{"id":30461,"date":"2021-01-29T08:10:16","date_gmt":"2021-01-29T15:10:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=30461"},"modified":"2021-02-11T06:38:38","modified_gmt":"2021-02-11T13:38:38","slug":"sky-pilot-mountain-beartooth-mountains-montana-8-9-20","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=30461","title":{"rendered":"Sky Pilot Mountain, Beartooth Mountains, Montana (8-9-20)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Day 5 of Lupe’s 3rd Summer of\u00a0 2020 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming & Montana!<\/em><\/p>\n

8:08 AM, Donelson Lake<\/em> – What a glorious morning in the Beartooths!\u00a0 The Carolina Dog stood perched on Camel Hump Rock along the N shore of gorgeous Donelson Lake.\u00a0 The lake’s surface rippled gently in a light breeze, Lonesome Mountain<\/span><\/a> (11,399 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> in view a few miles to the SSE.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On Camel Hump Rock<\/strong> along the N shore of Donelson Lake<\/strong>. Lonesome Mountain<\/strong> (L). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP had the pack ready to go.\u00a0 Finally, a day when it wouldn’t be so blasted heavy!\u00a0 Lupe’s tiny house, the sleeping bags, and some other stuff could be left behind, since the plan was to return to Donelson Lake this evening.<\/p>\n

Time’s a-wasting, Looper!\u00a0 Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

Heading NNE, the American Dingo started up a steep slope, beginning a 2+ mile trek up Sky Pilot Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,047 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, a destination coveted ever since Lupe had been to Sky Pilot Lake<\/strong><\/span><\/a> more than 7 years ago.\u00a0 Lots of rocks on this slope, but plenty of green stuff, too, so pretty easy.\u00a0 Speed was limited only by what SPHP’s heart, lungs, and legs could manage.\u00a0 Periodic brief rest breaks provided opportunities to survey the beauty of Donelson Lake and surrounding region as Lupe worked her way higher.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Ready to set out up the slope beyond the tiny house. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Leaving Donelson Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Several particularly enormous boulders were visible along the upper edge of the steepest part of this first slope.\u00a0 By the time Lupe got up to them, the view of Donelson Lake was amazing!<\/p>\n

Yesterday SPHP had actually considered dragging the tiny house way up here.\u00a0 Despite the view, SPHP was now glad Lupe had camped down by the lake instead.\u00a0 Too much rock!\u00a0 Good spots to camp, if they existed at all, were few and far between.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Donelson Lake<\/strong> and Lonesome Mountain<\/strong> (L) from the upper rim of the first steep slope. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Getting mighty rocky! Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Continuing N, the slope steadily decreased.\u00a0 Lupe reached a flat region at 10,800 feet NE of HP10814<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 This area was full of rocks, too, but rocks of moderate size, scarcely slowing the pace of advance at all.\u00a0 Making great progress, Loop entered a giant amphitheater surrounded by high rocky ridges, open only back toward the S.\u00a0 Vegetation began reappearing as she journeyed on.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading into the amphitheater. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking back. State Line Peak<\/span><\/a> (11,360 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (L), Lonesome Mountain<\/strong> (Center), Donelson Lake<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The highest and most formidable ridge along the amphitheater rim was toward the NW, the direction Loop needed to go.\u00a0 A bit of a break existed near the center of this wall of rock, but SPHP hoped the Carolina Dog wouldn’t have to try it.\u00a0 The topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a> provided reason to believe it would be a lot easier to go around the NE end.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
We’ve got to get over or around that ridge on the L!<\/em> Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Approaching the ridge, Loopster climbed steeply again on grassy slopes.\u00a0 Even as she got closer, going over the ridge still looked unappealing.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog turned NE, climbing less aggressively along a broad sloping bench that had a fair amount of vegetation.\u00a0 SPHP hoped the ridge would peter out as the topo map indicated.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the wall of rock blocking the way forward. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Perhaps possible to get over that little pass at Center in a pinch, but Looper tried going around to the NE (R) instead. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Drawing near the NE end of the wall of rock, the terrain steepened and rocks grew in size.\u00a0 Reaching a lower part of the ridgeline, Lupe could see the rugged SE arm of Sky Pilot Mountain beyond a chasm.\u00a0 Nearby, a snowbank lay melting in the flat area shown on the topo map.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Getting close to the ridgeline NE of the wall of rock. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The rugged SE arm of Sky Pilot Mountain<\/strong> comes into view. The high point at R is not the true summit. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the snowbank at the flat spot. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe had made it out of the amphitheater.\u00a0 The good news was that it was now clear the American Dingo could get around the NE end of the wall of rock that had been blocking the way.\u00a0 The bad news was what lay ahead on the other side.\u00a0 Staying on another snowbank to avoid large talus, Lupe turned WNW making a short climb up closer to the NE end of the rock wall for a better view.\u00a0 Yeah, it was all the same.<\/p>\n

