{"id":50660,"date":"2024-02-06T08:10:11","date_gmt":"2024-02-06T15:10:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=50660"},"modified":"2024-05-12T23:38:01","modified_gmt":"2024-05-13T05:38:01","slug":"conejos-peak-san-juan-mountains-colorado-6-15-23","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=50660","title":{"rendered":"Conejos Peak, San Juan Mountains, Colorado (6-15-23)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Days 8 & 9 of Lupe’s 1st Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Colorado & New Mexico!<\/em><\/p>\n

6-14-23, 2:02 PM, Conejos River valley<\/em> – Two signs.\u00a0 One said Conejos Lake Fork Ranch, the other was the one SPHP had been looking for.<\/p>\n

Here we go, Loopster!\u00a0 USFS Road No. 105.\u00a0 Want out for a quick sniff?<\/em><\/p>\n

Of course, she did.\u00a0 Leaping out of the RAV4, Lupe was excited.\u00a0 Beneath a deep blue sky, countless bright yellow dandelions flourished along the shoulders of No. 105.\u00a0 The mountain air was pleasantly warm, the valley green and alive in mid-June.\u00a0 Looking SW from the junction, a very high snow-capped ridge was in sight.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the start of USFS Road No. 105<\/strong> off Country Road No. 250. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 12555<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Love it already, SPHP!\u00a0 This is Dingo territory, pure and simple.<\/em><\/p>\n

Terrific!\u00a0 Figured it would be, Loop.\u00a0 Ready to keep going?<\/em><\/p>\n

During the drive up the Conejos River valley along County Road No. 250, the river had been full bank to bank.\u00a0 In fact, there’d been warning signs about flooding way back at Antonito.\u00a0 Fortunately, the USFS Road No. 105 bridge over the river was intact.\u00a0 After crossing it, a 5.5 mile drive up to the Rincon trailhead commenced.<\/p>\n

Lupe’s buddy, Dennis Stewart<\/strong><\/a><\/span>, had once written a trip report saying that USFS Road No. 105 was a bad road.\u00a0 Driving a Ford Focus, he’d actually thought it prudent to park 0.5 mile before getting to the trailhead.<\/p>\n

Dennis was right!\u00a0 Nothing had changed since he’d been here.\u00a0 No. 105 started out as a narrow, but fine road.\u00a0 However, as it wound higher way up on the steep-sided Saddle Creek valley, the road rapidly deteriorated.\u00a0 By the time a junction with USFS Road No. 100 appeared 3 miles in, SPHP had the RAV4 barely crawling along.<\/p>\n

6-14-23, 2:51 PM, Rincon trailhead<\/em> – Whew!\u00a0 Near a hairpin turn along No. 105, the RAV4 sat alone, gleaming in the sun at a roomy, flat parking area that in a pinch might accommodate a dozen vehicles.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Rincon trailhead<\/strong> at a hairpin turn along USFS Road No. 105. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nicely done, SPHP!\u00a0 Took a while to get here, but at least you didn’t tear out the bottom of the RAV4, or send us careening over any precipices.<\/em><\/p>\n

Thank heavens we didn’t meet any oncoming traffic, Loop!\u00a0 Bad enough as it was.\u00a0 There’s actually a trailhead for Tobacco Lake Trail No. 719 another mile farther somewhere off along spur No. 105.3A, but this is as far as I’m driving on these roads.<\/em><\/p>\n

In the evening, Lupe made an exploratory trek up to the Tobacco Lake trailhead, finding only an empty metal box atop a metal pole there, and on the way to it, a view of enormous, mostly snowy, rounded hills.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On USFS Road No. 105.3A<\/strong> during an exploratory jaunt to the Tobacco Lake trailhead. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Are any of those mountains Conejos Peak<\/span><\/a> (13,172 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

I don’t know, Loop.\u00a0 The highest one would be it, if any of them are.<\/em><\/p>\n

This reconnaisance did yield some useful information.\u00a0 First, this was not rugged territory.\u00a0 Second, even so, getting to Conejos Peak might be harder than anticipated.\u00a0 Long stretches of USFS Road No. 105.3A were soft and mucky, or even under water, and so were the open fields along it.\u00a0 Furthermore, the forest was full of snow drifts 3 or 4 feet deep.<\/p>\n

