{"id":58333,"date":"2025-01-16T08:10:17","date_gmt":"2025-01-16T15:10:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=58333"},"modified":"2025-01-28T14:21:53","modified_gmt":"2025-01-28T21:21:53","slug":"north-wright-pass-mountain-richardson-mountains-yukon-northwest-territories-border-canada-8-11-23","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=58333","title":{"rendered":"North Wright Pass Mountain, Richardson Mountains, Yukon & Northwest Territories Border, Canada (8-11-23)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Day 20 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska!<\/em><\/p>\n

8:45 AM, Dempster Highway, 2.5 miles from Wright Pass in the Northwest Territories<\/em> –<\/p>\n

Are you OK?<\/em><\/p>\n

Dead to the world, the American Dingo was still snoozing, and SPHP was barely conscious.\u00a0 Someone in a white pickup truck was talking.\u00a0 Better say something.<\/p>\n

Yeah, we’re fine.<\/em><\/p>\n

You’re sure?\u00a0 Saw your vehicle sitting empty here the last couple of days, and wondered what the deal was?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, I was just out hiking in the mountains with my dog.\u00a0 Everything’s fine!\u00a0 No problems.\u00a0 Thanks for asking.<\/em><\/p>\n

The man in the white truck drove off.\u00a0 Lupe yawned.<\/p>\n

What’s going on, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Someone checking on us to make sure we weren’t in trouble, Loopster.\u00a0 Need to sniff the air for a few minutes?<\/em><\/p>\n

Don’t mind if I do, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Getting out of the RAV4, as usual, the air was thick with smoke, or so it seemed.\u00a0 Yet there was a little dew on the RAV4, and during a stroll with virtually no visibility at all to the top of a nearby rise, SPHP felt a barely detectable mist.<\/p>\n

Loop, are we in smoke or fog?\u00a0 How does it sniff?<\/em><\/p>\n

The ground is damp, SPHP.\u00a0 Doesn’t smell much like smoke, either.<\/em><\/p>\n

Huh.\u00a0 After all these weeks of smoke-filled air, was the Arctic apocalypse finally ending?\u00a0 That would be big news.\u00a0 Returning to the RAV4, Lupe resumed her beauty rest, while SPHP worked on the trip journal.<\/p>\n

1:30 PM, Dempster Highway<\/span><\/strong><\/a>, same spot<\/em>\u00a0– All morning long, the fog had gradually lifted.\u00a0 As SPHP heated up a can of chili for lunch, the air really began to clear, revealing a gorgeous blue sky with a few clouds and only a hint of smoke.\u00a0 Unspoiled Arctic wilderness stretched toward distant ridges and mountains.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Northwest Territories<\/strong> from a pullout along the Dempster Highway 2.5 miles NE of Wright Pass<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Wow!\u00a0 Clearest day in ages, Looper!\u00a0 How are you feeling?<\/em><\/p>\n

Like we ought to do something after lunch, SPHP.\u00a0 No sense in letting a day like this slip away!<\/em><\/p>\n

I know, but it’s already too late to set out for Peak<\/span> 1402M<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

Peak<\/span> 1402M<\/span><\/a><\/strong>!\u00a0 We were just there a couple of days ago, SPHP.\u00a0 Went right by it again only yesterday.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, not that Peak 1402M, Loopster.\u00a0 I’m talking about another one farther NE that’s on your list of possibilities.<\/em><\/p>\n

What about that mountain right across the highway, SPHP?\u00a0 The one N of Wright Pass.<\/em><\/p>\n

Don’t even have it on your list of possibilities, Loopster, but it sure looks doable.\u00a0 Let’s have lunch, then I’ll get the pack ready.\u00a0 We’ll see what the situation is then.<\/em><\/p>\n

3:15 PM, same spot<\/em> – At the very same pullout from which the Carolina Dog had departed on her epic backpacking trip to Mount Sittichinli<\/strong><\/span><\/a> and back only 2 days ago, Lupe stood grinning with a lovely clear view of North Wright Pass Mountain<\/span><\/a> (4,500 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> beyond her.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
North Wright Pass Mountain<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I say it’s a go, SPHP.\u00a0 What do you think?\u00a0 Say, yes!\u00a0 I want to try it!<\/em><\/p>\n

Time’s flying, Looper.\u00a0 I’ve been puttering around here long enough.\u00a0 We better get cracking!\u00a0 Hop into the RAV4.\u00a0 We’ll drive up to Wright Pass and start from there.<\/em><\/p>\n

