{"id":35664,"date":"2021-12-09T08:10:45","date_gmt":"2021-12-09T15:10:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=35664"},"modified":"2022-04-03T08:50:14","modified_gmt":"2022-04-03T14:50:14","slug":"on-off-the-reef-creek-trail-to-windy-mountain-absaroka-range-wyoming-6-28-21","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=35664","title":{"rendered":"On & Off the Reef Creek Trail to Windy Mountain, Absaroka Range, Wyoming (6-28-21)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Days 6 & 7 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming!<\/em><\/p>\n

6-27-21, 9:20 AM, at a pullout along Chief Joseph Scenic Highway No. 296 –<\/em><\/p>\n

Is that Windy Mountain<\/span><\/a> (10,262 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>?<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP consulted the topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

No, can’t be.\u00a0 It’s too close to the highway, Loop.\u00a0 Don’t think we can see Windy Mountain from here.\u00a0 Probably Peak 9352<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Those must be the Cathedral Cliffs below it.\u00a0 Keep an eye out for the Reef Creek Picnic Area when we hit the highway again.\u00a0 Can’t be much farther.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 9352<\/span><\/strong> (Center) and the Cathedral Cliffs<\/strong> (R) from Chief Joseph Scenic Highway. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

That was for sure.\u00a0 The RAV4 had barely gotten back onto the highway when a sign appeared on the L (S) side of the road.<\/p>\n

There it is, SPHP!\u00a0 Reef Creek Picnic Area!<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP pulled into a paved semicircular drive.\u00a0 Lupe hopped out for a look around.\u00a0 The Reef Creek Picnic Area was small.\u00a0 Several picnic tables tucked back in among the trees and a restroom seemed to be about it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the Reef Creek Picnic Area. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hmm.\u00a0 Supposed to be a trail here, Looper.\u00a0 See if you can find it.\u00a0 Might not be used much, since this is the long way to Windy Mountain.<\/em><\/p>\n

Are you sure the trail still exists, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

No, not at all.\u00a0 Just hoping it does.<\/em><\/p>\n

A search commenced.\u00a0 No luck, at first, but then there it was!\u00a0 100 feet from the parking lot, well beyond a picnic table toward the SW, a big tree bore a small new sign.\u00a0 All it said was “Trail”.\u00a0 Next to the tree, a faint path disappeared into the forest.<\/p>\n

This must be it, Loop!\u00a0 Reef Creek Trail No. 605!<\/em><\/p>\n

And that was that.\u00a0 Reconnaissance complete!\u00a0 After two big climbs in two days, the American Dingo had the rest of the day off.\u00a0 Fortuitously, a favorite spot along the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River just off Beartooth Highway No. 212 was only a 30 minute drive away.\u00a0 Lupe passed the rest of the day peacefully along the gorgeous river with its stunning view of Pilot Peak<\/span> <\/a>(11,699 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Index Peak<\/span><\/a> (11,240 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Wading in the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The pullout along Beartooth Hwy No. 212. Mount Jim Smith<\/strong> (10,312 ft.)<\/strong><\/span> (L of Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
By the rapids just downstream.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Pilot Peak<\/strong> (Center) and Index Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Ahh! This is the life!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Diligently preparing for Windy Mountain tomorrow.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6-28-21, 7:55 AM, Reef Creek Picnic Area<\/em> – All rested up, the Carolina Dog once again stood by the big tree with the “Trail” sign at the start of Reef Creek Trail No. 605.\u00a0 As soon as SPHP was ready, she set out.\u00a0 The trail climbed steadily, winding up a fairly aggressive forested slope devoid of any distant views.\u00a0 The good news was that although this route appeared infrequently traveled, the trail was surprisingly easy to follow.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the start of Reef Creek Trail No. 605.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Early on during the initial climb.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

