{"id":30088,"date":"2021-01-09T08:10:21","date_gmt":"2021-01-09T15:10:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=30088"},"modified":"2021-02-11T06:35:21","modified_gmt":"2021-02-11T13:35:21","slug":"little-bald-mountain-bear-rocks-bighorn-mountains-wyoming-8-6-20","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=30088","title":{"rendered":"Little Bald Mountain & Bear Rocks, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming (8-6-20)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Days 1 & 2 of Lupe’s 3rd Summer of 2020 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming & Montana!<\/em><\/p>\n

8-5-20, late afternoon, I-90 in eastern Wyoming –<\/em><\/p>\n

So we’re not going to Canada or Alaska at all this year, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Afraid not, Loop.\u00a0 We would have if Covid-19 had petered out this summer, but it hasn’t.\u00a0 Everything is in an uproar about it.\u00a0 Technically, we could still go, but all the new rules and regulations make it not worth it.\u00a0 Canada doesn’t want us to do any more than just drive through, which is pointless, and Alaska would force us to quarantine for 2 weeks upon arrival.\u00a0 Maybe next year?\u00a0 Let’s hope.<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, that’s disappointing!\u00a0 What’s the plan now then?<\/em><\/p>\n

We’re off to Montana for a while, but the Bighorns are as far as we’ll get this evening.<\/em><\/p>\n

Montana is beautiful, SPHP!\u00a0 We used to spend time there before we started just driving through it on the way to Canada, remember?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, yeah!\u00a0 Montana is awesome!\u00a0\u00a0 Jobe’s even going to be there!\u00a0 Guess we’ll save some money, too, ’cause it’s not that far.<\/em><\/p>\n

Although Lupe kept a keen eye out, she didn’t see many cows to bark at along I-90.\u00a0 However, the situation improved dramatically when SPHP abandoned it at Gillette to take the longer scenic route to the N Bighorns through Spotted Horse on Hwy 14\/16.\u00a0 Not only were there cows and horses, but deer, sheep and even wild turkeys, too.<\/p>\n

Pandemonium reigned in the G6, a sure sign that this Dingo Vacation was off to a fabulous start!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Missouri Buttes<\/span><\/a> (5,374 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (L) and Devils Tower<\/span><\/a> (5,112 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (R) from I-90 E of Moorcroft. Photo looks N with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The traditional stop at Spotted Horse<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Crossing the Powder River<\/strong> W of Spotted Horse. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Downstream view. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Look at all those beautiful moo cows! This is gonna be a great Dingo Vacation!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8-5-20, 10:14 PM, 52\u00baF, 4 miles ENE of the Garden of the Gods, Bighorn Mountains<\/em> –\u00a0 The sun had already been on the horizon by the time the drive up into the Bighorns started, but at least Looper had made it up here.\u00a0 In darkness, she enjoyed a short romp along USFS Road No. 165.\u00a0 The were-puppy put in an appearance, attacking SPHP.\u00a0 Perhaps that was due to the huge, orange moon glowing above the E horizon?<\/p>\n

8-6-20, 2:07 AM<\/em> – Excited to be in the Bighorns again, the Carolina Dog lay resting and watching on the ground outside the G6.\u00a0 Much higher now, the moon had lost all it’s color and seemed to have shrunk.\u00a0 Even so, it was still so bright that the stars weren’t.\u00a0 A warm evening.\u00a0 SPHP let Loop be for a while before calling her in, not wanting ruin the wee hour magic, but afraid of falling asleep while she was still alone out there.<\/p>\n

8-6-20, 6:30 AM<\/em> – The next thing SPHP knew, bright-eyed and alert, Lupe was in sunshine!\u00a0 Sun up, but barely.\u00a0 Underway almost immediately, SPHP drove W from Burgess Junction on Hwy 14A.\u00a0 Even though Loop wasn’t seeing any cows, she was all excited, barking and singing the Dingo song, certain those cows were out there somewhere.<\/p>\n