Colorado reportedly had a snowpack 70% above normal last winter.\u00a0 Maybe Lupe had arrived too early in the season?<\/p>\n

6-15-23, 7:57 AM, Rincon trailhead<\/em> – Directly across USFS Road No. 105, Lupe stood waiting next to an old wooden post protruding from a cairn.\u00a0 Beyond the Carolina Dog, a trail covered with deadfall even right at the start disappeared into the forest.\u00a0 720, the number for the Roaring Gulch Trail, was carved into the top of the post, despite SPHP’s maps showing this as Rincon Trail No. 722.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the start of Rincon Trail No. 722<\/strong>, despite the post’s 720. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Conejos Peak, or bust!\u00a0 Let’s hit it, Loopster.\u00a0 Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

Immediately beyond the initial deadfall, a couple of small snowbanks were on the trail.\u00a0 Easily passed, the trail was dry for a little way after that, except for numerous small streams, several of which had old wooden bridges over them.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A bit of snow near the start. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A convenient, but scarcely needed bridge over a tiny stream.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Situated on the N side of the Saddle Creek valley, Rincon Trail No. 722 headed WSW.\u00a0 As Lupe gained elevation, she soon started coming to more and bigger snowbanks across the trail, and larger deadfall, too.\u00a0 Before long, progress slowed greatly.\u00a0 The American Dingo was spending just as much time wandering through the forest searching for the trail amid all the snow, deadfall, and mushy, wet ground in between, as on it.<\/p>\n

Fortunately, the snow generally held even SPHP’s weight.\u00a0 Lupe had no problem trotting right along the top of snow ridges.\u00a0 Meanwhile, Saddle Creek could be heard roaring somewhere down in the forest off to the L, and the trail eventually came to it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Another stream, more snow and deadfall. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the snow-covered trail, trying not to lose it. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
First view of Saddle Creek<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A closer look.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
There’s a trail here somewhere!<\/em> Traversing mounds of snow. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Even after reaching Saddle Creek, the trail seldom remained within sight of it.\u00a0 0.5 mile from the trailhead, Lupe reached a spot SPHP wanted to check out, the place where Rincon Trail No. 722 crossed Saddle Creek.<\/p>\n

The stream had great flow at this point, but was spread out enough so it was only a foot or two deep.\u00a0 On the opposite bank, snow blanketed the forest floor.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the Rincon Trail No. 722 ford of Saddle Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Well, this is good news, Looper, just not quite as good as I’d hoped.<\/em><\/p>\n

What’s good news, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Saddle Creek is shallow enough so we can easily ford it.\u00a0 I’d been hoping for a bridge, but this will do.<\/em><\/p>\n

We’re fording the creek here, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup, but not yet, Loopster.\u00a0 The plan is to explore our way NW from here up to Tobacco Lake Trail No. 719, visit Conejos Peak, and Peak<\/span> 12555<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, if we’ve got enough time and energy, then complete a loop back down to this point.\u00a0 Didn’t want to do all that only to find out that we couldn’t get back across Saddle Creek, so we had to follow the trail at least this far before striking out for the Tobacco Lake Trail.<\/em><\/p>\n

I suppose that makes sense.\u00a0 Our bushwhack begins now then, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Correctamundo, Sweet Puppy!<\/em><\/p>\n

Abandoning Rincon Trail No. 722 at the ford without crossing Saddle Creek, Lupe headed NW.\u00a0 Gaining elevation only gradually at first, she explored a forest where the entire mountainside seemed to be seeping water.\u00a0 The American Dingo dodged trees, deadfall, pussy willows and other bushes, marshy regions, and many small streams in this area.<\/p>\n

Reaching steeper terrain, the ground was drier and nearly snow-free.\u00a0 Partway up the slope, a sunny clearing provided a good spot to take a short rest break near a small stream.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A beautiful plant common in this forest. A young thistle?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
By the rest break stream. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After sharing a bit of beef jerky, the march higher continued.\u00a0 The forest thinned, then ended, as Lupe reached much flatter terrain.\u00a0 A gigantic snowfield was now ahead.\u00a0 Huge ridges leading to Conejos Peak, which was now visible off to the W, were full of snow, too, along with much of the upper Saddle Creek valley.\u00a0 Only areas with significant S exposure, like the big hill beyond the snowfield, were mostly snow-free.<\/p>\n