20 minutes brought Lupe to a broad bench of more open forest where the trail leveled out.\u00a0 For a little way, the trail ran ENE along the flat ground before gradually turning SE and beginning to climb again.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Up on the broad, flat bench. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Half an hour and the rate of climb diminished.\u00a0 Lupe came to a clearing providing first views of the surrounding territory.\u00a0 She’d already made a lot of progress, gaining close to 800 feet of elevation.\u00a0 Of course, she still had a very long way to go, but so far everything was going as expected.\u00a0 To the SW, Looper could now see the big ridge SE of HP8580<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 No. 605 would take her around that ridge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
First views after a considerable climb. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Initial glimpse of HP8580<\/span><\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Soon Reef Creek could be heard, although not seen, in a valley to the E.\u00a0 Lupe came to a large, flat meadow.\u00a0 Looked like super easy terrain, but the American Dingo had barely started across it, when the bright green meadow proved to be soft and wet.\u00a0 No. 605 vanished in a mucky marsh.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the start of what proved to be a marsh. Reef Creek Trail No. 605 was last seen heading straight into it. Russell Peak<\/span><\/a> (9,186 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (L). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Not anxious to slog through the muck, SPHP looked around.\u00a0 Nearby, an open lane wide enough to be a road headed WSW through the forest.\u00a0 Maybe the trail actually went that way for a bit?\u00a0 Lupe followed the dry lane, but when it didn’t turn back to the SE within a few minutes, SPHP realized this route had to be a mistake.<\/p>\n

Abandoning the lane, Lupe turned SE, roaming higher through a region of scattered pines that led to another meadow that eventually proved to be even boggier.\u00a0 The American Dingo got as far as a small stream that ran through the bog, but did not cross it.\u00a0 Instead, Looper followed the stream SW straight up the slope, all the way to a spring gushing out of the mountain amid a luxuriant display of bluebells.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Standing in the tiny stream that ran through the upper marsh. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Near the bluebells where the spring gushed out of the mountain. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On the way up to the spring, it looked like Loopster had gained so much elevation that she ought to be able to simply climb up and over the ridge SE of HP8580<\/span><\/strong> without too much trouble.\u00a0 If successful, this would be a shortcut, eventually allowing her to return to Reef Creek Trail No. 605 down in the valley on the far side of the ridge.<\/p>\n

Encouraged by SPHP, Lupe started up the steep slope above the spring, but the climb quickly turned into a tough slog.\u00a0 This region had burned some years ago.\u00a0 Young trees crowded a jumble of deadfall.\u00a0 Naturally, the slope continued much farther than it had appeared from below.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Ya know, SPHP! Maybe we should have just slogged through a little muck and found the trail!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The rate of climb finally began to diminish.\u00a0 Once past the burnt area, most of the deadfall vanished.\u00a0 The worst was over.\u00a0 Passing through a beautiful mature forest, Lupe reached the crest of the ridge and crossed over.\u00a0 On the other side, she came to a clearing full of wildflowers with a view of the Reef Creek valley ahead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Past the deadfall, getting close to the top of the ridge. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Reef Creek valley<\/strong> from the ridge SE of HP8580<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

During a rest break among the flowers, SPHP made a terrible discovery.<\/p>\n

Loopster!\u00a0 I’ve lost our map!\u00a0 I don’t have it on me!<\/em><\/p>\n

Think, SPHP!\u00a0 When was the last time you definitely did have it?<\/em><\/p>\n

Above the spring, back at a huge standing dead tree we stopped at for a quick breather.\u00a0 I remember looking at it.<\/em><\/p>\n

Maybe you left the map there, then?\u00a0 That tree shouldn’t be hard to find.\u00a0 Want to go back?<\/em><\/p>\n

Eh!\u00a0 I don’t know.\u00a0 Hate to go all that way.\u00a0 The map might have fallen out of my pocket somewhere else.\u00a0 Can probably make do without it.\u00a0 I looked at it quite a few times on the way up, and the route isn’t that tricky.<\/em><\/p>\n

Really?\u00a0 Are you sure that’s wise, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Wise?\u00a0 Maybe not, but I suspect we’ll be fine.\u00a0 All we have to do is get back to Trail No. 605 down in the valley ahead of us, and follow it to No. 604, which comes up from Sunlight Basin.\u00a0 No. 604 will get us the rest of the way to the summit.\u00a0 Trails all the way!\u00a0 What could go wrong?<\/em><\/p>\n

