{"id":43245,"date":"2023-01-18T08:10:03","date_gmt":"2023-01-18T15:10:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=43245"},"modified":"2023-03-29T09:33:10","modified_gmt":"2023-03-29T15:33:10","slug":"dog-tooth-peak-mitchell-peak-wind-river-range-wy-part-2-dog-tooth-paradise-to-the-summits-7-4-22","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=43245","title":{"rendered":"Dog Tooth Peak & Mitchell Peak, Wind River Range, WY – Part 2: Dog Tooth Paradise to the Summits! (7-4-22)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Day 19 of Lupe’s 1st Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming!<\/em><\/p>\n

6:53 AM, base camp at Dog Tooth Paradise<\/em> – A few raindrops had fallen on the tiny house at first light, but the morning was cool and fair now.\u00a0 Some high clouds, but they weren’t at all threatening as Lupe stood in a light SW breeze on the bedrock of the 10,200+ ft<\/span><\/strong>. ridge.<\/p>\n

Behind her, the upper half of War Bonnet Peak<\/span><\/a> (10,369 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and tiptop of Sundance Pinnacle<\/span><\/a> (11,054 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> were in sunshine.\u00a0 Beyond Jackass Pass in the distance, Pingora Peak<\/span><\/a> (11,884 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, mighty guardian of the Cirque of the Towers, was bathed in sunlight, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sundance Pinnacle<\/strong> (L), War Bonnet Peak<\/strong> (Center), Pingora Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Wow!\u00a0 What a spectacular setting, and we haven’t even set out yet!\u00a0 We are in for one fabulous day sweet puppy!<\/em><\/p>\n

I’ve been thinking, SPHP.\u00a0 Let’s climb Dog Tooth Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,488 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> first.\u00a0 It’s closest, highest, and my top priority.<\/em><\/p>\n

Don’t want to miss out on ol’ Dingo Fang, aye, Loopster?\u00a0 Consider this, though, Mitchell Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,482 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> is a mere 6 feet lower, and will have the grandest view of the Cirque of the Towers.\u00a0 Ought to be able to see Lonesome Lake, too.\u00a0 Furthermore, if things go well, provided we start with Mitchell, Dog Tooth and Big Sandy Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,416 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> might both be possible.\u00a0 Since it’s in the middle, climbing Dog Tooth first means an either\/or choice from there.<\/em><\/p>\n

Still quite a few clouds around, SPHP.\u00a0 I’d rather not take a chance on the weather deteriorating and not make it to Dog Tooth Peak.\u00a0 Since Mitchell is your highest priority, we can do that next.<\/em><\/p>\n

And it doesn’t bother you to forfeit any chance at Big Sandy, Loop?<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP, yesterday you said yourself that we probably couldn’t get to all 3 in a single day.\u00a0 So, let’s not bite off more than we can chew, and focus on what’s most important to us.<\/em><\/p>\n

