{"id":33450,"date":"2021-05-19T08:10:40","date_gmt":"2021-05-19T14:10:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=33450"},"modified":"2022-04-23T10:24:10","modified_gmt":"2022-04-23T16:24:10","slug":"black-hills-sd-expedition-no-272-centennial-trail-no-89-iron-creek-horse-camp-to-badger-hole-4-1-21","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=33450","title":{"rendered":"Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 272 – Centennial Trail No. 89: Iron Creek Horse Camp to Badger Hole (4-1-21)"},"content":{"rendered":"

8:29 AM, 32\u00baF, Centennial Trail No. 89, Iron Creek Horse Camp trailhead<\/em> –<\/p>\n

SPHP!\u00a0 Quiet!\u00a0 Don’t move!\u00a0 A mountain lion!<\/em><\/p>\n

A lion!\u00a0 Here at the trailhead?\u00a0 Where?<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP glanced around.\u00a0 Nothing.<\/p>\n

Hah!\u00a0 Made you look!\u00a0 April Fools!<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, you’re a riot, silly Dingo!\u00a0 C’mon, it’s a bit of a trek.\u00a0 If we want to have time to climb a couple of side peaks along the way, we better get moving.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A mountain Dingo, but no mountain lions, at the Iron Creek Horse Camp trailhead. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Destined for Badger Hole, Lupe left the Iron Creek Horse Camp trailhead heading S on Centennial Trail No. 89<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0 At least temporarily, spring had sprung!\u00a0 Chilly this morning, but supposed to get as warm as a day in mid-May later on.\u00a0 The trail still had a few icy stretches as Lupe followed it up a gentle valley.\u00a0 Soon she was passing scenic granite formations while approaching a minor pass.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Exciting stuff! We’re hunting badgers today! This trail leads to their hole!<\/em> Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
An icy stretch as the trail winds into the forest. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Passing granite formations. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beyond the pass was another gentle valley.\u00a0 A side trail soon appeared on the L.\u00a0 This was the spur to Centennial Trail No. 89’s official Iron Creek trailhead, which was different from the unofficial trailhead near the horse camp.\u00a0 Lupe went on by the spur, sticking with the main trail.\u00a0 Within a couple of minutes, the main trail turned R.\u00a0 A sign said it was 7 miles to Legion Lake.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Junction with the official Iron Creek trailhead spur. (Sign on L.) Lupe kept going straight (R). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the Legion Lake sign. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Heading SW through the forest over a little rise, the trail quickly brought Looper to Needles Hwy No. 87.\u00a0 Across the highway, a closed gate over a side road could be seen a few hundred feet away.\u00a0 When Lupe got to the gate, Centennial Trail No. 89 took off to the L.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Crossing Needles Hwy No. 87. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
L of the gate where the trail leaves the side road. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From the gate, Centennial Trail No. 89 went up a to minor ridge offering the first somewhat distant view of the day, several forested hills.\u00a0 Lupe crossed a dirt road that ran along the ridgeline, and started down into the next valley.\u00a0 Passing big granite formations on the L, she arrived at “Badger Gate”, a couple of granite nodes the trail went between.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
First distant views from the minor ridge. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At Badger Gate<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From Badger Gate, the trail continued down to a tiny creek, a tributary of Grace Coolidge Creek.\u00a0 Off to the L (SE), a big field occupied the valley floor, but the trail didn’t enter it.\u00a0 Crossing a few boards that bridged the tiny creek, Lupe had a view of the field as Centennial Trail No. 89 wound along a hillside staying in or near the trees.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Crossing the tiny tributary of Grace Coolidge Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail went up a slight rise before descending into a narrower part of the valley right on down to Coolidge Creek itself.\u00a0 The stream was frozen over.\u00a0 Centennial Trail No. 89 headed up the shady valley, never straying far from Coolidge Creek and crossing it twice.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading down into the upper Coolidge Creek valley<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
By Coolidge Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
In the shady Coolidge Creek valley<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After the second Coolidge Creek crossing, Centennial Trail No. 89 began climbing out of the valley.\u00a0 Lupe came to a region of exposed granite on the way to a broad, forested ridge.\u00a0 Climbing more gradually, an old road led to a sunny open area which appeared to have been logged off some years ago.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the exposed granite. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the broad forested ridge. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Entering the open region. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The open region was huge!\u00a0 Despite a few dips, the road went on and on, still gaining elevation.\u00a0 Black Elk Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,231 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was in view off to the NW.\u00a0 Smaller hills could be seen in almost every direction.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Didn’t expect to see so much open territory!<\/em> Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking back to the NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After a sunny mile or so, Centennial Trail No. 89 re-entered the forest.\u00a0 The trees had been thinned here, too.\u00a0 Big granite outcroppings were visible nearby.\u00a0 The trail dipped going around the W side of an especially tall formation.\u00a0 12 minutes later, Lupe made a discovery.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
In the open forest. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Heading into the dip. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP!\u00a0 Look!\u00a0 A monster!<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, yeah right, Miss April Fools!<\/em><\/p>\n

