{"id":48375,"date":"2023-05-18T08:10:05","date_gmt":"2023-05-18T14:10:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=48375"},"modified":"2023-06-07T10:03:43","modified_gmt":"2023-06-07T16:03:43","slug":"black-hills-sd-expedition-no-314-hat-mountain-with-poppy-hv-lv-plus-nipple-butte-flag-mountain-peak-6962-5-1-23","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=48375","title":{"rendered":"Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 314 – Hat Mountain with Poppy, HV & LV, plus Nipple Butte, Flag Mountain & Peak 6962 (5-1-23)"},"content":{"rendered":"

8:40 AM, 47\u00baF, Deerfield Road<\/em> – Not a cloud in the sky!\u00a0 A gorgeous day, and Lupe was excited.\u00a0 For the first time since early February, she was adventure bound in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota!<\/p>\n

To what do I owe this great honor, SPHP?\u00a0 I’d about given up on ever going on another Black Hills expedition again!<\/em><\/p>\n

I know it, Loop.\u00a0 That’s been my fault.\u00a0 Got way behind on your blogging, and have been trying to catch up.\u00a0 Already May now, and summer is just around the corner.\u00a0 Want to be ready for your next Dingo Vacation, you know!<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, I get it, SPHP!\u00a0 You’ve caught up, and we need to start adventuring again, so you’ll have something to write about.\u00a0 That’s even better!<\/em><\/p>\n

No, I’m not caught up quite yet, Loopster, but this outing has been in the works for many moons now, and we’re super overdue for an adventure.\u00a0 Today you’re going to get to meet Poppy, HV, and LV.<\/em><\/p>\n

Poppy and HV!\u00a0 They’ve written a lot of nice comments on my blog, SPHP!\u00a0 Will be awesome to get to meet them, but who is LV?<\/em><\/p>\n

LV means Low Voice, which is Rollie.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, so HV means High Voice, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Correctamundo, Looper!\u00a0 HV is Dawnette.\u00a0 It’s all quite simple.\u00a0 Poppy just has a bigger support team than you do.<\/em><\/p>\n

Like SPHP means Slow Plodding Human Porter, got it, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Good!\u00a0 Now try to behave.\u00a0 No were-puppy attacks, please!<\/em><\/p>\n

8:50 AM<\/em> – S of Deerfield Reservoir, SPHP turned L onto Williams Draw Road (USFS Road No. 691)<\/em>, and parked the RAV4 near a corral Lupe had never seen before.\u00a0 The American Dingo leapt out as soon as SPHP opened the door.\u00a0 No one was around.<\/p>\n

Where is Poppy, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Don’t worry, she’ll be here, Loop.\u00a0 We’re a few minutes early, that’s all.<\/em><\/p>\n

Actually, Poppy, HV & LV had already been here.\u00a0 Moments later, their Honda Accord returned to the corral, coming N on Williams Draw Road after checking for Lupe farther S.\u00a0 As they emerged from their vehicle, Loopster was all wound up, shrilly barking greetings to one and all.<\/p>\n

Poppy, was very friendly and excited, too, but not so vocal about it.\u00a0 A three year old Golden Retriever with a beautiful red coat and bright, happy eyes, Poppy was full of energy and enthusiasm, clearly looking forward to a romp in the hills.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
New friend Poppy<\/strong> by the corral.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Rollie<\/strong> (LV) and Dawnette<\/strong> (HV).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Greetings and introductions were exchanged among the humans, too.\u00a0 During initial chatter about careers, and life events like graduations, Dawnette made a comment SPHP mischievously interpreted as implying disbelief that SPHP had ever actually graduated from anything.<\/p>\n

Not what Dawnette meant, of course, (or so she maintained).\u00a0 Everyone laughed, and the subject became a running joke.<\/p>\n