Ahead, in the area behind the wall of rock Lupe had been trying to get past, a gully 200 or 300 feet wide rose gradually to the WSW.\u00a0 The entire thing was choked with large talus.\u00a0 The N side of this gully was an even more formidable ridge, another steep wall of even larger talus 150 feet high.\u00a0 Toward the E (R), a snowbank could be seen above it.<\/p>\n

Absolutely no way around this one!\u00a0 Dismayed by the task at paw, Lupe and SPHP began the painfully slow trek across the gully.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
NE end of the first wall of rock<\/strong> (L). Lupe climbed this snowbank to get up next to it for a better look at what was ahead. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Not good! A huge gully chock full of enormous talus. Lupe would have to get over to and up the other side (R). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking back after making some progress up the gully from the snowbank seen on the R. Beartooth Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,351 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (L of Center), Avalanche Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,000 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (R of Center), Drop Off Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,115 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Spirit Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,283 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> both (R). Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The talus wall on the N side of the gully looked most formidable directly across it, so Lupe and SPHP carefully rock-hopped W up the gully for a while.\u00a0 Maybe Looper could either get to a better place to turn N, or the talus would shrink and become easier to deal with farther up the gully?<\/p>\n

Neither wish was granted.\u00a0 Although Loop made some progress up the gully, the dreadfully slow slog yielded little in way of results.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Going up the gully, but getting no relief. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Getting nowhere!\u00a0 Might as well pick the best looking spot close by and try it.\u00a0 Lupe turned NW, angling toward the giant talus ridge.<\/p>\n

As always, climbing amidst huge talus was an intimidating and difficult task.\u00a0 Despite Loopster’s excellent scrambling skills, SPHP became more and more concerned as each success led only to yet another challenge.\u00a0 If Loop missed a single jump, she could easily fall and break a leg.\u00a0 Potentially a fatal disaster.<\/p>\n

Only yesterday, Lupe’s friend Jobe Wymore had expounded numerous times on the dangers presented by large talus and boulder fields.\u00a0 Maybe SPHP ought to consider putting an end to these treacherous excursions so far from help?\u00a0 One thing was for certain, if the rest of the way was anything like this, Lupe was never going to get to the top of Sky Pilot Mountain.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Good thing we didn’t try to come over that first wall of rock (R), SPHP! The back side looks like it would have been an awful, if not impossible down climb.<\/em> Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Keep climbing, worrywart! We’re doing fine!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It happened.\u00a0 Lupe missed a jump!\u00a0 Not completely, but for a moment she hung on the edge of a boulder, frantically scrambling to keep from tumbling backward 10 feet down onto the rocks below.\u00a0 Looking on in horror, SPHP was in no position to help.\u00a0 Clawing for all she was worth, the American Dingo regained control.\u00a0 Made it, but a close one!<\/p>\n

