done today, though, she’d better not dilly-dally.<\/p>\n

The American Dingo was already awake.<\/p>\n

About time, sleepyhead!\u00a0 I’ve been waiting for you.\u00a0 C’mon, SPHP, let’s go!<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP was on it.\u00a0 Within minutes, Lupe was heading E on USFS Road No. 134, straight for Rooster Hill.\u00a0 Success was guaranteed.\u00a0 Rooster Hill was a piece of cake, just a big, green, grassy dome, the N side of which was forested.\u00a0 All the rest of it was all out in the open.<\/p>\n

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On USFS Road No. 134, heading for Rooster Hill<\/strong> (Center). Burnt Mountain<\/strong> (L). Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As No. 134 began to curve N, Lupe left the road continuing E.\u00a0 Crossing a wide, shallow drainage, she started up Rooster Hill’s W slope.\u00a0 A mere 300 vertical feet to the summit!\u00a0 The degree of incline didn’t vary much, but was steepest just as Lupe reached a rocky escarpment only a few feet high.\u00a0 By then, she wasn’t far from the top.<\/p>\n

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At the escarpment that formed a ring along the upper slopes of Rooster Hill<\/strong>. Little Bald Mountain<\/strong> in the distance. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Looking back. The G6 is visible N of USFS Road No. 134. Medicine Mountain<\/strong> (Center) on the horizon. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Above the escarpment, the slope steadily decreased as Lupe proceeded higher.\u00a0 As expected, upon reaching the top, the entire 0.5 acre summit region proved to be featureless and flat.\u00a0 Not a tree or bush anywhere.\u00a0 Looper had 360\u00ba views from Rooster Hill<\/span><\/a> (9,420 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, but the sky was dreary, and it was just plain chilly due to a N breeze.\u00a0 No more than about 45\u00baF.\u00a0 Not exactly miserable, but not all that pleasant, either.<\/p>\n

Notable peaks in view included Bald Mountain<\/span><\/a> (10,042 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> off to the SW, Little Bald Mountain<\/span><\/a> (9,907 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> to the SSE, and Medicine Mountain<\/span><\/a> (9,962 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> which was due W.\u00a0 Duncum Mountain<\/span><\/a> (9,831 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was also in sight off to the NW.<\/p>\n

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Bald Mountain<\/strong> from Rooster Hill<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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On Rooster Hill<\/strong>. Double-summited Duncum Mountain<\/strong> in the background (L & Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Conditions didn’t encourage a prolonged stay.\u00a0 With Burnt Mountain beckoning less than 1.5 miles to the NE, Lupe didn’t linger.\u00a0 She soon started down Rooster Hill’s N slope, aiming for the saddle leading to Burnt Mountain, a little more than 400 feet below.<\/p>\n

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Burnt Mountain<\/strong> (Center), Lupe’s next objective. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The first part of the descent on open terrain was easy.\u00a0 Lupe avoided the forest as long as she could, but halfway down the open ground ended.\u00a0 An old dirt road entered the forest here, which seemed providential.\u00a0 That illusion was dispelled as soon as Loop got a good look at it.\u00a0 A bunch of icky deadfall was strewn perpendicularly across the road.<\/p>\n

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Coming down Rooster Hill’s N slope<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Seriously, this way?<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The good news was that it really couldn’t be all that much farther down to the saddle now.\u00a0 What, maybe 200 vertical feet and 0.125 mile?\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP plunged ahead, trying to follow the road, but the deadfall didn’t diminish.\u00a0 Progress was excruciatingly slow.<\/p>\n

Before long, SPHP was ready to give up on the road.\u00a0 Staying off to the W (L) of it on somewhat higher ground, the American Dingo now tried her luck deep in the forest itself.\u00a0 However, the woods were almost as big a mess as the road had been.\u00a0 The deadfall kept forcing Lupe farther from the road, which soon disappeared from sight.<\/p>\n

Time dragged by.\u00a0 Progress remained sporadic and dreadfully slow.\u00a0 This couldn’t go on much longer, could it?\u00a0 But it did.<\/p>\n

Seems to be getting colder and darker doesn’t it, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, and I can’t believe how wild this place seems.\u00a0 The map doesn’t say anything about a Rooster Hill Wilderness, but here we are.\u00a0 Keep going.\u00a0 I sure don’t want to spend the night here.<\/em><\/p>\n