That did sound simple enough, but once the break at the wildflower clearing was over, SPHP proposed a new plan.\u00a0 Traveling some distance up the Reef Creek valley, No. 605 would eventually head up onto this same long ridge that HP8580<\/span><\/strong> was part of.\u00a0 Why lose 200 feet of elevation going down into the valley when Lupe could simply follow the ridge?<\/p>\n

Expressing no reservations over this change, the cooperative Carolina Dog struck out heading W along a game trail.\u00a0 Only minor elevation loss was incurred as Lupe traversed the forested slope S of HP8580<\/span><\/strong>, putting her into position for a short climb to the saddle between it and HP8462<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
SW of HP8580<\/span><\/strong> heading for the saddle<\/strong> (L) leading to HP8462<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Upon reaching the saddle, HP8462<\/span><\/strong>, most of which had burned, was in sight immediately to the SW.\u00a0 HP8462<\/span><\/strong> consisted of two hills each capped by a layer of white rock.\u00a0 Lupe climbed to the top of the lower hill, but SPHP feared she might cliff out on the far side if she went all the way to the top of the higher one.\u00a0 Instead, she attempted the same trick used at HP8580<\/span><\/strong>, trying to traverse the slope immediately E of the summit.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching HP8462<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This time the traverse didn’t work as well.\u00a0 Lupe wound up on a very steep slope just below the summit’s capstone.\u00a0 SPHP’s progress was slow on the loose rock.\u00a0 Worse yet, it soon became apparent that once beyond HP8462 <\/span><\/strong>Loop faced a substantial drop to the next saddle along the ridge followed by a big climb up to HP8706<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the very steep slope just E of HP8462<\/span>‘s capstone<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Took a while to get down to the next saddle.\u00a0 By then, SPHP had had a change of heart.<\/p>\n

This business of trying to stay up on the ridge isn’t working out Looper.\u00a0 Too much up and down along the way.\u00a0 Never should have tried it.\u00a0 I hereby christen HP8462<\/span><\/strong> “Dum-dum Point”!<\/em><\/p>\n

I knew you’d figure it out sooner or later, SPHP!\u00a0 Ready to head down into the Reef Creek valley to pick up the trail before we waste any more time losing and regaining the same old elevation over and over again?<\/em><\/p>\n

Absolutely, let’s do it!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Beyond HP8462<\/span><\/strong> starting down into the valley. Windy Mountain<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Instead of losing a mere 200 feet like she could have earlier on, Lupe lost more like 340 feet of elevation from Dum-dum Point on the way down into the Reef Creek valley.\u00a0 Close to the bottom was a huge field full of purplish pink wildflowers.\u00a0 Trail No. 605 did not pass through this field, but Lupe ran into it 100 feet after entering the forest at the lower end.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Crossing the huge field leading down to the Reef Creek valley<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

\"\"<\/a>
Glancing back at Dum-dum Point<\/strong> (HP8462<\/span><\/strong>) (Center). HP8580<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Finally back on Reef Creek Trail No. 605 again! Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

All that wandering around traversing slopes and trying to stay up on the ridge had been a time and energy-consuming waste, but once back on Trail No. 605 everything seemed fantabulous again.\u00a0 The only thing Lupe had to do now was stick with the trail the rest of the way.<\/p>\n

SPHP remembered from the topo map that No. 605 would eventually split off to the R from a route that continued farther up the Reef Creek valley.\u00a0 Make that turn, and Loopster was as good as up on Windy Mountain!<\/p>\n

No. 605 was level where the Carolina Dog reached it, but soon started gaining elevation as she followed it up the valley.\u00a0 Except for occasional small meadows where the trail tended to fade, this whole region was forested.\u00a0 SPHP watched for the turn where No. 605 took off to start its climb out of the valley.\u00a0 Progress was good, but the trail went on and on, and the intersection did not appear.<\/p>\n

