{"id":32030,"date":"2021-03-15T08:10:09","date_gmt":"2021-03-15T14:10:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=32030"},"modified":"2021-03-25T12:35:31","modified_gmt":"2021-03-25T18:35:31","slug":"black-hills-sd-expedition-no-265-custer-peak-peak-6600-2-3-21","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=32030","title":{"rendered":"Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 265 – Custer Peak & Peak 6600 (2-3-21)"},"content":{"rendered":"

8:28 AM, 41\u00baF, start of USFS Road No. 216.1, 0.5 mile SE of Custer Peak<\/em> – Bright and breezy when Lupe hopped out of the G6.\u00a0 Such a long time since she’d been here!\u00a0 Snow!\u00a0 Only yesterday, deadfall had been her bane on the way to Peak<\/span> 5316<\/span><\/a><\/strong> in the southern Black Hills.\u00a0 Snow was much more to the American Dingo’s liking.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Cool, clear, and breezy at the start of USFS Road No. 216.1. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

To what do I owe this great honor, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

What honor is that, Loop?<\/em><\/p>\n

2 Black Hills Expeditions in a row.\u00a0 Been forever since we’ve done that!<\/em><\/p>\n

Ahh!\u00a0 Easily explained.\u00a0 This is the last warm day before a long cold snap moves in.\u00a0 We’ve been spoiled!\u00a0 Real winter is on the way.\u00a0 Subzero every night!\u00a0 A few more days until it gets that bad, but the deterioration is supposed to start this evening with a chilly wind out of the NW.\u00a0 Sort of surprised at how breezy it is already.<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, whatever the reason, I’m glad we’re here!\u00a0 C’mon, SPHP, I’ll race you to the top!<\/em><\/p>\n

Heh.\u00a0 Might as well chalk another one up for the Carolina Dog right now.\u00a0 SPHP started the trudge WNW, snow crunching underpaw.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
C’mon, slowpoke!<\/em> Loopster with her usual early lead. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This was familiar territory.\u00a0 Looper’s 7th ascent of Custer Peak, in fact.\u00a0 Want the best views in the N central Black Hills?\u00a0 The under 2 mile road trek up to the fire lookout tower on Custer Peak<\/span><\/a> (6,804 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> is where to go.\u00a0 Dominant views of the entire region!\u00a0 Judging by how breezy it was down here, though, might be a gale up there today.<\/p>\n

For nearly a mile, USFS Road No. 216.1 gradually steepened as it curved NW on the way to the saddle between Peak 6600 and Custer Peak.\u00a0 The E face of Peak<\/span> 6600<\/span><\/a><\/strong> came into sight less than halfway there.\u00a0 It wasn’t until Lupe got to the saddle region that she had her first really good look at Custer Peak.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 6600<\/strong> comes into view early on. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Custer Peak<\/strong> from a knoll near the saddle leading to Peak 6600. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

USFS Road No. 216.1 curved sharply SSE shortly before Lupe got to the saddle.\u00a0 However, No. 216.2A continued right on up to the saddle, where SPHP was surprised to see a new outhouse.\u00a0 New in the 4.5 years since Lupe had last been here, that is.\u00a0 At the saddle, No. 216.2A turned toward Custer Peak.\u00a0 The road would go nearly all the way to the top.<\/p>\n

At SPHP’s insistence, Lupe paused early on the No. 216.2A trek for a good look at the NE face of Peak 6600.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 6600<\/strong> from USFS Road No. 216.2A. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Didn’t take Loopster long to get to where No. 216.2A approached the base of Custer Peak.\u00a0 From here, the road climbed steadily, ultimately completing a clockwise circuit of the entire mountain.\u00a0 The views were fabulous where unobstructed, as they were most of the way up.<\/p>\n

