{"id":35906,"date":"2021-12-19T08:10:45","date_gmt":"2021-12-19T15:10:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=35906"},"modified":"2022-04-03T08:51:05","modified_gmt":"2022-04-03T14:51:05","slug":"north-breccia-cliffs-absaroka-range-wyoming-6-30-21","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=35906","title":{"rendered":"North Breccia Cliffs, Absaroka Range, Wyoming 6-30-21"},"content":{"rendered":"

Days 8 & 9 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming!<\/em><\/p>\n

6-29-21, early, Reef Creek Picnic Area, Chief Joseph Scenic Highway<\/em> – After pulling a piece of paper out of a back pocket, SPHP was stunned.<\/p>\n

Loopster!\u00a0 Guess what!\u00a0 You won’t believe this.\u00a0 I had it all along!<\/em><\/p>\n

Had what, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

The Windy Mountain topo map.\u00a0 Had it the whole time yesterday!\u00a0 It was in my back pocket.\u00a0 Sure would have made things a lot easier, if I’d known that.<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP, you mean to tell me that you didn’t check all of your pockets, and never actually lost the map?<\/em><\/p>\n

Crazy, I know!\u00a0 I thought I’d looked everywhere, but, yeah, that’s the case.\u00a0 Just found it.<\/em><\/p>\n

So we did all that steep off-trail wandering for no reason at all?<\/em><\/p>\n

Seems that way, Loop.\u00a0 I guess you could say that.<\/em><\/p>\n

You’re right, SPHP!\u00a0 I can hardly believe it.\u00a0 You may not have lost the map, your mind on the other paw, I’m not so sure about.<\/em><\/p>\n

Without the map yesterday, Windy Mountain<\/span><\/a> (10,262 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> had turned into somewhat of an ordeal.\u00a0 Didn’t matter now, though.\u00a0 Lupe had made it to the top even without the map, and today was a rest day.\u00a0 She could snooze as much as she wanted to while SPHP drove.\u00a0 At a stop at Dead Indian Pass for a photo looking back at Windy Mountain, the American Dingo didn’t even bother getting out of the RAV4.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Windy Mountain<\/strong> (Center) from Dead Indian Pass<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By noon, the snoozing was about over.\u00a0 S of Thermopolis, Lupe waded in the Wind River while SPHP went for a swim in Rattler Whirlpool.\u00a0 Cows and horses on the drive to Lander provided too many frenzied barking opportunities to even think about passing out.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Wading in the Wind River<\/strong> at Rattler Whirlpool<\/strong>. Photo looks downstream.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Rattler Whirlpool<\/strong>. Photo looks upstream.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6-29-21, 2:20 PM, 80\u00baF<\/em> – Lander city park!\u00a0 Lupe recognized it instantly.\u00a0 Always a good time, the rest of the day would get spent right here.\u00a0 The Middle Popo Agie River sure looked low for this time of year, but the park was still full of soft green grass beneath the old cottonwoods.\u00a0 SPHP worked on the trip journal.\u00a0 Meanwhile, Looper watched squirrels and sniffed with other dogs until it got dark.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Taking it easy in Lander City Park.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6-30-21, 8:23 AM, Hwy 287\/26 NW of Dubois near Togwotee Pass\u00a0 –\u00a0 <\/em>Several miles ahead, a massive ridge stood N of the highway.<\/p>\n

Hope you got all rested up yesterday, Looper, cause I think that’s it!<\/em><\/p>\n

That’s North Breccia Cliffs<\/span><\/a> (11,240 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Believe so, Loop!<\/em><\/p>\n

Going to be a long day, isn’t it?<\/em><\/p>\n

Especially the way we’re going to go about it, Loopster!\u00a0 Big Chicken route, here we come!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
North Breccia Cliffs<\/strong> (Center) from the Togwotee Pass<\/strong> region. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5 miles NW of Togwotee Pass, SPHP started looking for a R turn onto USFS Road No. 30042.\u00a0 A gravel road appeared almost immediately.\u00a0 No sign, but SPHP tried it.\u00a0 Ahh, there was a sign right after making the turn!\u00a0 “Holmes Cave T.H.”\u00a0 This was it!<\/p>\n

