{"id":33560,"date":"2021-05-24T08:10:24","date_gmt":"2021-05-24T14:10:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=33560"},"modified":"2021-06-04T08:48:58","modified_gmt":"2021-06-04T14:48:58","slug":"black-hills-sd-expedition-no-273-centennial-trail-no-89-dalton-lake-to-elk-creek-4-5-21","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=33560","title":{"rendered":"Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 273 – Centennial Trail No. 89: Dalton Lake to Elk Creek (4-5-21)"},"content":{"rendered":"

7:57 AM, 35\u00baF, Centennial Trail No. 89, Dalton Lake trailhead <\/em>–\u00a0 Not a cloud in the sky.\u00a0 Supposed to warm up, too – highs in the upper 60’s \u00baF expected.\u00a0 A perfect day for taking this monster on!<\/p>\n

Oooooh!\u00a0 Centennial Trail<\/strong><\/span><\/a> again today, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

You know it!\u00a0 This is it!\u00a0 King Kong of the Centennial Trail system – Dalton Lake to Elk Creek.\u00a0 12.8 miles one way between trailheads, 25.6 miles round trip!\u00a0 Think you’re up to it, Looper?<\/em><\/p>\n

Just point me at the trail, SPHP, and try not to fall too far behind!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The Dalton Lake trailhead is only 500 feet from the campground.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Kiosk at the Dalton Lake trailhead.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trailhead was just a short distance below the Dalton Lake dam.\u00a0 Lupe set out on Centennial Trail No. 89 heading NW across a field of dry grass to a wooden footbridge over Little Elk Creek.\u00a0 Beyond the bridge, the trail turned W and began to climb.\u00a0 In nothing flat, Lupe was up on the dam with a view of Dalton Lake.\u00a0 The little lake was still icy, but the ice didn’t look very thick.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the footbridge over Little Elk Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Near the Dalton Lake dam spillway<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Dalton Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

0.1 mile done, 25.5 miles to go!\u00a0 As lovely as Dalton Lake was, Lupe didn’t have time to dilly-dally.\u00a0 A brief look, and the Carolina Dog was on her way.\u00a0 Centennial Trail No. 89 continued W gradually climbing into the forest.\u00a0 Loop came to a bike access ramp, the 2nd one so far.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Leaving Dalton Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the Dingo access ramp.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail went W beyond Dalton Lake before doubling back to the ENE.\u00a0 Lupe was already too high to see Dalton Lake again through all the trees.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Doubling back to the ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Elk Creek trailhead was nowhere near 12.8 miles away as the crow flies, not even half of that.\u00a0 However, Centennial Trail No. 89 was going to do an awful lot of winding around before getting there, and started out true to form.\u00a0 Although bound for the ridge N of Dalton Lake, the trail didn’t switchback directly up to it.\u00a0 Instead, climbing at a gradual to moderate pace, it went clear around the E end before curling up into a valley N of the ridge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Glancing back as the trail climbs out of Little Elk Canyon<\/strong> where Dalton Lake is located. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Going around the E end. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Entering the valley N of the ridge. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Climbing all the way, Centennial Trail No. 89 swooped around the upper W end of the valley N of the ridge, then straightened out as it turned SE.\u00a0 Lupe reached the much flatter region on top of the ridge along the NE edge.\u00a0 The trail turned sharply W here, following an abandoned road.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Up on top where the trail turns W. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The grassy road soon led into USFS Road No. 704.1B, which continued WNW, a very easy trek since Lupe was barely gaining any elevation at all now.\u00a0 Before long, No. 704.1B made a big gentle curve around the W end of the valley Loop had just climbed out of.<\/p>\n

Another higher ridge was to the N, and Centennial Trail No. 89 made the same basic maneuver as before.\u00a0 No. 704.1B turned E, and started losing elevation.\u00a0 Approaching the E end of the ridge, the trail left the road, veering off to the NE at a point where several big rocks were visible.<\/p>\n

A nice single track again, Centennial Trail No. 89 proceeded around the E end of the second ridge past a number of huge rocks.\u00a0 It then turned NW, climbing steadily through a fairly open region with views of lower forested hills and ridges off to the NE.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
USFS Road No. 704.1B where it starts curving back around to the E. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Going downhill on No. 704.1B. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
By the first big rocks where Centennial Trail No. 89 leaves USFS Road No. 704.1B. These rocks are visible from the road at the turn. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Heading NW after rounding the E end of the second ridge. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What a difference a few days had made!\u00a0 4 days ago, Lupe had been much farther S exploring a different section of the Centennial Trail.\u00a0 Patches of snow and ice hadn’t been hard to come by then, but today was different.\u00a0 Hardly any around.<\/p>\n