3:31 PM, 55\u00baF, Wright Pass, Yukon\/Northwest Territories border<\/em> – Lupe leapt out of the RAV4.\u00a0 The air was still smoky W of the pass, especially toward the NW, but the pass itself and everything E was clear.\u00a0 Directly S, the American Dingo had a great view of Peak 3850<\/span><\/strong><\/a>, which she had climbed on a smoky evening only 3 days ago.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 3850<\/strong> (L of Center) from Wright Pass<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Zoomed in on Peak 3850<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Woo-hoo!\u00a0 Too bad it wasn’t this clear when we climbed Peak 3850, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Or better yet, at Mount Sittichinli yesterday morning, Looper.\u00a0 The smoke off to the W is a bit worrisome, but we’re still all in on North Wright Pass Mountain, aren’t we?<\/em><\/p>\n

Of course!\u00a0 Grab your pack, SPHP, and let’s go!<\/em><\/p>\n

After a quick look at North Wright Pass Mountain from over by the now displayless Northwest Territories display, and totally exotic road signs mentioning Inuvik, Tuktoyaktuk, and the Arctic Ocean, Lupe headed SW along the Dempster Highway to the Yukon sign near a side road.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
North Wright Pass Mountain<\/strong> (Center) from the Northwest Territories display<\/strong> (R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
And from the awesome road signs<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
By the Yukon sign<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The side road led to a microwave tower at the S end of the mountain.<\/p>\n

Can we take the road, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

No sense in making this any harder than it has to be, Loopster.\u00a0 Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the way to the microwave tower<\/strong> (Center). North Wright Pass Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The side road was short.\u00a0 Within minutes, Lupe was already closing in on the tower.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the microwave tower<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From back at the highway, the SE end of the mountain had appeared to offer the best initial approach.<\/p>\n

We need to be on the other side of the tower, Loop.\u00a0 Just go around it.<\/em><\/p>\n

Once E of the tower, the territory ahead sloped gradually down to the E.\u00a0 Angling NE closer to the base of the mountain, Lupe maintained, or even gained some elevation.\u00a0 In scarcely any time at all, the view of Peak 3850 on the opposite side of Wright Pass was already pretty impressive.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Skirting the S end of the mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 3850<\/strong> (L) beyond Wright Pass<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP had seen a gap at the lower SE end of North Wright Pass Mountain that looked like it granted access to a valley leading to terrain higher up that wasn’t as rocky as the rest of the mountain.\u00a0 However, that gap was proving to be farther E than SPHP thought.<\/p>\n

Even the modest amount of elevation the Carolina Dog had gained so far was putting her into more and more talus.\u00a0 Soon she was amid so much rock that simply scrambling directly N up the steep talus slope seemed the best solution.<\/p>\n

As often happens, this initial scramble was bigger than it first looked.\u00a0 Nevertheless, Lupe was full of enthusiasm as she scrambled up.\u00a0 When she managed to reach the top of the steepest part, the valley SPHP had originally hoped to lead her to was now an obstacle.\u00a0 A significant drop would now be involved to get past it over to the wide bench of tundra farther N that the valley connected with.<\/p>\n

Moderately steep slopes farther W comprised mostly of talus, but with some tundra mixed in, were the only other option.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Above the steepest initial scramble<\/strong> with plenty of relatively steep talus still ahead. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Guess we’ve got to keep climbing, Loop.\u00a0 Let me catch my breath, first.<\/em><\/p>\n