The huge trailhead proved to be only 0.1 mile from the highway.\u00a0 Good thing the trailhead was so big, because the joint was jumping when Lupe arrived on this beautiful morning at the end of June.\u00a0 With a little luck, SPHP managed to find a spot to squeeze the RAV4 into the mix.\u00a0 Excited, the American Dingo leapt out to mingle with the crowd.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the Holmes Cave trailhead sign. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Actually the crowd was running a little late.<\/em> Holmes Cave trailhead<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6-30-21, 9:05 AM, 57\u00baF, Holmes Cave trailhead, 5 miles NW of Togwotee Pass – <\/em>Taking USFS Road No. 30042, Lupe set out for North Breccia Cliffs, pausing almost right away for a drink out of a big mud puddle fed by a tiny trickle of a stream.\u00a0 From the puddle, the road went NE up a gentle rise, quickly topping out and turning N.<\/p>\n

An ancient cabin was just ahead beyond a somewhat larger stream, which was easily crossed on a few decaying boards of dubious strength that served as a bridge.\u00a0 The road ended at the cabin, but Holmes Cave Trail No. 6057 continued N.\u00a0 After a gradual gain of more than 200 feet of elevation, Lupe reached a minor pass.\u00a0 Partially forested hills were in sight beyond the pass, as the trail began a gentle descent into a valley.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Setting out on USFS Road No. 30042. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the ancient cabin at the end of the road. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the start of Holmes Cave Trail No. 6057. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Heading up to the first minor pass. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the pass with a view of the next valley. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After losing some elevation, the trail began curving NE again.\u00a0 Lupe came to a region of low bushes.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog passed a mucky area along a seeping hillside before reaching a small stream.\u00a0 This was soon followed by another stream, the largest one yet, but it still wasn’t very big.\u00a0 Loop waded across while SPHP easily rock-hopped it.<\/p>\n

Beyond the streams, Holmes Cave Trail No. 6057 continued NE, now heading up a beautiful, green valley.\u00a0 Even the sagebrush looked great!\u00a0 Part of the meadow contained an enormous dense stand of bushes chest high on SPHP, a veritable jungle to Lupe where she couldn’t see a thing.\u00a0 Fortunately, other than another muddy stretch, the trail was good as it passed through this huge thicket before crossing another small stream.\u00a0 By now, the NW end of North Breccia Cliffs<\/span><\/a> (11,240 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was in view.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Beyond the minor pass as the trail heads NE. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the first little stream beyond the mucky stretch.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Crossing the next, and largest, stream so far.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The NW end of North Breccia Cliffs<\/strong> (R) comes into view. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Swarms of butterflies flitted and danced among countless wildflowers as the trail proceeded toward the still distant cliffs.\u00a0 Several big yellow and black Swallowtails were among them.\u00a0 Passing a small pond on the R (S), SPHP dubbed it Swallowtail Pond.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By Swallowtail Pond<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beyond Swallowtail Pond, instead of continuing toward North Breccia Cliffs, Holmes Cave Trail No. 6057 began curving N, steepening as it started a long climb out of the valley.<\/p>\n

If we were like most climbers, Looper, we’d probably leave the trail along in here and head straight for the NW end of North Breccia Cliffs.\u00a0 That’s the popular short route I’ve read about online.<\/em><\/p>\n

But we’re going the long way because you’re a big chicken, right SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Exactly!\u00a0 The direct route is a good 4 miles shorter one way than what we’re going to attempt, but involves heading up a long chute of loose rock.\u00a0 I’m under the impression that the chute is only class 2+, but the pictures I’ve seen freak me out.\u00a0 Appears to be incredibly steep!\u00a0 No doubt you could make it, Loop, but I’m not having anything to do with that crazy chute.<\/em><\/p>\n