Once these preliminaries were complete, it was Onward!\u00a0 Puppies, ho!<\/em> heading S on Williams Draw Road.\u00a0 Hat Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,779 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was the morning’s objective, an excellent choice selected by HV some time ago.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Setting off for Hat Mountain<\/strong> (Center) on Williams Draw Road. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Right from the start, Poppy joyfully raced ahead.\u00a0 Apparently, being off leash was a relatively rare treat for her, due to prior incidents of having set off on her own private alone-in-the-woods overnight adventures.\u00a0 No doubt they had been interesting times, but HV and LV weren’t keen on a repeat, since such antics can turn out poorly.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the trek had barely started when the Carolina Dog pooped right on the road.\u00a0 SPHP shot her a look.<\/p>\n

Loopster!\u00a0 Really?\u00a0 What happened to being on your best behavior?<\/em><\/p>\n

Sorry, SPHP.\u00a0 Just had to get that out of my system!\u00a0 Good to go now!<\/em><\/p>\n

Looks like you already went.<\/em><\/p>\n

Fine company and pleasant conversation made the time fly during the gradual uphill march along Williams Draw Road.\u00a0 Suddenly, everyone was already less than 0.25 mile E of Hat Mountain’s summit.\u00a0 SPHP was of the opinion that this was as good a spot as any to leave the road.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Starting up Hat Mountain’s E slope<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Leaving Williams Draw Road, Hat Mountain’s summit was already less than 300 feet higher.\u00a0 The E slope began as a moderately steep climb through open Ponderosa pine forest.\u00a0 Soon the rate of climb diminished, and trees were scarcer as snow banks near the grassy S ridge came into view.\u00a0 Soon the whole gang was up on the broad ridge, looking N at the last bit remaining to get on top, Poppy still leading the way.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
HV<\/strong>, LV<\/strong> and Poppy<\/strong> on the upper E slope<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the S ridge<\/strong>. Summit dead ahead! Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9:46 AM, 52\u00baF<\/em> – HV had been to Hat Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,779 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> before, so she had already known what a fabulous viewpoint it would be when she’d chosen it.\u00a0 Somewhat rare in that it sits in grand isolation a mile or two away from the rest of the limestone plateau high country of the western Black Hills, Hat Mountain is also unusual for it’s roomy, pancake flat, barren summit that provides sweeping 360\u00ba panoramic views.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
HV<\/strong>, Poppy<\/strong> and LV<\/strong> with Loopster on Hat Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The broader, pancake flat summit region<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Although both HV and Lupe had been here before, LV and Poppy hadn’t.\u00a0 A leisurely tour of the views began with a stroll over to the N end of the summit plateau.\u00a0 Reynolds Prairie was in sight beyond glimpses of still frozen Deerfield Reservoir.\u00a0 Custer Peak<\/span><\/a> (6,804 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> stuck out near the horizon.<\/p>\n

Terry Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,064 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was even farther away past the W edge of Reynolds Prairie, well beyond where South Castle Rock<\/span><\/a> (6,840 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Castle Rock<\/span><\/a> (6,783 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Nipple Butte<\/span><\/a> (6,800 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, and Flag Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,937 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> were all lined up along the E edge of the limestone plateau overlooking the prairie.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Flag Mountain<\/strong> & Terry Peak<\/strong> (far L), Custer Peak<\/strong> (R of Center) beyond Reynolds Prairie<\/strong>. Part of Deerfield Reservoir<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Higher pine-covered ridges of the limestone plateau hemmed in views to the W and S, but LV was able to identify Five Points<\/span><\/a> (6,221 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> miles off to the E.\u00a0 Turned out that Poppy, HV, and LV live not too far from it.<\/p>\n

To the SE, Black Elk Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,231 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0loomed beyond Gillette Prairie.\u00a0 Copper Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,920 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Green Mountain<\/span><\/a> (7,164 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> were easy to pick out along the edge of the limestone plateau.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (L) beyond Gillette Prairie<\/strong>, Copper Mountain<\/strong> (Center) beyond HV<\/strong>, and Green Mountain<\/strong> (R) beyond LV<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Every now and then, Poppy dashed down one side of the mountain or the other to do some sniffing and exploring on her own, but always came charging back up when called.\u00a0 Such a beautiful day that SPHP wondered if Poppy, HV and LV might have time to do a little more?<\/p>\n