Terry Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,064 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> to the NW was the most impressive sight, but the Carolina Dog was happier on the E and S sides of the mountain, where she was protected from the gusty wind which continually strengthened as she gained elevation.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching Custer Peak<\/strong> on USFS Road No. 216.2A. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the much calmer E side of the mountain. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Getting close to the end of the road. Terry Peak<\/strong> (L). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No. 216.2A dead-ended 100 feet below the summit.\u00a0 Exposed to the wind, Lupe did not enjoy the path that switchbacked the rest of the way to the top.\u00a0 SPHP paused to examine a new plaque near the fire lookout tower, but the Carolina Dog was anxious to get out of the breeze.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Start of the short path that switchbacks to the summit. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The new information plaque near the lookout tower.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Come on, SPHP! Let’s get out of the wind!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The wind wasn’t all that terrible, but SPHP had to agree that life was more pleasant on the sunny E side of the lookout tower.\u00a0 To Loopster’s joy, this time SPHP hadn’t forgotten to bring the chocolate coconut bars.\u00a0 She curled up on SPHP’s lap, inhaling her share, then munched some Taste of the Wild.<\/p>\n

After a pleasant 10 or 15 minutes peacefully enjoying the views, it was time to brave the wind and take a few photos between major gusts.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The sunny E side of the lookout tower, where Loop and SPHP hung out for a bit. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 6380<\/span><\/strong> (L) in the foreground, and Bear Butte<\/span><\/a> (4,422 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (far L) in the distance. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Terry Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,064 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, framed between Deer Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,652 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Bald Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,617 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, was the big view, but Lupe could also see all the way S to Black Elk Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,231 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, and W to the limestone plateau country.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Deer Mountain<\/strong> (L), Terry Peak<\/strong> (Center), and Bald Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 6600<\/strong> (L of Center) in the foreground. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One or two laps around the lookout tower was about all the American Dingo was willing to put up with.\u00a0 She didn’t get any respite from the wind yet, though.\u00a0 After descending the tower steps, SPHP searched for the Custer survey benchmarks near the N side of the foundation.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Benchmark No. 2 near the NW corner of the lookout tower points E toward another marker 10 feet away.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
“Custer” survey benchmark dated 1925.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe’s Custer Peak tour concluded with a look at the views from a short ridge SW of the tower.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (far L) on the horizon. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 6600<\/strong> (Center) in the foreground. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

40 minutes!\u00a0 After a 4.5+ year absence, hardly seemed enough to do justice to Custer Peak, but the wind wouldn’t let up, and the Carolina Dog was anxious to go.\u00a0 Plenty more to do today, anyway, down where the breeze wouldn’t be so stiff.\u00a0 Lupe started her descent leaving the summit as she’d found it, bathed in sunshine and battered by the wind.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About to head down. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once back to the road, SPHP paused briefly for another look at Peak 6600, then it was on down around to the leeward side of the mountain.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 6600<\/strong> (Center) in the foreground. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

You sure seem interested in Peak 6600 today, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

That’s because that’s where we’re going next!<\/em><\/p>\n

We are?\u00a0 I thought we might be done with the wind and all.<\/em><\/p>\n

The wind’s not that bad, Loop, especially down below.\u00a0 More adventures in store!\u00a0 We’re going to climb Peak 6600, since it’s got such a fabulous view of Custer Peak, then head NW a few miles to climb Peak 6480<\/span><\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Peak 6480<\/span><\/strong>?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, another 300+ foot prominence peak from Lists of John<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0 Sort of been thinking maybe we ought to start working the 300+ foot prominence lists this year, since you’ve been to just about every named peak in the Black Hills that we can legally climb.\u00a0 Quite a few of them more than once.\u00a0 Gives us new places to explore!<\/em><\/p>\n

I’m all for exploring, SPHP!\u00a0 Sounds good!<\/em><\/p>\n

By the time Lupe got back around to the windy N side of Custer Peak, a line of gray clouds could be seen approaching from the NW.<\/p>\n

Wonder if that’s the lead edge of the front coming in, Loop?\u00a0 Didn’t think it was supposed to get here until this evening.\u00a0 Hope the wind doesn’t get too much stronger.<\/em><\/p>\n

