{"id":4899,"date":"2017-08-17T08:10:31","date_gmt":"2017-08-17T14:10:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=4899"},"modified":"2020-09-21T14:51:44","modified_gmt":"2020-09-21T20:51:44","slug":"black-hills-sd-expedition-no-101-zimmer-ridge-peak-6600-10-23-14","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=4899","title":{"rendered":"Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 101 – Zimmer Ridge & Peak 6600 (10-23-14)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ever since SPHP ran across the site Peakbagger.com early in May, 2014, Lupe had been working on climbing all of the peaks she was able to on Peakbagger’s list of Black Hills 6500-foot Peaks<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0 By now, she had been on top of almost all of them.\u00a0 Of course, the list contains a number of peaks Lupe will never be able to climb, because they\u00a0are legally off limits or require climbing gear.<\/p>\n

American Dingoes are purists.\u00a0 If\u00a0a mountain requires climbing gear, they don’t even try it.\u00a0 They only bother to climb mountains they can summit completely unaided under their own power.\u00a0 They never rely on ropes, or crampons, or\u00a0snowshoes, or ice axes, etc.\u00a0 At least that’s what American Dingoes claim.\u00a0 In\u00a0practice,\u00a0Lupe has\u00a0fudged at a few peaks\u00a0by allowing SPHP to lift her up onto the highest rocks.<\/p>\n

On this beautiful October day, Lupe was intent on reaching a couple of the few remaining climbable peaks on the Black Hills 6500-foot Peaks list that she hadn’t been to yet, Zimmer Ridge<\/a><\/span> (6,600 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Peak 6600<\/a><\/strong><\/span>.\u00a0 Both peaks are in the same general area 5-7 miles SW of Hill City.\u00a0 Lupe would\u00a0begin her quest\u00a0on USFS Road No. 387.1, about 0.5 mile from Hwy 385 (10:37 AM, 54\u00b0F).<\/p>\n

Lupe and SPHP started the day\u00a0following No. 387.1 as it wound its way NW through a narrow canyon.\u00a0 There was a creek near the road, which Lupe was glad to see, since it meant she could help herself to cold, clear water anytime she wished.\u00a0 The maps show different names for this creek.\u00a0 SPHP’s old USFS map show it as Whitehouse Creek.\u00a0 The Peakbagger.com topo maps show it as White Horse Creek.<\/p>\n

The canyon widened out into a bigger valley, as Lupe continued NW.\u00a0 The road was wide and appeared to be built to county specs, which made it\u00a0uninteresting.\u00a0 After Lupe had gone a mile or more, the confusion about the creek’s name cleared up.\u00a0 A little way ahead, Lupe saw a white horse standing with a few friends at the edge of the forest.\u00a0\u00a0Lupe assured SPHP that this was the actual White Horse of White Horse Creek, which seemed logical enough.<\/p>\n

Toward the S end of the valley between Zimmer Ridge and Peak 6600, the USFS map shows 160 acres of private property\u00a0in the shape of an upside down and reversed “L”.\u00a0 The horses Lupe was approaching were probably on that private land.\u00a0 To stay on USFS land,\u00a0Lupe\u00a0left No. 387.1 angling NE up Zimmer Ridge.<\/p>\n

Lupe’s route grew progressively steeper as\u00a0Lupe climbed through a dense forest of young trees.\u00a0 It had been sunny and warm down in the valley, but when Lupe and SPHP arrived up on the ridgeline, it was breezy and cool.\u00a0 Lupe was close to the S end of the high ground on the summit ridge.\u00a0 After a short break, Lupe went N looking for the summit.<\/p>\n

Along the way, Lupe reached two false summits. \u00a0The second false summit provided the first real views in any direction.\u00a0 Lupe could see to the SSE toward Sylvan Hill<\/a><\/span> (7,000 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 She could also see the true summit of Zimmer Ridge.\u00a0 It was still farther N along the ridge.<\/p>\n

\"Lupe<\/a>
Lupe on the 2nd false summit she came to on Zimmer Ridge. The dead tree points just to the R of Sylvan Hill (Center). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The ridgeline going over to the true summit was broad and fairly level.\u00a0 It should have been an easy trek.\u00a0 However, there was a\u00a0lot of deadfall timber.\u00a0 Several rocky spots and\u00a0dense stands\u00a0of thistles slowed SPHP down, too.\u00a0 It took SPHP a while to get over to the true summit.\u00a0 Lupe had plenty of time to sniff and explore.<\/p>\n