The cattle never did put in an appearance, but sheep did!\u00a0 A shepherd on horseback was driving a huge flock across Hwy 14A onto the lower W slopes of Little Bald Mountain<\/span><\/a> (9,907 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, assisted by 4 large pure white Great Pyrenees.\u00a0 Sheep were every bit as good as cows!\u00a0 As the last of the flock got across the highway and SPHP drove slowly past the stragglers, Loopster gave ’em what for, attracting the attention of 2 of the Pyrenees, who rushed over to defend their flock.<\/p>\n

The woofing, pursuing Pyrenees were even more fun!\u00a0 From the safety of the G6, the American Dingo responded to the white monsters with a savage, curly tail waving, leaping up and down, foaming-at-the-mouth barking barrage.\u00a0 Utterly exhausting, but exhilarating!\u00a0 SPHP didn’t dare stop until Lupe was at the huge pullout N of Bald Mountain<\/span><\/a> (10,042 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 By then, the Pyrenees had long since given up the pursuit.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
That was a blast! Can we do it again, SPHP?<\/em> Loop N of Bald Mountain<\/strong>, the big one, not the little one. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Well, now what?\u00a0 The plan had been to climb Little Bald Mountain, but obviously trying it while a huge flock of sheep guarded by a shepherd and 4 Great Pyrenees were on the premises might not work out for the best.\u00a0 Pondering the point, SPHP decided Bear Rocks<\/span><\/a> (9,403 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was the answer, even though it meant driving past Little Bald Mountain again.<\/p>\n

Heading back E, a surprise!\u00a0 Sheep were once more streaming across Hwy 14A, now in the process of abandoning Little Bald Mountain for the exact same pastures they had just left W of the road.\u00a0 Intensely excited, Lupe was all for driving right through the middle of the flock, but SPHP stopped and waited instead.\u00a0 No sense in going all the way to Bear Rocks, if Little Bald Mountain was about to open up again.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sheep stream across Hwy 14A W of Little Bald Mountain<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8-6-20, 7:41 AM, USFS Road No. 15 near the junction with Hwy 14A<\/em> – The sheep had moved on, but at least Loopster could take consolation in the fact that she now had a clear shot at Little Bald Mountain<\/span><\/a> (9,907 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Nothing to it, really.\u00a0 Roughly 650 feet of elevation gain on a grassy slope less than a mile long.\u00a0 Lupe was free to sniff and roam as she pleased while SPHP trudged along bringing up the rear.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About to head up Little Bald Mountain’s NW slope<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
This really would have been a fun romp, if all those sheep were still here!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Halfway up was a minor rocky lip, just above the steepest part of the climb.\u00a0 Didn’t amount to anything.\u00a0 Once past it, the slope began leveling out.\u00a0 At the top of Little Bald Mountain<\/span><\/a> (9,907 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Lupe discovered a wooden post.\u00a0 The ground 20 or 30 feet SSW of this post seemed to be slightly higher, but a huge region didn’t differ much in elevation.<\/p>\n

