{"id":52337,"date":"2024-03-31T08:10:22","date_gmt":"2024-03-31T14:10:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=52337"},"modified":"2024-10-18T09:47:48","modified_gmt":"2024-10-18T15:47:48","slug":"black-hills-sd-expedition-no-324-line-camp-peak-horse-trap-mountain-1-31-24","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=52337","title":{"rendered":"Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 324 – Line Camp Peak & Horse Trap Mountain (1-31-24)"},"content":{"rendered":"

7:59 AM, 28\u00baF, Cascade Falls, S of Hot Springs<\/em> – Shadows were long, but the day already bright as the sun came peeping over the mountains.\u00a0 The steps leading down to Cascade Creek from the picnic ground were icy, forcing SPHP to use the railing for support.\u00a0 Reaching Cascade Falls, mist was rising into the chilly morning air from both the swimming hole, and the lukewarm stream tumbling into it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Arriving early at Cascade Falls<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Cascade Falls<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beautiful!\u00a0 Love Cascade Falls, SPHP, but it’s still January!\u00a0 Kind of early in the season to go swimming, isn’t it?<\/em><\/p>\n

Ha!\u00a0 No doubt, Loopster!\u00a0 Not too early to do a little wading, though.<\/em><\/p>\n

As SPHP sat down and began removing boots and socks, the Carolina Dog appeared more concerned than convinced.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Cascade Creek<\/strong> immediately above the falls. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Even though the water wasn’t all that cold or deep, Lupe was reluctant to follow SPHP into the stream.\u00a0 The creek bottom was smooth and firm, but uneven with sudden drops of a foot or more, enough to freak the American Dingo out a bit, causing her to freeze up midstream.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Reluctantly midstream. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Just follow me, Loop.\u00a0 It’s not deep at all, if you take the exact same route.<\/em><\/p>\n

After fording Cascade Creek, SPHP sat down and began putting socks and boots back on again.<\/p>\n

Aren’t we staying here at the creek like we’ve always done before, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Nope.\u00a0 Cascade Falls may be a great place to hang out during the summer, Looper, but we’re actually here to visit Line Camp Peak<\/span><\/a> (4,530 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> today.<\/em><\/p>\n

Line Camp Peak?\u00a0 Never heard of it, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

That’s the name I just gave it, Loop, because the topo map shows a Line Camp 0.33 mile SW of the summit.\u00a0 On Lists of John, it’s merely Peak<\/span> 4535<\/span><\/a><\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, I get it!\u00a0 We’re back to tagging Lists of John peaks with a minimum of 300 feet of prominence.\u00a0 What is a line camp, anyway, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Really don’t know, Loopster.\u00a0 If I had to guess, I’d think a temporary work camp near the construction of some sort of road or utility.\u00a0 Way out here, maybe a pipeline or powerline.\u00a0 With any luck, maybe we’ll find out today.<\/em><\/p>\n

Scrambling up the steep, heavily forested bank on the W side of Cascade Creek through pines, junipers, and bushes, the terrain leveled out after a 40 foot climb.\u00a0 Another steep-sided ravine full of pines and junipers was now to the L with grasslands visible above both sides.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the NE side of Falls Canyon<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This big ravine is Falls Canyon, Loop, but we’re on the wrong side.\u00a0 We’re going to have to find a place to get across.<\/em><\/p>\n

Although Falls Canyon was only 40 feet deep, Lupe was above a cliff with standing water below it.\u00a0 Heading NW, there was already a nice view of Devils Slide Mountain<\/span><\/a> (3,960 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> back to the NE.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Beginning the search for a way across Falls Canyon<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Devils Slide Mountain<\/strong> (L). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After only 0.15 mile, the canyon divided.\u00a0 Falls Canyon turned N, while Mike Canyon continued NW.\u00a0 Lupe easily descended into Falls Canyon and climbed back out again here, but now had to cross Mike Canyon, as well.\u00a0 Another 0.1 mile NW got her to a good spot to enter Mike Canyon.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Exploring Mike Canyon<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The terrain in the canyon was rolling and grassy, with a few inches of snow lingering along the more shaded SW side.\u00a0 Although the SW slope wasn’t a cliff, it was still mighty steep.\u00a0 Fortunately, Lupe didn’t have to sniff her way much farther up the canyon to find a spot where it was possible to scramble up and out, entering a region of typical western South Dakota prairie.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Up on the prairie<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