The sun felt hot on the trudge up out of the valley.\u00a0 As Lupe got higher, the popular climber’s chute SPHP was scared of came into view.\u00a0 Still a mile off, but checking it out with the help of the camera’s telephoto lens didn’t change SPHP’s opinion.\u00a0 Nope, not doing that!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Beyond Swallowtail Pond. Peak 10385<\/span><\/strong> (L of Center), North Breccia Cliffs<\/strong> (R). The most popular climber’s route up North Breccia Cliffs leaves the trail and heads for the pass seen ahead on the R. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Climbing out of the valley. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The steep climber’s chute<\/strong> (Center) comes into view. Peak 10385<\/span><\/strong> (L of Center), North Breccia Cliffs<\/strong> (R). Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 10385<\/span><\/strong> (L), North Breccia Cliffs climber’s chute<\/strong> (R). Photo looks ESE with lots of help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The sunny trudge N continued for 0.67 mile to a pass where Holmes Cave Trail No. 6057 topped out on an open slope just W of HP10218<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Ahead was a gradual descent toward the saddle leading to HP10392<\/span><\/strong>, which was now in sight directly ahead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching HP10218<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the pass just W of HP10218<\/span><\/strong>. HP10392<\/span><\/strong> (Center) dead ahead! Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Getting to be about time for a break, SPHP!\u00a0 Since we’re so close and there are some trees up there, why don’t we check out HP10218<\/span><\/strong>?\u00a0 We can sit in the shade and have a look around.<\/em><\/p>\n

Sounded good!\u00a0 The Carolina Dog was soon relaxing up on HP10218<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

As expected, HP10218<\/span><\/strong> was a terrific viewpoint!\u00a0 Off to the SE was a great look at the long ridge leading to the NW end of North Breccia Cliffs, plus the best view yet of the feared Class 2+ chute.\u00a0 To the N was a nice look at HP10392<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Mighty Grand Teton<\/span><\/a> (13,770 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was even in sight far beyond the rolling country WSW of HP10218<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On HP10218<\/span><\/strong>. NW end of North Breccia Cliffs<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
NW end of North Breccia Cliffs<\/strong> (Center), Peak 10385<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Zoomed in on the climber’s chute<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A blue speck was visible in the forest beyond a broad valley to the NE.\u00a0 That was Holmes Cave Lake, where Lupe was headed next.\u00a0 As soon as break time was over, the American Dingo returned to Holmes Cave Trail No. 6057, which would take her right to it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Holmes Cave Lake<\/strong> (L) barely visible in the forest. North Breccia Cliffs’ long N ridge<\/strong> (R). Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On the way down to the saddle leading to HP10392<\/span><\/strong>, the trail vanished in a vast field of yellow and purple wildflowers.\u00a0 A few cairns marked the way as the route turned E leaving the saddle.\u00a0 Small springs seeped from an enormous hillside, creating a creek.\u00a0 After crossing a muddy region, Loop picked up the trail again as it reappeared heading ENE down into the huge drainage N of Peak<\/span> 10385<\/span><\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Among the buttercups. NW end of North Breccia Cliffs<\/strong> (Center). Peak 10385<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

An easy 0.67 mile trek led down to a sparkling shallow stream.\u00a0 Beyond this low point, the trail continued NE up into the forest.\u00a0 After regaining 200 feet of elevation over 0.3 mile, Lupe arrived at Holmes Cave Lake.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Crossing the stream. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Starting up to Holmes Cave Lake. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Holmes Cave Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The little lake was lovely, but the air was humming with what initially appeared to be giant mosquitoes.\u00a0 Turned out they were actually some kind of super-sized gnats.<\/p>\n

These gnats are driving me crazy, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, me too, Loop!\u00a0 Thought we’d take another little break here, but let’s keep going.\u00a0 This is it for Holmes Cave Trail No. 6057, though.\u00a0 Head E!<\/em><\/p>\n

No it isn’t!\u00a0 The trail keeps going right past the lake, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

I know.\u00a0 It goes to Holmes Cave, which is only another 0.5 mile, but we don’t need to go there.<\/em><\/p>\n

All this way, and we aren’t going to get to see the cave?<\/em><\/p>\n

Nope, not unless we still have the daylight and oomph for it on the way back.\u00a0 Still a long way to North Breccia Cliffs.\u00a0 Like I said, head E!\u00a0 Time to find out if my Big Chicken route avoiding that chute is going to work!<\/em><\/p>\n

Leaving the S end of Holmes Cave Lake, the Carolina Dog went E toward a scraggly looking forest half full of dead trees.\u00a0 A minor climb led to a lumpy region of small hills and valleys.\u00a0 Lupe tried to take a break on one of the first hills, but this forest harbored real mosquitoes, which soon put an end to that notion.<\/p>\n