There was talk of a quick visit to the Dragon Caves<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, which weren’t too far away, but LV had work he really needed to get back to.\u00a0 50 minutes after arriving, Poppy and HV led the way down Hat Mountain’s NW slope.\u00a0 HV kind of wanted to go back that way, looking for a road she’d taken the first time she’d been here.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Poppy<\/strong>, HV<\/strong> and LV<\/strong> start down. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Loopster still up on Hat Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Descending the NW slope, LV commented on the crocuses beginning to emerge.\u00a0 SPHP was surprised and happy to hear them referred to that way.\u00a0 Crocuses was what SPHP had always called them, too, although all the online information SPHP had seen referred to them as pasques<\/span><\/strong><\/a>, the South Dakota state flower.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Emerging crocuses.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After losing sufficient elevation, HV rediscovered the road she’d been on before down in the forest.\u00a0 Taking it NE, the unmarked road soon linked up with Williams Draw Road.\u00a0 From there, it was an easy stroll back to the vehicles still waiting near the corral.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Poppy<\/strong> enjoying a lingering snowbank along the unmarked road while LV<\/strong> and HV<\/strong> look on. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

11:36 AM, 54\u00baF, Williams Draw Road near Deerfield Road<\/em> – Hat Mountain had been a success, but it was already time for good-byes.\u00a0 It had been fun getting to meet Poppy, HV and LV.\u00a0 Poppy might have had the best time of all, with all the running and roaming around she’d gotten to do.\u00a0 She was a beautiful dog, with many fabulous adventures ahead of her!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Black Hills adventurer Poppy<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Poppy, HV, and LV were soon on their way.\u00a0 Naturally, the question was now, what next?\u00a0 The American Dingo didn’t have any work she needed to get back to.<\/p>\n

That was fun, SPHP!\u00a0 Poppy, HV, and LV sure were nice, but I do have one other question, too.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, really?\u00a0 What’s that Looper?<\/em><\/p>\n

So, did you really graduate, or not, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, for Pete’s sake!\u00a0 Not you, too!\u00a0 Of course, I graduated!<\/em><\/p>\n

Sorry for asking, SPHP.\u00a0 It’s just that sometimes you … oh, never mind!\u00a0 It’s a gorgeous day in May, so what are we going to do?<\/em><\/p>\n

I dunno.\u00a0 Don’t really have anything planned, but give me a few minutes, and I’ll think of something, Loop.\u00a0 Meanwhile, Deerfield Reservoir is close.\u00a0 Why don’t we have a look?<\/em><\/p>\n

12:04 PM<\/em> –\u00a0 The W end of Deerfield Reservoir was only partially frozen, and the ice looked thin where it still was.\u00a0 Not a thing was going on here, other than a lone Canadian enjoying a brisk swim.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Dropping by the W end of Deerfield Reservoir<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The hardy Canadian.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Time’s a-wasting, SPHP!\u00a0 Come up with anything yet?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, I think so, Loop.\u00a0 Been a long time since we’ve been to some of these named peaks along the E edge of the limestone plateau, and we’re not far from them.\u00a0 We could visit Nipple Butte, Flag Mountain, and Peak<\/span> 6962<\/span><\/a><\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Peak 6962!\u00a0 Why, SPHP?\u00a0 There’s a good reason we haven’t been there in a long time.\u00a0 The approach is ghastly!\u00a0 Don’t you remember all the deadfall and the broken barbed wire fence?\u00a0 I’m fine with Nipple Butte and Flag Mountain, though.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, but we can do Peak 6962 one more time, Looper.\u00a0 Been meaning to return to it for ages now, and when LV mentioned the crocuses, that got me thinking.\u00a0 First time we ever went to Peak 6962 we came to a place we called Perfect Crocus Ridge because so many beautiful crocuses were there.\u00a0 Would kind of like to see if we can find them again.\u00a0 You’ve got to admit, it’s the perfect time of year for it, too!<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, I suppose, but let’s do Nipple Butte and Flag Mountain first, SPHP.\u00a0 We can go for Peak 6962 after that, if there’s still time.\u00a0 Deal?<\/em><\/p>\n

