{"id":31327,"date":"2021-03-20T08:10:29","date_gmt":"2021-03-20T14:10:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=31327"},"modified":"2021-03-30T13:22:32","modified_gmt":"2021-03-30T19:22:32","slug":"mystic-lake-saddleback-mountain-beartooth-mountains-montana-9-3-20","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=31327","title":{"rendered":"Mystic Lake & Saddleback Mountain, Beartooth Mountains, Montana (9-3-20)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Days 1 & 2 of Lupe’s 4th Summer of 2020 Dingo Vacation to Montana & Wyoming!<\/em><\/p>\n

9-2-20, early afternoon, Gillette, Wyoming<\/em> –<\/p>\n

Well, phooey!\u00a0 This has been a complete waste of time.\u00a0 C’mon, Loop, let’s get out of here!<\/em><\/p>\n

Disappointing, but on to bigger and better things, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Absolutely, sweet puppy!<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP turned onto I-90, and the Carolina Dog was soon racing W again in the air-conditioned comfort of the G6, putting behind her more than 2 hours of futile searching for the owners of Antelope Butte<\/span><\/a> (5,073 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Antelope Butte wasn’t much as far as mountains go, just a little hill.\u00a0 Lupe could have climbed it in nothing flat.<\/p>\n

Antelope Butte did have one claim to fame.\u00a0 It was one of only 19 high points in the mountainous state of Wyoming with more than 25 miles of isolation, meaning no other higher ground within a 25 mile radius.<\/p>\n

SPHP had actually found 2 of the 4 owners of Antelope Butte, who were all members of the same family.\u00a0 Result?\u00a0 Permission unequivocally denied!<\/p>\n

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Privately owned Antelope Butte<\/strong> several miles S of Gillette, WY as seen from Hwy 59. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nothing was going to break the happy mood for long.\u00a0 On to bigger and better things!\u00a0 Lupe’s 4th Dingo Vacation of the summer of 2020 was just getting underway.\u00a0 The G6 hummed NW for hours.\u00a0 It wasn’t until the American Dingo reached Billings, MT that there was any sign of trouble.<\/p>\n

Uh-oh!\u00a0 Smoke!\u00a0 Not again!\u00a0 Wyoming had been all sunny and blue.\u00a0 W of Billings, the smoke thickened.\u00a0 Lupe had come such a long way already that she might as well keep going and see what tomorrow would bring.\u00a0 At Columbus, SPHP left I-90, heading S on Hwy 78.\u00a0 S of Absarokee, a R turn on Hwy 419 to Fishtail, then following signs the rest of the way.\u00a0 By dusk, Loopster was at the trailhead.<\/p>\n

9-3-20, 7:34 AM, West Rosebud trailhead<\/em> –\u00a0 As usual first night out on a Dingo Vacation, Lupe had hardly slept a wink.\u00a0 Excited by the prospect of hitting the trail, she’d spent most of the night gazing out the window, watching for any sign of movement.\u00a0 A full moon had risen, illuminating the enormous canyon carved by West Rosebud creek.<\/p>\n

Happily, the sky was looking much better this morning.\u00a0 Only a hint of smoke.\u00a0 Lucky!\u00a0 The great moment had arrived.\u00a0 Lupe was on her way.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the West Rosebud trailhead<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Signage by the start of West Rosebud trail No. 19.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Mileages.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A short climb and West Rosebud trail No. 19 leveled out.\u00a0 This trail went up the West Rosebud creek canyon, the first major destination being Mystic Lake 3 miles from the trailhead.\u00a0 Lupe was up early enough to have the trail to herself at the moment.\u00a0 She trotted along looking for squirrels, but hearing only the hum of a hydro-electric power plant down in the valley.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Off to a reasonably early start on West Rosebud trail No. 19.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On a nice level stretch.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

