{"id":29218,"date":"2020-11-10T08:10:54","date_gmt":"2020-11-10T15:10:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=29218"},"modified":"2021-02-11T06:27:12","modified_gmt":"2021-02-11T13:27:12","slug":"francs-peak-absaroka-range-wyoming-7-15-20-part-1-the-meadow-creek-trail-beyond","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=29218","title":{"rendered":"Francs Peak, Absaroka Range, Wyoming (7-15-20) – Part 1: The Meadow Creek Trail & Beyond!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Part 2 of Day 5 & Part 1 of Day 6 of Lupe’s 2nd summer of 2020 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming & Utah!<\/em><\/p>\n

7-14-20, 2:19 PM, Wood River valley, SW of Meeteetse –<\/em><\/p>\n

We really aren’t in Pontiac territory any more, are we, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Heh.\u00a0 Kind of on the ragged edge of it, Loop.\u00a0 Would sure be nice if the G6 can get us a few miles farther, but I don’t know.\u00a0 We’ll see.<\/em><\/p>\n

You never learn, do you, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, of course I do, silly Dingo!\u00a0 But time goes by, and I unlearn it all again.<\/em><\/p>\n

We’re in agreement then, because that’s sort of my point.<\/em><\/p>\n

1.5 miles back, after passing the Brown Mountain campground, which was closed for some reason, USFS Road No. 200 had become narrow, rough, and quite steep.\u00a0 Not 4WD or even high clearance territory yet, but the engine temperature gauge was climbing as the G6 chugged up the skinny road dodging rocks and potholes.\u00a0 No. 200 was about to level out.\u00a0 When it did, SPHP stopped to let things cool off a bit.<\/p>\n

From this high spot, Lupe could see a meadow flanked by mountains of the Absaroka Range.\u00a0 Farther up the valley, bushes and forest almost completely hid the Wood River, which the road had been following for miles now.\u00a0 Somewhere 2 or 3 miles from here, a trail headed up one of the steep side valleys to the W.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Wood River valley<\/strong> from USFS Road No. 200. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Meadow Creek trail was the long way to Francs Peak<\/span><\/a> (13,153 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, the high point of the entire Absaroka Range, but was supposed to have the advantage of being accessible to vehicles like the G6 without high clearance.\u00a0 However, like Lupe, SPHP was beginning to have doubts.<\/p>\n

So far, everything had gone smoothly.\u00a0 After lunch in Meeteetse at a little park with a statue of 2 black-footed ferrets overlooking the Greybull River, Lupe and SPHP had taken Hwy 290 SW out of town.\u00a0 6 miles later, shortly after a bridge over the Wood River, there had been a sign on the L for Wood River Road, a\/k\/a County Road No. 4DT, which was blacktop.<\/p>\n

5 miles S of this junction, Wood River Road had turned to gravel after crossing another bridge over the Wood River.\u00a0 2 miles later there had been a sharp R turn onto USFS Road No. 200, which immediately crossed the river again.\u00a0 No. 200 had then been good, smooth gravel for 12 miles all the way to the Brown Mountain campground.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the last bridge over the Wood River<\/strong> near the start of USFS Road No. 200. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Heading into the Absaroka Mountains<\/strong> on USFS Road No. 200.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Returning to the G6 to continue on from the high point, No. 200 began dropping almost immediately.\u00a0 SPHP pulled off on a side road just before a steep dip that bottomed at a stream ford.\u00a0 This was Jojo Creek.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP went down to check the ford out.<\/p>\n

Jojo Creek wasn’t very deep even on Lupe, only up to her elbows.\u00a0 The bottom of the clear-running stream was rocky and firm.\u00a0 A few larger stones to watch out for, but the G6 ought to be able to manage this easily enough.\u00a0 The ford was a go!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Checking out the Jojo Creek ford<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Piece of cake!\u00a0 The G6 easily got through Jojo Creek.\u00a0 However, this was only a temporary reprieve.\u00a0 0.25 mile later, after crossing the sagebrush studded meadow SE of the Double D ranch, No. 200 led to a second ford, this one of the Wood River.<\/p>\n