The nerve-wracking climb continued.\u00a0 One obstacle and false summit after another.\u00a0 Behind Loop, the views kept improving.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Another look back. State Line Peak<\/strong> (L of Center) and Lonesome Mountain<\/strong> (R of Center). Talus-filled gully in the foreground. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Loopster was getting higher.\u00a0 This couldn’t go on forever!\u00a0 At last, the slope began to diminish.\u00a0 The talus shrank a bit, as the upper snowfield came into view.\u00a0 Once Lupe reached the snow, rapid movement became possible again.\u00a0 Climbing N to a rounded snow top, she then turned NE, descending slightly as she headed for a flat region beyond the snow.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Relief in sight! Snowfield ahead. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Up on the snowfield. SE arm of Sky Pilot Mountain<\/strong> in the background. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A wider view. Lake Fork canyon<\/strong> (R). Beartooth Mountain<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What was in sight ahead was tremendously encouraging!\u00a0 Beyond the snow, the terrain consisted of small rocks and even some vegetation.\u00a0 To the NW was a shallow dip followed by a hill leading to a vast region above that could only be partially glimpsed from here.\u00a0 The hill wasn’t all that rocky and looked like an easy climb.<\/p>\n

Woo-hoo!\u00a0 We made it, Loop!\u00a0 Avoided disaster, and beyond the talus!<\/em><\/p>\n

Not so sure about that, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

What are you talking about?\u00a0 That next hill is a cinch!<\/em><\/p>\n

True enough!\u00a0 I’m talking about the avoided disaster part.<\/em><\/p>\n

Huh?\u00a0 What disaster?\u00a0 In the end, you made that heart-stopping leap.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup, but look behind you, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Fabulous view!\u00a0 So where’s the disaster?<\/em><\/p>\n

Your pants!<\/em><\/p>\n

A large tear had a big flap of the seat of SPHP’s britches hanging open.<\/p>\n

Oh!\u00a0 Heh.\u00a0 Now that you mention it, it did seem a mite breezy back there, but I’d hardly noticed.\u00a0 Guess that’s what I get for using my best little girl techniques on the scary stuff.
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

You’ll never win any points for style when it comes to your mountain climbing techniques, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Style, schmyle!\u00a0 Who’s ever going to see that anyway?\u00a0 Not a soul up here!\u00a0 I’m more worried about staying in one piece.\u00a0 Come on, Looper!\u00a0 You’ve got a mountain to climb, and somewhere I’ve got a mountain goat to moon.<\/em><\/p>\n

The American Dingo headed N toward the edge of the canyon to the NE, staying on high ground on the way to the next hill.\u00a0 Off to the SW was a commanding view of some of the same territory seen yesterday with her friend Jobe, but this time from 800 feet higher up.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The next hill<\/strong> (L) ahead. Lupe went up the R edge. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Castle Lake<\/strong> and Summerville Lake<\/strong> (Center) with Pilot Peak<\/span><\/a> (11,699 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (L) and Index Peak<\/span><\/a> (11,240 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> far beyond them. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Heading for the edge of the canyon<\/strong> (R) before following it up the next hill<\/strong> (L). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Upon reaching the edge of the canyon, Lupe saw a fabulous sight, one she hadn’t seen in more than 7 years.\u00a0 More than 900 feet lower, there was deep turquoise blue Sky Pilot Lake!\u00a0 Even the hill overlooking the lake where Loop had rested the first time she’d ever seen it was in view.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sky Pilot Lake<\/strong>. Thunder Mountain<\/span><\/a> (11,441 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (Center) beyond it, and Beartooth Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lovely Sky Pilot Lake<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Carolina Dog also had a stunning view of that fearsome SE arm of Sky Pilot Mountain.\u00a0 Good thing that high point way out at the end wasn’t the true summit!\u00a0 Didn’t look like Dingo territory at all.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
SE arm of Sky Pilot Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Carrying on, Lupe started up the next hill.\u00a0 After gaining 200 feet or so, the terrain leveled out.\u00a0 To the N was a long gradual slope, already wide and getting wider.\u00a0 The ground was strewn with small rocks amid tundra vegetation.\u00a0 No significant obstacle in sight!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking back from close to where the terrain levels out again after climbing the hill. State Line Mountain<\/strong> (Center) and Lonesome Mountain<\/strong> (R) with Jasper Lake<\/strong> between them. Part of High Pass Lake<\/strong> is visible above Lupe. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the gently sloping plain with smooth sailing ahead. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

