{"id":41925,"date":"2022-11-24T08:10:02","date_gmt":"2022-11-24T15:10:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=41925"},"modified":"2023-03-29T09:22:02","modified_gmt":"2023-03-29T15:22:02","slug":"mount-mcdougal-wyoming-range-wyoming-6-21-22","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=41925","title":{"rendered":"Mount McDougal, Wyoming Range, Wyoming (6-21-22)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Days 5 & 6 of Lupe’s Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming!<\/em><\/p>\n

6-20-22, 8:57 AM, 17 miles in on Smiths Fork Road<\/em> –<\/p>\n

OK, we’re done.\u00a0 This is a fiasco!\u00a0 Never going to get there this way!\u00a0 Bark, or something, Looper, if it looks like we’re about to go over the edge.<\/em><\/p>\n

Ahead the road was blocked with snow.\u00a0 A pickup could have gotten through easily enough, but there were still miles to go, road conditions were steadily deteriorating, and there hadn’t been a bit of traffic.\u00a0 SPHP had no intention of getting the RAV4 stuck way out here.<\/p>\n

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Time to bail on Smiths Fork Road<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Backing down for over a mile to a decent spot to turn around, the RAV4’s rear camera was highly useful in preventing an inadvertent plunge over the cliff edge into the frigid waters of Smiths Fork.<\/p>\n

Guess you’re going to get to visit Afton, after all, Loopster!<\/em><\/p>\n

Driving N through town on Hwy 89, Afton’s main claim to fame was the World’s Largest Elkhorn Arch, complete with battling elk.<\/p>\n

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Top of the World’s Largest Elkhorn Arch<\/strong> over Hwy 89 in Afton.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The whole purpose of trying to take Smiths Fork Road earlier had been to use it as a shortcut to Greys River Road and the Crow Creek trailhead providing access to Mount Fitzpatrick<\/span><\/a><\/strong> (10,907 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 SPHP kept driving N all the way to Alpine to reach Greys River Road there.<\/p>\n

From Alpine, Greys River Road went E, then S up the Greys River valley.\u00a0 Lupe had a blast riding with her head out the window watching for wildlife.\u00a0 Plenty of deer, and a even a moose!\u00a0 A herd of black cattle elicited a furious response from the excited American Dingo.\u00a0 However, as beautiful as the mountains were, the views were a bit disconcerting.<\/p>\n

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Greys River<\/strong> from Greys River Road.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

First official day of summer tomorrow, Loop!\u00a0 Way more snow on some of these peaks than I was expecting.<\/em><\/p>\n

We like the snow, don’t we, SPHP?\u00a0 Makes the mountains look so much more dramatic!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, but more dramatic in reality, too, not just appearance, Loop.\u00a0 Having second thoughts about Mount Fitzpatrick.<\/em><\/p>\n

Which one is Fitzpatrick, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, I don’t know.\u00a0 Wouldn’t recognize it if I saw it, but it’s one of these higher peaks.<\/em><\/p>\n

You’re worried that it’s going to be too snowy, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, I am.\u00a0 The last part of the climb is supposed to be a steep ascent up the N face.\u00a0 Might be a ton of snow on that side of the mountain.<\/em><\/p>\n

Greys River Road went on and on.\u00a0 For some reason expecting to come to a pass at McDougal Gap Road before reaching the Crow Creek trailhead, SPHP got to daydreaming.\u00a0 Eventually, a pass was reached.\u00a0 SPHP parked the RAV4, and Lupe hopped out for a sniff.<\/p>\n

Surprisingly cool out beneath a cloudy sky.\u00a0 A sign said Tri-Basin Divide.<\/p>\n

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Peak 9730<\/span><\/strong> (L) from Tri-Basin Divide<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6-20-22, 2:11 PM, Tri-Basin Divide, Wyoming Range –<\/em><\/p>\n

Are we close to Mount Fitzpatrick yet, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Not entirely sure, Loop.\u00a0 Doubt we’ll even be able to see Fitzpatrick from the road.\u00a0 We’ve come such a long way already, that I can’t image it being too much farther to the Crow Creek trailhead.\u00a0 Wonder what happened to McDougal Gap Road, anyway?\u00a0 Sure doesn’t seem to be here.<\/em><\/p>\n

