{"id":39729,"date":"2022-05-13T08:10:35","date_gmt":"2022-05-13T14:10:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=39729"},"modified":"2022-05-24T15:12:00","modified_gmt":"2022-05-24T21:12:00","slug":"black-hills-sd-expedition-no-297-peak-4741-3-2-22","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=39729","title":{"rendered":"Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 297 – Peak 4741 (3-2-22)"},"content":{"rendered":"

8:59 AM, 45\u00baF, Centennial Trail No. 89<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/em>\u00a0– Already warm out, but the trailhead was still icy when Lupe leapt out of the RAV4.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the Elk Creek trailhead<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Elk Creek trailhead!\u00a0 We were here last fall with Uncle Joe, Dusty, and new Cousin Laddie when we took them to Peak<\/span> 5261<\/span><\/a><\/strong>.\u00a0 Remember, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Of course!\u00a0 Peak 5261 isn’t in the works this time, though, Looper.\u00a0 Going to pick off a Lists of John<\/strong><\/span><\/a> peak we’ve never been to before, Peak <\/span>4741<\/span><\/a><\/strong>!<\/em><\/p>\n

We’ve been in this area several times in the past year or two, SPHP.\u00a0 Why didn’t we visit Peak 4741 then?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, because we were doing things close to Centennial Trail No. 89, Loop.\u00a0 Peak 4741 is way off the beaten path.\u00a0 Kind of remote.\u00a0 Probably a better way to get to it, but I’m pretty sure we can get there from here.<\/em><\/p>\n

The first part of the route to Peak 4741 was familiar territory.\u00a0 Lupe left the Elk Creek trailhead following Centennial Trail No. 89 NNE up a little valley.\u00a0 After 0.125 mile, the trail climbed out of the valley on a jaunt NW through a flat area.\u00a0 As the trail started climbing again, No. 89 curved back to the SE, going partway up a hillside before turning NE.<\/p>\n

The last time Lupe was in this region with Uncle Joe and cousins Dusty and Laddie, a stone tunnel had been discovered E of the trail.\u00a0 A real oddity!\u00a0 The Carolina Dog ventured over for another look at it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
An icy stretch as Centennial Trail No. 89 heads up the little valley. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Starting up the hillside after crossing the flat region. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Checking out the mysterious stone tunnel again.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Returning to Centennial Trail No. 89, a moderately steep climb NE led to gentler terrain.\u00a0 0.75 mile from the Elk Creek trailhead, Lupe left the trail continuing NE up an easy slope to a flat, open ridge.\u00a0 From here, Loop could see part of Forbes Gulch, a heavily forested drainage, and even caught a glimpse of the prairie beyond the Black Hills.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heavily forested Forbes Gulch<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Can’t see it yet, Loop, but Peak 4741 is out that way.<\/em><\/p>\n

How far, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

From here?\u00a0 Less than 2.5 miles as the crow flies, but the roads we’ll be on wind around a lot more than that.<\/em><\/p>\n

USFS Road No. 169 was just N of the rise Lupe was standing on.\u00a0 A fun romp down a snowy slope, and the Carolina Dog was there.\u00a0 Although dry where Loop first reached it, most of the road was snow-covered as she followed it along a hillside.\u00a0 The worst spots were soft and muddy.<\/p>\n

No. 169 wound around, going first SE, then NE, before ultimately turning S.\u00a0 For 0.75 mile, Loopster trotted along both gradual uphill and downhill stretches.\u00a0 Net elevation change was minimal by the time she reached a saddle where the road divided.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The snowy N slope leading down to USFS Road No. 169. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On USFS Road No. 169. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking back. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Curving SE again after going NE. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On a particularly snowy stretch. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Heading S. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Which way, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Stay L, Loop.\u00a0 Take that upper road going around the hill.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Pass 4900<\/span><\/strong>, where USFS Road No. 169 divides. Lupe took No. 169.1B, the upper route seen here. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