April had started off unseasonably warm, and things were warming up rapidly today, too.\u00a0 SPHP had already shed all extra layers.\u00a0 Loopster was greatly cheered when she finally came to a spot to cool off.\u00a0 Laying right down on the ice, she chomped away at a small patch of crusty snow.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Happy Dingo on Ice. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

All these ridges Centennial Trail No. 89 wound about were connected.\u00a0 Lupe was already close to a saddle leading to HP5173<\/span><\/strong>, the high point of the next ridge to the N.\u00a0 The trail reached the saddle very efficiently, without having to downclimb at all.\u00a0 At the saddle, the trail turned N, starting a steeper ascent.\u00a0 Loop passed a first minor rock formation.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Below the first rock formation on the way to HP5713. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail wound around in the forest a bit before arriving along the SW edge of the ridge.\u00a0 For the first time, Lupe had tree-broken views to the W.\u00a0 Staying near the edge on much flatter terrain, the trail turned NW.\u00a0 SPHP soon called a halt.<\/p>\n

Time for a break.\u00a0 With so little snow around, Lupe needed water, and SPHP wanted to have a look at the topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0 (Note: Switch to CalTopo USFS for a map showing Centennial Trail No. 89)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Getting close to the SW edge of the ridge. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the first break spot, a little SE of HP5173. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This is a nice spot, SPHP!\u00a0 Where are we anyway?<\/em><\/p>\n

We’re off to a good start, Loop, but that’s about it.\u00a0 Looks like we’re 0.25 mile SE of HP5173<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Appears the trail will go just about right over HP5173<\/span><\/strong>, but the terrain might be so flat we may not even notice it.\u00a0 Hardly matters.\u00a0 The highest point along this segment of Centennial Trail No. 89, or close to it, is Peak<\/span> 5181<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, which is another 1.5 miles past HP5173<\/span><\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Does the trail go over Peak 5181, too?<\/em><\/p>\n

No, not quite.\u00a0 Appears to be a little E of the trail.<\/em><\/p>\n

Are we going to visit Peak 5181, then?\u00a0 Seems like we ought to, if it’s the highest point along the way.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, yes!\u00a0 We will.\u00a0 The map even shows a survey benchmark there.\u00a0 We’ll have a look around to see if we can find it.<\/em><\/p>\n

With the Carolina Dog hydrated again, the trek resumed.\u00a0 Loop headed NW along the SW rim of the ridge above a line of small limestone cliffs, an exceptionally easy march since the ground was nearly flat.<\/p>\n

The trail probably didn’t go exactly over HP5173<\/span><\/strong>, but must have passed very close to it.\u00a0 Neither Loop nor SPHP paid much attention.\u00a0 Occasional views to the SW were more interesting.\u00a0 Nothing too spectacular, mostly long forested ridges, but Peak <\/span>5300<\/span><\/a><\/strong> and White Mansion<\/span><\/a><\/strong> (5,340 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0were identifiable.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5300<\/strong> (Center) and White Mansion<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beyond HP5173<\/span><\/strong>, the trail turned N, beginning to lose elevation.\u00a0 Far to the NW, Lupe caught a narrow glimpse of distant Terry Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,064 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> with its still snowy ski runs.\u00a0 The trail then turned NE away from the cliffs and into the forest, start of a longer descent to Pass 5031<\/span><\/strong>, which was on the way to Peak<\/span> 5181<\/span><\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Terry Peak<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NW with lots of help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
N of HP5173<\/span><\/strong> starting down to Pass 5031. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By the time Lupe made it down to Pass 5031, she was heading NW again.\u00a0 Instead of immediately climbing up onto the ridge leading to Peak 5181, Centennial Trail No. 89 stayed low continuing to the W side of the ridge.\u00a0 It soon turned N, bouncing along maintaining elevation a good 80 to 100 feet below the top.<\/p>\n

Notice anything different about the forest around here, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Not especially.\u00a0 What are you seeing, Loop?<\/em><\/p>\n

It’s not what I’m seeing, but what I’m not seeing that’s different, SPHP.\u00a0 Where is all the deadfall?\u00a0 Hardly any at all!<\/em><\/p>\n

