{"id":37703,"date":"2022-03-14T08:10:43","date_gmt":"2022-03-14T14:10:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=37703"},"modified":"2025-02-27T07:52:03","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T14:52:03","slug":"black-hills-sd-expedition-no-291-peak-4980-peak-5163-peak-5321-1-17-21","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=37703","title":{"rendered":"Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 291 – Peak 4980, Peak 5163 & Peak 5321 (1-17-22)"},"content":{"rendered":"

8:12 AM, 26\u00baF, junction of Erskine Gulch Road (USFS Road No. 145) & USFS Road No. 149 –<\/em><\/p>\n

Dang, Loop!\u00a0 Wasn’t supposed to be this cold!<\/em><\/p>\n

Thrilled that the Lists of John<\/strong><\/span><\/a> mini-blitz had her back in action again so soon, Lupe didn’t mind the cold at all.\u00a0 Going to warm up a little later on anyway.\u00a0 A skiff of snow that had fallen last night was barely enough to turn USFS Road No. 149 white as she set out heading SE.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Parked at the start of USFS Road No. 149. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Setting out on No. 149. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Gaining a little elevation, Loop soon made it to a high spot where the road curved E.\u00a0 Sunlight streaming through the pines strengthened the notion that it really would begin to warm up soon.\u00a0 Beyond the curve, No. 149 dipped entering a small valley.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the sunny curve. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Heading into the valley. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Before long, the road bottomed out and began climbing toward a pass.\u00a0 Some stretches of No. 149 had recently been improved along in here by the addition of coarse new gravel.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Pass 4762<\/span><\/strong> ahead. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Upon arriving at Pass 4762<\/span><\/strong>, Lupe found herself back in the sunshine at a 4-way intersection.<\/p>\n

Which way, SPHP?\u00a0 Where are we going?<\/em><\/p>\n

We’re on our way to Peak <\/span>4980<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, Loop!\u00a0 Go S on No. 149.2A here.\u00a0 Not too far, though.\u00a0 Should see No. 149.2B on the R before we get up to the top of this next rise.\u00a0 We’ll want to take 2B over to the saddle NE of HP4950<\/span><\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

2B, or not 2B, that is the question!<\/em><\/p>\n

Hah!\u00a0 Clever, Loop, but no question about it.\u00a0 Most definitely, 2B!\u00a0 But not until after 2A.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Leaving Pass 4762<\/span><\/strong> on USFS Road No. 149.2A. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A short stint S on 2A, and 2B appeared on the R, as anticipated.\u00a0 2B went W, then SW, to the saddle NE of HP4950<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 From here, the road continued down into the valley SW of the pass.\u00a0 Instead of going that way, Lupe abandoned the road, traveling WSW through gently rolling territory straight to HP4950<\/span><\/strong> itself, which turned out to be nothing more than a large flat region in the pines with no distinct high point.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the turn onto No. 149.2B. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
No. 149.2B. The saddle NE of HP4950<\/span><\/strong> is in the trees just ahead. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the saddle. Loop headed off to the WSW (R) from here.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Bound for HP4950<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At HP4950<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

HP4950<\/span><\/strong> wasn’t as dull a spot as an initial impression might lead a Dingo to believe.\u00a0 Cliffs were only a few tens of feet W of what appeared to be the marginally highest ground, but so many trees grew right up to the edge that it wasn’t possible to see much.<\/p>\n

Venturing S not too far from the brink, the Carolina Dog went in search of a viewpoint.\u00a0 She soon came to one where SPHP was surprised to see two cairns.\u00a0 The smaller cairn had a narrow view of a mountain less than a mile NW that Lupe had been to before.<\/p>\n

Why, that’s Steamboat Rock<\/span><\/a> (5,081 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, isn’t it, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Correcto mundo, Loopster!<\/em><\/p>\n

We haven’t been there in years!\u00a0 Wonder if Pugg’s Keep is still up there?<\/em><\/p>\n