Little Bald Mountain was about as featureless as a mountain could get, except for the views.\u00a0 Lupe could see quite a few other peaks she had been to at one time or another.\u00a0 None appeared rugged, but all had that wide open spaces feel typical of much of the Bighorn Range.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Getting close to the top. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
By the summit post. Peak<\/span> 9953<\/span><\/a><\/strong> (L) straight up from Loop. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
This seems to be about the true summit<\/strong>!<\/em> Hunt Mountain<\/span><\/a> (10,162 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (L). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Strolling about the summit region, Lupe had a look at Peak<\/span> 9953<\/span><\/a><\/strong> to the E and Hunt Mountain<\/span><\/a> (10,162 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> off to the SE.\u00a0 The sagebrush plains W of the Bighorns could be seen to the SW, although the view was rather hazy.\u00a0 Bald Mountain<\/span><\/a> (10,042 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, which Loop had been to multiple times, was only a few miles NW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Bald Mountain<\/strong> (Center) from Little Bald Mountain. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Most of the peaks Lupe had been to were off to the N or NNW.\u00a0 Not too far away were Rooster Hill<\/span><\/a> (9,400 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Burnt Mountain<\/span><\/a> (9,492 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 More distant were Duncum Mountain<\/span><\/a> (9,831 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Sheep Mountain<\/span><\/a> (9,813 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 The Big Horn County High Point<\/span><\/a> (9,257 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> in Montana was even visible on the far horizon.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Duncum Mountain<\/strong> (far L), Sheep Mountain<\/strong> (L), and the Big Horn County High Point<\/strong> (Center) all in the distance. Rooster Hill<\/strong> (L) and Burnt Mountain<\/strong> (R) in the foreground. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Little Bighorn River drainage<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP congratulated Lupe on climbing Little Bighorn Mountain, shaking her paw.\u00a0 The were-puppy decided to attack, since she’d seen and done about everything there was to see and do up here, and SPHP being the only target readily available.\u00a0 Once she got that out of her system, Loop and SPHP sat together near the wooden post in a light breeze enjoying a peaceful Bighorn Mountains moment.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Relaxing near the post. Bald Mountain<\/strong> (L). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Half an hour after arriving, Lupe started back down the mountain.\u00a0 By now SPHP had decided that she might as well visit Bear Rocks, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the way back to the G6. Hwy 14A (L) and USFS Road No. 15 (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8-6-20, 9:47 AM, 68\u00baF, SW of Owen Creek campground –\u00a0 <\/em>SPHP parked the G6 in a big field just off USFS Road No. 236.01.\u00a0 The topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a> showed No. 236.01 turning to 4WD 0.33 mile back at the bridge over Owen Creek, but the road had actually been fine.\u00a0 In fact, the G6 could easily have gone farther, but this was good enough.\u00a0 Bear Rocks<\/span><\/a> (9,403 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was only 2 miles NW of here as the crow flies, although the route Lupe was going to take would probably add another mile or more to that.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Loop’s starting point for Bear Rocks. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The sky was a bit iffy as Looper started SW along No. 236.01.\u00a0 The road was flat all the way to the trees, both Lookout Mountain<\/span><\/a> (10,147 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Dome Peak<\/span><\/a> (10,828 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> in view off to the SE.\u00a0 Upon reaching the forest, No. 236.01 gradually gained elevation all the way to a junction with USFS Road No. 220.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading for the trees on USFS Road No. 236.01<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
In the forest. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the junction with No. 220<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Taking No. 220, Lupe followed it NW up a much steeper slope.\u00a0 The G6 would never have made it up this rocky, rutty affair.\u00a0 Light rain showers drifted by, missing to the E.\u00a0 A cool breeze felt good on the 0.5 mile trek up to HP9198<\/span><\/strong>, where the road finally flattened out.\u00a0 After a short break to take in the views, Lupe continued W over the far side of the hill.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading up No. 220<\/strong> to HP9198<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
No. 220<\/strong> (L) from HP9198<\/span><\/strong>. Lookout Mountain<\/strong> (L) and Dome Peak<\/strong> (R) in the distance. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Heading down the W side of HP9198<\/span><\/strong>. HP9650<\/span><\/strong> (Center). Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe crossed the saddle W of HP9198<\/span><\/strong> and kept going.\u00a0 Leaving No. 220, which angled off to the L (SW), the Carolina Dog started up toward some dolomite formations SPHP assumed were on the way to Bear Rocks.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the way up to dolomite formations W of HP9198<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Something didn’t seem right, though.\u00a0 The hill Lupe was now climbing had been visible from HP9198<\/span><\/strong>, and the top was all rounded and grassy.\u00a0 Sort of strange for a place named Bear Rocks.\u00a0 Off to the N was a lower hill with a line of dolomite cliffs near the top that looked a lot more like what SPHP expected to see.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The more promising line of cliffs off to the N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A check of the map confirmed that Lupe needed to go N past those cliffs.\u00a0 The slope she was currently climbing went to HP9650<\/span><\/strong>, not Bear Rocks.\u00a0 Retreating most of the way back down to the saddle, Loopster picked up a primitive road heading NW.\u00a0 Unmarked by anything other than a “No Motor Vehicles” wand, this was USFS Road No. 201216.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Near the start of abandoned USFS Road No. 201216<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
HP9198<\/span><\/strong> (L) from No. 201216<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

