{"id":40665,"date":"2022-06-02T20:10:35","date_gmt":"2022-06-03T02:10:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=40665"},"modified":"2022-06-12T12:56:18","modified_gmt":"2022-06-12T18:56:18","slug":"black-hills-sd-expedition-no-299-eleven-hour-gulch-3-28-22","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=40665","title":{"rendered":"Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 299 – Eleven Hour Gulch (3-28-22)"},"content":{"rendered":"

8:59 AM, 42\u00baF, Hwy 14A in Spearfish Canyon<\/em> –<\/p>\n

That must be it, Loop!\u00a0 I’ll find a place to turn around.<\/em><\/p>\n

A mile up Spearfish Canyon from the old brick power plant on Spearfish Creek near the new Devil’s Bathtub trailhead, driving slowly, SPHP had seen a narrow crack in the limestone cliff off to the R.\u00a0 That crack was the entrance to locally famous Eleven Hour Gulch, which neither Lupe nor SPHP had ever been to before.<\/p>\n

Turning around, SPHP parked at a small paved pullout on the creek side of Hwy 14A less than 200 feet down the canyon from the crack.\u00a0 Leaping out of the RAV4, Lupe discovered a cute memorial to Les Benth attached to an old tree stump next to the pullout.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the Les Benth memorial at the pullout near Eleven Hour Gulch.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Venturing down the steep bank next to the pullout, Lupe had a quick drink from lovely Spearfish Creek, which had excellent flow this fine morning, prior to returning to Hwy 14A.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Spearfish Creek<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So, we’re not climbing any Lists of John<\/strong><\/span><\/a> peaks today, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Nope.\u00a0 Well, maybe one, if we have time, Loop.\u00a0 Instead, we’re going to check out Eleven Hour Gulch, although this might not be the best time of year for it.\u00a0 Most of the pictures I’ve seen online have been taken during the winter when it looks like there are some awesome frozen waterfalls.<\/em><\/p>\n

Might not be much left of them by now, SPHP.\u00a0 Already almost April!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, I know it, but no time like the present.\u00a0 Let’s have a look, shall we?<\/em><\/p>\n

Crossing Hwy 14A, Lupe followed the road up to a trail that went past a few trees hiding a narrow gap between vertical limestone walls.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog had barely entered Eleven Hour Gulch when a remnant of a frozen waterfall came into sight ahead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The entrance to Eleven Hour Gulch<\/strong> (Center) is on the other side of Hwy 14A. Photo looks up canyon from the pullout where the RAV4 was parked.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
By the entrance. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Entering Eleven Hour Gulch<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A small stream running down the gulch presented no big problems, but in the recesses of this narrow slot canyon where the sun rarely shines, quite a bit of ice was mixed in among the jumble of rocks that led up to the frozen waterfall.<\/p>\n

The sheets of ice were hard, wet, and super slick, making what should have been an easy little scramble much trickier than it otherwise would have been.\u00a0 Even Lupe with her 4 on the floor could scarcely maintain traction, but exercising a bit of caution, the American Dingo made it up to the base of the frozen waterfall.<\/p>\n

Even this late in the season after a dry winter, it was pretty impressive!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Scrambling up to the frozen waterfall.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Almost there! Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Hwy 14A from Eleven Hour Gulch<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The frozen waterfall.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Wow!\u00a0 This is awesome, SPHP!\u00a0 We’ve never seen anything quite like this anywhere else in the Black Hills.<\/em><\/p>\n

I have to agree, Loop.\u00a0 Really different!\u00a0 And so close to the highway, too!<\/em><\/p>\n

The narrow canyon extended a little beyond the frozen waterfall to a pool of water at the base of a 10 foot drop where a crude wooden ladder led to an as yet unseen upper region.\u00a0 SPHP boosted Lupe nearly to the top of the ladder, where she was able to scramble the rest of the way up to the hidden territory above.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the ladder beyond the frozen waterfall. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Boosted to the top of the ladder.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The frozen waterfall from above the ladder. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The upper canyon angled slightly toward the R, revealing a massive ice plug beneath a huge boulder lodged between the canyon walls only a short distance ahead.\u00a0 Exploring all the way to the ice plug, daylight could be seen above it from beneath the boulder.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the ice plug.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the base of the ice plug.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Guess this is it, Loopster.\u00a0 We aren’t going to be able to get past this.<\/em><\/p>\n