Hah!\u00a0 I wonder if Pugg ever came back to clean up his unkept keep?<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Steamboat Rock<\/strong> (Center) from the small cairn. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From the larger cairn, Loop caught a first glimpse of her destination.\u00a0 Peak<\/span> 4980<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, a rounded hill with a cliff to the W just like HP4950<\/span><\/strong>, was only 0.5 mile S.\u00a0 Green Mountain<\/span><\/a> (5,240 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was also in sight a little farther away.\u00a0 Peering over the edge near the cairn, Box Elder Creek could be seen way down by Nemo Road.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 4980<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 4980<\/strong> (L), Green Mountain<\/strong> (Center), and Box Elder Creek<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Heading S from HP4950<\/span><\/strong>, Looper traveled down a gradually narrowing ridge.\u00a0 Another surprise was in store when she came to a flat open area right along the edge of the cliffs.\u00a0 In addition to a more sweeping view, a flagpole jutted up from a third cairn.\u00a0 No flag, though.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Steamboat Rock<\/strong> (Center), Nemo Road<\/strong> and Box Elder Creek<\/strong> (L) from the flagpole. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As Lupe closed in on the saddle leading to Peak 4980, the limestone ridge she was on began to break up.\u00a0 Soon it was too rough to remain up on top, but that didn’t present any serious obstacle.\u00a0 Staying somewhat E of, and below the ridgeline, the American Dingo managed to get past the saddle to where she could start climbing Peak 4980’s NE slope.<\/p>\n

The climb was steep, but relatively short, and not difficult.\u00a0 At one point, Lupe could see an interesting little summit off to the SE.\u00a0 Near the top of the steep part, she went by a big limestone outcropping.\u00a0 Above it, the terrain leveled out to a large degree.\u00a0 An easy stroll to another forested, flat, featureless summit region was all that remained.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By a limestone wall as the ridge S of Peak 4950<\/strong> begins to break up. Peak 4980<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Starting up Peak 4980<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A distinctive HP (Center) off to the SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Entering the summit region<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9:58 AM, 45\u00baF, Peak<\/span> 4980<\/span><\/a><\/strong> –<\/em> What passed for the summit, as near as SPHP could determine it, was none too scintillating.\u00a0 However, only marginally lower, less than 100 feet away, were some sweet views from cliffs along the S and W edges of the mountain.\u00a0 A brief stop at the high point, and Lupe proceeded right to the cliffs to enjoy a rest break featuring a shared chocolate coconut bar along with the lovely panoramas.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 4980 true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Along the edge. Green Mountain<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking NNE back at HP4950<\/span><\/strong> (Center).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Steamboat Rock<\/strong> (L). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In addition to Steamboat Rock and Green Mountain, a few other peaks could be identified among the many rolling hills.\u00a0 Peak<\/span> 5701<\/span><\/a><\/strong> stood out off to the NW.\u00a0 To the S, Peak<\/span> 5136<\/span><\/a><\/strong>‘s long E ridge was in sight.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5701<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5136<\/strong> (beyond Lupe). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The day was already warming up nicely.\u00a0 In relative comfort, Lupe and SPHP sat together admiring the views, but not for long.\u00a0 The Lists of John mini-blitz must go on, ya know!\u00a0 Soon the Carolina Dog was heading back down Peak 4980’s NE slope.<\/p>\n

The return was fun and easy!\u00a0 Loopster had seen lots of deer on the way to Peak 4980, and they continued to amuse on the way back.\u00a0 Skipping HP4950<\/span><\/strong> this time, Lupe explored the valley to the E, eventually picking up USFS Road No. 149.2B again.\u00a0 Once back at the saddle NE of HP4950<\/span><\/strong>, the rest of her route back was identical.\u00a0 (11:21 AM)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On USFS Road No. 149.2B, approaching the saddle NE of HP4950<\/span><\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