Alrighty, then!\u00a0 Sounds like a plan.\u00a0 Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About to set out for Dog Tooth Peak<\/strong> (R) and Mitchell Peak<\/strong> (L). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Leaving the 10,200+ ft<\/strong><\/span>. ridge, Lupe headed NE down into the heart of Dog Tooth Paradise.\u00a0 After leaping over the tributary of North Creek flowing through the center of this incredibly beautiful valley, Loopster began her ascent of Dog Tooth Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,488 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> from a little S of Dog Tooth Waterslide, which she’d visited yesterday evening.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Starting up Dog Tooth Peak<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nearly 2,300 feet to the top, up every step of the way!\u00a0 Although steepish, the initial climb was very enjoyable, and really not hard at all.\u00a0 Looper traveled along exposed bedrock, winding her way higher through a thin, scattered forest that had sprung up wherever a bit of soil presented an opportunity.\u00a0 In some places, small streams ran through green meadows below big shelves of rock.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Exploring a meadow. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By the time the Carolina Dog was 400 feet above Dog Tooth Paradise, she was above most of the trees.\u00a0 The views were already tremendous!\u00a0 To the S, Temple Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,972 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Scheistler Peak<\/span><\/a> (12, 640 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, and much of Big Sandy Lake were in sight.\u00a0 Continuing to climb, Lupe roamed at will over huge slabs of bedrock.\u00a0 Watered by snow melt trickling down the rocks, a fair amount of low vegetation remained.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Above the forest. Mitchell Peak<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Temple Peak<\/strong> (L), Schiestler Peak<\/strong> (Center), and Big Sandy Lake<\/strong> (R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Continuing up the slabs. Mitchell Peak<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Wandering a series of small ledges. Dog Tooth Peak<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The rate of climb steepened.\u00a0 SPHP was forced to stop to gasp for air more and more often.\u00a0 Lupe relaxed or sniffed about as she saw fit.\u00a0 To the NW, Pylon Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,378 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Watch Tower<\/span><\/a> (12,326 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Sharks Nose<\/span><\/a> (12,229 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Overhanging Tower<\/span><\/a> (12,164 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, and Wolfs Head<\/span><\/a> (12,160 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> all came into sight strung out along the Cirque of the Towers beyond Jackass Pass.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
War Bonnet Peak<\/strong> (L), Mitchell Peak<\/strong> (R). At Center in the gap from L to R: Pylon Peak<\/strong>, Watch Tower<\/strong>, Sharks Nose<\/strong>, Overhanging Tower<\/strong>, and Wolfs Head<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The slabs went on and on, but finally did come to an end.\u00a0 Lupe entered a region of rougher terrain.\u00a0 Fortunately, lanes of vegetation provided relatively easy routes higher.\u00a0 Although these lanes never completely disappeared, they became scarcer and scarcer.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Entering rougher terrain above the slabs. Dog Tooth Peak<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The rocks grew bigger.\u00a0 For a long way, Loopster leapt from boulder to boulder on steep fields of large talus.\u00a0 SPHP was terrible at this.\u00a0 Progress was dreadfully slow.\u00a0 Some scrambling was required, none of it too scary with a little caution.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Among the talus. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Near the top, the rate of climb diminished.\u00a0 Suddenly there was much more greenery again.\u00a0 An easy stroll led to a football field size plain strewn with boulders, many of which laid conveniently flat.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Getting close to the top. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP was initially disappointed to see that the high point a little to the S that Lupe had been climbing toward wasn’t actually the true summit.\u00a0 A bouldery 60 foot high ridge NE of it was clearly higher.\u00a0 Almost a vertical wall, getting up there looked problematic, maybe impossible.\u00a0 Happily, an even higher ridge was a little farther N.<\/p>\n

Although similar in appearance, this N ridge wasn’t quite as daunting.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Arriving at Dog Tooth Peak’s summit plain<\/strong>. S high point<\/strong> that Lupe had been climbing toward (L of Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The daunting NE ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The N ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

That’s it, SPHP!\u00a0 Dog Tooth Peak’s true summit!\u00a0 Look toward the L, I see a cairn up there.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, yeah!\u00a0 You’re right, Looper!\u00a0 I see it too now.\u00a0 Hoo-girl, not sure if we can get up there or not.\u00a0 Looks dicey near the top.<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, someone must have done it, SPHP, or there wouldn’t be a cairn.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, yeah, I know.\u00a0 That doesn’t mean we can.\u00a0 Before we break our necks trying, why don’t we have a look from those rocks over by the S edge.\u00a0 A lot easier to get to, and I bet there’s a splendid view.<\/em><\/p>\n

Wandering over that way among the boulders, only a little super easy scramble was required to reach some nice flat perches along the S edge.\u00a0 Spread out before Lupe was a magnificent scene.\u00a0 Big Sandy Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,416 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, the mountain she wasn’t going to get to visit, was only a mile SSE.\u00a0 Wind River Peak<\/span><\/a> (13,192 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, East Temple Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,600 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, and Temple Peak<\/span><\/a> (12.972 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> were all beautifully arrayed beyond it.\u00a0 Part of Deep Lake was in sight, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Big Sandy Mountain<\/strong> (L of Center) in the foreground. Wind River Peak<\/strong> (L), East Temple Peak<\/strong> (Center), Temple Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After a leisurely look at this fabulous scene, it was time to take on that N ridge!\u00a0 Lupe headed back that way.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Bound for the N ridge<\/strong> (L). NE ridge<\/strong> (R) Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A scramble on big talus went slowly, but successfully to a near vertical wall near the top.\u00a0 Almost there, but getting spicey!\u00a0 Lupe couldn’t go any higher.<\/p>\n

