{"id":56757,"date":"2024-11-23T08:10:28","date_gmt":"2024-11-23T15:10:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=56757"},"modified":"2024-12-05T19:59:45","modified_gmt":"2024-12-06T02:59:45","slug":"black-hills-sd-expedition-no-330-centennial-trail-no-89-the-ponderosa-hike-5-24-24","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=56757","title":{"rendered":"Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 330 – Centennial Trail No. 89: The Ponderosa Hike (5-24-24)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Uncle Joe, Aunt Andrea, and Cousin Dixie had arrived yesterday from Colorado, visiting Hotel Lupe for the first time this year.\u00a0 The excited Carolina Dog knew what that meant – adventure time in the Black Hills!\u00a0 However, on this Friday morning before Memorial Day, the first stop was a sad one, because it was also the first time they’d been here since Grandma died last December.\u00a0 At the Black Hills National Cemetery<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, Andrea placed a bouquet of red, white, and blue flowers on Grandma and Grandpa’s grave.<\/p>\n

The Alkali Creek trailhead of Centennial Trail No. 89<\/strong><\/span><\/a> was only a mile from the cemetery, and the starting point for one of Uncle Joe’s favorite hikes in the Black Hills.\u00a0 Due to its mix of rolling prairie and Ponderosa pine-covered ridges, it sort of reminded him of the old western show Bonanza, and he always referred to this region as the Ponderosa Hike.\u00a0 Now with Grandma gone, for the first time ever, Aunt Andrea was going to get to experience the Ponderosa Hike along with the rest of the gang.<\/p>\n

9:17 AM, Centennial Trail No. 89 at the Alkali Creek trailhead<\/em> – For late May, it was a cold day.\u00a0 With a stiff N wind blowing, the humans were all bundled up.\u00a0 On the other paw, both Lupe and Dixie seemed to relish the invigorating fresh air.\u00a0 They were raring to go!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe<\/strong>, Andrea<\/strong>, Joe<\/strong>, and Dixie<\/strong> at the Alkali Creek trailhead<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After crossing Horse Soldier Road, Centennial Trail No. 89 swung around to the E side of the first ridge and headed N.\u00a0 Bear Butte<\/span><\/a> (4,431 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was soon in sight from the top of a small rise.\u00a0 There was a trail junction here.\u00a0 Beyond a gate, Centennial Trail No. 89 went off to the L, heading W for the trees at the base of the ridge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Bear Butte<\/strong> (R) from the first rise. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
After going through the gate, Centennial Trail No. 89<\/strong> heads for the base of the ridge. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Approaching the trees, the trail angled NW, heading toward a region of scrub oaks.\u00a0 Climbing steadily among them, it first wound around to the N before curving back to the S.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Among the oaks. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After gaining some elevation, the oaks gave out.\u00a0 Continuing higher, the trail now wound through a mostly Ponderosa pine forest.\u00a0 Near the top of the ridge, the forest was quite open.\u00a0 The trail even went through a small meadow.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Continuing higher. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Passing through a meadow near the top of the ridge. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As the terrain began leveling out, a short distance off-trail there was a view of the Black Hills National Cemetery to the S.\u00a0 It was sad to think that both Grandma and Grandpa were down there now.\u00a0 It still almost didn’t seem real.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Cousin Dixie<\/strong> at the viewpoint. Black Hills National Cemetery<\/strong> (Center) beyond the I-90 interchange. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Soaring high overhead, the late May sun was warming the day up.\u00a0 Now somewhat sheltered from the wind by the pines, and also warmed by the exertion of the climb, suddenly the humans were all feeling the need to shed some layers.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Cousin Dixie<\/strong> looking naturally fabulous during a brief human unbundling break. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From the cemetery viewpoint, Centennial Trail No. 89 turned NNW, now gaining elevation very slowly.\u00a0 Peak<\/span> 4027<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, the high point of the entire ridge, was only 1\/8 of a mile farther.\u00a0 However, the trail didn’t go quite all the way up to the top, instead leveling out shortly after entering a big meadow where it swung around to the E, avoiding the actual summit.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Entering the big meadow near Peak 4027<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Almost there, and not tagging the summit?\u00a0 That would never do!\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP insisted that everyone just had to make the short off-trail stroll to the top.\u00a0 With minimal extra effort involved, it was an easy sale.<\/p>\n

Peak 4027’s summit region was mostly a roomy, flat meadow of tall grass with pines around the edges.\u00a0 There were even a few oaks.\u00a0 Nothing too exciting or special about it, except that Peak 4027 did sport a terrific view of Bear Butte off to the NNE.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On Peak 4027<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe<\/strong> and Andrea<\/strong> with Bear Butte<\/strong> (R) in the background. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Cousin Dixie<\/strong> gets in on the action. Bear Butte<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Returning to Centennial Trail No. 89, it continued N from Peak 4027 on or near the crest of the ridge, now gradually losing elevation as it went through a mixed pine and scrub oak forest.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe and Dixie lead the way. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A swarm of tent caterpillars.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

HP3983<\/span><\/strong>, the second highest point on this ridge, was 0.5 mile N of Peak 4027.\u00a0 Shortly before getting there, the trail began gaining elevation again as it entered another big meadow.\u00a0 There was a second gate up here, and a little beyond it an old dirt road took off heading NE down into the forest.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the HP3983<\/span><\/strong> region. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Andrea<\/strong> and Dixie<\/strong> at the second gate near HP3983<\/span><\/strong> as Joe<\/strong> looks on. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sticking with Centennial Trail No. 89, it continued N past HP3983<\/span><\/strong>, soon dropping into the forest as well.\u00a0 After a dip of 50 feet, the trail regained half of it before starting down again.\u00a0 Another viewpoint was just ahead.\u00a0 From a rock formation with a cliff edge, the town of Sturgis was in sight.<\/p>\n

