{"id":53930,"date":"2024-05-13T08:10:25","date_gmt":"2024-05-13T14:10:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=53930"},"modified":"2024-10-18T09:46:42","modified_gmt":"2024-10-18T15:46:42","slug":"black-hills-sd-expedition-no-325-kruger-peak-daisy-peak-northeast-cicero-peak-2-29-24","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=53930","title":{"rendered":"Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 325 – Kruger Peak, Daisy Peak & Northeast Cicero Peak (2-29-24)"},"content":{"rendered":"

8:18 AM, 37\u00baF, Lower French Creek Road<\/em> – As soon as SPHP parked the RAV4 at a wide spot on the W side of the road, Lupe leapt out.\u00a0 After all, it was Leap Day<\/span><\/strong><\/em>!\u00a0 In the shade of the pines, the morning air was still crisp, and a skiff of snow on the ground was much to the Carolina Dog’s liking.\u00a0 Only 20 feet from the RAV4, French Creek gurgled away.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Parked near French Creek<\/strong> (L). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Oh, I can tell already.\u00a0 It’s going to be a great day, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Hope, so Loop!\u00a0 I’m looking forward to it, too.\u00a0 Been a long time since we’ve been to the peaks we’ll be visiting today, and I always liked this region.<\/em><\/p>\n

Have we been here before, SPHP?\u00a0 Nothing looks the least bit familiar.<\/em><\/p>\n

This part is new, Loopster, but we’re just coming from a new direction.\u00a0 You’ll be in familiar territory soon enough.<\/em><\/p>\n

Something old, something new – sounds good to me, SPHP.\u00a0 Which way do we go?<\/em><\/p>\n

N across French Creek, then W on USFS Road No. 342.1P.<\/em><\/p>\n

A super simple plan that should have worked, but N of French Creek there was no sign of No. 342.1P leaving French Creek Road.<\/p>\n

Hmm.\u00a0 Odd.\u00a0 I’m sure we’re in the right area.\u00a0 Well, it’s all Black Hills National Forest land, Looper.\u00a0 Road or no road, let’s head W.<\/em><\/p>\n

Leaving Lower French Creek Road, Lupe climbed a short bank up into an open forest of tall pines.\u00a0 She’d barely started W when she ran across faint remnants of No. 342.1P.\u00a0 Following the road for only a few minutes led to a sunny little valley where two of the American Dingo’s objectives were already in sight.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Daisy Peak<\/strong> (L), Kruger Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

That’s Daisy Peak<\/span><\/a> (5,948 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> on the L, and Kruger Peak<\/span><\/a> (5,858 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> on the R, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

We’re this close already, SPHP?\u00a0 This is going to be so easy!<\/em><\/p>\n

Nothing wrong with easy.\u00a0 Continuing up the valley, Lupe quickly came to an old USFS gate.\u00a0 Going around it, a moderately steep climb soon led to the surprisingly cold and windy edge of a bigger valley with an even better view of both peaks.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The old USFS gate along No. 342.1P<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Daisy Peak<\/strong> (L) from the edge of the next valley. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Kruger Peak<\/strong> (L of Center) from the same spot. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Snow on the shady NW side of the ridge crunched underpaw on the way down into the valley.\u00a0 This valley was actually quite a scenic area with views that quickly improved as Lupe started up Kruger Peak’s lower SE slopes.\u00a0 Soon Mount Coolidge<\/span><\/a> (6,023 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was in sight off to the NE.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Daisy Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mount Coolidge<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The slope steepened, becoming rocky and dotted with pines.\u00a0 By the time Lupe reached the upper portions of Kruger Peak’s E ridge, the views had vanished as she wound through a forest of relatively young trees.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading up Kruger Peak’s lower SE slopes<\/strong>. Kruger Peak<\/strong> (L). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Some of the beautiful territory Lupe would be exploring today. Daisy Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In full sun, the day was warming up fast.\u00a0 SPHP shed layers twice before Lupe reached the top of Kruger Peak.\u00a0 The true summit was at the E end of a large, heavily forested region.\u00a0 A tree trunk with several inches of snow on it had fallen right over the high point.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the true summit of Kruger Peak<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9:28 AM, 46\u00baF, Kruger Peak<\/span><\/a> (5,838 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> –<\/p>\n

Whew!\u00a0 A bit of a climb, wasn’t it?\u00a0 Let’s take a break Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, that wasn’t so hard, SPHP.\u00a0 We got here pretty fast.\u00a0 Could have been here sooner, too, if you hadn’t stopped to stare at the views so often.<\/em><\/p>\n

