{"id":55262,"date":"2024-10-18T08:10:21","date_gmt":"2024-10-18T14:10:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=55262"},"modified":"2024-10-30T11:02:24","modified_gmt":"2024-10-30T17:02:24","slug":"black-hills-sd-expedition-no-326-dome-mountain-another-peak-5452-fiasco-3-15-24","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=55262","title":{"rendered":"Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 326 – Dome Mountain & Another Peak 5452 Fiasco (3-15-24)"},"content":{"rendered":"

10:33 AM, 42\u00baF, Gilt Edge Road (USFS Road No. 170)<\/em> – After driving past quite a few homes and “no outlet” signs in a woodsy subdivision, SPHP parked at a muddy pullout on the R.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The adventure begins! Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I don’t know, Loop.\u00a0 Guess this will do.<\/em><\/p>\n

Uh-oh!\u00a0 Don’t know what, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, we’re in the right general area, Loopster, but it’s been 9 years and a day since we first visited what’s left of Anchor Hill<\/span><\/a> (5,720 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, and then went on to Dome Mountain<\/span><\/a> (5,510 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Evidently I no longer remember exactly how we got to them.\u00a0 Nothing looks the least bit familiar to me.\u00a0 I thought it would.<\/em><\/p>\n

You should have reviewed my old posts before we came then, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Wish I had now, Looper.\u00a0 Wasn’t expecting to see so much private property on the way in.<\/em><\/p>\n

C’mon now, SPHP!\u00a0 You told me that this was going to work.\u00a0 3rd time’s a charm for Peak<\/span> 5452<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, and all that sort of thing.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, I’m just confused.\u00a0 This should still work, Looper.\u00a0 Bit of a trek from here, but the map shows this road leading to a couple of routes going right past Anchor Hill, then continuing NE to the general vicinity of the ridge S of Dome Mountain.\u00a0 If we get that far without anyone objecting, we’ve got it made.\u00a0 That ridge is how we reached Dome Mountain 9 years ago, and we can continue on to Peak 5452 from there.<\/em><\/p>\n

So what are we waiting for, SPHP?\u00a0 An engraved invitation?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, nothing, I guess.\u00a0 Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

Trotting N along Gilt Edge Road on a gentle incline, Lupe passed under a power line.\u00a0 The road quickly topped out, and a short gradual descent led to a junction with a couple of other roads at a curve.\u00a0 A red and white sign was posted along the route SPHP had intended to take.<\/p>\n

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Veteran’s Driveway sign.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

Veteran’s driveway, Loop.\u00a0 No UTV’s or ATV’s.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, we’re fine then, aren’t we, SPHP?\u00a0 We don’t have any unidentified TV’s.<\/em><\/p>\n

Probably.\u00a0 The sign seems pretty friendly, Looper.\u00a0 Actually has a smiley face and says “Thank you!”<\/em><\/p>\n

Even better, SPHP.\u00a0 Let’s keep going!<\/em><\/p>\n

Eh, I don’t know, Loopster.\u00a0 Seems odd to have a driveway sign here.\u00a0 The map shows this road continuing on for a couple of miles with quite a few off-shoots.\u00a0 Where is this Veteran’s place?\u00a0 The next house we come to?\u00a0 End of the road?<\/em><\/p>\n

How should I know, SPHP?\u00a0 What else can we do?<\/em><\/p>\n

Why don’t we just stick with Gilt Edge Road, Loop?\u00a0 It’ll lead to another route that will get us close to Anchor Hill where it will join up with this same Veteran’s driveway side road.\u00a0 Maybe the situation will be clearer over there?<\/em><\/p>\n

Fine with me, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Gilt Edge Road went E from this junction, continuing downhill.\u00a0 SPHP soon had a change of heart, reinforced by a more careful examination of the topo map.<\/p>\n

Gilt Edge Road is going to keep going downhill for a bit before turning up again, Loop.\u00a0 Let’s not lose all that elevation.<\/em><\/p>\n

Sheesh!\u00a0 Make up your mind, if you still have one, SPHP!\u00a0 Back up to the Veteran’s driveway then?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, but not along Gilt Edge Road.\u00a0 Let’s just take a shortcut through the forest to where we can rejoin it near Anchor Hill.<\/em><\/p>\n