Now that you mention it, you’re right, Loopster!\u00a0 Kind of looks the way the Black Hills used to look.\u00a0 Used to be that you hardly ever saw a dead tree.\u00a0 That was a long time ago now, back before the pine bark beetle infestation started getting so bad 10 years ago.<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, I like it a lot better this way, SPHP!\u00a0 Can run around without having to worry about breaking my neck at every step!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Deadfall free! The way I like it!<\/em> Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail stayed low for a while.\u00a0 In some places, the forest thinned out up on the slope below the ridgeline.\u00a0 Lupe started seeing large limestone formations along the top of the ridge.\u00a0 Several big platforms looked high enough to get an unobstructed view.<\/p>\n

Can’t be too hard to get up there, SPHP!\u00a0 Want to go check out the views?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, but maybe we should wait on that, Loop.\u00a0 We still have a very long way to go.\u00a0 If we get back soon enough, maybe we can go up there for a sunset panorama?\u00a0 What do you think?<\/em><\/p>\n

Deal, but if we don’t get back in time, we’re going to miss out!<\/em><\/p>\n

I know it’s taking a chance, but on the other paw, maybe we’ll come to other even more readily accessible viewpoints?<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Gotta be some views up this way!<\/em> Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sunset Heights got skipped for the time being, even though some of the lofty platforms seen only a little farther on looked very tempting, almost surefire winners.\u00a0 The really big rocks were all way up high, but the trail passed some lesser samples.\u00a0 Lupe was beyond the most impressive ones when the trail suddenly made a short switchback higher.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
These rocks are midgets compared to the ones higher up!<\/em> Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The switchback didn’t get the American Dingo up on top of the ridge right away, but was the start of a gradual climb higher again.\u00a0 Lupe was soon above another line of limestone cliffs where there was some open ground.\u00a0 Perhaps not quite as spectacular as Sunset Heights would have been, but the views had to be almost as good.<\/p>\n

A lot of territory could be seen from here.\u00a0 Peak<\/span> 5300<\/span><\/a><\/strong> was still visible to the SW.\u00a0 Custer Peak<\/span><\/a> (6,804)<\/span><\/strong> was way off to the W.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Past the little switchback, staring to climb again. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Not quite Sunset Heights, but a great view nonetheless!<\/em> Peak 5300<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Custer Peak<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks W with lots of help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Don’t think we’re far from Peak 5181 now, Loop.\u00a0 Shall we go look for it?\u00a0 Should be just up the hill from here.<\/em><\/p>\n

On it, SPHP!\u00a0 Follow me!<\/em><\/p>\n

Leaving the trail, Lupe headed NE up a gentle, forested slope.\u00a0 She didn’t have to go far before the terrain leveled out.\u00a0 Pretty flat up here, but the highest region didn’t seem too hard to pick out.\u00a0 A few scattered rocks and some old wood that might have signified something were in a spot that looked like a true summit candidate.<\/p>\n

Disappointingly, a quick check failed to reveal any survey benchmarks.<\/p>\n

Hmm.\u00a0 Well, I’m not finding anything, Loop.\u00a0 This is probably Peak 5181, though.\u00a0 Want to take a break?<\/em><\/p>\n

Any chance water and a chocolate coconut bar would be involved, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

100% likely, sweet Dingo!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the old wood high point. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
I break for chocolate coconut bars, water, and Taste of the Wild!<\/em> Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The chocolate coconut bar and water break was augmented with a little Taste of the Wild.\u00a0 A comfortably warm and beautiful day, but there didn’t seem to be much point in lingering on Peak 5181.\u00a0 Spotting a rock 150 feet farther E, SPHP led Loop over to it on the chance that the survey marker might be there.<\/p>\n

No luck.\u00a0 Oh, well!\u00a0 Nothing higher here than where the American Dingo had taken her break, anyway.\u00a0 That settled, Lupe took a shortcut NW back to Centennial Trail No. 89.\u00a0 The trail went NE a little way before curving back to the NW.\u00a0 To the R, the land sloped higher.<\/p>\n

Hang on just a minute, Loop!\u00a0 Let me check the map again.<\/em><\/p>\n

It all made sense now!\u00a0 Lupe hadn’t been to Peak 5181 yet.\u00a0 It was just up this next slope.\u00a0 Another short off-trail exploration was in order.<\/p>\n

