{"id":33331,"date":"2021-05-14T08:10:56","date_gmt":"2021-05-14T14:10:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=33331"},"modified":"2021-05-24T09:43:34","modified_gmt":"2021-05-24T15:43:34","slug":"black-hills-sd-expedition-no-271-lowden-mountain-peak-6040-union-hill-3-28-21","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=33331","title":{"rendered":"Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 271 – Lowden Mountain, Peak 6040 & Union Hill (3-28-21)"},"content":{"rendered":"

8:52 AM, 41\u00baF, Newton Lake<\/em> – After a roll in the grass near Newton Lake, Lupe snorted then trotted across both Deerfield Road and the Mickelson Trail.\u00a0 Disappearing into the pines, she headed N up a short slope.<\/p>\n

Things had changed since the last time she’d been here.\u00a0 The forest had been thinned and groomed.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog passed neat tipis of slash destined for burning.\u00a0 Beyond the tipis, Lupe picked up USFS Road No. 389.1Q, which headed straight for Lowden Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,055 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading up the slope after crossing the highway. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Among the slash tipis.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lowden Mountain<\/strong> from USFS Road No. 389.1Q. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At the base of the mountain was a “T” intersection with USFS Road No. 389.1B.\u00a0 Abandoning both roads, Loopster started up Lowden’s S slope.\u00a0 She soon began coming to rock formations along a SE ridge.\u00a0 Union Hill<\/span><\/a> (6,120 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and a few others could be seen off to the E.\u00a0 Higher up, there was even a big view to the SW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Union Hill<\/strong> (L) from one of the first rock formations. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Higher up, looking SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The climb varied, featuring a series of rock formations, stretches of open forest, small clearings, and thickets of dog hair pines.\u00a0 Initially steep, the slope eventually diminished.\u00a0 Near the end, a sunny, open lane led to a collection of boulders at the top.<\/p>\n

Someone had built a tiny cairn on the summit rock.\u00a0 Lupe hopped up next to it.\u00a0 Lowden Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,055 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>!\u00a0 Oh, it was good to be back!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Exploring among the dog hair pines.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Near the top. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
This is it! The true summit of Lowden Mountain<\/strong>!<\/em> Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
More of the summit region. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A nice green patch of kinnikinnick was close to the true summit.\u00a0 SPHP took off the pack and sat down.<\/p>\n

More than 6 years since the last time we were here, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Hard to believe it, isn’t it, Looper?\u00a0 Glad we’re back!\u00a0 Always liked Lowden.<\/em><\/p>\n

We ought to have a celebration!<\/em><\/p>\n

Umm, yeah.\u00a0 What sort of celebration did you have in mind, sweet Dingo?<\/em><\/p>\n

Got any chocolate coconut bars in that pack, SPHP?\u00a0 I bet you do!<\/em><\/p>\n

Heh.\u00a0 Should have said sweet-tooth Dingo.\u00a0 Yes, just so happens that I do have a few chocolate coconut bars.\u00a0 Kind of early in the day for it, but OK.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the kinnikinnick carpet. True summit<\/strong> beyond Lupe. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The chocolate coconut bar met its match.\u00a0 Lupe stayed resting on SPHP’s lap.\u00a0 Two big views from here.\u00a0 Black Elk Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,231 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was the most impressive, but False North Point<\/span><\/a> (6,130 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Five Points<\/span><\/a> (6,221 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, and Union Hill were also of great interest.<\/p>\n

On Expedition No. 270, Lupe had climbed Five Points instead of False North Point due to SPHP’s navigation errors, and Union Hill might be in the cards today.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Union Hill<\/strong> (beyond Lupe) with False North Point<\/strong> (L) and Five Points<\/strong> (R) in the background. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Are we going to keep up our Lowden Mountain traditions, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, I think we should, if we wind up with enough time, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

I hope we do!\u00a0 What else is on the agenda?<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, remember how I messed up on our last expedition, and we never got to Peak<\/span> 6040<\/span><\/a><\/strong>?<\/em><\/p>\n

How can I forget?\u00a0 Of 3 peaks we were going to climb, we managed to get to 1.<\/em><\/p>\n