Leaving Gilt Edge Road, Lupe climbed a steepish forested slope that soon led to the top of a hill a short distance NE.\u00a0 This summit was open, and had a great view of a large region to the E where the mountains had been torn apart and rearranged.\u00a0 Various roads ran through it all.<\/p>\n

Wow!\u00a0 What happened here, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

I believe you’re looking at the former Gilt Edge gold and silver mine<\/strong><\/a><\/span>, Loop.\u00a0 It’s a contaminated EPA superfund site now.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Part of the former Gilt Edge Gold Mine<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Contaminated?\u00a0 That’s sad, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Tragic, Loop!\u00a0 If I understand correctly, contaminating might be a better word for it.\u00a0 Of course, the rock is all natural, but exposing so much of it at once during mining operations allows toxic quantities of heavy metals and other chemicals to leach out into streams and aquifers.<\/em><\/p>\n

Destroys the mountains that used to be here, too, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Absolutely!\u00a0 See that mountain that essentially had half of it sliced off over to the NE, Loopster?\u00a0 If I’m reading the map correctly, that’s what’s left of Anchor Hill.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
More of the Gilt Edge Mine<\/strong>. What’s left of Anchor Hill<\/strong> (L). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Didn’t you say that we’d been to Anchor Hill 9 years ago, SPHP?\u00a0 I don’t have any recollection of ever seeing a cliff like that.<\/em><\/p>\n

Me, either, Loop, and the mine’s been closed for decades.\u00a0 I can’t explain it.<\/em><\/p>\n

A total mystery, but one that had nothing at all to do with the American Dingo’s main objective today, which was to finally get to Peak 5452 after tagging Dome Mountain along the way.<\/p>\n

Abandoning the hill with the view of the Gilt Edge Mine, Lupe roamed generally N for a good 0.5 mile before turning E and almost immediately running into the same road that had the Veteran’s driveway sign back at the first junction.\u00a0 This road skirted Anchor Hill to the N, then wound around a bit as it took a generally NE course.<\/p>\n

More red and white signs about the Veteran’s driveway appeared, and at least one mentioned U.S. Veterans, as if whatever property the driveway led to was owned by a group or organization rather than an individual.\u00a0 In any case, the Carolina Dog kept going, encountering no traffic at all.<\/p>\n

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Continuing along the Veteran’s driveway road. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nearly a mile beyond Anchor Hill, the road finally forked, leading to 2 separate properties.\u00a0 The N fork led almost immediately to a fancy black gate for the Shooting Star Ranch.\u00a0 The fork going SE appeared to end at a house that wasn’t too far away.<\/p>\n

Which way, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Still don’t remember any of this.\u00a0 Avoid them both, Loopster.\u00a0 The ridge to Dome Mountain that we’re trying to get to is 0.5 mile NNE.<\/em><\/p>\n

The American Dingo plunged into the forest.\u00a0 Gradually losing elevation, she eventually came to a wide saddle leading to a shorter uphill stretch.\u00a0 When she reached the top, sure enough, Dome Mountain’s rocky summit block was in sight only another 0.5 mile N.\u00a0 Peak 5452 was in view, too, a perfectly ordinary forested hill 1.5 miles NNW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading up to the ridge S of Dome Mountain. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5452<\/strong> (L), Whitewood Peak<\/strong> (Center), Dome Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Alrighty, Loop!\u00a0 We’re finally getting somewhere!\u00a0 I have no recollection of how on earth we ever got here 9 years ago, but this looks familiar.\u00a0 We just follow this ridge NE over to the S end of Dome Mountain, then circle NW to reach the summit.\u00a0 Much of this region burned way back when, so there will be a ton of miserable deadfall in our way until we get to the opposite end of the ridge, but it’s all cake after that!<\/em><\/p>\n

Miserable deadfall.\u00a0 Yes, that does sound familiar, SPHP.\u00a0 It’s the cake I’m interested in!<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe had reached the ridge at a fairly high spot that was both wide and relatively level.\u00a0 Following it ENE, the ridge began to narrow.\u00a0 Soon the Carolina Dog was out of the taller, more mature forest and into an area where new growth dominated.\u00a0 Young pines, aspens, and bushes slowed progress.\u00a0 The deadfall SPHP remembered was still here, and remained somewhat of a problem, but it was mostly small diameter stuff already significantly weathered and weakened by the passage of time.<\/p>\n