Sort of had to, Looper.\u00a0 Been sitting around too much this winter.\u00a0 Anyway, congratulations on climbing Kruger Peak!\u00a0 Want a duck jerky?<\/em><\/p>\n

Silly question.\u00a0 Golden Rewards duck jerky was all the rage of late with the Carolina Dog.\u00a0 After SPHP shook Lupe’s paw, she snapped up the duck jerky, Dingo’ed it down in nothing flat, then chomped some snow.<\/p>\n

Just E of the true summit an open SE slope and a big rock toward the N offered some nice views.\u00a0 Both Custer Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,089 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Black Elk Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,231 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> were in sight.\u00a0 With help from the telephoto lens, Little Devils Tower<\/span><\/a> (6,960 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, the Cathedral Spires<\/span><\/a> (6,946 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, and Peak<\/span> 6920<\/span><\/a><\/strong> were all easily identifiable, too.<\/p>\n

Daisy Peak, less than 0.5 mile S, wasn’t all that much higher now.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Custer Mountain<\/strong> (L), Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Little Devils Tower<\/strong> (L), Cathedral Spires<\/strong> (Center), Peak 6920<\/strong> (R of Center), Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks N with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Daisy Peak<\/strong> (Center) from Kruger Peak<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Even Kruger Peak’s true summit offered a glimpse of the western South Dakota prairies far beyond the Black Hills.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A narrow view of the prairies from Kruger Peak’s true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

With 3 peaks on the American Dingo’s agenda today, spending a full hour on top of each one simply wasn’t going to be practical.\u00a0 After a pleasant 25 minute break enjoying the views from the sunny SE slope near Kruger Peak’s true summit, it was time to move on.<\/p>\n

Heading W through the forest over to the opposite end of Kruger Peak’s summit region, Lupe paused when she reached a rocky spot along the edge with a view to the WNW.<\/p>\n

Peak<\/span> 6040<\/span><\/a><\/strong> was in sight 2 miles away, the only mountain any higher than Kruger Peak relatively nearby in this direction.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 6040<\/span><\/strong> (far R). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Although there’d scarcely been much of a breeze at all back at the true summit, here along the W edge Lupe was exposed to a brisk 15 mph wind blowing in from out of the W.\u00a0 Preferring the calm of the forest, the Carolina Dog continued her journey, heading SW down to the saddle leading to Daisy Peak.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Setting off for Daisy Peak<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As Lupe began her descent to the saddle, she passed a small cairn sitting on a boulder.\u00a0 Why it was even there wasn’t at all clear.\u00a0 Closing in on the saddle, she went over a 20 foot bump along the ridge before a final short descent to the saddle’s low point.<\/p>\n

An ancient abandoned road came up to the saddle out of the NE from somewhere along Kruger Peak’s S flank.\u00a0 Turning SSE at the saddle, this snow-covered road continued gradually up Daisy Peak’s E slope.\u00a0 Lupe followed this road a little way before abandoning it to climb much more steeply straight up Daisy Peak’s slippery, snowy N slope.<\/p>\n

A rocky spot most of the way up provided the best view yet of Peak<\/span> 6040<\/span><\/a><\/strong> and Custer Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,089 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> beyond the Glen Erin Creek valley, with Sylvan Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,000 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Black Elk Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,231 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> on the horizon.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 6040<\/strong> (L), Sylvan Peak<\/strong> (R of Center) beyond Custer Mountain<\/strong> (R), Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Continuing S from this sweet viewpoint, the slope diminished.\u00a0 The ridge narrowed and became rocky, fortunately not to the point of causing any real difficulties at all.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog passed several more viewpoints before reaching Daisy Peak’s true summit.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At a scenic spot along Daisy Peak’s N ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Kruger Peak<\/strong> (L), Mount Coolidge<\/strong> (R) from Daisy Peak’s true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

10:29 AM, 45<\/em>\u00baF, <\/em>Daisy Peak<\/span><\/a> (5,948 ft.)<\/span><\/em><\/strong> – The true summit was a small jumble of rocks a foot or two high amid dry grass and stickers.\u00a0 A fairly large dead tree trunk that had been standing only a few feet away the last time Lupe was here more than 9 years ago was still erect.<\/p>\n

Pines hid the views to the W, but a long grassy slope extending down to the SE offered a grand panorama in all other directions, including a look at Northeast Cicero Peak<\/span><\/a> (6,240 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Lupe’s final objective more than 2 miles SSW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Daisy Peak summit<\/strong> (L), Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (R), Peak 6735<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The big view looking SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Northeast Cicero Peak<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A 10 mph NW breeze made the summit chilly.\u00a0 SPHP shook Lupe’s paw, then it was down the grassy SE slope far enough to get out of the wind.<\/p>\n

