{"id":43570,"date":"2023-02-02T08:10:36","date_gmt":"2023-02-02T15:10:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=43570"},"modified":"2023-03-29T09:50:12","modified_gmt":"2023-03-29T15:50:12","slug":"trout-peak-absaroka-range-wyoming-part-2-agee-creek-to-the-summit-7-9-22","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=43570","title":{"rendered":"Trout Peak, Absaroka Range, Wyoming – Part 2: Agee Creek to the Summit! (7-9-22)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Days 23-26 of Lupe’s 1st Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming!<\/em><\/p>\n

7-8-22, 9:16 AM, Agee Creek<\/em> – Slept long and hard last night, yet still got off to a slow start.\u00a0 The sun was well up, the morning clear and bright, when Lupe emerged from the tiny house.\u00a0 Last night’s rain was but a memory now.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog sniffed around while SPHP puttered about getting ready for the trek ahead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Low camp near Agee Creek. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP was feeling lethargic, but inevitably it was that time.<\/p>\n

Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

Returning to Trout Creek Trail No. 763, Loopster headed NW up a gentle incline.\u00a0 A mere 250 feet, and she reached the 3rd signed trail junction of her journey to Trout Peak thus far.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the 3rd official trail junction.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Trout Creek Trail No. 763 & Robbers Roost (R), West Trout Creek Trail No. 763.1A (L).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
And a more legible different version.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We want West Trout Creek Trail No. 763.1A.\u00a0 Stay L, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

No. 763.1A led straight to a sunny hillside of burnt trees.\u00a0 After gaining some elevation, the trail crossed a mucky spot created by a tiny tributary of Agee Creek.\u00a0 Once past the mire, the rate of climb diminished.\u00a0 Lupe came to a live forest of aspens and a few pines in a broad shallow valley.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Near the aspens. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The shade was wonderful, but didn’t last long.\u00a0 Beyond the aspens, the trail soon led to the flat top of a dusty ridge.\u00a0 A lone wooden pole stood on end with a couple more poles on the ground nearby.\u00a0 The upper Agee Creek drainage basin was now in sight ahead.\u00a0 The N half was all grassy slopes, the S half a mostly dead forest.\u00a0 Robbers Roost<\/span><\/a> (12,040 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was to the NW.\u00a0 The ridge Lupe needed to get to was also in sight.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Upper Agee Creek drainage<\/strong> (Center). Robbers Roost<\/strong> (R). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail went W from here, coming down off the ridge.\u00a0 Directly ahead, several lines of brown volcanic rocks ran down the open slope Lupe was traversing.\u00a0 The trail dipped enough to pass below the largest of these rock formations where a couple of big pillars reminiscent of yesterday’s Middle Finger Rock stood.<\/p>\n

As Lupe drew near the largest pillar, a hawk began screeching, wheeling through the sky overhead.\u00a0 A nest was visible more than halfway up the SE side of the pillar.<\/p>\n

Oh, I’ve got a name for that big pillar now, SPHP!\u00a0 And it’s not offensive like the one you chose for the first column we saw yesterday.<\/em><\/p>\n

No offense intended, Loop, Middle Finger Rock was simply what sprang to mind.\u00a0 Descriptive, not offensive!\u00a0 Anyway, you can name this one.\u00a0 What’s your pleasure?<\/em><\/p>\n

How about “Raptor Rock”?\u00a0 It’s perfect, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

I agree, and marvelously inoffensive, Looper.\u00a0 Raptor Rock it is!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching Raptor Rock<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Raptor Rock<\/strong>. Nest visible more than halfway up. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Raptor Rock may not have been offensive, but apparently Lupe and SPHP were.\u00a0 The hawk continued to circle screeching displeasure.\u00a0 Fun to watch, but rude to stay too long.\u00a0 After enjoying several minutes of dizzying aerobatics, Lupe continued on her way.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
War hawk<\/strong>, or soon to be one, if Lupe and SPHP didn’t move along.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Passing Raptor Rock<\/strong> (L). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail soon led to a tributary of Agee Creek, then partway up a slope full of sagebrush.\u00a0 Swinging around to the S side of this slope, the entire upper Agee Creek basin was on display, beautifully defended and boxed in by a high ridge to the WNW.\u00a0 Forested nearby, plenty of open terrain was visible farther on below the enormous ridge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Upper Agee Creek basin<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

