{"id":41067,"date":"2022-07-22T08:10:15","date_gmt":"2022-07-22T14:10:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=41067"},"modified":"2023-02-22T10:06:30","modified_gmt":"2023-02-22T17:06:30","slug":"black-hills-sd-expedition-no-304-getting-high-in-the-black-hills-with-peakbagger-dennis-stewart-5-5-22","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=41067","title":{"rendered":"Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 304 – Getting High in the Black Hills with Peakbagger Dennis Stewart (5-5-22)"},"content":{"rendered":"

8:40 AM, USFS Road No. 297<\/em> –\u00a0 Oh, it was on, and Lupe was excited!\u00a0 After a quick weather-shortened introductory jaunt with new friend Dennis Stewart out to a couple of peaks of the limestone plateau country yesterday, the weather was much improved.\u00a0 “Stewy” was ready to hit it hard today.\u00a0 Time permitting, 7 of the 14 highest named peaks in South Dakota were on his agenda, and the American Dingo had every intention of getting high with him at each one.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Starting the day in the Negro Creek valley<\/strong> along USFS Road No. 297. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

With that many peaks to visit, even though none of them were all that hard to get to, there wasn’t going to be a lot of time for dilly-dallying.\u00a0 Within minutes of when SPHP parked the RAV4 at a wide spot along USFS Road No. 297, everyone was ready.<\/p>\n

Medicine Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,878 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was first.\u00a0 Although actually the lowest peak Dennis would be climbing today, it was the steepest and involved the most elevation gain from the starting point, a little over 900 feet.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Dennis and Loop about to set out for Medicine Mountain<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

An old jeep trail going W from No. 297 got things off to an easy start.\u00a0 Less than 100 feet of elevation gain led to USFS Road No. 297.3F, which wasn’t much help, since 3F ran almost horizontally N\/S along the E slope instead of toward the summit.\u00a0 Crossing the road to head straight up the mountain, No. 297.3F was encountered a second time 200 feet higher, but the situation was no different here.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Coming up the jeep trail. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Dennis checks his GPS after reaching USFS Road No. 297.3F. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
And checks it again after reaching No. 297.3F a second time. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After crossing No. 297.3F the second time, that was it for roads.\u00a0 The rest of the way up was merely a fairly steep trudge higher.\u00a0 A little deadfall and a few scattered boulders to contend with, but otherwise a romp through open pine forest.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Loop squinting in weak sunshine for the first time in the last couple of days as she heads up Medicine Mountain’s E slope<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Stewy coming up the E slope<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Loop posing for Dennis on a rock. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Starting to get close to the top. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The last 100+ feet of elevation gain was steepest. \u00a0Dennis preferred to go directly up the E face.\u00a0 However, Medicine Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,878 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> has two summits, the S one being the true summit.\u00a0 Looper hadn’t been here in nearly 5 years, but SPHP was pretty certain that by angling NW toward the saddle between the two summits, the Carolina Dog could pick up a use trail that would get her to the top.<\/p>\n

A little longer, but the Lazy Dingo route worked out perfectly.\u00a0 While Dennis proved his mettle against the mountain, Lupe came to a nicely rounded clearing up at the saddle, easily sniffed out the use trail, and was there in time to greet Dennis as he reached the summit.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the grassy saddle between the N and S summits. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Up on Medicine Mountain’s S summit<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9:34 AM, Medicine Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,878 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – The true summit was a rock tucked in at the base of a small birch tree that was slightly higher than others nearby.\u00a0 After the required summit shot, a short rest break was in order.\u00a0 Lupe shared a chocolate coconut bar with SPHP, and drank some water.\u00a0 Dennis opened a can of cashews, and enjoyed a few while sitting on a big rock, offering some cashews to SPHP, too.<\/p>\n

Getting to be a beautiful day!\u00a0 Partly cloudy with blue sky and sunshine.\u00a0 As everyone relaxed, the big view was toward the SE, where several of the highest peaks in South Dakota were visible on the horizon.<\/p>\n