Hang on, Loopster!\u00a0 I’ll give you a boost!<\/em><\/p>\n

Carefully, carefully, SPHP lifted the Carolina Dog as high as possible.<\/p>\n

Now, Loop!\u00a0 Go!<\/em><\/p>\n

Clawing her way forward, Lupe made it.\u00a0 Suddenly she was above SPHP, smiling back.\u00a0 Not from the summit, but it couldn’t be much higher.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Come on up, SPHP! The mountain’s fine!<\/em> Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP joined Lupe.\u00a0 That successful boost had been key.\u00a0 One last dicey scramble move was all it took.\u00a0 Child’s play to any real rock climber!<\/p>\n

11:39 AM, 56\u00baF, Dog Tooth Peak<\/span><\/a>\u00a0(12,488 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> – <\/em>Splendor was all around as the American Dingo stood next to the summit cairn in a 15 mph SW breeze.\u00a0 She’d made it.\u00a0 Lupe was here!\u00a0 A dream come true!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At Dog Tooth Peak’s true summit<\/strong>. Wind River Peak<\/strong> (L), Big Sandy Mountain<\/strong> (L of Center), East Temple Peak<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Oh, and what a dream it was!<\/p>\n

SPHP, look at where we are!\u00a0 Really, truly on Dog Tooth Peak!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, we are!\u00a0 Can you believe it?\u00a0 Congratulations, Loopster!<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP shook Lupe’s paw.\u00a0 She started to grin.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On Dog Tooth Peak<\/strong>. East Temple Peak<\/strong> (far L), Temple Peak<\/strong> (L). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It’s a 4th of July to remember, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Indeed it is!\u00a0 And we haven’t even gotten to Mitchell Peak, yet.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, we will, SPHP!\u00a0 Just you wait and see.\u00a0 First, though, we’re spending some time right here.<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP sat on the huge rock supporting the cairn.\u00a0 Consisting mostly of flat-lying boulders and a few patches of dirt, the summit region was plenty big to move around on easily enough, but comfy spots were in short supply.\u00a0 Lupe decided curling up on SPHP’s lap was her best bet.<\/p>\n

Seems to be chocolate coconut bar time, Looper!\u00a0 What do you think?<\/em><\/p>\n

Thought you’d never ask, SPHP!\u00a0 Bring it on!<\/em><\/p>\n

So many awesome views from up here, it was hard to know even where to start, but Wind River Peak<\/span><\/a> (13,192 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, monarch of the SE end of the Wind River Range, was certainly high on the list.\u00a0 It was the 4th highest mountain Lupe had ever climbed, nearly 5 years ago now.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Wind River Peak<\/strong> (R of Center), Big Sandy Mountain<\/strong> (R), East Temple Peak<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Wind River Peak<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SE with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Naturally, that same glorious view of Big Sandy Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,416 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> with Wind River Peak, East Temple Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,600 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, and Temple Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,972 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> on display beyond it that Lupe had seen from down along the S edge was even better now.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Wind River Peak<\/strong> (L), Big Sandy Mountain<\/strong> (Center), East Temple Peak<\/strong> (R of Center), and Temple Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From way up here, Peak 11930<\/span><\/strong> and Schiestler Peak<\/span><\/a> (11,640 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> more to the SSW looked small in comparison.\u00a0 Nearly 3,000 feet lower than Dog Tooth, Big Sandy Lake was in sight, too.\u00a0 Bunion Mountain (11,905 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Laturio Mountain (11,342 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> were SW, along with that pipsqueak Sundance Pinnacle<\/span><\/a> (11,054 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
East Temple Peak<\/strong> (far L), Temple Peak<\/strong> (L), Peak 11930<\/span><\/strong> (Center), Schiestler Peak<\/strong> (R), Big Sandy Lake<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Laturio Mountain<\/strong> (far L), Sundance Pinnacle<\/strong> (lower L), Bunion Mountain<\/strong> (L), War Bonnet Peak<\/strong> (Center), Warrior Peaks<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Perhaps the grandest scene, and one of intense interest, was to the NW where War Bonnet Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,369 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Warrior Peaks<\/span><\/a> (12,406 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> on the L, together with Mitchell Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,482 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> on the R, framed Pylon Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,378 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Watch Tower<\/span><\/a> (12,326 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, and several other pinnacles of the Cirque of the Towers.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
War Bonnet Peak<\/strong> (far L), Warrior Peaks<\/strong> (L), Pylon Peak<\/strong> (L of Center), Watch Tower<\/strong> (R of Center), Mitchell Peak<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Looking NW between Mitchell Peak and Lizard Head Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,842 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, a sea of partially snow-clad mountains extended beyond vision along the spine of the Wind River Range.\u00a0 Real giants were on the horizon, but too far away to identify.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking NW along the spine of the Wind River Range<\/strong>. Mitchell Peak<\/strong> (L).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Only 2 miles away, Lizard Head Peak, had a fearsome appearance.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lizard Head Peak<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Holy cow, Loopster!\u00a0 And to think that at one time I thought we might be able to climb Lizard Head.\u00a0 That ain’t gonna happen!<\/em><\/p>\n