See where that high ridge comes swooping down over toward the L, Loop?\u00a0 That’s where we’re headed.\u00a0 We need to get over that lower part to return to the Trout Creek valley again.\u00a0 By the looks of these GPS tracks posted by Duane Gilliland<\/strong><\/span><\/a> and Richard Hensley<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, they must have gone clear around most of this forested region.<\/em><\/p>\n

Seems easy enough, SPHP.\u00a0 We aren’t going to have to cross Trout Creek again, are we?<\/em><\/p>\n

Nope, only a couple of tributaries.\u00a0 Doubt they’ll be a problem.<\/em><\/p>\n

The trail soon petered out.\u00a0 After going a little farther without finding it again, exploring the forested part of the basin began to seem like a good idea.\u00a0 By now Loopster was feeling hot in her fur coat beneath the July sun.\u00a0 She’d be mighty happy to come across Agee Creek again.<\/p>\n

Bushes surrounding the forest made this a questionable decision at first, but SPHP waded through them without too much trouble.\u00a0 Sure enough, Lupe came to one of Agee Creek’s branches almost right away.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Enjoying headwaters of Agee Creek<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Working WSW amid mostly dead trees, Lupe came more rivulets, plus some marshy areas as well.\u00a0 The ground eventually dried out, providing firmer support.\u00a0 Sagebrush reappeared.\u00a0 Traveling through a gigantic meadow of purple wildflowers, Lupe lingered whenever possible in the shade of isolated stands of trees.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Upper Agee Creek basin<\/strong> past the wetlands. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
In the huge meadow. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beyond the meadow, Lupe reached considerably steeper terrain where a forest had burned.\u00a0 Wandering a maze of deadfall, she found more open territory above it.\u00a0 The ridge separating the upper Agee Creek basin from the Trout Creek valley wasn’t much farther now.\u00a0 SPHP called a halt when the Carolina Dog got to it.<\/p>\n

Whew!\u00a0 Seemed harder getting here than it ought to have been.\u00a0 Guess I’m still sort of worn out from yesterday.\u00a0 How long does it take to get in shape anyway, Loop?\u00a0 We’ve been climbing mountains for 3 weeks!<\/em><\/p>\n

We’re doing OK, aren’t we, SPHP?\u00a0 Here’s the Trout Creek valley again.\u00a0 How much farther do we have to go?<\/em><\/p>\n

Still quite a long way, Loopster.\u00a0 There’s a flat spot on the topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a> at 10,600 feet about 3 miles W of here in the upper valley.\u00a0 Would be great if we could camp there tonight.\u00a0 3 miles may not sound like much, but that’s as the crow flies, and we’re about to enter more rugged territory.<\/em><\/p>\n

More scenic, too!\u00a0 The rounded ridge Loop was on featured a few wind-swept trees, but consisted mostly of open ground.\u00a0 The American Dingo enjoyed a great view of the Trout Creek valley from here almost all the way W to the 10,600 foot area SPHP was referring to.\u00a0 Trout Creek was hidden far down in the forest below.<\/p>\n

A faint trail left the ridge descending into the valley, but SPHP didn’t trust it not to vanish completely once down in the forest.\u00a0 Rather than taking the trail, Lupe stayed high.\u00a0 Peak<\/span> 12120<\/span><\/a><\/strong> was in sight along the huge ridge at the far end as she headed W.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading into the upper Trout Creek valley<\/strong>. Peak 12120<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The decision to stay high seemed a good one.\u00a0 Lupe enjoyed tremendous views while making great progress.\u00a0 Eventually the open slope she was on flattened and widened out to some degree.\u00a0 Loopster passed a line of posts running N\/S down the mountainside.\u00a0 Some of the posts had coils of unused barbed wire around them.<\/p>\n