Started out OK, but sure hasn’t warmed up any today, either, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Reaching the saddle leading to Peak 6600, Lupe left the road, plunging right into the dense, snowy forest.\u00a0 A 260 foot climb almost due S would get her up to the 6600 foot contour at the NW end of the summit ridge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
In the snowy forest, beginning the trek up Peak 6600.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As expected, the route steadily steepened.\u00a0 Some rocks, some deadfall, but mostly just trees and snow.\u00a0 Lupe had done this once before, nearly 6 years ago, and been rewarded with a fantastic view of Custer Peak.\u00a0 Best one possible, in fact, since Peak 6600 was the easily the highest point anywhere close to Custer Peak, and the summit ridge had a nice rocky spot where an unobstructed view could be obtained.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Any idea how much deeper this snow is going to get, SPHP?<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe wasn’t far from the top when the forest darkened.\u00a0 Overhead, the sky was now a soft gray.\u00a0 What happened to all the sunshine?\u00a0 Loop was right!\u00a0 Felt colder out, too.<\/p>\n

C’mon, Looper!\u00a0 The front must be here early!\u00a0 Let’s get up to where we can get a couple of nice shots of Custer Peak before the weather deteriorates any further.<\/em><\/p>\n

Didn’t take long.\u00a0 A few more minutes, and Loopster was there, standing in the cold wind on the rocky viewpoint at the NW end of Peak<\/span> 6600<\/span><\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

An hour had gone by since Lupe had left Custer Peak.\u00a0 What a change!\u00a0 Not only had all hint of sunshine utterly vanished, but a massive soft gray cloud hung low over everything.\u00a0 Only on the far horizon did a brighter line indicate the already distant edge of the monstrous cloud.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The rocky viewpoint at the NW end of Peak 6600’s summit ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Custer Peak was still in view, except for the top 50 or 100 feet, where fog was now streaming by.\u00a0 All in shadow now, instead of lovely sunshine, but nothing to be done about that.<\/p>\n

Be ready, Loopster!\u00a0 As soon as the fog clears from the summit, we’ll grab a quick photo of Custer Peak before things get any worse.<\/em><\/p>\n

Bad decision!\u00a0 Should have snapped one right away.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog was ready, but the summit didn’t clear even for an instant.\u00a0 Instead, the cloud suddenly swallowed the entire mountain.\u00a0 Moments later, even Black Elk Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,231 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, far to the S, was gone.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (Center) dimly on the horizon, moments before it vanished, too. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Oh, come on!\u00a0 Really?\u00a0 It’ll clear, if we have a bit of patience, Loop.\u00a0 Got to be a little break before too long.<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe seemed unconvinced, but was willing to curl up on SPHP’s lap for the warmth, if nothing else.\u00a0 Another chocolate coconut bar didn’t hurt a thing, either.<\/p>\n

No break in the cloud.\u00a0 Peak 6600 became an island in a gray oblivion, the only place left standing in the whole world.\u00a0 15 minutes ticked away.\u00a0 Tiny snowflakes filled the air.<\/p>\n

OooooK!\u00a0 Even I can take a hint, if ya knock me over the head with a 2 x 4!\u00a0 Custer Peak photo isn’t happening, Loop.\u00a0 Wha’dya say we go in search of the true summit of Peak 6600?\u00a0 After that we can see about Peak 6480<\/span><\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Best idea you’ve had in the last hour, SPHP!\u00a0 Let’s do it!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Final moments at the NW high point of Peak 6600<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The summit ridge dipped a bit as Lupe traveled SE along it.\u00a0 Pines and fog hid whatever was ahead until she was almost upon it.\u00a0 After going several hundred feet or more, a sizable rock formation appeared.\u00a0 Possibly the true summit, although no telling in this fog.<\/p>\n