S of Mike Canyon now, the prairie rose in a long, gradual climb as Lupe headed W.\u00a0 Didn’t take her long to notice that grass wasn’t the only thing growing out here.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog’s nemesis was here, too.<\/p>\n

Yeouch!\u00a0 SPHP, there’s cactus!<\/em><\/p>\n

Lots of it, too.\u00a0 Progress slowed as Lupe insisted upon playing the cactus game.\u00a0 Remaining in one spot while SPHP scouted ahead, Lupe refused to budge until SPHP gave the signal that the route was cacti-free.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Playing the cactus game. Devils Slide Mountain<\/strong> (L). Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In some places, the cactus was so thick that carrying Lupe was the only way to keep going.<\/p>\n

I sure hope it isn’t very far to Line Camp Peak, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

It’s a bit of a stroll, Loopster.\u00a0 Nearly 7 miles from Cascade Falls.<\/em><\/p>\n

7 miles!\u00a0 We’ll never make it, SPHP!\u00a0 You can’t carry me that far, and I’m not walking barepaw through cactus infested fields for any 7 miles.\u00a0 You try it!\u00a0 It’s not fun.<\/em><\/p>\n

Ahh, but there’s a road that goes nearly the entire way, Loop.\u00a0 We’ll soon come to it.<\/em><\/p>\n

A road?\u00a0 Why didn’t you say so?\u00a0 That’s different, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Continuing W, the terrain finally leveled out.\u00a0 From the top of a small rise, the Cheyenne River valley was now in sight off to the SW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Cheyenne River valley<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Alright!\u00a0 Almost there, Looper.\u00a0 USFS Road No. 647 should be just down this little slope about where the trees start.\u00a0 In fact, I think I see it.<\/em><\/p>\n

Reaching the road put an end to the American Dingo’s cactus concerns.\u00a0 Turning NW again, her road hike commenced.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On USFS Road No. 647<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No. 647 was a scenic, easy march.\u00a0 Trending NW for miles through both prairie and open pine forests, the road steadily gained elevation.\u00a0 Soon Lupe was high enough to see Nebraska way off to the S.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Among the pines of the open forest. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Nebraska<\/strong> on the distant horizon. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Black Hills had been very warm for January recently, and today was no exception.\u00a0 The morning was warming up fast as the sun climbed into the cloudless sky.\u00a0 Very little snow remained, but Lupe was happy to find enough melting in the shade here and there to eat for a bit of moisture whenever she got thirsty.<\/p>\n

Nothing happened on this pleasant journey until, approaching HP4040<\/span><\/strong> after 2 miles on No. 647, the American Dingo spotted movement ahead.\u00a0 A lone horse with a thick black mane was running around up here.\u00a0 The horse trotted through the fields for a few minutes before disappearing into the forest, evidently on its way to some unknown destination.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching HP4040<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
“Black Mane<\/strong>“, the handsome horse of HP4040<\/span><\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The road didn’t go all the way to the top of HP4040<\/span><\/strong>, instead flattening out as it turned W for a short stretch before losing 50 feet of elevation winding NW down into the uppermost reaches of Cedar Canyon.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About to descend into the upper reaches of Cedar Canyon<\/strong> (L). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The uphill trek soon resumed as a somewhat steeper climb.\u00a0 Once out of Cedar Canyon, tablelands were in sight beyond Wildcat Canyon.\u00a0 Views of Wildcat Canyon improved as Lupe continued on.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Tablelands<\/strong> (Center) beyond the Wildcat Canyon region<\/strong>. Photo look W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Wildcat Canyon<\/strong> (R). Nebraska<\/strong> on the horizon again. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A level stretch led to yet another gradual climb, which topped out near HP4154<\/span><\/strong>. However, there were enough trees up here to block any distant views, at least from along the road.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching HP4154<\/span><\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beyond HP4154<\/span><\/strong>, more open territory provided a good look at the upper reaches of one of the branches of Wildcat Canyon.\u00a0 However, the views were even better just a little farther on, when the road swung over to the NE side of the long ridge it was following.\u00a0 Looking across Buck Canyon, quite a few peaks Lupe had once been to long, long ago were in sight.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Upper end of Wildcat Canyon<\/strong> (beyond Lupe). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Oh my gosh, SPHP!\u00a0 There’s Roundtop Hill<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/em> (4,469 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> and<\/em> the Seven Sisters Range<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/em> (4,420 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup.\u00a0 And if you look down Buck Canyon, Loopster, you can see not only Devils Slide Mountain<\/span><\/a> (3,960 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> a mile or so from where we started, but Flagpole Mountain<\/span><\/a> (4,320 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> as well.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Roundtop Hill<\/strong> (L) and Seven Sisters Range<\/strong> (R) beyond Buck Canyon<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Devils Slide Mountain<\/strong> (L of Center) and Flagpole Mountain<\/strong> (R) in the distance. Buck Canyon<\/strong> (foreground). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Looks like we’ve come a long way already, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, we’ve definitely made some progress, Loop.\u00a0 Still 1.5+ miles to Line Camp Peak, though.<\/em><\/p>\n