No way!\u00a0 The Wood River was 200 feet wide.\u00a0 Again abandoning the G6, Lupe and SPHP went over for a closer look.\u00a0 If wading across wouldn’t work, the Carolina Dog’s Francs Peak hopes were kaput.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the first Wood River ford<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Wood River wasn’t really 200 feet wide.\u00a0 It was just that the river was braided, and one of the channels had completely taken over a chunk of the road.\u00a0 A deep pool was right at the start where USFS Road No. 200 entered the stream.\u00a0 Beyond this pool, a long stretch of water rippled gently as if only inches deep.\u00a0 The river looked deeper at the far end, but precisely how deep was not possible to tell from here.<\/p>\n

Lupe could wade across easily enough; SPHP was certain about that.\u00a0 In fact, SPHP was surprised to see that the G6 might actually be able to get through, as well.\u00a0 The whole riverbed seemed to be composed of smooth, smallish, loose stones.\u00a0 By staying to the L along the edge of the first pool, the deep part could be avoided.\u00a0 The only question was what the far end looked like.<\/p>\n

I can’t believe we’re doing this, Looper!<\/em><\/p>\n

Don’t look at me, SPHP!\u00a0 This was your idea!<\/em><\/p>\n

Staying L at the first pool worked.\u00a0 The G6 reached and splashed through the shallow middle section without any trouble at all.\u00a0 Only inches deep, as expected.\u00a0 Moment of truth!\u00a0 The deeper, faster moving part at far end was just ahead.<\/p>\n

Didn’t look too bad.\u00a0 The far bank was sort of steep, but only a couple of feet high.\u00a0 Giving it a little more gas, the G6 charged through.\u00a0 Made it!<\/p>\n

Beyond the Wood River, No. 200 was a mix of smooth road and sections full of moderate-sized rounded stones.\u00a0 Rough, but not too bad.\u00a0 As the G6 crept along, the rough patches became longer and more frequent.<\/p>\n

After close to 2 miles, a second ford of the Wood River appeared ahead, again at a spot where the stream was braided.\u00a0 This time, SPHP didn’t even stop.\u00a0 The G6 crossed a number of minor channels on loose, smooth stones.\u00a0 When the far end of the river came into view, the last channel held most of the flow.\u00a0 Definitely swifter and deeper than the first ford.<\/p>\n

Onward!\u00a0 G6, ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

Uh-oh!\u00a0 2 feet deep!\u00a0 Bigger rocks!\u00a0 The G6 forged ahead, but suddenly started to bog down.\u00a0 Disaster in the making!\u00a0 SPHP stepped on it.\u00a0 Something grabbed.\u00a0 The G6 surged forward, clawing its way up the far bank.<\/p>\n

Close one, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

I’ll say!\u00a0 Better not rain while we’re back in here, or we’ll never get out again.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, lovely!\u00a0 Another Big Pryor Mountain<\/strong><\/span><\/a>!<\/em><\/p>\n

Heh.\u00a0 Let’s hope not, Looper.\u00a0 On the way out, though, think we better stop and take a closer look.\u00a0 Maybe we can avoid the worst of that next time?
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

No fair using a brain cell, SPHP!\u00a0 Where’s the adventure in that?<\/em><\/p>\n

At least that was the last ford.\u00a0 The G6 bumped steadily onward.\u00a0 A new worry.\u00a0 Dense forests on both sides of the road were interrupted by areas where bulldozers had simply pushed the forest over creating gigantic messes.\u00a0 Why, was not apparent.\u00a0 The Meadow Creek trail was supposed to start somewhere along the R side of the road only 0.33 mile or so from that last ford, but what if the trailhead couldn’t be found?\u00a0 It might have been wiped out.<\/p>\n

Not the case.\u00a0 SPHP was getting close to giving up, thinking the trailhead had been overshot, when a small opening appeared on the R.\u00a0 A couple of vehicles were parked here, a good sign.\u00a0 An even better sign was the rusty metal one over by a path heading NW into the forest.\u00a0 “Meadow Creek Trail”.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the Meadow Creek trailhead<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The Meadow Creek Trail sign at the NW corner of the little (4 or 5 vehicle) trailhead.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
This stout metal sign will still be there when you arrive.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