Deal!<\/em><\/p>\n

12:26 PM, 56\u00baF, Junction of USFS Roads No. 189 & No. 599<\/em> – Lupe leapt out as soon as SPHP opened the door.\u00a0 Nipple Butte<\/span><\/a> (6,800 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was only 0.3 mile S.\u00a0 Forest hid its ragged limestone summit from where the RAV4 was parked, but the meadow N of the road provided a good look at it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Parked at the junction of USFS Roads No. 189 & No. 599. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Nipple Butte<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nipple Butte doesn’t look like much from here, SPHP.\u00a0 Feels a lot different up on top, though!\u00a0 How long has it been since we climbed it?\u00a0 Seems like forever.<\/em><\/p>\n

More than 5 years, Looper.\u00a0 Can hardly believe it’s been that long myself.<\/em><\/p>\n

On the Carolina Dog’s previous ascents, she’d always been coming from the S, and had ultimately gone up via a chute on the very steep upper W slope.\u00a0 Approaching from the N was a new experience, but turned out to be quite similar in most respects.<\/p>\n

What began as a gentle climb through a thin forest, quickly steepened, as Lupe picked her way through a minefield of deadfall.\u00a0 By the time the first limestone outcroppings appeared, she wasn’t far from the top.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching Nipple Butte<\/strong> from the N. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Below the first limestone formations. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Swinging around to the W, and up a rocky ramp, the American Dingo managed to reach an initial viewpoint.\u00a0 Flag Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,937 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was only a mile N, with Custer Peak<\/span><\/a> (6,804 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> in the distance beyond it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Going up the ramp. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Flag Mountain<\/strong> (far L). NW end of Reynolds Prairie<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Switching to the E side of the next higher outcropping, a fairly easy route led to an opening with access to the summit block.\u00a0 SPHP had to give the Carolina Dog a 5 or 6 foot boost, before scrambling up after her.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The upper NE route to the true summit<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the summit platform<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1:00 PM, 61\u00baF<\/em> – Nipple Butte<\/span><\/a> (6,800 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> also has a flat, open summit, but a tiny one compared to Hat Mountain.\u00a0 With vertical edges never more than a few feet away, it’s an airy perch.\u00a0 A lone chunk of limestone, just the right size to serve as a Dingo display rock, was the absolute top.\u00a0 Lupe was able to leap up onto it under her own power.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On Nipple Butte<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ta da!\u00a0 Chocolate coconut bar time, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

So it was!\u00a0 Lupe hopped off the summit rock, then laid down while SPHP fetched a chocolate coconut bar out of the pack.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
HP6856<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once the chocolate coconut bar had been dispatched, SPHP munched an apple.<\/p>\n

This squeezy little platform always makes Nipple Butte feel so much higher than it really is, doesn’t it, Loop?<\/em><\/p>\n

Nipple Butte is plenty high, SPHP!\u00a0 Can we see Hat Mountain from here?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup.\u00a0 It’s a little hard to pick out, because the ridge behind it is higher, but it’s that conical hill almost due S with the grassy slope toward the R.<\/em><\/p>\n

I see it, SPHP.\u00a0 Looks mighty small.<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, it’s 5 miles away, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
S end of Reynolds Prairie<\/strong> (L), Green Mountain<\/strong> (Center), Hat Mountain<\/strong> (R), Castle Rock<\/strong> (far R in the foreground). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Flag Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,937 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was a mile N.\u00a0 Castle Rock<\/span><\/a> (6,783 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was less than that far S.\u00a0 Reynolds Prairie was E, and the forested highlands of the limestone plateau country were W.\u00a0 Lupe barely had to budge to see it all from up here.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Castle Rock<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Reynolds Prairie<\/strong>. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Flag Mountain<\/strong> (L), Reynolds Prairie<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Half an hour was going to have to be enough on Nipple Butte with both Flag Mountain and Peak 6962 on the agenda.\u00a0 Soon it was time to head back down.\u00a0 Lupe watched while SPHP carefully slid backward over the N edge of the summit block, before helping her down, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Final moments on Nipple Butte<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Instead of heading back down the N slope, Lupe made her traditional W chute descent.\u00a0 Once safely below the chute, she headed NW down to USFS Road No. 189.1B, then NE back to the RAV4.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking down the W chute<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
And back up it. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lower end of the W chute<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Heading down to USFS Road No. 189.1B. HP6897<\/span><\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Without stopping, Lupe went right on by.\u00a0 Heading up the slope leading to Flag Mountain’s S ridge, she had a terrific view of Nipple Butte back to the S.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Nipple Butte<\/strong> as seen from the S end of Flag Mountain’s S ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The rate of climb soon diminished.\u00a0 Flag Mountain came back in sight, as Lupe continued N along the broad ridgeline.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Flag Mountain<\/strong> (Center) from its S ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Gradually gaining elevation despite a couple of dips along the way, Lupe stayed to the W (L) when she came to a big limestone formation near the Flag Mountain access spur off USFS Road No. 189.\u00a0 Following the road all the way to the end got the Carolina Dog just shy of the summit.<\/p>\n

