{"id":58123,"date":"2025-01-10T08:10:13","date_gmt":"2025-01-10T15:10:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=58123"},"modified":"2026-02-12T18:56:19","modified_gmt":"2026-02-13T01:56:19","slug":"black-hills-sd-expedition-no-339-new-years-eve-peak-peak-5917-12-29-24","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=58123","title":{"rendered":"Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 339 – New Year’s Eve Peak & Peak 5917 (12-29-24)"},"content":{"rendered":"

12-29-24, 11:41 AM, 41\u00baF, junction of Hwy 385 & USFS Road No. 710<\/em> – A close call, but the American Dingo was here.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the start of USFS Road No. 710<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Looks familiar, SPHP.\u00a0 Already time for New Year’s Eve Peak<\/span><\/a> (6,048 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>?<\/em><\/p>\n

Not quite, Loop.\u00a0 We’re actually a couple of days early since it’s supposed to snow tomorrow.<\/em><\/p>\n

Nothing wrong with that, SPHP.\u00a0 I like the snow!\u00a0 Besides, there’s supposed to be snow when we visit New Year’s Eve Peak.\u00a0 Tis the season, you know, and the snow makes everything so beautifully pristine and wintery white.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, I agree!\u00a0 I like the snow, too, Loopster.\u00a0 Doesn’t seem right without any at all, but this is the last warm day.\u00a0 It’s supposed to turn quite a bit colder when the snow arrives, and stay that way well into January.\u00a0 Didn’t want you to suffer, so here we are, ready or not.<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe was always ready for adventure!\u00a0 Even if the timing was a bit off for New Year’s Eve Peak, that really wasn’t so unusual.\u00a0 The weather was often persnickety this time of year.\u00a0 In fact, in all the pilgrimages she’d made to New Year’s Eve Peak, she’d only managed to get there right on New Year’s Eve 4 times.<\/p>\n

Even so, as the Carolina Dog set off along USFS Road No. 710, it did seem totally wrong that there wasn’t any snow at all.\u00a0 Hadn’t ever happened before.\u00a0 Felt more like fall than winter.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading up USFS Road No. 710<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No. 710 was pretty flat at first, but soon began a gradual climb.\u00a0 After 0.5 mile, Lupe reached the overgrown junction with No. 710.1A.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the junction with USFS Road No. 710.1A<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Gosh, Loop.\u00a0 Seems like forever since we’ve taken No. 710.1A.\u00a0 Want to go that way just to mix things up a bit?<\/em><\/p>\n

I don’t remember ever going to New Year’s Eve Peak that way, SPHP.\u00a0 Will it work?<\/em><\/p>\n

That’s because we’ve only been that way once before, more than 10 years ago, Loopster, and we didn’t go to New Year’s Eve Peak then.\u00a0 We went to Peak<\/span> 6070<\/span><\/a><\/strong> and Nugget Gulch Peak<\/strong><\/span><\/a> (5,991 ft.) <\/strong><\/span>instead.\u00a0 But, yeah, we can take No. 710.1A to New Year’s Eve Peak, if you’re willing to do a bit of exploring.<\/em><\/p>\n

Very funny, SPHP!\u00a0 You know I love exploring!<\/em><\/p>\n

Nearly level, No. 710.1A started out by wrapping around the E end of the big ridge to the N before turning back toward the NW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A glimpse of the Bald Hills<\/strong> shortly after setting out on No. 710.1A<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On the N side of the ridge, Lupe was delighted to find that there actually was a bit of snow.\u00a0 Not much, hardly any, in fact, but enough for her to take small bites of whenever she came to some.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A skiff of snow<\/strong>. Scruton Mountain<\/strong> (R of Center) between the trees. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At first, several homes and a road were in sight not too far off toward the N, but No. 710.1A eventually led to a gradual descent into a valley that felt much more remote.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Entering the remote valley<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Although Lupe had been here once before, it had been so long ago that nothing seemed more than vaguely familiar as she followed No. 710.1A up the seldom-visited valley.\u00a0 Coming to grassy clearings, long lanes full of dead leaves bordered by aspens, and even part of a deer hide, it was almost like exploring an entirely new region.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Crossing a small clearing<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A lane of dead leaves<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
By the very interesting piece of deer hide<\/strong> (R of Center).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The road went on, gaining elevation more rapidly as Lupe continued WNW.\u00a0 When No. 710.1A suddenly curved SSW, it was decision time.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Following USFS Road No. 710.1A<\/strong> through another clearing<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the point where USFS Road No. 710.1A turns SSW<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hold on, Loopster.\u00a0 We’ve got a couple of options here.<\/em><\/p>\n