We could climb it with a helicopter, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Across the gigantic canyon of the North Popo Agie River, both Bear Lake and another smaller lake were visible E of Lizard Head.\u00a0 An enormous ridge was beyond them, with many minor summits along it.\u00a0 Peak 12,539<\/span><\/strong> was the highest point.\u00a0 Cathedral Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,326 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0was somewhere way out toward the N end.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lizard Head<\/strong> (L edge), Bear Lake<\/strong> (L), and Peak 12539<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The North Popo Agie River canyon extended E more than 6 miles to a big bend where it curved NE.\u00a0 Mount Chevo<\/span><\/a> (11,423 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was in sight beyond the bend.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Chevo<\/strong> (R of Center) beyond the North Popo Agie River canyon<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

12:41 PM – <\/em>Mitchell Peak was calling!\u00a0\u00a0<\/em>Lupe’s wonderful, precious hour on Dog Tooth Peak was drawing to a close.\u00a0 The American Dingo stood next to the summit cairn for the last time with the fabulous panorama to the S beyond her.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On Dog Tooth Peak<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hate to go, but are you ready, Loop?<\/em><\/p>\n

As ready as I’ll ever be, SPHP.\u00a0 I wish it wasn’t over, but I feel blessed to have ever been here.\u00a0 Thanks for agreeing to come here first.<\/em><\/p>\n

Dingo Fang is a splendid summit, Looper.\u00a0 Glad we came!<\/em><\/p>\n

Me too, but the adventure continues, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Indeed it did!\u00a0 A very cautious initial descent succeeded in getting past the tricky, assistance-required spot.\u00a0 Returning to the football field size plain, the Carolina Dog turned NW toward Mitchell Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,482 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Setting out for Mitchell Peak<\/strong> (far R). Bunion Peak<\/strong> (far L), War Bonnet Peak<\/strong> & Warrior Peaks<\/strong> (L), Cirque of the Towers<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It was a slow go.\u00a0 Gradually losing elevation, Lupe leapt from boulder to boulder across an endless mountainside of big talus.\u00a0 Far ahead, a rock formation extending SW down from the ridge leading to Mitchell Peak appeared to present an insurmountable barrier.<\/p>\n

See that gap toward the lower end of the long wall of rock, Looper?\u00a0 Head for it.\u00a0 Let’s try to get through there.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

The cool SW wind had been strengthening all day.\u00a0 As the Carolina Dog finally reached the wall of rock, it roared 50 mph through the gap.\u00a0 A bit of scrambling was required to even get up to the gap, a task the gale made even more of a challenge.<\/p>\n

Lupe made it, though.\u00a0 Soon she was standing in the wild wind on large, flat rocks N of the gap.\u00a0 Mitchell Peak was now directly ahead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mitchell Peak<\/strong> (Center) from near the gap. Lizard Head Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A short descent on more big talus got Lupe down to much easier terrain.\u00a0 Only scattered rocks were here on a sloping plain of low vegetation.\u00a0 The wind wasn’t nearly as bad, either.\u00a0 Staying well below the giant saddle way up along the ridge to the NE, Loop continued NW toward the slope SW of Mitchell’s cliffy summit block.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching Mitchell Peak<\/strong>. Lupe aimed for that highest blip (L) on the W ridge. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The climb got steep pretty fast, but lanes of vegetation made it fairly easy for quite a long way.\u00a0 Eventually, Lupe had to scramble up some big talus again, but not too far.\u00a0 It was clear that being any farther E toward Mitchell’s summit block would have been much worse.<\/p>\n

