{"id":40372,"date":"2022-08-21T08:10:06","date_gmt":"2022-08-21T14:10:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=40372"},"modified":"2022-10-01T20:45:59","modified_gmt":"2022-10-02T02:45:59","slug":"mather-peaks-bighorn-mountains-wyoming-part-1-on-off-the-lost-twin-lakes-trail-to-base-camp-9-26-21","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=40372","title":{"rendered":"Mather Peaks, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming – Part 1: On & Off the Lost Twin Lakes Trail to Base Camp (9-26-21)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Days 1 & 2 of Lupe’s 4th Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming!<\/em><\/p>\n

9-25-21, morning –<\/em> Emerging from the store, SPHP was suddenly struck by a change.\u00a0 For the first time in 2.5 months, a crystal blue sky was over the Black Hills.\u00a0 No smoke!\u00a0 The forecast was for highs in the low 90’s \u00baF the next few days, and, as usual, not a drop of rain.\u00a0 Returning to the RAV4 where Lupe was waiting, a spur of the moment decision.<\/p>\n

Loopster, it’s on!<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, that’s fabulous, SPHP!\u00a0 Great news!\u00a0 Mind telling me what on earth you’re babbling about?<\/em>\u00a0 What’s on?<\/em><\/p>\n

Mather Peaks<\/span><\/a> (12,400 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, SE of Florence Pass, way up along the spine of the Bighorns, was what was suddenly on.\u00a0 Summer of 2021’s unexpected last gasp!\u00a0 The rest of the morning and better part of the afternoon were spent furiously packing.\u00a0 The sun was down, but it was still light out, by the time Lupe hopped out of the RAV4 for a look at the mountains.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the Bighorns<\/strong>. Photo looks W from I-90 near Buffalo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9-26-21, 6:22 AM, at a big paved pullout N of Hwy 16<\/em> –<\/p>\n

You’re awake, Loopster?\u00a0 Good!\u00a0 I’ve been looking at the map.\u00a0 Would sure love to camp at Gunboat Lake tonight, and come at Mather Peaks from the NW tomorrow, or the next day.\u00a0 Think that’s doable based on what we saw up at Florence Pass back when we went to Bomber Mountain<\/strong><\/span><\/a> in 2018.\u00a0 Not entirely sure that route will go, though, and it’s definitely the long way around.\u00a0 Quite a bit shorter, and probably wiser, to come up from the S off Lost Twin Lakes Trail No. 065.\u00a0 Anyway, how are you feeling?\u00a0 Ready for some glorious Bighorn Mountains action?<\/em><\/p>\n

Ears drooping, sad hazel eyes stared back at SPHP.\u00a0 A moment later, Lupe puked all over the RAV4’s dash.<\/p>\n

Feeling that marvelous, aye?\u00a0 Don’t worry about it, Loop.\u00a0 I’ll clean it up!<\/em><\/p>\n

9-26-21, 8:12 AM, 37\u00baF, West Tensleep Lake trailhead<\/em> – Nothing quite like puking your guts out for a good holistic cleansing to get your day off on the right paw!\u00a0 By the time SPHP was ready, the American Dingo was feeling much better as she set off on Lost Twin Lakes Trail No. 065.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About to leave the West Tensleep trailhead.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Loop searched for squirrels as the trail headed NNE through the forest for 0.75 mile before turning E, and descending to a clearing along Middle Tensleep Creek.\u00a0 The creek was very low this time of year, but cold, clear, and invigorating.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lost Twin Lakes Trail No. 065. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The first small clearing after the trail turns E. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Entering the Middle Tensleep Creek valley<\/strong>. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Checking out Middle Tensleep Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After crossing a tiny tributary, Lost Twin Lakes Trail No. 065 followed Middle Tensleep Creek upstream only a short distance.\u00a0 Almost as soon as the trail reached the forest again, there was a nice waterfall off to the R.\u00a0 Would have been a great place for a picnic, but it was still way too early for that.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Following Middle Tensleep Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the waterfall. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After visiting the waterfall, Loopster returned to the trail, which now left Middle Tensleep Creek behind as it turned NE, climbing steadily through the forest.\u00a0 0.75 mile got the American Dingo up to a clearing on the side of a hilltop.\u00a0 A high stony mountain was visible roughly 4 miles away.<\/p>\n

