{"id":59780,"date":"2025-03-11T08:10:44","date_gmt":"2025-03-11T14:10:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=59780"},"modified":"2025-03-29T11:09:14","modified_gmt":"2025-03-29T17:09:14","slug":"black-hills-sd-expedition-no-336-peak-6927-peak-7031-peak-6987-11-10-24","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=59780","title":{"rendered":"Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 336 – Peak 6927, Peak 7031 & Peak 6987 (11-10-24)"},"content":{"rendered":"

10:09 AM, 42\u00baF, USFS Road No. 291<\/em> – A roomy flat spot on the L in front of several big stones placed to prevent any vehicle traffic on abandoned USFS Road No. 291.4H was a perfect spot to stash the RAV4.\u00a0 Lupe leapt out as soon as SPHP opened the door.<\/p>\n

Mild, no wind, a few wispy clouds in a bright blue sky, and a little snow on the ground.\u00a0 What more could you want on a November day in the Black Hills high country?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the start of abandoned USFS Road No. 291.4H<\/strong>. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Looks like a fabulous day ahead of us, SPHP!\u00a0 What’s the plan?<\/em><\/p>\n

It’s pretty simple, Loop.\u00a0 We’ll wander E up the Heely Creek valley from here until we’re S of Hat Mountain<\/span> <\/a>(6,783 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, then explore farther S.\u00a0 Goal is to tag 3 peaks near the E edge of the limestone plateau country, then circle back past Ditch Creek campground and the Dragon Caves<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Apparently approving this plan, the Carolina Dog set off.\u00a0 Following a remnant of USFS Road No. 291.4H, Lupe quickly came to a fallen tree trunk blocking the road.\u00a0 Going around it, the way ahead was open.\u00a0 A single track trail along the N side of Heely Creek led up a grassy valley.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By Heely Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The valley turned S, then curved NE for a little way, before broadening out and heading E.\u00a0 On the shadier S side of Heely Creek, 3 or 4 inches of crusty snow covered the ground.\u00a0 The sunny N side of the creek where the trail was had little, if any, snow at all.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The unmaintained trail was in great shape. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A bit of ancient, rotten deadfall was about the only obstacle. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

An old road not shown on the map appeared over on the S side of Heely Creek.\u00a0 Venturing over there, Lupe had no problem walking on the snow covering this road.\u00a0 Hat Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,783 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was in sight off to the NE.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Hat Mountain<\/strong> (L), Peak 6612<\/strong> (R). Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

However, the crusty snow wasn’t strong enough to hold SPHP’s weight.\u00a0 Breaking through the surface with every step required more effort than it was worth.\u00a0 After a little bit of that, SPHP returned to the N side of the Heely Creek.\u00a0 The trail was muddy along in here, but walking on the grass next to it was easy enough.<\/p>\n

Before long, the trail joined another road not shown on the map.\u00a0 Staying on the grass was the best bet here, as well.\u00a0 The valley was very wide and shallow as Lupe followed this road ENE toward Peak 6612<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the trail\/road junction<\/strong>. Peak 6612<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
In the broad, shallow valley<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

S of Hat Mountain, the muddy dirt road led to a junction with ATV route No. 6069.\u00a0 After pausing briefly for a look back down the scenic valley, Lupe headed S on No. 6069.\u00a0 The road soon crossed Heely Creek, then led up into the forest.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heely Creek valley<\/strong> from the junction with ATV route No. 6069<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Crossing Heely Creek<\/strong> on No. 6069<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In the forest on a N slope, the roads were even muddier and often snowy or icy.\u00a0 A relatively short climb SW on No. 6069 led to a junction with No. 6004 (USFS Road No. 691.1I).<\/em>\u00a0 Turning E (L) on No. 6004, a short level stretch quickly led to a junction with ATV route No. 6005.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the junction of ATV routes No. 6069 and No. 6004<\/strong>. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No. 6004 continued E on the level, while No. 6005, the snowiest road yet, climbed somewhat steeply S.<\/p>\n

We go up, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

You know it, Sweet Puppy!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Starting up ATV route No. 6005<\/strong>. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No. 6005 climbed to yet another junction.\u00a0 Leveling out here, No. 6005 turned W.\u00a0 The other road, which was also fairly flat, went E.\u00a0 This road was unmarked and appeared to be long abandoned.<\/p>\n