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In the Rooster Hill Wilderness.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At long last, Lupe came across an animal trail.\u00a0 Following it N, it soon turned W and started to fade.\u00a0 The direction hardly mattered.\u00a0 Even a faint trail going the wrong way was better than trying to force a route through the woods.\u00a0 Happily, this trail led to more trails, which were in better condition and practically deadfall free.\u00a0 Loop soon found one heading NE, the right direction.<\/p>\n

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On a super highway.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Hey, SPHP! I think I see the saddle ahead. We’re almost there!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After finding the trails, it didn’t take long to finally escape the Rooster Hill Wilderness, and get down to the saddle leading to Burnt Mountain.\u00a0 The saddle proved to be a large, rather muddy opening in the forest.\u00a0 Unmarked, USFS Road No. 120 came up to this opening from the W, but Lupe ignored it, continuing NE across the saddle.\u00a0 On the other side, she picked up another, rougher road (No. 120.01)<\/em> which took her back up into the trees.<\/p>\n

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Crossing the saddle leading to Burnt Mountain<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This road was not choked with deadfall, making life easy.\u00a0 Eventually the road began to fade, but by then the forest was thinning out.\u00a0 Lupe came to a downed gate in a barbed wire fence.\u00a0 Shortly after passing the gate, she passed the last of the trees, too.<\/p>\n

A single track trail, all that remained of the road, continued higher near another fence line.\u00a0 Lupe followed it a little way, but since it wasn’t going to the top of the mountain, she soon left the trail to angle over to the ridgeline.\u00a0 All that remained was a long trudge up the open slope leading to the summit.<\/p>\n

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Approaching the downed gate near the end of the forest. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Beyond the trees. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe and SPHP weren’t the only ones on the mountain.\u00a0 As Lupe began to get close to the top, two giant deers spotted her approach.\u00a0 They ran off to the W, disappearing from view.\u00a0 The American Dingo was keenly interested in them, and greatly disappointed that they hadn’t stuck around to get acquainted.<\/p>\n

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The giant deers race away as Lupe nears the top of Burnt Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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One of the elk with a lot of help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At the very end of the ascent, the route steepened.\u00a0 Looper came to the only rocks she had seen the on the whole way up.\u00a0 She climbed through a bit of scree composed of thin, flat stones.\u00a0 Small outcroppings along the SE edge of the summit region contained multiple layers of these stones.\u00a0 A tall wooden post stuck up out of a big cairn at the high point.\u00a0 This was it.\u00a0 Lupe had reached the true summit of Burnt Mountain<\/span><\/a> (9,492 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Sniffing around the summit region. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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At the true summit of Burnt Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP wasn’t entirely certain that was true.\u00a0 Burnt Mountain also had a second summit another mile farther N.\u00a0 From here, it looked just as high.\u00a0 The N summit had also been visible from down by the G6, and from there, it actually looked higher.\u00a0 The topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a> would have put an end to the debate, but the only portion of it SPHP had brought along didn’t extend all the way to the N summit.<\/p>\n

Maybe Lupe ought to go over to the N summit, too, just in case it actually was higher?\u00a0 Even if it wasn’t, it was definitely the more interesting high point.\u00a0 Big rock formations were visible over that way.\u00a0 Might be fun.<\/p>\n

As SPHP stood pondering this notion, fog rolled in hiding the N summit from view.\u00a0 Too late!\u00a0 No sense in going all that way now.\u00a0 Might as well stay right here and enjoy the views.\u00a0 All the same peaks Lupe had seen from Rooster Hill were on display here, too.\u00a0 Retreating SW back to the rock outcroppings along the SE rim, SPHP sat down.\u00a0 Moments later, the whole world began to blur and fade away.<\/p>\n

SPHP congratulated Lupe on her successful ascents of Burnt Mountain and Rooster Hill.\u00a0 She listened carefully, then curled up on SPHP’s lap.\u00a0 A warm Dingo felt good.\u00a0 SPHP stroked Lupe’s soft ears, while waiting for the views to clear again.\u00a0 Fog streamed by, as a NE breeze kept pushing a cloud directly at Burnt Mountain.\u00a0 Instead of clearing, everything turned gray except this little island lost in the featureless sky.<\/p>\n

On close examination, the diminutive Wyoming tundra was actually quite colorful, full of tiny flowers.<\/p>\n

\"\"
The Wyoming tundra.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Time ticked away.\u00a0 Now and then brief breaks in the cloud permitted glimpses down into the enormous valley of Half Ounce Creek and the Little Bighorn River.\u00a0 Then the cold fog would stream in, and it would all vanish like a phantom again.\u00a0 A sense of eerie remoteness and absolute solitude grew.\u00a0 Something was going to happen.\u00a0 Something magical.<\/p>\n