Is that Mather Peaks, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Not sure, Loop.\u00a0 Hard to tell from here, but that’s the right vicinity.\u00a0 Might be Mather’s W summit, which isn’t quite as high as the E one.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mather Peaks W summit<\/strong> (Center)? Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From this initial viewpoint, the trail jogged SE before turning NE again.\u00a0 Near this turn there was a view of Lost Twin Lakes Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,015 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Other mountains were in sight, too, as the trail descended toward a big open section of the Middle Tensleep Creek valley.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lost Twin Lakes Peak<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Near Middle Tensleep Creek<\/strong> (Center) again. Lost Twin Lakes Peak<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail flattened out.\u00a0 Remaining well N of Middle Tensleep Creek, it went no farther into the valley.\u00a0 Lupe was soon climbing back up into the forest again.\u00a0 After a relatively short stint N, the trail curved SE, crossing a larger tributary of Middle Tensleep Creek.\u00a0 Happily, an easy rock hop this time of year!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Along a flat stretch paralleling Middle Tensleep Creek<\/strong> (R). Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Crossing the large, low-running tributary of<\/strong> Middle Tensleep Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Immediately after crossing the tributary, a short climb led to a minor high point featuring another clearing, and yet another view NE.\u00a0 Mirror Lake wasn’t far from here.\u00a0 Leaving the trail, Lupe soon caught glimpses of it beyond the trees.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Off-trail near Mirror Lake<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Continuing on down to the lake, Lupe explored much of its SW shore.\u00a0 The pristine lake lived up to its name.\u00a0 A fried chicken break was taken more to justify prolonging Lupe’s stay than out of hunger.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mirror Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
So beautiful!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Along the S cove<\/strong>. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Even a big chunk of fried chicken didn’t last long.\u00a0 Loop was soon back on Lost Twin Lakes Trail No. 065, which passed close to Mirror Lake’s S cove, but never actually went to it.\u00a0 Instead, the trail by-passed the lake, continuing NE up the Middle Tensleep Creek valley.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Returning to Lost Twin Lakes Trail No. 065. Middle Tensleep Creek<\/strong> valley<\/strong> (Center) ahead. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In a flat area not far from Mirror Lake, the trail again got quite close to Middle Tensleep Creek.\u00a0 Naturally, Lupe sauntered over for a look.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Middle Tensleep Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
By scenic Middle Tensleep Creek<\/strong>, Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The easy flat stretch only went so far before the valley narrowed.\u00a0 Lupe was soon climbing fairly steeply up the side of a V-shaped section where she got nearly 100 feet above the stream.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Well above the creek now. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lugging a heavy pack, SPHP was glad when the trail flattened out as the valley widened again.<\/p>\n

Hey, SPHP!\u00a0 Look off to the R.\u00a0 Isn’t that Darton Peak<\/strong><\/span><\/a>?\u00a0 We were there less than a year ago, remember?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup, you’re right, Loop!\u00a0 How could I forget Darton?\u00a0 So many humongous boulders near the summit, I wasn’t sure we would find a way up.<\/em><\/p>\n

We made it, though, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

We did, Loop, but still worries me a bit.\u00a0 Wouldn’t be surprised if we run into a similar situation at Mathers.\u00a0 Might get a little dicey!\u00a0 The rocks we see don’t look all that impressive from way down here, but there’s so much talus along the spine of the Bighorns.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The trail flattens out again. Darton Peak<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By the time the trail got close to Middle Tensleep Creek again, Miss Hot Paws was ready for a drink.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Near Middle Tensleep Creek<\/strong> again. Peak 12080<\/span><\/strong> (L), Darton Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
By beautiful Middle Tensleep Creek<\/strong>. Peak 12080<\/span><\/strong> (L), Darton Peak<\/strong> (R).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Miss Hot Paws no more!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beyond this next flat stretch along the stream, the trail climbed again.\u00a0 However, it soon topped out, as it turned SE.\u00a0 The headwall toward the region where the Lost Twin Lakes are hidden away at the upper end of the valley was now in sight.<\/p>\n

