{"id":36116,"date":"2021-12-29T08:10:58","date_gmt":"2021-12-29T15:10:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=36116"},"modified":"2022-04-03T08:52:16","modified_gmt":"2022-04-03T14:52:16","slug":"mount-leidy-gros-ventre-range-wyoming-7-2-21","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=36116","title":{"rendered":"Mount Leidy, Gros Ventre Range, Wyoming (7-2-21)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Days 10 & 11 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming!<\/em><\/p>\n

7-1-21, 7:00 AM, Holmes Cave trailhead 5 miles NW of Togwotee Pass (MP 20.7 of Hwy 287\/26)<\/em> –\u00a0 About ready to head out.\u00a0 Despite yesterday’s long trek to North Breccia Cliffs<\/span><\/a> (11,240 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Lupe had already been awake and alert when SPHP came to this morning.\u00a0 SPHP, on the other paw, was still feeling the effects, but no worries.\u00a0 This was going to be a rest day!\u00a0 Lupe didn’t have that far to go, and the RAV4 would get her there.<\/p>\n

Hitting Hwy 287\/26, SPHP turned R.\u00a0 Only 3 miles NW was a L turn onto USFS Road No. 30100, which was narrow, but in great shape.\u00a0 Quickly crossing Blackrock Creek, No. 30100 then went 7 or 8 miles SW through the forest, eventually reaching a signed intersection with No. 30160.<\/p>\n

Sticking with No. 30100, SPHP turned L.\u00a0 The road wound downhill for a mile before reaching the South Fork of Spread Creek.\u00a0 After following this stream S for 2 miles, No. 30100 turned sharply L to cross it.\u00a0 Not the way to go!<\/p>\n

Another road continued straight S from here.\u00a0 No signage, but this was USFS Road No. 30250, and was<\/em> the way to go.\u00a0 During the next 4 miles, No. 30250 made a sharp turn to the R (W), climbed steeply, then leveled out and became quite stony along some stretches before reaching the E end of Leidy Lake.<\/p>\n

SPHP parked the RAV4 at a nice flat spot near the dam, and that’s where it remained the rest of the day, most of the time with a snoozing Dingo inside.\u00a0 Lupe ventured out occasionally to cool off in Leidy Creek, go for walks along Leidy Lake, or chase her squeaker ball.\u00a0 In the afternoon, the sky clouded up.\u00a0 Thunder rumbled for 2 hours, culminating in a brief rain shower, but that was it for excitement.\u00a0 Evening came, and so did the mosquitoes.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Evening at Leidy Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

7-2-21, 7:09 AM, 56\u00baF, Leidy Lake<\/em> – Not a cloud in the sky this morning!\u00a0 Sunny and bright.\u00a0 Loopster stood next to Leidy Lake squinting in the sunshine.\u00a0 She’d be doing a lot of that today.\u00a0 As soon as SPHP was ready, the Carolina Dog headed W on USFS Road No. 30250, which ran along the N shore of Leidy Lake.<\/p>\n

Leidy Lake wasn’t very big.\u00a0 Lupe was soon past it.\u00a0 The road continued W, beginning a steady climb up a long valley through a meadow full of pink wildflowers.\u00a0 Mount Leidy was already visible off to the WNW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Ready to set out for Mount Leidy from Leidy Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Heading up the long valley after passing Leidy Lake. Mount Leidy<\/strong> (R) beyond Lupe. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Getting closer. Mount Leidy<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1.3 miles from the Leidy Lake dam, Lupe reached Pass 9176<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 USFS Road No. 30250 ended here.\u00a0 Could have driven the RAV4 this far easily enough.\u00a0 The road hadn’t been bad, and there was plenty of room to park up at the pass.\u00a0 There were also some trees providing shade.\u00a0 Lupe took advantage of it, while SPHP paused to apply some sunscreen.<\/p>\n