True dat, but we also got to Five Points as a nice consolation prize, even if it was unplanned.\u00a0 Anyway, we can take another stab at Peak 6040 from here.\u00a0 After that, who knows?\u00a0 Redfern Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,075 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Peak<\/span> 6167<\/span><\/a><\/strong> and Union Hill<\/span><\/a> (6,120 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> will all be in range depending on what direction we decide to go.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 6040<\/strong> is the near ridge at far R. Peak 6167<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One Lowden Mountain tradition, a visit to the somewhat lower W ridge, could be taken care of before Lupe left the mountain.\u00a0 After revisiting the summit boulder, she headed NW down a 12 foot slope into another region of dog hair pines.\u00a0 Forcing a way through, SPHP snap, crackled, and popped countless little branches following the American Dingo.<\/p>\n

Although several large trees marred the views, the W ridge featured the biggest rock formations on Lowden Mountain.\u00a0 Lupe always came out here to scramble around a little.\u00a0 From the right spot, it was possible to obtain a distant look at Signal Knob<\/span><\/a> (6,200 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and higher peaks beyond.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back at Lowden Mountain’s true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Out on the W ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Signal Knob<\/strong> (R of Center) is the low dome in the snowy field. Photo looks NW with help from the telephoto lens..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

45 minutes after arriving at Lowden Mountain’s summit, Lupe was on her way down the steep N slope.\u00a0 In some places the snow was nearly a foot deep, which was good because it gave SPHP some support.<\/p>\n

The slope diminished farther down the mountain.\u00a0 Lupe came to a more open stretch that was littered with deadfall.\u00a0 Working her way through it, she reached USFS Road No. 389.1K.\u00a0 Following the nearly level road E, then N, the Carolina Dog arrived at a junction with No. 389.1A.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Starting down Lowden Mountain’s N slope<\/strong>. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On USFS Road No. 389.1K. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the junction with No. 389.1A.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The branch of No. 389.1A that went E soon started winding downhill.\u00a0 The road turned N bringing Lupe to another intersection.\u00a0 Abandoned USFS Road No. 389.1L, marked only with a “No Motor Vehicles” wand, went E here disappearing into a small valley.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the W end of abandoned USFS Road No. 389.1L. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I remember this, SPHP!\u00a0 Isn’t this the way to the Gold Mountain Mine?<\/em><\/p>\n

Indeed, it is, Looper.\u00a0 We’re almost there!<\/em><\/p>\n

Less than 0.1 mile down No. 389.1L, the Gold Mountain Mine sat up on a hillside to the N.\u00a0 Lupe went up check it out.\u00a0 The main features were a big multi-story mill structure overlooking the valley, and a metal kiln or boiler supported by loose rock walls.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the Gold Mountain Mine<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Suppose there’s still any gold laying around here, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Not likely, Looper.\u00a0 In fact, stick close to me.\u00a0 Used to be a lot of broken glass, especially up by the boiler or kiln, or whatever that thing is.<\/em><\/p>\n

The Gold Mountain Mine had been partially restored.\u00a0 At least 7 plaques were on display.\u00a0 Lupe sniffed about nearby while SPHP had a look at some of them.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Preserving the past.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The Gold Mountain mill.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Another look at the mill. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Up by the boiler or kiln(?) Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Still some broken glass around, but not as much as there used to be.<\/em> Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Where the gold came from.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Pans and placers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
There used to be a bunny living in this contraption!<\/em> Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Hard rock mining.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The Gold Mountain Mine<\/strong> can be seen from Lowden Mountain<\/strong> (R)!<\/em> Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe’s visit to the Gold Mountain Mine kept another Lowden Mountain tradition intact.\u00a0 Always fun to see it, but Loopster was more likely to get shards of glass in her paws than nuggets of gold.\u00a0 A quick visit, and SPHP encouraged the American Dingo to move along.\u00a0 Down a slope to the SE was a frozen pond, and a nice view of Union Hill<\/span><\/a> (6,120 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Union Hill<\/strong> (L of Center) from the pond SE of the Gold Mountain Mine. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Burnt Fork Road (USFS Road No. 389)<\/em> was visible on the far side of the valley below the pond.\u00a0 Reaching the road, SPHP turned NE following it up another valley.<\/p>\n

SPHP!\u00a0 Wait!\u00a0 Aren’t we going to climb Union Hill?\u00a0 We’re real close to it!<\/em><\/p>\n