Too funny, SPHP!\u00a0 The mighty mountain we’ve been trying to climb turns out to be nothing more than an anthill!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, well, as anthills go, this one’s humongous!<\/em><\/p>\n

All those creepy-crawlies give me the heebie-jeebies!\u00a0 Say what you will, I’m not going near it!<\/em><\/p>\n

Towering more than a foot higher than the rest of flat-topped Peak<\/span> 5181<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, an anthill composed of pine needles was the apparent true summit.\u00a0 100,000 ants swarmed over the top of it, with probably 1,000,000 more hidden within.\u00a0 For some reason, Loopster didn’t want to go anywhere near the anthill.\u00a0 When SPHP’s powers of persuasion failed, the reluctant Carolina Dog got physically carried close to it.<\/p>\n

You’ve got 2 seconds, SPHP!\u00a0 Say “chocolate coconut bar!”, I’ll smile, and then I’m outta here!<\/em><\/p>\n

OK, Loop! … “Squirrel!”<\/em><\/p>\n

Close enough.\u00a0 Lupe smiled, and ran 20 feet away.<\/p>\n

You can have Peak 5181, SPHP!\u00a0 I’m hitting the trail.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the dreaded anthill, Peak 5181’s true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Ants. More than one!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Heading down the W slope, a sort of lumpy rock platform was just 20 feet past Centennial Trail No. 89.\u00a0 Looked like there might be some views, but as it turned out, there were too many trees to see all that much.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the lumpy platform due W of Peak 5181’s ant-infested summit. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

However, returning to the trail, Loop didn’t have to go too much farther N before discovering some really great viewpoints along the cliff edge.\u00a0 Best of the day!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Rounded Peak 5300<\/strong> (L), starting to look far away now. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Now this is what I call a viewpoint!<\/em> Custer Peak<\/strong> (L) and Terry Peak<\/strong> (Center) discernable on the horizon. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Along the cliff line, just W of the trail. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Don’t you just love getting high?<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By now, Lupe was close to the N end of the huge ridge encompassing both HP5173<\/span><\/strong> and Peak 5181.\u00a0 For 2 miles she had been traveling on or near the highest territory of this segment of Centennial Trail No. 89.\u00a0 A drastic change was ahead.<\/p>\n

Just beyond the super viewpoints, the trail slanted downward as it began curling E around the N end of the ridge.\u00a0 A long descent NE ensued, as the trail switchbacked lower through shady forest.\u00a0 It was all easy, never getting very steep, with occasional level stretches along the way.<\/p>\n

The American Dingo must have lost 400 or 500 feet of elevation by the time she came to a sunny open spot on the NW rim of a big ravine.\u00a0 From here she could see most of the heavily forested slope she had just come down.\u00a0 Off to the E was a glimpse of the line of low ridges separating the Black Hills from the vast prairies of western South Dakota.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the edge of the ravine. Peak 5181 <\/strong>(L). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Edge of the Black Hills<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The descent still wasn’t over with.\u00a0 Centennial Trail No. 89 continued to loop back and forth as it dropped another 250 feet.\u00a0 The forest was more open down here.\u00a0 Lupe passed occasional clearings.\u00a0 Shortly before the trail finally leveled out, she crossed unmarked USFS Road No. 703.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
In the open forest. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A new phase was about to begin.\u00a0 Centennial Trail No. 89 began trending NW on a long winding route through denser forest.\u00a0 Near the start of a short jog to the WSW, Lupe came to the Widow-Maker.<\/p>\n

Right next to the trail, the Widow-Maker was a giant Ponderosa pine, dead like some others scattered about the forest, but was practically a miracle, a death trap waiting to happen!\u00a0 The ancient tree had been dead so long that half of its lower trunk had already rotted away.\u00a0 What was left looked like it could crumble at any moment.\u00a0 Although only a slight breeze was heard in the treetops, huge gnarled branches way up at the top of the Widow-Maker swayed ominously.<\/p>\n

Wow!\u00a0 How is this even possible, Loop?\u00a0 Watch yourself!\u00a0 I’ve never seen a tree so rotten to the core that was still standing!<\/em><\/p>\n

Don’t worry about me, SPHP!\u00a0 I’ll scoot away fast enough if it begins to topple.\u00a0 You’re the slow one!\u00a0 Don’t let those ugly old branches reach out and grab you!\u00a0 Might I suggest a speedy passage, instead of standing around gawking in the path of destruction?<\/em><\/p>\n