After 40 minutes, the trail reached Reef Creek at a point where a fallen log created a small waterfall.\u00a0 Lupe cooled her paws down and helped herself to a drink.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Reef Creek<\/strong> where Trail No. 605 first reached it.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail followed the NW side of the creek for a while, before crossing it at a non-obvious point.\u00a0 However, this crossing was soon figured out.\u00a0 Lupe doubled back to it when the trail vanished.\u00a0 After leaping over to the SE side, Loop entered a long meadow where the trail faded away.\u00a0 She found it again at the far end shortly before the trail crossed back over to the NW bank.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the NW bank (wrong side!) just past the first creek crossing. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By now, SPHP realized that the junction where No. 605 left the valley to climb up onto the huge ridge to the W must have been missed.\u00a0 However, the pass at the upper end of the valley was now sometimes seen ahead.\u00a0 No. 605 was supposed cross that saddle as the big ridge swept around to the E toward Windy Mountain.\u00a0 Figuring Looper might as well attempt to intercept No. 605 at the pass, SPHP encouraged her to keep following Reef Creek toward it.<\/p>\n

She did, but the trail began to fade.\u00a0 The valley gradually narrowed, and Reef Creek became a trickle.\u00a0 Lupe started coming to deep snow drifts among a dense pine forest.\u00a0 The drifts hid what remained of the trail.\u00a0 They held the Dingo’s weight, but not SPHP’s.\u00a0 The pass wasn’t all that much farther, but getting to it was going to take forever and a day.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Continuing up Reef Creek.<\/strong> Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the snowdrifts at the end of the valley trek. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Peering through open forest up a steep slope on the E side of the valley, a big grassy clearing could be seen about 100 feet higher.\u00a0 It looked equally steep, but if Lupe could get up there, maybe she could eventually get to Windy Mountain that way?\u00a0 Worth a shot.<\/p>\n

SPHP stopped repeatedly to gasp for air.\u00a0 At times the slope seemed on the verge of becoming almost scary steep, but Lupe managed to reach the grassy clearing.\u00a0 High above, at the upper end, was a standing white forest of dead trees, with new growth visible among the skeletons.<\/p>\n

As Lupe continued higher, views of the Reef Creek valley and the ridge to the W where Trail No. 605 ought to be improved rapidly.\u00a0 After a while, she could see over the lower part of the ridge.<\/p>\n

Far to the N, snow-capped peaks along the spine of the Beartooths were visible.\u00a0 Sky Pilot Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,047 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, which the American Dingo had climbed in 2020 after failing to get to Castle Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,612 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> with mountaineering friend Jobe Wymore<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, was in sight!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the grassy slope. Trail No. 605 ridge<\/strong> (L). Peak 9532<\/span><\/strong> (Center). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the horizon: Snowbank Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,084 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (far L), Salo Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,250 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (L), Castle Rock Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,401 ft.)<\/span> & Castle Rock Spire<\/span><\/a> (12,450 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (Center), Castle Mountain<\/span> <\/a>(12,612 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (R of Center) and Sky Pilot Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,047 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (R). Beartooth Butte<\/span><\/a> (10,514 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (R) in the foreground. Photo looks N with lots of help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By the time Lupe reached the both dead and new growth forest, the slope wasn’t quite as steep.\u00a0 SPHP’s rate of ascent improved slightly, as Lupe roamed among the trees.\u00a0 Off to the R (SW) was another steep slope featuring a long snowbank.\u00a0 To the NW was a view of an intriguing peak that must have been Hurricane Mesa<\/span><\/a> (11,064 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
In the dead and new growth forest.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The next ridge or slope to the SW with its long snowbank. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Hurricane Mesa<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

