{"id":34314,"date":"2021-06-08T08:10:24","date_gmt":"2021-06-08T14:10:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=34314"},"modified":"2022-04-03T08:22:04","modified_gmt":"2022-04-03T14:22:04","slug":"sierra-blanca-sacramento-mountains-new-mexico-5-13-21","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=34314","title":{"rendered":"Sierra Blanca, Sacramento Mountains, New Mexico (5-13-21)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Days 4-6 of Lupe’s 1st Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to New Mexico!<\/em><\/p>\n

5-11-21, before noon, I-25 in Colorado<\/em> – After leaving Hotel Dusty, SPHP found the drive S from Denver in heavy traffic rather nerve-wracking.\u00a0 Not Lupe!\u00a0 The American Dingo considered it a smashing bore.\u00a0 Nothing but city – not a cow or horse to bark at anywhere!\u00a0 Meanwhile, low dark clouds blanketed the plains, obscuring the Rockies.\u00a0 The sun hadn’t put in an appearance in 3 days.<\/p>\n

Well into May already, yet the temperature barely budged, remaining chilly in a tight range between 37-41\u00baF for many miles.\u00a0 S of Colorado Springs, the traffic finally started to thin out as open country began to predominate.\u00a0 Approaching Walsenburg, vapor rising from several inches of heavy, wet, new snow created a foggy winter wonderland.<\/p>\n

Looks like we’re on our way to Canada, SPHP!\u00a0 I thought we were going to the desert?\u00a0 How much farther is it, anyway?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, kind of nuts, isn’t it, Loop?\u00a0 Have to admit I didn’t expect to see any snow!\u00a0 We’re less than an hour from the border now.\u00a0 Just think!\u00a0 Your first new state since Alaska way back in 2016!\u00a0 Are you excited?<\/em><\/p>\n

Actually, I’m not so sure about this, SPHP.\u00a0 Are they going to shave me at the border?\u00a0 I like my fur, and don’t want to lose it, especially if it’s going to be so cold!<\/em><\/p>\n

Shave you at the border?\u00a0 What on earth are you talking about?<\/em><\/p>\n

I’m talking about Nude Mexico, SPHP!\u00a0 That’s where we’re going, right?\u00a0 I’ve heard about those Mexican Hairless dogs.\u00a0 Not having any fur might be fine for them, but we Carolina Dogs like the way we are, fur and all!\u00a0 You always told me that I look beautiful in my fur, and now you want me to let them shave it all off?\u00a0 Are you going to let them confiscate all your removable fur, too?\u00a0 Not so sure you’ll be such a grand spectacle, either, if they do!\u00a0 Maybe we should go to some other state?<\/em><\/p>\n

Nude Mexico!\u00a0 I never said we were going to Nude Mexico.\u00a0 You need to clean out your ears, Looper!\u00a0 We’re going to New Mexico!\u00a0 N-E-W … NEW!<\/em><\/p>\n

Clean out my ears!\u00a0 Nothing wrong with my ears, SPHP!\u00a0 I hear all kinds of things you’re completely oblivious to.\u00a0 Learn to enunciate!\u00a0 You’ve been mumbling again.\u00a0 Anyway, I’m glad it’s New Mexico.\u00a0 So they’re not going to shave me, right?<\/em><\/p>\n

Of course not, silly Dingo!\u00a0 Not even if you’re dying of the heat.<\/em><\/p>\n

The snow and fog were gone before Lupe even got to New Mexico.\u00a0 After going over Raton Pass, two mountains were visible in the distance.\u00a0 An expanse of lowlands before them glowed yellow in sunlight, although no blue sky could be seen from here.<\/p>\n

The promised land, Loopster!\u00a0 New Mexico, your 13th state!\u00a0 We crossed the border a few miles back.<\/em><\/p>\n

This is more like it, SPHP!\u00a0 Is that the desert down there?<\/em><\/p>\n

To be sure!\u00a0 We’ll soon be crossing it.<\/em><\/p>\n

Down in the desert, vegetation was sparse as the RAV4 rolled S toward Las Vegas, NM, but every now and then Lupe saw a few horses to bark at.\u00a0 Far to the W, thick clouds hung over deep blue ridges.\u00a0 Stormy!\u00a0 SPHP began to realize heading for the mountains of northern New Mexico wasn’t going to work, at least not yet.<\/p>\n