It didn’t take long to reach a wide valley coming down from the N carved by a tributary of Trout Creek.\u00a0 Robbers Roost<\/span><\/a> (12,040 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was visible at the upper end, and looked like it wouldn’t be a difficult climb from here.\u00a0 Trout Peak was the American Dingo’s top priority, though. Loop kept on going to the stream, where she promptly laid down to cool off.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the valley of the first stream coming down from the N. Robbers Roost<\/strong> (Center & R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Cooling off in the first tributary of Trout Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After her refreshing dip, climbing SW out of the stream valley, Loopster found herself on a steeper, rockier slope.\u00a0 Staying high no longer looked as viable as before, so a gradual descent began during this next traverse.\u00a0 Progress was much slower here.\u00a0 As Lupe drew near the upper edge of the forest, a jumble of rocks was hidden among thigh-high bushes.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the steeper slope beyond the first stream. Peak 12120<\/strong> (L). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At first, the forest wasn’t much of an improvement, but descending a bit more, game trails helped speed things along.\u00a0 The ordeal ended with an even better view of Robbers Roost from along the edge of a second valley carved by another tributary of Trout Creek.\u00a0 Partway up this stream, a waterfall roared down a rockier part of the gorge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Robbers Roost<\/strong> (Center) from the second tributary of Trout Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Zoomed in on the waterfall.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This second stream was definitely somewhat bigger and livelier than the first one.\u00a0 SPHP had to walk a little way upstream to find a spot where it could be rock-hopped.\u00a0 Once across, a 50 foot climb up a steep bank got Lupe to a small, sloping meadow.\u00a0 Crossing it in just a few minutes, she entered the forest again.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Down by the second tributary of Trout Creek<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The sloping meadow beyond the second stream. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Wandering WSW, the Carolina Dog came across a trail heading the right direction.\u00a0 The trail persisted, becoming quite clear as it went up a 200 foot high headwall that had been visible earlier on.\u00a0 Once above the headwall, the trail vanished in another meadow.<\/p>\n

More forest ahead.\u00a0 Still climbing, but more slowly, Lupe stayed in the meadow which angled NW.\u00a0 Above the trees, a beautiful strip of green territory opened up to the W, bordered by the forest on the S, and a mountainside to the N.<\/p>\n

This region was easy traveling, a gradual uphill trek where at times a faint trail pointed the way.\u00a0 Lupe came to a third, much smaller stream gurgling down from a big snowbank to the N.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading W along the strip. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Near the W end of the strip, Lupe came to a shallow depression.\u00a0 To the SW, a beautiful giant bowl was across the valley.\u00a0 SPHP wearily dropped the pack.<\/p>\n

Want to stop here, Loop?\u00a0 Please say yes, because I’m about done.<\/em><\/p>\n

The scenery is marvelous, SPHP!\u00a0 Is this the 10,600 foot region we were aiming for?<\/em><\/p>\n

No, that’s still a little farther.\u00a0 Saw that area from a distance on the way here, but the terrain is about to get quite a bit steeper ahead, and I just don’t feel like I have the energy to do it right now, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

Are we close enough to get to Trout Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,244 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> tomorrow, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, I’m pretty sure we are, Looper.\u00a0 We’re at about 10,000 feet here, and while it would sure be nice to get that extra 600 feet out of the way today, I’ll have an easier time of it tomorrow with a lighter pack.\u00a0 We can ditch the tiny house and sleeping bags right here, if we stay.\u00a0 Trout Peak is only 1.25 miles N now.\u00a0 We’ll get there.<\/em><\/p>\n

5:54 PM, high camp, upper Trout Creek valley<\/em> – Another early end.\u00a0 Still a few hours of daylight left, but SPHP had the tiny house set up.\u00a0 Loopster relaxed on the grass nearby with a grand view of the big bowl on the far side of the Trout Creek valley.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The big bowl from the tiny house. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Dinner, then a nap.\u00a0 At dusk, the Carolina Dog emerged from the tiny house to sniff around a little more.\u00a0 Lupe discovered an old antler, and proudly carried it around in her mouth, every now and then stopping to gnaw on it for a minute or two before ultimately deciding it was too big and difficult to deal with.<\/p>\n

Stars appeared.\u00a0 Such amazing solitude!\u00a0 A wonderful evening.<\/p>\n

A wind came up later on, flapping the tiny house practically all night.\u00a0 It was a strange, intermittent affair with periods of complete calm between gusts.\u00a0 The American Dingo snoozed like a rock, though.\u00a0 Amazing what sufficient exercise can do.<\/p>\n

7-9-22, 7:10 AM, high camp, Upper Trout Creek valley<\/em> –<\/p>\n

Daylight in the swamps, SPHP!\u00a0 And, oh, what a gorgeous day it is, too!\u00a0 Up and at ’em!<\/em><\/p>\n

Alright, alright!\u00a0 Give me a few minutes, and I’ll be right with you, Looper.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Miss Eager Beaver the next day. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We’ve got to go back, Loop!<\/em><\/p>\n