Off to the ESE, Bear Den Mountain<\/span><\/a> (5,641 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was in view across Lost Gulch.<\/p>\n

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Bear Den Mountain<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We were over there a long time ago, too, weren’t we, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, we were, Loop.\u00a0 I remember you standing on a log near the summit, then going down it’s W slope to some kind of a road.<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, then maybe Bear Den Mountain is where we went to Anchor Hill from, and then wound up over here somehow, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Hmm.\u00a0 You might be right, Looper.\u00a0 Makes me curious what your old Bear Den Mountain post says.\u00a0 I’ll have to check it out when we get home.<\/em><\/p>\n

The ridge continued to narrow and went gradually downhill.\u00a0 Some cool yellow, orange, and tan rock formations ran along the narrowest part of the spine.\u00a0 The outcroppings weren’t very big, but made excellent Dingo perches from which to enjoy the views.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Following the ridge. S end of Dome Mountain region<\/strong> (L & Center), Lost Gulch<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Dome Mountain summit<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Approaching the S end of Dome Mountain, the ridge widened out again.\u00a0 A gradual climb through an open region full of the decaying deadfall led toward the live forest.\u00a0 Getting through the deadfall was really no longer all that difficult.\u00a0 Soon Lupe was trotting along easily as she explored the relatively flat, open, live forest SPHP remembered from long ago.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Exploring the S end of Dome Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hah!\u00a0 We made it to the cake part, Loopster!<\/em><\/p>\n

I’m loving it, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Heading N through the open forest, progress was rapid.\u00a0 However, when the time came to turn W toward Dome Mountain’s summit, Lupe quickly ran into thickets of dense bushes and more deadfall.\u00a0 A rocky high point provided a glimpse of Dome Mountain’s summit block, which wasn’t that far away now.\u00a0 The vegetation covering most of the rest of the terrain leading to it looked easier, too, which was encouraging.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Getting closer! Dome Mountain’s summit block<\/strong> (R). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From this high point, an intense, but short bushwhack got the Carolina Dog to a minor dip leading to a region of lower bushes and less deadfall that was much easier to deal with.\u00a0 Soon Lupe was standing on a little snowbank on Dome Mountain’s N ridge.\u00a0 Minutes ago, 7 or 8 deer had been up here.\u00a0 The summit block was now only a short, easy stroll away.<\/p>\n

Both Terry Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,069 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, and a glimpse of Deer Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,651 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> were in sight off to the WSW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On Dome Mountain’s N ridge<\/strong>. Summit block<\/strong> (L), Deer Mountain<\/strong> (Center), Terry Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On the Ides of March, for the first time in 9 years and a day, Lupe made the short, rocky scramble to the top of Dome Mountain<\/span><\/a> (5,510 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Scrambling to the top. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1:54 PM, 54\u00baF<\/em> – The top of the summit block was a region of rocks and low scratchy bushes 60 feet long and 20 feet wide.\u00a0 Lupe had come up near the true summit at the E end.\u00a0 A couple of dead trees bleached by the sun stood nearby.\u00a0 The rest of the terrain, bordered by cliffs on all sides, sloped gradually down toward a cairn near the W end.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Much of the summit region<\/strong> from the cairn<\/strong> (L) near the W end. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Many peaks the American Dingo had been to before were in sight.\u00a0 The equally rocky summit of Pillar Peak<\/span><\/a> (5,465 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, and much lower, heavily forested top of Crook Mountain<\/span><\/a> (4,938 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> were NNE.\u00a0 A vast expanse of the brown plains of western South Dakota were visible beyond them.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At Dome Mountain’s true summit<\/strong>. Crook Mountain<\/strong> (L), Pillar Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Bear Den Mountain<\/span><\/a> (5,641 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was visible again to the SE.\u00a0 The territory Lupe had come from was due S.\u00a0 WSW, the extra bit of elevation up here provided a noticeably better look at Deer Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,651 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Even Terry Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,069 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> looked a bit grander.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Bear Den Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The region Lupe had come from. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Deer Mountain<\/strong> (far L), Terry Peak<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Due N, Whitewood Peak<\/span><\/a> (5,141 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> looked small and insignificant.\u00a0 The flat summit of Mount Theodore Roosevelt<\/span><\/a> (5,682 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was visible NW.\u00a0 Polo Peak<\/span><\/a> (5,423 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Green Mountain<\/span><\/a> (5,334 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> more to the NNW were so far away that they were harder to positively identify.<\/p>\n