800 feet above where she’d left Reef Creek, Lupe reached a small flat ridge that was out in the open.\u00a0 The pass she had been trying to get to earlier was now visible far below off to the SW.\u00a0 HP9841<\/span><\/strong>, one of Windy Mountain’s subpeaks, was off to the ENE, and appeared to be a mere hill not an awful lot higher than where the American Dingo was now.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Glancing back from the flat ridge. Reef Creek valley<\/strong> (Center) and Peak 9352<\/span><\/strong> (L). Beartooth Mountains<\/strong> on the horizon. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking down on the pass (Center) at the upper end of the Reef Creek valley. Photo looks SW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
HP9841<\/span><\/strong> (Center), a subpeak N of Windy Mountain. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The view ahead was most encouraging!\u00a0 The ridge Loop was on led to a forest, but it appeared that some kind of a top was just beyond it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking ahead from the flat part of the ridge. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Climbing to and through the next forest, Lupe soon emerged on open ground along the upper NE slopes of HP9974<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 No need to go to the top of this barren hill, for Windy Mountain<\/span><\/a> (10,262 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was directly ahead, the summit still some 300 feet higher somewhere at the far end of a vast grassy slope that rose steadily SSE for 0.67 mile.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Windy Mountain<\/strong> from close to HP9974<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As Lupe headed up the grassy plain, SPHP gloated.<\/p>\n

Hah!\u00a0 Told you we’d make it, Looper!\u00a0 Map or no map!<\/em><\/p>\n

True enough, SPHP.\u00a0 But for a mountain with a trail all the way to the top, we’ve sure done a lot of off-trail thrashing around in tedious terrain.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, don’t worry about that now!\u00a0 Over and done with!\u00a0 Before you know it, we’ll be seeing the world from the glorious summit of Windy Mountain!\u00a0 On the return we can learn from our mistakes cruising down the trail all the way back to the RAV4.\u00a0 Easy squeezy!<\/em><\/p>\n

Our<\/strong> mistakes, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, sort of.\u00a0 We’re a team, aren’t we?<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Summit bound! Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Partway up, looking back at HP9974<\/span><\/strong> (Center). Hurricane Mesa<\/strong> (L). Pilot & Index Peaks<\/strong> (R) in the distance. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Near the top, a line of widely separated tall poles along Trail No. 604 led toward the summit.\u00a0 Loopster was already almost there by the time she reached them.\u00a0 Windy Mountain’s summit region proved to be a large flat expanse, sparsely vegetated, sloping gently to the N, but bordered by cliffs all along the S edge.<\/p>\n

No trees, bushes, large rocks, or other obstacles were present to obstruct the sweeping views in all directions.\u00a0 Four concrete pylons marked the corners of a now absent structure, and near them stood a 10 foot tall wooden cross.\u00a0 One of the pylons featured a mailbox marked “Big Windy Mountain Elev 10,262 ft.”<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the summit. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Success!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Surveying the fabulous view of Sunlight Basin<\/strong>. Robbers Roost<\/span><\/a> (12,040 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (Center) and Trout Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,244 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (R of Center) on the horizon. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe and SPHP were both ready for a long break.\u00a0 A spot was chosen along the SE lip of the mountain 12 feet from a survey benchmark.\u00a0 Shaking the Carolina Dog’s paw, SPHP congratulated Loopster on her successful, if unorthodox, ascent of Windy Mountain.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Basking in glory along the SE edge. Survey benchmark (lower L). Photo looks SSW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 9841<\/span><\/strong> (Center) in front of the canyon of the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Windy Mountain survey benchmark.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For a long time neither Lupe nor SPHP stirred.\u00a0 Conditions were perfect!\u00a0 Clear, calm, mid 70’s \u00baF.\u00a0 Magnificent views all around!\u00a0 Eventually it was time to get up, though, to enter Lupe’s name in the registry contained in the mailbox, move around a bit, and take some photos.<\/p>\n

The American Dingo generally cooperated, but tended to slink away to the shade of the concrete pylons during any lulls in the action.\u00a0 Not a good thing, since there was a fair amount of broken glass near them.\u00a0 Fortunately, no tragedy ensued.<\/p>\n