15 minutes from the trailhead, Lupe came to a curved bridge that went over a big white water pipe and a railroad track for a tram.\u00a0 Both started 1,000 feet higher at a surge tank way up on a steep mountainside, and swooped straight down to the hydro-electric plant in the valley.\u00a0 A couple of plaques told the story of this engineering marvel.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking up the water pipeline and tram track toward the surge tank. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Loopster on the curved bridge.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The hydro-electric powerhouse waiting below. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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“Tapping the lake” plaque.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
“Generating electricity” plaque.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After crossing the bridge, Lupe went on.\u00a0 The West Rosebud trail is very popular, so it was well-worn and a cinch to follow.\u00a0 15 minutes beyond the curved bridge, the trail reached West Rosebud creek.\u00a0 Scrambling down a short steep bank, Lupe checked it out.\u00a0 The creek had good flow.\u00a0 Crystal clear water tumbled among huge, smoothed boulders in a series of small waterfalls, and gathered in deep pools.<\/p>\n

Later in the day, this would be a fabulous spot for a picnic, or even a swim, but it was still very early, so the Carolina Dog kept going.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading up the West Rosebud Creek canyon<\/strong> after crossing the curved bridge.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
By West Rosebud creek<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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So beautiful!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail followed the gorgeous creek for only a little way before leading to another bridge.\u00a0 This bridge crossed West Rosebud creek.\u00a0 The trail then headed back into the forest.\u00a0 5 minutes, and Lupe came to a sign for the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Crossing the bridge over West Rosebud creek.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Entering the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beyond the sign, the West Rosebud trail was still flat for a little while, but it soon started to climb.\u00a0 Lupe had already gained some elevation, but now the trail became a much more relentless upward trek.\u00a0 Still easy to only moderately steep.\u00a0 Looper continued to make good progress, but every now and then, SPHP paused for breath.<\/p>\n

The trail was going SW toward a huge headwall at the upper end of the canyon.\u00a0 As Lupe got closer, the trail began switchbacking higher.\u00a0 The route became much rockier as the trail climbed above the forest.\u00a0 Views improved, and progress could now be measured relative to the big white water pipeline stretching almost horizontally along the opposite canyon wall.<\/p>\n

Here on the SE side of the canyon, tremendous rock spires towered way up along the upper edge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Glancing back at the big white water pipeline (L) on the opposite side of the canyon. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A clearer view.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Impressive towers!<\/em> Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Spires along the upper SE side of the West Rosebud creek canyon.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The headwall<\/strong> (Center) the trail was working toward. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail and the big white water pipe were both heading for Mystic Lake, but from opposite sides of the canyon.\u00a0 It wasn’t until Lupe was clearly somewhat higher than the water pipe that she started getting close to the headwall Mystic Lake was hidden beyond.<\/p>\n

After passing next to several vertical rock walls, the West Rosebud trail finally curved W directly toward the headwall.\u00a0 However, it didn’t go far in this direction before bending back to the SW where it entered a small valley.\u00a0 Climbing gradually through this relatively narrow gap, the trail eventually leveled out.<\/p>\n

At the far end of the valley, where the gap was narrowest, a strong, cool breeze blew this way as Lupe approached two large boulders the trail went between.\u00a0 As the American Dingo reached the boulders, she got her first look at Mystic Lake.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Making progress, clearly somewhat above the water pipeline now. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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In the gap. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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First glimpse of Mystic Lake<\/strong> from between the boulders. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Set in a huge valley surrounded by forests and massive mountains, the deep blue waters of Mystic Lake made a stunning impression!\u00a0 Facing into the stiff, cool breeze coming off the lake, Lupe looked 120 feet down on a curved dam at the E end.\u00a0 Whitecaps could be seen in the middle of Mystic Lake, its far W end beyond vision.\u00a0 Magnificent!<\/p>\n