USFS Road No. 169.1B wound up onto a ridge.\u00a0 Lupe got her first distant view of the day along this stretch.\u00a0 I-90 was in sight way down along the E edge of the Black Hills.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading up onto the ridge on USFS Road No. 169.1B. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
I-90 (R) along the E edge of the Black Hills. Photo looks SE with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Trending NE, No. 169.1B topped out 0.33 mile from Pass 4900<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 A minor high point was just N of the road.<\/p>\n

Let’s go up there, Loop!\u00a0 It’s about as high as we’ll get today.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On HP5044<\/span><\/strong> (?) N of No. 169.1B. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A small limestone outcropping was at the top, and not much else.\u00a0 Although a pleasant spot, too many trees were present to permit a clear view in any direction.<\/p>\n

Supposed to be an even higher spot not too far off to the NW, Loop.\u00a0 HP5044<\/span><\/strong>, according to the map!\u00a0 Want to check it out?<\/em><\/p>\n

Sure!\u00a0 How far away is it, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Only 400 or 500 feet.\u00a0 Shouldn’t take long to get there.<\/em><\/p>\n

Huh.\u00a0 Easier said than done.\u00a0 Venturing several hundred feet NNW into a dense forest, Loopster saw no sign of HP5044<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 In fact, the terrain had been gradually sloping down, a that trend appeared to be accelerating.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Searching for HP5044<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hmm.\u00a0 This doesn’t look right, Loop.\u00a0 Starting to think the map is wrong.\u00a0 Maybe you’ve already been to HP5044<\/span><\/strong>?<\/em><\/p>\n

You mean that last little hill by the road, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah.\u00a0 Let’s call it, and go back.\u00a0 Doesn’t really matter, anyway.\u00a0 Even if there really is a HP5044<\/span><\/strong> somewhere out here, which seems unlikely, not going to be able to see anything from it in this thick forest.<\/em><\/p>\n

Returning to the hill by the road, a break was taken before continuing on.\u00a0 No. 169.1B turned SE, going downhill before leveling out at a big clearing where there was an intersection with USFS Road No. 169.1I.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the junction with USFS Road No. 169.1I. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
By the No. 169.1I wand. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No. 169.1I was less developed, literally the road less taken.<\/p>\n

Can we go this way, SPHP?\u00a0 Looks more interesting!<\/em><\/p>\n

Go for it, Looper!\u00a0 Actually a shortcut compared to No. 169.1B.<\/em><\/p>\n

No. 169.1I was destined to play out in less than 0.5 mile, but that didn’t matter.\u00a0 Lupe followed it NNE all the way to the end.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Exploring USFS Road No. 169.1I. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Near the end. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At the end of No. 169.1I, a short climb N through open forest got Lupe to the top of a ridge.\u00a0 HP4827<\/span><\/strong>, the next hill N, and the next objective, was less than 0.25 mile away.\u00a0 However, the slope going down to the saddle that led to HP4827<\/span><\/strong> was densely forested and choked with deadfall.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading up to the ridge N of where No. 169.1I ended. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
N of the ridge, on the way down to the saddle leading to HP4827<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Conditions seemed slightly better toward the E, allowing Lupe to work her way down to the saddle, where she came to a small clearing.\u00a0 The S slope of HP4827<\/span><\/strong> was more open, so it didn’t take long to get up to a big boulder along the HP4827<\/span><\/strong> ridge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
In the small clearing at the saddle S of HP4827<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the first big rock reached along the HP4827<\/span> summit ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

HP4827<\/span><\/strong>‘s forested summit ridge was hundreds of feet long.\u00a0 Whether this first big rock was the true summit wasn’t clear.\u00a0 A boulder off to the WNW that was barely visible through the trees appeared to be about the same elevation.\u00a0 Loopster went over to check it out.\u00a0 Hard to tell if it was really any higher, but this was definitely the last high point to the W.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the boulder at the W end of the HP4827<\/span> ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Exploring the summit ridge E, Lupe came to a double rock formation that seemed definitely higher than either of the first two boulders she’d visited.\u00a0 Too many trees to see much, but this was apparently the true summit of the entire ridge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
True summit of HP4827<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Another angle. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Continuing E, Lupe came to a clearing at the E end of the ridge.\u00a0 Looked like a good spot to take another short break.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
E end of the HP4827 ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