With only a mile to go now to the summit, and such a vast expanse of easy ground ahead, suddenly it was looking like the American Dingo had Sky Pilot Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,047 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> in the bag!\u00a0 For a long way, Lupe made rapid progress.\u00a0 In fact, all of a sudden she took off like a rocket!\u00a0 What the heck?<\/p>\n

Oh!\u00a0 Here was SPHP’s big chance to moon a mountain goat, 4 of them, in fact.\u00a0 Loop had dashed off to tell them all about it.\u00a0 However, they were a very long way away.\u00a0 The light brown speck racing toward them finally decided it wasn’t worth the effort and came racing back.\u00a0 She arrived sides heaving and long pink tongue hanging out.<\/p>\n

Don’t think they were interested, SPHP!\u00a0 They weren’t going to come.<\/em><\/p>\n

Probably just as well, Loop.\u00a0 I wasn’t that keen on it myself.<\/em><\/p>\n

After a couple of bowls of water, and a few minutes to regain her cool, calm composure, the march higher resumed.\u00a0 Much of it along ground Lupe had just covered twice at top speed, but it was all new to SPHP.<\/p>\n

The trek eventually steepened somewhat.\u00a0 The ground became rockier.\u00a0 Vegetation shriveled and disappeared.\u00a0 Rocks steadily grew in size and number, but not enough to significantly slow progress.\u00a0 Meanwhile, the views were becoming even more tremendous.\u00a0 At last the terrain began to flatten out again.\u00a0 Lupe reached and crossed a snowfield.\u00a0 The summit couldn’t be much farther.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A last look at fabulous Sky Pilot Lake<\/strong> (Center). High Pass Lake<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Getting rockier, but small stuff.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Silver Run Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,542 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (L) and Whitetail Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,551 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Crossing the last snowfield as the terrain levels out again. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By now, Looper had already passed W of Sky Pilot Mountain’s NE arm.\u00a0 The ridge she was taking N was no longer as vast as the region she’d left behind.\u00a0 Although slowly narrowing, it was still plenty wide.\u00a0 More and more talus was appearing, but the gentle slope and general presence of less challenging lanes through it all enabled reasonably swift progress.<\/p>\n

Keeping an eye out for the true summit, SPHP hoped it wouldn’t be some enormous boulder or rock formation beyond Lupe’s capabilities.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Can’t be too much farther now! That smooth ridge behind me is the top of Castle Mountain<\/strong>!<\/em> Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

An unusual rock appeared ahead.\u00a0 Long, relatively thin and narrow, it sat jutting out toward the SSW.\u00a0 Clearly not the highest rock around, but certainly getting up there and quite distinctive, an easily identifiable landmark.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
We’re calling this one “Diving Board Rock<\/strong>“!<\/em> Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

12:39 PM, Sky Pilot Mountain summit<\/em> – 300 feet N of Diving Board Rock, a couple of pinkish-tan boulders sat perched along the E edge.\u00a0 Separated by 20 feet, of modest size and about the same elevation, they appeared to be the highest rocks on Sky Pilot Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,047 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Happily, Lupe could easily get up on both of them.<\/p>\n

SPHP decided the larger rock, which was toward the N, was most likely the true summit, although a couple more rocks a little to the W now also looked like they might possibly be in contention.\u00a0 Hardly mattered, since Looper could visit all of them before departing.<\/p>\n