A set of stone steps led up onto the limestone escarpment where what remained of the old fire lookout still stood perched at the E end.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the end of the Flag Mountain access road<\/strong>, just below the summit. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At what’s left of the old Flag Mountain fire lookout.<\/strong> Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2:49 PM, 63\u00baF, Flag Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,937 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> –<\/em><\/p>\n

Nearly a year since we were here with Dennis Stewart<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, remember, Loop?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, of course!\u00a0 What a difference, too, SPHP!\u00a0 We could hardly see a thing back then due to fog.\u00a0 So cold that it was even trying to snow!<\/em><\/p>\n

With scarcely a cloud in the sky, there were no such difficulties today.\u00a0 The views were excellent, but to the S, E and W they were all similar to those seen from Nipple Butte.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
L to R beyond Reynolds Prairie<\/strong>: Medicine Mountain<\/strong>, Copper Mountain<\/strong>, Green Mountain<\/strong> and Hat Mountain<\/strong>. Nipple Butte<\/strong> and Castle Rock<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Hat Mountain<\/strong> (L) in the distance, Nipple Butte<\/strong> and Castle Rock<\/strong> (Center).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Flag Mountain’s limestone summit ridge<\/strong> from within the fire lookout foundation. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Out on the escarpment. Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (far R) on the horizon. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The view to the N, though, was now substantially different.\u00a0 The dreaded Peak<\/span> 6962<\/span><\/a><\/strong> and White Tail Peak<\/span><\/a> (6,962 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> were now in sight.\u00a0 Both were long ridges along the E edge of the limestone plateau country, bordered partly by lines of cliffs, and without any conspicuous summit.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 6962<\/strong> (Center), White Tail Peak<\/strong> (R), and Terry Peak<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Yes, but White Tail Peak has all the best viewpoints, and all Peak 6962 has is a wretched long approach choked with deadfall, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup, it’s icky, Loop, but there’s actually a better way than our traditional route from the SW.\u00a0 Craig Johnson<\/strong><\/span><\/a> later described a route from the S<\/span><\/strong><\/a> that’s not supposed to have much deadfall.\u00a0 We saw that valley before, but never went that way.<\/em><\/p>\n

Then let’s go that way now, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

We can do that on the way back, Loopster.\u00a0 If we don’t take our old route there, we’ll never find Perfect Crocus Ridge again.<\/em><\/p>\n

For the crocuses then, SPHP!\u00a0 Last time I’m ever going this way, though.<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe had only been to Peak 6962 twice before, and both times she’d gone W from Flag Mountain, staying high while skirting a gigantic bowl.\u00a0 This route was nearly all forested, and involved a fair amount of up and down along the way, although nothing particularly steep.<\/p>\n

Horrid amounts of deadfall, along with a dangerous, damaged barbed wire fence, made the last part of the journey particularly odious.\u00a0 No reason not to expect the same again today.\u00a0 Nevertheless, the American Dingo once again left Flag Mountain plunging W into the forest.<\/p>\n

Even here, the deadfall was pretty bad.\u00a0 Winding and leaping her way through it, the situation didn’t improve until after Lupe crossed the Flag Mountain access road, and continuing W, got over the next hill.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A rare clearing on the way to Peak 6962. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A mile W of Flag Mountain, Lupe passed close to USFS Road No. 189.\u00a0 It was time to turn NW.\u00a0 Quite a bit of deadfall was on this next thickly forested hill as the Carolina Dog began climbing again.<\/p>\n