Back?\u00a0 Back where, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

To that last little stream we passed below the big snowbank it was coming from.\u00a0 I was listening to the wind last night, and suddenly realized we only have one bottle of water left.\u00a0 We’ve got to fill up before taking on Trout.<\/em><\/p>\n

The little stream was a 0.25 mile back E, but it didn’t take long to get there and tank up again.\u00a0 A quick return to the tiny house, and it was<\/p>\n

Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

Heading WNW, the terrain steepened, but wasn’t difficult, especially with a lighter pack.\u00a0 Lupe roamed green slopes at will.\u00a0 Soon a sloping ridge came into view.<\/p>\n

There’s our ticket to success, Loopster!\u00a0 Trout Peak’s S ridge.<\/em><\/p>\n

Looks easy, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah.\u00a0 That’s the way Duane Gilliland<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, Mark Adrian, Desert Rat, Bob Bolton<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, and Richard Hensley<\/strong><\/span><\/a> went a year ago.\u00a0 They know what they’re doing!\u00a0 We’re just following in their pawsteps.\u00a0 Gonna be cake!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading for Trout Peak’s S ridge<\/strong> (Center & R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Except it wasn’t.\u00a0 Gradually turning NW, Lupe kept climbing.\u00a0 Soon she was looking down on an upper bowl off to the SW where the 10,600 foot flat region that SPHP had hoped to get to yesterday was.\u00a0 Nothing wrong with that, but going a little farther, suddenly a very steep-sided ravine was ahead.\u00a0 A long, continuous snowbank with a near vertical edge ran along the opposite upper W side.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The upper bowl<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The problematic ravine<\/strong>. HP11843<\/span><\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Well, shoot!\u00a0 We’re too high already!\u00a0 We started up too soon, Loop.\u00a0 How are we going to get past this darn ravine?<\/em><\/p>\n

We can go back down, if you want to, SPHP.\u00a0 Get back on the right track.<\/em><\/p>\n

Eh.\u00a0 I don’t know.\u00a0 Hate to have to do that.\u00a0 You know me, Loopster.\u00a0 Let’s go a little higher.\u00a0 Maybe there’s a decent spot to cross?<\/em><\/p>\n

The Carolina Dog didn’t care either way.\u00a0 Up she went, but the situation didn’t improve as far as being able to get past that ravine.\u00a0 If anything, it got worse.\u00a0 No relief in sight.\u00a0 Meanwhile, lots of beautiful open terrain was immediately beyond the ravine.\u00a0 Looked like it went all the way to Trout’s S ridge only 0.5 mile away.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Trout’s S ridge<\/strong> (Center & R) beyond the ravine. HP11843<\/span><\/strong> (R edge). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Fiddlesticks!\u00a0 So pathetically easy, and I’ve messed it up!\u00a0 We’re not going to be able to get over there, Looper.\u00a0 Hang on.\u00a0 Lemme check the map.<\/em><\/p>\n

Are we going to have to go back down, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

No, I don’t think so.\u00a0 Looks like this all connects.\u00a0 Kinda steep, but it really couldn’t be easier.\u00a0 Shouldn’t run into any problems until we’re almost all the way up to HP11843<\/span><\/strong>, which we can already see from here.\u00a0 Doesn’t look too bad.\u00a0 I bet we can find a way.\u00a0 It’s that last 50 or 100 feet of rock bands that may be tricky.<\/em><\/p>\n

Up then, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup.\u00a0 Let’s do eet!<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe kept climbing.\u00a0 The long, steep slope above was grassy, and full of little wildflowers.\u00a0 Hardly any rocks, and no obstacles at all, other than the limits of lung, heart, and leg endurance.\u00a0 The views kept improving.\u00a0 Looper had plenty of time to enjoy them during SPHP’s frequent pauses to gasp for air.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading higher. HP11843<\/span><\/strong> (L), Trout Peak’s SE ridge<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Tiny wildflowers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Both SW bowls<\/strong> (L & Center) of the upper Trout Creek valley<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1,000 feet up before the rate of climb finally diminished.\u00a0 Lupe was now high enough to have a terrific view of Robbers Roost<\/span><\/a> (12,040 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Robbers Roost<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The broad, rounded slope got rockier and narrower as Lupe continued N on an easier stroll higher.\u00a0 The ridge she’d reached was soon destined to merge with another one coming up from HP10721<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Trout Peak’s summit was already in sight.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Doing great! A little rockier, but not that steep. HP11843<\/span><\/strong> (L), Trout Peak<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After reaching the ridge junction, Lupe turned NW along Trout Peak’s SE ridge.\u00a0 A nice level stretch led to an increasingly steep climb toward the rock bands forming the prow of HP11843<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 There were actually 2 prows, the second one a little lower formed by a thinner band of rocks.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading for the prow of HP11843<\/span><\/strong> (Center), Trout Peak summit<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As Lupe closed in on the prow, SPHP studied that upper band of rocks.\u00a0 Hard to say whether Loopster would be able to scramble right on up to HP11843<\/span><\/strong>, or not.\u00a0 Sort of looked possible, but might pan out either way.<\/p>\n

