{"id":51273,"date":"2024-02-24T08:10:05","date_gmt":"2024-02-24T15:10:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=51273"},"modified":"2024-05-12T23:40:00","modified_gmt":"2024-05-13T05:40:00","slug":"bennett-peak-san-juan-mountains-colorado-6-19-23","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=51273","title":{"rendered":"Bennett Peak, San Juan Mountains, Colorado (6-19-23)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Days 12 & 13 of Lupe’s 1st Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Colorado & New Mexico!<\/em><\/p>\n

6-18-23, Monte Vista, San Luis valley, Colorado – <\/em>After driving to both the E and W ends of town on Hwy 160 to see what was here, SPHP parked the RAV4 in the shade of a line of huge cottonwoods out in front of the high school.<\/p>\n

This ought to be a good spot to hang out for a while, Loopster.\u00a0 I like the looks of this town.\u00a0 Want to get out and take a stroll?<\/em><\/p>\n

A walk?\u00a0 Lupe was all for it!\u00a0 After wandering up and down several streets looking at the houses, SPHP ventured over toward a park or golf course bordered by an irrigation canal.\u00a0 On a sunny morning in June with the sun already high in the sky, the American Dingo was hot and thirsty.\u00a0 Unsuspectingly stepping into the canal, Lupe instantly vanished from sight beneath the murky, deceptively swift-flowing, green water.<\/p>\n

OMG!\u00a0 Lupe!<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP was horrified!\u00a0 The canal was only 5 or 6 feet wide, but no telling how deep it was.\u00a0 Might easily be 5 or 6 feet, or more.\u00a0 No matter, going to have to leap in to find her!<\/p>\n

No, wait!\u00a0 Suddenly the Carolina Dog reappeared, breaking the surface, coughing and swimming hard as she was swept downstream.\u00a0 Lupe wasn’t even wearing her adventure collar, so SPHP couldn’t grab it to help her.<\/p>\n

Luckily, despite the steepness of the bank, Lupe managed to haul herself out unaided.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog shook herself off, spraying water in all directions.<\/p>\n

Well, wasn’t that refreshing?\u00a0 You could have warned me, SPHP!\u00a0 You know us Carolina Dogs don’t mind wading, but hate to swim.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, Loop!\u00a0 I’m sorry!\u00a0 Never dreamed you would just walk right in like that without being able to see the bottom.<\/em><\/p>\n

Might have been tragic, but no harm done.\u00a0 The walk went on a while longer now to let the sun dry the Dingo off before returning to the RAV4.\u00a0 A pleasant morning snooze on her soft pink blanket in the shade of the cottonwoods ensued.\u00a0 Shortly after noon, though, the American Dingo was on her way back up into the mountains.<\/p>\n

6-19-23, 7:22 AM, 51\u00baF, South Fork trailhead, end of County Road No. 28<\/em> –<\/p>\n

You still want to stick with the road past the log barrier, right, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

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

\"\"<\/a>
About to leave the South Fork trailhead<\/strong> taking the old road beyond the log barrier. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Last evening’s reconnaisance of the two routes leaving the trailhead for the upper South Fork of Rock Creek valley had proven that the old road continuing past the log barrier was the easiest way to go.\u00a0 Taking the ATV trail spur down to South Rock Trail No. 702 lost 100 feet of elevation right away, most of which was unnecessary.<\/p>\n

After trotting around the barrier, Lupe gained elevation at an easy pace on the abandoned road, as it slowly faded away.\u00a0 More than 0.25 mile led to the road’s apparent end at a clearing studded with tree stumps and scattered deadfall.\u00a0 A path continuing into the trees quickly led to a mere 15 or 20 foot dip down to the South Fork of Rock Creek.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Following the abandoned road. Bennett Peak<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the clearing where the road ended. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail went right through the creek, a beautiful little stream lacking a convenient rock hop.\u00a0 Wanting to avoid soaking wet socks and boots this early in the day, SPHP removed them, flung them over to the opposite bank, then waded across.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
South Fork of Rock Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe didn’t follow, merely watching as SPHP got ready to go again.<\/p>\n

Bennett Peak<\/span><\/a> (13,203 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> is calling, Loop!\u00a0 Are you coming, or not?<\/em><\/p>\n