HP4827<\/span><\/strong>‘s N slope proved fairly steep when Lupe started down.\u00a0 Progress was slow.\u00a0 Patches of snow made the going slick, as SPHP picked a way through copious deadfall laying perpendicular to the descent.\u00a0 On the bright side, so many trees were down that Lupe enjoyed a good view of Peak<\/span> 4760<\/span><\/a><\/strong>.\u00a0 Looking small from here, Bear Butte<\/span><\/a> (4,422 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was even in sight way out on the plains.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 4760<\/strong> (L), Bear Butte<\/strong> (Center) and Peak 4642<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Bear Butte<\/strong>. Photo looks NNE with lots of help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The rate of descent slowly diminished.\u00a0 After losing 400 feet of elevation, Lupe turned E toward a broad, flat saddle with considerable open space.\u00a0 After crossing a field, and passing through another stretch of forest, an unimpressive hill was ahead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the saddle region after descending from HP4827<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A pile of logs left over from a logging operation. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Passing through another stretch of open forest. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The unimpressive hill ahead. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hey, we’re getting there, Looper!\u00a0 That must be USFS Road No. 169.1D, with Peak<\/span> 4741<\/span><\/a><\/strong> beyond it!<\/em><\/p>\n

That’s Peak 4741, SPHP?\u00a0 Are you sure?\u00a0 Doesn’t look like much!\u00a0 What’s so special about it?<\/em><\/p>\n

According to Lists of John<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, 351 feet of prominence.\u00a0 Ranked 160th out of only 278 peaks in South Dakota with at least 300.\u00a0 Don’t think we’re seeing the actual summit yet.\u00a0 Taller than it appears from here.<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, we’ll see.\u00a0 Looks like a snap to me, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

The American Dingo headed down to USFS Road No. 169.1D, intent upon following it at least a short distance toward Peak 4741.\u00a0 However, the day had warmed up quite a bit.\u00a0 Melting snow and ice made the road a soft, mucky mess.\u00a0 Better just tromping through the fields beside it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Muddy USFS Road No. 169.1D. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Shortly after the road curved SE, Lupe left it to head E up a grassy slope dotted with young pines.\u00a0 The slope soon led to denser forest.\u00a0 At 4,600 feet, she passed a vertical rock formation prior to reaching a flat region.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Starting up Peak 4741’s W slope<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
As exciting as it got at 4,600 feet. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The flat region led to another easy climb.\u00a0 Exploring E after the terrain leveled out again revealed a modestly elevated ridge.\u00a0 A stump next to the first limestone outcropping Lupe came to was the true summit.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
True summit of Peak 4741<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Knew this was going to be a cinch!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1:05 PM, 57\u00baF, Peak<\/span> 4741<\/span><\/a> <\/strong><\/em>– The true summit was located at the NW end of a 150 foot long ridge that was only slightly lower toward the SE.\u00a0 The only view was of a long ridge to the S.\u00a0 Still, it was something.\u00a0 Another small rock outcropping 20 or 30 feet farther SE that was at essentially the same elevation as the true summit was a better spot to see it, and was where Lupe and SPHP took a break.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the rest break outcropping. Note the small cairn (L) on a stump. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
View of the long ridge (R) to the S. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So this is it, SPHP?\u00a0 Peak 4741?<\/em><\/p>\n

Afraid so, Loopster.\u00a0 Pleasant enough, but admittedly not too dramatic.<\/em><\/p>\n

Mellow indeed, but it’s still a Lists of John peak, right?<\/em><\/p>\n

Absolutely!\u00a0 You’ve chalked up another one, Loop!<\/em><\/p>\n

And we went over both HP5044<\/span><\/strong> and HP4827<\/span><\/strong>, too, right, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, although a tiny bit of doubt remains about HP5044<\/span><\/strong> since we didn’t go quite all the way to where it should have been.<\/em><\/p>\n

That’s because you concluded that the map was nuts, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