Many beautiful peaks were in sight.\u00a0 SPHP knew only a few.\u00a0 Far to the SE, Heart Mountain<\/span><\/a> (8,123 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was visible beyond Dead Indian Pass.\u00a0 Robbers Roost<\/span><\/a> (12,040 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Trout Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,244 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> were to the S.\u00a0 Almost none of the splendid mountains to the SW or W were familiar.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Chief Joseph Scenic Hwy zig-zags up to Dead Indian Pass<\/strong> (Center). Heart Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Sunlight Basin<\/strong> from Windy Mountain. Trout Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Robbers Roost<\/strong> (L), Trout Peak<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks S with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Same spot, looking SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Hanging out in the shade of a pylon. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Unknown peaks SW?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Indian Peak<\/span><\/a> (10,923 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hurricane Mesa<\/span><\/a> (11,064 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and more distant Pilot Peak<\/span><\/a> (11,699 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Index Peak<\/span><\/a> (11,240 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> were all to the NW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Indian Peak<\/strong> (L) and Hurricane Mesa<\/strong> (R). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Hurricane Mesa<\/strong> (L). Pilot & Index Peaks<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Far to the N, many grand peaks were on display strung out along the spine of the Beartooth Mountains.\u00a0 Glacier Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,320 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Mount Villard<\/span><\/a> (12,345 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Tempest Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,469 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Mount Peal<\/span><\/a> (12,409 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> were all recognizable near Granite Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,799 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Montana’s highest mountain.\u00a0 Lupe had been to Tempest Mountain.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Glacier Peak<\/strong> (far L), Mount Villard<\/strong> (L), Granite Peak<\/strong> (Center), Tempest Mountain<\/strong> (R), and Mount Peel<\/strong> (far R) all in Montana. Photo looks NNW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Almost due N were Snowbank Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,084 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Salo Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,250 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Castle Rock Mountain<\/span><\/a>\u00a0(12,401 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Castle Rock Spire<\/span><\/a> (12,450 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>,\u00a0Castle Mountain<\/span> <\/a>(12,612 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Sky Pilot Mountain<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, (12,047 ft.) <\/span><\/strong>with\u00a0Beartooth Butte<\/span><\/a> (10,514 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> in the foreground.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Summit Mountain<\/strong> (far L), Snowbank Mountain<\/strong> (L), Salo Mountain<\/strong> (Center), Castle Rock Mountain &\u00a0Castle Rock Spire\u00a0<\/strong>(R of Center),\u00a0Castle Mountain<\/strong> (R), Sky Pilot Mountain<\/strong> (far R) with\u00a0Beartooth Butte<\/strong> in the foreground. Photo looks N with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So much to see!\u00a0 Mountain glory in all directions, but time waits for no Dingo.\u00a0 75 minutes after arriving, Lupe stood again near the old wooden cross, the mighty Beartooths of Montana arrayed far beyond her.\u00a0 A final look, and the inevitable descent began.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Final moments at the Windy Mountain summit<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Heading down. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It all went swimmingly at first, just as SPHP had said it would.\u00a0 Taking Windy Mountain Trail No. 604, the short way up from Sunlight Basin, Lupe followed it down to the junction with Reef Creek Trail No. 605.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the junction of trails No. 604 & 605. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Signage at the junction.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No. 605 finally got Lupe to the pass at the upper end of the Reef Creek valley SPHP hadn’t been able to make it to from below.\u00a0 From here, the trail curved N following the ridge W of the Reef Creek valley, most of the time staying at or near the crest.<\/p>\n

Loopster continued to enjoy spectacular views, and got to see Windy Mountain from a new perspective, including much of the route across the valley she had traveled during her ascent.\u00a0 Despite occasional minor uphill stretches along the big ridge, progress was rapid.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the pass (L) at the upper end of the Reef Creek valley<\/strong> (R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Hunter Peak<\/span><\/a> (9,034 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (L) from the big ridge. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Windy Peak<\/strong>. Lupe had gone up the slope seen directly beyond her. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

All went well until Lupe started getting close to Peak 9352<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 The first sign of trouble began when she reached a level, but narrow section of the ridge leading to it.\u00a0 This low point, slightly over 9,000 feet, seemed like a logical place for No. 605 to leave the ridge and start descending into the Reef Creek valley, but instead the trail continued NNE all the way across this section and started to climb.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching HP9352<\/span><\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe kept going, gaining 100 feet before reaching a little dip.\u00a0 Here the trail simply vanished.\u00a0 No sign of it continuing on toward Peak 9352<\/span><\/strong>, or down the steep forested slope leading into the Reef Creek valley.<\/p>\n