A check of the paper map SPHP had along shed no light on the mystery.\u00a0 Tri-Basin Divide wasn’t even shown on the map, which covered only a limited region.<\/p>\n

Hmm, guess we’ll just have to keep an eye out for Crow Creek, Loopster.\u00a0 Hope there’s a sign.\u00a0 The trailhead isn’t a formal one.\u00a0 Should be on the R as we continue S.<\/em><\/p>\n

Might be easy to miss, if there isn’t a sign, SPHP.\u00a0 What about your fancy new iPhone?\u00a0 Maybe you ought to check it, too?\u00a0 That peakbagger app helped us find Buck Mountain<\/strong><\/span><\/a> back in the Bighorns.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, that’s right!\u00a0 Great idea, Loop!\u00a0 Might give us a good estimate on how much farther we need to go, if I can remember how to use it.<\/em><\/p>\n

The iPhone and peakbagger app worked.\u00a0 The news was shocking.<\/p>\n

Oh, good grief!\u00a0 Can this be right?<\/em><\/p>\n

What does it say, SPHP?\u00a0 How much farther do we need to go?<\/em><\/p>\n

No farther at all, Loop.\u00a0 We’re way too far S already!\u00a0 Mount Fitzpatrick is more than 18 miles NNW!\u00a0 Somehow I must have totally spaced out both McDougal Gap Road and Crow Creek.<\/em><\/p>\n

Someone needs to pay more attention to what they’re doing, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Heh.\u00a0 No denying that!\u00a0 Second fiasco of the day!\u00a0 No real harm done, though.\u00a0 The American Dingo enjoyed a 2nd long scenic drive, this time back N along Greys River Road.\u00a0 A Crow Creek sign was eventually seen at a bend in the road, just S of a small pullout with room enough for a few cars.\u00a0 That had to be the trailhead.<\/p>\n

A mile S of the Crow Creek sign, a side road went into a big field with a lone picnic table.\u00a0 SPHP parked the RAV4 50 feet from the Greys River.\u00a0 Cold and damp!\u00a0 Afternoon high of 55\u00baF, and most of the time well below that, as brief periods of sunshine were interrupted by a series of rain showers.\u00a0 A respite an hour before sunset permitted an evening stroll to the Crow Creek sign and back.<\/p>\n

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Only sign along Greys River Road for the Crow Creek trailhead. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6-21-22, 6:18 AM, 28\u00baF, Greys River 1 mile S of the Crow Creek trailhead –\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP turned on the defroster, then hopped out to scrape ice off the RAV4’s windshield.\u00a0 Meanwhile, Lupe sniffed among frosty sagebrush, exploring nearby.\u00a0 It had been a cold night, but the sky was clear this morning.\u00a0 Longest day of the year!\u00a0 Should warm up fast.<\/p>\n

During the drive N, the RAV4 warmed up even faster.\u00a0 The warmth felt good.\u00a0 Exciting drive, too!\u00a0 The Carolina Dog saw lots of deer, that same moose, and a bunny.<\/p>\n

You do realize that you’ve way overshot the Crow Creek trailhead again, right, SPHP?\u00a0 How come?<\/em><\/p>\n

Change of plans, Looper.\u00a0 Fitzpatrick is out, at least for the time being.\u00a0 It’s a backpack trip, and from the amount of snow we’ve seen, I’m convinced it’s too soon to take on the N face of any of these higher peaks.<\/em><\/p>\n

So, where are we going, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Mount McDougal<\/span><\/a> (10,780 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Loop!\u00a0 It’s a much shorter trek, a mere day hike up an E slope, so probably a lot less snow.\u00a0 Our chances of success ought to be much better there.\u00a0 Even if McDougal turns out to be a fail, at least we’ll only have wasted one day instead of two.<\/em><\/p>\n