Above the largest talus, the route wasn’t quite as steep.\u00a0 Life got easier.\u00a0 Loopster was thrilled when she came to a couple of snowfields melting away in the July sun, but they were too soft to cross without post-holing.\u00a0 Going around them was a bit of a pain.\u00a0 150 feet above the uppermost snowbank, Lupe reached a broad plain 300 or 400 feet E of a big knob of rock along Mitchell Peak’s upper W ridge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
High on Mitchell Peak’s SW slope<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the upper W ridge. War Bonnet Peak<\/strong> (L), Pylon Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Covered with large, flat-lying rocks, and a fair amount of low vegetation, the plain sloped gradually down to the N toward sheer, unseen cliffs.\u00a0 To the E, it rose toward the summit.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading for the summit<\/strong>. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The hard part was over!\u00a0 Sweeping around the N side of the summit block, Lupe went virtually unimpeded all the way to the top.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Practically there! Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4:38 PM, 55\u00baF, Mitchell Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,482 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – The wind was 25 mph, still out of the SW, when Lupe reached a summit region of massive boulders.\u00a0 A puny 3 rock cairn sat on the tremendous rock that supported the very highest one, which hung partly out into space toward the S.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
True summit<\/strong> (Center), piddly cairn (R), War Bonnet Peak<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On Mitchell Peak’s true summit<\/strong>. East Temple Peak<\/strong> (far L), Temple Peak<\/strong> (L), Peak 11930<\/span><\/strong> (Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What can be said?\u00a0 The amazing 360\u00ba panorama from Mitchell Peak was in many ways similar to the one from Dog Tooth Peak only a mile SE.\u00a0 Even so, if anything, the views were even more superb here.\u00a0 One view in particular had made an ascent of Mitchell Peak a goal for years.<\/p>\n

Oh, my gosh, Loopster!\u00a0 Look at that!\u00a0 The entire Cirque of the Towers!<\/em><\/p>\n

Wow, this must be the best vantage point possible, SPHP!\u00a0 We’re looking down on all of them!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup, just by a little bit, though.\u00a0 The only thing that might be better would to be right on top of one of those towers so close to the rest.<\/em><\/p>\n

I’d choose Pingora Peak<\/span><\/a> (11,884 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, SPHP, it’s so cool looking.<\/em><\/p>\n

An excellent choice, Looper!\u00a0 Wolfs Head<\/span><\/a> (12,160 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> appears so narrow and sharp it would slice us in two.<\/em><\/p>\n

No reason to worry about that.\u00a0 Neither Lupe nor SPHP would ever be on any of them.\u00a0 They were all there, though, Warrior Peaks<\/span><\/a> (12,406 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Pylon Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,378 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Block Tower<\/span><\/a> (12,210 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>,\u00a0Sharks Nose<\/span><\/a> (12,229 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> , Overhanging Tower<\/span><\/a> (12,164 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, and Bollinger Peak<\/a><\/span> (12,232 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The famous Cirque of the Towers<\/strong> (L) from Mitchell Peak. Pingora Peak<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Warrior Peaks<\/strong> (L), Cirque of the Towers<\/strong> (Center), Pingora Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Pylon Peak<\/strong> (L), Watch Tower<\/strong> (L of Center), Block Tower<\/strong> and Sharks Nose<\/strong> (Center), Overhanging Tower<\/strong> (R of Center), Pingora Peak<\/strong> (far R) with Wolfs Head<\/strong> (slightly L), Bollinger Peak<\/strong> and Mount Geikie<\/strong> (R) beyond. Photo looks WNW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While the Cirque of the Towers was spell-binding, there was so much else to see, too!\u00a0 Lizard Head Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,842 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was only 1.5 miles N.\u00a0 Lupe could see little Skunk Knob<\/span><\/a> (11,099 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> SE of it, where she had once been years ago.\u00a0 E of Lizard Head was Peak 12539<\/span><\/strong>‘s giant ridge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lizard Head Peak<\/strong> (R), Skunk Knob<\/strong> (lower L). Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lizard Head Peak<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 12539<\/span><\/strong> (R of Center), Lizard Head Peak<\/strong> (far L). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Of course, the view of Dog Tooth Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,488 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was spectacular with both Big Sandy Mountain<\/span><\/a>\u00a0(12,416 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Wind River Peak<\/span><\/a> (13,192 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> in the background.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Dog Tooth Peak<\/strong> (Center), Big Sandy Mountain<\/strong> (R) with Wind River Peak<\/strong> beyond. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Dog Tooth Peak<\/strong> (L), Big Sandy Mountain<\/strong> and Wind River Peak<\/strong> (Center), East Temple Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