The American Dingo hesitated, clearly pondering the situation.\u00a0 Decision made, Lupe suddenly got a running start and leapt completely over the South Fork of Rock Creek in a single bound.<\/p>\n

Show off!<\/em><\/p>\n

I’m not showing off, SPHP.\u00a0 Just not taking any chances.<\/em><\/p>\n

Chances?\u00a0 What’s gotten into you, Looper?\u00a0 Oh, I get it!\u00a0 You’re worried about yesterday’s plunge into the canal.\u00a0 Why?\u00a0 You can see the bottom.\u00a0 This stream isn’t anywhere close to being as deep as the canal was.\u00a0 No worries here.<\/em><\/p>\n

Be that as it may, the mighty Dingo leap had already been made.\u00a0 SPHP followed Lupe up the trail beyond the stream through a meadow on the way to the next stretch of forest.\u00a0 This meadow proved to be quite soggy.\u00a0 The path faded away, but continuing NW, Lupe soon reached South Rock Trail No. 702.<\/p>\n

No. 702 was basically an ATV route.\u00a0 Taking it NW through meadows and forest, the trail climbed at an increasing rate as it gradually curved SW.<\/p>\n

The entire mountainside seemed to be seeping water.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog crossed many small streams, which often ran right down long stretches of the trail.\u00a0 Sheep Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,492 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> came into view.\u00a0 By the time SPHP was ready to take a breather under a big pine, HP12279<\/span><\/strong> was in sight only 0.5 mile S.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
South Rock Trail No. 702<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
By one of many little streams trickling down the trail. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Sheep Mountain<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
One of the largest streams flooding the trail.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Getting steeper. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
HP12279<\/strong> (L) from SPHP’s break spot. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Whew!\u00a0 Guess I’m still not acclimated to the elevation yet, Looper.<\/em><\/p>\n

No worries, SPHP!\u00a0 Take your time.\u00a0 I’m ready whenever you are.<\/em><\/p>\n

A 15 minute break beneath the pine tree helped, but didn’t make as much of a difference as SPHP had hoped.\u00a0 Although following the road should have been easy, SPHP trudged slowly after the American Dingo with little energy as Lupe led the way higher.<\/p>\n

Tree line wasn’t much farther.\u00a0 Above it, the open terrain provided an unobstructed view of HP<\/strong>12279<\/strong><\/span>, its N slopes still mostly covered in snow.\u00a0 A bit higher, Lupe came to a junction with Trail No. 702.1, a spur going N to connect with Dry Creek Trail No. 700.\u00a0 Bennett Peak, a massive, grassy dome, was now only 1.5 miles away as the crow flies in that direction.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
HP12279<\/strong> (L) from tree line. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Bennett Peak<\/strong> (R of Center) from near the junction with Trail No. 702.1. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Instead of turning N, SPHP encouraged Lupe to continue SSW on South Rock Trail No. 702.<\/p>\n

I thought we were going to Bennett Peak, SPHP.\u00a0 Are we going to climb HP12279<\/span><\/strong>, first?<\/em><\/p>\n

Looks like a nice, easy summit, Loopster, but Sheep Mountain is a little higher.\u00a0 I’m thinking we might as well go over it on our way to Bennett.<\/em><\/p>\n

Another 0.33 mile got Lupe up to an enormous pass between HP12279<\/span><\/strong> and Sheep Mountain.\u00a0 Silver Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,420 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was now in sight 2 miles S.\u00a0 A long ridge with snow along its E flank blocked the views SPHP had expected to see to the SW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
South Rock Trail No. 702<\/strong> in the giant pass between HP12279<\/strong> and Sheep Mountain<\/strong>. Silver Mountain<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

HP12279<\/span><\/strong> was now only 0.25 mile due E.\u00a0 Shoulda, woulda, coulda, if only SPHP had felt more energetic.\u00a0 Instead, Lupe abandoned Trail No. 702 heading W for a small stand of trees near the base of Sheep Mountain’s long, rounded S slope.\u00a0 Upon reaching the trees, another short break was taken in the shade, before tackling the gradual, grassy, rock-strewn trek to the summit.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About to leave South Rock Trail No. 702<\/strong> for Sheep Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Climbing Sheep Mountain’s S slope<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Closing in on Sheep Mountain’s summit<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6-19-23, 9:52 AM, 49\u00baF, Sheep Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,492 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – The wind was 10-15 mph out of the W, the sky cloudless, views marred only by a bit of haziness that was worst to the E, when Lupe reached the summit cairn.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Bennett Peak<\/strong> (Center) from Sheep Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Silver Mountain<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Made it!\u00a0 Congratulations on your first ascent of the day, Loopster!<\/em><\/p>\n