Hey, Loop!\u00a0 Let’s take a break.\u00a0 I need to check the map.<\/em><\/p>\n

Leaving the trail, Lupe was quite happy to relax in the shade of nearby pines for a few minutes.\u00a0 Her appetite recovering now after her early morning queasiness, the Carolina Dog even enjoyed some of the fried chicken that SPHP had taken to munching on again.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the minor high point where Lupe left the trail. The Lost Twin Lakes lie hidden beyond the forested headwall seen R of Center. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Alrighty!\u00a0 Think we need to abandon Lost Twin Lakes Trail No. 065 here, Loop, to head N.\u00a0 In fact, we could have turned N a little earlier.\u00a0 If we wait any longer, we’ll go up the wrong valley.<\/em><\/p>\n

Sounds great, SPHP!\u00a0 Exploring new territory – my favorite thing!\u00a0 Other than squirrels, of course.<\/em><\/p>\n

Abandoning Lost Twin Lakes Trail No. 065 for good, the American Dingo started N through a rumpled region that was mostly forested.\u00a0 She was climbing most of the time, but not at any great pace, since the idea was just to intercept the floor of a side valley that went N to two small lakes.<\/p>\n

Although there were some rocky spots, this was all easy terrain.\u00a0 For quite a long way, Lupe enjoyed roaming in and out of the forest, and all seemed to be going according to plan.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Ready to abandon Lost Twin Lakes Trail No. 065 to head N. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Heading up a rocky shelf. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking good! About to cross a flat region. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Angling higher over exposed bedrock. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A beautiful, easy slope ahead. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The forest began thinning out, and the terrain was getting rockier, when Lupe first caught sight of the valley she was supposed to be going up.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Getting rockier!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A little above the intended valley route seen below. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Rather than having intercepted the valley, Lupe was already somewhat above it.\u00a0 Would have been easy to simply head down to it, and actually looked like the thing to do.\u00a0 The broad valley floor appeared to be gently sloping terrain.\u00a0 Going up it ought to be cake!<\/p>\n

Yet, as usual, SPHP was reluctant to surrender elevation already gained.\u00a0 Urging Lupe onward, progress continued as the terrain kept steepening.\u00a0 She soon had a splendid view of Lost Twin Lakes Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,015 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> back to the S.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lost Twin Lakes Peak<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For a while, staying high seemed to be working.\u00a0 However, inevitably, the American Dingo encountered more and more rock.\u00a0 Lupe was now so high above the valley floor that going down to it would have been much trickier, and involved lots more elevation loss.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Way above the valley now. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Mather Peaks<\/span><\/a> (12,400 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was visible above and beyond the upper end of the valley, although it wasn’t clear if the true summit was in sight yet.\u00a0 An awful lot of rock was between here and there!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mather Peaks<\/strong> (Center). True summit region<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Checking the topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a> again, a steep, but feasible slope to the E must have led up to the region near HP10827<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Unfortunately, that meant it was too soon to turn E.<\/p>\n