Circling around to the SE, Loop found a spot where she could scramble to the top, which proved to be kind of a weird jagged area.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the jagged-topped true summit candidate. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nope!\u00a0 Not the true summit.\u00a0 Continuing SE only a little farther, Lupe went up a slope to definitely higher terrain.\u00a0 The American Dingo was almost at the SE end of the summit ridge.\u00a0 Congratulations were in order!\u00a0 SPHP was almost certain the elevated line of rock Lupe had reached was the true summit of Peak<\/span> 6600<\/span><\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
True summit of Peak 6600<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There didn’t seem to be any reason to linger on Peak 6600, especially if Loop still hoped to get to Peak 6480<\/span><\/strong> when the forecast was for steadily deteriorating conditions.\u00a0 A couple of minutes at the top, and Lupe was on her way down the S ridge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Starting down Peak 6600’s S ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Not too far to USFS Road No. 216.1!\u00a0 The descent went well, and in less than 0.25 mile, Lupe picked the road up again a little SE of a high point.\u00a0 (Point 6427<\/span><\/strong> on the topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a>)<\/em>\u00a0 Looper headed for it, reaching an open gate at the top in a thin fog and light snow.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At Point 6427<\/span><\/strong> on USFS Road No. 216.1. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Continuing NW on the snowy road, Lupe soon came to an intersection at a low spot.\u00a0 A map was posted here.\u00a0 SPHP took a look.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Snowmobile trail map posted along USFS Road No. 216.1.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What’s it say, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Nothing helpful to us, Looper.\u00a0 It’s a large scale snowmobile trail map.<\/em><\/p>\n

The way things are going, we’ll be needing a snowmobile before this is over.<\/em><\/p>\n

That had a ring of truth to it.\u00a0 SPHP looked down at the American Dingo standing patiently on the snowy road, earnestly returning SPHP’s gaze.\u00a0 All around, the forest was a mystery of fog and tiny swirling flakes.\u00a0 Treetops swayed in the wind, releasing occasional cascades of fresh accumulations.\u00a0 Snowing harder.\u00a0 Even Loop was starting to turn white.<\/p>\n

Not really that bad out.\u00a0 Barely cold enough for snow, but the temp was supposed to drop, the winds increase.\u00a0 Would it even be possible to find Peak 6480<\/span><\/strong> in the fog?\u00a0 Suppose Lupe did, what then?\u00a0 Not going to see a thing.<\/p>\n

What do you think, Loop?<\/em><\/p>\n

About?<\/em><\/p>\n

Call it, or go on?\u00a0 We can come back, and do Peak 6480<\/span><\/strong> another time.<\/em><\/p>\n

Awesome out here in the snowy woods, isn’t it, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Absolutely!\u00a0 But possibly pointless, too.\u00a0 Not sure it’s worth trying to go all the way to Peak 6480<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Might not recognize it, even if we find it.<\/em><\/p>\n

Whatever you want to do, SPHP!\u00a0 You know I’ll be there!<\/em><\/p>\n

Truer words never spoken.\u00a0 Not spoken now either, only conveyed by those completely trusting eyes.\u00a0 No sense in letting a friend like that catch pneumonia!<\/p>\n

So, Expedition No. 265 came to an early end.\u00a0 Part success, part failure.\u00a0 1.5 miles back to the G6.\u00a0 A beautiful time in fog and snow, enjoying winter’s silence and solitude together.\u00a0 (End 1:07 PM, 31\u00baF)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
USFS Road No. 216.1A<\/strong> near Peak 6600, Black Hills of South Dakota 2-3-21<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Links:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Next Black Hills Expedition<\/span><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Prior Black Hills Expedition<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0 Check out Lupe’s Black Hills, SD & WY\u00a0Expeditions\u00a0Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a>, <\/em>Master Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/a>, or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures<\/span><\/strong><\/a>!<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

8:28 AM, 41\u00baF, start of USFS Road No. 216.1, 0.5 mile SE of Custer Peak – Bright and breezy when Lupe hopped out of the G6.\u00a0 Such a long time since she’d been here!\u00a0 Snow!\u00a0 Only yesterday, deadfall had been her bane on the way to Peak 5316 in the southern Black Hills.\u00a0 Snow was … Continue reading Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 265 – Custer Peak & Peak 6600 (2-3-21)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":32004,"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":[6],"tags":[105,9,106,119,104,582,304],"class_list":["post-32030","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-black-hills","tag-american-dingo","tag-black-hills-expeditions","tag-carolina-dog","tag-custer-peak","tag-lupe","tag-peak-6600","tag-south-dakota"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_8945.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\/32030","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=32030"}],"version-history":[{"count":19,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32030\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":33228,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32030\/revisions\/33228"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/32004"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=32030"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=32030"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=32030"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}