Nearly half an hour went by, then suddenly it grew lighter.\u00a0 The fog was breaking up!\u00a0 The heavens were still hidden by much higher clouds, but nearby mountains reappeared, wisps of fog still clinging to them.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Little Bald Mountain<\/strong> reappears beyond the Little Bighorn River valley<\/strong>. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Looking SW back at Rooster Hill<\/strong> (Center) with Bald Mountain<\/strong> beyond it.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Here’s our chance, Loopster!\u00a0 Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

No need to tell the Carolina Dog twice.\u00a0 Lupe returned to the summit pole.\u00a0 Off to the NNE, the N summit of Burnt Mountain was in sight again.\u00a0 She headed for it, beginning a long, gradual descent along the gentle ridge leading that way.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Near the summit pole again. N summit of Burnt Mountain<\/strong> (L). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Starting for the N summit<\/strong> (R). (HP9445<\/span><\/strong>, as it later turned out.)<\/em> Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Up on the broad, obstacle-free, grassy ridge it didn’t take long to get there.\u00a0 Lupe was soon beyond the low point and on her way up again.\u00a0 The first rock formations of the N summit region were dead ahead.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Approaching the first rock formations. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

These first rock formations weren’t the high point, but proved to be among the largest and most interesting of the entire N summit region.\u00a0 Sort of a strange place.\u00a0 Below a dolomite platform, a dark cave led deep into a crack in the mountain.\u00a0 Looper got up onto the platform, but SPHP warned her away from that vaguely threatening black cave.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Up on the first dolomite formations. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
A closer look.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

All the dolomite formations were along the W side of the long summit ridge.\u00a0 The E side was all rounded and grassy.\u00a0 The American Dingo had barely made it to the rocks, when fog began to roll in again.\u00a0 Visibility shriveled away.\u00a0 Loop was already here, though, and the rock formations were fun to explore.\u00a0 She continued N in search of the high point, still gradually gaining elevation.\u00a0 Dim views of higher ground continued to appear ahead.<\/p>\n

\"\"
The fog isn’t as thick here as it was at the true summit, but still makes these rocks seem rather mysterious!<\/em> Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Looking back along the W edge. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After going farther than SPHP thought she would have to, Lupe finally saw a noticeably higher spot still some distance away.\u00a0 That hill had to be the N summit!<\/p>\n

\"\"
Burnt Mountain’s N summit<\/strong> (R) comes into view. Photo Looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The fog made it seem farther away than it really was.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog was soon there.\u00a0 All the way here, SPHP had feared the N summit might actually be some dolomite pillar Lupe couldn’t get up on.\u00a0 However, she was already past all the big rock formations.\u00a0 At the top, scattered stones were all she found.<\/p>\n

\"\"
At Burnt Mountain’s N summit<\/strong>, looking back to the S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Loop atop the N summit<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As Lupe arrived, the fog was dissipating again.\u00a0 Suddenly only a few wisps remained, revealing an almost level plain stretching away to the N.\u00a0 Only slightly lower than the N summit, the plain featured several scattered sinkholes.<\/p>\n

\"\"
The fog drifts away. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Revealing the sinkhole plain beyond the N summit. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Although higher clouds remained overhead, it was now possible to see that the sun was actually much lower than SPHP had thought.<\/p>\n

Hah!\u00a0 We might be in luck, Looper!\u00a0 Possible we’ll get to see quite a sunset.<\/em><\/p>\n

I’d rather see a squirrel, SPHP, but that’s not looking too likely.<\/em><\/p>\n

Nope, not up here.\u00a0 Appears we’ve still got a little time before the sun goes down.\u00a0 Want to explore out to the N end of the sinkhole plain?\u00a0 Looks like there might be a big view.<\/em><\/p>\n

May as well.\u00a0 Maybe we’ll see another giant deer?<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"
Crossing the sinkhole plain. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
A glance over at HP9145<\/span><\/strong> (R), the lower far N end of Burnt Mountain. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No such luck.\u00a0 Lupe crossed the entire sinkhole plain, which gradually veered off toward the NE, without seeing any animals at all.\u00a0 At the far end were several small rock outcroppings.\u00a0 Loop went to the very last one, the lowest of them all.\u00a0 Beyond it, Burnt Mountain sank away much more steeply.<\/p>\n