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

Hmm.\u00a0 Not sure, Looper.\u00a0 We may have reached the level of old USFS Road No. 691.1D.\u00a0 If so, maybe we should head W (R) on No. 6005.\u00a0 If No. 6005 is No. 691.1D’s current designation, it will curve up around to the region SW of Peak<\/span> 6927<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, dead-ending at around 6,700 feet.\u00a0 That wouldn’t leave us much of an off-road climb.<\/em><\/p>\n

And if we go E (L)?\u00a0 Where will that take us, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

0.33 mile would get us to USFS Road No. 691, aka Williams Draw Road.<\/em><\/p>\n

Going W (R) made more sense, but No. 691.1D, if that’s what it really was, was muddy that way.\u00a0 Toward the E (L), the road was grassy to the point of almost not being a road at all.\u00a0 Much more appealing!<\/p>\n

Eh, we’ll get to to Peak 6927 either way.\u00a0 Let’s head E, Loopster.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the E remnant<\/strong> (maybe) of USFS Road No. 691.1D<\/strong>. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At first, travel on No. 691.1D was easy.\u00a0 The American Dingo followed the grassy remnant with ease, but soon the road started angling downhill into a region thick with deadfall, essentially disappearing among it.\u00a0 The now rather steep snowy slope to the S also had quite a bit of deadfall.<\/p>\n

We zigged when we should have zagged, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

A fine tradition, Loopster.\u00a0 Guess we start your first ascent in earnest here.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Starting up the snowy, deadfall-laden slope<\/strong>. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As Lupe climbed S through the slippery obstacle course, a glance at the topo map, which had finally loaded on the iPhone, persuaded SPHP that angling SW might actually be better.\u00a0 Lupe had no objections.\u00a0 She was having a blast exploring the forest.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Exploring the snowy forest<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Reaching a stand of aspens amid the pine forest, the aspens were not only much easier to travel through, but conveniently extended SW in the very direction Lupe needed to go.\u00a0 A gradual climb soon led to a snowy clearing, which appeared to be the turnaround point at the end of yet another unmarked road that came in from the E.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the clearing<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What road is this, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

I have no idea, Loop.\u00a0 Must come from No. 691, though, and we don’t need to go that way at this point.<\/em><\/p>\n

Keep exploring SW, then?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup.\u00a0 Peak 6927, or bust, Loopster!<\/em><\/p>\n

The aspens gave out shortly after leaving the dead-end clearing.\u00a0 Pines thick with low bushes made progress more difficult.\u00a0 Often blocked by dense forest to the SW, the easiest route kept being more directly S, but this was putting the Carolina Dog on steeper and steeper terrain.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
In the dense, bushy forest<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Gads!\u00a0 We’re about to wind up on the steepest part of the mountain, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

Your innate navigation skills strike again, SPHP, despite your acquisition of that iPhone and GPS!<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, well.\u00a0 It didn’t matter.\u00a0 Trudging almost due S straight up a steep slope full of snow, trees, and deadfall, sunlight appeared between the pines ahead, indicating a top.\u00a0 Steepest part of the mountain, or not, the American Dingo was going to succeed in making it up onto a ridge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Climbing toward Peak 6927’s NW ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Approaching the crest of the ridge, limestone formations were visible only a short distance W.<\/p>\n

Let’s go over that way, SPHP!\u00a0 Maybe there’s a view from those rocks?<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching limestone formations (R) near the end of Peak 6927’s NW ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Reaching the first limestone outcropping, Lupe scrambled up onto it.\u00a0 From the top of a cliff, she enjoyed a view of Hat Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,783 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and part of the Heely Creek valley.\u00a0 Terry Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,069 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was visible on the horizon in the same direction, but was very far away.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Hat Mountain<\/strong> (R) with Terry Peak<\/strong> on the far horizon beyond. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

More limestone cliffs were nearby, a little higher than the formation Lupe had scrambled up onto.\u00a0 She did some exploring near them, too, but without discovering a better, readily accessible viewpoint.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Exploring the limestone cliffs<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

These cliffs were slightly below the end of Peak 6927’s NW ridge.\u00a0 The sunlit ridge was broad and dry where Lupe first reached it, pine needles and plenty of deadfall covering a region of otherwise open forest.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On Peak 6927’s NW ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

About time we found the summit, Looper.\u00a0 We’re not that far from it.<\/em><\/p>\n