About time for a chocolate coconut bar, or maybe another duck jerky, isn’t it, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Tell ya what, Loopster.\u00a0 How about both?\u00a0 I’ll even throw in some Taste of the Wild and as much water as you can drink.<\/em><\/p>\n

While Lupe chowed down, SPHP drank part of a vanilla Ensure, then ate an orange.\u00a0 The views were great, and Daisy Peak seemed so familiar it was hard to believe it had been 9 years since Lupe’s last visit.\u00a0 Half an hour shot by, and just like that, it was time to press on.<\/p>\n

Let’s tag Daisy Peak’s summit again before we go, Loopster.\u00a0 We can have a final look at Kruger Peak from here.\u00a0 I noticed Peak<\/span> 6735<\/span><\/a><\/strong> over toward Black Elk Peak, and Peak<\/span> 5778<\/span><\/a><\/strong>\u00a0near Stockade Lake, too, a couple more peaks that you’ve been to in the past.<\/em><\/p>\n

Always a good idea to have a last look around before leaving a mountain, SPHP.\u00a0 Especially when it might be 9 years before you see those views again.<\/em><\/p>\n

You’re a wise Carolina Dog, Looper.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Kruger Peak<\/strong> (R) in the foreground with Peak 5788<\/span><\/strong> beyond it. Peak 6735<\/span><\/strong> (L) way off in the distance. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After tagging Daisy Peak’s true summit again, Lupe headed down the steep S slope.\u00a0 At first, she enjoyed a super nice view of Northeast Cicero Peak, but it vanished upon re-entering the forest.\u00a0 The American Dingo eventually ran into a line of scenic rock formations along a narrow SW ridge on her way down to the saddle N of HP5706<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Starting down Daisy Peak’s S slope<\/strong>. Northeast Cicero Peak<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On a cool rock formation along Daisy Peak’s SW ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once down to the saddle, Lupe continued losing elevation as she circled around the lower W side of HP5706<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 The woods were snowy during this part of the trek.\u00a0 After turning S, she eventually reached USFS Road No. 337.1A.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
In the snowy woods W of HP5706<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Arriving at USFS Road No. 337.1A<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe had several options as far as potential routes to Northeast Cicero Peak from here.\u00a0 Since the lower end of one of the branches of its long N ridge was nearby, and the Carolina Dog had never explored this end of it before, that seemed like it might be fun and make the most sense.<\/p>\n

Following No. 337.1A only a little way SW, Lupe then left it, heading S up into the forest.\u00a0 She didn’t have far to go before coming to a sunny little rock outcropping with a bit of a view.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the first rock outcropping near the far N end of North Cicero Peak’s long N ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The climb steepened from here.\u00a0 At first, Lupe wandered up a forested slope, but as she got higher, she started coming to openings featuring better and better views.\u00a0 The broad slope eventually narrowed down to a rocky ridgeline that angled SW.\u00a0 Lupe had regained most of the elevation lost since leaving Daisy Peak when SPHP needed a longer breather at a particularly rocky spot.<\/p>\n

Not an especially comfortable place for Lupe, but the views were nice.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
An open spot along part of the steeper climb. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Heading up the ridge before it got narrow and rocky. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Custer Mountain<\/strong> (far L), Peak 6735<\/span><\/strong> (L) in the distance, HP5706<\/span><\/strong> (R) in front of Daisy Peak<\/strong>. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
View looking ENE from the rocky rest spot.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After a 10 minute break, the trek higher continued.\u00a0 Lupe scrambled amid the rocks just fine, but the rough terrain mixed with young aspens and a little slick snow made it slow going for SPHP.\u00a0 Progress was made nevertheless, and the steepness of the ridge soon began to diminish.<\/p>\n

Finally reaching a broader, flatter, grassy region, Northeast Cicero Peak was back in sight again.\u00a0 Another short climb, and the American Dingo reached an unobstructed view of it from the top of HP6040<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Continuing up the rocky part of the ridge. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Northeast Cicero Peak<\/strong> (Center) from the grassy region, HP6040<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Northeast Cicero Peak<\/strong> (Center) from HP6040<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From HP6040<\/span><\/strong>, the ridgeline ran due S.\u00a0 Lupe lost some elevation before reaching a saddle where it began angling SE.\u00a0 The American Dingo had been to this next part of the ridge before.\u00a0 Another steep climb soon led to the top of a relatively flat section of the ridge that was mostly open and featured some terrific views.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
HP6145<\/span><\/strong> (Center) along Northeast Cicero Peak’s WNW ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Heading for Northeast Cicero Peak’s upper N ridge<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Northeast Cicero Peak<\/strong> (R) from the upper N ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The scenic trek along the upper N ridge was easy and fun.\u00a0 It had always been one of the best parts of any visit to Northeast Cicero Peak.\u00a0 Shortly before reaching HP6105<\/span><\/strong> at the SE end, Lupe angled S toward the saddle dotted with pines leading to the final ascent.<\/p>\n