The American Dingo easily made it up to the lower prow.\u00a0 Plain as day, she would also be able to get near the top of the upper one, but success still didn’t appear assured.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Above the lower prow, but still below HP11843<\/span><\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Guess we won’t know until we get there, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, that last little bit still looks mighty steep, Loop.\u00a0 If it goes, that would be great.\u00a0 Certainly the most direct route, but I’m kind of leaning toward traversing this S slope.\u00a0 Looks like we ought to be able to get over to the S ridge from here.<\/em><\/p>\n

That’s also pretty steep, SPHP.\u00a0 Looks like loose scree, too.\u00a0 Sure you don’t want to give the prow a try first?\u00a0 It’s really not that much higher now.<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP demurred.\u00a0 To heck with the prow!\u00a0 Over to that S ridge where Lupe was supposed to have been all along!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading for the S ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Went fine at first, but halfway across the scree was, indeed, very loose.\u00a0 Little rock showers clattered down the mountain with every step.\u00a0 Even some big stuff wasn’t stable at all.\u00a0 In the end it worked!\u00a0 Lupe reached firm rock along the edge of the S ridge.\u00a0 A quick scramble, and she was there.<\/p>\n

The American Dingo now stood on super easy terrain, just small rocks and a bit of scattered vegetation.\u00a0 Still hundreds of feet higher to go, but no sweat!\u00a0 Off to the N, a giant green ramp led up to a hilltop.<\/p>\n

That’s it, SPHP!\u00a0 Trout Peak’s summit!<\/em><\/p>\n

Absolutely!\u00a0 Got it made in the shade now, Looper!<\/em><\/p>\n

What shade, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Just an expression, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Trout Peak<\/strong> (L) from the upper S ridge<\/strong>. HP11843<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Before heading for the summit, Lupe went over to HP11843<\/span><\/strong> first, which was close by, and really not much of a detour.\u00a0 A quick glance over the edge convinced SPHP that the traverse to the S ridge hadn’t been a bad decision.<\/p>\n

The jaunt from HP11843<\/span><\/strong> to the summit was a joyful one!\u00a0 No worries, no obstacles.\u00a0 Lupe was thrilled to find a snowbank still melting away to thrash around on.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Trout Peak<\/strong> (R of Center) from HP11843<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the Dingo refrigerator. Peak 12120<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

7-9-22, 11:41 AM, 60\u00baF, Trout Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,244 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – The wind was 15 mph out of the SW when Lupe reached a semi-circular low wall of rocks up on Trout Peak’s summit ridge.\u00a0 The sky was smoky near the horizons, but visibility was otherwise good.\u00a0 Within the wall of rock, a white tube of the sort that nearly always contains a registry was next to a survey benchmark stamped with the lovely word “Trout”.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On Trout Peak<\/strong>! Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Trout survey benchmark<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The very highest ground looked like it might be a bit farther NW along the summit ridge, which was hundreds of feet long, or maybe a rock along the N edge right here.\u00a0 Coming up from the S, Trout had been a nothingburger romp up the big ramp, but the N edge was a precipice.<\/p>\n

Lupe had barely gotten to the summit when the unexpected happened.<\/p>\n

SPHP!\u00a0 Someone’s coming!<\/em><\/p>\n

What?\u00a0 Lupe hadn’t seen a soul since leaving the Jim Creek trailhead 2.5 days ago, and one minute after reaching Trout Peak she had company?\u00a0 Glancing up from the survey benchmark, SPHP saw it was true.\u00a0 A man was rapidly striding this way from the NW.<\/p>\n

Moments later, Lupe met Peter Gram<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
With Peter Gram<\/strong> on Trout Peak<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Peter Gram was soft-spoken and had a relaxed demeanor.\u00a0 He gave Lupe a pat and chatted with SPHP for most of the 20 minutes or so he stayed on Trout Peak.\u00a0 The tale Peter told was fascinating.<\/p>\n