Between Las Vegas and Santa Fe, SPHP left I-25, turning S on Hwy 3.\u00a0 The drive was scenic, especially after crossing the Pecos River at Villanueva.\u00a0 Skies cleared, and the temperature soared to 77\u00baF at one point as the miles clicked away.\u00a0 By evening, Sierra Blanca<\/span><\/a> (11,973 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was in sight.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sierra Blanca<\/strong> (Center) from Hwy 54 N of Carrizozo. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5-12-21, 7:14 AM, 41\u00baF, Hwy 37 S of Nogal<\/em> – Lupe stood on a little rise at the high point of a picnic ground.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog was ready to climb mountains!\u00a0 However, it had been windy all night and gotten much colder than expected.\u00a0 Now, light mist rode a chill breeze.\u00a0 A raw, gray day.\u00a0 All the high peaks were lost in the clouds.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the high point of the picnic ground.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What happened?\u00a0 Can you believe this weather, Loop?\u00a0 We’re in southern New Mexico for pity sake!\u00a0 I thought it would be like summer!<\/em><\/p>\n

We aren’t going to climb Sierra Blanca, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Not in this soup!\u00a0 No telling how cold and miserable it might be way up there!\u00a0 Wouldn’t be able to see anything, anyway.<\/em><\/p>\n

So, what’s Plan B?<\/em><\/p>\n

Actually, Sierra Blanca was plan B.<\/em><\/p>\n

Plan C, then!<\/em><\/p>\n

Ya got me, Loopster.\u00a0 Going to have to take a look at the map.<\/em><\/p>\n

Light rain fell beneath sullen skies practically all the way to Roswell.\u00a0 Plan C consisted of a couple of long shots.\u00a0 Probably wouldn’t turn out to be much more than a long joy ride in the brand new RAV4, but being on the move seemed better than sitting around doing nothing all day.\u00a0 At least Lupe would get to see a lot of new territory.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the entrance to Carlsbad Caverns National Park<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Even before entering Carlsbad Caverns National Park<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, SPHP knew Loop wouldn’t be allowed to tour the cave.<\/p>\n

A 7 mile drive up a scenic desert canyon ended at a fancy visitor center way up on a high plateau.\u00a0 The view would have been spectacular on a clear day, but was murky and indistinct today.\u00a0 Since it was still quite cool and gray, the plan was to let Lupe snooze in the RAV4 for an hour with plenty of water available and the windows partially open while SPHP toured the cave.<\/p>\n

Nope.\u00a0 Signs forbid leaving Dingos in vehicles.\u00a0 Not all that surprising.\u00a0 Probably good policy considering how hot it might get much of the year.\u00a0 Kennels were available, but SPHP wasn’t too keen on that idea.\u00a0 Caged and alone in a strange place?\u00a0 Lupe would hate that!<\/p>\n

Turned out that proof of a current rabies vaccination was required, and SPHP hadn’t brought any such documentation along, anyway.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
As holes in the ground go, this one is supposed to be fabulous!<\/em> At the visitor center.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Dingos weren’t allowed on any surface trails, either, so that was that.<\/p>\n

Returning to Hwy 62\/180, it wasn’t far to the only certain highlight of the day.\u00a0 One day after entering New Mexico, her 13th state, Lupe made it to her 14th, the great state of Texas!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Entering the Lone Star State for the first time.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Getting high on Texas!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Plan C’s real prize was just ahead, Guadalupe Peak<\/span><\/a> (8,749 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, highest mountain in Texas!\u00a0 Climbing Guadalupe Peak would be awesome!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Arriving at Guadalupe Mountains National Park<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hopes ran high entering Guadalupe Mountains National Park<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, but were quickly dashed.\u00a0 A trail went 3,000 feet clear up to the top of the mountain, but no Dingos allowed!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Guadalupe Peak – so close, and yet so far! Frustrating!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Abandoning the park, skies cleared on the way down to the Salt Basin desert.\u00a0 Lupe might not have gotten to visit Guadalupe Peak, but she did get to see it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Leaving Guadalupe Mountains National Park behind. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Guadalupe Peak<\/strong> (L) from the Salt Basin<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