7-14-20, 3:13 PM, Meadow Creek trailhead<\/em> – The Meadow Creek trail did not inspire confidence.\u00a0 It looked faint even here at the trailhead, but at least it was certain that Lupe had made it to the right place.\u00a0 Francs Peak was miles away and nearly 4,800 feet of net elevation gain higher, so nothing more was going to happen today.\u00a0 The American Dingo had the rest of the day off.<\/p>\n

Might as well do something, though.\u00a0 Proceeding beyond the trailhead, Lupe and SPHP strolled farther up USFS Road No. 200.\u00a0 After 0.5 mile, a big opening appeared on the L that went clear over to the Wood River.\u00a0 Wandering over there, Loop cooled her paws off and got a drink.\u00a0 The river wasn’t as big here, but perhaps some of it was underground?\u00a0 This whole region was floodplain.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the Wood River<\/strong>. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking SW farther up the Wood River valley<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Returning to the trailhead, Lupe explored a short section of the Meadow Creek trail.\u00a0 100 feet from the start, the trail was so faint it was already getting hard to follow.\u00a0 Loop kept sniffing, though, and after another 400 feet, the trail curved L toward a steep bank and could be clearly seen starting up it.\u00a0 Over at the bank, the trail proved to be in much better shape.\u00a0 It made a sharp L turn onto what appeared to be the start of a long switchback.<\/p>\n

Encouraging!\u00a0 But this was far enough for today.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Meadow Creek Canyon<\/strong> ahead from USFS Road No. 200 on the way back to the trailhead. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Returning to the trailhead once more, vehicles could soon be heard.\u00a0 2 big ATV’s with tires and clearance that made the G6 jealous appeared.\u00a0 The ATV’s stopped, and one of the drivers spoke to SPHP.<\/p>\n

Are they still doing the bear thing?<\/em><\/p>\n

Dunno.\u00a0 What bear thing?<\/em><\/p>\n

A gal was passing out GPS units to see how close hikers were getting to the grizzlies.<\/em><\/p>\n

Where was that?<\/em><\/p>\n

Right here at the trailhead.<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP explained that Lupe had arrived only a little while ago.\u00a0 Hadn’t seen anyone until the ATV’s had come along.<\/p>\n

Are you planning on taking this trail up to the cabin?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, how far is it?<\/em><\/p>\n

3 miles.<\/em><\/p>\n

Do you have any idea what kind of condition this trail is in?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, you won’t have to worry about that.\u00a0 About 15 years ago some bigwig Fed came out here to see the area.\u00a0 Before he got here they did some major improvements.\u00a0 It’s a good trail now all the way to the high country.<\/em><\/p>\n

And with that, the drivers waved as both ATV’s roared off.<\/p>\n

Are we going to stay at the cabin, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Hah!\u00a0 No.\u00a0 Didn’t know there was a cabin until he mentioned it.<\/em><\/p>\n

What about the grizzlies?\u00a0 Are we heading into grizzly territory?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, yeah.\u00a0 Francs Peak is grizzly territory alright.\u00a0 Practically everyone that’s written a trip report I’ve read says they saw at least one.\u00a0 Usually multiple grizzlies, even as many as a dozen.\u00a0 So Loopster, if you happen to see a humongous squirrel tomorrow, restrain yourself and don’t go racing over to give it what for, OK?<\/em><\/p>\n

By the time the evening was over, Lupe had gone to inspect that last ford the G6 had struggled with.\u00a0 She’d even made a second journey way back up the valley to the big opening where she’d waded in the Wood River after getting here.\u00a0 Now it was time to sleep in the comfortable safety of the G6.\u00a0 After all, the Wood River valley must be grizzly territory, too.<\/p>\n

7-15-20, 6:17 AM, 35\u00baF, Meadow Creek trailhead<\/em> – Daylight in the swamps!\u00a0 Sunlight was already filtering through the forest when Lupe set off on the Meadow Creek trail.\u00a0 The trail seemed a bit easier to follow this morning, since she’d already explored this part yesterday evening.\u00a0 Soon she was nearing the slope where the switchback began.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Near the mouth of the Meadow Creek canyon. From here the trail goes off to the L switchbacking up a steep slope. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The switchback proved to be the first in a long series.\u00a0 Loopster trotted back and forth many times on the steep, forested SE facing slope of the mountain S of the start of the Meadow Creek canyon.\u00a0 The ATV guy had been right.\u00a0 The switchbacks were all in great shape.<\/p>\n