Keep heading NW, Loopster.\u00a0 That big hill must be HP12429<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Tobacco Lake Trail No. 719 is somewhere between us and it.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching HP12429<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Conejos Peak<\/strong> (L) and HP13044<\/strong> (R) beyond the upper Saddle Creek valley<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After crossing this first snowfield, the terrain steepened again.\u00a0 Climbing through a zone of scattered trees, the American Dingo discovered a path just above it at the base of a rock slide.<\/p>\n

Tobacco Lake Trail No. 719, I presume, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

None other, Looper.\u00a0 Good job!<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe had reached the Tobacco Lake trail at a big cairn near a flat, grassy area.\u00a0 SPHP was ready for another break, and this seemed like a suitable spot.\u00a0 Overhead, earlier clear skies were now clouding over, putting a bit of a chill in the air.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Next to the cairn<\/strong> (R) where Lupe reached Tobacco Lake Trail No. 719<\/strong>. Conejos Peak<\/strong> (L of Center), HP13044<\/strong> (R). Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP’s oxygen deficiency temporarily rectified, Lupe pressed on, now following Tobacco Lake Trail No. 719 NW.\u00a0 The scenery was spectacular, and the trail soon vanished beneath all the incredible snow.\u00a0 Climbing steadily at a generally gradual pace, Lupe crossed one snowfield after another separated only by short stretches of grass and tundra.\u00a0 Exactly where the trail was became harder and harder to determine.<\/p>\n

Didn’t really matter, since the direction she needed to go was clear.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On a snow-free stretch of Tobacco Lake Trail No. 719<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Pressing on, trail or no trail. HP13044<\/strong> (L), HP12904<\/strong> (R). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Happily, the snowfields didn’t have much slope to them, and SPHP rarely post-holed.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog trotted on, enthusiastic about the entire endeavor, especially after spotting a couple of giant deers way up on the ridge W of HP12429<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Even though the giant deers were much higher and far away, seeing them was a thrill.<\/p>\n

After making good progress and reaching another snow-free area, a steeper snowfield was ahead.\u00a0 Even so, it wasn’t steep enough to cause any difficulties.\u00a0 Angling W, Lupe went right on up, SPHP huffing and puffing along behind.\u00a0 The American Dingo was getting well up in the world, but still wasn’t as high as Peak<\/span> 12555<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, now in sight 2.5 miles SE.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The first relatively steep snowfield. Conejos Peak<\/strong> (L), HP13044<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 12555<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Above this first steepish snowfield, Lupe came to a large, flat snow-free region.\u00a0 Dotted with clumps of low brown bushes, most of this area was covered with thick grass.\u00a0 A frozen lake soon appeared ahead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the frozen lake<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6-15-23, 11:00 AM – <\/em>Tobacco Lake wasn’t completely frozen over.\u00a0 A fair amount of open water was over toward the SE end.\u00a0 From the NE shore where Lupe reached the lake, she had a grand view of Conejos Peak and the big snowy ridges leading to it beyond the opposite shore.<\/p>\n

Need another rest break, SPHP?\u00a0 We can hang out by the lake, if you like.<\/em><\/p>\n

Sounds like a plan, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

The conniving Dingo was only after more beef jerky, but that was OK.\u00a0 By now, SPHP was confident Lupe was going to get to Conejos Peak despite all the snow.\u00a0 A 10 mph W wind seemed the only reason for concern.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Relaxing at Tobacco Lake<\/strong>. Peak 12555<\/strong> (L), Conejos Peak’s E ridge<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We’re doing great!\u00a0 Only 900 feet of elevation gain left, Loopster.\u00a0 Wonder how windy it’s going to be up on that ridge S of HP13044<\/span><\/strong>, though?\u00a0 We’re pretty sheltered down here.<\/em><\/p>\n

Hope it isn’t too bad, SPHP.\u00a0 \u00a0We Carolina Dogs don’t like wind much.<\/em><\/p>\n

Probably going to have to deal with some today, Looper, like it or not.<\/em><\/p>\n