Umm, I don’t know, Loop.\u00a0 Thought we better get that pesky Peak 6040 out of the way first, since we’ve never been to it before.\u00a0 Don’t want to fail for the 2nd expedition running, do we?\u00a0 Besides, by tagging Peak 6040 first, we can keep our options open on where to go next.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Guess we’re going this way!<\/em> On Burnt Fork Road. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

0.5 mile up Burnt Fork Road it turned E going over a pass.\u00a0 SPHP stopped to consult the topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

That’s odd!\u00a0 Believe we’re a little N of HP5772<\/span><\/strong>, but the map doesn’t show the road going this way.<\/em><\/p>\n

So, what do you propose, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

No more than 0.67 mile to Peak<\/span> 6040<\/span><\/a><\/strong> from here, if I’m right.\u00a0 Looks like easy terrain according to the map.\u00a0 Let’s just go for it!<\/em><\/p>\n

Heading NNE through the forest, Lupe soon came to a minor high point.\u00a0 A considerably higher ridge was visible to the NE.\u00a0 Didn’t look all that far away.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
That must be Peak 6040<\/strong>!<\/em> Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Getting to Peak 6040 was harder than it looked. \u00a0Beyond the first high spot, Lupe crossed 2 drainages, losing 30 or 40 feet of elevation both times. The terrain was easy, but the deadfall was icky.\u00a0 The uphill SW slopes of the ridges separating the drainages weren’t bad, but the rest of the trek was full of it.\u00a0 The NE downslopes and bottoms of the ravines were particularly clogged.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Crossing the first drainage. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On a SW upslope, a super highway by comparison. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One more ridge and valley to go just to get to the base of Peak 6040.\u00a0 This valley was deeper than the others, and also loaded with deadfall.\u00a0 Lupe lost twice as much elevation.\u00a0 Took a while, but once the American Dingo got across this last valley she was past the worst of the deadfall.\u00a0 Only a 250 foot climb remained.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Getting there! Peak 6040<\/strong> dead ahead! Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Still some deadfall on Peak 6040’s SW slope, but not enough to prevent Lupe from weaving through it all without much trouble.\u00a0 She was soon approaching the summit, with nice views back to the SW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Almost there!<\/em> Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Along the upper rim. Union Hill<\/strong> (L) and Lowden Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1:40 PM, 58\u00baF<\/em> – Peak 6040’s summit region was big, grassy, and littered with deadfall.\u00a0 Not too pretty!\u00a0 A collection of 5 foot tall rocks stood on end near the NE edge, one of two possible true summit locations.\u00a0 The other high point was NW of where Loopster came up among some low rock outcroppings.<\/p>\n

Without bothering to go to either true summit candidate, Lupe and SPHP picked a sunny spot along the SW edge and sat down.\u00a0 A cool breeze blew out of the W.<\/p>\n

Chocolate coconut bar time, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Absolutely, sweet-tooth Dingo of mine!<\/em><\/p>\n

The chocolate coconut bar survived 10 seconds, followed by Taste of the Wild and water.\u00a0 SPHP ate an apple.\u00a0 Peak 6040’s summit might have a case of the uglies, but the views were really nice!\u00a0 For half an hour, Loop and SPHP relaxed in the breeze, basking in bright sunshine.<\/p>\n

Well, Loop, if we’re going to do anything else today, we better get with it!<\/em><\/p>\n

Ready when you are, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

A brand new 4 foot high, 4-sided skinny stick stuck up out of the ground 20 feet N of where Lupe had been resting.\u00a0 Little metal tags near the top of each side had stampings indicating that this was some sort of a survey marker.\u00a0 Peak 6040’s NW high point was another 15 feet NW.\u00a0 Looper got up on the highest rocks.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the NW high point<\/strong>, possibly the true summit. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Same spot. Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (L) and Union Hill<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After visiting the NW high point, Lupe went over to the SE one where the rocks were standing on end.\u00a0 The highest rock, only a few inches taller than some of the others, provided a precariously narrow perch.\u00a0 Perhaps the true summit, but SPHP couldn’t tell for sure.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the SE high point. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the skinny, possibly true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Less than 2 miles away, Peak<\/span> 6167<\/span><\/a><\/strong> was visible to the NNE.\u00a0 Might be the Carolina Dog’s next destination, but a trek through who knew how much deadfall suddenly seemed potentially ill-advised.\u00a0 Nearly 2 miles of it would be horrendous.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 6167<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Peak 6040’s summit ridge extended several hundred feet farther SE.\u00a0 This region was slightly lower, narrower, and more heavily forested.\u00a0 Abandoning the Peak 6167 idea for the moment, Lupe explored way out to the very end before finally coming to a viewpoint.<\/p>\n