N of El Paso, Lupe returned to New Mexico.\u00a0 As the evening sun sank in the W, Sierra Blanca was in sight again on the horizon.\u00a0 The huge loop the American Dingo had traveled today had been scenic, but otherwise hadn’t accomplished much.\u00a0 Maybe tomorrow would be a better day?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sierra Blanca<\/strong> (L) in the distance. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5-13-21, 8:38 AM, 50\u00baF<\/em> – Cold, almost foggy, and in the low 40’s \u00baF again earlier this morning, but skies were blue now!\u00a0 12 miles from Alto at the W end of Hwy 532, SPHP parked the RAV4 at a trailhead just before the entrance gate to Ski Apache<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

The last half of the drive in had been spectacular as the narrow highway, hemmed in by guard rails of dubious strength, wound ever higher up the steep-sided slopes of Buck Mountain<\/span><\/a> (10,769 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Much of the old forest had burned, revealing a dizzying expanse of the Sacramento Mountains.<\/p>\n

The trailhead itself was tucked down in a bowl, away from the views.\u00a0 Several pickup trucks could be seen down at Ski Apache, but the RAV4 was the only vehicle at the trailhead.\u00a0 Two signs warned of the dangers of entering the burn area.\u00a0 A permanent metal sign painted yellow with black lettering said to proceed at your own risk.\u00a0 Paperwork stapled to a plywood plaque seemed to indicate the area was closed.<\/p>\n

Closed!\u00a0 But we’ve come so far, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Heh.\u00a0 Yeah.\u00a0 If anyone asks, Looper, we’re going by the yellow sign!<\/em><\/p>\n

Great minds think alike, SPHP!\u00a0 C’mon, let’s go!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Glancing back at the trailhead after starting up Trail No. 15. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Trail No. 15 headed NW up the side of a ravine toward a short stretch of unburned forest.\u00a0 Once past the trees, it continued through a meadow to a switchback that traversed a steeper grassy slope.\u00a0 Upon reaching a flat spot, Lupe arrived a junction with Crest Trail No. 25.\u00a0 From this junction, Sierra Blanca<\/span><\/a> (11,973 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was visible beyond Lookout Mountain<\/span><\/a> (11,580 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading up the ravine toward the live trees. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Continuing higher. The saddle ahead leads to Buck Mountain<\/strong>, which is off to the R. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the start of the switchback. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Signage at the junction with Crest Trail No. 25<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Sierra Blanca<\/strong> (L) and Lookout Mountain<\/strong> (R) from the junction. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Proceeding W on Crest Trail No. 25, it slowly lost elevation traversing a slope. Lupe entered a forest of dead trees.\u00a0 Many had fallen.\u00a0 Fortunately, most had been cleared from the trail.\u00a0 A chairlift and other Ski Apache facilities were visible down in the valley to the S.\u00a0 Loopster didn’t see anyone, but the whine of a chainsaw filled the air.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
In the burnt forest on Crest Trail No. 25<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Ski Apache<\/strong> facilities down in the valley. Lookout Mountain<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Crest Trail No. 25 curved NW.\u00a0 Lupe entered a big meadow that swept up toward HP10595<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 A Trail No. 25 sign stood over by the edge of another burnt forest on the opposite side of the meadow.\u00a0 Scratched into the sign, an arrow pointed S (L), but the trail itself seemed to have vanished.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
In the meadow where Trail No. 25 vanishes. HP 10595<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
An arrow scratched onto this Trail No. 25 sign pointed S (L), although no trail seemed to go that way.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Starting up the slope to the S, Lupe found Crest Trail No. 25 again shortly after reaching the trees.\u00a0 It switchbacked NW almost right away.\u00a0 At first, the trail was easy to follow, but the deadfall hadn’t been cleared in this region.\u00a0 Before long, so much blocked the trail that climbing directly up the steep slope to the W seemed easier than facing all the obstacles.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Enough of this! How about we just go right on up the slope?<\/em> Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This shortcut worked out well.\u00a0 The forest was fairly open.\u00a0 After gaining several hundred feet of elevation, Lupe came across Crest Trail No. 25 on its way back S.\u00a0 The trail was in better shape up here.\u00a0 Less deadfall!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Climbing through the open forest. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As Crest Trail No. 25 began curving W again, there was movement above.\u00a0 Two wild dogs stared down on Lupe!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Coyotes!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail climbed slowly as Lupe continued W.\u00a0 Burnt forest gave way to more open slopes.\u00a0 Ski runs were visible over on Lookout Mountain.\u00a0 Part of the forest that hadn’t burned appeared ahead.\u00a0 Shortly after Lupe entered the live forest, SPHP noticed a side trail taking off to the N (R).<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Ski runs on Lookout Mountain<\/strong> (L). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the live forest. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Looper hadn’t reached Ice Spring yet, but had to be getting close.\u00a0 The White Mountain Wilderness High Point<\/span><\/a> (11,300 ft.) <\/span><\/strong>was only 0.33 mile away.\u00a0 A quick check of the topo map showed Crest Trail No. 25 veering off to the N at a junction with Lookout Trail No. 78A somewhere in this region.\u00a0 No signage here, though.\u00a0 Was this the junction?<\/p>\n