Two trails left Pass<\/strong> 9176<\/strong><\/span> heading S or SW.\u00a0 No signage indicating where they might go.\u00a0 Didn’t matter.\u00a0 Lupe didn’t need to take them.\u00a0 All she had to do was start climbing the slope on the N side of the pass.\u00a0 A use trail going that way led up into the trees.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching Pass 9176<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At Pass 9176<\/span><\/strong> where 2 mysterious trails left it. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Pass 9176<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks N at the slope leading to Mount Leidy<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The climb was fairly steep from almost the very start.\u00a0 Looper roamed a forest that was sunnier and more open than expected, passing lots of big yellow wildflowers growing in clearings.\u00a0 Although many trees in this forest were dead, nearly all were still standing.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading up Mount Leidy’s SE ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Early on, Lupe came to a view of big mountains to the S.\u00a0 She continued to get glimpses of them, and Wyoming’s fabled Teton Range off to the W, as she worked her way higher.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
An early view. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The SE ridge Lupe was following was broad for a long way.\u00a0 The soil was noticeably odd, consisting of a powdery loose dirt with rounded rocks of modest size mixed in.\u00a0 The wildflowers must have liked it.\u00a0 Lupe passed many of them.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The SE ridge<\/strong> was quite broad for a long way. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Two thirds of the way up, the ridge narrowed to a skinny edge.\u00a0 The trail dropped over to the W side, losing minor elevation before proceeding higher again at a more gradual pace as it traversed a very steep slope.\u00a0 Soon the trail swept around a ravine and began angling up to a higher ridge toward the W.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The SE ridge<\/strong> narrows down. Mount Leidy<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the next ridge<\/strong> (L). Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Despite a few level spots, the next ridge was both narrow and generally even steeper.\u00a0 In some places, short, almost vertical chutes of packed dirt provided little traction.\u00a0 SPHP clung to trees or bushes for support.\u00a0 Stumps and branches in the way were additional obstacles.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the second ridge<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Leidy Lake<\/strong> (Center) in the distance beyond the first ridge<\/strong> (foreground) where the trail can be seen below. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe kept climbing.\u00a0 The summit came back into view.\u00a0 Almost there!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Closing in on the summit. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Well, not quite!\u00a0 Lupe arrived at the apparent summit only to find that it was a false one.\u00a0 However, the true summit was now in sight only 200 feet farther NW.\u00a0 Crossing a minor saddle, a final short climb and the American Dingo was there!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Leidy’s true summit<\/strong> (R) from the false one. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
False summit<\/strong> (L) from the S end of the true one. East Leidy<\/span><\/a> (10,145 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (L of Center). Peak<\/span> 9680<\/span><\/a><\/strong> (R) in the foreground. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Mount Leidy’s true summit encompassed a small region no more than 15 feet across, and in most places less.\u00a0 A short wing sloped away to the SE, the way Lupe had come up, and a similar one extended out to the W.\u00a0 Along the N edge, near the high point at the intersection of these wings, sat a single stone with a smaller one perched on top.\u00a0 Hidden beneath the smaller stone was the Leidy survey benchmark.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the true summit<\/strong>. Jackson Lake<\/strong> (L) in the distance. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Leidy survey benchmark.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
True summit<\/strong> from the end of the W wing. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Far to the ENE was a long blue ridge of particular interest.\u00a0 Took SPHP a moment or two to be sure, but it had to be, didn’t it?<\/p>\n

Hey, Looper!\u00a0 Look at that!\u00a0 Isn’t that North Breccia Cliffs<\/span><\/a> (11,240 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> where we were just 2 days ago?<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
North Breccia Cliffs<\/strong> (L). Photo looks E with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If you say so, SPHP!\u00a0 Think I’ll go lay in the shade, if you don’t mind.<\/em><\/p>\n