SPHP was right!\u00a0 From here, Lupe had an impressive view of the Little Bighorn River canyon.\u00a0 Miles away, she could also see much of the NW half of Dry Fork Ridge<\/span><\/a> (8,480 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"
At the far NE end of the sinkhole plateau overlooking the Little Bighorn River canyon<\/strong>. Dry Fork Ridge<\/strong> is the larger, more distant one on the R. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Off to the NW, clouds were starting to glow.\u00a0 Sunset was imminent!\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP hurried back across the sinkhole plain hoping to get to Burnt Mountain’s N summit before the sun was gone.\u00a0 Quite a few clouds were on the horizon.\u00a0 Impossible to tell if a glorious sunset was coming, or if the golden orb would slip away with little fanfare.<\/p>\n

\"\"
The sun was nearly down already as Lupe started back to the N summit.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The sky darkened as earth’s golden god sank behind a cloud bank.\u00a0 Ugh.\u00a0 Over already?\u00a0 No!\u00a0 As Lupe reached the N summit, the sun broke though again.\u00a0 Bathed in a feeble glimmer, the American Dingo watched the crowning glory of an already magical evening unfold.\u00a0 Clouds on the NW horizon turned to flame.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Back at the N summit. True summit of Burnt Mountain<\/strong> (L). Rooster Hill<\/strong> & Bald Mountain<\/strong> (R) beyond Lupe. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Sunset from Burnt Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe remained at the N summit until the fiery orb performed its final vanishing act.\u00a0 Then it was time to make tracks.\u00a0 Heading S while the western sky was still ablaze, the Carolina Dog again passed by all the weird dolomite formations she’d seen in the fog earlier on.<\/p>\n

\"\"
On the way back to the true summit<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
A last glance back at the N summit<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Nearing the last of the rock formations. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Before the dying light of day faded into history forever, Lupe scampered up onto one of the last dolomite platforms she would come to.\u00a0 The cool air was now calm.\u00a0 The sky was clearing.\u00a0 Night was surely coming, but for a magnificent, unforgettable moment, Lupe stood high on Burnt Mountain while heaven beckoned, all pink, gold, and blue.\"\"It was all over and done with long before the Carolina Dog made it back to the true summit and it’s 9 foot pole again.\u00a0 Lingering, Lupe peered W into the growing gloom, the dark outlines of the mountains highlighted against a dimming sky.<\/p>\n

Dusk deepened descending the SW slope.\u00a0 One of the giant deers was back!\u00a0 Looper was pleased, even though it didn’t choose to stick around this time, either.\u00a0 Down at the saddle, the flashlight had to come out.\u00a0 Avoiding the tangle of the Rooster Hill Wilderness, Lupe headed W on USFS Road No. 120.<\/p>\n

Must have rained awfully hard sometime today.\u00a0 The road was mighty muddy.\u00a0 Ruts and big holes full of water glistened in the flashlight beam.\u00a0 Lupe trotted along, sometimes off road, the impenetrable black void of the forest pressing in on both sides.\u00a0 No. 120 ended at a big turnaround circle from which USFS Road No. 134 left heading S.\u00a0 Still 0.5 mile to the G6, maybe a bit more.<\/p>\n

What an evening it had been!\u00a0 Overhead, a pale crescent moon glowed, softly blurred, as if seen in a dream.\u00a0 (End 10:43 PM, 42\u00baF)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"
Glory on Burnt Mountain<\/strong>, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming 6-25-20<\/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\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Prior Adventure<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/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<\/strong><\/a><\/span>.\u00a0\u00a0Or subscribe free\u00a0to\u00a0new Lupe adventures<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Day 3 of\u00a0 Lupe’s 1st summer of 2020 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming! 7:42 AM, 56\u00baF, junction of USFS Roads No. 15 & 165 –\u00a0 Partly cloudy.\u00a0 The morning air was cool and fresh, and a certain Carolina Dog was all rested up and ready for action!\u00a0 She was in luck.\u00a0 SPHP tromped N in a … Continue reading Twin Buttes, Rooster Hill & Burnt Mountain, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming (6-25-20)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":28578,"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":[105,185,1295,106,26,104,1294,622,275],"class_list":["post-28583","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-summer-of-2020","tag-american-dingo","tag-bighorn-mountains","tag-burnt-mountain","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-lupe","tag-rooster-hill","tag-twin-buttes","tag-wyoming"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/IMG_6675.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\/28583","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=28583"}],"version-history":[{"count":36,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28583\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32062,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28583\/revisions\/32062"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/28578"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=28583"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=28583"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=28583"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}