Picking a way through the deadfall, a gradual climb SE soon led to half a foot of snow in a much shadier region.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Closing in on the snowy summit of Peak 6927<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

12:26 PM, 55\u00baF, Peak<\/span> 6927<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/em> – What a mess!\u00a0 Lupe arrived at the summit to find it dominated by juniper bushes, deadfall, shattered trees, and snow.\u00a0 Despite how many trees had fallen, enough were still standing to reduce what might otherwise have been excellent views to mere glimpses.<\/p>\n

Standing in exactly the right spot, Hat Mountain’s summit and a slice of Deerfield Reservoir were in sight at the same time.\u00a0 Narrow glimpses of other mountains were possible, too, but moving around was so difficult that it was hardly worth the effort.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At Peak 6927’s summit<\/strong>. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A mere glimpse of Hat Mountain<\/strong> (Center) and Deerfield Reservoir<\/strong> (R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Gently shaking Lupe’s paw, SPHP congratulated the American Dingo on her successful ascent, then looked for a place to sit down.\u00a0 Brushing the snow off a fallen tree trunk provided a halfway decent perch, but Lupe was left standing, paws in the snow, half-buried in bushes.<\/p>\n

Sorry, Loopster.\u00a0 Not the best situation for you, is it?<\/em><\/p>\n

A chocolate coconut bar would help, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

After sharing the eagerly anticipated chocolate coconut bar, and having some Taste of the Wild, Lupe laid down on the snow.<\/p>\n

Oh, you poor thing!\u00a0 You know, tradition, or not, we don’t have to spend an entire hour here, Looper.\u00a0 No sense in freezing your tummy.\u00a0 With 3 peaks on the agenda, if we spend 20 minutes at each one, that would amount to an hour.\u00a0 In fact, with days as short as they are this time of year, we really can’t afford to spend an entire hour on each mountain.<\/em><\/p>\n

Cheating, but I like how you think, SPHP.\u00a0 Let me know when 20 minutes is up!<\/em><\/p>\n

20 minutes shot by.\u00a0 Satisfied that she’d enjoyed an entirely sufficient Peak 6927 experience, the Carolina Dog headed SE.\u00a0 The ridge was broad and nearly level going this way.\u00a0 Soon past the worst of the snow, bushes, and deadfall, Lupe came to a significantly better view than any to be had back at Peak 6927’s summit.\u00a0 Peak 7062<\/span><\/strong> and Gillette Prairie were in sight.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Gillette Prairie<\/strong> (L & Center), Peak 7062<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Peak 7062<\/span><\/strong> looks like a better summit, SPHP.\u00a0 Will we get that far today?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, it is better, Loop.\u00a0 We were there once a long time ago after visiting Green Mountain<\/span><\/a> (7,176 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, but no, we aren’t going to get that far.<\/em><\/p>\n

Too bad, SPHP.\u00a0 What’s next?<\/em><\/p>\n

Peak<\/span> 7031<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, Looper.\u00a0 It’s only 0.5 mile S of here.<\/em><\/p>\n

Meandering S through a maze of bushes, kinnikinnick, deadfall, and young doghair pines, progress was fairly decent at first, but after hitting a low point on a broad saddle, Lupe encountered much more snow and deadfall as the terrain sloped up again.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading S in search of Peak 7031. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 7031<\/strong> dead ahead! It really wasn’t all that much higher. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Back into the thick of bushes and deadfall on Peak 7031’s N slope<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1:25 PM, 56\u00baF, Peak<\/span> 7031<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/em> – After what seemed like a ridiculously tough, slow slog up a gentle N slope, the terrain leveled out as Lupe reached a large, nearly flat region.\u00a0 Peak 7031’s summit was a mess, too, but not quite as badly cramped with obstacles as Peak 6927 had been.<\/p>\n

A couple pieces of deadfall stacked one on the other initially seemed to be at about the true summit, but wandering roughly 150 feet farther W, the ground proved to be marginally higher.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At Peak 7031’s E high point<\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 7031’s true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I like this summit better, SPHP.\u00a0 More room to move around.\u00a0 Still doesn’t have any views, though.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, another nice, quiet place in the forest is about all Peak 7031 amounts to, Loop.\u00a0 Let’s see if we can find a spot where there isn’t so much snow to sit down.<\/em><\/p>\n