6-21-22, 7:45 AM, 35\u00baF, McDougal Gap trailhead –<\/em> The turn E off Greys River Road onto McDougal Gap Road had come 10 miles N of the Crow Creek sign.\u00a0 Small wonder SPHP missed it yesterday.\u00a0 The only sign at the turn said “Sheep Creek”.\u00a0 No mention of McDougal Gap.\u00a0 No pass there, either.\u00a0 Evidently that was a figment of SPHP’s imagination.<\/p>\n

Other than a little easily avoided rockfall, McDougal Gap Road had been in great shape.\u00a0 Lupe now stood in bright sunshine in a stony trailhead parking lot at the top of McDougal Gap, which actually was a pass, with a great view of Triple Peak<\/span><\/a> (11,127 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> beyond her.<\/p>\n

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Triple Peak<\/strong> from the McDougal Gap trailhead<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A dazzling morning – crisp and bright beneath a super blue sky cleansed by yesterday’s rains.\u00a0 Other than the RAV4, the gigantic parking lot was empty.\u00a0 A lone deer stood grazing near the edge of the forest over by the W end.\u00a0 Going to be a glorious day!<\/p>\n

6-21-22, 9:27 AM, 58\u00baF<\/em> – With Mount McDougal already in sight less than 2 miles from the trailhead, a leisurely start had been possible.\u00a0 As Lupe finally hit the trail after breakfast, and SPHP’s other dilly-dallying delays, the morning was already comfortably warm.\u00a0 Crossing a meadow, the trail entered a forest, where it followed USFS Road No. 10148 NNE.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Setting out for Mount McDougal<\/strong> (L). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Following USFS Road No. 10148. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Before long, the road forked, more than once as it turned out.\u00a0 Always staying toward the L, Lupe continued NNE.<\/p>\n

\"\"
At the first fork in the road. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Still an easy trek, the road steepened.\u00a0 0.75 mile from the trailhead, it narrowed back down to a single track trail.\u00a0 Lupe came to a clearing where Mount McDougal was in sight again.\u00a0 Crossing a tiny stream, she reached a larger opening where a mound of dark soil was exposed.<\/p>\n

According to the map<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, the American Dingo had to be somewhere near the old Kleinstick Mine now.\u00a0 Was that black mound leftover tailings?\u00a0 Hard to say.\u00a0 Might have been natural, too.\u00a0 Lupe didn’t bother looking for the mine.\u00a0 Attention was focused on Mount McDougal’s upper E face.\u00a0 A surprising amount of snow up there!\u00a0 Seeing it, SPHP’s heart sank.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Climbing a little faster as the road narrows down to a single track trail. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Mount McDougal<\/strong> in sight again. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Crossing a tiny stream near the location of the old Kleinstick Mine. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
By the mound of dark soil. Mount McDougal’s snowy E face<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Continuing past the Kleinstick Mine region, Lupe crossed another tiny stream.\u00a0 The trail climbed steeply back into the forest, then got easier again.\u00a0 A Wyoming Range National Recreational Trail sign was nailed to a tree.\u00a0 Beyond it, the forest started giving way to large meadows.<\/p>\n

0.25 mile N of the mine, the trail flattened out completely.\u00a0 Abandoning it, Lupe climbed NW toward stands of aspens bearing new leaves.<\/p>\n

\"\"
The Wyoming Range National Recreation Trail emblem. According to the map, Lupe was on Trail No. 048.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Leaving the trail for Mount McDougal<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once past the aspens, things really opened up.\u00a0 A long green slope, partly covered with sagebrush, rose hundreds of feet toward scattered stands of conifers, bands of gray rock, and snowfields above.\u00a0 Lupe had a riot roaming at will while SPHP trudged higher, often pausing to take in the views while gasping for air.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Above the aspens. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Cooling off on one of the first snowbanks. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Approaching a line of conifers below McDougal’s E face<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Making progress! Triple Peak<\/strong> (L), Peak<\/span> 10290<\/span><\/a><\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beyond the last big stand of conifers, a steep, barren slope led toward the first large snowfield.\u00a0 Above it, bands of gray rock formed long lines of small cliffs.\u00a0 The cliffs were of less concern than the snow.\u00a0 As steep as this slope was, if the snow proved icy, Lupe wasn’t going to be able to climb Mount McDougal.<\/p>\n