The American Dingo had already gained hundreds of feet of elevation by the time she came to a rocky curve at the end of the last switchback.\u00a0 The trail turned NW here, finally venturing into the Meadow Creek canyon.\u00a0 Almost immediately, Lupe reached the edge of the forest.\u00a0 Ahead was a huge rock slide.\u00a0 Happily, the rocks weren’t big, and the trail could be seen continuing right across it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the upper end of the switchbacks where the trail curves L. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Crossing the landslide. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail led up to a stand of trees unaffected by the landslide.\u00a0 Meadow Creek could be heard down in the V-shaped lower valley on the R (N).\u00a0 The whole canyon was now slowly, but steadily curving W.\u00a0 Ahead was another smaller landslide.\u00a0 A much more level section of the Meadow Creek trail crossed it before entering the forest at the far end.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking back toward the Wood River valley<\/strong> after crossing the first big landslide. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the forest near the end of the second landslide. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Entering the forest, the trail dropped 40 feet before resuming its climb.\u00a0 Meadow Creek could occasionally be seen down below off to the R, but most of the time Lupe wandered among trees and flowers without much else in sight.\u00a0 She eventually came to an open spot providing clear views of the towering mountains on both sides of the canyon.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the bottom of the 40 foot descent into the forest after crossing the second landslide. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Wildflowers along the Meadow Creek trail.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A perfect specimen!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Glancing up at Chief Mountain (12,003 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The canyon walls N of Meadow Creek. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After a while, the Meadow Creek trail angled off to the L.\u00a0 Lupe found herself on the back side of a small ridge where she couldn’t even hear the stream.\u00a0 Before long, she was climbing more quickly, even coming to a switchback or two.\u00a0 About the time Loop was getting back to where she could hear Meadow Creek again, she came to two items of interest in rapid succession.<\/p>\n

The first was a tuft of grizzly fur.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Grizzly fur.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Get a good whiff of that, Loop!\u00a0 First sign of what might be ahead.<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe sniffed, but exhibited only mild curiosity.\u00a0 The rest of the bear seemed to be missing.<\/p>\n

Not impressed, aye?\u00a0 Well, just remember to stick with me.\u00a0 And for pity sake, growl or something, but don’t raise a ruckus or go charging off if that odor suddenly gets a lot stronger.<\/em><\/p>\n

So what makes Francs Peak such a popular grizzly hangout, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Moths.<\/em><\/p>\n

Moths?\u00a0 Do you seriously expect me to believe that?\u00a0 You’re nuts!<\/em><\/p>\n

Be glad!\u00a0 I attract more squirrels that way.\u00a0 And yes, according to what I’ve read, grizzlies like to hang out way up on Francs Peak turning over rocks looking for moths, or maybe moth larvae, I forget.\u00a0 Supposedly they are quite nutritious.<\/em><\/p>\n

Are you kidding me?\u00a0 How many moths would it take to support a grizzly bear?<\/em><\/p>\n

Several, I’m sure.<\/em><\/p>\n

Add 4 or 5 zeros!<\/em><\/p>\n

I’d go along with that.<\/em><\/p>\n

Loop had barely gotten beyond the grizzly fur when what was left of the cabin appeared.<\/p>\n

Have we gone 3 miles, SPHP?\u00a0 Is this the cabin the ATV guy mentioned?<\/em><\/p>\n

Not sure, Loop, don’t think so, not even counting all the switchbacks, but I suppose this has got to be it.\u00a0 Guess we can be thankful we didn’t rush up here to take advantage of these luxury accommodations last night.<\/em><\/p>\n

On a scale of 1 to 5, I’m giving it 0 stars, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

All this firewood doesn’t count for anything?<\/em><\/p>\n

No.\u00a0 We never make a fire.
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the cabin.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Another view of the luxury accommodations available along the Meadow Creek trail.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5 minutes past the cabin, Lupe received a bit of encouragement, her first good look at the high ridge she needed to get to at the upper end of the Meadow Creek drainage.\u00a0 It was still a long way off and a lot higher, but at least it was now in sight.<\/p>\n