Turned out she was right!\u00a0 This time the American Dingo wasn’t fooling!\u00a0 The Claw was lurking just ahead.\u00a0 Peak<\/span> 5880<\/span><\/a><\/strong> was visible beyond it.\u00a0 Lupe would have to go right past The Claw, if she wanted to get there.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5880<\/strong> (Center). The Claw<\/strong> (R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Fortunately, The Claw was acting none too lively.\u00a0 It appeared to have been lurking here for so long that it had forgotten why.\u00a0 Slipping past it was no great feat at all.\u00a0 Soon the Carolina Dog was closing in on Peak 5880.\u00a0 Centennial Trail No. 89 was heading right for it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By The Claw<\/strong>, which seemed comatose.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peakbagging time coming up!<\/em> Peak 5880<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When the trail got to the N side of Peak 5880, it curved SE along its base.\u00a0 Peak<\/span> 5880<\/span><\/a><\/strong> was a chance to do a little peakbagging.\u00a0 In fact, Lupe had climbed it once before only a couple of years ago.\u00a0 The American Dingo left the trail where it got closest to a saddle 0.2 mile SE of the summit.<\/p>\n

Snow, slash, and various chunks of wood left by loggers to contend with, but overall, getting up to the saddle wasn’t all that hard.\u00a0 From here, Lupe enjoyed a distant view of Northeast Cicero Peak<\/span><\/a> (6,240 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Off-trail, approaching the saddle. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the saddle. Northeast Cicero Peak<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The climb along the SE ridge to the summit was much harder, partly since it was steeper, but mainly due to copious quantities of deadfall.\u00a0 The ridge finally leveled out, though, and Lupe came to a platform of rock overlooking a last slash-filled gap leading to the summit.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Almost there! Peak 5880 summit<\/strong> (L). Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

11:58 AM, 58\u00baF, Peak 5880<\/em> – Lupe stood on one of the highest rocks, then it was time for a break.\u00a0 Peak 5880’s cramped summit region had enough room to allow the Carolina Dog to relax practically right next to the true summit rock, but not to move around much.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5880 summit<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Is it lunch time yet, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Practically on the dot, Loopster!\u00a0 You hungry, thirsty?<\/em><\/p>\n

Thirsty?\u00a0 Not really.\u00a0 Been eating snow.\u00a0 Not that hungry yet, either, but if you happen to have a chocolate coconut bar in that pack, it would go down pretty easy right about now!<\/em><\/p>\n

You don’t say!\u00a0 As always, I presume.\u00a0 Well, I’ll see what I can do.<\/em><\/p>\n

The chocolate coconut bar supply took a hit, and minor shrinkage of the Taste of the Wild supply occurred, too.\u00a0 SPHP slowly munched an apple.\u00a0 Off to the E were a couple of ridges Lupe had climbed once upon a time, Peak<\/span> 5647<\/span><\/a><\/strong> and Peak<\/span> 5733<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, but that was about it for views due to the big pines that were providing all the shade.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5647<\/strong> (L) and Peak 5733<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Loop and SPHP lollygagged up by the true summit well after the apple no longer existed, but there was a limit to how long that could go on.<\/p>\n