Great views already, SPHP!\u00a0 What’s the name of that big mountain off to the NE?\u00a0 Looks like another fun one we can climb someday.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, that’s a spiffy peak, alright, Looper.\u00a0 Believe that’s Peak 4437<\/span><\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Another glance back at Peak 3850<\/strong> (R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 4437<\/strong> (Center) beyond the Dempster Highway<\/strong> (below). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Since SPHP’s navigation error had already blown what had appeared to be the easiest route, climbing NW along the ridge Lupe was already on seemed to be the next best option.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About to head up the next slope<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There was an awful lot of rock, but patches and lanes of tundra helped.\u00a0 In some places, quite a bit of tundra was present, making progress easy.\u00a0 Other stretches were pure rock hop.\u00a0 Although not as steep as the initial scramble, Lupe was still gaining elevation at a good clip.\u00a0 Yet, despite gaining hundreds of feet of elevation, the American Dingo kept coming to false summits.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
In a flatter region with more tundra<\/strong>, but with another rocky climb ahead<\/strong>. Summit<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lots of rock hopping<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Making progress, but with a long way to go. Summit region<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This first long climb finally ended when Lupe reached the rocky E edge of a vast, almost level plain of tundra.\u00a0 The huge tundra bench that she could have been following had SPHP not messed up the route was now visible below her to the NNE.\u00a0 However, the mistake no longer seemed like a big deal.\u00a0 Lupe could easily follow the even larger bench she was already on toward an enormous dark mound of talus that was ahead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Facing the next enormous mound of talus<\/strong> (L & Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Summit region<\/strong> (L). The tundra bench<\/strong> Lupe could have been on (R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As Lupe got closer to this next mound of talus, it looked like the easiest way up would be toward the W.\u00a0 Attempting to head straight across the vast tundra plain quickly revealed that much of it was surprisingly wet.\u00a0 Not a problem for the Carolina Dog, but SPHP didn’t want to get wet feet.<\/p>\n

Heading N along the edge of the rocks where the tundra was drier was a better choice.\u00a0 Lupe didn’t angle WNW until she got close to the base of the talus mound where she could continue using the same technique.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the rocks along the E edge of the tundra<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once Lupe got far enough W, she turned N again, starting up the mound.\u00a0 Still lots of rock, but some tundra, too, and this route wasn’t nearly as steep as a frontal assault would have been.<\/p>\n

Pausing partway up for one of SPHP’s breathers, the view back to the S was incredible.\u00a0 Much of the vast tundra plain Lupe had just skirted the E and N edges of was in sight, with Peak 3850 beyond it, which didn’t look any higher than where Lupe was now.<\/p>\n

Even more amazing, the N\/S running chain of mountains that both Peak 3850 and North Wright Pass Mountain were part of was clearly seen to be the dividing line between a smoke-filled Yukon to the W, and nearly smoke-free Northwest Territories to the E.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Starting up the SW end of the enormous mound<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 3850<\/strong> (Center) beyond the huge tundra plain<\/strong> (Center & R). Smoke-free Northwest Territories<\/strong> (L), smoky Yukon<\/strong> (R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Approaching the top of the enormous talus mound, a long lane of tundra ended at another unavoidable stretch of talus.\u00a0 When the inevitable rock hop started leveling out, another vast, flat region was ahead.\u00a0 Beyond it, what appeared to be the last significant climb to the summit region was in sight.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Facing the rock hop at the upper end of the long lane of tundra<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Summit region<\/strong> (R) from the start of the next plain<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Another peek back at Peak 3850<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Exactly where the best route across this next bench might be was hard to say.\u00a0 Continuing N, the rock hop went on for a while before leading to another plain of tundra.\u00a0 Although very large, this one wasn’t quite as big as the first one had been.\u00a0 While there were still wet spots and damp regions, it soon became apparent that most of the tundra was drier here.<\/p>\n

I guess we can just stick with the tundra as much as possible, Loopster.<\/em><\/p>\n

Whatever you prefer, SPHP.\u00a0 Makes no difference to me.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Entering the second tundra plain<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Crossing this second plain, Lupe accidentally scared up 6 ptarmigans.\u00a0 A nice waterhole provided her with a drink.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
One of the ptarmigans<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Hitting the sauce at the best waterhole<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This second plain led to another steep talus rise at its N end.\u00a0 It wasn’t as big as the mound separating the first two benches, but still a significant climb.\u00a0 Above it, Lupe encountered a third large bench, most of which was rockier and even drier.<\/p>\n

Yet another steep talus slope was in sight at the end of this third bench.\u00a0 It was clearly much steeper toward the E, and easier to the W, where two trails, presumably made by caribou, were visible.\u00a0 The trail farthest W looked the most distinct and longest, so Lupe headed for it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the third bench<\/strong>. Two caribou trails<\/strong> visible toward the L. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Taking a break before heading up the best caribou trail<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A rocky start got the American Dingo to the caribou trail, which wasn’t really all that steep.\u00a0 Lupe followed this trail a long way on relatively gentle slopes, eventually reaching a continuous lane of tundra that she kept following higher.<\/p>\n