Nothing to it, SPHP.\u00a0 Looks like an easy romp all the way to Bennett Peak from here, too.<\/em><\/p>\n

It does!\u00a0 A lovely high elevation trek that can wait.\u00a0 Summit hour, Loop!\u00a0 Let’s relax and enjoy the views.<\/em><\/p>\n

After shaking Lupe’s paw while she was still on the cairn, SPHP sat down facing away from the wind.\u00a0 Lupe curled up on SPHP’s lap, gazing E out toward Windy Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,608 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, which overlooked the South Fork of Rock Creek valley she had just come up.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Windy Mountain<\/strong> (L of Center) overlooking the South Fork of Rock Creek valley<\/strong>. HP12279<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Drab from afar, the tundra was incredibly beautiful upon closer inspection.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Mountains in sight all around!\u00a0 Everything nearby looked pretty tame, though.\u00a0 The closest more dramatic peaks were SW, toward the region Lupe had been exploring recently.\u00a0 Conejos Peak<\/span><\/a> (13,172 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was easy to spot.\u00a0 SPHP was also able to pick out Long Trek Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,866 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> , Montezuma Peak<\/span><\/a> (13,150 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Summit Peak<\/span><\/a> (13,300 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Conejos Peak<\/strong> (L), Alamosa River valley<\/strong> (Center), Summit Peak<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Conejos Peak<\/strong> (L of Center), HP13044<\/strong> (R of Center), and Peak 12505<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks SW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Zoomed in on Summit Peak<\/strong> (L), Montezuma Peak<\/strong> (Center), Long Trek Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Shortly after sharing water and beef jerky, company appeared.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP met John Pelner, who had also come up Sheep Mountain’s S slope.\u00a0 A retired family physician from Colorado Springs, John was very friendly.<\/p>\n

Originally born in Wisconsin, where he still has family he visits often, John said he’d been climbing mountains all of his adult life.\u00a0 He’d been to all of Colorado’s 14’ers, many 13’ers, and at 73, was now working on the most interesting 12’ers.\u00a0 John had already been to Silver Mountain this morning, and was on his way to both Pintada Mountain<\/span><\/a><\/strong> (12,840 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Windy Mountain.\u00a0 Unlike Lupe, he’d already visited Bennett Peak years ago, and didn’t intend to go there again today.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
With Dr. John Pelner<\/strong> on Sheep Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Chatting amiably with SPHP until Lupe’s traditional summit hour was complete, Dr. Pelner then accompanied the Carolina Dog down Sheep Mountain’s N slope.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading down Sheep Mountain’s N slope<\/strong> with Dr. Pelner<\/strong>. Bennet Peak<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Upon reaching the saddle leading to Bennett Peak, it was time to part ways.\u00a0 Bound for Windy Mountain or Pintada Mountain next, John bid Lupe farewell before taking Dry Creek Trail No. 700 NE.\u00a0 Meanwhile, Lupe began her 1,100 foot journey to the top of Bennett Peak.<\/p>\n

Following West Frisco Trail No. 850, an ancient jeep route, the climb NNE up Bennett Peak’s S and SE slopes amounted to a long, breezy slog on largely featureless grass and tundra slopes.\u00a0 With 400 feet of elevation gain yet to go, the trail turned NW upon reaching the sharp NE edge of the mountain where cliffs and snowbanks added scenic appeal.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading up Bennett Peak’s S slope<\/strong>. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Glancing back at Sheep Mountain<\/strong> (Center). Conejos Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SSW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Along Bennett Peak’s scenic NE edge<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

West Frisco Trail No. 850 remained near the E edge of the mountain as it swept up to Bennett Peak’s giant, gently rounded summit region.\u00a0 A faint spur led to the true summit over near the W end.\u00a0 As Lupe approached, the remnant of a tattered American flag attached to a pole protruding from a large cairn flapped wildly in a 15-20 mph W wind.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the summit cairn<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Bennett Peak summit<\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6-19-23, 12:40 PM, 54\u00baF, Bennett Peak<\/span><\/a> (13,203 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – As the Carolina Dog stood atop the summit cairn, an enormous amount of territory was in sight.\u00a0 A general haziness of the otherwise cloudless sky obscured details of the countless distant snow-capped mountains visible in almost every direction.\u00a0 Some of the ranges perceptible to the N and W must have been over 100 miles away.<\/p>\n