The side trail looked much less used, but that might make sense.\u00a0 Crest Trail No. 25 doesn’t go all the way to Sierra Blanca, instead passing S of the White Mountain Wilderness High Point before turning N to follow the crest of the ridge it’s named after to White Horse Hill<\/span><\/a> (10,255 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and points beyond.\u00a0 Perhaps less popular destinations?<\/p>\n

The plan all along was to visit both the White Mountain Wilderness High Point and Lookout Mountain, since they were more or less on the way to Sierra Blanca.\u00a0 Maybe Buck Mountain, too, if there was time during the return.\u00a0 Lupe took the side trail.<\/p>\n

SPHP expected it to turn NW almost immediately, but it didn’t.\u00a0 Instead Loop wandered among a maze of faint use trails that soon disappeared.\u00a0 Apparently this wasn’t Crest Trail No. 25 after all.\u00a0 Shucks!\u00a0 Might as well keep climbing N, though!\u00a0 200 feet higher and the Carolina Dog would be on the White Mountain Wilderness High Point’s E ridge.<\/p>\n

The top of the E ridge was broad, forested, and almost flat where Lupe reached it.\u00a0 Not much to see except trees.\u00a0 The American Dingo sniffed W in search of the summit.\u00a0 Before long, she came to a meadow.\u00a0 The high point was just ahead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
White Mountain Wilderness High Point<\/strong> (Peak 11300<\/span><\/strong>) dead ahead! Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Although there were good views of both Lookout Mountain and Sierra Blanca while crossing the meadow, the White Mountain Wilderness High Point summit was buried in trees, and views were much more limited.\u00a0 The actual high point appeared to be at the base of a large spruce tree.\u00a0 Immediately to the W was a blackened area which had apparently been involved in a very recent fire.\u00a0 More could be seen from over there, but the views were still tree-broken.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sierra Blanca<\/strong> (Center) from the White Mountains Wilderness High Point<\/strong> summit. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
In the recent burn area W of the true summit. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A 20 minute break was taken up on the White Mountains Wilderness High Point.\u00a0 Lupe then traveled S through mostly open territory down to a saddle where she reached Crest Trail No. 25 again at an intersection with Lookout Trail No. 78.\u00a0 Continuing S to a nearby gently sloped ridge, it proved to have a great view of Lookout Mountain and Sierra Blanca.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Signage at the Crest Trail No. 25 and Lookout Trail No. 78 intersection.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lookout Mountain<\/strong> (Center) & Sierra Blanca<\/strong> (R) from the gentle ridge. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Following the rounded ridge toward Lookout Mountain, Lupe picked up Lookout Trail No. 78.\u00a0 After taking her back into the forest, No. 78 led down to an opening where Trails No. 78 & 78A converged.\u00a0 This opening provided a nice look at Buck Mountain<\/span><\/a> (10,769 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> back to the ENE.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Buck Mountain<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Signage at the Trail No. 78 & 78A convergence. No. 78A goes to Ice Spring.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A wide grassy lane continued S to a saddle, where it linked up with the Ambush Run of Ski Apache.\u00a0 Ascending along the edge of the run, Lupe soon reached the upper end of a chairlift next to a large metal building.\u00a0 Staying W of these facilities, the American Dingo passed several picnic tables with big views to the W, and came to a broad path.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking S from the clearing down the lane that leads to the Ambush Run of Ski Apache.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Near the chairlift and metal building. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the broad path after passing the chairlift and picnic tables. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The top of Lookout Mountain<\/span><\/a> (11,580 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was just S of the ski facilities and about 150 feet higher.\u00a0 Since it was quickly evident that the path was going to bypass the summit, Lupe left it.\u00a0 Climbing a slope of small rocks and grass, she reached a thick circular concrete pad supporting a rock wall around most of the perimeter.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the summit of Lookout Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the concrete viewing platform at the top of Lookout Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Concrete benches incorporated along the interior of the wall provided a nice spot to relax.\u00a0 The panoramic views were impressive, but Lupe took only a short break.\u00a0 Sierra Blanca was higher yet, and now beckoning from only a little more than a mile away!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
View to the SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Sierra Blanca<\/strong> (Center) from Lookout Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Another Ski Apache chairlift came into sight as soon as Lupe started for Sierra Blanca.\u00a0 After passing it, Loop returned to the broad path.\u00a0 When the path went through an opening in a zig-zaggy log fence, she deserted it again, following a use trail along the W side of a minor hill.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Another chairlift ahead! Sierra Blanca<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Ski Apache chairlift on the S side of Lookout Mountain. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Different angle. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Back at the broad path. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trek from Lookout Mountain to the saddle N of Sierra Blanca was easy.\u00a0 However, Lupe now faced a fairly steep 500 foot climb up an open slope of grass and smallish rocks.\u00a0 SPHP did a big bad wolf impression, huffing and puffing slowly higher while the Carolina Dog roamed at will.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the saddle N of Sierra Blanca<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The 500 foot climb led to a short, level ridge that jutted out to the W.