Hurrying on, the forest soon started thinning out.\u00a0 Different flowers were growing up here.\u00a0 Bluebells and Indian paintbrush!\u00a0 The Carolina Dog paused now and then to sniff and enjoy the perfumed air.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The high ridge at the upper end of the Meadow Creek canyon<\/strong> comes into sight. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Oh, you know it’s a great day when you are among the bluebells and Indian paintbrush!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Bluebells.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Indian Paintbrush.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Half an hour beyond the cabin, the Meadow Creek trail divided.\u00a0 Hmm.\u00a0 Unexpected.\u00a0 The more heavily used route turned NW, heading down to cross Meadow Creek.\u00a0 It was still visible on the other side going up a grassy slope.\u00a0 The other choice was a barely discernable route that went straight ahead, still S of the stream and well above it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The Meadow Creek trail is visible on the R after crossing the creek. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Which way?\u00a0 The far more heavily trafficked route crossing the stream seemed like the way to go, but when SPHP consulted the topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, the Meadow Creek trail (No. 670)<\/em> was shown staying over here on the S side of Meadow Creek Basin.\u00a0 The map did mention that the location shown was approximate, but it couldn’t be that far off, could it?<\/p>\n

Ignoring the better route, and without even thinking about what the ATV guy had said yesterday about the trail having been improved upon 15 years ago, SPHP encouraged Lupe to follow the faint trail leading W.<\/p>\n

The faint trail soon became the non-existent trail.\u00a0 The American Dingo promptly came to another trek across a landslide.\u00a0 Should have gone back to the better trail then and there, but the rocks weren’t too bad.\u00a0 SPHP stubbornly persisted.\u00a0 Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Continuing W on the S side of the canyon. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Foolish!\u00a0 The landslide was passable, but SPHP was slow as molasses.\u00a0 The rocky trek went on and on.\u00a0 Over on the N side of the valley, Lupe could see grassy meadows and scattered stands of pines.\u00a0 Gah!<\/em>\u00a0 Should have been over there.\u00a0 This was both the scenic route, and a complete waste of time.<\/p>\n

Of course, despite all the rocks, eventually there was an end.\u00a0 Loopster got to where she could see meadows and forest ahead.\u00a0 Alright.\u00a0 No real harm done.\u00a0 Might as well press on.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking back along the landslide. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe should have been down in those grassy fields on the N side of the valley. So much faster! Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Keep coming, SPHP! We’re almost through it! Sort of.<\/em> Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Ahh, much better! Back in business!<\/em> Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Finally reaching a grassy slope, Lupe climbed a little along the edge of some trees, then passed through a short section of forest.\u00a0 The news was good when she emerged from the trees.\u00a0 Scads more open territory ahead.\u00a0 Continuing to stay toward the S, progress was rapid.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Among bluebells and Indian paintbrush again in the short stretch of forest.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Back out in the open. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
In Meadow Creek Basin<\/strong>, where the canyon broadens out. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Staying toward the S as Lupe continues higher. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Above treeline now.\u00a0 The meadows were decorated with all different kinds of wildflowers.\u00a0 Looper got to sniff them to her heart’s content, as SPHP repeatedly paused to gasp for air on the long march higher.<\/p>\n

The Carolina Dog also came to a cairn.\u00a0 2 of them, actually.\u00a0 SPHP was joyful.\u00a0 Not the only dunderhead to come this way!\u00a0 Self-flattery, perhaps, because whoever built the cairns wouldn’t necessarily have had to cross that last landslide, which was quite a long way back now.\u00a0 And speaking of landslides, another one eventually appeared ahead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupines.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Back on track now! Well, at least some lost soul’s track.<\/em> Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Dazzlingly yellow something-or-others.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Progress check, looking back down the valley. Chief Mountain<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Tiny blue flowers. Some with yellow centers, some with pink.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Oh, yeah! Back into it again. SPHP never learns!<\/em> HP12064<\/span><\/strong> (Center). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This last landslide became much steeper than any of the others had been.\u00a0 Rocks began shifting with each step.\u00a0 Lupe aimed for a small stream that came into view where the terrain wasn’t so rocky, and wound up having to cross a snowfield, too.<\/p>\n