SPHP wasn’t equipped for an ice climb.\u00a0 Poles were it.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Above the conifers, approaching the snowfields and cliffs. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Postponing the inevitable, SPHP encouraged the Carolina Dog to avoid this first big snowfield as long as possible.\u00a0 Climbing on bare ground as far as she could, Lupe discovered the bones of someone who evidently hadn’t made it up Mount McDougal along the way.<\/p>\n

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Success is never guaranteed while climbing mountains.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Not the result Lupe or SPHP were looking for.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Moment of truth, SPHP!\u00a0 We going any higher?<\/em><\/p>\n

The steep snowfield looked daunting.\u00a0 200 feet up just to reach the base of the cliffs, with no obvious route above them.<\/p>\n

Be careful, but let’s give it a shot, Looper.\u00a0 Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

The snow was soft, not icy.\u00a0 SPHP sank in a foot or two with every step.\u00a0 Lupe had no problem, the snow supporting her weight.\u00a0 A little higher up, the snow was firm enough to better support SPHP, too.\u00a0 Poles were a huge help, adding confidence that a rocket slide to the bottom wouldn’t take place.<\/p>\n

Cautious progress was made.\u00a0 Soon the cliffs weren’t much farther.<\/p>\n

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Closing in on the gray cliffs. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Right at the base of the cliffs, SPHP suddenly plunged mid-thigh deep into the snow.\u00a0 Took several minutes of struggle to get extracted again, while Lupe watched from the safety of the rocks.<\/p>\n

Once SPHP was able to join her, it was time to look for a route through the cliff bands.\u00a0 Angling SSW, where the going looked easiest, Lupe led the way up a series of small ledges and ramps.<\/p>\n

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Starting up the gray rock cliffs. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Loopster on a narrow, sloping bench. Triple Peak<\/strong> (L) in the distance. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The cliff bands were taller than it initially appeared, perhaps 80 to 100 feet all told.\u00a0 Lupe managed to reach a fairly wide ramp below the tallest line of cliffs, which presented a continuous barrier 20 to 30 feet high.<\/p>\n

There was a weakness a bit lower toward the S where the cliffs weren’t quite as high, but success appeared questionable even there.\u00a0 Turning N instead, following the ramp higher, Lupe searched for a better spot.<\/p>\n

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On the wide ramp, following the base of the cliffs. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For a little way, the cliffs were impassable, but a cleft finally appeared that might work.\u00a0 The trickiest section was only 12 feet high, and had a few decent paw holds.<\/p>\n

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Starting up the cleft. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Ascending the cleft. Lander Peak<\/strong> (far L), Triple Peak<\/strong> (L) in the distance. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Too vertical!\u00a0 Lupe needed help!\u00a0 Very carefully, SPHP managed to boost Looper to where she could claw the rest of the way up to safety herself.<\/p>\n

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Safely above the worst of the cleft. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

And that was the worst of it.\u00a0 Scrambling after Lupe, SPHP made it to the upper end of the cleft, too.\u00a0 The gray cliffs extended only a little higher, presenting no further problems.<\/p>\n

The success experienced crossing this first snowfield, and getting past the gray cliff band, was encouraging, but more challenges lay ahead.\u00a0 Another steep stretch of dirt, scree, and scant vegetation led to a much larger snowfield.\u00a0 Way up along the E rim of the summit region, a long, continuous cornice curled out into space over the edge.<\/p>\n

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Approaching the upper snowfield. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

During the trudge up to this next snowfield, SPHP decided to aim toward a substantial region of bare ground slightly toward the S (L).\u00a0 Upon reaching the snowfield, Lupe started up.<\/p>\n

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Ascending the upper snowfield. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Sneaking a peek back down the mountain. Wind River Range<\/strong> on the horizon. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This second steep snow climb seemed borderline foolish the entire way.\u00a0 Most of the snow was fairly soft, but this high up, there were a few icy sections, too, which absolutely had to be avoided.\u00a0 Lupe climbed several hundred feet up to the first rock outcropping.\u00a0 Happily, firm terrain was more frequent after that.<\/p>\n