The beef jerky SPHP was willing to part with here having been inhaled almost instantly, it was soon time to bid Tobacco Lake farewell.\u00a0 After circling around the N shore, Lupe turned SW starting up another steep snowfield.\u00a0 Before long, a lovely Dingo’s eye view of Tobacco Lake was behind her.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
N end of Tobacco Lake<\/strong>. Conejos Peak<\/strong> (L), HP13044<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Tobacco Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Leaving lovely Tobacco Lake<\/strong> behind. HP12429<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Above this second steepish snowfield, Lupe once again came to a broad, snow-free, relatively flat region.\u00a0 Quite boggy, this area was full of the same type of low brown bushes that had been down by Tobacco Lake.\u00a0 HP13044<\/span><\/strong> was now just ahead, with a partly snow-free slope leading to it.<\/p>\n

In no rush to reach the ridge between HP13044<\/span><\/strong> and Conejos Peak, Lupe turned S.\u00a0 Following lanes between the bushes, she made it to a grassy region where Tobacco Lake Trail No. 719 reappeared.\u00a0 A series of cairns marked the faint path’s course.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the wide, bushy bench above Tobacco Lake<\/strong>. HP13044<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Following the cairns<\/strong>. Conejos Peak<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once the Tobacco Lake trail vanished beneath the snow again, it was time to face the last 300 foot high snowfield leading to the upper ridge.\u00a0 Turning W, Lupe began her ascent.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading up. Conejos Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Cake!\u00a0 No problems at all.\u00a0 Gaining the broad, rounded ridge connecting HP13044<\/span><\/strong> and Conejos Peak, the terrain flattened as the snowfield came to an end.\u00a0 When Lupe got high enough to see the territory beyond the wind-swept, snow-free crest, SPHP was shocked.\u00a0 Maybe 10 miles NW, a line of more rugged peaks stood blanketed in snow beneath a dark gray sky, the most distant summits obscured by a gathering gloom.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the ridge between HP13044<\/strong> (R) and Conejos Peak. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

My gosh, Loopster!\u00a0 Looks like a storm is coming!<\/em><\/p>\n

As if this wind isn’t bad enough!\u00a0 We better get there, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Turning S, the American Dingo headed for Conejos Peak<\/span><\/a> (13,172 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Staying toward the E, a bit below the ridge crest, helped a little, but the W wind was still 20-25 mph up here.\u00a0 The ridge had a barren look to it, covered mainly with small scree, but there was actually great beauty, too.\u00a0 Clumps of tiny wildflowers clung tenaciously to what soil there was.<\/p>\n

Skirting the upper E side of a low hill along the ridge, the terrain beyond it flattened out completely.\u00a0 Lupe now felt the full force of a 30 mph gale, but she was almost there!\u00a0 Less than 200 feet higher, Conejos Peak was directly ahead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
In the wind, heading for Conejos Peak<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Tiny wildflowers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A delicate, yet tenacious beauty.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Nearly there! Conejos Peak<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Off to the NW, more wild mountains were seen beneath a threatening sky, as Lupe headed up a steep NE slope in the cold wind.\u00a0 Once above the steep part, a cairn was visible 250 feet farther W, only 30 feet higher.\u00a0 This final stroll into the teeth of the wind across a carpet of scree and tundra was full of joy.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Success! Conejos Peak summit<\/strong> dead ahead! Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6-15-23, 12:52 PM, 42\u00baF, Conejos Peak<\/span><\/a> (13,172 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – The wind was only 15 mph out of the W when the American Dingo arrived at the summit cairn.\u00a0 A stunning panorama greeted her.\u00a0 Strung out from the S all the way around to the W and NW, many high peaks were in sight looking all the more spectacular blanketed beneath an incredible amount of snow.<\/p>\n

For a few moments, Lupe was in sunshine.\u00a0 Virtually everywhere else the sky was overcast, any small patches of blue rapidly retreating SE.\u00a0 To the W and NW, the mountains looked fearsome beneath a dramatic sky.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak<\/span> 12505<\/span><\/a><\/strong> (foreground), Peak<\/span> 12727<\/span><\/a><\/strong> (far L), Snow Benchmark<\/span><\/a> (12,815 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (L), Peak<\/span> 12887<\/span><\/a><\/strong> (Center). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Look, SPHP!\u00a0 A blizzard is coming!<\/em><\/p>\n

A blizzard?\u00a0 Can’t be, Loopster.\u00a0 For pity sake, it’s practically the longest day of the year!<\/em><\/p>\n