For the next 0.67 mile, USFS Road No. 647 ran along the shady SW side of Buck Canyon, all mushy and wet with melting snow.\u00a0 After going up this incline, the rate of climb greatly diminished as the road turned W again for a little way before resuming its NW course.\u00a0 In this flat region, a large power line soon appeared ahead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading up the muddy stretch along the SW side of Buck Canyon<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the power line<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hey!\u00a0 This power line might be why the line camp is on Line Camp Peak, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Don’t know, Loop.\u00a0 According to the map, the line camp is still 0.67 mile NW.\u00a0 Seems sort of far.\u00a0 Plenty of excellent space right here for a camp, if it was meant to support the construction of this power line.<\/em><\/p>\n

Continuing NW past the power line, it wasn’t much farther to a fork in the road.\u00a0 Taking the R fork, Lupe headed N through a huge, very gently sloping field.\u00a0 Line Camp Peak’s summit was now only another 0.25 mile, hidden somewhere among the pines directly ahead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the grassy summit plateau of Line Camp Peak<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

However, something else caught Lupe’s attention.\u00a0 Over toward the W end of the field, a whole herd of horses was hanging out near the area where the line camp was supposed to be.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Horses<\/strong> near the Line Camp region<\/strong>. Photo looks W with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Oh, I love horses, SPHP!\u00a0 Do you suppose they’re friendly?\u00a0 Maybe we should go see them?\u00a0 We can check out the line camp, too!<\/em><\/p>\n

Whether friendly or not, let’s leave ’em be, Loop.\u00a0 The line camp mystery is of secondary importance.\u00a0 Let’s do what we came to do, first.<\/em><\/p>\n

12:32 PM, 60\u00baF, Line Camp Peak<\/strong><\/span><\/a> (4,530 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – Located near the NE end of the enormous summit plateau, Line Camp Peak’s true summit proved to be along a rocky, pine-covered, E\/W running ridge that rose 10-15 feet above the immediately surrounding area.\u00a0 Only tree-broken views were available from the top, but a little SE of the summit, Lupe enjoyed a great view to the E across multiple canyons.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Seven Sisters Range<\/strong> (L) and Devils Slide Mountain<\/strong> (R) from Line Camp Peak<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On one of the highest boulders of the summit ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Tree-broken views from the summit ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A long march, but an easy one!\u00a0 Congratulations, Loopster, you’ve made it to Line Camp Peak!\u00a0 May I shake your paw?<\/em><\/p>\n

Not all of it was as easy as you make it sound, SPHP!\u00a0 But, yes, go ahead, you may shake my cactus-stabbed paw.\u00a0 Gently, please!<\/em><\/p>\n

For the last day of January, this was an extraordinary day.\u00a0 Although wind now sighed in the treetops, the breeze was only light and variable at ground level, and at a sunny 60\u00baF, the air was pleasantly warm.\u00a0 For a while, Lupe and SPHP relaxed on patches of grass near the true summit after sharing water and a chocolate coconut bar.<\/p>\n

There’d already been a few brief water and Taste of the Wild breaks on the way here, and the American Dingo scarfed up some more as SPHP munched on an apple.\u00a0 Facing S toward the main part of the plateau, a glimpse of Nebraska was visible between the trees.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The break spot<\/strong> next to the true summit. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Nebraska<\/strong> (L of Center) on the horizon. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Time ticked away as it always does.<\/p>\n

Very nice here, isn’t it, Looper?<\/em><\/p>\n

Absolutely, SPHP.\u00a0 I loved all the canyon views and seeing some of the peaks we haven’t been to in a long time on the way here, too.<\/em><\/p>\n