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Following rock outcroppings higher wherever possible. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It all worked!\u00a0 Lupe reached the big barren area SPHP had been aiming for.\u00a0 To the N, the enormous snowfield extended unbroken ever more steeply all the way up to the cornice hanging over the mountain’s E rim.\u00a0 The American Dingo didn’t have to worry about that, though.\u00a0 The bare ground she was on provided steep, loose support, all the way up to Mount McDougal’s SE ridge.<\/p>\n

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Back on solid ground. Actually, it was kind of loose. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Heading up to the SE ridge. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Looper reached the SE ridge within 100 vertical feet of the summit.\u00a0 For the first time in a long while, there were a few small flat areas, so a rest break was in order.\u00a0 Beef jerky and water for all!\u00a0 Sitting together, Lupe and SPHP contemplated the incredible views, and final obstacle above.<\/p>\n

The cornice overhanging the E edge of the mountain did not extend all the way to the SE ridge, but a huge near-vertical wall of snow did.\u00a0 How was Lupe ever going to get up that?\u00a0 The snow wall appeared to be 20 to 40 feet high.\u00a0 Even if the American Dingo did get up it, how would she ever get down again in one piece?<\/p>\n

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At the break spot along the SE ridge. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So close, and yet so far?\u00a0 Summoning what energy could be mustered, Lupe and SPHP went up for a closer look.<\/p>\n

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Cornice view from just below the summit. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Have faith, SPHP! We’re almost there!<\/em> Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The wall of snow wasn’t truly vertical, only almost so.\u00a0 And it wasn’t 40 feet high, merely 20.\u00a0 However, it remained a formidable obstacle.\u00a0 No way around it, L or R.\u00a0 For poor Lupe, it was either straight on up right here, or Mount McDougal was a fail!<\/p>\n

\"\"
The snow wall of doom. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Failure, after coming all this way?\u00a0 Sheesh!\u00a0 Stay here, Looper.\u00a0 I’m going to see if I can kick-step my way to the top.<\/em><\/p>\n

The snow wall was kind of hard.\u00a0 Kicking steps into it took quite a bit of kicking, but SPHP managed to inch most of the way up.\u00a0 Looking down to check on Lupe, SPHP was shocked.\u00a0 That crazy Carolina Dog was right below SPHP, also using the steps!<\/p>\n

Silly, adorable, faithful Dingo!\u00a0 Loop might easily fall and get hurt!\u00a0 SPHP couldn’t back down now, either.\u00a0 Kicking a few more steps into the snow, SPHP’s head was just getting to where another 5 feet that wasn’t quite as steep came into view, when suddenly, somehow, Lupe was right there, standing on the super steep slope on the brink of destruction, calmly blinking in the sunlight.<\/p>\n

Up, Loop, up!\u00a0 Don’t stop here, you’ll fall!\u00a0 Keep going!\u00a0 Get to the top!<\/em><\/p>\n

Up the American Dingo went, smiling broadly as SPHP joined her atop Mount McDougal moments later.<\/p>\n

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About time, SPHP! Glad you made it!<\/em> Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6-21-22, 2:06 PM, 62\u00baF, Mount McDougal<\/span><\/a> (10,780 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – Fear to elation!\u00a0 Atop an enormous snowbank that undulated hundreds of feet SW, Lupe had no more mountain to climb.<\/p>\n

Wow, Loop!\u00a0 Can’t believe you climbed that wall of snow!\u00a0 Astounding!\u00a0 What a dramatic finish!<\/em><\/p>\n

So, this is the top, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Absolutely!\u00a0 In fact, it appears you’ve climbed above Mount McDougal!\u00a0 This snowbank is temporarily the true summit.<\/em><\/p>\n

That’s got to be a first for us, SPHP!\u00a0 Don’t think we’ve ever climbed above a mountain before have we?<\/em><\/p>\n