Going only 5 feet down a nearby S slope, some snow-free terrain met the basic requirements for a decent break spot.\u00a0 After dumping the pack, SPHP shook Lupe’s paw for the 2nd time today.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the break spot immediately S of the summit<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Congratulations, Loopster!\u00a0 You’ve bagged another peak.\u00a0 A harder one than the topo map led us to believe.<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP munched on an apple.\u00a0 Lupe had more Taste of the Wild.\u00a0 After a short rest on the nice, dry forest floor, the Carolina Dog suddenly leapt to her paws and started barking up several nearby trees.\u00a0 A bit puzzling, since SPHP couldn’t detect anything unusual among the treetops.<\/p>\n

What’s this ruckus all about, Loop?\u00a0 Just practicing barking at squirrels?\u00a0 I don’t see or hear any.<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe made no response.\u00a0 Evidently, she was convinced something was up there, because the shrill bark of the Dingo rang through the forest for several more minutes before she came over to lie down next to SPHP.<\/p>\n

A pleasant 25 minutes on Peak 7031, and the American Dingo was on her way again.\u00a0 Only one more peak to go!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About to depart from Peak 7031<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Venturing SW on terrain that didn’t have quite so many obstacles, Lupe soon reached a barbed wire fence.\u00a0 Immediately beyond the fence, a road cut through a small clearing.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At USFS Road No. 691.1C<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Wonder where this road goes, SPHP?\u00a0 Does your map show it?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup.\u00a0 This is USFS Road No. 691.1C, Loopster.\u00a0 It won’t take us where we want to go, but if we turn L (SE) here, we can follow it a little way.<\/em><\/p>\n

A short, easy stint on No. 691.1C helped speed things along a bit before Lupe abandoned the road to return to the forest.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Following USFS Road No. 691.1C<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At a snowy spot shortly before abandoning the road at the curve ahead. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After leaving No. 691.1C, a gradual climb SW led to a region within a large 7,000 foot contour on the topo map.\u00a0 Turning SSE, Lupe went over the highest spot shortly before reaching a flat clearing.\u00a0 A dip beyond the clearing brought her to another unmarked road (ATV route No. 6010).<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the 7,000+ foot clearing<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Crossing ATV route No. 6010<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Continuing SE after crossing this road, Lupe reached another high spot in the forest after a slight, gradual climb.\u00a0 The high ground angled S, but the forest was more open a little farther E, so the Carolina Dog lost a bit of elevation in exchange for easier travel.<\/p>\n

Shadows were lengthening when Lupe came to another road.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
ATV route No, 6009<\/strong>, the last road N of Peak 6987<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Almost there, Loop!<\/em><\/p>\n

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

Peak 6987, Loopster, final summit of the day.\u00a0 Can’t be much farther.<\/em><\/p>\n

Maybe not, but the road didn’t go that way.<\/p>\n

2:40 PM, 55\u00baF, Peak<\/span> 6987<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/em> – Most of the route here from Peak 7031 really hadn’t been bad, but the last 0.1 mile was once again a struggle amid bushes and deadfall.\u00a0 The true summit proved to be a small, flat, slightly elevated region bordered by juniper bushes.\u00a0 Situated along the E edge of a broad ridge, the summit was only marginally higher than the rest of the terrain in other directions.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 6987 summit<\/strong>. The highest ground is at far R. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Upon arrival, Lupe continued S beyond the true summit, hoping to get a better view of Peak 7025<\/span><\/strong> and Peak 7062<\/span><\/strong> off to the ENE.\u00a0 However, the Carolina Dog couldn’t find a completely unobstructed view.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 7025<\/strong> (L) behind the tree, Peak 7062<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Returning to the true summit, Lupe laid down, facing the slanting rays of the late afternoon sun.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Relaxing on Peak 6987<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Great job, Loop!\u00a0 3 peaks in one day!\u00a0 How many hundreds of dead trees and branches did you have to leap over to get here?<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe didn’t say much, but the tired look on her face said plenty.<\/p>\n

Chocolate coconut bar, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, I have one more.<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP shook Lupe’s paw, then split the second, final chocolate coconut bar of the day with her.\u00a0 Lupe then had more Taste of the Wild, while SPHP drank a vanilla Equate.<\/p>\n