Beyond Marshall Gulch was a terrific look at the region Loop had visited on Expedition No. 270.\u00a0 False North Point<\/span><\/a> (6,130 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, True North Point, and Five Points<\/span><\/a> (6,221 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> were all lined up in a row.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
False North Point<\/strong> (L), True North Point<\/strong> (Center), and Five Points<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2:43 PM, 58\u00baF<\/em> – The Carolina Dog’s hour on Peak 6040 was over.\u00a0 Lupe was back at her initial rest spot along the SW edge.\u00a0 SPHP stood gazing S still trying to figure out what peaks those were in the distance between Union Hill and Zimmer Ridge<\/span><\/a><\/strong> (6,600 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Union Hill<\/strong> (L) and Zimmer Ridge<\/strong> (R). Photo looks S with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Where to next, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, what do you think, Loop?\u00a0 Options are Peak 6167, Redfern Mountain, and Union Hill.\u00a0 Doubt we’ll have time enough to complete your Lowden Mountain traditions if we choose 6167 or Redfern.\u00a0 Could probably still do it if you want to go to Union Hill, though.<\/em><\/p>\n

Carolina Dogs aren’t fussy.\u00a0 Any of these choices would have been fine with Loop.\u00a0 SPHP too, for that matter.\u00a0 The Lowden Mountain traditions won out in the end.\u00a0 A last glance at the views from Peak 6040, and Lupe was heading back down the SW slope.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Guess we’re heading for Union Hill<\/strong> (R) after all!<\/em> Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (L). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Heading down Peak 6040’s SW slope<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Upon reaching the valley, Lupe turned S following it lower, a maneuver that avoided most of the wretched deadfall.\u00a0 She saw several deer before leaving the valley to cut SW across gentle terrain in an open forest, and soon arrived back at USFS Road No. 389 only a short distance NW of a junction with No. 389.1O.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back on USFS Road No. 389. No. 389.1O takes off to the R just ahead. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the N end of USFS Road No. 389.1O. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No. 389.1O was a shortcut that went S up over a gentle pass.\u00a0 Entering the next valley, the road turned SE going down to another intersection with USFS Roads No. 389 and No. 254.\u00a0 Looper followed No. 389 SW to the base of Union Hill.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On USFS Road No. 389 again, which turns to the R at the snowy spot just ahead. No. 254 is seen veering off to the L. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Start of the last snowy stretch of USFS Road No. 389. Union Hill<\/strong> directly ahead. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Leaving No. 389, Lupe began her ascent of Union Hill.\u00a0 Upon reaching the top of the mountain’s NE shoulder, she came to a road that wound W practically all the way to the summit.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the top. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4:16 PM, 57\u00baF, Union Hill<\/em> – The light was beautiful when Lupe reached the E end of Union Hill’s summit ridge.\u00a0 Long and gently rounded, the ridge ran E\/W, a mix of long grass and nicely-spaced tall pines.\u00a0 Would have been comfortably warm out, but a gusty 10 to 15 mph breeze out of the NW made it feel a bit cool.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the E end of Union Hill’s summit ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The true summit was near the W end.\u00a0 Lupe paused to enjoy a gorgeous view of Black Elk Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,231 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Sylvan Hill<\/span><\/a> (7,000 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> on the way there.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (L of Center) and Sylvan Hill<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Someone had carted a bench swing and metal patio chairs up here.\u00a0 The true summit, marked by a wooden post sticking up out of a loose cairn, was just beyond the chairs.\u00a0 The post was clearly the same one that had been here more than 6 years ago.\u00a0 Tiny bits of the peeling red paint that had been on it then still remained.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On Union Hill<\/strong>. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After visiting the true summit, SPHP thought taking advantage of the bench swing might be fun.\u00a0 Lupe hopped up next to SPHP, but leapt off a moment later.<\/p>\n