East Temple Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,600 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Temple Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,972 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Peak 11930<\/span><\/strong>, and Schiestler Peak<\/span><\/a> (11,640 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> were naturally all a little farther away now, but the angle was such from Mitchell Peak that more lakes were visible.\u00a0 In addition to Big Sandy Lake, all of Deep Lake was in sight.\u00a0 Most of Temple Lake was, too, but it was a little hard to distinguish still almost entirely covered in snow and ice.\u00a0 Part of Clear Lake, and a few others could be seen as well.<\/p>\n

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Big Sandy Mountain<\/strong> & Wind River Peak<\/strong> (far L), East Temple Peak<\/strong> (L), Temple Peak<\/strong> (Center), Schiestler Peak<\/strong> (R) with Peak 11930<\/span><\/strong> beyond. Big Sandy Lake<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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East Temple Peak<\/strong> (L), Temple Peak<\/strong> (Center), Schiestler Peak<\/strong> (R) with Peak 11930<\/span><\/strong> beyond. Photo looks S with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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East Temple Peak<\/strong> (L) with Deep Lake<\/strong> below it. Temple Peak<\/strong> (R) with frozen Temple Lake<\/strong> below it. Part of Clear Lake<\/strong> (foreground). Photo looks SSE with lots of help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Despite Mitchell Peak’s summit region consisting of a ridge of large talus, it was actually fairly easy to move around, with plenty of space to do so.\u00a0 After Lupe got up on the true summit, SPHP shook her paw, showering her with profuse praise and congratulations.\u00a0 What an incredible couple of big mountains she’d climbed today!\u00a0 A second and final celebratory chocolate coconut bar of the day was shared.<\/p>\n

Surprisingly, no sign of a registry.\u00a0 Hadn’t been one on Dog Tooth, either.\u00a0 No registry wasn’t what mattered here, though.\u00a0 After searching around, only a couple of feet W of the little cairn, SPHP saw the white outline of a rectangle on the upper surface of the massive flat rock supporting the true summit boulder.<\/p>\n

Oh, no!\u00a0 It’s gone, Loop!\u00a0 It must have been attached right there.<\/em><\/p>\n

What’s gone, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

The plaque commemorating Finis Mitchell!<\/em><\/p>\n

The Finis Mitchell that Mitchell Peak is named after, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Precisely, Looper!\u00a0 Finis and his wife ran a fishing camp for many years near Mud Lake back down at Big Sandy Opening.\u00a0 He’d been all over the Wind River Range during his life, and wrote Wind River Trails<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, a guide book that seems quaint these days.\u00a0 At the end of the book is a photo of the plaque commemorating Finis’ 11 ascents of Mitchell Peak.\u00a0 I really wanted to get a photo of you standing next to that plaque, but we’re too late!\u00a0 It’s not here anymore!<\/em><\/p>\n

The missing plaque was the only real disappointment of this epic, joyful day.\u00a0 For more than an hour, Lupe and SPHP sat together, or wandered, gazing at the magnificent Wind River Range scenes in all directions.<\/p>\n

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Wind River Range<\/strong> from Mitchell Peak<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Same view with help from the telephoto lens. Skunk Knob<\/strong> (Center) near bottom. Texas Pass<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5:47 PM, Mitchell Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,482 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – 4th of July!\u00a0 One to remember!\u00a0 SPHP didn’t realize it until much later upon seeing that photo of the Finis Mitchell plaque in Wind River Trails again, but this was sort of a coincidence, too.\u00a0 Finis Mitchell’s first ascent of Mitchell Peak had been on the 4th of July back in 1923.<\/p>\n

99 years later to the day, Lupe also stood alone on Mitchell Peak for the first time in a stiff SW breeze next to the little cairn only a foot or two from where both Finis Mitchell and his plaque had once been.<\/p>\n

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99 years later on Mitchell Peak<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The inevitable sad moment of departure had arrived, as it always does.\u00a0 While Lupe lingered at the summit, SPHP started down first.<\/p>\n

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Final moments on the summit. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP called.\u00a0 Lupe came running, bounding down the boulders.<\/p>\n

One more thing we need to do before we completely leave the mountain, Loopster.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, and what’s that, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

