{"id":35549,"date":"2021-11-29T08:10:45","date_gmt":"2021-11-29T15:10:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=35549"},"modified":"2022-04-03T08:49:14","modified_gmt":"2022-04-03T14:49:14","slug":"cedar-mountain-absaroka-range-wyoming-6-26-21","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=35549","title":{"rendered":"Cedar Mountain, Absaroka Range, Wyoming (6-26-21)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Day 5 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming!<\/em><\/p>\n

Six miles up the spectacular Shoshone River canyon W of Cody, the RAV4 emerged from the last of 3 tunnels along Hwy 16\/20\/14.\u00a0 Immediately off to the L was the Buffalo Bill Dam Visitor Center<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0 SPHP drove another couple of miles to the first pullout along the big reservoir.<\/p>\n

C’mon, Looper!\u00a0 Let’s have a look at Cedar Mountain<\/span><\/a> (7,880 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>!<\/em><\/p>\n

Happy to escape the RAV4 for a while, Lupe accompanied SPHP down to Buffalo Bill Reservoir’s shoreline, a rocky beach littered with driftwood bleached white by the sun.\u00a0 The beautiful lake consisted of two big arms, one extending miles W near the highway and another off to the S.<\/p>\n

Along the E shore loomed a mighty triangular-shaped mountain, it’s rugged W face composed of a series of cliffs overlooking the lake.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Cedar Mountain<\/strong> from the N shore of Buffalo Bill Reservoir<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Buffalo Bill Reservoir<\/strong>. Sheep Mountain<\/span><\/a> (7,892 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (L). Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

That’s Cedar Mountain, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Sure is, Loop!\u00a0 Don’t worry, though.\u00a0 We won’t be going up that way!\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

As waves rolled in, the Carolina Dog enjoyed a sniff along the N shore before SPHP suggested checking out the visitor center.\u00a0 10 minutes later, Lupe was hopping out of the RAV4 at a paved parking lot right across a narrow channel from Cedar Mountain.\u00a0 The visitor center was a short stroll away.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Setting out for the visitor center. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The channel leading back to the main part of the lake from the dam. Lower slopes of Cedar Mountain<\/strong> (L). Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the Buffalo Bill Dam visitor center<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The visitor center was not Dingo friendly, but Lupe was free to look around outside.\u00a0 A walkway over the dam, which was right next to the visitor center, provided a stunning view of the Shoshone River canyon.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Near Buffalo Bill Dam<\/strong> and the visitor center. Cedar Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Shoshone River canyon<\/strong> from the walkway over the dam. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It’s all very scenic, SPHP!\u00a0 Wonder what the views are like from way up on Cedar Mountain?\u00a0 Must be incredible!<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, I bet they are, Loopster!\u00a0 Let’s go find out!<\/em><\/p>\n

Driving E back down the Shoshone River canyon into Cody, SPHP missed the sign for Spirit Mountain Road, mostly likely because there wasn’t one.\u00a0 The turn eventually proved to be about 2 miles W of Walmart, on the L (S) from that direction, just before Cedar Mountain Trail Rides.\u00a0 SPHP parked the RAV4 at a large trailhead 150 feet from the highway.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Cedar Mountain Trail Rides<\/strong>, on the L (S) side of Hwy 16\/20\/14 heading W out of Cody, is just past the L turn onto Spirit Mountain Road. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the trailhead. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

11:59 AM, 67\u00baF<\/em> – Ready to go!\u00a0 The American Dingo left the trailhead on a dusty path which soon joined an even dustier trail used by the trail ride horses.\u00a0 Cedar Mountain’s lower slopes were sparsely dotted with cedars, alright, but Sagebrush Mountain might have been a better name.\u00a0 The horse trail quickly led to Spirit Mountain Road, which could be seen switchbacking ever higher up the NE slope.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Setting out for Cedar Mountain<\/strong>! Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Sign passed early on along Spirit Mountain Road.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The road hike wasn’t very exciting, but at least it was easy, just a steady climb winding up the mountain.\u00a0 The predominate sagebrush didn’t block the views, which inevitably improved as Lupe trudged higher.\u00a0 Cumulus clouds sailed overhead providing shade, but whenever the sun came out, so did the Carolina Dog’s tongue.\u00a0 Starting to get hot!<\/p>\n