True enough, Loop.\u00a0 So, what are you driving at?<\/em><\/p>\n

Blimey!\u00a0 You’re a little slow on the draw, SPHP.\u00a0 After coming all this way over hill and dale, isn’t it about time for a chocolate coconut bar?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, of course!\u00a0 I’ve got some Taste of the Wild for you, too!<\/em><\/p>\n

Traffic noise from I-90 was easily heard over the crunching and munching of Taste of the Wild after the chocolate coconut bar vanished.\u00a0 There actually was more to see along Peak 4741’s summit ridge once Lupe was finished.\u00a0 Only slightly lower, the limestone formations along the SE end of the ridge were larger and more interesting than the true summit had been.\u00a0 Worth\u00a0a look!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
SE end of the summit ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking back the other way. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Inspection of the SE limestone formations complete, Lupe returned to the break spot to relax a little longer before visiting the cairn nearby.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back at the break spot. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Standing by a cairn helps make any ascent more official, you know!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Half an hour after arriving, the American Dingo was once again back at the true summit, departure imminent.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back at Peak 4749’s true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The forest N of the true summit wasn’t much lower, and looked dark and mysterious.\u00a0 Before leaving Peak 4741 for good, Lupe explored it as far N as it remained flat, but finding nothing worth noting, finally headed back down the mountain to USFS Road No. 169.1D.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Final moments on Peak 4741<\/strong> with the dark forest to be explored next in the background. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Returning to USFS Road No. 169.1D.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Upon reaching the road, Lupe varied her return route, following 169.1D SE for more than a mile before leaving it to venture up the steep upper W end of Breakneck Gulch.\u00a0 This shortcut brought her straight back to the intersection of USFS Roads No. 169.1I and No. 169.1B again.<\/p>\n

3:11 PM<\/em> – Taking No. 169.1B NW to where it topped out, Lupe revisited HP5044<\/span><\/strong>, or perhaps its imposter, N of the road.\u00a0 Still a couple of pleasant miles to go retracing her morning route, but Loop and SPHP took a few minutes to relax here and reflect on the day.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back on HP5044<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Peak 4741 wasn’t all that scintillating, Loop, but we had fun didn’t we?<\/em><\/p>\n

Of course!\u00a0 Always fun to explore new territory, SPHP, and we’d never been through this area before.<\/em><\/p>\n

I’ll kind of miss doing these Lists of John peaks when we run out of them.\u00a0 Never know what to expect.<\/em><\/p>\n

What?\u00a0 Are we really going to run out of them, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup.\u00a0 Not yet, but pretty soon.\u00a0 At least the ones with public access here in the Black Hills National forest.<\/em><\/p>\n

What are we going to do then, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, don’t worry about that, Loop.\u00a0 We can revisit some of our favorite named peaks, explore more trails, or even go back to following streams and valleys like we used to do way back when we first started your Black Hills expeditions.\u00a0 Plus there are countless hills and ridges we’ve never been to that aren’t on any lists that might still be worth seeing.<\/em><\/p>\n

As long as there’s always another adventure waiting in the wings, I’ll be happy, SPHP, no matter where we go!<\/em><\/p>\n

Me too, Loop!\u00a0 Me, too.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
HP5044<\/strong> on the way back from Peak 4741<\/strong>, Black Hills of South Dakota 3-2-22<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

Next Black Hills Expedition<\/span><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Prior Black Hills Expedition<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/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":"

8:59 AM, 45\u00baF, Centennial Trail No. 89\u00a0– Already warm out, but the trailhead was still icy when Lupe leapt out of the RAV4. The Elk Creek trailhead!\u00a0 We were here last fall with Uncle Joe, Dusty, and new Cousin Laddie when we took them to Peak 5261.\u00a0 Remember, SPHP? Of course!\u00a0 Peak 5261 isn’t in … Continue reading Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 297 – Peak 4741 (3-2-22)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":39722,"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":[105,9,106,104,1554,304],"class_list":["post-39729","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-black-hills","tag-american-dingo","tag-black-hills-expeditions","tag-carolina-dog","tag-lupe","tag-peak-4741","tag-south-dakota"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/IMG_4276-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\/39729","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=39729"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39729\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":40671,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39729\/revisions\/40671"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/39722"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=39729"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=39729"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=39729"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}