From here, West Rosebud trail No. 19 curved sharply to the R as it began snaking almost all the way down to lake level.\u00a0 The trail reached Mystic Lake slightly above the rocky S shore, where it then headed W toward a pebbly beach.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mystic Lake<\/strong> from the gap. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Starting down the switchbacks leading to the lake. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
By the S shore, very close to the E end. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A look at the dam. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After getting past the initial rocky part of the shoreline, Lupe left the trail to venture out onto the pebbly beach.\u00a0 The American Dingo was the first one here this morning and had the whole place to herself, which was pretty cool.\u00a0 From here she could look back and see the trail winding up to the gap she had come through on top of a wall of rock at the E end of the lake.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the pebbly beach. The gap Lupe had come through to get here is visible as the notch (slightly to the L of Lupe) on top of the rock wall beyond her. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Taking a stroll W along the shore, Lupe explored more of Mystic Lake.\u00a0 She didn’t go too far, just to where the shoreline curved toward the S where more of the main body of the lake was in view.\u00a0 At a weathered log, SPHP sat down for a bit to have some fried chicken while watching the waves roll in, but the Carolina Dog wasn’t hungry yet.\u00a0 Instead, she dashed off into the forest when a squirrel chattered nearby.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Exploring the beach. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
About as far as Loop went along the shoreline.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mystic Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking NE back toward the dam from SPHP’s fried chicken feast log.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A pleasant half hour was spent along the shore of Mystic Lake, but that was about all SPHP thought Loop could spare.\u00a0 She’d gained a little over 1,000 feet of elevation getting here, but still had another 2,500 feet to go just to get to base camp.\u00a0 Carrying a heavy pack, SPHP was concerned about how difficult that might prove to be.<\/p>\n

Somewhat reluctant to desert such a wonderful place so soon, Lupe left fabulous Mystic Lake heading S through the forest looking for the trail, which was some distance from the shore.\u00a0 She quickly ran across it, though, and turning R (SW), continued on her journey.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back on West Rosebud trail No. 19.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After 200 or 300 yards, a small clearing appeared ahead.\u00a0 At the same time, Loop reached a junction with a side trail on the L (S).\u00a0 A sign said “Phantom Creek Trail No. 17”. Without going all the way to the clearing, Lupe turned S, following No. 17 as it wound deeper into the forest.<\/p>\n

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At the start of Phantom Creek Trail No. 17.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Phantom Creek trail No. 17 wasn’t as wide as the West Rosebud trail had been, but at least it started out in good shape.\u00a0 A huge climb was ahead to get to where Lupe was going, and No. 17 soon began steadily gaining elevation.\u00a0 Switchbacks appeared.\u00a0 Great news!\u00a0 They really helped make life easier on the increasingly steep slope Loop was climbing.<\/p>\n

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On an early switchback.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

15 minutes after setting out on Phantom Creek trail No. 17, Lupe reached the only significant water she would come to.\u00a0 A small rushing stream crossed the trail twice in rapid succession, and was never seen again.\u00a0 After that, any water encountered was a mere trickle, scarcely enough for Loop to get a drink.<\/p>\n

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Cooling paws off in the little stream.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe gained several hundred feet of elevation before getting her first view of Mystic Lake from Trail No. 17 at a small break in the forest.\u00a0 She could see all the way to the W end of the lake from here.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
First glimpse of Mystic Lake<\/strong> from Phantom Creek trail No. 17. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5 minutes later, a couple of partridges, or ptarmigans (?), were on the trail.\u00a0 They hung around just long enough for a photo before flying off.<\/p>\n

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Partridges or ptarmigans?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The switchbacks went on and on.\u00a0 Most were moderately long.\u00a0 Although the trail was never steep, the heavy pack forced SPHP to keep pausing to gasp for breath.\u00a0 Views kept improving.\u00a0 Absolutely spectacular country!<\/p>\n

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Wowee! This is quite the trail, isn’t it?<\/em> Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe gained many hundreds of feet of elevation on the same enormous slope.\u00a0 After what seemed like a long trek, the switchbacks finally started getting shorter.\u00a0 Higher up the slope, it kept looking like Loop was about to come to a top, but she never did.\u00a0 Instead, after going around a bend, the trail suddenly straightened and headed E.<\/p>\n