Not anywhere near this extent that I can remember, Looper.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"
Mount McDougal summit +<\/strong>! Triple Peak<\/strong> (L). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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On the enormous summit snowbank. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Greatly enhanced by the amount of snow lingering on the mountains on this crystal clear summer solstice day, the views were astonishing, too!\u00a0 SPHP hadn’t expected anything like this.\u00a0 Near and far, snowy peaks in almost every direction, except E toward the sagebrush prairie thousands of feet below.<\/p>\n

The Wyoming and Salt River ranges to the S and SW were particularly awesome.\u00a0 Triple Peak<\/span><\/a> (11,127 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Lander Peak<\/span><\/a>\u00a0(10,450 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> were easily identifiable only 4 or 5 miles S.\u00a0 SPHP didn’t recognize any other peaks, but Wyoming Peak<\/span><\/a> (11,378 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, which Lupe had visited in 2015, might well have been on the S horizon.\u00a0 Mount Fitzpatrick<\/span><\/a> (10,907 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, which she hadn’t been to yet, was likely in sight a dozen miles SW, too.<\/p>\n

Mount McDougal technically extended another 3 miles NNW.\u00a0 Lupe had a grand view of several subpeaks strung out along the ridgeline, most notable of which was Peak 10742<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Part of the Teton Range was visible far beyond it.\u00a0 More directly N, quite a bit closer than the Tetons, was an isolated snowy peak SPHP suspected might be Hoback Peak<\/span><\/a> (10,862 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Portions of the Gros Ventre Range were visible NNE well beyond it.<\/p>\n

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Peak 10742<\/span><\/strong> (L) along the Mount McDougal ridge<\/strong>. Hoback Peak<\/strong> (Center) far away. Gros Ventre Range<\/strong> (R) on the horizon. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Glimpse of the Tetons<\/strong> (Center) beyond Peak 10742<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks NNW with lots of help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Far to the NE, the Wind River Range was in sight beyond a vast expanse of high sagebrush desert.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Wind River Range<\/strong> on the horizon. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Zoomed in on giants of the Wind River Range<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After an initial look around from Mount Dougal’s temporary snowbank summit, Lupe left the snow in search of the normal true summit, which was farther SW.\u00a0 An open lane of dirt near a line of stunted trees just N of the snowbank went that way.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Loop up on the temporary snowbank true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Heading SW in search of the normal true summit. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Whether Lupe actually crossed Mount McDougal’s official true summit somewhere along the way, or whether it might have been hidden under the snow was never clear, but the Carolina Dog did go all the way to the SW end of the summit region, where a cairn sat perched near the edge.<\/p>\n

\"\"
At the summit cairn. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The cairn was hollow.\u00a0 SPHP wasn’t the least bit surprised to find a small upside down coffee can painted maroon inside.\u00a0 Beneath it, a jar with a red lid contained a pink notebook serving as a registry.\u00a0 As expected, the first entries were by Richard Carey<\/strong><\/span><\/a> and Shelley Rogers.<\/p>\n

\"\"
A classic Richard Carey registry installation inside the cairn.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Inside cover and first page of the registry.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For a long time, Lupe relaxed while SPHP read the registry, added her name to it, then munched an apple while gazing out upon the glorious mountain vistas.\u00a0 The tuckered out American Dingo even rolled over on her side for a while, dozing in the warm sun.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Resting near the cairn. Salt River Range<\/strong> in the background. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
The especially snowy peak<\/strong> (R of Center) may be Peak 10499<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks SSW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Wyoming Range<\/strong> in the foreground, Salt River Range<\/strong> beyond. Peak 10499<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Looking S with lots of help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Peering into the North Fork of Sheep Creek valley<\/strong>. Greys River valley<\/strong> and Salt River Range<\/strong> beyond the near ridge. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beef jerky and Taste of the Wild eventually revived Lupe.\u00a0 She then took a turn roaming about, surveying the views herself.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Triple Peak<\/strong> (Center), Lander Peak<\/strong> (L). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Triple Peak<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks S with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Looking W down the Sheep Creek valley<\/strong> into the Greys River valley<\/strong>. Salt River Range<\/strong> beyond.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The plucky Carolina Dog even wandered back to the snow summit for a while, before returning to the region near the cairn for another rest.<\/p>\n