Upon reaching a region of more tundra and less rock, the trail faded completely away.\u00a0 Glancing back to the S, Lupe now had a spectacular view of the 3 benches she’d already crossed far below.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Above the caribou trail<\/strong>, looking back at the 3 lower tundra benches<\/strong> (far L to Center). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The slope eventually leveled out again.\u00a0 Across another plain, a smaller talus rise was ahead.\u00a0 Lupe climbed it, too, heading NNE as she entered a world of talus almost completely devoid of vegetation.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Crossing the fourth plain<\/strong>. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The world of talus<\/strong>. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Can’t be too much farther now, Looper.\u00a0 We’re entering the summit region.<\/em><\/p>\n

It’s enormous too, SPHP!\u00a0 Look at how much farther it keeps going!<\/em><\/p>\n

I know, but we’ll get there, Loop.\u00a0 Might be world champion rock hoppers by then, but we’ll get there.<\/em><\/p>\n

Whatever you do, don’t twist your ankle, SPHP, or we’ll never get out of here.<\/em><\/p>\n

The talus was of moderate size, and since most of the territory ahead was otherwise nearly flat, SPHP managed to maintain a semi-decent rock hopping pace as Lupe explored at will.\u00a0 Even up here, some tundra existed, with routes toward the W often offering the easiest terrain.<\/p>\n

Already high on the mountain, SPHP kept expecting to see the top ahead as Lupe continued N climbing a series of small, steep rises separated by flat regions.\u00a0 At last, the American Dingo reached a talus plain that was not only almost perfectly flat, but seemed to have an end to it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the summit plain<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Meanwhile, back to the S, Peak 3850 appeared different from this great height, and smoke in the upper atmosphere was now visibly drifting E from the Yukon into the Northwest Territories.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 3850<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Artic apocalypse is renewing its attack, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, looks that way, Looper.\u00a0 We better keep an eye on it.<\/em><\/p>\n

Going a bit farther N, it suddenly became clear that this talus plain wasn’t entirely flat.\u00a0 A slightly elevated region with a little bump on it was visible at the far end.<\/p>\n

A cairn, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
North Wright Pass Mountain summit<\/strong>. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

7:07 PM, 57\u00baF, North Wright Pass Mountain<\/span><\/a> (4,500 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – There were actually 2 cairns, the one the Carolina Dog stood proudly on now, and another one 60 feet away along the precipitous E edge.\u00a0 Either cairn, or any of a jillion other rocks at about the same elevation, might have been the site of the true summit, but this was good enough for Dingo work.<\/p>\n

SPHP shook Lupe’s paw.<\/p>\n

North Wright Pass Mountain!\u00a0 Congratulations, Loopster!\u00a0 We made it, and under such fine conditions, too!<\/em><\/p>\n

Couldn’t let a day like this go to waste, now could we, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Although the cairn along the E edge would have had the best views, the cairn Lupe was at had one great advantage entirely lacking elsewhere – a patch of tundra right beside it where Lupe could lie down in comfort.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 4700<\/strong> (L of Center) from North Wright Pass Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 4437<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks NE with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Impossible to miss, a bright red cloth box or pouch with a zippered top was lying upside down near the cairn.\u00a0 SPHP had a look at it, while Lupe relaxed on her tundra cushion.<\/p>\n

A testament to how hot and dry this Summer of 2023 Artic apocalypse had been, despite being out in the open, the red box was completely dry.\u00a0 White lettering on the exterior said “Emergency First Aid”.\u00a0 The zipper didn’t work very well, but upon getting the pouch open, SPHP found that it actually was full of potentially useful items in a pinch.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Closeup of the red zippered pouch<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Sealed first aid kit<\/strong>, presumably containing bandages and the like.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Prestige emergency thermal reflective polypropylene blanket<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Another emergency blanket<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Several packages of Lemon-Lime Gatorade<\/strong> were in the pouch. Just add water!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Tube of Nunn grape-flavored effervescent electrolyte supplement tablets<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A closer look at the Nunn tablets label<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

All of the first aid supplies were in perfect condition.\u00a0 Returning them to the red pouch, SPHP zippered it shut again, then placed it in a nook at the base of the cairn for the next visitor in need.\u00a0 Lupe was now looking mighty comfortable, dozing in the sunshine nearby.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Basking in the sunshine. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sorry to disturb you, Loopster, but I happen to have chocolate coconut bar in the pack.\u00a0 Don’t suppose you would be interested in splitting it with me, would you?<\/em><\/p>\n

Suddenly the American Dingo was wide awake.\u00a0 She’d had only a few pieces of beef jerky, passed out during short breaks on the way up the mountain.<\/p>\n