Eh, didn’t matter.\u00a0 What really did matter today was much closer.\u00a0 Only 1.25 miles NNW stood the Carolina Dog’s true objective, Peak<\/span> 5452<\/span><\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Theodore Roosevelt<\/strong> (L), Polo Peak<\/strong> & Green Mountain<\/strong> (L of Center), Peak 5452<\/strong> (R of Center), Whitewood Peak<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP found a spot to sit down near the cairn.\u00a0 The ground was so rocky that Lupe couldn’t get comfortable, so she curled up on SPHP’s lap.<\/p>\n

Peak 5452 doesn’t look that far away now, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah.\u00a0 Going to be nice to finally get there, Loop.\u00a0 It’s about the last of the Lists of John<\/strong><\/span><\/a> peaks with 300 feet of prominence in the Black Hills you haven’t been to yet that, despite our 2 prior failures, is at least somewhat accessible.\u00a0 Once we’ve been there, we can concentrate on other things.<\/em><\/p>\n

Like what, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, I don’t know, Looper.\u00a0 Maybe we’ll revisit some of the coolest peaks we first went to long ago, like this one?\u00a0 Or, we can go back to wandering like we used to before we got so into peakbagging.\u00a0 There are still lots of places we’ve never been to that might be every bit as beautiful and interesting as many of the mountaintops.<\/em><\/p>\n

As long as we don’t quit exploring the Black Hills, I’m fine with whatever, SPHP, on one condition.<\/em><\/p>\n

Condition?\u00a0 What condition, Loop?<\/em><\/p>\n

You’ll still bring chocolate coconut bars, even if we don’t climb a mountain.<\/em><\/p>\n

Deal!\u00a0 Let’s shake on it.\u00a0 By the way, congratulations on reaching the top of Dome Mountain again.\u00a0 I suppose you’re ready for a chocolate coconut bar right now.\u00a0 Just happen to have one in the pack.<\/em><\/p>\n

After the paw shake and sharing of the ever-popular chocolate coconut bar, Lupe inhaled the last 2 Canine Carry-outs that Dave Covill<\/strong><\/span><\/a> had sent her for Christmas, munched on Taste of the Wild, and lapped a big drink of water from her silver bowl.\u00a0 Meanwhile, SPHP peeled an orange and drank a strawberry Equate.<\/p>\n

Dome Mountain was a cool place with it’s sweet views, remote feel, and unusual summit block for the Black Hills.\u00a0 Unfortunately, it was already mid-afternoon.\u00a0 Staying for Lupe’s full traditional summit hour didn’t make sense with Peak 5452 still on the agenda, despite how long it had been since the last time she’d been here.<\/p>\n

Nevertheless, 40 minutes zoomed by before the American Dingo sprang into action at SPHP’s insistence.<\/p>\n

We better get moving, Loop!\u00a0 Not that far to Peak 5452, but the Two Bit Creek valley is pretty deep, and we’ve got to cross it to get over there.<\/em><\/p>\n

After a brief return to Dome Mountain’s true summit, Lupe scrambled back down to the N ridge.\u00a0 Two minor high points were strung out along it, neither one much more than a blip.\u00a0 She paused at the last one for a look back, before starting the descent to Two Bit Creek in earnest.<\/p>\n

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Dome Mountain’s N ridge<\/strong> (foreground) from the true summit<\/strong>. Crook Mountain<\/strong> (Center), Pillar Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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A glance back at the true summit<\/strong> (R) from the last high point along the N ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Continuing N, Lupe headed down a steepish slope densely covered with bushes hiding considerable deadfall within.\u00a0 Although this first descent wasn’t all that long, it was a bit of an unexpected struggle to get down to a bush-and-deadfall-free saddle at the start of the live forest.<\/p>\n

Exactly where to go from here wasn’t entirely clear.\u00a0 In truth, SPHP hadn’t given it much thought.\u00a0 Looked like most any route might work.\u00a0 Lupe could leave the N ridge here, dropping down into valleys on either side, or keep going N through the forest on fairly level terrain before searching for a way down.<\/p>\n

Probably doesn’t matter which way we go, Loopster, but it might be best to start losing some elevation right away.<\/em><\/p>\n