At a sharp turn where there were some rock formations, Lupe left the road for water promised by SPHP and a look around.\u00a0 Nearby, stretches of the Shoshone River could be seen.\u00a0 McCullough Peaks<\/span><\/a> (6,547 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> were visible off to the NE beyond Cody.\u00a0 The most dramatic view was due N of Heart Mountain<\/span><\/a> (8,123 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
McCullough Mountains<\/strong> (Center) beyond Cody. Shoshone River<\/strong> (L). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Heart Mountain<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks N with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Spirit Mountain Road from near the first rock formation viewpoint. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Continuing on, the day grew sunnier.\u00a0 Loopster plodded along behind SPHP, panting hard, clearly not too into this baking hot trek.\u00a0 Whenever SPHP paused for a look at the tremendous views or to gasp for air, the Carolina Dog sought the shade of the nearest cedar tree.<\/p>\n

After many switchbacks, the road straightened and leveled out.\u00a0 Towers could be seen ahead up on Cedar Mountain’s E summit.\u00a0 It wasn’t much farther to a vacant parking area near a trail to Spirit Mountain Cave.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Towers on Cedar Mountain’s E summit<\/strong> (Center) appear ahead as Spirit Mountain Road finally begins to level out. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Sign at the start of the Spirit Mountain Cave trail. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

A key had to be acquired in advance in order to visit Spirit Mountain Caverns.\u00a0 Since SPHP hadn’t bothered to get one, there was no point in taking this side trail.\u00a0 Looper continued along the road.\u00a0 Soon she came to another vacant parking area near a blue gate.<\/p>\n

This blue gate was as far as the public was supposed to drive along Spirit Mountain Road.\u00a0 Beyond this gate were 2 miles of private property.\u00a0 It was SPHP’s understanding that continuing on paw was acceptable, as long as one stayed on the road.\u00a0 In any case, the gate was standing wide open when Lupe reached it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the blue gate.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The American Dingo pressed on, coming to a brown gate, also open, 15 minutes later.\u00a0 Beyond the brown gate the road resumed its climb.\u00a0 Lupe passed through a short stretch of much thicker cedar forest.\u00a0 Beyond the forest, she entered more open territory again.\u00a0 This region was grassier with far less sagebrush.<\/p>\n

By now, Lupe was getting quite high on the mountain.\u00a0 A short break was taken beneath a big cedar tree near a sharp bend in the road.\u00a0 Water and a shared chocolate coconut bar.\u00a0 Clouds were again providing relief from the sun, but these clouds were darker, and so many had moved in that the weather suddenly seemed iffy.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By a nice clump of orange Indian paintbrush.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the brown gate.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Beyond the first dense stretch of cedar forest.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

However, the sky brightened again.\u00a0 Loopster kept going.\u00a0 The towers of Cedar Mountain’s E summit came back into view, still several hundred feet higher.\u00a0 Lupe passed a house on the R before reaching a green gate.\u00a0 It was open, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Towers ahead again! Getting closer to the E summit. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the green gate.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Shortly after passing the green gate, Loopster started coming to the first of many towers scattered over the E summit region.\u00a0 The weather now seemed ominous.\u00a0 The sky had darkened again, and a strong breeze blew out of the NW.\u00a0 Rain, possibly hail, appeared imminent.\u00a0 Hurrying on, SPHP looked for shelter.<\/p>\n

A gray concrete block building appeared on the L just prior to a fork in the road.\u00a0 Looked like it would do in a real emergency, but things weren’t that dire yet.\u00a0 Staying L at the fork, Lupe went a bit farther, ultimately seeking refuge in another patch of cedar forest as a gale suddenly swept over Cedar Mountain.\u00a0 Huge raindrops pelted Loopster as she reached the trees in the nick of time.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the first towers of the E summit region.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Or so it seemed.\u00a0 Not really, though.\u00a0 No sooner had the Carolina Dog reached the forest, which was a little way from the road, than the storm passed.\u00a0 The rain stopped.\u00a0 The wind died away.\u00a0 A squall, nothing more.<\/p>\n