You know, SPHP, we could take one of these roads!\u00a0 Would make life a lot easier, at least part of the way.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, but where’s the tedious adventure in that?\u00a0 Besides, this route is both shorter and an old tradition now, Looper.\u00a0 We’re doing fine.<\/em><\/p>\n

Reaching HP6920<\/span><\/strong>, USFS Road No. 189 was in view again.\u00a0 After a short break, even SPHP was ready to take the road for a while.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
USFS Road No. 189 from HP6920<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Too late!\u00a0 Lupe had hardly made any progress along No. 189 when SPHP realized that she really ought to be up on the ridge next to it.\u00a0 The map showed some sort of a primitive road up on the ridge, too, but when the American Dingo got up there, it didn’t really exist.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Briefly on USFS Road No. 189 shortly before leaving it again. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Hmm. Not much of a road up here, is there, Loopster?<\/em> Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Well, maybe in another 200 or 300 years, the series of small hills along Peak 6962’s mile plus long SW ridge will be the way to go.\u00a0 Not today.\u00a0 The dreaded deadfall was worse than ever, and the broken barbed wire fence was still a dangerous, hidden tangle amid it all.\u00a0 Staying W of the treacherous fence, poor Lupe had to leap over countless dead trees, their trunks often stacked 2 or 3 high.<\/p>\n

All in vain, too!\u00a0 Sadly, Perfect Crocus Ridge was no more.\u00a0 At least, SPHP couldn’t find it, even though Lupe must have gone right by it at some point.\u00a0 Not a crocus to be seen anywhere along the way.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Along the rim of the bowl. Peak 6962<\/span>‘s S ridge<\/strong> (L), Reynolds Prairie<\/strong> (Center), Flag Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6:15 PM, 60\u00baF, Peak<\/span> 6962<\/span><\/a><\/strong> <\/em>–\u00a0 The barbed wire fence had been left behind, but the ghastly deadfall extended all the way to a small, bright green patch of kinnikinnick which seemed to be at or close to the highest point on the mountain.\u00a0 Hard to be precise, since such an enormous region was at essentially the same elevation.<\/p>\n

Sunlight was streaming through the shattered forest when Lupe arrived, but all distant views were badly tree-broken.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 6962 summit<\/strong>, or at least the S high point<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Think this is about it, Looper.\u00a0 Summit of Peak 6962!<\/em><\/p>\n

Hasn’t changed much, has it, SPHP?\u00a0 How long has it been since we’ve been here?<\/em><\/p>\n

A long time, Loopster.\u00a0 Nearly 8 years!<\/em><\/p>\n

It’s been a grueling journey, SPHP.\u00a0 Wouldn’t happen to have a chocolate coconut bar and some water, would you?<\/em><\/p>\n

I do, but before we do that, Loop, there is supposed to be another high point that’s also potentially a true summit candidate 500 feet farther N.\u00a0 We ought to tag it, as well.<\/em><\/p>\n

Without complaint, Lupe made this journey, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At or near Peak 6962’s N summit candidate<\/strong>. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6:26 PM, Peak 6962<\/em> – The exact location of the N high point was similarly next to impossible to identify, but Lupe must have been close to it when SPHP shared that final hard-won chocolate coconut bar of the day with her.\u00a0 With nothing but tree-broken views here, too, the Carolina Dog saw no reason to linger.<\/p>\n

Satisfied, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, I guess so, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

So what’s your opinion, SPHP?\u00a0 Which high point is Peak 6962’s true summit?<\/em><\/p>\n

The S one, Loopster, but that’s just a wild guess, a faint impression.\u00a0 Might easily be totally mistaken.<\/em><\/p>\n

Hardly matters, SPHP.\u00a0 Can’t be much difference between them, and how often does anyone visit Peak 6962, anyway?\u00a0 Not much to see here, until the forest burns down someday.<\/em><\/p>\n