Me, too, Loop.\u00a0 Getting to be 1:00 PM, though, and the days aren’t very long this time of year.<\/em><\/p>\n

We’ve only been here half an hour, SPHP.\u00a0 You aren’t saying we have to leave already, are you?\u00a0 Can’t we at least stay for the rest of my traditional summit hour?\u00a0 Or maybe you’re wanting to spend the second half of it checking out the line camp?\u00a0 I’d do that.<\/em><\/p>\n

Actually have something else in mind.\u00a0 Horse Trap Mountain<\/span><\/a> (4,682 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> is only a little over a mile N of here.\u00a0 Been a long time ago, but remember how scenic it was up there, Loopster?\u00a0 Would be fun to return for a little while, if the skinny ridge leading to it is negotiable.<\/em><\/p>\n

A chance to visit Horse Trap Mountain again, SPHP?\u00a0 Let’s do it!<\/em><\/p>\n

Alright.\u00a0 We better get with it, though, Loop.\u00a0 Taking on Horse Trap means we’ll be getting back long after dark, even if we leave right now.\u00a0 However, before we go, stand on the true summit of Line Camp Peak here again for a minute.\u00a0 There’s kind of an interesting view showing that there’s a hollow spot beneath it.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back on the true summit of Line Camp Peak<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1:01 PM<\/em> – Setting out for Horse Trap Mountain, Lupe wandered W along Line Camp Peak’s little summit ridge, turning NW once it melted away in the forest.\u00a0 To SPHP’s surprise, the Carolina Dog quickly discovered an old road that went N, exactly the direction she needed to go.<\/p>\n

A short descent led to a grassy bench, where a cluster of rocks along the NW edge promised a grand view of Hell Canyon.\u00a0 Going over to them, the view didn’t disappoint at all.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the grassy bench<\/strong> at the far N end of Line Camp Peak<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Hell Canyon<\/strong> from the N end of Line Camp Peak<\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Wow!\u00a0 This is gorgeous, Loop!\u00a0 Love this kind of territory.\u00a0 Doesn’t look like “Hell” Canyon at all to me.<\/em><\/p>\n

Heh.\u00a0 Beautiful enough, SPHP.\u00a0 Probably full of cactus, though!<\/em><\/p>\n

From the far N end of this bench, Lupe’s next objective was in sight.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Horse Trap Mountain<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There it is in all its glory, SPHP!\u00a0 Horse Trap Mountain!\u00a0 Doesn’t look like a difficult climb, either, if we can get down to the saddle leading to it.<\/em><\/p>\n

Fortunately, getting to the saddle was no problem.\u00a0 The ancient jeep trail Lupe had found wound down to an intersection with USFS Road No. 327, which ran E\/W right over it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Following the old jeep trail<\/strong> (L) down to the saddle leading to Horse Trap Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
HP4656<\/span><\/strong> (Center) above the upper reaches of Hell Canyon<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
HP4500<\/span><\/strong> (Center) along Line Camp Peak’s E ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Crossing the saddle, the wind was 20 mph out of the W as Lupe started up Horse Trap Mountain’s S ridge.\u00a0 This fairly steep climb was actually a bit dangerous for the Carolina Dog due to a pair of parallel barbed wire fences running straight up the ridgeline, one of which was flat on the ground much of the way.<\/p>\n

At one point, SPHP had to give the American Dingo a boost at a rocky spot, although Lupe could have gone around it, if necessary.\u00a0 Views were already marvelous from a couple of high points crossed during the 450 foot ascent.\u00a0 From the second one, Lupe had a terrific view of Horse Trap Mountain’s S face.<\/p>\n