Dennis had already been to Black Elk Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,231 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, South Dakota’s high point, many years ago back when it was still officially Harney Peak, and wouldn’t be returning on this trip.\u00a0 SPHP pointed out two others, Little Devils Tower<\/span><\/a> (6,960 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Sylvan Hill<\/span><\/a> (7,000 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, that were on his current itinerary.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looper near Medicine Mountain’s true summit<\/strong>, the rock (R of Center) beneath the birch tree. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (far L), Little Devils Tower<\/strong> (L), and Sylvan Hill<\/strong> (L of Center) all on the horizon. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Two peakbagging nuts, plus a can of nuts, on Medicine Mountain<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The view NW was of more immediate interest.\u00a0 Dennis’ next 3 objectives, Odakota Mountain<\/span><\/a> (7,200 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Green Mountain<\/span><\/a> (7,164 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Copper Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,920 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> were in sight.\u00a0 In fact, all of the other peaks Dennis intended to climb today were visible from Medicine Mountain, since Bear Mountain<\/span><\/a> (7,166 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was also in view off to the SSW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Green Mountain<\/strong> (L of Center) and Copper Mountain<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The views were sweet, and Medicine Mountain had been a decent climb, but with so much left to do today, less than half an hour went by before it was already Onward, puppy ho!<\/em> time.\u00a0 One mountain down, six to go!<\/p>\n

10:49 AM, junction of Sixmile Road and USFS Road No. 297.3O<\/em> – Next up, C<\/span>opper Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,920 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>!\u00a0 Crossing Sixmile Road, Lupe looked for a spot where an old road once headed N.\u00a0 A little deadfall to contend with, but this open lane made what would otherwise have been an annoying, and needlessly difficult task contending with a thick forest of young pines, a simple one.<\/p>\n

Before long, the lane opened onto a big clearing.\u00a0 At the far end, another lane was visible.\u00a0 Following these lanes was the secret to getting to the summit of Copper Mountain without undue aggravation.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the clearing with the next open lane (R) in sight on the ridge ahead. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

According to the topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, Copper Mountain’s summit was 0.33 mile due N of where the RAV4 was parked.\u00a0 However, as everyone was getting close to that region, where it was impossible to see much of anything due to all the young pines, SPHP surprised Dennis by insisting that the true summit was actually well off to the E near a line of cliffs.<\/p>\n

Trusting the map, Stewy was skeptical to say the least.\u00a0 However, since there was nothing to be seen here, and SPHP assured him that not only was the true summit E, but that the best views by far were available from the cliffs over that way, Dennis went along with the detour.<\/p>\n

By now, the wide open lanes were gone, but it was still possible to follow narrower ones through the trees until the terrain began to rise.\u00a0 Soon the forest began opening up as the ground became rockier.<\/p>\n

Upon reaching the limestone platform along the E edge of the mountain, Dennis set his GPS unit on what appeared to be the highest rock, and took a reading.\u00a0 After wavering around, it settled in at about 6,946 feet.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe on the rock where Dennis took his GPS elevation reading. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After gathering this data point, everyone headed SE to the cliffs at end of the platform where the big views were.\u00a0 A cairn Looper hadn’t seen here before, now sat on the highest rocks along the S edge.<\/p>\n

Dennis didn’t bother with another GPS reading, since it seemed unlikely to yield a significantly different result.\u00a0 Instead, several minutes were spent exploring the rocks along the cliff edge while taking in the views.\u00a0 Medicine Mountain stood out 2.25 miles SE, with some of Dennis’ higher objectives well beyond it in the distance.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sylvan Hill<\/strong> (far L) on the horizon, Medicine Mountain<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Loop and Dennis at the far SE end of Copper Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
L to R beyond Dennis: Black Elk Peak<\/strong>, Peak<\/span> 6920<\/span><\/a>,<\/strong> Little Devils Tower<\/strong>. Sylvan Hill<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SE with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Loopster and Dennis over by the cairn. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On Copper Mountain<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Time to head back!\u00a0 Not to the RAV4, but to the region shown on the topo map as Copper Mountain’s summit.\u00a0 Returning to the rock where Dennis had taken the elevation reading, everyone then went WNW, first down a slope, then gradually higher through deadfall and dense young pines tall enough to hide what was ahead.<\/p>\n

The terrain flattened out.\u00a0 Dennis reported that, according to the map, this was Copper Mountain’s summit.\u00a0 Laying the GPS unit on a log about a foot above the ground, another elevation reading was taken.\u00a0 In just a moment it would be clear whether SPHP or the topo map was correct about the location of Copper Mountain’s true summit.\u00a0 After bouncing around a bit, the reading settled out at 6,947 ft.<\/p>\n

One foot higher than the rock back E!\u00a0 Except that here the GPS unit was a foot above the ground, resting on the log instead of a rock.\u00a0 Within the limits of the GPS unit’s accuracy, it was a tie.<\/p>\n