The road keeps going, SPHP.\u00a0 Aren’t we going to follow it?<\/em><\/p>\n

That’s one option, Loop.\u00a0 If we stick with the road, it will end somewhere NW of Peak<\/span> 5917<\/span><\/a><\/strong>.\u00a0 Continuing up that valley, we can swing around to the W, then climb New Year’s Eve Peak from the SSE.<\/em><\/p>\n

Sounds easy enough, SPHP.\u00a0 What’s the other choice?<\/em><\/p>\n

We can leave the road here, Looper, continuing NW to a powerline, then follow New Year’s Eve Peak’s N ridge.<\/em><\/p>\n

We’ve never climbed New Year’s Eve Peak from the N before, have we, SPHP?\u00a0 Let’s do that!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading NW shortly after abandoning USFS Road No. 710.1A. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Exploring at will after leaving USFS Road No. 710.1A was definitely more interesting.\u00a0 Climbing steadily at a moderate pace, the American Dingo soon came to some sickly looking bushes.\u00a0 Beyond them she reached a forest of tall pines where there was quite a bit of deadfall.\u00a0 Once through the tall pines, Lupe entered a steeper part of the valley featuring some rock formations and so much deadfall that it was becoming a problem.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the sickly bushes<\/strong>. Tall pines<\/strong> dead ahead. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Among the tall pines<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Amid the troublesome deadfall<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The deadfall was such a mess that SPHP was eager to get out of it.\u00a0 A ridge where the situation might be different was visible just ahead, but angling W while crossing a shallow valley seemed like the quickest way to make an escape.<\/p>\n

Crossing the valley worked great!\u00a0 Once on the other side, the Carolina Dog quickly left the worst of the deadfall behind.\u00a0 Climbing gradually through an open forest, Lupe came to an abandoned road not shown on the maps.\u00a0 Following it, glimpses of the powerline soon began appearing between the trees off to the NW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
In the open forest<\/strong> beyond the worst of the deadfall. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the unexpected abandoned road<\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Rather than going all the way to the powerline, Lupe turned S before reaching it, leaving the road and beginning a steeper climb in search of New Year’s Eve Peak’s N ridge.\u00a0 At the top of the first rise, she came to a region of kinnikinnick, still somewhat green among several boulders.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the rise carpeted with kinnikinnick<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Turning SW, an easy flat stretch led to an even steeper climb.\u00a0 Exploring hidden paths and narrow lanes among the trees, the American Dingo’s ascent began in earnest.\u00a0 Early on, a view of the Seth Bullock Lookout Tower on Scruton Mountain<\/span><\/a> (5,923 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> appeared back to the N.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The Seth Bullock Lookout Tower<\/strong> (R of Center) atop Scruton Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The intent was to go right on up New Year’s Eve Peak’s N ridge, but with another 250 feet yet to go, Lupe ran into a road at the 5,800 foot level.\u00a0 Almost perfectly flat, and so long abandoned that trees were growing on it, both where this road came from and where it went were a mystery.<\/p>\n

SPHP had been huffing and puffing during the steep climb.<\/p>\n

Huh.\u00a0 Want to explore this road a bit, Looper?\u00a0 We’ve got time, and it’s flat enough to almost be like taking a break.<\/em><\/p>\n