A band of limestone cliffs running along the upper rim appeared to have enough breaks in it to ensure a successful ascent.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading up Horse Trap Mountain’s S ridge<\/strong>. Line Camp Peak<\/strong> (L), Hell Canyon<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
S face of Horse Trap Mountain<\/strong> from HP4550<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nothing to it!\u00a0 As Lupe closed in on the S face, a readily discernable trail went right on up.\u00a0 From atop the rocks along the S rim, Lupe enjoyed a tremendous view of Falls Canyon with Devils Slide Mountain<\/span><\/a> (3,960 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Flagpole Mountain<\/span><\/a> (4,320 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> beyond, and the prairies of western South Dakota stretching to the edge of vision beyond them.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the S rim of Horse Trap Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Falls Canyon<\/strong> (Center), Devils Slide Mountain<\/strong> (L of Center), Flagpole Mountain<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
HP4550<\/span><\/strong> (L) along Horse Trap Mountain’s S ridge<\/strong>. Line Camp Peak<\/strong> (Center), Hell Canyon<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2:16 PM, 57\u00baF, Horse Trap Mountain<\/span><\/a> (4,682 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> –\u00a0 Lupe had come up at the lower S end of a huge, oval summit plateau covered with grass and scattered pines.\u00a0 Sloping gently up to the N, this plateau was ringed by a line of small cliffs around virtually the entire perimeter.\u00a0 Having been here once before, the Carolina Dog knew the true summit was along the opposite NNW edge.<\/p>\n

Any preferences, SPHP?\u00a0 Want to go straight for the true summit, or circle around the perimeter where all the big views are?<\/em><\/p>\n

Around the perimeter, Loopster.\u00a0 After all, the unobstructed views from this island in the sky are what make Horse Trap Mountain so special.<\/em><\/p>\n

Clockwise, or counter-clockwise then, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Your choice, Loop.\u00a0 Either way is fine with me.<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe chose clockwise.\u00a0 Within minutes she reached a particularly scenic overlook along the SW edge from rock formations providing a superb view of Line Camp Peak, lower Hell Canyon, and barren ridges to the W.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Line Camp Peak<\/strong> (L edge), Hell Canyon<\/strong> (L), and barren tablelands<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Line Camp Peak<\/strong> (L), Hell Canyon<\/strong> (Center), tablelands<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Circling around to the NW edge, the upper reaches of Hell Canyon were in sight.\u00a0 The top of Parker Peak<\/span><\/a> (4,848 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, the Fall River county high point, was also visible, sticking up behind them.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Parker Peak<\/strong> (L of Center) beyond upper Hell Canyon<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2:27 PM<\/em> – The wind was only 5-10 mph out of the NW by the time Lupe reached the true summit of Horse Trap Mountain after a leisurely stroll around the W end of the plateau.\u00a0 A couple of photos atop the summit rock, the usual congratulatory pawshake, and it was time for a break.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the true summit of Horse Trap Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Parker Peak<\/strong> (R) from the true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Taking it easy on Horse Trap Mountain<\/strong>. Parker Peak<\/strong> (Center), true summit rock<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hard to believe we’re here again after all these years, Loop!\u00a0 So glad we came!\u00a0 Horse Trap Mountain is every bit as fabulous as I remembered it.<\/em><\/p>\n

Most definitely agree, SPHP!\u00a0 Easily worthy of a chocolate coconut bar, maybe 2 or 3!<\/em><\/p>\n

Um, yeah.\u00a0 Only one left, Loopster, but I do have a duck jerky for you, too.<\/em><\/p>\n

Both were eagerly accepted, along with Taste of the Wild and water, then Lupe laid her head down.<\/p>\n

Mind if I snooze for a bit, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Not at all, Looper.\u00a0 It’s already been a long day.<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP drank a strawberry Equate and chomped the last apple.\u00a0 Only the sound of the wind broke a perfect silence.\u00a0 Amazing, unspoiled territory of this remote part of the Black Hills laid in all directions.<\/p>\n

A glimpse of Elk Benchmark<\/span><\/a> (5,669 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Wildcat Peak<\/span><\/a> (5,500 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was far to the NW.\u00a0 Black Elk Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,131 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was but a distant blip to the N.\u00a0 SPHP peered into Hell Canyon.\u00a0 Gorgeous, but Lupe might be right.\u00a0 Maybe it was full of cactus?<\/p>\n

After a short nap, the Carolina Dog woke up and accompanied SPHP on a stroll to other nearby viewpoints.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Parker Peak<\/strong> (L) again. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Horse Trap Mountain summit plateau<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3:15 PM, Horse Trap Mountain –\u00a0 <\/em>The inevitable sad moment arrived.<\/p>\n

About time to get back on the top rock, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

Summit hour’s over already, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Hate to say it, but yup, pretty quick now, Loopster.<\/em><\/p>\n