By now the forest had thinned considerably.\u00a0 Ahead was an encouraging sign.\u00a0 A bare hilltop!\u00a0 Apparently there actually was a limit to how much higher Looper was going to have to go.<\/p>\n

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On the straightaway. Getting up there, but still a way to go. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Trail No. 17 crossed a steep drainage, then turned N.\u00a0 More switchbacks!\u00a0 Lupe kept going, zig-zagging higher.\u00a0 The trail finally went clear around to the N side of the mountain before starting to turn E again.\u00a0 By now, the views of Mystic Lake more than 2,000 feet lower were amazing!\u00a0 Part of Island Lake was visible beyond the W end.\u00a0 N of both lakes stood Mount Hague<\/span><\/a> (12,323 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, and beyond it Twin Peaks<\/span><\/a> (11,793 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
If you don’t like this, you just don’t like mountains!<\/em> Mystic Lake<\/strong> with Island Lake<\/strong> beyond. Twin Peaks<\/strong> straight past the end of Mystic Lake. Mount Hague<\/strong> (R). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As the trail continued curving E, Lupe came to sort of a little pass.\u00a0 This area was all stunted pine forest, except for a small hill just N of the trail.\u00a0 The W end of this hill was all gravelly.\u00a0 Not much of a climb to get up there.\u00a0 Since this hill might be a last chance to look back at Mystic Lake, Loop ventured up.<\/p>\n

Only the W half of Mystic Lake was in sight, but Loopster could see even more of Island Lake than she had been able to before.\u00a0 The amazing, and somewhat horrifying view, though, was of the massive ridge to the S, the same ridge Lupe was trying to get up onto.\u00a0 Oh, my gosh!\u00a0 The Carolina Dog still had a long way to go!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mystic Lake<\/strong> and Island Lake<\/strong> from the W end of the gravelly hill. Twin Peaks<\/strong> (R). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Still a bit of a trek to get up to that ridge isn’t it?<\/em> Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

E of the gravelly hill, the forest gave out.\u00a0 Turned out that the gravelly hill had not actually been the last spot to get a good look at Mystic Lake.\u00a0 In fact, the primo viewpoint was an even higher grassy area way up here near the edge of a cliff.\u00a0 Except for a little piece at the far E end near the dam, Lupe could see almost the entire lake.\u00a0 Across the enormous West Rosebud Creek canyon, the top of Mount Wood<\/span><\/a> (12,660 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was now in sight, too!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Even better! Don’t ya, think?<\/em> Mystic Lake<\/strong> with Island Lake<\/strong> beyond. Twin Peaks<\/strong> (R of Center), Mount Hague<\/strong> (R). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Top of Mount Wood<\/strong> behind me!<\/em> Twin Peaks<\/strong> (far L), Mount Hague<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail kept climbing, winding its way E.\u00a0 Turned out Lupe didn’t have to gain as much elevation as it had seemed back at the gravelly hill.\u00a0 She was heading for a significantly lower part of that same massive ridge, Pass 10140<\/span><\/strong>, an enormous saddle that Phantom Creek trail No. 17 went over on its way to another giant canyon where Phantom Creek was.<\/p>\n

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Still heading higher! Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Shortly after rounding a corner, an unmarked trail junction appeared.\u00a0 A side trail headed SW up a ravine here, no doubt a shortcut to Montana’s state high point, unseen Granite Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,799 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, which was still miles away and a technical climb.<\/p>\n

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The shortcut to Granite Peak is on the R around the next bend. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Going to Granite Peak<\/strong>? SPHP thinks you should go R here. I’m going L!<\/em> Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Skipping the shortcut, Lupe continued E on Phantom Creek trail No. 17.\u00a0 The rate of climb was diminishing.\u00a0 Only 0.5 mile now to Pass 10140<\/span><\/strong>!<\/p>\n

9-3-20, 2:03 PM, Pass 10140<\/em> – Suddenly Lupe was there, crossing a vast, sparsely vegetated plain.\u00a0 Two cowboys riding horses were coming this way.\u00a0 Lupe let them go by before heading over to a cairn halfway across the pass.\u00a0 Not the absolute high point, but close enough.<\/p>\n