After crossing the saddle, a moderately steep climb SW along a mostly open slope led to a familiar sight, the lone 4 foot high boulder at the NE end of the summit region.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog had arrived!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching Northeast Cicero Peak<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the summit region’s NE boulder<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2:38 PM, 48\u00baF, Northeast Cicero Peak<\/span><\/a> (6,240 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – It had been a fun, but long march.\u00a0 SPHP shook Lupe’s paw while she was still up on the NE boulder, congratulating the American Dingo on her successful ascent.\u00a0 She then leapt down and headed W over to the little 3 foot high rocky summit ridge 100 feet away, ready for an extended break.<\/p>\n

The 20 mph SW wind sweeping over the exposed ridge felt cold.\u00a0 After sharing the second chocolate coconut bar of the day, SPHP offered Lupe what was left of the duck jerky, more Taste of the Wild, and water.\u00a0 She then curled up on the lee side of the ridge partially protected from the wind.\u00a0 SPHP threw a jacket over her.<\/p>\n

For half an hour, neither Lupe nor SPHP stirred.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog tried to doze while SPHP downed a strawberry Equate and munched an apple, and when they were gone, simply sat listening to the wind in the pines and staring E out onto the distant prairies.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Resting below Northeast Cicero Peak’s true summit ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

How ya doing, Looper?\u00a0 Your summit hour’s half shot already.\u00a0 We ought to get up and have a look around.<\/em><\/p>\n

Ready if you are, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The NE boulder<\/strong> (L) from the summit ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2.5 miles WSW, an enormous odd rock sat atop a much lower ridge.<\/p>\n

Oh, I remember that rock, SPHP.\u00a0 Isn’t that Cracked Molar?<\/em><\/p>\n

That’s right, Loopster.\u00a0 At least that’s what we used to call it, because that’s what it looks like from here.<\/em><\/p>\n

Are you saying it has some other name, too, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, turns out that it does, Looper.\u00a0 One day long after we named it, I looked at the topo map, and saw that its official name is Beecher Rock.<\/em><\/p>\n

Beecher Rock?\u00a0 Why?\u00a0 Cracked Molar is way more descriptive, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

I have no idea, Loop.\u00a0 Maybe it’s named after someone named Beecher?<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Cracked Molar<\/strong> (L of Center) aka Beecher Rock<\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Cracked Molar<\/strong> (R). Photo looks WSW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We ought to go see Cracked Molar up close someday, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

You know, I ‘ve been thinking we ought to visit Cicero Peak<\/span><\/a> (6,166 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> again sometime by exploring Boland Ridge coming up from the S.\u00a0 Maybe we can drop by Cracked Molar then, Loop?<\/em><\/p>\n

That would work, and reminds me of something else, SPHP.\u00a0 We should at least have a look at Cicero Peak<\/span><\/a> (6,166 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, too, while we’re here today.<\/em><\/p>\n

Excellent idea, Loopster.\u00a0 Let’s do it!<\/em><\/p>\n

Going a little way down the grassy slope SW of the summit ridge, it was possible to get a glimpse of Cicero Peak, but it wasn’t really a clear view.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Cicero Peak<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Cicero Peak<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hmm.\u00a0 I know there’s an open slope somewhere farther down that’s got a much better view of Cicero Peak, Loop.\u00a0 Want to keep going to see if we come to it?<\/em><\/p>\n

Sure, SPHP!\u00a0 I’ll lead the way.<\/em><\/p>\n

Descending into the trees, Lupe did come to a spot with a better view of Cicero Peak.\u00a0 This view wasn’t from the open slope SPHP remembered, but that might have been quite a bit lower.\u00a0 Not wanting to lose a whole lot of elevation, SPHP was satisfied.<\/p>\n

Good job!\u00a0 This is far enough, Looper.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 6106<\/span><\/strong> (Center), Cicero Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Returning to the summit region, little remained of Lupe’s traditional summit hour.\u00a0 For a few minutes she sat in the cool breeze and sunshine admiring the view to the W.\u00a0 Nothing within sight was any higher in that direction, even though Lupe could see clear to Wyoming on the horizon.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Enjoying summit hour on Northeast Cicero Peak<\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3:42 PM, Northeast Cicero Peak – <\/em>On this rare Leap Day<\/span><\/strong><\/em> afternoon, the sun’s rays were starting to cast long shadows.<\/p>\n