The cliff didn’t faze Lupe at all.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sturgis<\/strong> (Center) from the viewpoint at the N end of the ridge. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Joe and Andrea weren’t fazed, either, but they wouldn’t let Dixie get near it.\u00a0 Only a year old, Cousin Dixie was too rambunctious.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Joe<\/strong> and Andrea<\/strong> join Lupe<\/strong> at the N viewpoint<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From the N viewpoint, Centennial Trail No. 89 began winding down a lower ridge running NE.\u00a0 Before losing too much elevation, an opening in the forest provided a beautiful distant view of the prairie beyond the Black Hills.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The big prairie view. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail eventually wound down into a valley of scrub oaks.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
In the scrub oak valley<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After losing all the elevation previously gained, the valley emptied back out onto Horse Soldier Road again.\u00a0 Centennial Trail No. 89 continued NE on the other side.\u00a0 This was the start of the mostly prairie portion of the Ponderosa Hike.\u00a0 In late May, even the prairie was green and lush.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Contemplating the next portion of the Ponderosa Hike from Horse Soldier Road<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Almost immediately after crossing Horse Soldier Road, Trail No. 10 took off to the L.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP had been on it before, but no one else had.\u00a0 It wasn’t yet part of the official Ponderosa Hike, although it might be possible to include it as part of a loop.\u00a0 In any case, Andrea still needed to experience the usual route.\u00a0 For now, Trail No. 10 got by-passed.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the junction with Rough Rider Trail No. 10<\/strong>. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Closeup of the junction signage. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Discovering a tiny stream flowing out of a culvert,\u00a0 Dixie and Lupe had no qualms about helping themselves to a drink, even though the stream was rather mucky.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Down in the muck.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As Centennial Trail No. 89 headed out onto the prairie, the final ridge of the Ponderosa Hike came into view.\u00a0 Less than 150 high, this ridge wasn’t nearly as big a climb as the Peak 4027 ridge had been.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading out onto the prairie. Final ridge of the Ponderosa Hike<\/strong> (L). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail soon wound up to the top of this second ridge.\u00a0 Bear Butte and Fort Meade<\/strong><\/span><\/a> were both in sight from up here.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Up on the second ridge<\/strong>. Fort Meade<\/strong> (L) in the valley, Bear Butte<\/strong> (R of Center) beyond Joe<\/strong> and Andrea<\/strong>. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It had always been a Ponderosa Hike tradition to take a seat in the shade of a few pines, and enjoy a rest break while contemplating these views.\u00a0 However, due to the brisk N wind, which still felt quite cool, the S side of the ridge was more appealing today.<\/p>\n

Abandoning the windy N edge, a suitable spot far enough down the S slope to provide some protection from the wind was chosen instead.\u00a0 The humans munched on energy bars and apples.\u00a0 Dixie and Lupe had Taste of the Wild, water, and split a chocolate coconut bar.\u00a0 The panoramic view of rolling green prairie and low forested ridges was very pleasant.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading over to the S side of the ridge in search of a more sheltered break spot. Bear Butte<\/strong> (L). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Near the ultimately selected spot. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Although Centennial Trail No. 89 continues N all the way to the top of Bear Butte, this second ridge was the usual endpoint of the Ponderosa Hike.\u00a0 The route taken back to the Alkali Creek trailhead varies, but so far has never involved a complete retracement of the Peak 4027 ridge.<\/p>\n

Today, the first part of the return consisted of a simple off-trail romp wandering S through the prairie.\u00a0 Dixie and Lupe had a blast running free, sniffing and exploring along the way.\u00a0 After crossing Horse Soldier Road again, another trail eventually led back to Centennial Trail No. 89 at the first gate.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Roaming free on the way back. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1:00 PM<\/em> –\u00a0 Once back at the Alkali Creek trailhead, Dixie and Lupe both helped themselves to a drink from Alkali Creek.<\/p>\n

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

The day was still young!\u00a0 A big success, as usual, the Ponderosa Hike had taken only a few hours.\u00a0 Andrea had survived her initiation with flying colors, yet none of Hotel Lupe’s guests seemed to have any idea what to do next.\u00a0 Maybe it was time to head back to Hotel Lupe?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Andrea<\/strong> gloats as an official survivor of the Ponderosa Hike<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What, already?\u00a0 Perish the thought!\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP had other ideas … to be continued<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Returning to Alkali Creek, the Ponderosa Hike<\/strong>, Black Hills of South Dakota 5-24-24<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Uncle Joe’s Ponderosa Hike GPS Track<\/strong><\/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

Centennial Trail No. 89 Map & Brochure<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Uncle Joe’s Scrollable GPS Track<\/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":"

Uncle Joe, Aunt Andrea, and Cousin Dixie had arrived yesterday from Colorado, visiting Hotel Lupe for the first time this year.\u00a0 The excited Carolina Dog knew what that meant – adventure time in the Black Hills!\u00a0 However, on this Friday morning before Memorial Day, the first stop was a sad one, because it was also … Continue reading Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 330 – Centennial Trail No. 89: The Ponderosa Hike (5-24-24)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":56714,"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":[1406,105,1719,9,106,527,1675,104,1032,304,1285],"class_list":["post-56757","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-black-hills","tag-alkali-creek-trailhead","tag-american-dingo","tag-aunt-andrea","tag-black-hills-expeditions","tag-carolina-dog","tag-centennial-trail-no-89","tag-cousin-dixie","tag-lupe","tag-peak-4027","tag-south-dakota","tag-uncle-joe"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/IMG_3954-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\/56757","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=56757"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56757\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":57410,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56757\/revisions\/57410"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/56714"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=56757"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=56757"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=56757"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}