That’s it?\u00a0 Hah!\u00a0 I thought we were in for it, Loopster!<\/em><\/p>\n

Maybe we ought to hang out here for a while yet, SPHP.\u00a0 Just to make sure we’re in the clear again.<\/em><\/p>\n

I suppose that makes some sense.\u00a0 Sure, why not?<\/em><\/p>\n

Another chocolate coconut bar would help to pass the time, SPHP!\u00a0 Got any more?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, I see!\u00a0 Yes, but we only have one left.\u00a0 Don’t you want to save it for the summit?<\/em><\/p>\n

No.<\/em><\/p>\n

Silly me.\u00a0 Asking questions I already know the answer to.<\/em><\/p>\n

The last chocolate coconut bar helped to pass all of about 10 seconds, and that only because SPHP took 9 to tear it into bite-sized pieces rather than one great wolf-it-down gulp.\u00a0 Re-energized, Lupe returned to the road.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A couple more towers passed shortly after the demise of the last chocolate coconut bar.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Although Cedar Mountain’s E summit region incorporated quite a large area, Lupe didn’t have much farther to go to get to the top.\u00a0 After passing W through another stretch of forest, the road climbed a small rise.\u00a0 Here, several more towers and sheds were scattered along a narrow ridge.<\/p>\n

A small rock outcropping proved to be the high point.\u00a0 For the first time during her ascent, Lupe had a view to the W, quite a spectacular one overlooking the Shoshone River canyon and the N shore of Buffalo Bill Reservoir.\u00a0 Rattlesnake Mountain<\/span><\/a> (9,116 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was just across the canyon, and Trout Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,244 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was visible among others on the horizon.<\/p>\n

Cedar Mountain’s true summit, still 0.75 mile off to the WSW, was now in sight, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Near the E summit’s high point<\/strong>. West (true) summit<\/strong> (L). Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the E summit’s high point<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The best view was from the E summit’s far W end, only a short distance past the high point.\u00a0 The road went right to it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
True summit<\/strong> (L), Buffalo Bill Reservoir<\/strong> (Center) from the W end of the E summit<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Buffalo Bill Reservoir<\/strong> (L), Trout Peak<\/strong> on the horizon (R), Rattlesnake Mountain<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From this grand viewpoint, the road went S down a steep open slope, then turned WSW toward the W summit.\u00a0 Lupe lost 250 feet of elevation before the road bottomed out in yet another forest and began to climb again.\u00a0 At the very end, a shorter steep slope led to a collection of small antennas.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the way to the W (true) summit.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching antennas at the end of the road. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The true summit of Cedar Mountain<\/span><\/a> (7,880 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was a 12 foot diameter platform of rock just beyond the antennas.\u00a0 The views of Buffalo Bill Reservoir 2,500 feet below, and the mountainous territory beyond it were stupendous!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Buffalo Bill Reservoir<\/strong> from Cedar Mountain’s W (true) summit<\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Trout Peak<\/strong> (L) on the horizon. Rattlesnake Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A glance back at the E summit<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A 20-25 mph NW wind was sweeping over the exposed platform when Lupe arrived.\u00a0 Clouds raced by, but except for occasional stronger gusts, the weather never really threatened again.\u00a0 Loop didn’t care for the wind at all, and spent nearly her entire summit hour either hunched down on the rock, or curled up on SPHP’s lap.\u00a0 Most of the time she was in shadow, but there were moments of sunshine, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Relaxing at the true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
W arm of Buffalo Bill Reservoir<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
S arm<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
High plains to the SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Heart Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks N with lots of help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Cedar Mountain was an awesome vantage point, but the NW wind was relentless.\u00a0 Lupe was ready when it was time to go.\u00a0 The American Dingo had one more thing to do up here, though!\u00a0 She was all the way back at the fork in the road at the E summit, when SPHP had a surprise for her.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Final moments at the true summit. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Loopster, want to see a buffalo?<\/em><\/p>\n