At least we can still enjoy completing our circumnavigation of the summit plateau, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Final moments on the true summit of Horse Trap Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A brief return to the true summit, and Lupe was on her way, this time circling around the E end of the plateau.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Leaving the true summit region<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The views were grand going this way, too.\u00a0 All too soon, Lupe was back at the S end of the plateau, ready to start her descent along the S ridge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Falls Canyon<\/strong> (L & Center) from the E edge. Devils Slide Mountain<\/strong> (L) and Flagpole Mountain<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Roundtop Hill<\/strong> (Center in foreground). Photo looks ESE with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Back at the S end. HP4550<\/span><\/strong> and Line Camp Peak<\/strong> (L of Center), Hell Canyon<\/strong> (R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4:43 PM, 55\u00baF<\/em> – The wind had died completely, and the rapidly setting sun was already on the horizon by the time the American Dingo reached the summit of Line Camp Peak<\/span><\/a> (4,530 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> again.\u00a0 She wouldn’t get much of a rest break at all here this time around.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sunset from the summit of Line Camp Peak<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Enjoy it while you can, Looper.\u00a0 10 minutes, then we’re moving on.<\/em><\/p>\n

What about the line camp, SPHP?\u00a0 Are we ever going to check it out?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup.\u00a0 That’s why we’re in a rush.\u00a0 Going to be too dark to see anything, if we don’t get over there pretty quick.<\/em><\/p>\n

The last rays of sunshine were filtering through the trees as Lupe headed SW across the big field where the horses had been earlier in the day.\u00a0 No sign of them now.\u00a0 SPHP overshot the turn W to the line camp.\u00a0 Lupe was well on her way to HP4509<\/span><\/strong> before SPHP realized the error.<\/p>\n

Doubling back in haste, dusk was deepening among the pines when the Carolina Dog reached the location marked as the line camp on the map.\u00a0 Nothing here.\u00a0 No towers, sheds, shacks, or other structures at all, only a few pieces of metal quietly rusting away in the tall grass.<\/p>\n

So what makes this a line camp, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

No idea, Loop.\u00a0 Only our cartographer knows for sure.\u00a0 Had no idea what to expect from a line camp, and still don’t, except maybe not much at all.<\/em><\/p>\n

Exploring farther along the N edge of the point W of the line camp, trees hid the views, except from one spot where Lupe caught a final glimpse of a familiar sight.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Horse Trap Mountain<\/strong> (L) from W of the Line Camp<\/strong>. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

And that was it.\u00a0 The return march back along USFS Road No. 647 was even easier now going downhill.\u00a0 Lupe barked at a small plane that flew almost directly overhead while there was still light in the sky.\u00a0 However, it wasn’t long before the tiny flashlight had to come out.<\/p>\n

On this black, moonless night, the Milky Way was stunningly bright.\u00a0 Rising in the SE, Orion was directly ahead.\u00a0 Back to the N, the Big Dipper stood on end.\u00a0 Geese honked as they flew by unseen, and coyotes sang a wild, mournful chorus before silence reigned again.\u00a0 Many miles away widely dispersed lights revealed the locations of remote ranch homes.<\/p>\n

Nearly 14 hours after leaving the RAV, Lupe forded Cascade Creek again, completely unfazed by the jet black water or ghostly mist rising from it.<\/p>\n

Line Camp Peak and Horse Trap Mountain!\u00a0 What a magnificent day they had been!\u00a0 (9:55 PM, 36\u00baF)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Line Camp Peak<\/strong> from Horse Trap Mountain<\/strong>, Black Hills of South Dakota 1-31-24<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

Next Black Hills Expedition<\/span><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Prior Black Hills Expedition<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/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":"

7:59 AM, 28\u00baF, Cascade Falls, S of Hot Springs – Shadows were long, but the day already bright as the sun came peeping over the mountains.\u00a0 The steps leading down to Cascade Creek from the picnic ground were icy, forcing SPHP to use the railing for support.\u00a0 Reaching Cascade Falls, mist was rising into the … Continue reading Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 324 – Line Camp Peak & Horse Trap Mountain (1-31-24)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":52301,"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":[105,9,106,129,817,1687,104,304],"class_list":["post-52337","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-cascade-falls","tag-horse-trap-mountain","tag-line-camp-peak","tag-lupe","tag-south-dakota"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/IMG_3627-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\/52337","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=52337"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52337\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":55509,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52337\/revisions\/55509"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/52301"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=52337"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=52337"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=52337"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}