Cloudy only near the horizons, Mount Leidy<\/span><\/a> (10,326 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was baking in the early July sun.\u00a0 Warm alright, and with scarcely a breeze.\u00a0 Actually felt pretty comfortable to SPHP, but Lupe was hot.\u00a0 She quickly sought out the shade of a few small trees or bushes along the summit’s edge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe (lower R). False summit<\/strong> (Center), East Leidy<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The air was humming with flies and bees of various sizes.\u00a0 Loop hid out snapping away at them.\u00a0 Butterflies performed wild acrobatics, chasing each other in groups of 6-8.\u00a0 The whole place seemed alive and happy that it was summertime.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Hiding from the July sun.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Water and a shared chocolate coconut bar.\u00a0 SPHP had a fruit cup, too.\u00a0 The views were tremendous, although the air was sort of hazy.\u00a0 Smoke?\u00a0 Humidity?\u00a0 Hard to say, but it seemed more like smoke.\u00a0 Far to the SE, the Wind River Range was scarcely discernable.<\/p>\n

The terrain to the N was all much lower.\u00a0 Peak 10195<\/span><\/strong> was only a mile E.\u00a0 To the S was the line of high peaks that Lupe had seen on the way up.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lowlands to the N. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 10195<\/span><\/strong> (L). Mount Leidy’s false summit<\/strong> (R). Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Same view with help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Interesting territory! Photo looks S with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The real treat that Mount Leidy is famous for was off to the W, though, a tremendous view of the Tetons!\u00a0 The entire range was on display with soaring Grand Teton<\/span><\/a> (13,770 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and the more massive, but lower Mount Moran<\/span><\/a> (12,605 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> standing out as particularly recognizable.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Grand Teton<\/strong> (L) and Mount Moran<\/strong> (R). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Grand Teton<\/strong>. Photo looks W with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mount Moran<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Completing the scene, Jackson Lake was visible to the NW, although it was a little hard to see due to the haze.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Jackson Lake<\/strong> from Mount Leidy. Photo looks NW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A very pleasant hour shot by.\u00a0 Suddenly, sadly, it was time to go.<\/p>\n

Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

One thing that had not been visible from Mount Leidy’s true summit was Leidy Lake.\u00a0 However, it was easily seen from the false summit.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP paused for a moment to admire the scene.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Leidy Lake<\/strong> (L) from the false summit. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Then it was down the mountain the same way Lupe had come up.\u00a0 A bit of caution was required in some spots, but soon there was nothing to worry about except sniffing the exotic wildflowers.\u00a0 The American Dingo arrived back at Leidy Lake to find a butterfly convention underway near the RAV4.\u00a0 (12:29 PM, 67\u00baF)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
An intricate stalk of splendid little purple flowers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching Leidy Lake<\/strong> again. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The butterfly convention.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Still early.\u00a0 Mount Leidy had been a quick, easy peak with lots of scenic reward for effort expended.\u00a0 The view of the Tetons alone had made it all very worthwhile!<\/p>\n

The Tetons weren’t where Lupe was headed next, though.\u00a0 The afternoon got spent on a beautiful drive over Union Pass NW of the Wind River Range.\u00a0 At exactly 5:00 PM, as raindrops began sprinkling beneath a dark gray sky, Loop arrived at the Kinky Creek trailhead.\u00a0 Half an hour later, a near cloudburst poured buckets for 40 minutes before easing up.<\/p>\n

Well, that ought to clear the air for the Carolina Dog’s next adventure!\u00a0 In the meantime, sweet dreams of warm breezes, dancing butterflies, and buzzing bees on magnificent Mount Leidy.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Leidy<\/strong>, Gros Ventre Range, Wyoming 7-2-21<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

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

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

Days 10 & 11 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming! 7-1-21, 7:00 AM, Holmes Cave trailhead 5 miles NW of Togwotee Pass (MP 20.7 of Hwy 287\/26) –\u00a0 About ready to head out.\u00a0 Despite yesterday’s long trek to North Breccia Cliffs (11,240 ft.), Lupe had already been awake and alert when … Continue reading Mount Leidy, Gros Ventre Range, Wyoming (7-2-21)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":36099,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1416],"tags":[105,106,26,1473,104,1474,275],"class_list":["post-36116","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1416","tag-american-dingo","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-gros-ventre-range","tag-lupe","tag-mount-leidy","tag-wyoming"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/IMG_1122.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\/36116","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=36116"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36116\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":39209,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36116\/revisions\/39209"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/36099"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=36116"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=36116"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=36116"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}