Guess we’re committed now, Loop.\u00a0 Gotta keep going N!<\/em><\/p>\n

Never learn, do you, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Nope, but so what?\u00a0 C’mon!\u00a0 Puppy ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The route up to HP10827<\/span><\/strong>, which SPHP vetoed. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Scrambling past a bit of a bulge W, Lupe got a better look at the territory ahead.\u00a0 The branch of the valley following a creek NE that she should have been taking was now in sight, tantalizingly sweeping obstacle-free toward her destination farther N.\u00a0 Meanwhile, up where the American Dingo was, the slope ahead was nothing but a giant jumble of rock.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Should have been down by the trees at lower L following the valley up to the R. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A slow, deliberate, rock-hopping slog N through the talus ensued.\u00a0 At least the rocks weren’t so huge that progress was impossible, forcing a retreat, and the scenery was magnificent!\u00a0 Looper had plenty of time to enjoy it, while SPHP stumbled onward.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking up the bulge that Lupe had to skirt. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Encountering a minor ledge. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The incredible view! Mather Peaks W summit<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Losing considerable elevation was unavoidable, or the rock hop would have gone on much longer.\u00a0 SPHP finally got past the worst of the talus.\u00a0 A tawny grassy area was now not too far ahead, where the lovely valley route and SPHP’s ludicrous rock tour route would converge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Relief ahead! Bound for the upper grassy area (R of Center). Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking back. SPHP’s rock tour route (Center), versus the pleasant valley route (far R). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The situation improved steadily.\u00a0 Oh, yeah!\u00a0 This was what the route was supposed to be like, grassy and smooth, with scattered boulders merely for scenic enhancement rather than an endless obstacle course.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
More like it! Mather Peaks<\/strong> (L). Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Upon reaching the main grassy region, it encompassed a large area that sloped gradually up to the NE.\u00a0 With virtually no snow remaining on the peaks at this time of year, given the dry appearance of the vegetation, Lupe was delighted to find a spring bubbling out of a hillside.<\/p>\n

With cold, clear water, soft grass, and splendid surroundings at paw, plus a growing weariness to contend with, a rest break was in order.\u00a0 Easily conning SPHP out of a chocolate coconut bar, the Carolina Dog took advantage of the opportunity.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the wonderful water fountain. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Oh, yeah! We’re in Dingo territory now!<\/em> Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Doesn’t get much better than this, does it?<\/em> Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Enjoying a Dingo nap near the spring. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What a great spot, SPHP!\u00a0 Why not camp right here?<\/em><\/p>\n

Tempting indeed, Loopster!\u00a0 But I think we should gain as much elevation as we can today.\u00a0 Expecting an awful lot of rock to contend with tomorrow, so even though we aren’t that far from Mather Peaks, let’s keep going.<\/em><\/p>\n

Nearly an hour slipped away before the Carolina Dog bid the cheerful spring a fond farewell.\u00a0 Avoiding rivers of rock as much as possible, Lupe continued NE up a broad slope.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading higher again. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The broad slope went on and on, the rate of climb gradually decreasing as Loop roamed higher.\u00a0 At long last, SPHP was weary enough to call it good in a grassy region that didn’t extend as luxuriously much farther anyway.\u00a0 Lupe relaxed, while SPHP assembled the tiny house.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Taking it easy while SPHP sets up the tiny house. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mirror Lake<\/strong> (Center) from Mather Peaks base camp<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mather Peaks W summit<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Loopster inside, checking out the tiny house. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9-26-21, 6:33 PM, Mather Peaks base camp<\/em> – Nearly 2 hours after arriving at base camp, Lupe emerged from the tiny house.\u00a0 After a bite to eat and that nice long break, even SPHP felt somewhat revived.\u00a0 Late September now, though, so the long days of summer were no more.\u00a0 The sun would remain above the horizon only another half an hour, if that.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Emerging from the tiny house. Mather Peaks W summit<\/strong> (L of Center), E (true) summit<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

How high are we here, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Hmm.\u00a0 Not sure, Looper.\u00a0 I’d guess around 11,300 or 11,400.\u00a0 Still a good 1,000+ feet to go tomorrow.<\/em><\/p>\n

1,000 isn’t that much, SPHP!\u00a0 We did way more than that already today.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, yeah!\u00a0 Close to 3 times as much, counting all the ups and downs.<\/em><\/p>\n