The far N end of North Breccia Cliffs’ long N ridge was already in sight.\u00a0 Steep, but it didn’t look too bad.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading into the scraggly forest E of Holmes Cave Lake. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
N end of North Breccia Cliffs’ long N ridge<\/strong> from the exceptionally short break spot. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Climb that ridge, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

No.\u00a0 Don’t think so, Loop.\u00a0 Saw some impossible rocky terrain along that ridge on the way here.\u00a0 Let’s try going around the N end.\u00a0 Farther E, the topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a> looks like there might be an easier way.<\/em><\/p>\n

On the way over to the N end of the ridge, Looper made an unexpected and welcome discovery.\u00a0 A trail!\u00a0 Looked seldom used, but it was good enough to follow and going the right way.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Following the faint trail around the N end of the N ridge. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At first the trail was level, but it soon began a slow descent.\u00a0 Looked like it might be destined to go all the way down into the valley to the N.\u00a0 Not good!\u00a0 However, after only a relatively minor drop, the trail leveled out again before beginning to climb a bit.<\/p>\n

Soon Lupe was past the end of the first big ridge she was trying to get around.\u00a0 Still following the faint trail, which now trended SE, she gained a little more elevation before reaching a clearing where it faded away completely.\u00a0 Looking S, a steep route higher was visible between the N ridge and a big rock formation to the E.\u00a0 Might work!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Just E of the main N ridge (R) with a potential route higher (Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

However, this first route looked pretty steep.\u00a0 Another potential route S was a little farther E.\u00a0 Perhaps a bit easier?\u00a0 Loopster gave it a go.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About to head up toward the R. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Steep, and about twice as big a climb as it looked like from below, but it worked!\u00a0 Not at all scary.\u00a0 Upon reaching the upper end of the steep part, a snowbank partially filled a little valley that wound gradually higher.\u00a0 This valley soon curved SE and broadened out into another steepish slope, but this one was even easier.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading up the steep part. Not bad at all!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking back from the top. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Going up the little valley. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the upper slope. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A short climb and Looper reached a flat, forested hilltop.\u00a0 Considerably below her to the W was a valley that the route she hadn’t taken must have led to.\u00a0 Evidently that route would have been less of a climb.\u00a0 Off to the E, quite close by, was a slightly higher hill than the one Lupe was on.<\/p>\n

Hah!\u00a0 We made it!\u00a0 That must be HP10332<\/span><\/strong> over there, Looper.<\/em><\/p>\n

And that enormous hill way off to the S is where we’re going, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup!\u00a0 That’s North Breccia Cliffs<\/span><\/a> (11,240 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>!<\/em><\/p>\n

Not very cliffy from this direction, is it?<\/em><\/p>\n

Nope.\u00a0 Think you’ve got this one now, Loopster!\u00a0 Made in the shade!<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, not quite.\u00a0 Still a couple of miles to go, and who knew what the true summit might be like?\u00a0 Furthermore, there was a steep ridge that was in the way, jutting out to the E from the main N ridge.\u00a0 Happily, it looked like Lupe ought to be able to get past it without too much trouble.<\/p>\n

Full of confidence, the American Dingo headed S.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
North Breccia Cliffs summit<\/strong> (L) from a little W of HP10332<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In order to avoid losing too much elevation, Lupe stayed a little toward the W.\u00a0 She soon came across a decent trail originating from the valley the first route higher must have led to.<\/p>\n