Zimmer Ridge\u00a0culminates in a couple\u00a0clusters of boulders jutting up right next to each\u00a0other at the true summit.\u00a0 The highest rocks were all\u00a0very nearly the same elevation.\u00a0 \u00a0Despite the purist intentions of the American Dingo, it was fudging time.\u00a0 SPHP had to lift Lupe\u00a0the last few feet to get\u00a0her up on top.\u00a0 She didn’t look all that comfortable perched high on Zimmer Ridge, but she did her best to act as if everything was just lovely.<\/p>\n

\"Lupe<\/a>
Lupe acts as if its just grand up on the true summit of Zimmer Ridge, even though it looked like she had an uncomfortable perch. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"High<\/a>
High rocks of the other cluster of boulders at the summit of Zimmer Ridge. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP was surprised to see that there was yet\u00a0another high point on Zimmer Ridge about 0.33 mile to the NNE.\u00a0 It looked almost the same elevation as the true summit.\u00a0 SPHP had to consults the maps to make certain it wasn’t actually higher.\u00a0 The maps\u00a0showed that it was only 6,583 ft., or 17 feet lower.<\/p>\n

Even though Lupe\u00a0had already reached the summit, it seemed like a shame not to go on and finish her explorations of\u00a0Zimmer Ridge\u00a0all the way to the N high point.\u00a0 The first part of the trek over there wasn’t bad, but as Lupe got closer, there were big rock\u00a0formations to maneuver around.\u00a0 The deadfall timber and thistles were bad, too.<\/p>\n

The N high point was\u00a0a better\u00a0place to relax\u00a0than the true summit.\u00a0\u00a0Some flat ground\u00a0provided\u00a0a high perch with a\u00a0great view to the N.\u00a0\u00a0Lupe and SPHP took a break there.\u00a0 After the break, Lupe finished\u00a0her climb up\u00a0a big rock pile\u00a0to the top of the N high point.<\/p>\n

\"Lupe<\/a>
Lupe on the high point at the N end of Zimmer Ridge. It is only 17 feet lower than the true summit. Photo looks SSW at the true summit.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

With her explorations of Zimmer Ridge complete, it was time to start\u00a0for Peak 6600, located 1.75 miles\u00a0due W.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP left the N high point heading WNW down the mountain.\u00a0 Lupe lost hundreds of feet of elevation, and arrived at USFS Road No. 387.1B a short distance NE of a\u00a0saddle over to the next ridge.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP followed the road up to the saddle.<\/p>\n

SPHP had intended to just cross the road, and follow the ridgeline NW until it swept around to the W to a point where Lupe could\u00a0turn S to Peak 6600.\u00a0 However,\u00a0while Lupe might not be tired\u00a0of the deadfall timber yet, SPHP was.\u00a0 Even though Lupe would lose more elevation that would have to be regained, it seemed easier to just stay on No. 387.1B.<\/p>\n

So, Lupe remained on No. 387.1B\u00a0continuing SW from the saddle.\u00a0 The road reached its low point where it turned NW to start gaining elevation again.\u00a0 A small pond was shining in the sunlight near the bend.\u00a0 Lupe was happy to see it.\u00a0 She ran to the pond, plunked herself down in it and had a big drink.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
The pond near the low point of USFS Road No. 387.1B. Lupe cooled off here and enjoyed a big drink, before continuing on her way to Peak 6600. Photo looks SW into the glare of the sun.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Fully refreshed from her pond break, Lupe shook herself off and was ready to go again.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP followed No. 387.1B into the upper end of White Horse gulch.\u00a0 The road went\u00a0NW 0.75 mile, turned W and soon came to a turnaround loop.\u00a0 Lupe was now at almost the same elevation as the ridge to the N.\u00a0 From the turnaround loop, it was only a short trek off the road to get on the ridgeline for a look at the country on the other side.<\/p>\n

SPHP went to take a look at the view, but Lupe never made it that far.\u00a0 As Lupe approached, a gray and white rabbit suddenly dashed off and disappeared in the forest.\u00a0 Lupe lost all interest in the view.\u00a0 She preferred to sniff around excitedly trying to figure out where the bunny had gone.\u00a0 As it turned out, the rabbit must have had prior experience working with a magician.\u00a0 It\u00a0had completely disappeared.<\/p>\n