Peaceful, quiet, remote.\u00a0 Although high territory for the Black Hills, by most standards, none of the peaks Lupe visited today really had much to commend them.\u00a0 They offered little in the way of views or particularly interesting terrain, and were needlessly difficult to get to due mainly to the annoying amount of deadfall.<\/p>\n

Yet it had been fun exploring, not seeing anyone the entire day.\u00a0 Sitting alone here together, late on a November afternoon amid the colors and minute details of nature suddenly felt sublime.\u00a0 A moment in time to be cherished, in a place seldom seen.<\/p>\n

3:03 PM, Peak<\/span> 6987<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/em> –<\/p>\n

We must have been here 20 minutes by now, SPHP.\u00a0 The sun is sinking.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup, a little more than that, Loop.\u00a0 Suppose we better skedaddle.<\/em><\/p>\n

Leaving Peak 6987, likely forever, Lupe headed back N through the bushes and deadfall.\u00a0 When she reached the last road she’d come to on the way here, it was that magical time of day when the sunlight filtering through the trees made the forest glow.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back on the snowy road 0.1 mile N of Peak 6987<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beautiful!\u00a0 Still plenty of fun exploring to do, too, Loopster.\u00a0 Let’s see where this road will take us.\u00a0 Too late to wander back off-road.<\/em><\/p>\n

I like the sound of that, SPHP.\u00a0 Follow me!<\/em><\/p>\n

A short, easy rise and the road leveled out.\u00a0 Lupe soon came to a signed junction.\u00a0 The road she’d just been on was ATV route No. 6009, and she’d just reached No. 6010 (USFS Road No. 612.1C)<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Heading SW on No. 6010, Lupe descended a long, mostly open slope.\u00a0 SPHP had to stay on the grass again much of the time due to all the mud.\u00a0 After losing substantial elevation, a junction appeared where No. 6010 veered L.\u00a0 Lupe went R on a flat, grassy route that was more appealing.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Starting down ATV route No. 6010<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the bottom of the long slope<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On a branch of USFS Road No. 612<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The grassy route didn’t pan out.\u00a0 The road soon turned NE and started to climb.\u00a0 Lupe did get to see a small herd of deer here, which was exciting, and making a course correction was easy.\u00a0 Turning SW, the Carolina Dog left the road, beginning a gradual descent through a long valley.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About to head down the valley. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Near the start of USFS Road No. 612.1B, Lupe passed a large, white water storage tank.\u00a0 Crossing the road, the valley continued SSW, eventually leading to a junction where ATV route No. 6008 (USFS Road No. 612.1A)<\/em> branched off to the L, heading SE.\u00a0 Intercepting ATV route No. 6010 (USFS Road No. 612)<\/em> again here, it went R.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the water storage tank<\/strong>. USFS Road No. 612.1B<\/strong> ahead. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
An easy romp down the long valley. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the junction of ATV routes No. 6008 (L) and No. 6010 (R)<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Taking No. 6010, the road soon turned NW.\u00a0 A long, icy descent was ahead.\u00a0 Still the better part of a mile back to USFS Road No. 291, and from there, more than 3 miles back to the RAV4.\u00a0 Passing the deserted Ditch Creek campground, and eventually the turn to the Dragon Caves in the growing gloom, there was no traffic at all, only the sound of snow crunching beneath boot and paw as night came on.\u00a0 (End 5:15 PM, 33\u00baF)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
USFS Road No. 612<\/strong> on the way back from Peak 6927<\/strong>, Peak 7031<\/strong> & Peak 6987<\/strong>, Black Hills of South Dakota 11-10-24<\/figcaption><\/figure>\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 Prior Black Hills Expedition<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0 Choose from 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":"

10:09 AM, 42\u00baF, USFS Road No. 291 – A roomy flat spot on the L in front of several big stones placed to prevent any vehicle traffic on abandoned USFS Road No. 291.4H was a perfect spot to stash the RAV4.\u00a0 Lupe leapt out as soon as SPHP opened the door. Mild, no wind, a … Continue reading Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 336 – Peak 6927, Peak 7031 & Peak 6987 (11-10-24)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":59741,"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":[105,9,106,1749,104,1746,1748,1747,304],"class_list":["post-59780","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-heely-creek","tag-lupe","tag-peak-6927","tag-peak-6987","tag-peak-7031","tag-south-dakota"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_6747-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\/59780","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=59780"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/59780\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":63509,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/59780\/revisions\/63509"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/59741"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=59780"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=59780"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=59780"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}