Peter had once lived in the Black Hills region where Lupe and SPHP are from.\u00a0 He’d graduated from high school there years ago, and had enjoyed rock climbing in the Black Hills.\u00a0 Peter now lives in Wyoming, working remotely for a Silicon Valley company.<\/p>\n

Considering Trout Peak a mere day hike, Peter had left Spout Springs at 6:00 AM this morning.\u00a0 Initially intending to come over Robbers Roost on the way here, he’d gotten near that summit only to find it blocked by a grizzly with 2 cubs.<\/p>\n

Forced to retreat, traveling fast and light, Peter had descended into the deep valley N of Trout Peak, and made his way over to the NNW ridge.\u00a0 Not quite noon, yet Peter had already hiked 12 miles, and accumulated over 8,000 feet of total elevation gain just this morning.\u00a0 He attributed his incredible speed and endurance to having taken up running 100 mile marathons 5 years ago.<\/p>\n

Including the 3 grizzlies on Robbers Roost, Peter had run into a total of 9 so far.\u00a0 There’d been more grizzlies on Trout Peak’s NNW ridge.\u00a0 Peter had even taken a fabulous video of 2 enormous grizzlies fighting, or maybe playing, on a snowbank not too far from here.<\/p>\n

During the course of the conversation, Peter mentioned he’d climbed all 14’ers in the 48 contiguous states.\u00a0 Since it was a long way back to Spout Springs, he eventually excused himself with a friendly good-bye.\u00a0 His plan was to head down to HP11843<\/span><\/strong> where Lupe had come up, scramble down to the ridge leading to Robbers Roost, and hope mama grizzly and her cubs would have moved on by the time he got there.<\/p>\n

Then just like that, as quickly as he had arrived, Peter was on his way.<\/p>\n

Wow!\u00a0 Doesn’t happen very often, but every now and then we meet some incredible people in the mountains, don’t we, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

You know, Looper, the mountains are full of humbling experiences.\u00a0 That was another one.\u00a0 Super nice and incredibly capable guy!\u00a0 Thought of telling him about the chipmunk we saw 2 days ago, but somehow I just couldn’t.<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, you do what you can.\u00a0 Might as well be happy with it.\u00a0 Someone else can always do it higher, faster, farther, better.\u00a0 Just the way it is.<\/p>\n

Bet you’re ready for a chocolate coconut bar, Loop!\u00a0 Stand on that highest rock near the edge, then we’ll split one to celebrate the success of our 2.5 day trek to Trout Peak.<\/em><\/p>\n

Can we toast Peter’s under 6 hour success with some water, too, SPHP?\u00a0 I’m parched!<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, but of course, sweet puppy!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Along the N edge<\/strong>. Beartooth Mountains<\/strong> in the distance. Photo looks N with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Neither Peter nor SPHP had been able to open the white tube containing the official Trout Peak registry.\u00a0 However, there was also a green bottle of Valerian Root near it that SPHP opened without difficulty.\u00a0 Inside, a few long pieces of paper were stapled together.\u00a0 The top page contained the only entries.\u00a0 Mark Adrian, Bob Bolton, Duane Gilliland, and Richard Hensley, the same group whose GPS tracks and trip reports had inspired Lupe’s visit to Trout Peak today, were all there, and an apparent entry by “jh – NoDak” among the others might have been a clue as to Desert Rat’s true identity.<\/p>\n

The only other entry was by Josh Super on 8-1-21.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The benchmark, tightly sealed white tube, and Valerian Root bottle.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The Trout Peak mini-registry.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Peter Gram hadn’t bothered to sign this flimsy registry before moving on, but SPHP made certain Lupe’s name got added.<\/p>\n

There was a lot to see!\u00a0 After relaxing together for a while with Lupe curled up on SPHP’s lap near the survey benchmark, it was time to get up and have a look around.\u00a0 The chocolate coconut bar was long gone, and so was the last of the package of beef jerky SPHP had brought along.<\/p>\n

The SE end of the summit ridge was closest, so the American Dingo went that way first.\u00a0 Robbers Roost<\/span><\/a> (12,040 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> where Peter Gram would soon be shooing away grizzlies was only a mile E.\u00a0 Rattlesnake Mountain<\/span><\/a> (9,116 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Cedar Mountain<\/span><\/a> (7,880 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and the Buffalo Bill Reservoir were a lot farther SE.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Robbers Roost<\/strong> (L), Rattlesnake Mountain<\/strong> (Center), Cedar Mountain<\/strong> (R of Center), Buffalo Bill Reservoir<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