Hmm.\u00a0 Well, so be it.\u00a0 There were no views here at the W summit except of the thick stand of pines in all directions.\u00a0 SPHP didn’t even bother to take a photo, although Stewy did.<\/p>\n

12:11 PM –<\/em> Less than a mile W of where the RAV4 had been parked near Copper Mountain, SPHP turned S off Sixmile Road onto USFS Road No. 693.\u00a0 0.125 mile, and No. 693 turned SW.\u00a0 After yesterday’s precipitation, the road was pretty soft here, with a couple of ruts in it.<\/p>\n

SPHP parked the RAV4.\u00a0 The top of Odakota Mountain<\/span><\/a> (7,200 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was only 0.4 mile SE.\u00a0 Somewhat more than that following the road, but still within easy reach.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Striking out for Odakota Mountain along USFS Road No. 693. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After a jog to the W, the road turned SE, climbing gradually all the time.\u00a0 Halfway to the summit, No. 693 topped out and curved SW toward Long Draw.\u00a0 Abandoning the road, Lupe traveled ESE through a gently sloping field toward a small pillar of limestone near the trees.\u00a0 Coming to a fence a little beyond the pillar, she ducked under it, then followed it S.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading for Odakota Mountain’s summit after leaving No. 693. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP’s intention had originally been to go farther E in order to approach Odakota’s summit ridge near the NE end, which past experience had shown to be the easiest route up.\u00a0 The problem coming up from the SW had always been that the barbed wire fence, which ran right by the SW end of the ridge, was broken down and dangerous due to a huge jumble of deadfall that had collapsed upon it.<\/p>\n

However, Dennis had left USFS Road No. 693 before SPHP, getting a head start following a jeep trail trail toward the SW end of the summit ridge.\u00a0 Hoping to intercept him, Lupe continued S along the fence all the way to the end of the ridge.\u00a0 Amazingly, since the last time the American Dingo was here more than 4.5 years ago, someone had removed the deadfall and repaired the fence.<\/p>\n

Stewy had already made his way up to the summit.\u00a0 A 20 foot climb got Lupe up onto the flat ridge, which was still full of deadfall.\u00a0 Going 200 feet NE, Loop found Dennis where a tall, skinny white rock cairn had once stood.\u00a0 The white rocks were still here, but now all tumbled over.\u00a0 Dennis was busily setting up his tripod and resurrecting the cairn in preparation for his traditional summit selfie.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the lovely summit of South Dakota’s 2nd highest mountain. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Dennis rebuilding the cairn.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

12:35 PM, Odakota Mountain<\/span><\/a> (7,200 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – Poor Odakota Mountain!\u00a0 South Dakota’s second highest peak was a mess.\u00a0 Surviving pines and a crop of new ones grew among what remained of a forest devastated by pine bark beetles 10 years ago.\u00a0 No views from the cairn, although both Bear Mountain<\/span><\/a> (7,166 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and a pond down by the old Boy Scout camp could be seen to the S from a little farther SW along the summit ridge.<\/p>\n

Certainly not much up here to make Dennis want to hang around.\u00a0 After getting a group selfie shot, he packed up his camera and tripod, and took the easy way down off the NE end of the ridge.\u00a0 Meanwhile, Lupe and SPHP went to take a quick look at the view of Bear Mountain and the Boy Scout pond.\u00a0 It was actually a little better than the last time Loop had been here, since more trees had fallen over.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Bear Mountain<\/strong> (R) and the Boy Scout pond<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Turning around to leave and catch up with Dennis, SPHP saw something Lupe had never noticed on Odakota Mountain before.\u00a0 Back in the trees, only 25 feet from where Stewy had rebuilt the cairn, there was a sign.<\/p>\n

Going over to check it out, the sign said “Odakota Mountain High Point 7,198 feet”.\u00a0 Below it, a round marker set in concrete was stamped “Odakota High Point”.\u00a0 There was also another white rock cairn.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe at the now apparently official Odakota Mountain high point<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

The sign must have been here a while.\u00a0 Some of the paint was peeling.\u00a0 Odd that Lupe had never seen it before, but maybe a few years out in the weather was sufficient to get the peeling process underway?\u00a0 This spot really wasn’t discernably higher than where the first cairn was, or most of Odakota’s summit ridge, but the sign and marker were exactly the sort of thing Dennis would be interested in.<\/p>\n