11:31 AM, 49\u00baF, junction of Merritt Estes Road (County Road No. 208) and USFS Road No. 208.1I<\/em> –<\/p>\n

One peak climbed!\u00a0 So, what’s next, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Peak<\/span> 5163<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, Looper.\u00a0 In fact, that ridge to the E is where Lists of John<\/strong><\/span><\/a> shows the summit.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, snap!\u00a0 This is going to be easy then, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Eh, not quite as easy as you’re thinking, Loopster.\u00a0 The topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a> also shows a cluster of 4 small 5,160 foot contours a little over 0.5 mile SSE of the Lists of John summit location.\u00a0 To really be certain you’ve actually hit the mountain’s high point, we’re going to have to check them out, too.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the start of USFS Road No. 208.1I. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Striking out for Peak 5163, Lupe followed USFS Road No. 208.1I SE up a broad, shallow valley.\u00a0 \u00a0Although the map didn’t show the road going very far, it actually went all the way up to a saddle 0.25 mile SSW of the summit, and beyond.\u00a0 Leaving the road at the saddle, Loop headed up the slope to the NE.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the way up to the saddle. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the saddle, about to venture up the slope on the L. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

An easy climb, and not a very long one!\u00a0 Near the top, Lupe passed some rock formations.\u00a0 Above them, the terrain remained somewhat rocky for a little way as it began leveling out.\u00a0 It wasn’t far to a lone 2 foot high boulder out in the middle of a large flat region.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Among the rock formations near the top of the slope. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Starting to level out. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hop up on that rock, Loop!<\/em><\/p>\n

Is this the true summit already, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Might be.\u00a0 We’ve got to be close to where Lists of John shows the high point, and I don’t see anything higher.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Atop the fearsome summit block. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Whoooeeee, SPHP!\u00a0 Peak<\/span> 5163<\/span><\/a><\/strong>!\u00a0 What a climb!\u00a0 How about a hard-earned\u00a0 chocolate coconut bar to celebrate?<\/em><\/p>\n

Seems a little premature, doesn’t it, Looper?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, cruel one of mine!\u00a0 You aren’t going to make me go to all the contours way down S running on empty, are you?<\/em><\/p>\n

Hmm.\u00a0 I suppose not, Miss Drama Dingo.\u00a0 But don’t expect another one down there, even if we come to a clearly higher point.\u00a0 This is it for the chocolate coconut bar supply today.<\/em><\/p>\n

Sitting together next to the towering apparent summit, the last chocolate coconut bar had just performed it’s vanishing act when suddenly there was gunfire to the S.\u00a0 Not good!\u00a0 The Carolina Dog wasn’t going to want to go that way now.<\/p>\n

Hunters!\u00a0 Let’s hide, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Why?\u00a0 You’ll be fine, Loop.\u00a0 Just stay close to me.<\/em><\/p>\n

Now, SPHP!\u00a0 Something’s coming!<\/em><\/p>\n

Something was coming!\u00a0 200 yards SE, a red pickup truck cautiously crept into view, then stopped partially hidden by trees.\u00a0 A few minutes later, several deer came racing by, greatly exciting the Carolina Dog, but she didn’t bark.\u00a0 Maybe hanging around where hunters were really wasn’t such a hot idea?<\/p>\n

Can we just go, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah.\u00a0 We can sneak S now that they’ve come up this way, Loop, but first we ought to have a look around farther N.\u00a0 Still a fair amount of territory over that way we haven’t ruled out as the summit yet.<\/em><\/p>\n

Good thing Lupe went N!\u00a0 She hadn’t gone far when a big rock formation near the WNW edge of the mountain came into sight 300 feet ahead.\u00a0 Seemed to be the only one of its kind, and definitely Peak 5163’s N high point.\u00a0 Quite likely the mountain’s true summit, too!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5163 true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Yes! This does seem more like the top of a mountain!<\/em> Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Another view. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Definitely higher than anything over this way.<\/em> Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Satisfied yet, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, I think so!\u00a0 This is at least the mountain’s N summit.<\/em><\/p>\n