To the NE, Lupe looked down on the huge, deep bowl Peter had visited NW of Robbers Roost after conceding the mountain to the grizzlies.\u00a0 Looking S, the ridge leading to Peak<\/span> 12120<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, and the region Josh Super<\/span><\/strong><\/a> had explored was in view.\u00a0 The narrow ridge W of Peak 12120 featured several unusual and aesthetically pleasing blocky high points.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Robbers Roost<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 12120<\/strong> (L of Center) in the foreground. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A journey of several hundred feet was required to reach the NW end of the summit ridge.\u00a0 The view of Trout Peak’s NNW ridge was interesting.\u00a0 It featured a big, flat meadow with ragged cliffs along the edges.\u00a0 How had Peter come up it?\u00a0 The Beartooths were all snowy on the N horizon.\u00a0 With the help of the camera’s telephoto lens, it was possible to pick out Castle Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,612 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The twin spires of Pilot Peak<\/span><\/a> (11,699 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Index Peak<\/span><\/a> (11,240 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> were more easily discernable far to the NW, but looked small from here.\u00a0 Windy Mountain<\/span><\/a> (10,262 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was much closer, but not as high.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Part of Trout Peak’s summit ridge<\/strong>. Robbers Roost<\/strong> (far L), Rattlesnake Mountain<\/strong> (L), Cedar Mountain<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Trout Peak’s NNW ridge<\/strong> (L), Pilot Peak<\/strong> and Index Peak<\/strong> (L) tiny on the horizon. Windy Mountain<\/strong> (Center) in shadow. Beartooths<\/strong> beyond. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Castle Mountain<\/strong> (R of Center) in the Beartooths<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW with lots of help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

To the W, Dead Indian Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,216 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> lined up almost directly behind Dewey Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,220 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 A snowy mountain far beyond both may well have been Sunlight Peak<\/span><\/a> (11,922 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Dewey Mountain<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Dewey Mountain<\/strong> (Center) with Dead Indian Peak<\/strong> (slightly R) beyond. Snowy Sunlight Peak<\/strong> (slightly L) beyond both. Photo looks W with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Mountains stretched away in every direction as far as Loopster could see, except to the E, where it was clear they eventually came to an end.\u00a0 A big bowl NW of Peak 12120 with many snow-capped mountains in the distance was a favorite scene, but it was all splendid, a vast wilderness waiting to be explored!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 12120<\/strong> (L) and the bowl NW of it (Center). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

7-9-22, 1:19 PM, Trout Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,244 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – Peter had left more than an hour ago.\u00a0 Now Lupe’s time had come.\u00a0 The American Dingo stood in the SW breeze atop that high rock along the brink of the N edge only a few feet from the survey benchmark for the last time.\u00a0 When and if she might ever actually get to explore more of this wonderful part of the Absaroka Range was an unknown, part of the uncertain future.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Final moments on Trout Peak<\/strong>. Beartooths<\/strong> beyond. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Carolina Dog had made it to Trout Peak, though, despite it being a 2.5 day journey at SPHP’s pace, and that was all that mattered today.<\/p>\n

Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

A brief pause for a last look at all the glory before descending the broad green ramp leading down to HP11843<\/span><\/strong>, and Lupe was on her way.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About to start the descent to HP11843<\/span><\/strong> (L). Peak 12120<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Going down was so easy and fun!\u00a0 Spectacular views all around every step of the way.\u00a0 This time Lupe did go down Trout Peak’s S ridge, taking the route originally intended for her ascent.\u00a0 Turned out to be rockier than expected, but not difficult at all.\u00a0 Views of the upper Trout Creek valley far below were incredible.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the S ridge<\/strong>. Trout Creek valley<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Eventually Looper got down close to where the 10,600 foot plain SPHP had hoped to pitch the tiny house at last night was just across the way.\u00a0 Good thing that last effort required to get there had never been made.\u00a0 Someone else had already claimed it!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe alert! Giant deers at 10,600 feet!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

An enormous snowbank occupied part of the valley.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog had a blast on it!\u00a0 Exploration of this new part of the Trout Creek valley continued until the tiny house finally appeared ahead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Tiny house<\/strong> (Center) in sight! Rattlesnake Mountain<\/strong> (L), Cedar Mountain<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe ate, then relaxed enjoying the fabulous view of the big bowl across the valley while SPHP packed up the tiny house.<\/p>\n