Seemed like good advice.\u00a0 Hot on Loopster’s heels, SPHP blew by, but the Widow-Maker would get another shot during the return.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Tempting fate next to the Widow-Maker. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The jog WSW soon ended, as the trail crossed a ravine and turned back to the NE.\u00a0 This phenomena was destined to be repeated 3 more times, but on a larger scale.\u00a0 A double-decker boulder marked the start of the first of the larger forays SW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the turn across the far end of the first little ravine. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the double-decker boulder. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The SW end of the first large ravine was a low point.\u00a0 Looper was happy to see some snow and ice still lingering in this sheltered spot, and took advantage of it to cool off again and wet her barker.\u00a0 After crossing the ravine, the trail turned NE as before.\u00a0 By the time it turned NW again, the American Dingo was well up on the SW side of Elk Creek Canyon.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
No stream here, but at least there’s still some snow!<\/em> At the SW end of the first big ravine. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Along the edge of Elk Creek Canyon<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Elk Creek Canyon<\/strong>. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail kept winding higher.\u00a0 Lupe gained nearly 250 feet of elevation from the low point where the snow and ice had been.\u00a0 From now on, she had tree-broken views of Elk Creek Canyon, except during the forays SW.\u00a0 The second big ravine wasn’t as long as first one, and featured much less elevation change.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Starting into the second side ravine. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Dry Elk Gulch was the last, and biggest of the 3 side ravines, essentially a canyon.\u00a0 As Centennial Trail No. 89 turned into it, Lupe came upon the Scoliosis Tree, a snaky, skinny pine in desperate need of a chiropractor.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the Scoliosis Tree (L). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail went a long way back into Dry Elk Gulch, eventually dropping clear down to the canyon floor.\u00a0 The trail wasn’t even visible up on the other side, which looked dauntingly steep, but it was there.\u00a0 As the trail headed back to the main canyon, Lupe regained 80 feet of elevation she had just lost.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
In Dry Elk Gulch<\/strong> close to where the trail finally turned back toward Elk Creek Canyon. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Regaining elevation on the way out of Dry Elk Gulch<\/strong>. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As Lupe put Dry Elk Gulch behind her, Centennial Trail No. 89 swung around to the NW again.\u00a0 Looper was still well above the bottom of Elk Creek Canyon, and began getting glimpses of Bethlehem Cave<\/strong><\/span><\/a> up on the opposite side.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Entrance to Bethlehem Cave<\/strong> (L). Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Centennial Trail No. 89 continued NW beyond the view of Bethlehem Cave, but another change was imminent.\u00a0 Switchbacks led down to the floor of Elk Creek Canyon.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Near the bottom of the last switchback. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Upon reaching the bottom, Centennial Trail No. 89 curved NW again, now heading upstream next to Elk Creek.\u00a0 The creek was completely dry, apparently the normal state of affairs, although clearly susceptible to flash flooding under the right circumstances.<\/p>\n

Vegetation was thick, but hadn’t begun to leaf out yet.\u00a0 Looper enjoyed relatively unobstructed views of the vertical limestone walls of the lower canyon, which would have scarcely been visible later in the season.<\/p>\n

The trail followed an old roadbed, or perhaps the course of a railroad which once ran through the canyon.\u00a0 Nearly level for a long way, it was an easy scenic trek.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Down in Elk Creek Canyon<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
About as easy as a trail gets, and so beautiful!<\/em> Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Centennial Trail No. 89 crossed Elk Creek 5 or 6 times over the course of more than a mile down on the canyon floor.\u00a0 Nylon ropes were generally strung between the trees on the downstream side, presumably to lend support when the stream was actually flowing.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the first stream crossing. No ropes required today! Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Even without any water in Elk Creek, the stream crossings were some of the most scenic spots, often providing clearer, more dramatic views of the canyon walls.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Orange lichens add a splash of color. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Elk Creek Canyon<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Glad you brought plenty of water, SPHP!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The end of the canyon trek couldn’t be much farther.\u00a0 Lupe came to a long straightaway in a sort of a ditch away from the creek.\u00a0 Beyond the ditch was one last stream crossing.\u00a0 On the other side, Centennial Trail No. 89 wound up a steep embankment, then proceeded NNE, steadily gaining elevation as it headed up a side valley.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the straightaway. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the last stream crossing.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Out of the canyon again. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