Sure, SPHP!\u00a0 But which way, L or R?<\/em><\/p>\n

How about L, Loopster?\u00a0 Maybe it will take us over to the NE ridge?\u00a0 If it does, we can complete our ascent from there.<\/em><\/p>\n

Turning L on the road, it immediately curved SSE.\u00a0 In all the times Lupe had been to New Year’s Eve Peak, she’d never explored this side of the mountain before.\u00a0 Seemed strange to think that this road had been here all these years, and she’d never even known of its existence.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Exploring the formerly unknown road on the N side of the mountain. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The old road was an easy stroll.\u00a0 Sure enough, it eventually hooked around to the NE, crossing New Year’s Eve Peak’s NE ridge at a spacious flat region.\u00a0 Starting downhill, the road continued SE toward Peak 5917, which could be seen through the forest.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Near the curve at the end of the stretch going SSE. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
In the flat region<\/strong> where the road crossed the NE ridge<\/strong>. Peak 5917<\/strong> (R of Center) ahead. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hmm.\u00a0 Wonder if this road is actually a continuation of USFS Road No. 710.1A, Loopster?\u00a0 Might head right down to it, if we keep going.<\/em><\/p>\n

That may be, SPHP, but we’ve got a mountain to climb!\u00a0 If you want, we can check it out on the way back.<\/em><\/p>\n

Leaving the road, Lupe headed SW up New Year’s Eve Peak’s NE ridge.\u00a0 Although plenty wide, it was narrower than the N ridge, which had been more like a broad slope than a ridge.\u00a0 Strewn with rocks, as the Carolina Dog climbed, big rock formations began to appear along the NE ridge.\u00a0 Fortunately, they were easily avoided or navigated.\u00a0 Some of the rocks provided nice views of Peak<\/span> 5917<\/span><\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Starting up the NE ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5917<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once above the most massive rock formations, Lupe came to another, more extensive region of pale yellow-green kinnikinnick.\u00a0 This area was just below a smaller rock formation at New Year’s Eve Peak’s E high point.\u00a0 Naturally, Lupe made the tiny scramble to the top.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the carpet of kinnikinnick<\/strong> below the E high point<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the E high point<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Have we ever been here before, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

I think so, Loop.\u00a0 Seems like we came down here from the summit once upon a time, but this was as far as we went before going back.<\/em><\/p>\n

The true summit was now only a mere 50 feet higher and 0.15 mile W.\u00a0 It wouldn’t take long to get there.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At New Year’s Eve Peak’s true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1:59 PM, 38\u00b0F, New Year’s Eve Peak<\/span><\/a> (6,048 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – Beneath the overcast sky, snow granules created an oddly festive air as the American Dingo bounded onto the familiar true summit rock.<\/p>\n

Oh, it’s good to be back on New Year’s Eve Peak, isn’t it, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Always, Loopster.\u00a0 More than anywhere else, this has been our special place in the Black Hills.<\/em><\/p>\n

It was<\/em> good to be back.\u00a0 Wonderful, in fact, but sobering, too.\u00a0 This was where Lupe came either near the very end or very start of each year.\u00a0 New Year’s Eve Peak was a place to contemplate the cherished memories and events of a dying year, and whatever hopes and dreams existed for what was yet to come.<\/p>\n

Facing the imminent demise of what has been is always hard.\u00a0 Yet time waits for no Dingo, however beloved.<\/p>\n

SPHP shook Lupe’s proffered paw.<\/p>\n

Congratulations on returning to New Year’s Eve Peak, Loopster!\u00a0 Hard to believe 2024 is nearly over isn’t it?\u00a0 When we were last here on January 1st, we had the entire year ahead of us, and now it’s gone.<\/em><\/p>\n

2024 was a terrific year, SPHP!\u00a0 Don’t rush it, we still have 2 more days!\u00a0 By the way, what’s the chocolate coconut bar situation?\u00a0 Excellent, I hope!<\/em><\/p>\n