How far are we going, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

As far as we can before it gets dark, Loop, or until one of us just can’t go any farther.<\/em><\/p>\n

This time SPHP did a much better job of following West Trout Peak Trail No. 763.1A.\u00a0 Lost it once for 15 minutes in the forest, but otherwise it all went well.\u00a0 Most of this route was considerably lower than where Lupe had been on the way in yesterday.<\/p>\n

7-9-22, 7:05 PM, Trout Creek valley<\/em> – SPHP lasted long enough for Loop to make it past both tributaries of Trout Creek coming down from the N, but that was it.\u00a0 The tiny house was set up on a grassy meadow just E of the last stream.\u00a0 Lupe had been energetic all this way, but now even she was looking tired, wanting to rest while watching the evening sunlight leave the mountains.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Robbers Roost<\/strong> (L) now far up the valley. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The mountain across the way. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

7-10-22, 3:46 PM, 90\u00baF, Jim Creek trailhead<\/em> – It was a long march back over all the same hills and ridges, following the same trails, and crossing all the same streams as 3 days ago, but the American Dingo had done it.\u00a0 Although the RAV4 was baking hot, Lupe couldn’t wait to leapt back up onto her pink blanket.<\/p>\n

Crazy Dingo!\u00a0 You’re going to cook in there!<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP opened all the windows, and the rear hatch.\u00a0 A hot, desert breeze blew the super-heated air out of the RAV4 in no time.\u00a0 Lupe was panting hard, but didn’t seem to care.\u00a0 Soon enough, SPHP had everything back in order.\u00a0 The AC was on, the RAV4 on its way back to Hwy 14\/16\/20, and life was good!<\/p>\n

Lupe’s Trout Peak adventure was over.\u00a0 What a grand time it had been!<\/p>\n

As it turned out, Trout Peak was also the final adventure of this entire Dingo Vacation.\u00a0 There’d been plans for a stop in the Bighorns next, but E of Cody a ferocious wind swept in out of the N.\u00a0 51\u00baF, temp dropping, and a gale when Loop arrived N of Bald Mountain<\/span><\/a> (10,042 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Well, Loopster, I’m no Peter Gram.\u00a0 Cramping up, and feeling worn out.\u00a0 Been a fabulous trip to Wyoming, but we can be home yet late tonight.<\/em><\/p>\n

Is that what you want to do, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, let’s go get cleaned up, rested up, and resupplied.\u00a0 Big things ahead, you know!\u00a0 Canada’s opened up!<\/em><\/p>\n

We’re going to Canada again, SPHP?\u00a0 We haven’t been there in 3 years!<\/em><\/p>\n

Darn tootin’ we’re going to Canada, Dingo!\u00a0 And Alaska, too!<\/em><\/p>\n

(End, home, 7-11-22, 1:06 AM)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On Trout Peak<\/strong>, Absaroka Range, Wyoming 7-9-22<\/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

Trout Peak, Absaroka Range, WY – Part 1: Jim Creek to Agee Creek (7-7-22)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Francs Peak, Absaroka Range, Wyoming – Part 1: The Meadow Creek Trail & Beyond! (7-15-20)<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Francs Peak Absaroka Range, Wyoming – Part 2: HP12064 – Part 2: HP12064 to the Summit!\u00a0 (7-15-20)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose from Lupe’s Summer of 2022 Dingo<\/span> Vacations to Wyoming, Canada & Alaska Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/em>, 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 23-26 of Lupe’s 1st Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming! 7-8-22, 9:16 AM, Agee Creek – Slept long and hard last night, yet still got off to a slow start.\u00a0 The sun was well up, the morning clear and bright, when Lupe emerged from the tiny house.\u00a0 Last night’s rain was but a … Continue reading Trout Peak, Absaroka Range, Wyoming – Part 2: Agee Creek to the Summit! (7-9-22)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":43573,"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":[1309,105,106,26,104,1610,1607,275],"class_list":["post-43570","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1585","tag-absaroka-range","tag-american-dingo","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-lupe","tag-peter-gram","tag-trout-peak","tag-wyoming"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/IMG_0019-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\/43570","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=43570"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43570\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":46243,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43570\/revisions\/46243"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/43573"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=43570"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=43570"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=43570"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}