\u00a0 SPHP insisted upon taking a somewhat extended breather here.\u00a0 Ahead, a rockier and somewhat higher ridge led straight toward the summit.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Gazing back at Lookout Mountain<\/strong> (Center) from the first short ridge. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Sierra Blanca<\/strong> from the first ridge. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The E side of this next section was very steep, almost a cliff.\u00a0 Continuing onward, Lupe stayed high on the W side, sometimes even right up on the ridgeline.\u00a0 The terrain became rough, forcing her to downclimb a bit just before reaching a notch.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the still unseen notch. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The notch provided a narrow opening to the E just past the cliffy region.\u00a0 A use trail went through it, then turned S back up to the ridgeline, which soon became so bouldery Lupe had to abandon it.\u00a0 Returning to the W side again, the Carolina Dog kept working her way higher.\u00a0 This whole region was plenty steep.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Above and beyond the notch, enjoying a patch of melting snow. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the upper slopes.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Back over the W side, not far from the summit! Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5-13-21, 2:43 PM, Sierra Blanca<\/span><\/a> (11,793 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – By the time Lupe reached the top, clouds that had been building earlier on had largely dissipated.\u00a0 Loop came up just S of the true summit boulder, located along the W rim of a region roughly 75 feet long N\/S and 25 feet wide E\/W.\u00a0 Only distant haziness obstructed otherwise commanding views in all directions.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Up on top! The true summit<\/strong> boulder (R) is the next one over. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ready for a prolonged rest break, Lupe headed to the N end first, where she could relax while contemplating the region she had just journeyed through to get here.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the biggest boulder at the N end of the summit region. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peering down on the route taken. Lookout Mountain<\/strong> (Center). The White Mountain Wilderness High Point<\/strong> (L) is the forested hill beyond it. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Buck Mountain<\/strong> (L) in the foreground, with the Capitan Mountains<\/strong> (R) on the horizon. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nearly an hour shot by blissfully hanging out at the N end.\u00a0 SPHP finally felt sufficiently recovered to explore the rest of the summit region.\u00a0 Lupe took this opportunity to enjoy the views in other directions, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Having a look around. True summit<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Sierra Blanca’s E ridge<\/strong> (L). Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
View to the NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
White Sands Missile Range<\/strong> (Center) discernable on the horizon. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Two survey markers with arrows pointed toward a main “Sierra Blanca” benchmark located E of the true summit.\u00a0 A spacious cavity below the true summit boulder harbored a mailbox.\u00a0 It proved to be packed full of old registries.\u00a0 SPHP added Lupe’s name to the most recent one, a red notebook that started with a 2020 entry.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Loop on the true summit<\/strong> boulder. The survey benchmark (lower L) is visible nearby. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The Sierra Blanca survey benchmark<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The mailbox containing the registries is stashed beneath the true summit (Center). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A closer look.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After SPHP signed her into the registry, Loopster got up on true summit, striking a dramatic pose.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sierra Blanca was awesome!\u00a0 Hadn’t been hard to get here, either.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog lingered an hour and 40 minutes, so long that she wasn’t going to have time to climb Buck Mountain on the way back.\u00a0 Oh, well!\u00a0 Time spent here was well worth it.\u00a0 No regrets.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lingering on Sierra Blanca<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5-13-21, 4:22 PM<\/em> – SPHP started down first.\u00a0 The return, mostly along the same route, went well.\u00a0 After passing through the notch again, Lupe took advantage of a use trail lower down on the W side of the rocky ridge that led back to the first ridge above the 500 foot grassy slope.\u00a0 This use trail was easier than staying high, and definitely the way to go.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Final moments atop Sierra Blanca<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Heading down to the notch. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the use trail leading back to the first ridge<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Back at the first ridge. Sierra Blanca<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe returned to Lookout Mountain<\/span><\/a> (11,580 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, going over the hill she had skirted earlier.\u00a0 During another short break, SPHP had a look at a couple of plaques attached to the rock wall.\u00a0 The most interesting one pointed out the Carrizozo Malpais Lava Beds, site of the first atomic bomb explosion.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sierra Blanca<\/strong> from the hill Lupe had skirted earlier in the day. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Relaxing on Lookout Mountain<\/strong>, 2nd ascent. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Atomic bomb explosion plaque. Not something you want too many of around!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe did not revisit the White Mountain Wilderness High Point<\/span><\/a> (11,300 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, instead taking the Lookout Trail No. 78A shortcut to Ice Spring (which she saw no sign of) and back to Crest Trail No. 25.<\/p>\n