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At Pass 10140<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Twin Peaks<\/strong> (L), Mount Hague<\/strong> (Center), and Mount Wood<\/strong> (R) from Pass 10140<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks WNW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ho, ho!\u00a0 Loopster, we’re here!\u00a0 Can’t believe it!\u00a0 Been dreading that climb with this dang heavy pack, yet here we are.\u00a0 And so early, too!<\/em><\/p>\n

We’re here?\u00a0 You mean this is it?\u00a0 We aren’t staying here, are we, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, we are!\u00a0 This pass is gonna be base camp.\u00a0 Isn’t it fabulous?<\/em><\/p>\n

Glad you’re excited, SPHP, but I’m detecting a serious squirrel deficiency.<\/em><\/p>\n

Squirrels, schmirrels!\u00a0 Sniff around some.\u00a0 You might find something even better than squirrels.<\/em><\/p>\n

Better than squirrels!\u00a0 Like what?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, I don’t know.\u00a0 Something more exotic, like marmots or mountain goats or grizzly bears.\u00a0 Anyway, I’m pooped.\u00a0 C’mon, let’s go find a spot to pitch your tiny house.<\/em><\/p>\n

Several hundred feet SW of the trail was a gentle, grassy slope.\u00a0 Not as rocky as the rest of Pass 10140<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Looper was soon resting comfortably next to her tiny house with a view of Mount Wood and Mount Hague in the distance.<\/p>\n

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Base camp at Pass 10140<\/span><\/strong>. Mount Hague<\/strong> (Center). Mount Wood<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9-3-20, 4:13 PM, Pass 10140<\/em> – Lunch, and 2 hours of rest and relaxation had done wonders.\u00a0 The American Dingo was starting to get restless.\u00a0 Even SPHP felt revived.\u00a0 Nothing planned, but hours of daylight left.<\/p>\n

So what now, SPHP?\u00a0 Do you think you’re up to it?\u00a0 Looks easy.<\/em><\/p>\n

Heh.\u00a0 Yeah, it does.\u00a0 Tempting, but we probably shouldn’t, Looper.\u00a0 Might regret it tomorrow.\u00a0 Another big day coming.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, c’mon!\u00a0 It’s not that far away!\u00a0 Why don’t we give it a go?\u00a0 Can always turn back, if it isn’t panning out.\u00a0 We’re here with time on our paws.\u00a0 If not now, when?\u00a0 I’ll give you a hint.\u00a0 Never!\u00a0 That’s when.<\/em><\/p>\n

True enough.\u00a0 Well, let me check the topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

To the ENE, on the far side of Phantom Creek trail No. 17, was another big chunk of the massive ridge that Pass 10140<\/span><\/strong> was part of.\u00a0 A big conical high point was visible over there, and the terrain leading to it did look pretty easy from here.<\/p>\n

The topo map revealed that the cone was likely the site of the “Mystic” survey benchmark, and the top of Saddleback Mountain<\/span><\/a> (10,876 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Loop might also be able to tag Prairieview Mountain<\/span><\/a> (10,575 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> along the way.\u00a0 Not that much additional elevation gain on the day, and two 10,000 footers for the price of one!\u00a0 Still, round trip, it would be a good 5 miles, at least.\u00a0 Hmm.<\/p>\n

Alrighty, then!\u00a0 Guess we did come here to climb mountains, didn’t we?\u00a0 Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

That’s the spirit, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Prairieview Mountain<\/strong> (small knobs R of Center) and Saddleback Mountain<\/strong> (R) from Pass 10140<\/span><\/strong> base camp. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Heading NE, Lupe crossed Phantom Creek trail No. 17, and started up a long, barren slope.\u00a0 Cake!\u00a0 A few rocks, nothing major.\u00a0 Fun trek.\u00a0 Rapid progress.\u00a0 Why had SPHP even hesitated?\u00a0 This was pure brilliance!<\/p>\n