This new trail made it all a cinch!\u00a0 Heading straight toward the E ridge, it got the Carolina Dog around it, no sweat.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The newly discovered trail leading to the next ridge. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking back from the E ridge. Lupe came over the pass on the R. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Continuing S beyond the ridgeline, Lupe traveled on fairly level terrain through a mix of forest and meadow.\u00a0 Before long, the trail faded away.\u00a0 Angling SW up a short open slope, Looper reached a huge meadow.\u00a0 Just E of the rugged N ridge, this meadow extended S all the way to the NW end of North Breccia Cliffs.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Past the E ridge, where the trail fades away. North Breccia Cliffs summit<\/strong> (L). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Up on the long meadow that goes all the way to the NW end of North Breccia Cliffs<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Smooth sailing all the way!\u00a0 Roaming at will, Lupe raced through the vast meadow sniffing everywhere.\u00a0 Even SPHP made rapid progress.\u00a0 Looper spotted a giant deer way down in the upper Holmes Cave Creek drainage to the E.\u00a0 She frolicked on a huge snowbank.\u00a0 Glorious fun!\u00a0 But toward the end, the super easy trek began to steepen.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Wow! Dingo heaven! Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
North Breccia Cliffs summit<\/strong> (R), HP11444<\/span><\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Zoomed in on the giant deer.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The joy of snow! Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Closing in on the NW end of North Breccia Cliffs<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Shortly before reaching the area above the climber’s chute, Lupe made it to the top of the N ridge.\u00a0 Wild-looking rock formations stood along the brink of a precipitous drop to the W.\u00a0 In the distance, she now had quite a view of the Tetons.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Up on the N ridge. Mount Moran<\/span><\/a> (12,605 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (R) on the horizon. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6-30-21, 3:25 PM<\/em> – Certainly took long enough, but the Big Chicken route had worked!\u00a0 Near the NW end of North Breccia Cliffs’ upper plateau, Lupe reached a sweet meadow.\u00a0 This was the region that the climber’s chute that SPHP had been so desperate to avoid led up to.\u00a0 Naturally, the Carolina Dog had to take a look at what she’d missed out on.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The meadow above the climber’s chute, which is ahead on the R. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Venturing over to the edge. Angle Mountain<\/span><\/a> (10,600 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (far R). Teton Range<\/strong> on the horizon. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Yowser!\u00a0 Can this be right, Loop?\u00a0 Is this it?\u00a0 The climber’s chute?<\/em><\/p>\n

You tell me, SPHP!\u00a0 You’re the one with the map!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, I think it is.\u00a0 Has to be doesn’t it?\u00a0 But this can’t possibly be Class 2+, can it?\u00a0 I mean, just look at it!\u00a0 Ghastly!<\/em><\/p>\n

Sloping ever more steeply, a grassy funnel-shaped region emptied into an abyss between two cliffs.\u00a0 The long, loose dirt and rock section of the climber’s chute wasn’t even visible beyond a lip where it all fell away.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Near the brink of the climber’s chute<\/strong>. Angle Mountain<\/strong> (Center) in the distance. Peak 10385<\/strong> (Center) along the ridge in the foreground. HP10218<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I take it you’re not inclined to save us 4 miles by utilizing this shortcut on the way back, huh, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

You can bet your sweet curly tail on that, Dingo!\u00a0 I don’t even dare get close enough for a real look.\u00a0 Big Chicken route and Holmes Cave Trail No. 6057 all the way, both ways, no matter how long it takes!<\/em><\/p>\n

A use trail angling SE up a steep slope got Lupe up onto North Breccia Cliffs’ enormous summit plateau.\u00a0 This plateau sloped gradually down to the N, the long line of SW facing cliffs still out of sight to the S along an edge more than 100 feet higher than where Loop came up.\u00a0 Beyond a gently rolling, treeless plain, the true summit was more than a mile away over at the SE end.<\/p>\n

Crossing occasional big snowfields, Lupe headed straight for the summit.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the upper plateau. Summit<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Coming over a slight rise, Lupe beheld a wondrous sight!\u00a0 A whole herd of giant deers lay basking in the warm, end of June sunshine!\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Out in the open like this, it was impossible to get by without spooking them.\u00a0 Soon the entire herd was racing away down the slope to the N, a splendid and most fascinating sight!<\/p>\n

The giant deers vanished.\u00a0 Lupe continued on toward the summit, finally reaching the edge of the cliffs not too far from it.\u00a0 The view was terrific, but suddenly, worryingly, actually attaining the true<\/em> summit didn’t seem quite so certain.\u00a0 The upper plateau was much narrower here, rapidly compressing to a ridgeline.\u00a0 Beyond an initial high point stood two more that looked potentially higher.\u00a0 Whether the ridge connected to the more distant ones without an impassable break wasn’t entirely clear.<\/p>\n