0.25 mile on No. 201216 brought Lupe to a junction with No. 201311, yet another abandoned unmarked road that veered off to the NE (R).\u00a0 Loop followed No. 201311 up sagebrush-covered slopes to the E end of the cliffs.\u00a0 By the time she got that far, the road had become a braided series of single track trails heading N.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the junction with No. 201311<\/strong>, which leads to the E (R) side of the cliffs ahead. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the cliffs. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The most efficient course of action would have been to simply continue N past these cliffs, but Lupe and SPHP hung around for a closer look at some of the interesting formations.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Quickest way to the Bear Rocks summit is to proceed directly up the hill on the R, but let’s have a look around here first!<\/em> Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Exploring the below the cliffs. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Dolomite formations like these are actually quite common in the Bighorns.<\/em> Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
An American Dingo prepares to give a speech in a magnificent dolomite amphitheater. Four score and seven mountains ago<\/em> …<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Seeing the spiffy dolomite cliffs from below inspired a desire to see the views from above.\u00a0 SPHP also noticed that the topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a> showed HP9399<\/span><\/strong> somewhere up there not too far from the E edge.\u00a0 That was only 4 feet lower than the true summit of Bear Rocks, still 0.67 mile to the NNW.\u00a0 Maybe Loopster ought to visit this S summit, too?<\/p>\n

Continuing N through an opening between gigantic fallen boulders, the Carolina Dog soon discovered a decent route up.\u00a0 A quick climb, and Lupe was in the forest on top.\u00a0 To get a look around from some of the clifftops she had just skirted, Loop explored SE until she came to a good viewpoint.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About to head N between the fallen boulders. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Below an interesting formation. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Hey, here’s a way up, SPHP!<\/em> Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A little clearing Lupe arrived at on top. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the viewpoint. HP9198<\/span><\/strong> is the first hill beyond Lupe. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The views were impressive, and the deeply-fissured dolomite provided a variety of nice Dingo display platforms.\u00a0 Nothing wrong with Little Bald Mountain, but the local terrain here was way more interesting!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Along the SE rim. HP9650<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Same spot, but with help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Black Mountain<\/span><\/a> (9,489 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (Center) in the distance. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once satisfied with her explorations along the upper rim, Lupe turned to the task of trying to find HP9399<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Heading NNW, she scouted the region near the edge.\u00a0 A little beyond where she first came up, a small ridge of dolomite seemed a likely candidate.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lookout Mountain<\/span> <\/a>(10,147 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (Center) from the HP9399 candidate. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This small rise with a view was not HP9399<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Going a few hundred feet farther, Lupe came to an 8 or 10 foot high ridge of crumbling rock.\u00a0 50 feet long with minor high points at each end, as far as SPHP could tell, this ridge was almost certainly HP9399<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Buried in trees, no views were available here.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
This seems to be it! HP9399<\/span><\/strong>!<\/span><\/em> Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The HP9399<\/span> ridge<\/strong> from the SE end. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Loop at the NW end. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Having visited HP9399<\/span><\/strong>, it was time to seek out the true summit of Bear Rocks.\u00a0 Still somewhat disoriented from paying insufficient attention to the topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, SPHP wandered W.\u00a0 Branches snapped as Lupe sniffed along nearby.\u00a0 This old forest was a region of lumpy topography, but Loop was definitely losing elevation.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mistakenly wandering the forest W of HP9399<\/span><\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Checking the map again, SPHP finally realized W was the wrong way.\u00a0 Lupe ought to be heading NE, staying up on the high ground as much as possible.\u00a0 Course correction was made.\u00a0 A longer march than expected brought Loop to the edge of the forest again.\u00a0 Ahead was a gentle slope leading up to a flat hilltop that had been visible way back when she had still been below the E cliffs.<\/p>\n