Not a bad spot, but never really thought we would ever be back here, did you, Looper?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, it doesn’t bother me coming back to the same places again, SPHP!\u00a0 A new experience every time!\u00a0 You never know what might be different.<\/em><\/p>\n

True enough, but that’s not what I meant.\u00a0 This just seems like an out of the way place.\u00a0 If it weren’t for Centennial Trail No. 89 bringing us right past Peak 5880, we probably would have kept busy with other stuff, and never been back.<\/em><\/p>\n

I’m glad we’ve returned, SPHP, but maybe we ought to have a look around, since this might be it for Peak 5880 the way you talk!<\/em><\/p>\n

Good idea!\u00a0 We’re still miles from Badger Hole, so let’s do that, then head back to the trail.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Don’t listen to SPHP! If you enjoy climbing mountains, Peak 5880<\/strong> is worth the side trip!<\/em> Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Out on the short, rocky N ridge. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Summit from the start of the N ridge. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After venturing out onto the steep, rocky N ridge, Lupe had to go back over the summit and downclimb a bit to explore a larger, flatter area to the S.\u00a0 Not much to be seen since this region was densely forested, but Loop did get a glimpse of Mount Coolidge<\/span><\/a> (6,023 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> to the S.\u00a0 Off to the SW, Custer Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,089 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Peak<\/span> 6040<\/span><\/a><\/strong> were visible beyond Stockade Lake.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Coolidge<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Stockade Lake<\/strong> is still frozen!<\/em> Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Custer Mountain<\/strong> (L) and Peak 6040<\/strong> (Center) beyond Stockade Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks SW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Peak 5880 had been a fun break.\u00a0 Having seen what there was to see, Loopster returned to Centennial Trail No. 89 by essentially the same route she had come up.\u00a0 Leaving Peak 5880 behind, the trail curved NE beginning to lose elevation.\u00a0 A turn to the R (E) following a different dirt road led down to a low spot in a wide valley.<\/p>\n

Loop was now in the upper reaches of the Little Squaw Creek valley, but so far up it that there was no sign of a creek.\u00a0 Centennial Trail No. 89 went around the N side of a fenced area, turned S, and began to climb.\u00a0 Lupe soon came to a pass with massive granite walls on the L (E).<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Going around the fence down in the Little Squaw Creek valley<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the next pass. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The next valley, also dry, was part of the Galena Creek drainage system.\u00a0 Huge granite formations E of the trail eventually disappeared as Lupe kept going.\u00a0 The valley widened, and became quite grassy and flat.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Upper reaches of the Galena Creek drainage<\/strong>. Dry as a bone here! Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

10 minutes from the pass, the trail divided at a well-signed junction.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog had a choice.\u00a0 Take the trail veering off to the L (SE), which was the shortest route to Badger Hole, or stay farther W continuing S down the valley?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sign for the short route. Only 1.5 miles to Badger Hole this way! Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The long way. 2.5 miles to Badger Hole. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Any preference, SPHP?\u00a0 I’d sort of like to catch a badger as soon as possible!<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, doesn’t that sound like fun?\u00a0 A badger – Dingo fight!\u00a0 However, the short route goes partway up Peak<\/span> 5733<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, and I’d like to save that for later on the way back.\u00a0 Take the long route, please.<\/em><\/p>\n