Are you blind?\u00a0 I’m telling you, it’s coming, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

One by one, the mountains were vanishing from view.<\/p>\n

Just a squall, sweet puppy!\u00a0 \u00a0Or, at least, it better be.\u00a0 Quick, get up on that cairn before we’re engulfed, too!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the Conejos Peak summit cairn<\/strong> as the storm approaches. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nice, Loop!\u00a0 Couple more shots before it’s too late, then we’ll take a break.<\/em><\/p>\n

Gramps Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,320 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Chalk Benchmark<\/span><\/a> (12,031 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> stood out to the S beyond snow-covered highlands, pointy Fets Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,127 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> between them.\u00a0 Looking N, only Tobacco Lake and the territory recently traveled remained in sight.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Gramps Peak<\/strong> (L), Fets Peak<\/strong> (Center), Chalk Benchmark<\/strong> (R) in the distance. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
HP13044<\/strong> (L), HP12904<\/strong> (R of Center), Tobacco Lake<\/strong> (R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Grabbing a glass jar from the cairn, SPHP sat down facing Peak 12555, away from the wind.\u00a0 As snow granules began pelting Conejos Peak, the Carolina Dog curled up on SPHP’s lap.\u00a0 SPHP threw a jacket over her.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Relaxing on Conejos Peak<\/strong>. Peak 12555<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Guess we just wait it out now, Looper.\u00a0 By the way, congratulations on your magnificent ascent of Conejos Peak!<\/em><\/p>\n

Thank you, SPHP!\u00a0 Any beef jerky left to celebrate with?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes!\u00a0 Water and Taste of the Wild, too.<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe chowed down as snow granules came thick and fast.\u00a0 It was hard to believe that a blizzard could really becoming in mid-June, but conditions continued to deteriorate.\u00a0 However, the snow granules weren’t sticking.\u00a0 They all melted as soon as they hit the ground.<\/p>\n

Opening the glass jar, a fairly new registry was inside.\u00a0 Consisting of long, narrow sheets of paper stapled together, the first few pages were full.\u00a0 After reading a number of entries, SPHP added Lupe’s name to the list, then returned the registry to the jar.<\/p>\n

The wind blew, snow granules flew, views vanished.\u00a0 Comfy and warm, Lupe stayed on SPHP’s lap.\u00a0 And that was about it.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog’s traditional summit hour was nearly over by the time the squall passed.\u00a0 The weather cleared, but only partially.\u00a0 Another squall was coming out of the WNW.<\/p>\n

Picture time, Loopster!\u00a0 Here’s our chance.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the “Conejos” survey benchmark<\/strong>. HP13044<\/strong> (L). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
“Conejos” survey benchmark<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Gramps Peak<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks S with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Chalk Benchmark<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 12727<\/strong> (L), Snow Benchmark<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 12555<\/strong> (L) from next to the survey benchmark<\/strong>. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6-15-23, 2:09 PM <\/em>– How swiftly times flies!\u00a0 The registry jar was back in its proper place.\u00a0 For the last time, Lupe stood perched atop the summit cairn.\u00a0 By now, it had become clear that the second squall was destined to completely miss Conejos Peak to the N.\u00a0 No sign of a third one.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Final moments on Conejos Peak<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Weather is getting better, SPHP!\u00a0 Still time enough to visit Peak 12555?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, lucky for us, they sure don’t make blizzards like they used to, do they, Looper?\u00a0 We’ve got to head in that direction anyway, if you’re going to do your big loop.\u00a0 Provided we’ve still got the energy once we get closer, we’ll hit Peak 12555, too.\u00a0 Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

Leaping off the cairn, Lupe headed ESE down Conejos Peak’s enormous E ridge.\u00a0 Another cairn was only a couple of minutes away, marking the route back to Tobacco Lake Trail No. 719.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Starting down Conejos Peak’s E ridge<\/strong>. Peak 12555<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The 1.5 mile long trek down the gentle tundra slopes of the E ridge was fun, fast, and easy.\u00a0 Staying toward the N, Lupe enjoyed a tremendous view of Tobacco Lake and the upper Saddle Creek valley.\u00a0\u00a0Before long, a rockier region appeared ahead.\u00a0 No matter.\u00a0 Slowed SPHP’s progress only a little, and Lupe reached tundra again after passing the rocky spots.<\/p>\n