Upon reaching the top, Lupe found herself on a plain of disintegrating dolomite laced with shallow trench-like depressions.\u00a0 Conifers dotted this region, interfering with views to the NW where the true summit of Bear Rocks ought to be, but from certain points a higher rock formation could be glimpsed a good 0.33 mile away.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Up on the dolomite plain. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking back to the S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trenches were aligned NW\/SE, parallel to the way Lupe needed to go.\u00a0 Heading NW, she traveled a broad ridge strewn with small bits of dolomite that crunched underpaw like broken bones of the mountain.\u00a0 Vertical cracks and fissures ran along the edges.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By one of the shallow trenches. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Following the flat, crunchy dolomite ridge. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The ridge began to narrow, the trenches becoming deeper and harder to avoid.\u00a0 Loop tried going down into one trench that quickly turned into a deep crack that led to a dead end.\u00a0 Doubling back, she climbed out and resumed her trek NW, but soon came to drop-offs everywhere.\u00a0 No choice, but to scramble 20 feet down into another trench and hope that it would take her somewhere.<\/p>\n

At the bottom of this second trench, Lupe reached an opening where she could continue down to the W.\u00a0 This brought her to a forested region SW of what remained of the failing upper ridge.\u00a0 Turning NW again, the Carolina Dog climbed through forest before breaking out into a sunny meadow.\u00a0 Atop the short slope ahead sat a 10 or 20 foot high wall of rock.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Reaching a dead end as the upper part of the dolomite ridge disintegrates. Loop had to scramble down into one of the cracks here to continue. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the Bear Rocks summit<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The true summit of Bear Rocks<\/span><\/a> (9,403 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was up on that wall of rock!\u00a0 Debris along the center of the wall sloped clear up to the top providing access.\u00a0 Once up there, Lupe found she had reached a roomy triangular region.\u00a0 The two highest points were at opposite ends of the wall of rock she had just come up.\u00a0 A superimposed raised platform of dolomite at the E end was clearly the true summit.<\/p>\n

First things first!\u00a0 Without hesitation, the American Dingo went over and scrambled up.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the true summit of Bear Rocks<\/strong>. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Not a bear in sight! This is Dingo Rocks<\/strong> today!<\/em> Black Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Another view of the true summit<\/strong> platform. Dome Peak<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Bear Rocks is pretty cool, even without any bears!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8-6-20, 1:07 PM, Bear Rocks<\/em> – After visiting the true summit, Lupe and SPHP moved over to the SW high point at the opposite end of the wall of rock.\u00a0 Not quite as high here, but a comfier spot to take a short break, and the views were virtually the same.\u00a0 Lookout Mountain<\/span><\/a> (10,147 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Dome Peak<\/span><\/a> (10,828 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and the Sheridan County HP<\/span><\/a> (11,020 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> could all be made out to the SE.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
We’re heading over to the SW high point<\/strong> (Center) now.<\/em> Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The true summit<\/strong> (R) from close to the SW high point. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the SW high point<\/strong> looking SE the way Lupe came to get here. HP9399<\/span><\/strong> is somewhere back buried in the trees on the R. Lookout Mountain<\/strong> (L) in the distance.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the SW high point<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Bear Rocks summit region extended a good 250 feet NW from the two high points where Lupe had come up.\u00a0 Naturally, the Carolina Dog took the time to sniff over that way for another perspective.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Checking out the NW part of the summit region. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Near the NW end. Dry Fork Ridge<\/span><\/a> (8,480 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (L) and Riley Point<\/span><\/a> (8,536 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (Center) on the horizon. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the NW end<\/strong>. The true summit<\/strong> is hidden behind the trees. SW high point<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Cliffs over along the edge of the Big Willow Creek canyon<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