SPHP started yelling.\u00a0 Fortunately, Dennis hadn’t gotten too far away yet.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
All official now!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Glancing back at Odakota Mountain’s summit ridge<\/strong> from the barbed wire fence after starting back to the RAV4. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1:35 PM, junction of Sixmile Road and a faint road<\/em> – Started out looking like the right spot, but the farther up the faint road Lupe went, the less familiar it all seemed.\u00a0 SPHP must not have driven far enough W to get to Windmill Draw.\u00a0 This was the wrong place.\u00a0 Instead of going a long way up a gentle grassy valley, the faint road merged into an unmarked USFS road near the trees.<\/p>\n

It didn’t help when the USFS road played out shortly thereafter.\u00a0 SPHP hadn’t even brought a topo map.<\/p>\n

Well, no matter.\u00a0 Green Mountain<\/span><\/a> (7,164 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> had to be less than a couple of miles away.\u00a0 Lupe would find it!\u00a0 To SPHP’s recollection, all she had to do was find the E edge of the limestone plateau and follow it N.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the faint road, setting out for Green Mountain. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Going through open forest, the terrain kept rising.\u00a0 Eventually there was a lot of deadfall.\u00a0 The E edge of the limestone plateau didn’t materialize.\u00a0 Lupe had never come this way before.\u00a0 Consulting his GPS, Dennis led the way in a direction that seemed 90 degrees off kilter to SPHP.<\/p>\n

Lupe finally reached a flat region up on a broad ridge.\u00a0 There was a ton of deadfall up here.\u00a0 A higher hill to the N didn’t look right.\u00a0 None of the terrain looked right.\u00a0 Was this the edge of the limestone plateau?\u00a0 SPHP was expecting a much sharper drop-off, something more cliff-like.\u00a0 No sign of the limestone pillar Lupe used to get up on over by the hill.<\/p>\n

Frequently consulting his GPS, Dennis led the way along what appeared to be the only plausible route.\u00a0 Circling along the upper W slope of a big bowl, Lupe leapt over one fallen log after another.\u00a0 An unfamiliar road finally provided relief, leading to a gate near a large, flat clearing.<\/p>\n

Still following his GPS, Dennis crossed the clearing.\u00a0 Continuing a little way into the forest, he arrived at a cairn.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Stewy setting up for another group summit selfie.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2:26 PM –<\/em> Lupe had never seen a cairn on Green Mountain<\/span><\/a> (7,164 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> before, but again, it had been more than 4.5 years since she’d been here.\u00a0 Furthermore, this boring spot in the forest did resemble the featureless region SPHP recalled as being all that could be found in the way of a high point where the summit was supposed to be.<\/p>\n

As soon as Stewy had his summit selfies, it would be easy to figure out if this was the same place Lupe had been to several times before.\u00a0 If it was, the limestone pillar she used to get up on had to be along the edge of the mountain somewhere near the clearing.<\/p>\n

Summit shots taken, everyone headed back there.<\/p>\n

Oh, yeah!\u00a0 This was the right place, alright.\u00a0 Going over to the edge of the clearing, slightly down the slope beyond it, there was Lupe’s pillar.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
In the clearing 200 feet SE of the cairn<\/strong>. Top of the pillar<\/strong> (Center) is visible next to Dennis, who is partly behind a tree. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe’s Green Mountain limestone pillar<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After the long, tedious bushwhack through the trackless deadfall-laden forest, and disappointing cairn in the middle of nowhere buried in trees summit, Dennis brightened immediately at the sight of the big sweeping view to the E and SE, and that taunting limestone pillar.\u00a0 If a Carolina Dog could do it, Stewy could, too!\u00a0 The peakbagger in him took over.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Dennis stakes his claim to Green Mountain’s limestone pillar<\/strong>. Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (L), Copper Mountain<\/strong> (Center), Sylvan Hill<\/strong> (R of Center), Medicine Mountain<\/strong> (R), in front of Stewy. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP wasn’t getting up there, but sent a personal representative.\u00a0 Since Lupe hadn’t brought her Dingo wings, SPHP had to give her a boost.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Carefully, carefully! Dennis getting off the pillar.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe’s turn. Gillette Prairie<\/strong> (L). Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Oh, it’s good to be back on the Green Mountain pillar<\/strong> again!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Another angle. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Part of Copper Mountain<\/strong> (far L), Sylvan Hill<\/strong> (L), Medicine Mountain<\/strong> (Center) with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A short break was taken before starting back to the RAV4.\u00a0 Dennis was in the habit of texting a photo to family and friends from each summit, and sent out the one of him standing on the pillar.\u00a0 He often got quick, but brief responses.\u00a0 In this case, the most common response was “jump”!<\/p>\n