Still glad we came, Loop.\u00a0 I like the quiet remoteness of it.\u00a0 Sad we couldn’t find Perfect Crocus Ridge again, though.\u00a0 Would have been fun to see it.<\/em><\/p>\n

Heading back through the deadfall, which wasn’t as bad here as along the SW ridge, Lupe returned to Peak 6962’s S high point, which SPHP still considered, rightly or wrongly, the true summit.\u00a0 For a moment, Lupe paused briefly to glance WNW toward the sinking sun and a distant blue ridge.\u00a0 SPHP wondered if she would ever be here again?<\/p>\n

This time, the American Dingo departed Peak 6962 heading down the previously unexplored valley to the S recommended by Craig Johnson.\u00a0 Super easy!\u00a0 Nothing at all like the traditional ordeal along the SW ridge!\u00a0 Lupe followed a broad swath of open ground bordered by scattered stands of pines down a nearly mile long obstacle-free slope.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Exploring the S valley<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

USFS Road No. 599 was waiting at the bottom.\u00a0 A pleasant 2 mile road hike around the E side Flag Mountain was all that remained.<\/p>\n

7:52 PM, 42\u00baF<\/em> – The sun was down, but it was still light out when Lupe reached the RAV4.\u00a0 As dusk came on during the drive home, the Carolina Dog was hysterical due to all the deer along Deerfield Road, including a giant deer that sprang across the highway right in front of the RAV4.\u00a0 The exciting wildlife display didn’t end until nearly Hill City.<\/p>\n

Well, Expedition No. 314 turned out to be quite the day!\u00a0 Felt good being back out in the Black Hills again, didn’t it, Loop?<\/em><\/p>\n

Sure did, SPHP!\u00a0 Got to meet Poppy, HV and LV, and visited 4 mountains at or near the edge of the limestone plateau!\u00a0 Hoping this is a sign of more good times to come!<\/em><\/p>\n

Poppy launched us back into action, Loopster!\u00a0 Summer of 2023 is right around the corner now.\u00a0 Gonna be great.\u00a0 Adventure season is upon us, sweet puppy!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
With Poppy<\/strong>, HV<\/strong> and LV<\/strong> on Hat Mountain<\/strong>, Black Hills of South Dakota 5-1-23<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Note:<\/strong> <\/span>Dawnette (HV) and Rollie (LV) are owner-operators of the popular, highly-rated Annie Lode Coffee Cabin<\/strong><\/span><\/a> located 3.5 miles NE of Hill City on US Hwy No. 385\/16 (0.3 mile W of Three Forks).\u00a0 <\/em>Dingo recommended!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the Annie Lode Coffee Cabin<\/strong>, 23828 Hwy 385, Hill City, South Dakota<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

Next Black Hills Expedition<\/span><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Prior Black Hills Expedition<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Hat Mountain GPS Track<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Nipple Butte GPS Track<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Flag Mountain & Peak 6962 GPS Track<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Peak 6962 GPS Track (Descent)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0 Check out Lupe’s Black Hills, SD & WY\u00a0Expeditions\u00a0Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a>, <\/em>Master Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/a>, or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures<\/span><\/strong><\/a>!<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

8:40 AM, 47\u00baF, Deerfield Road – Not a cloud in the sky!\u00a0 A gorgeous day, and Lupe was excited.\u00a0 For the first time since early February, she was adventure bound in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota! To what do I owe this great honor, SPHP?\u00a0 I’d about given up on ever going on … Continue reading Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 314 – Hat Mountain with Poppy, HV & LV, plus Nipple Butte, Flag Mountain & Peak 6962 (5-1-23)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":48300,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[105,1652,9,106,1650,177,118,1649,104,1648,179,178,1647,1651],"class_list":["post-48375","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-black-hills","tag-american-dingo","tag-annie-lode-coffee-cabin","tag-black-hills-expeditions","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dawnette","tag-flag-mountain","tag-hat-mountain","tag-hv","tag-lupe","tag-lv","tag-nipple-butte","tag-peak-6962","tag-poppy","tag-rollie"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/IMG_0659-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\/48375","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=48375"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48375\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":49362,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48375\/revisions\/49362"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/48300"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=48375"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=48375"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=48375"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}