25 minutes after arriving, Lupe was back at the true summit.\u00a0 Although still early afternoon, it was already time to bid Bear Rocks<\/span><\/a> (9,403 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> farewell.\u00a0 Today was supposed to be part travel day, so getting back to the G6 was now a priority.\u00a0 After a final look around from her “Dingo Rocks” platform, Loopster was on her way.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back at the true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Final moments atop Bear Rocks<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On the way back, the American Dingo made great time.\u00a0 Retracing the same basic route, she skipped HP9399<\/span><\/strong> and SPHP’s earlier misguided wanderings.\u00a0 Approaching the E end of the first cliffs she had come to, Loopster did take time to check out a weird wood-framed black plastic shelter hidden next to a big dolomite formation.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Nothing in it at the moment! Maybe a Dingo outlaw hideout?<\/em> Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe went over HP9198<\/span><\/strong> again, but didn’t take USFS Road No. 220 all the way back down to No. 236.01.\u00a0 Instead, she left No. 220, cutting straight E through fields and forest, eventually emerging from the trees a mere 0.125 mile from the G6.<\/p>\n

Nearly all the clouds had drifted off to the E.\u00a0 Kind of hot out.\u00a0 SPHP drove back down to Owen Creek, and let Loop out for a few minutes.\u00a0 She waded in belly deep, lapping up the cold, clear water with gusto.\u00a0 Then it was back in the G6 for a beautiful drive down Shell Canyon to the baking sagebrush plains W of the Bighorns.<\/p>\n

By evening, Lupe was at Dead Indian Pass along spectacular Chief Joseph Scenic Hwy No. 296 in NW Wyoming.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At Dead Indian Pass<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Windy Mountain<\/span><\/a> (10,262 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (L) from Dead Indian Pass<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8-6-02, 7:35 PM, Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River<\/em> – 2 miles NW of the Crazy Creek campground, SPHP pulled the G6 into a small parking area N of Hwy 212.\u00a0 This was a favorite spot dating back to Lupe’s very first Dingo Vacation in 2012.\u00a0 The joint was getting popular.\u00a0 Four vehicles!<\/p>\n

A trap had been set, but not sprung – not an FJ among them.\u00a0 Oh, well.\u00a0 It had been a long shot, anyway.\u00a0 Tomorrow Lupe would be seeing her buddy Jobe again!\u00a0 Something to look forward to for sure.\u00a0 As the sun sank behind the towering spire of Pilot Peak<\/span><\/a> (11,699 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and knife-edge humpback of Index Peak<\/span><\/a> (11,240 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, for the first time in years, the Carolina Dog paid a visit to the little waterfall around the next bend of the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River.<\/p>\n

Once this was home away from home.\u00a0 Lanis had been here.\u00a0 Fun times!\u00a0 Felt good to be back.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the little waterfall around the bend.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Pilot<\/strong> (L) and Index<\/strong> (R) peaks from the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River<\/strong>, 8-6-20<\/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\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Prior Adventure<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Camped on the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River (7-11-13)<\/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 3rd Summer of 2020 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming & Montana! 8-5-20, late afternoon, I-90 in eastern Wyoming – So we’re not going to Canada or Alaska at all this year, SPHP? Afraid not, Loop.\u00a0 We would have if Covid-19 had petered out this summer, but it hasn’t.\u00a0 Everything is … Continue reading Little Bald Mountain & Bear Rocks, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming (8-6-20)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":30072,"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":[105,1342,185,106,26,1341,104,275],"class_list":["post-30088","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-summer-of-2020","tag-american-dingo","tag-bear-rocks","tag-bighorn-mountains","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-little-bald-mountain","tag-lupe","tag-wyoming"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/IMG_7405.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\/30088","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=30088"}],"version-history":[{"count":46,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30088\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32076,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30088\/revisions\/32076"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/30072"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=30088"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=30088"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=30088"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}