On the way S, the Carolina Dog stayed close to the mountain’s W edge, giving the hunters a wide berth, and passing a few views along the way.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
View to the NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once S of the red pickup’s position, Lupe headed SE through open forest down a gradual slope.\u00a0 Upon reaching an area where the terrain leveled out, she discovered a road not shown on the map.\u00a0 Must be how that truck got up here!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sneaking off to the S end of the mountain. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the unexpected road. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hurrying S, in case the hunters decided to try their luck back this way again, Lupe soon came to where the road curved W before starting down the mountain.\u00a0 Abandoning it, she kept going S, starting an easy climb.\u00a0 It wasn’t too far to the top of a high region that was fairly flat.\u00a0 Those 5,160 foot contour areas had to be somewhere around here!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading for the high ground at the S end of the mountain. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Starting toward the SE, then working her way back NW, the Carolina Dog did find 4 marginally higher points than the surrounding territory.\u00a0 The forest was so dense that it was impossible to say for certain which one might have been highest, but SPHP got the impression that the farther NW she went, the higher the terrain.<\/p>\n

Who knew for sure, though?\u00a0 Any slope was minimal, and with so many trees, none of the high points were clearly visible from any of the others.<\/p>\n

But, SPHP!\u00a0 We found a cairn at the 3rd high point!\u00a0 Remember?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, but that doesn’t necessarily mean anything, Loop.\u00a0 People every bit as lost and confused as I am build plenty of cairns.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the far SE high point<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the not quite as far SE high point<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
By the cairn at the sort of NW high point<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The far NW high point<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe had done as much as she possibly could on Peak 5163.\u00a0 Somewhere along the way, she must have visited the true summit.\u00a0 Seemed like the big rock formation way back at the N end of the mountain was probably it, but whether it was or not hardly mattered.<\/p>\n

After congratulating Loopster on yet another Lists of John peak climbed, it was time to return to the RAV4.\u00a0 Heading NNE back to the road she’d discovered, Lupe took it W.\u00a0 She lost a fair amount of elevation on the way down to a valley where she eventually reached USFS Road No. 201.<\/p>\n

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The valley SW of Peak 5163<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No. 201 led back to Merritt Estes Road at a point 0.6 mile SSW of the RAV4.\u00a0 The remaining road hike went quickly.\u00a0 Two peaks complete!\u00a0 (1:51 PM)<\/em><\/p>\n

2:03 PM, 50\u00baF, junction of Piedmont Road (USFS Road No. 144) and USFS Road No. 144.1A –\u00a0<\/em>Still early afternoon, but mid-January shadows were already lengthening.\u00a0 Time enough for one more mountain, though!\u00a0 Lupe’s List of John mini-blitz continued, as the American Dingo set out heading SE on No. 144.1A.<\/p>\n

There was snow underpaw until Lupe reached a sunny turn where the road curved SW.\u00a0 Sunlight streamed through the pines.\u00a0 The road soon curved again, this time heading S.\u00a0 Loop quickly arrived at a fork not shown on the topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About to set out on USFS Road No. 144.1A (R). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Signage at the start. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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In shadow on snowy No. 144.1A. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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At the sunny turn. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The fork in the road was actually good news.\u00a0 As expected, No. 144.1A curved away to the E here, but that wasn’t the way Lupe needed to go.\u00a0 Happily, ATV Trail No. 8276, the road not shown on the map, went SSW, which was great!\u00a0 Apparently, the Carolina Dog wasn’t going to have to do much bushwhacking to get to Peak<\/span> 5321<\/span><\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Taking No. 8276, the road climbed slowly on the way over to the W side of HP5243<\/span><\/strong>, where it leveled out and turned SW.\u00a0 At first, it looked like No. 8276 might head straight to Peak 5321’s summit, but well before Lupe got that far, it turned WNW.<\/p>\n