The road continued W beyond the turnaround loop, and climbed more steeply for a short distance up onto an even higher ridge.\u00a0 Peak 6600 was now just 0.75 mile to the S.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP left the road to follow the ridgeline.\u00a0 Lupe came to several places where there was a view back to the E toward Zimmer Ridge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the way to Peak 6600. Zimmer Ridge is seen in the distance. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It was late afternoon by the time Lupe reached the top of Peak 6600.\u00a0 The summit area features two high points enclosed by the 6600 foot contour on the topo map.\u00a0 Lupe arrived at the E summit first.\u00a0 Unfortunately, forest blocked the views.\u00a0 Lupe got up on the highest rock at the E summit, and struck a rather dramatic Carolina Dog pose.<\/p>\n

\"Lupe<\/a>
Lupe strikes a dramatic Carolina Dog pose on the E summit of Peak 6600. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe left the E summit to check out the W one.\u00a0 It wasn’t very far away, but there was a huge amount of deadfall timber navigate through.\u00a0 The effort was worth it.\u00a0\u00a0A rocky ledge at the\u00a0W summit provided good views off toward the high country in that direction.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP\u00a0stopped here to take\u00a0a break.\u00a0 Lupe finished almost all of her Taste of the Wild.\u00a0 SPHP ate\u00a0the last\u00a0apple.<\/p>\n

\"Lupe<\/a>
Lupe on the rocky W summit of Peak 6600. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Lupe<\/a>
Lupe checks out the view.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The forest made it\u00a0hard to tell for certain, but\u00a0in SPHP’s opinion the E high point was the true summit of Peak 6600.\u00a0 However, the views were better from the W one.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP\u00a0lingered on the W summit of Peak 6600, watching the sun sink toward the horizon.<\/p>\n

A hoped for\u00a0colorful sunset didn’t pan out.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP left Peak 6600 heading S along\u00a0the\u00a0ridgeline.\u00a0 SPHP wanted Lupe\u00a0to stay up on the ridge as long as possible before turning E to head back down into White Horse Creek valley.\u00a0 Lupe didn’t make it far, though.\u00a0 There was too much deadfall timber up on the ridge.<\/p>\n

At the low point of the first big saddle S of Peak 6600, Lupe and SPHP left the ridge and started down.\u00a0 Lupe had to lose a lot of elevation before the deadfall diminished and the terrain started leveling out.\u00a0 As twilight was fading, Lupe strayed onto private property somewhere along the way.<\/p>\n

Although this was White Horse Creek valley, a very friendly black<\/em> horse noticed Lupe and SPHP passing through the forest.\u00a0 The most likely explanation in the horse’s view was that the Carolina Dog was bringing him a nice supply of fresh carrots to munch on.\u00a0\u00a0It whinnied a greeting,\u00a0and trotted jauntily toward Lupe looking forward to carrots and company.\u00a0 Maybe Lupe was even bringing oats?<\/p>\n

Lupe loves to bark furiously at cows and horses from the safety of the G6.\u00a0 This was different.\u00a0 Up close, the gigantic black horse approaching rapidly in the\u00a0dark forest\u00a0was quite unnerving for the American Dingo.\u00a0 Lupe mistook the black horse’s cheerful whinnying as a threat.\u00a0 The evil apparition was out to get her!\u00a0 Lupe\u00a0dashed off, without so much as a single bow-wow.<\/p>\n

At 7:05 PM (38\u00b0F), Lupe and SPHP arrived back at the G6.\u00a0 Lupe headed for home, content with her peakbagging successes.\u00a0\u00a0Meanwhile, a\u00a0disappointed black horse heaved a sigh and\u00a0resigned itself to its dull diet of dry grass.\u00a0 Some days it’s tough being a black horse in White Horse Creek valley.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On Peak 6600, Black Hills of South Dakota Expedition No. 101, 10-23-14<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

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

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose\u00a0from\u00a0Lupe’s Black Hills Expeditions Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a> or Master Adventure Index<\/a><\/strong><\/span>.\u00a0\u00a0Or subscribe free\u00a0to\u00a0new Lupe adventures<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/span>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Ever since SPHP ran across the site Peakbagger.com early in May, 2014, Lupe had been working on climbing all of the peaks she was able to on Peakbagger’s list of Black Hills 6500-foot Peaks.\u00a0 By now, she had been on top of almost all of them.\u00a0 Of course, the list contains a number of peaks … Continue reading Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 101 – Zimmer Ridge & Peak 6600 (10-23-14)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4895,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","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":[105,9,106,104,582,304,581],"class_list":["post-4899","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-black-hills","tag-american-dingo","tag-black-hills-expeditions","tag-carolina-dog","tag-lupe","tag-peak-6600","tag-south-dakota","tag-zimmer-ridge"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/P1050603.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\/4899","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=4899"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4899\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28244,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4899\/revisions\/28244"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/4895"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4899"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4899"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4899"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}