Wonder how far up Eleven Hour Gulch we could go once the ice melts?\u00a0 Don’t you, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

I do!\u00a0 We’re going to find out, too, Loop!<\/em><\/p>\n

We are?\u00a0 How, SPHP?\u00a0 You just said yourself that we can’t go any farther.<\/em><\/p>\n

You’ll see soon enough, Looper.\u00a0 C’mon, let’s head back.<\/em><\/p>\n

Mystified by SPHP’s cryptic answer, Lupe turned and started back down to the scenic frozen waterfall.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Starting back. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Still above the ladder. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the frozen waterfall<\/strong> again. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Above the ladder (unseen) about to descend to the base of the frozen waterfall.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Exiting Eleven Hour Gulch<\/strong>. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

10:04 AM, 54\u00baF, Hwy 14A, back at the RAV4 –<\/em> Leaving the pullout, SPHP turned the RAV4 around, driving farther up Spearfish Canyon.<\/p>\n

Eleven Hour Gulch was very cool, SPHP, but isn’t very well named.\u00a0 Only took us an hour to explore it!\u00a0 Maybe we can come back sometime in the winter?\u00a0 Really would be a wonderland then, and maybe a little safer with some snow over the ice to provide better traction.<\/em><\/p>\n

Think you’re right about that, Loop.\u00a0 Explains why I’ve seen only winter photos online.\u00a0 We got just a taste of what Eleven Hour Gulch would be like then this morning, but you’re wrong about Eleven Hour Gulch only taking us an hour to explore.\u00a0 We’ve only seen the short lower gulch so far, no doubt the heart of its scenic splendor, but we’re just getting started.<\/em><\/p>\n

We are, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup.\u00a0 We’re going to explore the upper gulch next!\u00a0 All the way back down to the ice plug, if possible.\u00a0 You’re going to be an Eleven Hour Gulch expert, Looper, by the time we’re done today!<\/em><\/p>\n

11:20 AM, 64\u00baF, junction of Tinton Road and USFS Road No. 134.2L<\/em> – Odd.\u00a0 For some reason, USFS Road No. 222 going W past Roughlock Falls from Savoy was closed, forcing a huge detour.\u00a0 A lovely scenic drive, but it had taken an entire hour to get into position to explore the upper reaches of Eleven Hour Gulch.\u00a0 After parking the RAV4, SPHP checked the map.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the start of USFS Road No. 134.2L. Tinton Road (No. 134) (L). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hmm.\u00a0 Guess I could have driven a little farther, Looper, we actually want USFS Road No. 222.2F.\u00a0 Ought to be just up the hill.<\/em><\/p>\n

Taking a primitive road paralleling Tinton Road NNE for 0.1 mile, Lupe quickly reached the top of a rise where they merged.\u00a0 On the other side of Tinton Road, several inches of slushy snow were melting away in a big open flat region.\u00a0 USFS Road No. 222.2F left Tinton Road here, angling sharply back to the S.<\/p>\n

Instead of taking No. 222.2F, which was mucky, Lupe followed a drier open corridor that went SSW through the forest.\u00a0 This corridor was quite scenic.\u00a0 Lupe stuck with it a little way, but soon returned to No. 222.2F near an open gate.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Taking the primitive road NNE from the RAV4 to the top of the rise. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Start of USFS Road No. 222.2F where it leaves Tinton Road. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the beautiful path through the forest. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
By the open gate back at USFS Road No. 222.2F. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Following No. 222.2F S from the gate, the road wasn’t as soft as it had been back at the start.\u00a0 Going gradually downhill, Lupe soon came to a fork.\u00a0 No. 222.2F climbed slightly as it veered off toward the SE, but Loop stuck with the other branch of the fork, which continued SSW, still going downhill.\u00a0 Before long, this more primitive road bottomed out.\u00a0 SPHP had another look at the map.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the clearing where the primitive road bottoms out. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Loopster needed to turn SE here to get back to No. 222.2F.\u00a0 Leaving the primitive road, she gained just a little elevation following a faint trail through a forest of young aspens.\u00a0 By the time she reached a field at the end of the aspens, the terrain was sloping gently downhill.\u00a0 Terry Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,064 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was visible on the horizon.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Exploring the aspen forest. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Entering the field. Terry Peak<\/strong> (Center) on the horizon. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