Eh, that was OK.\u00a0 Lupe was gaining at least a little elevation again.\u00a0 Sticking with the road was the easiest thing to do.\u00a0 Maybe No. 8276 would end up approaching Peak 5321 from the N?<\/p>\n

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At the unexpected fork where ATV Trail No. 8276 (R) leaves USFS Road No. 144.1A (L). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On No. 8276 heading around to the W side of HP5243<\/span><\/strong> (L). Peak 5321<\/strong> is the forested hill on the R. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Soon the amount of sunlight filtering through the pines indicated that Lupe must be approaching the NW end of the mountain.\u00a0 She was almost there when Trail No. 8276 turned SSE toward the summit.\u00a0 However, off to the W, there was a platform of limestone with a terrific view.\u00a0 There was even a bench nearby.\u00a0 Gotta check this out!<\/p>\n

Lupe had reached Ash Point.<\/p>\n

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Getting close to the NW end of the mountain. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Ash Point<\/strong> was established by the “Yogi Clan” according to the plaque.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Ash Point<\/strong>. Custer Peak<\/strong> (R of Center) and Terry Peak<\/strong> (R) faintly on the horizon. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ash Point was cool!\u00a0 To the W, the limestone platform had a grand view overlooking Nemo.\u00a0 Custer Peak<\/span><\/a> (6,804 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Terry Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,064 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> were on the WNW horizon.\u00a0 A great look at Green Top<\/span><\/a> (5,360 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and White Mansion<\/span><\/a> (5,340 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was off to the NNW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Nemo<\/strong> from Ash Point. Custer Peak<\/strong> (R) and Terry Peak<\/strong> (far R) on the horizon. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Greentop<\/strong> (L of Center) and White Mansion<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Impressive!\u00a0 Glad we stopped by Ash Point, Loop!<\/em><\/p>\n

Scenic highlight of the day, so far, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Agree, but you still have a mountain to climb.\u00a0 Shall we?<\/em><\/p>\n

Returning to ATV Trail No. 8276, Lupe followed it SSE climbing steadily up the gentle slope leading to Peak 5321’s forested summit.\u00a0 However, the road soon veered more to the ESE.\u00a0 Not really the right direction.\u00a0 When deadfall started appearing across it, that was the last straw.<\/p>\n

Abandoning the road, the Carolina Dog explored SW in search of the summit.\u00a0 Couldn’t be too much farther.\u00a0 A short romp higher through a deadfall-infested mess, and the terrain leveled out.\u00a0 Continuing WSW, a marginally higher region with no clear high point seemed to be about it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Up top, searching for the true summit. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5321 summit<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So this is it, aye, SPHP?\u00a0 The true summit of Peak<\/span> 5321<\/span><\/a><\/strong>?<\/em><\/p>\n

Near as I can tell, Looper.\u00a0 Congratulations on attaining your third Lists of John peak of the day!<\/em><\/p>\n

Thanks, SPHP!\u00a0 Ash Point was way better, though.<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, Ash Point is part of this same mountain, kind of a package deal.\u00a0 In any case, want to relax here for a bit?\u00a0 Out of chocolate coconut bars, but you can still have some Taste of the Wild, if you want it.<\/em><\/p>\n

A W breeze sighed in the pines, as Lupe enjoyed her Taste of the Wild.\u00a0 SPHP sat munching an apple.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the rest spot. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After finishing the apple, SPHP stood up.<\/p>\n

Ready to call it a day, Loopster?\u00a0 Too late for any more mountains.\u00a0 We can visit Ash Point on the way back again.\u00a0 One other option, though, if you’d rather keep going.<\/em><\/p>\n