If I must, I must!\u00a0 Bring it on, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Like all chocolate coconut bars, this one met with instant annihilation.<\/p>\n

We need to keep going, Loop.\u00a0 There’s something we ought to see.<\/em><\/p>\n

Go where, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

To the N end of the summit plain, Looper, or at least as far as we need to go to get the best view.<\/em><\/p>\n

Beyond the cairn, the rocky plain extended another 500 feet farther N.\u00a0 Toward the far end, Lupe began losing a little elevation before reaching a sharp edge.\u00a0 Beyond a region of green lowlands among hills and ridges of dark-colored rock, 2 mountains of nearly equal height stood out, blue amid a smoky haze.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 1220M<\/strong> (L foreground), Peak 1520M<\/strong> (Center), Mount Sittichinli<\/strong> (R of Center), Peak 1402M<\/strong> (R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Mount Sittichinli<\/span><\/a> (5,165 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Peak 1520M<\/span><\/strong>, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

That’s right, Loop.\u00a0 Thought we would never see them again, but there they are, one more time, on the horizon!\u00a0 I started catching glimpses of them on the way up, and knew we just had to come here.\u00a0 Such a fabulous view of so much of the territory we traveled through the last couple of days!<\/em><\/p>\n

It was an epic journey, SPHP!\u00a0 I’ll never forget it.\u00a0 Look!\u00a0 There’s Peak 1220M<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 We’re way above it.\u00a0 And off to the R (E) there’s Peak<\/span> 1402M<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, where we first saw Mount Sittichinli<\/strong><\/a><\/span>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup, we can see many of the passes we went over, too, Loopster.\u00a0 Recognize that tan gash beyond the first range of hills?<\/em><\/p>\n

Of course!\u00a0 That’s where the stream was that we followed on the way back.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 1520M<\/strong> (L), Mount Sittichinli<\/strong> (R). Photo looks N with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Zoomed in on Mount Sittichinli<\/strong> (L) and Peak 1402M<\/strong> (near hill on R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Having visited Mount Sittichinli only yesterday morning, and spent two whole days getting there and back again, the view from this height was enlightening, mesmerizing, sublime.\u00a0 For a while, Lupe and SPHP both stood staring N, scarcely able to turn away.<\/p>\n

Yet there was more to be seen up here.\u00a0 Looking NE into the Northwest Territories, remote peaks beckoned from beautiful, unspoiled territories the Carolina Dog still hadn’t explored.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 4700<\/strong> (R) on the horizon. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 4437<\/strong> (R of Center). Dempster Highway<\/strong> (below) leading to Inuvik. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No doubt North Wright Pass Mountain would have offered spectacular views of an enormous expanse of territory off to the W, too.\u00a0 Not today, though.\u00a0 The Yukon remained a land of mystery hidden by the wildfire smoke of the Arctic apocalypse.<\/p>\n

6:41 PM, N end of North Wright Pass Mountain<\/span><\/a> (4500 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> –<\/em> SPHP checked the iPhone.<\/p>\n

Battery is down to 11% charge, Loop.\u00a0 I’m going to turn the GPS track off so we don’t run it completely out.<\/em><\/p>\n

Why is it so low already, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Because I didn’t get it fully charged this morning, Looper.\u00a0 The battery was at only 56% when we set out, and I haven’t been using our point to point system.\u00a0 Just left the GPS track on all this time.\u00a0 We can still take a few photos on the way back.\u00a0 Want to know something funny?\u00a0 We’ve actually got one bar of service up here.\u00a0 Need to call anyone?\u00a0 Here’s your chance!<\/em><\/p>\n

I never call anybody, SPHP.\u00a0 You know that.\u00a0 The only reason you’ve got any service is because of that microwave tower back at Wright Pass.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, yeah.\u00a0 You must be right, Loopster.\u00a0 Anyway, I suppose we should start heading back pretty soon.<\/em><\/p>\n

After a long final look N back at Mount Sittichinli and all the amazing territory she’d so recently explored, the Carolina Dog was on her way.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 1520M<\/strong> (L of Center) & Mount Sittichinli<\/strong> (Center) from North Wright Pass Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On the way back to the summit cairns, Lupe stayed near the E edge, where she could enjoy the fabulous views of the Northwest Territories.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Dempster Highway<\/strong> and Peak 4437<\/strong> (L). Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Same spot with help from the telephoto lens. Peak 4437<\/strong> (L). Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Returning to the cairns. E edge cairn<\/strong> (L), emergency first aid cairn<\/strong> (R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8:19 PM<\/em> –\u00a0 More than 70 minutes after the American Dingo first reached the cairn with the red box containing emergency first aid, Lupe stood near the E edge cairn looking down on the Dempster Highway.\u00a0 A region of small lakes in front of a range of low hills was beyond it.<\/p>\n