Far to the ENE, Blanca Peak<\/span><\/a> (14,345 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was recognizable beyond the pancake flat San Luis valley.\u00a0 Long lines of lofty mountains extended both N and S from the Blanca Peak region.\u00a0 Toward the S and SE, the mountains were lower.\u00a0 Peering down on nearby Sheep Mountain, Silver Mountain, and HP<\/strong>12279<\/strong><\/span>, they now seemed only modest prominences of gently rolling highlands.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking W farther into the San Juan Range<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Silver Mountain<\/strong> (L) beyond HP12279<\/strong>, Sheep Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The most dramatic views were still to the SW, in the region Lupe had so recently explored.\u00a0 Conejos Peak<\/span><\/a> (13,172 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>,\u00a0Summit Peak<\/span><\/a> (13,300ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Montezuma Peak<\/span><\/a><\/strong> (13,150 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, and Long Trek Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,866 ft.) <\/span><\/strong>were all once again in sight among many others.<\/p>\n

A line of scattered boulders larger than most of other rocks on Bennett Peak extended SW of the cairn.\u00a0 Wandering over that way, Lupe sniffed among the rocks while SPHP admired the views.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Among the boulders SW of the cairn. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The grand, if somewhat distant view to the SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Summit Peak<\/strong> (L of Center), Montezuma Peak<\/strong> (Center), Long Trek Mountain<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks SW with a bit of help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Conejos Peak<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks SW with more help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After the usual paw-shaking congratulations, SPHP sat down near the cairn, using it as a windbreak.\u00a0 Annoyed by flies, the American Dingo had a hard time getting comfortable on the rocky ground.\u00a0 With the sun practically straight overhead, Lupe tried poking her nose under SPHP’s legs for partial relief.<\/p>\n

As the wind blew, and flies buzzed, SPHP entered Lupe’s name in the registry contained in a jar found nestled in the cairn.\u00a0 Water and beef jerky were shared.\u00a0 SPHP then munched on trail mix, while Lupe had some of her Taste of the Wild.\u00a0 The views were expansive; so much so that nearly all points of interest seemed far, far away.<\/p>\n

Felt good to rest, doing nothing at all way up here in the sky.\u00a0 Meanwhile, the precious minutes ticked away.\u00a0 As the American Dingo’s summit hour drew near an end, Lupe returned to the cairn for a final look around.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Conejos Peak<\/strong> (L), Snow Benchmark<\/strong> (Center), Summit Peak<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Inevitably, the time for action came once again.<\/p>\n

That’s it, Loopster!\u00a0 Bennett Peak is history.\u00a0 Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

Returning to West Frisco Trail No. 850 along the NE edge, Lupe started SE back down the mountain, returning the same way she’d come up only an hour ago.<\/p>\n

2 down, and 1 to go, Looper!<\/em><\/p>\n

We’re climbing another mountain, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup.\u00a0 Windy Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,608 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, dead ahead.\u00a0 We can abandon the trail and make a nice loop going over HP12778<\/span><\/strong> on the way, with Windy Mountain as a relatively short side jaunt before heading back to the South Fork trailhead.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Windy Mountain<\/strong> (Center) in the foreground. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

During the initial descent, Lupe had a grand view of Pintada Mountain<\/a><\/span> (12,840 ft.<\/span>)<\/span><\/strong> a mere 2 miles NE where Dr. John Pelton had been headed.<\/p>\n

Do you think we’ll see him again, SPHP?\u00a0 We’ll be crossing his route on the way to Windy Mountain.<\/em><\/p>\n