OK, Loop!\u00a0 We’re now in the uppermost reaches of the Eleven Hour Gulch drainage.<\/em><\/p>\n

Wow!\u00a0 This could hardly be any more different from the low end, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

That was for sure!\u00a0 USFS Road No. 222.2F was off toward the L side of the field along the base of a pine-covered hill.\u00a0 Angling toward it, Lupe was soon trotting easily down No. 222.2F again.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Glancing back at the aspen forest after reaching USFS Road No. 222.2F again. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Following No. 222.2F down the valley. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Continuing down the valley, more and more large patches of snow were seen melting away among the trees on the N slopes.\u00a0 Lupe finally came to a big patch right on the road.\u00a0 The snow was only a few inches deep, but that was plenty to frolic on while cooling off.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Snow on the N slopes. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Enjoying the snow. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Following No. 222.2F for another 0.67 mile, Lupe came to a fork.\u00a0 Signage indicated that both branches were part of Loop D of the Big Hill cross country ski trail system.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the fork. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
By the “D Loop” sign.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Going uphill, USFS Road No. 222.2I curved off to the S (R) here.\u00a0 Lupe stuck with No. 222.2F, which went NE (L), continuing down the valley.\u00a0 A tiny creek soon appeared next to the road.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Continuing down the valley, still on USFS Road No. 222.2F. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Wading in the tiny stream.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The downhill trek was super easy.\u00a0 Didn’t take long to go another 0.6 mile from the fork where Lupe had reached Loop D.\u00a0 At a slight bend in the road, the Carolina Dog came to a clearing where there was another junction.\u00a0 A map posted here showed that the trailhead for the Big Hill trail system was off to the NW.<\/p>\n

The Big Hill trailhead might actually have been a closer starting point.\u00a0 Loop A came down to this junction through another part of the upper Eleven Hour Gulch drainage, but SPHP hadn’t known how easy these cross country ski trails were to follow.<\/p>\n

Maybe Lupe could do some exploring that way during the return trip?\u00a0 For the time being, though, she just needed to keep following USFS Road No. 222.2F down the valley.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the junction of Loops A, C & D of the Big Hill trail system. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
By the Big Hill Trails map.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

No. 222.2F headed ESE from this junction.\u00a0 According to the Big Hill Trail map, this stretch of the road was considered part of both Loops C and D.\u00a0 They parted ways only 0.33 mile ahead.\u00a0 There was a second map at this next junction, basically the same as the first one, except for the location of the “You Are Here” star.<\/p>\n

This time, it was USFS Road No. 222.2F that veered off to the R (SE), now only part of Loop D again beyond this point.\u00a0 Looper finally left it here, taking No. 222.2L instead, which went straight ahead as part of Loop C.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Snow-covered USFS Road No. 222.2F (Loop D) goes off to the R here. Lupe continued straight on No. 222.2L (Loop C). Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No. 222.2L continued ESE for a little way before curving NE.\u00a0 The valley was narrower here, and no longer quite as shallow as before.\u00a0 Lupe soon came to a sign that wasn’t at any junction.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Always nice to know you’re on the right track!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After snaking SE for a bit, a good 0.75 mile from where Lupe had left Loop D, No. 222.2L bottomed out at a clearing.\u00a0 Turning N, the road started uphill.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Continuing down USFS Road No. 222.2L (Loop C). Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the clearing where the USFS Road No. 222.2L bottoms out. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Alrighty, Loopster!\u00a0 This is where things get interesting.\u00a0 No roads or trails the rest of the way!\u00a0 Let’s hope we can do this.<\/em><\/p>\n