Now that it was about over, the most exciting part of the entire day was about to begin!\u00a0 Lupe never saw the coyotes again, but the burned forest turned out to be full of giant deers emerging to graze!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Giant deers at day’s end.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Oh, it was a thrilling time on a great day, the day Lupe climbed her first peaks in New Mexico!\u00a0 Reaching the RAV4 at dusk, the Carolina Dog was tired, famished, and perhaps more than a little sad that it was all over and done.\u00a0 (5-13-21, 8:35 PM)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On Sierra Blanca<\/strong>, Sacramento Mountains, New Mexico 5-13-21<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

Next Adventure<\/span><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Prior Adventure<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose from Lupe’s Summer of 2021<\/span> Dingo Vacations to New Mexico, Wyoming & the West Coast Adventure Inde<\/strong><\/span>x<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, Dingo Vacations Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a> or Master Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0Or subscribe free\u00a0to\u00a0new Lupe adventures<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/em>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Days 4-6 of Lupe’s 1st Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to New Mexico! 5-11-21, before noon, I-25 in Colorado – After leaving Hotel Dusty, SPHP found the drive S from Denver in heavy traffic rather nerve-wracking.\u00a0 Not Lupe!\u00a0 The American Dingo considered it a smashing bore.\u00a0 Nothing but city – not a cow or horse … Continue reading Sierra Blanca, Sacramento Mountains, New Mexico (5-13-21)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":34295,"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":[1416],"tags":[105,106,1427,26,1202,1428,104,1429,1426,1425,1424,1430],"class_list":["post-34314","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1416","tag-american-dingo","tag-carolina-dog","tag-crest-trail-no-25","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-lookout-mountain","tag-lookout-trail-no-78","tag-lupe","tag-new-mexico","tag-peak-11300","tag-sacramento-mountains","tag-sierra-blanca","tag-white-mountain-wilderness-high-point"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/IMG_0354.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\/34314","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=34314"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34314\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":39194,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34314\/revisions\/39194"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/34295"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=34314"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=34314"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=34314"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}