Somewhere along the way, Tobacco Lake Trail No. 719 turned SW and disappeared, but that didn’t matter on this glorious open terrain, either.\u00a0 However, when a line of small cliffs started developing toward the S, SPHP began to wonder if Lupe was going to cliff out at some point, and have to backtrack a bit?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By a Tobacco Lake Trail No. 719 cairn<\/strong>. Peak 12555<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the rocks. Conejos Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Back to the tundra, still on faint Tobacco Lake Trail No. 719<\/strong>. Peak 12555<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
HP13044<\/strong> (L) and HP12904<\/strong> (R) from along the N rim<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Didn’t happen.\u00a0 Happily, no backtracking required.\u00a0 Lupe came to a very short little scrambly part, but it was easily dealt with.\u00a0 Clear sailing the rest of the way down to Rincon Trail No. 722, the only caveat being that huge portions of the gently sloping grasslands below the scramble were hidden beneath a vast field of foot deep slushy snow.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Just below the little scrambly part<\/strong> (L). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Missing the trail, the Carolina Dog headed NE down to a marshy region.\u00a0 No snow here, but plenty of shallow standing water.\u00a0 Sloshing through it amid more of the low brown bushes of the type first encountered at Tobacco Lake, it was decision time.<\/p>\n

Peak 12555 was now a good mile SE.\u00a0 The terrain leading to it all looked perfectly easy, but the summit was another 500+ feet higher.\u00a0 On the other paw, Rincon Trail No. 722 leading back to Saddle Creek wasn’t any more than 0.2 mile NW, and a mere 50 feet higher.\u00a0 All downhill from there, too!<\/p>\n

So, how are you feeling, SPHP?\u00a0 We’re as close to Peak 12555 right now as we’re ever going to be.\u00a0 Still want to do it?<\/em><\/p>\n

Guess the elevation’s getting to me, Loop.\u00a0 Any uphill at all feels like more of a trudge than I’m really looking forward to at this point.<\/em><\/p>\n

Aww, come on!\u00a0 It’s just a big hill!\u00a0 You can stop for breathers as often as you like, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, “big” and “hill” are the only parts I have any objection to, but you’re right, Loopster.\u00a0 We’re here.\u00a0 Let’s do it.\u00a0 Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 12555<\/strong> (R) from the edge of the marsh. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6-15-23, 4:38 PM, 48\u00baF, Peak<\/span> 12555<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/em> – The highest points of a nearly level plain of grass were along the precipitous E edge of a vast summit region.\u00a0 Lupe arrived in a chilly 20 mph W wind, discovering 2 cairns perched along this edge, and a long, thin snowbank clinging a few feet below the rim.\u00a0 A big crack snaking lengthwise down the middle of this snowbank showed that half of it would soon be doomed to plunge into the abyss.<\/p>\n

Sensing something out on this enormous plain, Lupe dashed off to do some furious digging.\u00a0 Meanwhile, SPHP was surprised to see a glass jar at the base of the S cairn.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the S cairn<\/strong> on Peak 12555’s summit<\/strong>. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Digging for something. Gramps Peak<\/strong> (L) on the horizon. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Although unproductive, evidently the digging was very satisfying.\u00a0 The American Dingo soon returned with a big smile.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back at the S cairn<\/strong>. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Anything left to eat, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Taste of the Wild is it, Loopster.\u00a0 And water, if you need it.<\/em><\/p>\n

Some of both, please!<\/em><\/p>\n

After eating only part of her Taste of the Wild, Lupe laid down next to the cairn.<\/p>\n

Found another registry here, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, seems a rather unlikely spot for one, but I’m adding your name, Loop.\u00a0 Oddly, whoever started this registry last October didn’t even add their own name.\u00a0 The only entry before yours was made only 5 days ago on 6-10-23.<\/em><\/p>\n

As the excitement of the digging wore off, the effects of a long day in the mountains soon had Lupe nodding off.\u00a0 SPHP let her doze.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Nodding off by the cairn.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Although they weren’t up to Conejos Peak standards, the views were all beautiful.\u00a0 To the E, a long section of the Conejos River valley was in sight.\u00a0 Gramps Peak, Fets Peak, and Chalk Benchmark were all off to the SW.\u00a0 A distant glimpse of Peak 12727 and Snow Benchmark was due W.\u00a0 The best view of all, though, was looking WNW back at Conejos Peak and the long E ridge Lupe had come down.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 12727<\/strong> (R of Center), Snow Benchmark<\/strong> (R beyond the ridge). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Conejos Peak<\/strong> (Center), HP13044<\/strong> (R of Center), HP12904<\/strong> (R). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