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Along the E edge<\/strong>. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

North Wright Pass Mountain has been a huge success, Sweet Puppy!\u00a0 So glad we did this, but you know how it is.<\/em><\/p>\n

Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho time, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Precisely!<\/em><\/p>\n

Across the countless rocks of the talus fields, and along many lanes of tundra, Lupe led the way on a fantastic, fun return.\u00a0 As she journeyed S, the smoke in the Yukon began moving away from the Northwest Territories border, retreating SW.<\/p>\n

Maybe this was the Arctic apocalypse’s last gasp, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, I hope so, Loopster.\u00a0 Wouldn’t it be nice to have beautiful, clear skies from now on?<\/em><\/p>\n

Once back down to the big tundra benches, Lupe began making forays out to the E edge, searching for a way down to the elusive route SPHP originally intended to take up the mountain.\u00a0 After several attempts, she eventually found one.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
North Wright Pass Mountain<\/strong> (R) during the return. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It all went well.\u00a0 Lupe had a marvelous time.\u00a0 On the road leading back to the Dempster Highway from the microwave tower, exhibiting a huge burst of energy, the Carolina Dog raced back and forth along the road multiple times, showing off how fast she could run.<\/p>\n

Holy giant deers, Loopster!\u00a0 Wish I felt like that.\u00a0 How do you do it?\u00a0 Think I’m going to need a day or two off.\u00a0 My paws are feeling a bit sore, yet after 3 consecutive days roaming the mountains, you’re like we’re just setting out!<\/em><\/p>\n

Life in the mountains is good for you, SPHP!\u00a0 You’ll see, once your paws toughen up.<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP’s paws weren’t ever going to be as tough as Lupe’s, but no doubt she was right about the benefits of a wonderful life in the mountains.<\/p>\n

9:51 PM, Dempster Highway pullout at Wright Pass<\/em> – Back in the nick of time!\u00a0 The mountaintops were in the clouds as Lupe reached the RAV4, and fog soon hid absolutely everything from view.\u00a0 No matter!\u00a0 Safe in the RAV4, Lupe and SPHP feasted on California Girl spicy sardines and Ritz crackers.\u00a0 The ravenous Carolina Dog loved it, and after having her fill, was soon snoozing comfortably on her pink blanket.<\/p>\n

North Wright Pass Mountain really had been awesome, and what a thrill it had been to see Mount Sittichinli again!\u00a0 Yet this was supposed to have been a rest day, and as SPHP tried to join Lupe in Dingo Dreamland, SPHP’s right paw insisted that tomorrow had better be one.<\/p>\n

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Peak 1520M<\/strong> & Mount Sittichinli<\/strong> from North Wright Pass Mountain<\/strong>, Richardson Mountains, Yukon & Northwest Territories Border, Canada 8-11-23<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Lupe’s GPS Track<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

Next Adventure<\/span><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Prior Adventure<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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

Dempster Highway Travelogue<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose from Lupe’s Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacations to Colorado, New Mexico, Canada & Alaska Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/em>, Dingo Vacations Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a> or Master Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0Or subscribe free\u00a0to\u00a0new Lupe adventures<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Day 20 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska! 8:45 AM, Dempster Highway, 2.5 miles from Wright Pass in the Northwest Territories – Are you OK? Dead to the world, the American Dingo was still snoozing, and SPHP was barely conscious.\u00a0 Someone in a white pickup truck was talking.\u00a0 Better … Continue reading North Wright Pass Mountain, Richardson Mountains, Yukon & Northwest Territories Border, Canada (8-11-23)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":58310,"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":[1659],"tags":[105,30,106,1083,26,104,1088,1090,708],"class_list":["post-58333","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1659","tag-american-dingo","tag-canada","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dempster-highway","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-lupe","tag-northwest-territories","tag-wright-pass","tag-yukon"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2140-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\/58333","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=58333"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58333\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":59789,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58333\/revisions\/59789"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/58310"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=58333"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=58333"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=58333"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}