Abandoning the road, Lupe entered the Eleven Hour Gulch wilderness.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Entering the wild, seldom seen part of Eleven Hour Gulch<\/strong>. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe had already gone a good 3 miles since leaving the RAV4.\u00a0 According to the topo map, the wild upper reaches of Eleven Hour Gulch went on for another 0.67 of a mile.\u00a0 Whether the American Dingo would come to impassable drops or other obstacles was a complete unknown.<\/p>\n

Started out alright, but Eleven Hour Gulch soon narrowed after a turn to the W.\u00a0 Lupe came to a couple of feet of snow in this region.\u00a0 There were sudden drops, but only minor ones.\u00a0 Plenty of trees, rocks, and bushes to wind through.\u00a0 Progress was now very slow, but there was always a way through it all.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Exploring part of the snowy stretch. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The snowy stretch wasn’t very long.\u00a0 Most of the snow vanished once Eleven Hour Gulch turned SW.\u00a0 A fair amount of deadfall was the main obstacle here.\u00a0 Sort of a mess, but it was still possible to make progress.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Plenty of obstacles, but nothing too terrible so far.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Loopster was more than halfway down the wild, upper section of Eleven Hour Gulch when the canyon curved SE.\u00a0 At this point, the valley became absolutely choked with large deadfall full of branches.\u00a0 No way through!\u00a0 Practically impossible.<\/p>\n

The sides of the canyon were quite steep here, but staying toward the L, even SPHP was able to climb above the horrendous deadfall.\u00a0 Traversing the slope above the worst of it for several hundred feet, Lupe managed to get by.\u00a0 Returning to the valley floor, there was still some deadfall to contend with, along with some ice, but it was nothing compared to what she’d just circumvented.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Past the worst of the deadfall. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Near the end, in an area full of brush, an odd sight appeared ahead.\u00a0 In the middle of seemingly nowhere, Lupe discovered a lamp post.\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Why is this here, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Beats me, Looper!\u00a0 Incredibly strange!<\/em><\/p>\n

The lamp post was straight and tall.\u00a0 Looked to be in good condition, but did it work?\u00a0 Who knew?\u00a0 Seemed unlikely, to say the least.\u00a0 What would be the point, anyway?<\/p>\n

Even before reaching the lamp post, a faint use trail had been detectable in some spots.\u00a0 It now became more distinct, winding among big rock formations.\u00a0 And then, suddenly, there it was!<\/p>\n

A frozen waterfall was directly ahead.\u00a0 Not the tall, skinny waterfall Lupe had seen before down in the lower part of Eleven Hour Gulch.\u00a0 This frozen waterfall was wider, but shorter.\u00a0 It dropped down to the boulder Lupe had seen the ice plug beneath at the upper end of the lower gulch.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
How about that! Made it all the way to the lower gulch!<\/em> Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2:44 PM, overlooking the lower, more famous end of Eleven Hour Gulch<\/em> –<\/p>\n

This is it, SPHP!\u00a0 We’ve made it to the lower end of Eleven Hour Gulch!\u00a0 I can see the top of the tall frozen waterfall from here.\u00a0 That makes it about time for a chocolate coconut bar, doesn’t it?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup!\u00a0 Let’s go take a look at the tall frozen waterfall first, Loop, see what the lower gulch looks like from above.\u00a0 Then we’ll split a chocolate coconut bar, and you can have some Taste of the Wild, too.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Crossing the upper frozen waterfall, which extends down to the ice plug beneath the boulder seen at lower L.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe over on the other side, standing where she was about to enjoy a rest break.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking down on the same frozen waterfall Lupe had seen earlier. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The tall frozen waterfall from the break spot. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Relaxing after successfully exploring Eleven Hour Gulch.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe’s Eleven Hour Gulch break spot was certainly unique.\u00a0 Where else can you see a frozen waterfall in the Black Hills?\u00a0 Maybe a few places along some creeks in the winter, but none as impressive at this one.<\/p>\n

Wonder how many Dingoes have even been here, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

You mean up here looking down on the lower part of the gulch, Looper?\u00a0 Hard to say.\u00a0 Might not be all that difficult to get here from below once all the ice melts.\u00a0 Or maybe it isn’t that easy?\u00a0 Who knows?\u00a0 One thing for sure, there can’t be too many Dingoes that have ever explored the entire length of Eleven Hour Gulch!<\/em><\/p>\n