Siding with the badger, are you, SPHP?\u00a0 Giving it a reprieve?\u00a0 Fine!\u00a0 Just dandy!\u00a0 Only temporary, I assure you.\u00a0 As you wish, the long route it is!<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe continued straight.\u00a0 The valley went on and on, soon narrowing and winding.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog journeyed through both grasslands and open forest.\u00a0 A micro-tributary of Galena Creek eventually materialized.\u00a0 In shady regions, sometimes there was still some slushy ice or snow.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Continuing down the valley. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The American Dingo must have been nearly 1.5 miles from the last pass she’d gone over when traffic could be heard ahead.\u00a0 Centennial Trail No. 89 went by a house as it reached Hwy 16A.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Near the S end of the valley. Hwy 16A just ahead. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the house next to Hwy 16A. Centennial Trail No. 89 on the L. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Unlike the Needles Hwy much earlier in the day, Hwy 16A was busy.\u00a0 Loop had to wait for a chance to cross safely.\u00a0 Galena Creek was down in the ditch on the other side.\u00a0 A couple of boards provided a bridge, but the creek was so small even SPHP could have just stepped across if they hadn’t been there.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Safely over on the S side of Hwy 16A. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Crossing Galena Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once over Galena Creek, Centennial Trail No. 89 began a steady climb through a forested area.\u00a0 Lupe gained 200+ feet of elevation before the trail leveled out again at a field.\u00a0 Mount Coolidge<\/span><\/a> (6,023 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0was directly ahead, not looking all that much higher.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Regaining elevation S of Hwy 16A. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mount Coolidge<\/strong> (Center) from the field. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Mount Coolidge looked so close, that SPHP considered taking it on.\u00a0 Only a passing thought.\u00a0 Appearances were deceiving.\u00a0 The actual summit was higher than what could be seen from here.\u00a0 Furthermore, it turned out that there was a deep ravine between this field and the mountain.\u00a0 Upon reaching the edge of the ravine, Centennial Trail No. 89 curved SE, then E, following the upper rim of the ravine lower.<\/p>\n

Losing all the elevation she had just regained and more, Lupe ended up down in Sheep Draw where a square stand of aspens stood enclosed within a fence.\u00a0 An off-trail shortcut could have been taken directly to Badger Hole from here, but Loopster stuck with the trail as it turned SE again heading up to yet another pass.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
In Sheep Draw<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The last pass was a minor one.\u00a0 Lupe was soon over it and down in a low spot in the next valley.\u00a0 Centennial Trail No. 89 turned SW starting to climb again, but Lupe didn’t need to that way.\u00a0 She had reached the spur trail to the Badger Hole trailhead, now only 0.5 mile away.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Start of the spur trail to the Badger Hole trailhead. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Closing in on Badger Hole. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3:05 PM, 62\u00baF, Centennial Trail No. 89, Badger Hole trailhead<\/em> –<\/p>\n

Lupe sniffed in vain.<\/p>\n

Unbelievable, SPHP!\u00a0 Take the long way you said!\u00a0 You deliberately gave the badger time to escape!\u00a0 What I don’t understand is how the badger managed to take even its hole with it!\u00a0 Not a whiff of badger or hole left!<\/em><\/p>\n

Sorry, Loopster!\u00a0 Don’t ask me!\u00a0 How am I supposed to know where the badger or its hole went?\u00a0 You see the sign!\u00a0 No doubt about it, this is the right place!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Well, looks like that cowardly badger is forfeiting! This is Dingo Hole<\/strong> trailhead from now on!<\/em> Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Wait a minute, SPHP!\u00a0 What does that other sign over by the hill say?<\/em><\/p>\n

Badger Clark Memorial<\/strong><\/a><\/span>, Open 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Memorial Day to Labor Day.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At Badger Hole<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Oh, so that’s the badger’s game, is it?\u00a0 Holed up in a castle on the hill until Memorial Day, aye?<\/em><\/p>\n

Apparently so!\u00a0 See, it didn’t make any difference which route we took as far as the badger is concerned.\u00a0 Busy hibernating or something until summer.<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, phooey!\u00a0 Tricky, scaredy-cat badger!\u00a0 Doesn’t dare come out until I’m safely away on my summer Dingo Vacations!<\/em><\/p>\n

Must be one brainy badger, Loopster!\u00a0 Nothing we can do about it.\u00a0 C’mon, Legion Lake isn’t far from here.\u00a0 Let’s go have a chocolate coconut bar break there.<\/em><\/p>\n