About that time, Loopster.<\/em><\/p>\n

I suppose.\u00a0 I was just thinking, SPHP.\u00a0 Wasn’t Leap Day<\/strong><\/span> when we saw the only mountain lion we’ve ever come across?<\/em><\/p>\n

That’s right, Loopster.\u00a0 We saw it right after visiting Bluelead Mountain<\/span><\/strong><\/a> on our way to Calumet Ridge<\/span><\/a> (5,601 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 That was 2 Leap Days<\/strong><\/span> ago.\u00a0 Too bad I didn’t get a photo of that lion.\u00a0 I tried, but was too slow.<\/em><\/p>\n

Do you suppose we’ll see another mountain lion on our way back to the RAV4?\u00a0 That would be so awesome, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Heh.\u00a0 Not too likely, Looper, but I suppose it’s possible.\u00a0 No doubt mountain lions love to pounce on Leap Day<\/strong><\/span>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Before abandoning Northeast Cicero Peak, Lupe returned once more to the summit’s NE boulder.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back on Northeast Cicero Peak’s NE boulder<\/strong>. Mount Coolidge<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Pines hid most views N and S from Northeast Cicero Peak’s summit, but Lupe enjoyed some magnificent views on the way back N.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 6040<\/span><\/strong> and Sylvan Peak<\/strong> (L), Custer Mountain<\/strong> and Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Custer Mountain<\/strong> and Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (far L), Daisy Peak<\/strong> (L of Center), Mount Coolidge<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
View from S of HP6105<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Custer Mountain<\/strong> and Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (Center), Daisy Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The return was both beautiful and great fun!\u00a0 The rocky NW end of the upper ridge N of Northeast Cicero Peak provided the last big view from on high.\u00a0 Then it was down into the valley E of the lower part of the N ridge that Lupe had explored earlier during her ascent.<\/p>\n

This valley was also quite beautiful, and an old favorite from back in the days when a young Carolina Dog used to come this way long ago.\u00a0 Lupe picked up abandoned USFS Road No. 337.1B much higher than where the topo map showed it, and thoroughly enjoyed the long, easy descent on a road now covered with pines.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The last big view from on high. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Descending into the big valley. Custer Mountain<\/strong> and Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (Center), Daisy Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Glancing back at the NW end of NE Cicero Peak’s upper N ridge<\/strong> (L). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Approaching HP5706<\/span><\/strong>, the lower end of the valley flattened out.\u00a0 Pines gave way to grasslands.\u00a0 By the time Lupe reached the N end of USFS Road No. 337.1B at the intersection with No. 337.1A, sunlight remained only on the highest peaks.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
HP5706<\/span><\/strong> (L) and Daisy Peak<\/strong> (L of Center). Mount Coolidge<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the N end of USFS Road No. 337.1B<\/strong> where it intersects No. 337.1A<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The valley turned E here.\u00a0 Lupe followed No. 337.1A down it farther than ever before, hurrying on as light faded.\u00a0 Deep in a remote, increasingly narrow canyon, it would have been the perfect place for a Leap Day<\/strong><\/span><\/em> mountain lion to pounce.<\/p>\n

None did.\u00a0 The canyon eventually emptied out onto Lower French Creek Road, and the brightest silver stars were already twinkling overhead when Lupe finally reached the RAV4 again.\u00a0 (5:59 PM, 35\u00baF)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On Northeast Cicero Peak<\/strong>, Black Hills of South Dakota, Leap Day<\/span><\/strong><\/em> 2024<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

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

Lupe’s Kruger Peak & Daisy Peak GPS Track<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Lupe’s Northeast Cicero Peak GPS Track<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 109 – Cicero, Northeast Cicero, Daisy & Kruger Peaks (12-13-14)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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

8:18 AM, 37\u00baF, Lower French Creek Road – As soon as SPHP parked the RAV4 at a wide spot on the W side of the road, Lupe leapt out.\u00a0 After all, it was Leap Day!\u00a0 In the shade of the pines, the morning air was still crisp, and a skiff of snow on the ground … Continue reading Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 325 – Kruger Peak, Daisy Peak & Northeast Cicero Peak (2-29-24)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":53918,"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":[105,9,106,54,53,104,55,304],"class_list":["post-53930","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-daisy-peak","tag-kruger-peak","tag-lupe","tag-northeast-cicero-peak","tag-south-dakota"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3737-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\/53930","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=53930"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/53930\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":55508,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/53930\/revisions\/55508"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/53918"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=53930"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=53930"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=53930"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}