SPHP had to laugh.\u00a0 Always nice to know you’re loved.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A final look at Green Mountain’s limestone pillar<\/strong> (L). Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4:26 PM –<\/em>\u00a0 Four down, three to go!\u00a0 Unfortunately, Green Mountain had taken up more time than expected, in part due to SPHP’s error in not parking far enough W at the start of Windmill Draw.\u00a0 Would have been much more of a road hike from there, instead of a bushwhack through deadfall-laden forest.<\/p>\n

Couldn’t be helped.\u00a0 Done is done.\u00a0 Happily, Bear Mountain<\/span><\/a> (7,166 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, the next objective, was a mere drive-up to a lookout tower.\u00a0 Shortly after turning onto USFS Road No. 293, SPHP was astonished by the amount of logging that had gone on since Lupe had last been here.<\/p>\n

In fact, it was still ongoing.\u00a0 0.5 mile from the summit, a log truck being actively loaded completely blocked the road.\u00a0 Apparently, this was going to take a while.\u00a0 Pulling off the road, SPHP parked the RAV4.\u00a0 Everyone leapt out.\u00a0 After circling past the log truck, the road hike began.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The RAV4 parked a little way off USFS Road No. 293. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Past the log truck on USFS Road No. 293. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the Bear Mountain fire lookout tower<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
By the tower. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe had once paid a visit to the ranger at the top of the tower.\u00a0 On a clear day, it was possible to see Laramie Peak<\/span><\/a> (10,272 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> in Wyoming.\u00a0 Unfortunately, the tower wasn’t open for the season yet.\u00a0 A sign said it was closed to the public.<\/p>\n

A survey benchmark and another sign showing the elevation were at the base of the tower, but there wasn’t a view from here without actually climbing the tower.\u00a0 However, Lupe knew there was a nice view from a small limestone outcropping a short distance SE.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the base of the tower. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The Bear Mountain survey benchmark.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Loop and Dennis on the limestone outcropping SE of the tower. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Elkhorn Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,381 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (far L), Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (L), Little Devils Tower<\/strong> (Center), and Sylvan Hill<\/strong> (R) from the viewpoint.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5:58 PM, Needles Highway No. 87, Little Devils Tower trailhead<\/em> –\u00a0 Upon reaching the RAV4 after Bear Mountain, Dennis faced a choice.\u00a0 5 of 7 complete, but delays had chewed up enough time so that climbing both remaining peaks wasn’t going to be possible unless Dennis wanted to be out after dark, which he didn’t.<\/p>\n

Sylvan Hill<\/span><\/a> (7,000 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> or Little Devils Tower<\/span><\/a> (6,920 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>?\u00a0 SPHP spoke of the differences in what would be involved, since the nature of the routes was so different.\u00a0 Either one had fabulous views.<\/p>\n

Really wasn’t a monumental decision.\u00a0 Dennis could climb whichever peak he didn’t get to today tomorrow.\u00a0 In the end, Stewy chose Little Devils Tower as his last summit with Lupe.<\/p>\n

Sweet!\u00a0 A great choice!\u00a0 (Both would have been.)\u00a0 700 feet of elevation gain along a maintained trail that went past scenic granite formations, followed by a fun scramble to the top.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Map posted at the trailhead.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Little Devils Tower Trail No. 4 was nearly level as it started up a valley.\u00a0 Lupe was soon passing the first granite formations.\u00a0 The views improved steadily as the trail gradually steepened.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Little Devils Tower Trail No. 4. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Big granite formations in a side valley.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching some spires. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After more than a mile, Little Devils Tower Trail No. 4 topped out on a ridge near the Cathedral Spires<\/span><\/a> (6,840 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 From here, a spur trail split off to the L, heading N.\u00a0 Taking this spur, Little Devils Tower’s massive granite summit quickly came into view.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the spur trail. Little Devils Tower (R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At first, the spur trail was level, or nearly so, but as Lupe got close to the granite, it turned NE and began to climb.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The spur trail starts getting interesting. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Dennis on the way up. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The spur trail soon topped out at a high spot tucked between huge rock walls.\u00a0 However, this wasn’t the end.\u00a0 Blue arrows painted on the rocks marked the route from here, which now turned NW through a narrow slot in the granite.\u00a0 The first part of the slot was so steep that Loopster needed a boost from SPHP to get up to where she could continue under her own power.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Climbing the slot after an initial boost. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Dennis emerging from the slot. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Above the slot, minor variations in the route were possible.\u00a0 All involved scrambling up the granite.\u00a0 A little exposure in spots, but not much.\u00a0 The route wound along the granite to a final brief push higher.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Dennis leading the way during the scramble up the granite. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6:55 PM, Little Devils Tower<\/span><\/a> (6,960 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> –<\/em>\u00a0 Suddenly, Lupe was there!\u00a0 The summit region was a roomy collection of large granite outcroppings and boulders that didn’t vary an awful lot in elevation.\u00a0 There was even a flat area of packed dirt with a bit of vegetation.<\/p>\n