Time was suddenly an issue, too.\u00a0 A long line of showers had developed off to the NW, not too far away.\u00a0 Showers were one thing, but lightning would be another.\u00a0 Distant rumbling spurred the Carolina Dog on.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Pressing on after the giant deers ran off. Summit<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Finally along the edge of North Breccia Cliffs<\/strong>, but which of those high points (L) ahead is the true summit? Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Climbing toward the first high point (L). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Getting there, but the middle high point is looking like the true summit.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Increasingly, the middle high point looked like the true summit.\u00a0 Better not be!\u00a0 It was still a way off, and the ridge Looper was on was already narrow enough.\u00a0 Good chance it wouldn’t be passable that far.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Almost at the first high point! Second one on the R.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe reached the first high point.\u00a0 Sort of.\u00a0 The situation turned out to be more complex than was previously evident.\u00a0 A cluster of 3 separate high spots were strung out along the ridge.\u00a0 The next 2 weren’t much farther, but both were clearly higher.<\/p>\n

Getting to the middle spot was easy.\u00a0 A boulder decorated with orange lichens perched right along the edge of the fearsome cliffs was the tippy top here, but the last spot, an elevated platform only 25 feet farther SE was even higher.<\/p>\n

The ridge narrowed on the way to it.\u00a0 No problem most of the way, but the last little stretch, a mere 10 feet, connecting to the platform looked dicey.\u00a0 Super narrow, it featured a cliff on one side and a steep slope that plunged toward a giant free fall on the other.\u00a0 How much room, if any might be up on that platform wasn’t clear.\u00a0 Might not even be a foot wide.\u00a0 Unnerved, SPHP sat down.<\/p>\n

Hang on, Looper!\u00a0 Let’s take a break.<\/em><\/p>\n

Keep going, SPHP!\u00a0 Let’s do this before the storm hits!<\/em><\/p>\n

I don’t like it!\u00a0 We don’t even know if that’s the true summit yet.\u00a0 Let me check the topo map.<\/em><\/p>\n

C’mon, SPHP!\u00a0 We know that it’s higher than where we are now!<\/em><\/p>\n

Wait, Loop!\u00a0 Please, stay!\u00a0 I gotta calm down.\u00a0 Give me a few minutes.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the rest spot so close to the platform (Center). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A sudden single bolt of cloud to ground lightning off to the W added to SPHP’s anxiety.\u00a0 Total cake walk all this way, and now this!\u00a0 SPHP shared a half-melted chocolate coconut bar with the American Dingo, then had a look at the topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Gah!\u00a0 Huge mistake!\u00a0 The map SPHP had printed out and brought along didn’t extend far enough to include either of the two more distant high points Lupe had seen on the way up.\u00a0 Even worse, what was shown was on such a large scale that details weren’t legible.\u00a0 Utterly useless here!<\/p>\n

The line of showers to the NW was growing longer at both ends.\u00a0 Didn’t seem to have moved much, though.\u00a0 Raining hard now in some spots, but despite all the rumbling, so far only that one bolt of lightning had been seen striking the ground.\u00a0 Still, better get with it.\u00a0 Now or never!<\/p>\n

Standing up, SPHP walked the remaining distance over to the near end of the scary section of the ridge leading to the platform.<\/p>\n

Luck of the Dingo!\u00a0 Skinny enough, but it wasn’t nearly so bad as it had looked just a few feet from it.\u00a0 Moments later, Lupe was poised atop the platform!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Scary, narrow part of the ridge (R) from close up. Eh, not so bad! Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Success! Up on the platform.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Congratulations, Loopster!\u00a0 This is it!\u00a0 You’ve just reached the true summit of<\/em> North Breccia Cliffs<\/span><\/a> (11,240 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>!<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, joy!\u00a0 It was true!\u00a0 Lupe stood up on an L-shaped platform that was clearly the highest point around.\u00a0 Nothing else even in contention!\u00a0 The platform wasn’t all that large, but there was room enough to stroll around a bit.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Teton Range<\/strong> (L) from the true summit of North Breccia Cliffs<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The true summit of North Breccia Cliffs was an airy place!\u00a0 Fantastic views in all directions.\u00a0 Off to the SSE, Mount Sublette<\/span><\/a> (11,060 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was a funny-looking grassy ramp to nowhere launching skyward off the edge of a vast, grassy plain.\u00a0 The Wind River Range was visible far beyond it.<\/p>\n