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Approaching knobby Prairieview Mountain<\/strong>. Saddleback Mountain summit<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The terrain got rockier.\u00a0 Progress slowed as Loopster scrambled past a minor talus ridge, avoiding the worst of it.\u00a0 Another plain beyond the talus.\u00a0 Scattered bushes and rocks.\u00a0 Still not bad.\u00a0 Prairieview Mountain, an elevated line of rock outcroppings bisecting the enormous ridge, was now just ahead.<\/p>\n

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Glancing back. Froze to Death Mountain<\/strong> (L). Pass 10140<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Most of Prairieview Mountain was a gently rounded ridgeline running N\/S dotted with scattered bushes and boulders.\u00a0 However, a number of widely separated rock formations 30 to 50 feet high were strung out along the length of this ridge.\u00a0 These rock formations were similar to each other in that they all consisted of big mounds of large talus.<\/p>\n

Coming up near the middle of the ridge, or maybe a bit toward the S, it was clear that the summit had to be farther N.\u00a0 Skipping the closest rock formation, Lupe headed for the next one.<\/p>\n

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Near the top of Prairieview Mountain<\/strong> looking for the true summit. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Approaching the next rock formation to the N, the ground became a sea of massive boulders half sunk into the mountain.\u00a0 Between the boulders grew a profusion of bushes that served to hide how deep the holes they occupied were.\u00a0 Sometimes only a few inches, other times several feet.\u00a0 Where possible, boulder hopping was by far the easiest mode of travel.<\/p>\n

Climbing from the S, Loopster got near the top of this rock formation, but the stones at the very top were so massive, there was no way the Carolina Dog could get up there.\u00a0 Retreating, she circled around to the W hoping to find a better route.\u00a0 None!\u00a0 The W and N sides were worse.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe almost made it to the top of this rock formation, but couldn’t scale the highest boulder. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Not happening, SPHP!<\/em> Same rock formation, opposite side. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hah!\u00a0 Didn’t matter.\u00a0 An even higher rock formation was now in sight a little farther N.\u00a0 Close to the far N end of the whole mountain, the true summit had to be over there.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Next rock formation to the N (Center). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Another boulder hop over to this next jumble of talus, and Lupe once again started up the S side.\u00a0 Too steep!\u00a0 Swinging around to the W, the American Dingo managed to keep gaining elevation, but still couldn’t make it to the top.\u00a0 Every time it seemed like she was getting close, even higher rocks kept appearing a little farther N.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking up.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

How much farther, SPHP?\u00a0 Can you tell?<\/em><\/p>\n

Not really.\u00a0 15 feet, 20, 30?\u00a0 Not at all sure the true summit is even in sight yet, Loop.\u00a0 Can’t be that much higher.\u00a0 At the moment we’re kind of stuck here, though.\u00a0 Practically straight up.\u00a0 We’re going to have to keep working our way around somehow.<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, how bad do we really want to do this?\u00a0 Isn’t Saddleback Mountain more impressive?\u00a0 Maybe it’s easier than this one?<\/em><\/p>\n

You might be right!\u00a0 Scrambling around on all this talus is just chewing up a ton of time.\u00a0 We’re gonna break our fool necks, too, if we’re not careful.\u00a0 You got pretty close to the top of Prairieview.\u00a0 Wanna call it, and go on to Saddleback?<\/em><\/p>\n

Sure!\u00a0 Why waste daylight here, when the glittering prize is over there?<\/em><\/p>\n

Sort of a shame.\u00a0 Lupe had gotten so close to the top of Prairieview!\u00a0 With enough patience and persistence, she probably could of done it.\u00a0 Oh, well!\u00a0 Life in the mountains.\u00a0 Not always one roaring success after another.\u00a0 A careful descent, and it was on to Saddleback Mountain, still nearly a mile E.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Abandoning Prairieview Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
If at first you don’t succeed, on to Saddleback Mountain<\/strong>!<\/em> (Center) Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Look back again, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Huh?\u00a0 What for, Looper?<\/em><\/p>\n