Oh joy!\u00a0 What now, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Not sure, Loop.\u00a0 We’ve come a long way.\u00a0 I’ve been expecting we’d reach wherever No. 605 heads down into the Reef Creek valley for a while now, but this doesn’t seem to be the place.<\/em><\/p>\n

If only we had a map, SPHP!\u00a0 We’d know what to do then, or at least where to look!<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, hush, sarcastic Dingo!\u00a0 We just need to find a decent route down into the valley.\u00a0 We’ll be fine!<\/em><\/p>\n

Hoping the trail would reappear, SPHP encouraged the American Dingo to keep following the ridge.\u00a0 That meant another climb of more than 150 feet before reaching a second flat section of the ridgeline.\u00a0 Peak 9352<\/span><\/strong> was now directly ahead, and not very far away.\u00a0 Still no sign of the trail, though.\u00a0 Shadows were lengthening.\u00a0 A sense of uneasiness grew.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A final look at Windy Mountain<\/strong> from 9,300 ft. SSW of Peak 9352<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Peak 9352<\/span><\/strong> had two high points, the closer one apparently being the true summit.\u00a0 Lupe passed within 40 feet of the top on a traverse toward the lower point, from which the ridge presumably went on.<\/p>\n

The Carolina Dog never completed this traverse.\u00a0 Looking down the slope leading into the Reef Creek valley, an open channel went between two walls of rock.\u00a0 Steep, but definitely doable without much trouble.<\/p>\n

Let’s go that way, Looper!<\/em><\/p>\n

The channel went fine, but the steep descent continued far below it.\u00a0 In a gloomy forest, Lupe soon found herself trapped within an increasingly rough and narrow drainage.\u00a0 Cliffing out was a real possibility, as a slow, anxious descent went on and on.<\/p>\n

Fortunately, there always seemed to be a way past each pinch point.\u00a0 At last, another steep drainage joined in from the R.\u00a0 Amid a jumble of rock and deadfall, the rate of descent soon diminished.\u00a0 Suddenly, there it was! No. 605!<\/p>\n

Great work, Loopster!\u00a0 You found it!<\/em><\/p>\n

Even making fast tracks, it took a surprisingly long time to reach the junction with the trail Lupe had followed so far up Reef Creek.\u00a0 It was easy to see why this turn had been missed earlier in the day.\u00a0 Coming up the valley, No. 605 had split off making a hard R.\u00a0 There was a sign up on a tree, but it was situated along No. 605 after the turn, inconspicuous from the valley route.\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The sun was still up, but time was getting to be of the essence, since SPHP hoped to get through the marsh, still miles away, before dark.\u00a0 Wasting no time at the junction, Lupe headed NE following No. 605 down the valley.<\/p>\n

Confidence was high, progress excellent, but Looper’s Windy Mountain adventure wasn’t over yet.\u00a0 Beyond where Lupe had picked up No. 605 after the Dum-Dum Point fiasco, the Carolina Dog reached a stretch of trail she hadn’t been on before.\u00a0 For a long way it was nearly flat.<\/p>\n

Approaching the area near the end of USFS Road No. 115, a much higher starting point for Windy Mountain than the picnic ground, Lupe came to open territory.\u00a0 Staying toward the L, she passed 4 or 5 new trail signs.\u00a0 None said anything more than “Trail”.\u00a0 Beyond these signs No. 605 began curving E, then faded away in a big meadow.\u00a0 Going straight eventually put Loopster on it again.<\/p>\n

Reef Creek could now be seen down in a deep ravine on the R (S).\u00a0 Along the upper edge, the trail began a gradual descent.\u00a0 Suddenly there was motion on the slope to the N!\u00a0 A dark form, 200 feet away.<\/p>\n