For the first time, other than near the far horizon, the hills to the W had virtually no snow on them.\u00a0 Instead of facing that way as usual during a long break, today the panorama toward the SE seemed more attractive.\u00a0 Boulder Hill<\/span><\/a> (5,336 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Silver Mountain<\/span><\/a> (5,418 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, and Calumet Ridge<\/span><\/a> (5,615 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> were all in sight beyond Sheridan Lake.<\/p>\n

SPHP split the expected and much coveted chocolate coconut bar with Lupe, then provided her with water, Taste of the Wild, and eventually a duck jerky, as well.\u00a0 Meanwhile, SPHP drank a vanilla Equate, then chomped on an apple.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the break spot<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Boulder Hill<\/strong> (L), Silver Mountain<\/strong> (Center), and Calumet Ridge<\/strong> beyond Sheridan Lake<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The normally snowy hills<\/strong> (R). Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Much like 2024 itself, Lupe’s traditional summit hour was soon rapidly slipping away.\u00a0 Done with the apple, SPHP paced between familiar views.<\/p>\n

Guess we should take a few more photos, Looper.<\/em><\/p>\n

Black Elk Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,231 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was the big attraction to the S, but SPHP also drove the American Dingo nuts with repeated requests to return to the summit rock and the region just W of it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (Center), Five Points<\/strong> (R) between Lupe’s ears. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Back at the true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Another angle. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the rock above the traditional break spot<\/strong> (R). True summit<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3:01 PM, New Year’s Eve Peak<\/span><\/a> (6,048 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – Patiently waiting, Lupe was back on the summit rock for the umpteenth time.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Final moments on the summit rock<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

That’s good.\u00a0 Thank you, Loopster!\u00a0 Summit hour is over.\u00a0 Suppose we may as well head out.<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe leapt down off the boulder.<\/p>\n

Are we going back down the NE ridge to finish checking out where that old road goes, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

No, maybe another time.\u00a0 Our usual route is more scenic, Loop.\u00a0 I’d rather see it again.<\/em><\/p>\n

To Pistol Point then, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

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

Bidding a fond farewell to New Year’s Eve Peak for another year, the Carolina Dog started down the mountain’s S slope.\u00a0 It led to a narrow, kind of rocky, S ridge that ultimately swept around to the E.<\/p>\n

The late afternoon gloom seemed to bring out the wildlife.\u00a0 Swirling in the gray sky, a bald eagle made several passes, soon followed by a couple of turkey vultures.\u00a0 Several deer instantly vanished into the forest as Lupe approached Pistol Point.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At Pistol Point<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3:33 PM<\/em> – On the edge of a much more open region offering panoramic views, Pistol Point had long been a favorite spot.\u00a0 Looking S, Black Elk Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,231 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Sylvan Hill<\/span><\/a> (6,998 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Five Points<\/span><\/a> (6,228 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, and False North Point<\/span><\/a> (6,134 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> all stood out.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (L), Sylvan Hill<\/strong> (Center), Five Points<\/strong> (R of Center), False North Point<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Peak<\/span> 5800<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, which Lupe had climbed on a number of occasions during her annual jaunts to New Year’s Eve Peak, was ESE.\u00a0 An uncharacteristic drab brown this year, the rolling territory dotted with pines leading to Peak 5800 was always fun to explore.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5800<\/strong> (Center) from Pistol Point<\/strong>. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Unfortunately, it was already so late that by the time the American Dingo could get to Peak 5800, it would already be dark.<\/p>\n

If Peak 5800 is too far, why don’t we climb Peak<\/span> 5917<\/span><\/a><\/strong> instead, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5917<\/strong> (L). Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

An excellent alternative, Looper!\u00a0 Let’s do it!<\/em><\/p>\n

Peak 5917 was only 0.5 mile from Pistol Point.\u00a0 On the way over there, Lupe once again spotted wildlife, this time a herd of 5 whitetail deer.\u00a0 Already aware of the Carolina Dog’s approach, they disappeared over Peak 5917’s lower S ridge.<\/p>\n