At Prairieview Mountain.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, for pity sake!<\/em><\/p>\n

Good thing we gave up on it!<\/em><\/p>\n

Eh.\u00a0 You could have done it, Loopster.\u00a0 Just would have taken us forever and a day the way we were going about it.<\/em><\/p>\n

Looking back at Prairieview Mountain, it was now perfectly clear that the true summit was a big boulder perched way over at the N end of a long talus ridge, the same pile of talus Lupe had started up from the S.\u00a0 She may have reached a point not an awful lot lower than where that highest rock sat before giving up, but she had still been an icky long horizontal scramble from where the true summit actually was.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Oh, the joke’s on us! We were climbing the wrong (L) end!<\/em> True summit of Prairieview Mountain<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Well, whatever!\u00a0 Focus shifted back to the problem at paw.\u00a0 The closer Lupe was getting to Saddleback Mountain, the rockier the upper slopes were looking.\u00a0 Prairieview Mountain on steroids?\u00a0 Hopefully not.\u00a0 A long, gentle N slope appeared to be the easiest approach, but it was far away.\u00a0 Time was ticking.\u00a0 SPHP headed for the S side of the mountain instead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Saddleback Mountain’s long N slope<\/strong> (L) looked like a lovely gentle ramp to the top. SPHP led Lupe to the R. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Worked great!\u00a0 At first.\u00a0 Looper gained quite a bit of elevation on grassy S slopes, but she still had hundreds of feet to go when the talus started getting thick.\u00a0 Lanes of vegetation soon got choked off.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog was gradually forced to circle around to the W side of the mountain as she worked her way higher.<\/p>\n

In the end, there was no escaping the talus.\u00a0 The last 200 feet were a slow, steep, treacherous, miserable climb, but bit by bit, Loopster was getting there.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Miserable! What are you talking about, SPHP? We’re doing great! C’mon, pick up the pace!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The sun was already getting low when Lupe reached a flatter region above the final steep scramble.\u00a0 Egads!\u00a0 The whole mountaintop was nothing but talus!\u00a0 Pretty big stuff.\u00a0 It all sloped gradually higher to the S, where 250 feet away a modest cairn was visible at the summit.<\/p>\n

Success in sight, Lupe boulder-hopped her way to the top of Saddleback Mountain<\/span><\/a> (10,876 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Nearly there! Cairn<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9-3-20, 6:51 PM, Saddleback Mountain<\/em> – Clouds moved in messing with the light moments before the American Dingo reached the true summit.\u00a0 Too bad, but that’s the way the Milkbone crumbles.\u00a0 The good news was that Lupe now stood next to the cairn on the highest of 3 light pink and gray boulders splotched with black lichens that together constitute the tippy top of Saddleback Mountain.<\/p>\n

Tie game!\u00a0 Score: Mountains 1 – Dingoes 1.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On Saddleback Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The summit was right next to the S edge of the mountain.\u00a0 In fact, one of the three highest boulders hung halfway out in space.\u00a0 360 degree views, of course!\u00a0 Massive ridges, deep canyons, and high peaks in all directions except to the NE where Lupe could see clear out to the plains.\u00a0 The air was smoky over there.\u00a0 Lucky that wasn’t the case up here!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The smoky plains. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

To the NW was another perspective on some of the peaks Lupe had seen on the way up Phantom Creek trail No. 17.\u00a0 Mount Wood<\/span><\/a> (12,660 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Mount Hague<\/span><\/a> (12,323 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Twin Peaks<\/span><\/a> (11,793 ft.) <\/span><\/strong>and others farther W.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Twin Peaks<\/strong> (L of Center), Mount Hague<\/strong> (R of Center), and Mount Wood<\/strong> (R). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beyond giant ridges, a line of higher flat-topped peaks was visible far to the SSE.\u00a0 Castle Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,612 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, which Lupe had failed to even get to with her friend Jobe Wymore last month, was somewhere over there.\u00a0 Sky Pilot Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,047 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, too, which she did manage to climb.<\/p>\n