Nothing to take one’s mind off a slippery badger like a chocolate coconut bar!\u00a0 Lupe headed NW on the road to Legion Lake, and was soon there.\u00a0 The bar was devoured along the shore near the spillway.\u00a0 This time the chocolate coconut bar functioned as a mere appetizer.\u00a0 A healthy helping of Taste of the Wild got crunched up, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The chocolate coconut bar met the same fate here meant for the badger! Delicious!<\/em> Legion Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Strolling along the NE shore of the lake, Mount Coolidge was once again in sight.\u00a0 Lupe came to a sandy beach.\u00a0 Amazingly, even though most of Legion Lake was still covered with ice, a couple of crazy Canadians were out there swimming!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Coolidge<\/strong> (Center) from Legion Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Show-offs!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In no big rush, Loop and SPHP ambled on past the Legion Lake Lodge<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0 Closed now, but that would change.\u00a0 Tourist season was due to kick off with Custer State Park’s free weekend the week before Memorial Day.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Near the Legion Lake Lodge<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3:32 PM, 60\u00baF, Legion Lake in Custer State Park<\/em> – Getting sort of late in the day with such a long way back to the Iron Creek Horse Camp.\u00a0 Better head out!\u00a0 Crossing Hwy 16A, Lupe and SPHP startled a herd of deer grazing in the Legion Lake campground<\/span><\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

The campground was closed, but Loopster trotted through it.\u00a0 No sign, but way at the far NW end was the start of the E side of the loop that went back to the trail junction where SPHP had advised the American Dingo to take the long route to Badger Hole.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Leaving the campground. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP wasn’t sure if this was even officially part of Centennial Trail No. 89.\u00a0 No brown “89” wands here.\u00a0 Unnumbered blue diamonds on the trees marked the route.\u00a0 The trail started up a little valley, but was soon climbing toward a ridgeline on the R (NE).<\/p>\n

Easily the steepest route of the day, except for Lupe’s side jaunt up Peak 5880.\u00a0 SPHP stopped frequently to gasp for air.\u00a0 Reaching the ridgeline did nothing to slow the rate of ascent as the trail began curving W.\u00a0 Mount Coolidge<\/span><\/a> (6,023 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> looked a lot higher from here.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Coolidge<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After gaining hundreds of feet of elevation, the trail began to level out as it headed SW traversing a steep slope.\u00a0 The trail was just beginning to turn NW when Lupe reached its high point by a number of big rocks with tree-broken views.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Traversing the steep slope. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the trail’s high point. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe had been here had been nearly 9 years ago, sometime back in 2012.\u00a0 Directly ahead, the trail started down again at a good clip.\u00a0 SPHP couldn’t remember exactly where it went, maybe even up to a higher spot farther on, but one way or another it would get the Carolina Dog back to the same Centennial Trail junction she had been at earlier.<\/p>\n

Decision time, Looper!\u00a0 Want to stick with the trail, or climb Peak<\/span> 5733<\/span><\/a><\/strong>?<\/em><\/p>\n

If we have time, let’s climb!<\/em><\/p>\n

Heading up a steep, rocky S ridge, SPHP was a little afraid that it might become impassable.\u00a0 It didn’t.\u00a0 Lupe reached a level spot where a short break was taken.\u00a0 Consulting the topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, it appeared the summit was still nearly 0.33 mile due N and 200 feet higher.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Climbing the S ridge. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the level spot where a short break was taken. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Actually farther than that the way the ridge went.\u00a0 Lupe followed the ridge as it now turned NW.\u00a0 She was soon approaching a significant high point that she really didn’t need to climb.\u00a0 Traversing a steep, thickly forested slope, the Carolina Dog managed to skirt E of the high point to reach a saddle SW of the summit.<\/p>\n