4:15 PM, 37\u00b0F, Peak<\/span> 5917<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/em> – The clouds which had blanketed the entire sky all day were suddenly showing signs of breaking up, an unexpected development with snow in the forecast tomorrow.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On Peak 5917<\/strong>. Scruton Mountain<\/strong> (far L), a little slice of Pactola Reservoir<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
New Year’s Eve Peak<\/strong> (Center) from Peak 5917<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A prolonged stay wasn’t in the cards at this hour on a late December day, but Lupe hadn’t been on Peak 5917’s summit even 10 minutes when she noticed something.<\/p>\n

Look, SPHP!\u00a0 There’s a colorful sunset going on.<\/em><\/p>\n

Sure enough, on the far horizon beyond Pistol Point, a small section of sky was ablaze with orange and gold.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sunset<\/strong> (Center) beyond Pistol Point<\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Awesome, Loopster!\u00a0 Never dreamed we would get to see one today.<\/em><\/p>\n

The sunset was a rare, if fleeting, treat.\u00a0 In all the times Lupe had been to New Year’s Eve Peak, SPHP could remember only a couple of other times when the day ended with a beautiful sunset.\u00a0 In 2016<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, there had been a spectacular one, but most years had been a dud, the hoped for display of year end glory disappointing with little or nothing worth mentioning.<\/p>\n

Hurry, SPHP!\u00a0 Let’s get the best picture we can before it’s gone!<\/em><\/p>\n

A cluster of rocks 100 feet S of the summit provided the best view.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sunset<\/strong> from Peak 5917<\/strong>. Five Points<\/strong> (L), False North Point<\/strong> (L of Center), and Pistol Point<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4:30 PM, Peak 5917<\/em> – Another 2 minutes, and the show was already over and done with.\u00a0 Lupe now stood on another rock with Peak 5800 in sight, along with the familiar territory N of that mountain where she would soon rejoin USFS Road No. 710 on the way back to the RAV4.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Bald Hills<\/strong> (L), Peak 5800<\/strong> (R). Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2 minutes was all it had taken for the colorful sunset to fade away.\u00a0 2 more days, and 2024 itself would vanish into history.\u00a0 It all suddenly seemed so shockingly fast.\u00a0 As Lupe led the way down Peak 5917’s E slope, a pervasive sense that the American Dingo was not only leading the way back to the RAV4, but into the future itself swept over SPHP.<\/p>\n

The mood had something of premonition about it.\u00a0 You can return to a place, but never to a time.\u00a0 Each moment is a unique, irretrievable point on the short journey of life.<\/p>\n

With the light beginning to fade, the scene ahead seemed more beautiful than ever.\u00a0 Suddenly, Lupe turned and looked back.<\/p>\n

Are you still coming, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading into the future, Black Hills of South Dakota 12-29-24<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Always, Sweet Puppy!\u00a0 Right behind you!\u00a0 (End 5:11 PM, 37\u00baF)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe’s 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 \u00a0Prior Black Hills Expedition<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Lupe’s Scrollable GPS Track<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 351 – Scruton Mountain, Peak 6072 & New Year’s Eve Peak (12-31-25)<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 322 – Peak 6070 & New Year’s Eve Peak (1-1-24)<\/strong><\/a><\/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":"

12-29-24, 11:41 AM, 41\u00baF, junction of Hwy 385 & USFS Road No. 710 – A close call, but the American Dingo was here. Looks familiar, SPHP.\u00a0 Already time for New Year’s Eve Peak (6,048 ft.)? Not quite, Loop.\u00a0 We’re actually a couple of days early since it’s supposed to snow tomorrow. Nothing wrong with that, … Continue reading Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 339 – New Year’s Eve Peak & Peak 5917 (12-29-24)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":58100,"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":[105,9,106,104,539,1040,304],"class_list":["post-58123","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-lupe","tag-new-years-eve-peak","tag-peak-5917","tag-south-dakota"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_7032-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\/58123","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=58123"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58123\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":66793,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58123\/revisions\/66793"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/58100"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=58123"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=58123"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=58123"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}