SPHP could pick out a peak that looked like Castle Mountain.\u00a0 Sky Pilot would have been hidden beyond it.<\/p>\n

The most interesting view of all, though, was to the SW.\u00a0 Phantom Creek and glimpses of Phantom Lake and Froze to Death Lake were visible in a deep canyon.\u00a0 Beyond them stood Mount Peal<\/span><\/a> (12,409 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Farther W, Tempest Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,469 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Granite Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,799 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, the state high point, soared behind Froze to Death Mountain<\/span><\/a> (11,760 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Peal<\/strong> (Center) and Granite Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Tempest Mountain<\/strong> (L). Granite Peak<\/strong> (L of Center) with Froze to Death Mountain<\/strong> in front of it. Photo looks SW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe sat perched on Saddleback Mountain’s summit boulder.\u00a0 Not quite half an hour since she’d arrived.\u00a0 Saddleback had been unplanned bonus peak, but a great one.\u00a0 Sad to have to depart so soon.\u00a0 Better get down, though, before the light was gone.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
We’re leaving already? I was just getting comfortable!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Looper had barely left the summit when the evening sun broke through the clouds.\u00a0 Suddenly the light was exquisite, the world transformed in an explosion of glowing color and sharp contrasts.\u00a0 A fleeting sublime moment.\u00a0 Lupe paused.\u00a0 What a spectacular end to a spectacular day!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Leaving Saddleback Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Oh, but it wasn’t over yet, not by a long shot!\u00a0 As always, SPHP was super slow on the long, steep talus descent.\u00a0 Lupe wound up much farther NW than where she’d come up, the sun already long gone by the time SPHP escaped Saddleback Mountain’s tenacious grip.<\/p>\n

Dusk deepened, and the first stars glittered, as Loop hurried SW across the plain leading to Prairieview Mountain, dodging scattered boulders and black bush-filled holes between them much of the way.<\/p>\n

Reaching Prairieview’s ridgeline a little S of center, the flashlight had to come out.\u00a0 Lupe sniffed and roamed as if it were broad daylight, while SPHP stumbled almost blindly forward through infinite rocks and bushes toward the last minor talus outcroppings farther W.<\/p>\n

Beyond them, an hour after dark, dramatic improvement.\u00a0 Easy terrain!\u00a0 A gentle downslope!\u00a0 To the E, a rising ghostly white moon frightened the weakest stars from the night sky.\u00a0 An incredible, but weary moonlit trek!\u00a0 Finally across Phantom Creek trail No. 17 and to the tiny house.\u00a0 A famished American Dingo inhaled dinner, and was gone.<\/p>\n

Off to Dingo dreamland!\u00a0 Yeah, it did seem like the place to be.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Evening glory. Saddleback Mountain<\/strong>, Beartooth Mountains, Montana 9-3-20<\/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 Prior Adventure<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

To the Froze to Death Plateau & Tempest Mountain! – Beartooth Mountains, Montana (9-4-20)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Want 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<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/em>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Days 1 & 2 of Lupe’s 4th Summer of 2020 Dingo Vacation to Montana & Wyoming! 9-2-20, early afternoon, Gillette, Wyoming – Well, phooey!\u00a0 This has been a complete waste of time.\u00a0 C’mon, Loop, let’s get out of here! Disappointing, but on to bigger and better things, SPHP! Absolutely, sweet puppy! SPHP turned onto I-90, … Continue reading Mystic Lake & Saddleback Mountain, Beartooth Mountains, Montana (9-3-20)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":31326,"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":[105,106,26,104,417,1361,1364,1365,1363,1362],"class_list":["post-31327","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-summer-of-2020","tag-american-dingo","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-lupe","tag-montana","tag-mystic-lake","tag-phantom-creek-trail-no-17","tag-prairieview-mountain","tag-saddleback-mountain","tag-west-rosebud-trailhead"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_7984.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\/31327","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=31327"}],"version-history":[{"count":40,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31327\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":33336,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31327\/revisions\/33336"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/31326"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=31327"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=31327"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=31327"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}