The views were incredible!\u00a0 Little Devils Tower is right in the heart of the most rugged part of the Black Hills.\u00a0 While Dennis climbed up onto the highest boulder to tag the true summit, Loopster had a look around.\u00a0 Highlights included Black Elk Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,231 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> a little more than a mile NNE, and the magnificent Cathedral Spires<\/span><\/a> (6,840 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> only 0.25 mile SE.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (R) from Little Devils Tower.<\/strong> Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The Cathedral Spires<\/strong>, also known locally as the Needles<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Dennis made it up onto the true summit boulder.\u00a0 Lupe needed another boost from SPHP to join him.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Stewy over at the high point. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Loop and Dennis together at the true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6 of 7 complete, but Little Devils Tower was definitely going to be it.\u00a0 The sun was already low.\u00a0 Sylvan Hill wasn’t happening today.<\/p>\n

That was alright.\u00a0 Kind of took the pressure off.\u00a0 Lupe, Dennis, and SPHP could all linger for a while in the beautiful evening light.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Black Elk Peak<\/strong> from Little Devils Tower. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Cathedral Spires<\/strong> (L and Center) in the evening light. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Dennis relaxing at the true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Texting a photo before departure.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Over all too soon!\u00a0 Before long, Stewy was at the end of the scramble lower, about to descend from the slot to the spur trail.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Descending the slot. Blue arrow (R).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So, Little Devils Tower was a happy ending to a fabulous day!\u00a0 Dennis pronounced it easily his favorite peak in the Black Hills.\u00a0 Sometime he was going to have to bring his wife, Geri, up here.<\/p>\n

Lupe hopes to welcome her to the beautiful Black Hills on that great day.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
With Stewy on Little Devils Tower<\/strong>, Black Hills of South Dakota 5-5-22<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Note:<\/strong> Dennis did climb Sylvan Hill the next day before heading to Nebraska to continue his peakbagging adventures.\u00a0 Among his greatest goals are (1) climb the 10 highest named peaks in all of the 48 contiguous US states, (2) climb the 10 highest named county high points in each state, (3) visit every state park with his wife, Geri, (4) float the length of rivers in all states that have a river of the same name.\u00a0 At 73, he realizes these are tall orders.<\/em><\/p>\n

Before departing, Dennis gave Lupe and SPHP an autographed copy of his book 23 Nights Working for the US Treasury Department<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, which tells of his experiences working for the US government’s most feared agency, the IRS.<\/em><\/p>\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

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":"

8:40 AM, USFS Road No. 297 –\u00a0 Oh, it was on, and Lupe was excited!\u00a0 After a quick weather-shortened introductory jaunt with new friend Dennis Stewart out to a couple of peaks of the limestone plateau country yesterday, the weather was much improved.\u00a0 “Stewy” was ready to hit it hard today.\u00a0 Time permitting, 7 of … Continue reading Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 304 – Getting High in the Black Hills with Peakbagger Dennis Stewart (5-5-22)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":41046,"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":[105,172,9,106,170,1584,191,157,104,600,171,304,1583],"class_list":["post-41067","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-black-hills","tag-american-dingo","tag-bear-mountain","tag-black-hills-expeditions","tag-carolina-dog","tag-copper-mountain","tag-dennis-stewart","tag-green-mountain","tag-little-devils-tower","tag-lupe","tag-medicine-mountain","tag-odakota-mountain","tag-south-dakota","tag-stewy"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/IMG_4657-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\/41067","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=41067"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41067\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":44771,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41067\/revisions\/44771"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/41046"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=41067"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=41067"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=41067"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}