So descend into one of these valleys, SPHP?\u00a0 Which one?<\/em><\/p>\n

They’ll meet before they reach Two Bit Creek, Loop, so either one, I guess.\u00a0 Why don’t we go E?\u00a0 Topo map seems to indicate the initial descent won’t be quite as steep.<\/em><\/p>\n

Angling ENE, the initial descent was indeed easy enough, however, it went on longer than SPHP expected.\u00a0 By the time Lupe reached a narrow V-shaped bottom with deadfall in it, there was snow on the ground.<\/p>\n

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Descending into the valley.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Down in the snowy V-shaped ravine. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ick!\u00a0 Not what I was hoping for, Looper.\u00a0 It better not keep on like this very far.<\/em><\/p>\n

Continuing NE down the ravine, Lupe kept coming to more deadfall.\u00a0 Although the Carolina Dog generally managed quite nicely, the slippery snow made getting past the annoying deadfall problematic for SPHP.<\/p>\n

Progress was made, but the slow descent chewed up precious daylight. Eventually, the valley began curving NW and broadening out.\u00a0 Little or no snow was present here, and scenic cliffs were visible way up on the next ridge to the NE.\u00a0 Unfortunately, dense stands of young aspens kept SPHP from picking up the pace too much, although this broader region was definitely better than the narrow ravine.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Scenic cliffs ahead as the valley widens out. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Among the young aspens. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once beyond most of the aspens, the descent got easier for a while, but the valley soon narrowed to a V-shaped bottom again.\u00a0 This time, minor vertical drops required a bit of caution.\u00a0 As the Carolina Dog kept going, she began coming to pools of water, then a tiny stream.<\/p>\n

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By a pool of water in the lower valley. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Fortunately, Lupe always found ways past the vertical drops and pools.\u00a0 At last, a narrow gap between rock walls led to another drop requiring caution.\u00a0 Once below it, the valley opened up.<\/p>\n

The American Dingo had made it to where the E and W valleys met.<\/p>\n

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At the point where the valleys met. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4:14 PM<\/em> – Looking N, farther down the now combined drainage of the two valleys, a small stream ran through a lumpy region full of snow, ice, and thickets of small trees and bushes.\u00a0 Certainly not impassable, but not much of an improvement, either.\u00a0 This disappointing view, and the low angle of the sun said it all.<\/p>\n

I can’t believe it, Loop!\u00a0 Another Peak 5452 fail!<\/em><\/p>\n

Can’t we just cross Two Bit Creek and start climbing, SPHP?\u00a0 We’re almost there!<\/em><\/p>\n

Peak 5452 isn’t as close as you think, Loopster.\u00a0 We haven’t even made it down to Two Bit Creek yet.\u00a0 This stream is just a tributary.\u00a0 Getting too late in the day to continue this ridiculous bushwhack.\u00a0 We aren’t going to get back to the RAV4 until after dark, even if we turn back now, but we might be able to reach the road while there’s still some light.\u00a0 If we keep going, we’ll have to fight our way back through this jungle at night.\u00a0 Not worth it!<\/em><\/p>\n

So, we’re just giving up on Peak 5452?\u00a0 How far away can it be, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

0.67 mile as the crow flies, but we aren’t crows, Looper.\u00a0 We’re just being sensible and giving up for today.\u00a0 We’ll get to Peak 5452!\u00a0 We’ll return for another attempt someday soon.\u00a0 Promise!<\/em><\/p>\n

And have to do this all over again, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

No, not this.\u00a0 We’ll find another approach, a better one.\u00a0 Think of it as merely another adventure, Loop!<\/em><\/p>\n

I’m thinking of it as merely another chocolate coconut bar, SPHP.\u00a0 One that I’d hoped to devour within the hour, not on some unknown future date.<\/em><\/p>\n

Less than 0.2 mile from Two Bit Creek, reluctantly resigning herself to yet another Peak 5452 fail, the American Dingo started back.\u00a0 Not the same way she’d gotten here, though.\u00a0 This time she explored the valley that had come down from the W side of Dome Mountain.\u00a0 This valley was wider and turned out to be generally easier going.<\/p>\n

At first, the icy stream flowed along the base of vertical rock walls.\u00a0 It might have been entirely possible to simply march up this valley all the way to the ridge S of Dome Mountain, then on to the Veteran’s driveway, but SPHP was tired of being confined in deep valleys.<\/p>\n