A buffalo?\u00a0 Up here?\u00a0 Sure!<\/em><\/p>\n

Taking the fork to the R (N) that Lupe hadn’t explored earlier on the way up, it was less than 0.2 mile to a tombstone near cliffs overlooking the Shoshone River canyon.\u00a0 Nearby, on a platform of rock at the brink of the precipice, a buffalo stood alone in a gale.<\/p>\n

A white buffalo!\u00a0 You were right, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Awe and a touch of trepidation soon turned to disappointment when the buffalo did nothing, and a cautious sniff test subsequently revealed it to be a mere statue, not the real thing.\u00a0 In fact, the poor buffalo was a little worse for the wear, missing its horns and in need of fresh paint.\u00a0 Still it was a pretty cool buffalo, and certainly enjoyed a magnificent view.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the E summit fork in the road. The R fork heads for the buffalo. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the white buffalo of Cedar Mountain. Heart Mountain<\/strong> (R) in the distance. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Next to the buffalo, at the base of the platform, was a green metal box.\u00a0 Opening it, SPHP found another box of orange plastic tucked into foam padding.\u00a0 This box contained an elegant leather bound registry.\u00a0 Due to the fierce wind, SPHP read only one or two entries before adding Lupe’s name, and putting it all away again.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The fancy registry in the orange-tinted plastic box.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So, who was Breck Moran, SPHP?\u00a0 Was he a friend of the buffalo?<\/em><\/p>\n

Don’t really know much about Mr. Moran, Loop.\u00a0 Says here that he was a crusader for Wyoming’s development.\u00a0 The buffalo is actually in honor of Buffalo Bill, who founded the town of Cody among many other exploits during a long, adventurous life.<\/em><\/p>\n

So, Buffalo Bill was a friend of the buffalo?<\/em><\/p>\n

No, not really.\u00a0 He was a famous buffalo hunter who killed thousands of them to supply Kansas Pacific Railroad workers with meat in the late 1860’s.\u00a0 But he must have liked buffalo.\u00a0 His 1906 will said he wanted to be buried up here on Cedar Mountain with a statue of a buffalo.\u00a0 However, in 1917, Buffalo Bill died while on a trip to Colorado, and his wife had him buried on Lookout Mountain<\/span><\/a> (7,374 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> in Golden instead.<\/em><\/p>\n

So, Buffalo Bill liked buffalo, but killed thousands of them?\u00a0 That doesn’t make any sense, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Humans can be funny that way, Loopster.<\/em><\/p>\n

Funny peculiar, maybe, SPHP!\u00a0 Not funny haha, especially for the buffalo!<\/em><\/p>\n

Think of Buffalo Bill and the buffalo like Dingoes and squirrels.\u00a0 You love squirrels, but if it weren’t for trees, you’d be known as Squirrel Loop!<\/em><\/p>\n

Evidently the American Dingo wasn’t sure what to say to that.\u00a0 She made no response.\u00a0 Taking leave of the white buffalo on it’s windy platform with the spectacular view high on Cedar Mountain, perhaps it was food for thought as Lupe returned to the road and started the long, winding trek back down to the RAV4.\u00a0 (End 8:01 PM, 75\u00baF)<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Buffalo Bill Reservoir<\/strong> from Cedar Mountain<\/strong>, Absaroka Range, Wyoming 6-26-21<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

Next Adventure<\/span><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \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":"

Day 5 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming! Six miles up the spectacular Shoshone River canyon W of Cody, the RAV4 emerged from the last of 3 tunnels along Hwy 16\/20\/14.\u00a0 Immediately off to the L was the Buffalo Bill Dam Visitor Center.\u00a0 SPHP drove another couple of miles to the … Continue reading Cedar Mountain, Absaroka Range, Wyoming (6-26-21)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":35545,"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":[1309,105,1465,106,1009,26,104,275],"class_list":["post-35549","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1416","tag-absaroka-range","tag-american-dingo","tag-buffalo-bill-reservoir","tag-carolina-dog","tag-cedar-mountain","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-lupe","tag-wyoming"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/IMG_0892.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\/35549","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=35549"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35549\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":39206,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35549\/revisions\/39206"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/35545"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=35549"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=35549"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=35549"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}