Weren’t that many downs, SPHP, but you’re probably right.\u00a0 Sure looks like we’re high in the Bighorns now.\u00a0 Look at how tiny Mirror Lake is!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, a splendid view isn’t it?\u00a0 Want to see another one, Loop?\u00a0 Bet we can see Darton Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,275 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, if we go another 0.25 to 0.50 mile E.<\/em><\/p>\n

Sure, if you think you’ve got it in you, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

I do.\u00a0 Not all that steep up here, and not having to lug the pack will make a huge difference.<\/em><\/p>\n

A pleasant romp E up a gentle alpenglow lit slope ensued.\u00a0 Before long, a tall dark figure, wide at the shoulders, could be seen ahead.<\/p>\n

What is that, SPHP?\u00a0 A vampire?<\/em><\/p>\n

Sort of looks like one, doesn’t it, Loop?\u00a0 Must be a shadow, though.\u00a0 What would a vampire be doing way up here?<\/em><\/p>\n

What vampires do everywhere, SPHP!\u00a0 Sucking blood!<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, poo!\u00a0 No blood up here, Loopster!\u00a0 Haven’t seen any wildlife at all.<\/em><\/p>\n

There’s our blood, SPHP!\u00a0 Tonight, while we snoozing in the tiny house!<\/em><\/p>\n

Well then, let’s go beat the crap out of that vampire right now while the sun is still up, Loop!\u00a0 No sense waiting until it’s pitch dark to take it on.\u00a0 Vampires are stronger at night!<\/em><\/p>\n

The ferocious American Dingo charged ahead, intent upon tearing into the vampire!\u00a0 Meanwhile, SPHP’s distance estimate proved accurate.\u00a0 Darton Peak, and even the top of Bighorn Peak<\/span><\/a><\/strong> (12,324 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, soon came into view off to the S.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Darton Peak<\/strong> (Center), Bighorn Peak<\/strong> (R) in the distance. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As Lupe approached, the vampire changed, glimmering at first, then starting to glow!<\/p>\n

Hah!\u00a0 Did you see that, SPHP?\u00a0 This wimpy vampire is terrified of Carolina Dogs!\u00a0 Transformed itself into just another rock before I could get at him.<\/em><\/p>\n

Might say he’s petrified, Loop!\u00a0 Hope he stays that way.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By Vampire Rock<\/strong>. Peak 12080<\/span><\/strong> (far L), Darton Peak<\/strong> (L), Bighorn Peak<\/strong> (Center), and Lost Twin Lakes Peak<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Another 0.25 mile E might have gotten Lupe to a view of Angeline Lake, but Vampire Rock was as far as she went.\u00a0 Darton Peak, Bighorn Peak, and Lost Twin Lakes Peak were all splendid from right here.\u00a0 Besides, the sun was already almost on the horizon.\u00a0 By the time Loop made it back to base camp, it was gone.<\/p>\n

Big day tomorrow!\u00a0 At least the American Dingo could snooze peacefully without having to worry about any wayward vampires!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sunset near Mathers Peak base camp<\/strong>, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming 9-26-21<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

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

Mather Peaks, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming – Part 2: Base Camp to the Summit & Beyond!<\/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 1 & 2 of Lupe’s 4th Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming! 9-25-21, morning – Emerging from the store, SPHP was suddenly struck by a change.\u00a0 For the first time in 2.5 months, a crystal blue sky was over the Black Hills.\u00a0 No smoke!\u00a0 The forecast was for highs … Continue reading Mather Peaks, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming – Part 1: On & Off the Lost Twin Lakes Trail to Base Camp (9-26-21)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":40342,"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":[105,185,106,26,1574,104,1573,676],"class_list":["post-40372","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1416","tag-american-dingo","tag-bighorn-mountains","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-lost-twin-lakes-trail-no-065","tag-lupe","tag-mather-peaks","tag-west-tensleep-lake-trailhead"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/IMG_2814-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\/40372","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=40372"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40372\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":41333,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40372\/revisions\/41333"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/40342"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=40372"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=40372"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=40372"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}