Loop, a bear!<\/em><\/p>\n

In an instant, Lupe locked gazes with a medium-sized black bear.\u00a0 One bark, and the bear took off, running for its life.<\/p>\n

Must have tangled with a Carolina Dog before, aye?<\/em><\/p>\n

When you’re at the top of the food chain, you get a lot of respect, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Evidently.<\/em><\/p>\n

0.67 mile SE of HP8580<\/span><\/strong>, Reed Creek Trail No. 605 rounded the ridge Lupe had climbed over earlier in the day and turned N.\u00a0 The sun was down, and light was fading when it vanished into the marsh.<\/p>\n

The marshy region proved much larger than anticipated.\u00a0 SPHP tried staying high, toward the L (NW) to get around it, but the maneuver soon proved futile.\u00a0 Unfazed, Lupe splish-splashed right on through, while SPHP’s boots (new ones, of course!) got immersed in muck.\u00a0 Took a while to slog through it all to dry ground.<\/p>\n

Dusk was closing in as Looper once again searched for the trail.\u00a0 Down, down, mostly through open lanes between stands of conifers, but in the twilight nothing looked familiar.\u00a0 Finally, Lupe came to a broad bench.<\/p>\n

Oh, I remember this, Loop!\u00a0 The trail leaves this bench somewhere off to the W.\u00a0 Shouldn’t be too far.\u00a0 C’mon!\u00a0 Find that spot and we’ve got it made in the shade!<\/em><\/p>\n

That’s great, SPHP!\u00a0 Much shadier, and it’ll be pitch black!<\/em><\/p>\n

Hurrying W toward the last light, the trail did not appear.\u00a0 Inexplicably, the flat bench went on and on.<\/p>\n

An end finally came.\u00a0 Lupe stood at the brink of a cliff.\u00a0 This was it.\u00a0 No way forward.\u00a0 Dimly, the cliff could be seen stretching unbroken back to the E for a long way.\u00a0 The dark terrain to the N all looked hundreds of feet lower.\u00a0 A sudden shock as the truth sank in.<\/p>\n

Loop, this isn’t the same bench!\u00a0 It’s down there!\u00a0 We’re way too high!<\/em><\/p>\n

Back E then, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah!\u00a0 Fast as we can.\u00a0 All the way past these cliffs.<\/em><\/p>\n

Night!\u00a0 The little flashlight had to come out.\u00a0 Loopster was so far E that Reef Creek could be heard shortly before a small ravine led down to the N.\u00a0 Was this the way?\u00a0 Hard to tell.\u00a0 Exploring it a little lower the ravine broadened out.\u00a0 Yes, there did seem to be a faint path.<\/p>\n

Reef Creek Trail No. 605!\u00a0 Lupe was on it again.\u00a0 No worries now.<\/p>\n

Windy Mountain<\/span><\/a> (10,262 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, what a day!\u00a0 Back at the RAV4, 15 hours after departure, an exhausted Carolina Dog closed her eyes, twitching paws revealing that she was already setting off for new adventures in Dingo Dreamland.\u00a0 (End 10:52 PM, 55\u00baF)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Windy Mountain<\/strong>, Absaroka Range, Wyoming 6-28-21<\/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 \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 6 & 7 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming! 6-27-21, 9:20 AM, at a pullout along Chief Joseph Scenic Highway No. 296 – Is that Windy Mountain (10,262 ft.)? SPHP consulted the topo map. No, can’t be.\u00a0 It’s too close to the highway, Loop.\u00a0 Don’t think we can see Windy … Continue reading On & Off the Reef Creek Trail to Windy Mountain, Absaroka Range, Wyoming (6-28-21)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":35653,"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":[1309,105,106,1369,26,104,1466,275],"class_list":["post-35664","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1416","tag-absaroka-range","tag-american-dingo","tag-carolina-dog","tag-clarks-fork-of-the-yellowstone-river","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-lupe","tag-reef-creek-trailhead","tag-wyoming"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/IMG_0977.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\/35664","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=35664"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35664\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":39207,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35664\/revisions\/39207"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/35653"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=35664"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=35664"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=35664"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}