Possible, but not likely, Looper.\u00a0 Doubt he spends an hour at most summits like you do.\u00a0 He’s probably been there and gone already.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Pintada Mountain<\/strong> (L), HP12844<\/strong> (R). Blanca Peak<\/strong> (R with snow) on the horizon beyond the San Luis valley<\/strong>. Photo looks ENE with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Abandoning West Frisco Trail No. 850 where it turned SSW toward Sheep Mountain, Lupe descended ESE to a vast grassy saddle before heading up a gentle rise to HP12778<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Looking back from a cairn here, she had a terrific view of the cliffs along Bennett Peak’s E face.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Bennett Peak<\/strong> from HP12778<\/strong>. Photo look WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Turning SSE from HP12778<\/span><\/strong>, the terrain gradually steepened.\u00a0 By the time Pass 12065<\/span><\/strong> leading to Windy Mountain came into view, a surprisingly steep descent on flat, loose, pink talus was ahead.\u00a0 Realizing that most of the talus could be avoided by staying a bit farther N, SPHP encouraged a slight course adjustment.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Windy Mountain<\/strong> (L) from the start of the talus slope SSE of HP12778<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The wind was roaring 30 mph out of the SW as Lupe crossed Pass 12065<\/span><\/strong> on her way to Windy Mountain’s NW ridge.\u00a0 Interesting rock formations near the start of the 550 foot climb invited exploration, but the wind was annoying enough to discourage such notions.<\/p>\n

Thankfully, as SPHP made this final weary trek higher, plodding after the still unfazed Carolina Dog, the wind gradually slackened instead of getting any worse.\u00a0 Near the top, a slope of more of the flat, pink talus led to an 800 foot long summit ridge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Crossing windy Pass 12065<\/span><\/strong>, Windy Mountain<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Windy Mountain<\/strong> earns its reputation among the rock formations as the ascent begins. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Come on, SPHP! We’re nearly there!<\/em> Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Near the NW end<\/strong> of the 800 foot long summit ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The stroll along the broad summit ridge couldn’t have been easier.\u00a0 Most of the ridge was covered with small talus, although the SE end featured quite a bit of tundra.\u00a0 Signs of serious cracking along the rocky SW edge showed where huge chunks of Windy Mountain would one day hurtle down into the South Fork of Rock Creek valley.\u00a0 Roaming SE in search of the true summit, Lupe continued to gain a little elevation.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching Windy Mountain’s true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6-19-23, 4:01 PM, 58\u00baF, Windy Mountain<\/span><\/a> (12,608 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – The wind was down to 10-15 mph out of the SW by the time Lupe reached a jumble of talus only marginally higher than the rest of the summit ridge.\u00a0 200 feet farther ESE, a big cairn with a sweeping view of all points E sat at the brink of a precipice along the S edge of the mountain.<\/p>\n

After a quick photo at the true summit, Lupe headed over to the cairn and its dramatic perch.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the true summit of Windy Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
By the cairn. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Blanca Peak<\/strong> (L) on the horizon. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3 mountains in one day!\u00a0 Ought to be worth another round of beef jerky, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, of course, Loopster!\u00a0 Give me just a moment.<\/em><\/p>\n

After shaking Lupe’s paw in congratulations once again, SPHP grabbed a jar from the cairn, then sat down on the tundra a little back to the W.<\/p>\n

Let’s see if John Pelner actually got here today, or not, Loop!<\/em><\/p>\n

Opening the jar, SPHP checked the registry within.<\/p>\n

So what does it say, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Sure enough, John was here!\u00a0 His entry is the 4th one so far this year.\u00a0 I’ll add your name, too, Loopster.\u00a0 And guess what?\u00a0 John left us a present.<\/em><\/p>\n

A present?\u00a0 What kind of a present, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

A Nature Valley granola bar, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

Anyone could have left that, SPHP.\u00a0 Doesn’t have our names on it, does it?\u00a0 How do you know John left it?<\/em><\/p>\n

Because it seems to be fresh, instead of petrified.\u00a0 Anyway, whether John left it for us, or not, let’s eat it!<\/em><\/p>\n

It’s all yours, SPHP.\u00a0 I’m sticking with beef jerky, speaking of which, bring it on!\u00a0 And how about some water, too?<\/em><\/p>\n

As usual, beef jerky and water for all!\u00a0 Lupe polished off the last of her Taste of the Wild, too.\u00a0 Munching on the Nature Valley granola bar while resting in the breeze up on Windy Mountain with the last big climb of the day out of the way, life seemed mighty fine.<\/p>\n