To the SE, Pinnacle Buttes<\/span><\/a> (11,516 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> looked a lot more like a butte than a pinnacle.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Sublette<\/strong> (L of Center) beyond Lupe. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Zoomed in on Mount Sublette<\/strong> (L) in the foreground. Wind River Range<\/strong> beyond.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Pinnacle Buttes<\/strong> (R) in the distance. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
HP11444<\/span><\/strong> (L of Center) is the rounded half of a hill in the foreground. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Two Ocean Mountain<\/span><\/a> (10,724 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was due S, and Lost Lake could be seen off to the SW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Two Ocean Mountain<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lost Lake<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6-30-21, 5:13 PM<\/em> – The showers drifted away to the E, taking the worst of the thunder along with them, but the weather remained questionable.\u00a0 Accordingly, Lupe didn’t stay up on the true summit for too long.\u00a0 Getting late in the day, anyway.\u00a0 Before leaving the summit region, Lupe checked out the snazzy boulder at the second highest spot.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Still up on the true summit platform<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Final moments at the true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the boulder at the middle high point. Grand Teton<\/strong> visible next to Lupe. Mount Moran<\/strong> (R). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Same spot, different perspective.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Plenty of adventure ahead, with more to see on the long trek back!\u00a0 Shortly after departing, a fierce cool wind sprang up out of the N while Lupe was still up on the exposed ridge.\u00a0 Once down to the broader plain, she took shelter in a depression until it passed.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Starting back. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Although Loop didn’t hit all the high points along the way, the Carolina Dog stayed near the cliffs as she journeyed NW, enjoying the views from many scenic spots she hadn’t been to earlier.\u00a0 Before heading down to the meadow above the climber’s chute, she ventured way out to the NW end of the upper plateau.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Near the cliffs along the upper plateau. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Tetons<\/strong> (L) from the cliff edge. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the NW end of the upper plateau<\/strong>. Angle Mountain<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking down on the N ridge from the upper plateau. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Heading NE from the climber’s chute on the Big Chicken route, Lupe stayed up along the N ridgeline enjoying the views for quite a long way.\"\"<\/a>\"\"<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Once on the trail past the E ridge, Loop followed it into the valley she hadn’t explored on the way up.\u00a0 At the bottom of the steep descent at the end, SPHP built a little cairn, since this was probably the best route.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the cairn near the best way up along the Big Chicken route. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe never did get to see Holmes Cave, or even Holmes Cave Lake again.\u00a0 Instead she wandered through confusing territory on a route meant to be a shortcut back down to the stream.\u00a0 She eventually got there, but it didn’t seem like any time or distance had been saved.<\/p>\n

No worries!\u00a0 Holmes Cave Trail No. 6057 the rest of the way back now!\u00a0 Although she’d begged for rest breaks earlier, after crossing the stream, the American Dingo seemed energized by the fading light.\u00a0 Lupe led the way, often pausing to see if SPHP was still coming.<\/p>\n

Night!\u00a0 A mile before the end, the flashlight had to come out.\u00a0 In silence, a weary march continued beneath shimmering stars.<\/p>\n

Yet what a great day it had been!\u00a0 Sure hadn’t been any shortcut, quite the opposite, but the Big Chicken route had been a success!\u00a0 Lupe had made it safely up onto Wyoming’s fabulous North Breccia Cliffs, and that was all that mattered.\u00a0 (End, 10:37 PM, 46\u00baF)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
North Breccia Cliffs<\/strong>, Absaroka Range, Wyoming 6-30-21<\/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 Prior Adventure<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

The Much Shorter, More Popular Climber’s Route:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

9-5-18 Trip Report & GPS Track by Garrett Carlson<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/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 8 & 9 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming! 6-29-21, early, Reef Creek Picnic Area, Chief Joseph Scenic Highway – After pulling a piece of paper out of a back pocket, SPHP was stunned. Loopster!\u00a0 Guess what!\u00a0 You won’t believe this.\u00a0 I had it all along! Had what, SPHP? The … Continue reading North Breccia Cliffs, Absaroka Range, Wyoming 6-30-21<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":35890,"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":[1309,105,1468,106,26,1467,104,1469,275],"class_list":["post-35906","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1416","tag-absaroka-range","tag-american-dingo","tag-big-chicken-route","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-holmes-cave-trail","tag-lupe","tag-north-breccia-cliffs","tag-wyoming"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_1078.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\/35906","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=35906"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35906\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":39208,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35906\/revisions\/39208"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/35890"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=35906"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=35906"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=35906"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}