What do you have in mind?\u00a0 Keep going where, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, just a hunch that might be fun to check out.\u00a0 Been looking at the map.\u00a0 Those cliffs at Ash Point run N\/S all along the W side of this mountain.\u00a0 Can’t see them from here, because we’re back in the trees.\u00a0 On the map, it looks like there is a big level platform S of here, about 100 feet lower than where we are now.\u00a0 Want to check it out?\u00a0 Might be another viewpoint down there.<\/em><\/p>\n

How far away is this platform, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Not even 0.25 mile.\u00a0 Won’t take long.\u00a0 Might not be anything there, though.<\/em><\/p>\n

Now or never, SPHP!\u00a0 Why not?<\/em><\/p>\n

Leaving Peak 5321’s summit and heading S, Lupe soon came to a road.\u00a0 Probably Trail No. 8276 again, but that wasn’t entirely clear.\u00a0 In any case, the road wound SSW right on down to the level region the Carolina Dog intended to explore.\u00a0 Things were looking pretty promising as the road headed for an edge just ahead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Exploring the platform. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

American Point, SPHP!\u00a0 You were right!\u00a0 Glad we came!\u00a0 This is awesome!<\/em><\/p>\n

On a limestone platform, slightly below the road level along the edge of the mountain, an American Flag waved in the breeze.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Boxelder Creek<\/strong> from American Point<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The views from American Point were similar to those from Ash Point.\u00a0 Nemo and most of the same peaks were visible from a slightly different angle.\u00a0 Far to the S, Black Elk Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,231 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was in sight, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (L) on the far horizon. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Nemo<\/strong> (L), Custer Peak<\/strong> (far L) and Terry Peak<\/strong> (L) on the horizon. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Greentop<\/strong> (L edge), White Mansion<\/strong> (L) and Peak<\/span> 5300<\/span><\/a><\/strong> (Center). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

American Point was along the W edge of Peak 5321, but not at the far S end of the big platform.\u00a0 Completing her explorations, the Carolina Dog went the rest of the way S, where she found another viewpoint which was also sweet, but not quite as dramatic.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (Center) from the S end of the big platform. Photo looks S with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Three Lists of John peaks visited!\u00a0 The American Dingo’s mini-blitz was going well!\u00a0 On the way back, Lupe revisited all of Peak 5321’s highlights, including American Point, the summit, and Ash Point, and still made it back to the RAV4 before dark.<\/p>\n

It had been a great day!\u00a0 (4:13 PM, 45\u00baF)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5321<\/strong> near American Point<\/strong>, Black Hills of South Dakota 1-17-22<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

Next Black Hills Expedition<\/span><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Prior Black Hills Expedition<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 153 – Steamboat Rock, Pugg’s Keep & Greentop (1-23-16)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0 Check out Lupe’s Black Hills, SD & WY\u00a0Expeditions\u00a0Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a>, <\/em>Master Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/a>, or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures<\/span><\/strong><\/a>!<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

8:12 AM, 26\u00baF, junction of Erskine Gulch Road (USFS Road No. 145) & USFS Road No. 149 – Dang, Loop!\u00a0 Wasn’t supposed to be this cold! Thrilled that the Lists of John mini-blitz had her back in action again so soon, Lupe didn’t mind the cold at all.\u00a0 Going to warm up a little later … Continue reading Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 291 – Peak 4980, Peak 5163 & Peak 5321 (1-17-22)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":37691,"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":[6],"tags":[105,1509,1508,9,106,104,1475,1506,1507,304],"class_list":["post-37703","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-black-hills","tag-american-dingo","tag-american-point","tag-ash-point","tag-black-hills-expeditions","tag-carolina-dog","tag-lupe","tag-peak-4980","tag-peak-5163","tag-peak-5321","tag-south-dakota"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/IMG_3787-scaled.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\/37703","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=37703"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37703\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":62104,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37703\/revisions\/62104"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/37691"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=37703"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=37703"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=37703"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}