Hearty congratulations were in order!\u00a0 After 7 years of dreaming about this moment, an American Dingo sat proudly at the summit of Sky Pilot Mountain.\u00a0 With great enthusiasm, SPHP shook her paw and praised the accomplishment, while Lupe seemed truly pleased.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the S boulder<\/strong>. Beartooth Mountain<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the true summit<\/strong> (N boulder) of Sky Pilot Mountain<\/strong>! Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The ridge was still 50 feet wide almost all the way to the N edge where the mountain dropped away, which was another 50 feet beyond the true summit boulder.\u00a0 A small cairn sat a little off to the NW.\u00a0 Lupe visited the cairn before taking a tour of the incredible views.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the cairn. Salo Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,250 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> beyond Loop and the lake. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nearly 2 miles off to the N, a huge, flat-topped wall of rock sat on the far side of the upper reaches of the gaping West Fork of Rock Creek canyon.\u00a0 This wall was Sundance Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,262 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 The top of Bowback Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,351 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was visible beyond a low point near the center.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sundance Mountain<\/strong> (L to R) with the knobby summit of Bowback Mountain<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Two mountains dominated to the NE.\u00a0 Whitetail Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,551 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was a long, jagged, narrow ridge.\u00a0 More distant Silver Run Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,542 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> sported two distinct summits and appeared more massive.\u00a0 Two small lakes could be seen in this direction, too.\u00a0 Lake 10183<\/span><\/strong> SW of Whitetail Peak was a milky turquoise color.\u00a0 The other lake wasn’t shown on the topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0 Considerably smaller, it filled a depression once occupied by the Hopper Glacier.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Whitetail Peak<\/strong> (R). Silver Run Peak<\/strong> (Center). The small icy lake is where part of the Hopper Glacier used to be. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The icy tarn with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Silver Run Peak<\/strong>. Photo looks NE with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lake 10183<\/span><\/strong> at the base of Whitetail Peak<\/strong> (L), Beartooth Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lake 10183<\/span><\/strong> with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beartooth Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,351 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and others that had been visible on the way up were off to the SE.\u00a0 To S and SW were distant panoramic views.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Beartooth Mountain<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Near the N end. True summit boulder<\/strong> (L), another boulder in contention (R), cairn (Center) beyond Lupe. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Checking out the view from that other boulder. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Pilot Peak<\/strong> and Index Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
By the cairn again. Lonesome Mountain<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The most enchanting views of all were to the W and NW.\u00a0 Lupe was a mile closer to Castle Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,612 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> than she’d made it with her friend Jobe Wymore yesterday.\u00a0 More than 1,600 feet higher than Pass 10380<\/span><\/strong> had been, Sky Pilot Mountain was a tremendous vantage point!<\/p>\n

The American Dingo could see all of Varve Lake, where she would have camped last night if Castle Mountain hadn’t been abandoned, and two higher lakes in the direction of Salo Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,250 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, as well.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Varve Lake<\/strong> (lower L), Navajo Tarn<\/strong> (R), and an unnamed lake<\/strong> (far R) near Salo Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Navajo Tarn<\/strong> (above) and the N end of Varve Lake<\/strong> (below). Photo looks WNW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Salo Mountain<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The view of Castle Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,612 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Castle Rock Spire<\/span><\/a> (12,450 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, and Rainbow Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,540 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was stunning!\u00a0 Lupe went way out to the N edge of Sky Pilot Mountain for the best possible look.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the far N end of Sky Pilot Mountain<\/strong>. Rainbow Peak<\/strong> and Castle Rock Spire<\/strong> (L), Castle Mountain<\/strong> (Center) and Sundance Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe was as high as that big snowfield on Castle Mountain that had caused such consternation yesterday.\u00a0 This was a great opportunity to get some terrific photos showing the entire S face of the mountain!\u00a0 SPHP took a bunch, zooming in on that problematic snowfield in a few.\u00a0 Maybe Jobe or others would find them useful some day?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
S face of Castle Mountain<\/strong>. The Omega Pass region<\/strong>, which climbers using the West Fork of Rock Creek route come over from the R, is seen along the lower portion of the ridgeline at lower R. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Castle Mountain<\/strong> and Omega Pass<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Castle Rock Mountain<\/strong> (far L), Rainbow Peak<\/strong> (L), Castle Rock Spire<\/strong> (Center), Castle Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Zoomed in on the snowfield.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Castle Mountain summit region<\/strong> with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The weather was perfect!\u00a0 Now and then a light S or W breeze came up.\u00a0 Taking in the grandeur of the Beartooths in all directions, Lupe and SPHP rested or wandered about the summit region.\u00a0 7 years of waiting for Sky Pilot Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,047 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> were over.\u00a0 Hard to believe Lupe was really here!\u00a0 SPHP congratulated the Carolina Dog multiple times.<\/p>\n