After a leisurely rest break, the American Dingo had a little more to do here before starting back up the gulch.\u00a0 Loopster posed for a photo on the upper frozen waterfall prior to having another good look at the tall one.\u00a0 Sniffing around in the forest, she went far enough to look down on Hwy 14A and Spearfish Creek in Spearfish Canyon.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Not every day that you get to stand on a frozen waterfall!<\/em> Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Eleven Hour Gulch<\/strong>. Wonder how big this frozen waterfall gets in the winter?<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Spearfish Canyon from Eleven Hour Gulch<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking down on Hwy 14A<\/strong> and Spearfish Creek.<\/strong> Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The upstream view. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

45 minutes after reaching the lower gulch overlook, Lupe started back up Eleven Hour Gulch.\u00a0 Her return route was exactly the same all the way back to the clearing at the bend in the road where all the Big Hill Loop trails met.\u00a0 At that point she left USFS Road No. 222.2F to explore parts of Loop A and Loop B.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By a little ice-filled cave and trench as Lupe starts back up upper Eleven Hour Gulch<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Enjoying the tiny stream near USFS Road No. 222.2F again. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Setting off to explore parts of Big Hill Trails Loop A and Loop B. Photo looks NW<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The sun was sinking, but it was a beautiful evening.\u00a0 After leaving Loop A, Loop B eventually topped out at a flat region 0.33 mile SE of where the RAV4 was parked.\u00a0 Lupe stuck with it only until the trail curved NE and started downhill.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Exploring Loop A. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Crossing a minor ice floe. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Signage along Loop B. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A beautiful evening on Loop B. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6:24 PM, 63\u00baF, junction of Tinton Road and USFS Road No. 134.2L<\/em> – Rather than taking USFS Road No. 222.2F when she finally came across it again, Lupe continued off-trail straight for the RAV4.\u00a0 The gently rolling, thinly forested terrain was fun and easy to explore, but the American Dingo’s wonderful Eleven Hour Gulch adventure was now just about over.\u00a0 Nothing left but the beautiful drive home.<\/p>\n

Well, wha’dya think, Loop?\u00a0 Made a day of it, didn’t we?<\/em><\/p>\n

I had a great time, SPHP!\u00a0 Kind of a different Black Hills Expedition since we didn’t climb any peaks today, but we sure saw some unusual sights in the narrow slot canyon of the lower gulch.\u00a0 Eleven Hour Gulch is a Black Hills treasure hidden right off the highway!<\/em><\/p>\n

Satisfied then, Loopster?\u00a0 Not feeling cheated, are you?\u00a0 Even counting driving time between the lower and upper gulches, Eleven Hour Gulch only took us a little shy of 9.5 hours.\u00a0 You didn’t get your full 11 hours in.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, but I will, SPHP!\u00a0 Didn’t you say we could come back to the lower gulch sometime in the winter when it’s all snowy and the frozen waterfall is at its most glorious?\u00a0 We’ll finish our 11 hours then!<\/em><\/p>\n

Sounds like a plan, sweet puppy!<\/em><\/p>\n

Good!\u00a0 Let’s go home then, SPHP!\u00a0 I’m famished and ready for dinner.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Eleven Hour Gulch<\/strong>, Black Hills of South Dakota, 3-28-21<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe treasures collected – 4 plastic bottles, 4 aluminum cans<\/em><\/p>\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, 42\u00baF, Hwy 14A in Spearfish Canyon – That must be it, Loop!\u00a0 I’ll find a place to turn around. A mile up Spearfish Canyon from the old brick power plant on Spearfish Creek near the new Devil’s Bathtub trailhead, driving slowly, SPHP had seen a narrow crack in the limestone cliff off to … Continue reading Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 299 – Eleven Hour Gulch (3-28-22)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":40615,"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":[105,9,106,1577,104,304,476],"class_list":["post-40665","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-eleven-hour-gulch","tag-lupe","tag-south-dakota","tag-spearfish-canyon"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/IMG_4373-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\/40665","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=40665"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40665\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":41178,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40665\/revisions\/41178"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/40615"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=40665"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=40665"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=40665"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}