As soon as we get past these rock walls to a manageable slope, let’s climb back up Dome Mountain, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe was all for it.\u00a0 She agreed, rather enthusiastically, too, especially when SPHP admitted to having another chocolate coconut bar in the pack that had been intended for Peak 5452, and promised to share it.<\/p>\n

Beyond the rock walls, the slope was mighty steep where Lupe started up from the shady valley.\u00a0 SPHP barely made it to a more doable incline.\u00a0 When Lupe reached sunshine, she graciously allowed SPHP a rest break to gasp for air.\u00a0 Taunting and tantalizing, Peak 5452 was back in sight less than 0.75 mile NNW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5452<\/strong> (L). Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The slope remained steep all the way up to a rocky high point visible above.\u00a0 When Lupe got to it, a 10 or 15 foot scramble got her to the top.\u00a0 Crook Mountain, Pillar Peak, and some of the cliffs she’d seen on her way down the E valley were among the views.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the minor rocky high point at the upper end of the slope. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the high point. Crook Mountain<\/strong> (L), top of Pillar Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once past this minor rock formation, most of the rest of the way was an easy stroll through the forest.\u00a0 Only the slope covered with bushes and hidden deadfall on the way up to the high point at the N end of Dome Mountain’s upper N ridge was difficult.\u00a0 Ascending this slope was even more miserable than going down it had been, but Lupe made it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
High point at the end of the upper N ridge<\/strong> (L of Center), Dome Mountain’s summit block<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Back on the upper N ridge N high point<\/strong> (L), summit block<\/strong> (R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6:12 PM, 48\u00baF<\/em> – The sun was still up when the Carolina Dog reached the true summit of Dome Mountain<\/span><\/a> (5,510 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> for the second time today.\u00a0 A somewhat chilly 10 mph breeze was blowing out of the WNW, but the gleam of the sharply slanting evening sunlight beautifully illuminated everything it touched.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back at the true summit of<\/strong> Dome Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As promised, SPHP split another chocolate coconut bar with Lupe after shaking her paw again.\u00a0 She then dined on Taste of the Wild, duck jerky, and water, while SPHP munched an apple.<\/p>\n

With miles to go and the sun sinking fast, 15 minutes was about all that could be spared before scrambling back down off the summit.\u00a0 During the trek S through the open, level forest, Lupe had a grand time roaming at will.\u00a0 Then it was back across the ridge full of decaying deadfall and minor rock formations.<\/p>\n

Dusk was turning to night, the air crisp and calm, when Lupe reached the Veteran’s driveway again.\u00a0 Silver stars twinkling above, this time she stuck with it all the way back to Gilt Edge Road.\u00a0 At one point, red lights on the towers atop Terry Peak were seen blinking in the black distance.<\/p>\n

No traffic.\u00a0 Only silence.\u00a0 What a day it had been!\u00a0 For the first time in 9 years and a day, the Carolina Dog been on Dome Mountain, not once, but twice.\u00a0 Yet the moment she’d stand on Peak<\/span> 5452<\/span><\/a><\/strong> had eluded Lupe once again, remaining in the always uncertain future.\u00a0 (End, 8:16 PM, 42\u00baF)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5452<\/strong> & Dome Mountain<\/strong> at day’s end, Black Hills of South Dakota, 3-15-24<\/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

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 122 – Bear Den Mountain, Anchor Hill, Dome Mountain & Pillar Peak (3-14-15)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 127 – Hat Mountain, Anchor Hill & Custer Peak (4-19-15)<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/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":"

10:33 AM, 42\u00baF, Gilt Edge Road (USFS Road No. 170) – After driving past quite a few homes and “no outlet” signs in a woodsy subdivision, SPHP parked at a muddy pullout on the R. I don’t know, Loop.\u00a0 Guess this will do. Uh-oh!\u00a0 Don’t know what, SPHP? Well, we’re in the right general area, … Continue reading Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 326 – Dome Mountain & Another Peak 5452 Fiasco (3-15-24)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":55236,"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":[105,9,106,61,104,1611,304],"class_list":["post-55262","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-dome-mountain","tag-lupe","tag-peak-5452","tag-south-dakota"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_3762-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\/55262","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=55262"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55262\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":56017,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55262\/revisions\/56017"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/55236"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=55262"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=55262"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=55262"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}