A precious hour of glory and more slipped by.\u00a0 Sadly, magic never lasts.\u00a0 Reality must be faced.\u00a0 Once again, Lupe sat perched at the true summit.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Oh, it doesn’t get any better than this, does it, SPHP?<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

With great reluctance, the return began.\u00a0 Within minutes, Loop reached Diving Board Rock again.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog was willing to scramble up onto it, but chose not to venture out to the end.\u00a0 She had no intention of doing a Dingo dive.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On Diving Board Rock<\/strong>. Beartooth Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Of course, Lupe still had hours of Sky Pilot Mountain fun to look forward to during the descent.\u00a0 She never did see the mountain goats again, but did venture over to the W side of the vast sloping plateau far enough to look down on Flat Rock Lake, which she had been near, but seen only part of yesterday.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading down the vast sloping plateau. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Flat Rock Lake<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Didn’t take long to get back to the snowfield overlooking the talus ridge and gully.\u00a0 Looper tried her luck staying farther E down through all the talus, but this made no discernable difference.\u00a0 Still a time-consuming, cautious, somewhat scary down climb followed by a super slow trek across the gully.\u00a0 No mishaps, though, so all was well!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the snowfield overlooking the talus ridge and gully on the other side. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The rest was easy.\u00a0 Around the NE end of the first talus ridge and down the grassy slopes of the amphitheater to the rocky plain at 10,800 feet.\u00a0 Before long Looper was back by the enormous boulders along the upper edge of the last slope leading down to Donelson Lake.\u00a0 Near the N shore, a minuscule orange and gray dot confirmed that the tiny house was still there waiting for the American Dingo’s return.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Closing in on Donelson Lake<\/strong> again. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Donelson Lake<\/strong> (Center) and Lonesome Mountain<\/strong> (L). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The N shore of Donelson Lake was destined to be home again for a very lucky Dingo for another evening.\u00a0 How beautiful it all was, and what a fabulous dream come true Sky Pilot Mountain had been!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On Sky Pilot Mountain<\/strong>, Beartooth Mountains, Montana 8-9-20<\/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 Prior Adventure<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Castle Mountain, Beartooth Mountains, Montana with Mountaineer Jobe Wymore – Part 1: Island Lake to Two Bits Lake (8-7-20)<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Castle Mountain, Beartooth Mountains, Montana with Mountaineer Jobe Wymore – Part 2: Two Bits Lake to Flat Rock Lake (8-8-20)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Sky Pilot Lake, Beartooth Mountains of Montana 7-17-13<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Lonesome Mountain in the Beartooth Mountains of Montana 8-3-14<\/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<\/strong><\/a><\/span>.\u00a0\u00a0Or subscribe free\u00a0to\u00a0new Lupe adventures<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Day 5 of Lupe’s 3rd Summer of\u00a0 2020 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming & Montana! 8:08 AM, Donelson Lake – What a glorious morning in the Beartooths!\u00a0 The Carolina Dog stood perched on Camel Hump Rock along the N shore of gorgeous Donelson Lake.\u00a0 The lake’s surface rippled gently in a light breeze, Lonesome Mountain (11,399 … Continue reading Sky Pilot Mountain, Beartooth Mountains, Montana (8-9-20)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":30441,"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":[105,182,106,26,217,104,417,1345],"class_list":["post-30461","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-summer-of-2020","tag-american-dingo","tag-beartooth-mountains","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-donelson-lake","tag-lupe","tag-montana","tag-sky-pilot-mountain"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/IMG_7576.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\/30461","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=30461"}],"version-history":[{"count":31,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30461\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32079,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30461\/revisions\/32079"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/30441"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=30461"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=30461"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=30461"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}