0.5 mile up the valley, Lupe reached USFS Road No. 168, and the sign she’d come so far to see.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Made it! At the Elk Creek trailhead!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Relevant portion of the posted Centennial Trail map.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3:07 PM, 58\u00baF, Centennial Trail No. 89, Elk Creek trailhead<\/em> –\u00a0 Not a soul around.\u00a0 Lupe hadn’t seen anyone along the trail, either.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog rested on the ground next to SPHP.<\/p>\n

Quite the trek wasn’t it, SPHP?\u00a0 A little bit of everything!\u00a0 Uphill, downhill, flat stuff, curves, wiggles, straight stretches, views from on high, along canyon rims, steep slopes, and from down below.<\/em><\/p>\n

A little bit of everything?\u00a0 More like a lot!\u00a0 Otherwise, yeah, you’re right.<\/em><\/p>\n

One disappointing thing, though, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

What was that, Loop?\u00a0 No water in the creek?<\/em><\/p>\n

No water anywhere!\u00a0 But I was thinking more of the insanely incredible distance between chocolate coconut bars.\u00a0 How about doing something about that?<\/em><\/p>\n

Of course!\u00a0 Just give me a moment.\u00a0 Need to kick these boots off for a while.\u00a0 We even have a baked chicken breast, if you’d care for some.<\/em><\/p>\n

40 minutes later, boots were back on.\u00a0 Chocolate coconut bar, baked chicken, apple, water, and Taste of the Wild supplies had all taken a hit.<\/p>\n

12.8 miles down, 12.8 miles to go!\u00a0 Ready, Loop?<\/em><\/p>\n

She was.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About to head back.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

7:04 PM, 50\u00baF, viewpoint NNW of Peak<\/span> 5181<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/em> – Not quite going to make it to Sunset Heights in time, but this was good enough.\u00a0 Lupe had gotten to see most of this segment of Centennial Trail No. 89 again, and now stood enjoying a final distant view toward the golden W.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A last look near day’s end.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Only a quick stop, and the American Dingo continued S.\u00a0 The sun broke through a distant cloudbank shortly before reaching the lumpy platform directly W of Peak 5181.\u00a0 Kind of a sweet moment!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sunset from the platform W of Peak 5181. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Without any great enthusiasm for visiting a giant anthill, Lupe humored SPHP, returning briefly to Peak 5181’s summit.\u00a0 Then it was back to the trail to hurry S.<\/p>\n

Light faded.\u00a0 Stars glittered.\u00a0 A breeze whispered night tales.\u00a0 Miles back, the Widow-Maker groaned restlessly under its own rotten weight.\u00a0 Stars winked out.\u00a0 Getting cloudy.\u00a0 Darkness deepened.\u00a0 So quiet!\u00a0 So black!<\/p>\n

Profound weariness setting in, but downhill practically all the way now.\u00a0 The little flashlight came out, throwing the sinister prowling shadow of a Carolina Dog on the long winding path of Centennial Trail No. 89 ahead.\u00a0 (End 9:42 PM, 42\u00baF, Dalton Lake)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sunset on Peak 5181<\/strong>, Centennial Trail No. 89, Black Hills of South Dakota 4-5-21<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

Next Black Hills Expedition\u00a0<\/span><\/a> \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. 274: Centennial Trail No. 89: Elk Creek to Alkali Creek (4-10-21)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 238 – Centennial Trail No. 89: South Boxelder Creek to Dalton Lake (10-28-18)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Centennial Trail No 89 Brochure & Map<\/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":"

7:57 AM, 35\u00baF, Centennial Trail No. 89, Dalton Lake trailhead –\u00a0 Not a cloud in the sky.\u00a0 Supposed to warm up, too – highs in the upper 60’s \u00baF expected.\u00a0 A perfect day for taking this monster on! Oooooh!\u00a0 Centennial Trail again today, SPHP? You know it!\u00a0 This is it!\u00a0 King Kong of the Centennial … Continue reading Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 273 – Centennial Trail No. 89: Dalton Lake to Elk Creek (4-5-21)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":33503,"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":[105,9,106,527,1004,1405,104,1404,304],"class_list":["post-33560","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-centennial-trail-no-89","tag-dalton-lake-trailhead","tag-elk-creek-trailhead","tag-lupe","tag-peak-5181","tag-south-dakota"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/IMG_9534.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\/33560","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=33560"}],"version-history":[{"count":40,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33560\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34339,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33560\/revisions\/34339"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/33503"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=33560"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=33560"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=33560"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}