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Over near the snow summit again. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Back by the cairn. Peak 10742<\/span><\/strong> (L of Center), Hoback Peak<\/strong> (R of Center) in the distance. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No wind, comfortably warm, tremendous clarity, spectacular views!\u00a0 Could it get any better?\u00a0 May it always be so!\u00a0 Lupe lingered, as time slipped away.\u00a0 Exactly 2 hours after arriving, Loop stood poised on the summit cairn for the last time.<\/p>\n

\"\"
A fantastic view, but sadly time to go. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP was extraordinarily concerned as Lupe headed back to the snow summit.\u00a0 Following footsteps and clawing her way up was one thing, but how could Loop possibly get down the wall of snow without falling?<\/p>\n

\"\"
Peering down the SE ridge from the edge of the snow summit. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The mere thought was sickening.\u00a0 Looper was going to fall!\u00a0 SPHP was certain of it.\u00a0 Only one possible solution came to mind.<\/p>\n

SPHP fastened her leash.<\/p>\n

Stay right here, Loop!\u00a0 Don’t move a muscle until I tell you to!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"
On Mount McDougal’s snow summit<\/strong>, leashed up, awaiting orders. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Trusting eyes watched SPHP slide slowly backward over the edge until the support of the kick steps was reached.\u00a0 Keeping a tight grip on a short section of leash, SPHP urged Lupe to start down.<\/p>\n

Lupe fell!\u00a0 More than once, but the leash almost immediately halted each free fall, allowing the dangling Carolina Dog to frantically dig in, regain her balance and a precarious grip on the wall of snow.<\/p>\n

Down, down!\u00a0 SPHP descended the kick steps as quickly as caution would allow.\u00a0 The ordeal was over and done with very quickly.\u00a0 Made it!\u00a0 Removing the leash, the American Dingo was no worse for the wear.<\/p>\n

Oh, there was more to come during the long descent!\u00a0 Having braved the snow fields once, though, they didn’t seem as daunting, and the views were spectacular facing down the mountain.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Heading down. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The final obstacle of real concern was the near-vertical notch in the gray cliffs.\u00a0 Seemed even trickier going down than coming up.\u00a0 SPHP started down first, certain Lupe was going to need help again.\u00a0 However, just as SPHP managed to get past the worst spot, there was a noise.\u00a0 Looking up, Loopster was gone!<\/p>\n

I’m down here, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Looking down, the crazy American Dingo stood smiling, safe and sound, on the wide ramp below.<\/p>\n

Are you completely nuts, Loop?\u00a0 How did you do that?\u00a0 Did you sprout Dingo wings and fly?<\/em><\/p>\n

The answer remained Lupe’s little secret, a mystery for the ages.<\/p>\n

One more snowfield to go, and the rest would all be easy!\u00a0 Lupe happily led the way.\u00a0 Mount McDougal<\/span><\/a> (10,780 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> had been a fabulous day!\u00a0 (End 6:46 PM)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"
Mount McDougal<\/strong>, Wyoming Range, Wyoming 6-21-22<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

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

Wyoming Peak, Wyoming (8-28-15)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose from Lupe’s Summer of 2022<\/span> <\/strong>Dingo Vacations to Wyoming, Canada & Alaska Adventure Inde<\/strong>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><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Days 5 & 6 of Lupe’s Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming! 6-20-22, 8:57 AM, 17 miles in on Smiths Fork Road – OK, we’re done.\u00a0 This is a fiasco!\u00a0 Never going to get there this way!\u00a0 Bark, or something, Looper, if it looks like we’re about to go over the edge. Ahead the … Continue reading Mount McDougal, Wyoming Range, Wyoming (6-21-22)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":41869,"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":[1585],"tags":[105,106,26,104,1593,275,1488],"class_list":["post-41925","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1585","tag-american-dingo","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-lupe","tag-mount-mcdougal","tag-wyoming","tag-wyoming-range"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/IMG_4876-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\/41925","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=41925"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41925\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":46229,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41925\/revisions\/46229"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/41869"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=41925"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=41925"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=41925"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}