To the NW, Bennett Peak and Pintada Mountain blocked more distant views.\u00a0 No doubt John Pelner had been to Pintada today, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Bennett Peak<\/strong> (L), HP12788<\/strong> (L of Center), HP12844<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
HP12844<\/strong> (L), Pintada Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Windy Mountain was high enough to still see the fabulous view SW of Conejos Peak, Summit Peak, and all the other snow-capped mountains.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Silver Mountain<\/strong> (far L), Conejos Peak<\/strong> (L). Summit Peak<\/strong>, Montezuma Peak<\/strong>, and Long Trek Mountain<\/strong> (all far R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From the S edge over by the cairn, Lupe could see County Road No. 28, snaking its way up to the South Fork trailhead where the RAV4 waited, visible as a lone blue speck 1,400 feet below.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peering down on County Road No. 28<\/strong>. Peak 11930<\/span><\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The RAV4!\u00a0 Soon time to be heading back.\u00a0 The American Dingo lingered on Windy Mountain, but didn’t quite complete her traditional summit hour.\u00a0 52 minutes after first reaching the true summit, she was back at it again, enjoying the view of HP12279<\/span><\/strong>, Sheep Mountain, and all the snowy peaks beyond for the last time.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Summit Peak<\/strong> (far L), HP12279<\/strong> (L), Sheep Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Descending Windy Mountain’s NW ridge, the wind picked up again as Lupe got close to Pass 12065<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Once down to it, the Carolina Dog turned SW, continuing her descent into the South Fork of Rock Creek valley.<\/p>\n

The mountainside was steep.\u00a0 No trails, but Lupe was able to follow grassy lanes through the forest most of the way down.\u00a0 The wind died completely away, which was nice after being in it virtually all day long, and a giant deer provided a bit of excitement.<\/p>\n

Near the end, Lupe encountered an unavoidable stretch of thick forest where deadfall slowed SPHP’s progress.\u00a0 Managing to lose another 150 feet of elevation, the Carolina Dog finally reached a beautiful, park-like meadow that quickly led to South Rock Trail No. 720.<\/p>\n

Turning SE down the valley, the trail soon crossed the South Fork of Rock Creek.\u00a0 The creek was bigger here than where the American Dingo had bounded over it this morning, but Lupe had no qualms about fording it this time, easily wading across.\u00a0 She then waited while SPHP forded the stream 3 times, after forgetting the camera the first time over.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Fording the South Fork of Rock Creek<\/strong> at day’s end.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One more trudge higher!\u00a0 Fortunately, only 100 feet of elevation gain was all that was required before popping out of the forest at the end of County Road No. 28 where the RAV4 waited alone at the trailhead.<\/p>\n

Not a soul was around, as Lupe relaxed in the RAV4.\u00a0 While SPHP heated up a can of chicken and dumplings for dinner, the cliffy S face of Windy Mountain was illuminated by early evening sunlight.\u00a0 A beautiful end to a wonderful breezy day spent happily roaming the spacious highlands on the way to and from Bennett Peak.\u00a0 (End 6:16 PM)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Windy Mountain<\/strong> from the South Fork trailhead<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On Bennett Peak<\/strong>, San Juan Mountains, Colorado 6-19-23<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe’s Sheep Mountain & Bennett Peak GPS track<\/strong> (ascent)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe’s Bennett Peak & Windy Mountain GPS track<\/strong> (descent)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

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

Lupe’s Scrollable GPS Track – <\/strong>Sheep Mountain & Bennett Peak (ascent)<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Lupe’s Scrollable GPS Track – <\/strong><\/span>Bennett Peak & Windy Mountain (descent)<\/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 12 & 13 of Lupe’s 1st Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Colorado & New Mexico! 6-18-23, Monte Vista, San Luis valley, Colorado – After driving to both the E and W ends of town on Hwy 160 to see what was here, SPHP parked the RAV4 in the shade of a line of … Continue reading Bennett Peak, San Juan Mountains, Colorado (6-19-23)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":51239,"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":[105,1677,106,296,26,104,1673,183,1678],"class_list":["post-51273","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1659","tag-american-dingo","tag-bennett-peak","tag-carolina-dog","tag-colorado","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-lupe","tag-san-juan-mountains","tag-sheep-mountain","tag-windy-mountain"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_1132-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\/51273","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=51273"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51273\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":54102,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51273\/revisions\/54102"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/51239"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=51273"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=51273"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=51273"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}