With miles to go along a partially unexplored route, Lupe couldn’t stay long.\u00a0 Her nap had done her some good, though, and the rest break had helped SPHP, too.\u00a0 Less than half an hour after arriving, Lupe left the cairns along the E edge of Peak 12555 heading NW.<\/p>\n

During her descent, Lupe went over both HP12221<\/span><\/strong> and HP12160<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Finding another cairn atop the latter, she paused for a final look at Conejos Peak from this last high point.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Conejos Peak<\/strong> (L), HP13044<\/strong> (R) from the cairn on HP12160<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Heading down HP12160<\/span><\/strong>‘s SW slope, Lupe found Rincon Trail No. 722.\u00a0 After curving NE, the trail made one big switchback back to the W on HP12160<\/span><\/strong>‘s N slope, before veering NE again.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back on Rincon Trail No. 722<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

But the Carolina Dog didn’t go NE.\u00a0 Entering the forest, the trail vanished beneath feet of snow.\u00a0 Turning NW, Lupe once again abandoned the trail, starting a steep descent on a mostly forested slope.\u00a0 Deadfall to contend with, but this slope was snow-free.<\/p>\n

It was a long way down to an amazing hidden valley S of where Rincon Trail No. 722 crosses Saddle Creek.\u00a0 After crossing a tributary, Lupe still wound up traveling N on huge mounds of snow through deep woods.\u00a0 However, she’d already lost most of the elevation she needed too, and before long came out right where she was supposed to at the Rincon Trail ford on Saddle Creek.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back at Saddle Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Boots and socks already soaking wet from all the snowfields, SPHP was first to wade right in.\u00a0 Lupe soon followed.\u00a0 The rest of the return along Rincon Trail No. 722 was uneventful.\u00a0 Determining which way the trail went beneath all the mounds of snow seemed easier going downhill.<\/p>\n

6-15-23, 7:22 PM, 50\u00baF, Rincon trailhead along USFS Road No. 105<\/em> – It was over.\u00a0 Conejos Peak and Peak 12555 had been a long, but spectacular and successful day.\u00a0 Both weary, Lupe was on her pink blanket in the RAV4, while SPHP heated up chicken and dumplings for dinner.<\/p>\n

Conejos Peak was the first mountain the American Dingo ever climbed in the mighty San Juan Range, but wasn’t going to be the last.\u00a0 In fact, Lupe might have seen her next objective while up on Conejos Peak.\u00a0 It had been somewhere off to the NW, lost or unrecognized in the brewing snow granule mini-blizzard.<\/p>\n

SPHP wondered what she would find there?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On Conejos Peak<\/strong>, San Juan Mountains, Colorado 6-15-23<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Conejos Peak GPS track<\/strong> (ascent)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Conejos Peak to Peak 12555 GPS track<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

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

Conejos Peak GPS Track (Scrollable Ascent)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Peak 12555 GPS Track (Scrollable Ascent)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adve<\/em>ntures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose from Lupe’s Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacations to Colorado, New Mexico, Canada & Alaska Adventure Index<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/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 8 & 9 of Lupe’s 1st Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Colorado & New Mexico! 6-14-23, 2:02 PM, Conejos River valley – Two signs.\u00a0 One said Conejos Lake Fork Ranch, the other was the one SPHP had been looking for. Here we go, Loopster!\u00a0 USFS Road No. 105.\u00a0 Want out for a quick … Continue reading Conejos Peak, San Juan Mountains, Colorado (6-15-23)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":50623,"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":[1659],"tags":[105,106,296,1671,26,104,1668,1670,1669],"class_list":["post-50660","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1659","tag-american-dingo","tag-carolina-dog","tag-colorado","tag-conejos-peak","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-lupe","tag-peak-12555","tag-rincon-trailhead","tag-tobacco-lake"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/IMG_1020-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\/50660","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=50660"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50660\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":54100,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50660\/revisions\/54100"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/50623"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=50660"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=50660"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=50660"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}