Fortunately, all went well.\u00a0 Loop finally got over there, and had a chance to rest near the merrily gurgling stream, meltwater from another big snowbank only a little farther up the slope.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading for the stream. HP12064<\/span><\/strong> (L). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the snowbank.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Traversing the snowfield. Meadow Creek canyon<\/strong> (L). Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On better terrain again among the wildflowers. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Resting by the tiny river.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Noon.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP both took a break.\u00a0 The merry stream wasn’t the only thing that was here.\u00a0 The Meadow Creek trail was, too.\u00a0 It had been visible again for some time on the N side of this drainage.\u00a0 Should have gone over to it much sooner.\u00a0 Never should have left the well-beaten path in the first place.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Only halfway there elevation-wise, and still miles to go.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

10 minutes, that was it.\u00a0 Still a long way to Francs Peak.\u00a0 Many hundreds of feet yet to be gained just to reach the big ridge W of the Meadow Creek Basin.\u00a0 Lupe had to press on.<\/p>\n

The trail went SW rounding a corner and headed up a narrower ravine.\u00a0 Following the trail, Lupe crossed to the S side of this ravine’s stream, and began climbing a steepish slope full of diminutive wildflowers.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking up the ravine. The trail is faintly visible on the hill on the L.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The Wyoming tundra.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Before Lupe got much farther, the trail just seemed to disappear.\u00a0 SPHP had missed a switchback, but didn’t realize it at the time.\u00a0 Hardly mattered.\u00a0 The Meadow Creek trail was soon destined to turn S, eventually passing over the huge ridge ahead between HP11930<\/span><\/strong> and HP12104<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Francs Peak<\/span><\/a> (13,153 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was practically the opposite direction.<\/p>\n

The Carolina Dog needed to leave the trail and head NW now, anyway.<\/p>\n

Dropping back down into the ravine again, Looper crossed a snowbank at the bottom, and started NW up the grassy slopes beyond.\u00a0 The idea was to aim for the saddle along the huge ridge just N of HP12064<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching HP12064<\/span><\/strong>. Lupe would stay to the R (N) of it. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
HP12260<\/span><\/strong> (L) and HP12436<\/span><\/strong> (Center), both farther N along the same ridge. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
HP12436<\/span><\/strong> (L), HP12437<\/span><\/strong> (L of Center), and Peak 12345<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The long grassy slopes leading up to the saddle made SPHP stop to gasp for air numerous times.\u00a0 It wasn’t until a little after 1:00 PM that Looper reached the 11,980 foot saddle N of HP12064<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The saddle was enormous, a nearly flat plain of gritty loose soil and small rocks sparsely decorated with clumps of yellow and pinkish-purple flowers.\u00a0 The American Dingo trotted over toward the NW side where she could see many distant peaks farther W.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Up on the saddle. HP12064<\/span><\/strong> (R), HP12104<\/span><\/strong> (L), with Brown Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,161 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> between them. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Distant unknown peaks beyond the saddle. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Considerably closer, but still more than 2.5 miles away, stood another mountain off to the NNW, illuminated by the bright July sun.<\/p>\n

So is that it, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah.\u00a0 That must be it, Loop.\u00a0 Francs Peak<\/span><\/a> (13,153 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, mightiest of the entire Absaroka Range.<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe sighed, and headed N.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Francs Peak<\/strong> from the 11,980 ft. saddle N of HP12064<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/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\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Prior Adventure<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Francs Peak, Absaroka Range, Wyoming (7-15-20) – Part 2: HP12064 to the Summit<\/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":"

Part 2 of Day 5 & Part 1 of Day 6 of Lupe’s 2nd summer of 2020 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming & Utah! 7-14-20, 2:19 PM, Wood River valley, SW of Meeteetse – We really aren’t in Pontiac territory any more, are we, SPHP? Heh.\u00a0 Kind of on the ragged edge of it, Loop.\u00a0 Would … Continue reading Francs Peak, Absaroka Range, Wyoming (7-15-20) – Part 1: The Meadow Creek Trail & Beyond!<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":29219,"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":[1309,105,106,26,1310,104,1311,275],"class_list":["post-29218","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-summer-of-2020","tag-absaroka-range","tag-american-dingo","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-francs-peak","tag-lupe","tag-meadow-creek-trail","tag-wyoming"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/IMG_7032.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\/29218","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=29218"}],"version-history":[{"count":48,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29218\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32069,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29218\/revisions\/32069"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/29219"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=29218"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=29218"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=29218"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}