We should have a look at Lonesome Lake.\u00a0 Couldn’t see it from the summit, and I’d like to see it again.<\/em><\/p>\n

From up here?\u00a0 That would be awesome, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Then follow me, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

After heading NW through the talus, SPHP led Lupe down to the cliffs along Mitchell Peak’s N edge.\u00a0 Sure enough, Lonesome Lake was there, nestled at the base of Pingora Peak<\/span><\/a> (11,884 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, partly in its shadow.<\/p>\n

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Cirque of the Towers<\/strong> (L), Pingora Peak<\/strong> (Center), Lonesome Lake<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lonesome Lake is as beautiful as ever, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Remember when we were down there, Looper?\u00a0 We’d already been to the Cirque of the Towers, discovered that really cool waterfall, then came down to Lonesome Lake on our way to Skunk Knob<\/span><\/a> (11,099 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

I remember it was a sunny day, SPHP.\u00a0 Sunlight was sparkling on the waves with Mitchell Peak soaring skyward past the lake.\u00a0 Seems like a long, long time ago now.<\/em><\/p>\n

That’s right, Loop!\u00a0 And it has been a while.\u00a0 That was back in 2015.<\/em><\/p>\n

The SW wind blew constantly during nearly the entire descent.\u00a0 Staying even a little farther W on the steep part below Mitchell Peak’s upper W ridge, Lupe was able to avoid nearly all the big talus she’d run into on the way up.\u00a0 Once down to the much easier terrain SW of the big saddle on the ridge between Mitchell and Dog Tooth, the Carolina Dog ran free, displaying great energy as she led the way, roaming and sniffing at will, while marmots whistled warnings of her approach.<\/p>\n

Incredibly beautiful, the long descent was interesting and somewhat more complicated than SPHP expected.\u00a0 Lupe traveled S down slabs of bedrock past snowbanks, ledges, and a multitude of small streams.<\/p>\n

The American Dingo was in the forest, almost all the way down to Dog Tooth Paradise when the wind finally quit.\u00a0 Not much farther now.<\/p>\n

Near sunset, base camp at Dog Tooth Paradise<\/em> – SPHP was tired, but Lupe was still animated, sniffing around a while before finally entering the tiny house.<\/p>\n

Big Sandy Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,416 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> tomorrow, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

I’d love to, but afraid not, Loop.\u00a0 We’re completely out of food.\u00a0 I didn’t bring enough.<\/em><\/p>\n

That wasn’t entirely true.\u00a0 A couple handfuls of peanuts remained.\u00a0 Not for long, though!\u00a0 Peanuts for dinner.\u00a0 Even Lupe ate them, and when the last one was gone, still running on empty, on the magnificent day she’d been to 2 splendid Wind River Range peaks, it was time for goodnight.<\/p>\n

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On Mitchell Peak<\/strong>, Wind River Range, Wyoming 7-4-22<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

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

Dog Tooth Peak & Mitchell Peak, Wind River Range, Wyoming – Part 1: Big Sandy Opening to Dog Tooth Paradise (7-3-22)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

East Temple Peak, Wind River Range, Wyoming – Part 1: Big Sandy Opening to Clear Lake (7-18-20)<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

East Temple Peak, Wind River Range, Wyoming – Part 2: Deep Lake to the Summit (7-19-20)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Big Sandy to Jackass Pass & Cirque of the Towers, Wind River Range, WY (9-1-15)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Cirque of the Towers, Lonesome Lake, Skunk Knob & Jackass Pass, Wind River Range, WY (9-2-15)<\/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":"

Day 19 of Lupe’s 1st Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming! 6:53 AM, base camp at Dog Tooth Paradise – A few raindrops had fallen on the tiny house at first light, but the morning was cool and fair now.\u00a0 Some high clouds, but they weren’t at all threatening as Lupe stood in a … Continue reading Dog Tooth Peak & Mitchell Peak, Wind River Range, WY – Part 2: Dog Tooth Paradise to the Summits! (7-4-22)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":43244,"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":[105,106,1605,1604,104,407,385,275],"class_list":["post-43245","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1585","tag-american-dingo","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dog-tooth-paradise","tag-dog-tooth-peak","tag-lupe","tag-mitchell-peak","tag-wind-river-range","tag-wyoming"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/IMG_0018-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\/43245","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=43245"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43245\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":46236,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43245\/revisions\/46236"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/43244"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=43245"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=43245"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=43245"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}