What is that thing, SPHP?\u00a0 It’s making me sea-sick!<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, come on!\u00a0 It’s just a swing!\u00a0 A rather nice amenity, if you ask me.<\/em><\/p>\n

I’m not asking you, SPHP!\u00a0 I’m telling you it makes me sick.\u00a0 Besides, it’s facing into the wind, and I don’t care for that much, either.<\/em><\/p>\n

The swing has a grand view of Peak 6040!<\/em><\/p>\n

Been there, done that!\u00a0 Why don’t we get down out of the breeze where we can ponder the fabulous view to the S instead?\u00a0 By the way, we’ve made it to Union Hill<\/span><\/a> (6,120 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, so isn’t it about chocolate coconut bar time again?\u00a0 You’re holding out on me!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 6040<\/strong> (Center) and Peak 6167<\/strong> (R) from Union Hill. Photo looks N with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (L) and Sylvan Hill<\/strong> (R) from the point of the last chocolate coconut bar’s demise. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Union Hill was a great spot, but time waits for no Dingo.\u00a0 Lupe couldn’t linger too long, if she intended to complete her last Lowden Mountain tradition.\u00a0 40 minutes after arriving, she again stood in the breeze next to the summit post.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Union Hill true summit<\/strong>. Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

Union Hill’s NW slope was steepish with some deadfall, but not too bad.\u00a0 The worst of the deadfall was near a saddle reached after the first leg of the descent.\u00a0 Heading down into the valley to the N, Looper eventually picked up part of USFS Road No. 389.1N.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On USFS Road No. 389.1N. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No. 389.1N soon headed off in the wrong direction.\u00a0 Turning W, Lupe left it, continuing down the valley.<\/p>\n

Her Union Hill descent ended upon reaching Burnt Fork Road.\u00a0 A 0.25 mile trek N brought the American Dingo to USFS Road No. 389.1L SE of the Gold Mountain Mine.\u00a0 Loop paused briefly by the frozen pond before hurrying on, by-passing the mine.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the frozen pond again. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Trotting along the winding roads, Lupe retraced her morning route.\u00a0 Soon she was heading up Lowden Mountain’s N slope.<\/p>\n

6:44 PM, 50\u00baF, Lowden Mountain –<\/em> The sun still hovered barely above the horizon when Loopster reached the summit boulder again.\u00a0 Success!\u00a0 All traditions complete!\u00a0 Lupe had been to Lowden Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,055 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> in 2013 and 2014.\u00a0 On both occasions she had climbed it twice on the same day, and now she had just done it again in 2021.\u00a0 Only 3 days on Lowden Mountain, but 6 ascents!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back at Lowden Mountain’s summit<\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This was the only place where Lupe had a goofy tradition like that, yet it seemed fitting to have kept it despite the passage of so many years.\u00a0 She didn’t stay long, less than half an hour.\u00a0 Yet before the Carolina Dog left, the evening sun suddenly broke through the clouds.\u00a0 To the E, False North Point, Union Hill, and Five Points stood all aglow.<\/p>\n

For a few moments, Lupe did, too, high on old friend Lowden Mountain.\u00a0 (End 8:09 PM, 42\u00baF)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lowden Mountain<\/strong>, 2nd ascent of the day, Black Hills of South Dakota 3-28-21<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

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

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 107 – Lowden Mountain & Union Hill (12-6-14)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/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><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

8:52 AM, 41\u00baF, Newton Lake – After a roll in the grass near Newton Lake, Lupe snorted then trotted across both Deerfield Road and the Mickelson Trail.\u00a0 Disappearing into the pines, she headed N up a short slope. Things had changed since the last time she’d been here.\u00a0 The forest had been thinned and groomed.\u00a0 … Continue reading Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 271 – Lowden Mountain, Peak 6040 & Union Hill (3-28-21)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":33323,"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":[105,9,106,562,564,104,777,304,563],"class_list":["post-33331","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-gold-mountain-mine","tag-lowden-mountain","tag-lupe","tag-peak-6040","tag-south-dakota","tag-union-hill"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/IMG_9424.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\/33331","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=33331"}],"version-history":[{"count":37,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33331\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34168,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33331\/revisions\/34168"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/33323"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=33331"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=33331"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=33331"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}