This saddle featured a couple of dramatic knobs of granite.\u00a0 Lupe got up on one of them just for fun.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the saddle SW of Peak 5733’s summit<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Deadfall and slash!\u00a0 Wasn’t that far from the saddle to the summit, but it was a typical slow trek through the wreckage.\u00a0 Lupe paused for views once or twice on the way.\u00a0 When she finally got to the top of Peak<\/span> 5733<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, she leapt onto the true summit rock to claim her peakbagging success, then it was time for a break.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (L of Center), as seen on the way up Peak 5733. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Success! At the true summit of Peak 5733<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Break time.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5:14 PM, 55\u00baF, Peak 5733<\/em> – Breezy up here, for the first time today.\u00a0 The last chocolate coconut bar and apple met their fates.\u00a0 Quiet, serene.\u00a0 This was another minor unnamed peak that SPHP had never expected Lupe to return to, yet here she was.<\/p>\n

Looper and SPHP sat together for a while, taking in the big view off to the NW.\u00a0 Omnipresent Black Elk Peak<\/span><\/a> (<\/span><\/strong>7,231 ft.)<\/strong><\/span>, plus Cathedral Spires<\/span><\/a> (6,840 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Little Devils Tower<\/span><\/a> (6,960 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Sylvan Hill<\/span><\/a> (7,000 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Peak<\/span> 6735<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, too.<\/p>\n

To the W, Peak<\/span> 5880<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, where the American Dingo had been only hours ago, and somewhere between here and there, Centennial Trail No. 89.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sylvan Hill<\/strong> (L) and Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Little Devils Tower<\/strong> (far L), Cathedral Spires<\/strong> (L), Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (R of Center) and Peak 6735<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NNW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5880<\/strong> (L) and Sylvan Hill<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Definitely going to get dark before the Carolina Dog could make it back to the Iron Creek Horse Camp.\u00a0 No worries!\u00a0 Reach Centennial Trail No. 89 again, and Loop would speed along having a blast on this beautiful early April evening.\u00a0 Something to look forward to!<\/p>\n

20 minutes after arriving, it was good-bye to Peak 5733.\u00a0 Lupe headed down the slash-ridden NW slope.\u00a0 As soon as she was below the worst of it, SPHP picked up the pace.<\/p>\n

Ahead, sunlight streamed through open forest illuminating a broad, steady ramp lower.\u00a0 Lovely!\u00a0 Getting to the Little Squaw Creek valley where the American Dingo could pick up Centennial Trail No. 89 again was going to be a snap!\u00a0 (End 8:17 PM, 39\u00baF)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Descending Peak 5733, Black Hills of South Dakota, 4-1-21<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

Next Black Hills Expedition<\/span><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Prior Black Hills Expedition<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Next Trail Section North<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 249 – Centennial Trail No. 89: Big Pine to Iron Creek Horse Camp (4-20-19)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Next Trail Section South<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 295 – Centennial Trail No. 89: Badger Hole to French Creek & Beyond to Peak 5120 (2-7-22)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Centennial Trail No. 89 Brochure & Map<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 250 – Peak 5647, Peak 5733 & Peak 5880 (5-4-19)<\/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":"

8:29 AM, 32\u00baF, Centennial Trail No. 89, Iron Creek Horse Camp trailhead – SPHP!\u00a0 Quiet!\u00a0 Don’t move!\u00a0 A mountain lion! A lion!\u00a0 Here at the trailhead?\u00a0 Where? SPHP glanced around.\u00a0 Nothing. Hah!\u00a0 Made you look!\u00a0 April Fools! Oh, you’re a riot, silly Dingo!\u00a0 C’mon, it’s a bit of a trek.\u00a0 If we want to have … Continue reading Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 272 – Centennial Trail No. 89: Iron Creek Horse Camp to Badger Hole (4-1-21)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":33376,"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":[105,1401,9,106,527,1172,1400,1402,104,1403,788,304],"class_list":["post-33450","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-black-hills","tag-american-dingo","tag-badger-hole","tag-black-hills-expeditions","tag-carolina-dog","tag-centennial-trail-no-89","tag-custer-state-park","tag-iron-creek-horse-camp","tag-legion-lake","tag-lupe","tag-peak-5733","tag-peak-5880","tag-south-dakota"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/IMG_9441.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\/33450","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=33450"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33450\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":39823,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33450\/revisions\/39823"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/33376"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=33450"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=33450"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=33450"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}