{"id":60012,"date":"2025-03-29T08:10:07","date_gmt":"2025-03-29T14:10:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=60012"},"modified":"2025-03-29T11:08:20","modified_gmt":"2025-03-29T17:08:20","slug":"black-hills-sd-expedition-no-337-buck-mountain-peak-5566-peak-5170-peak-5163-12-3-24","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=60012","title":{"rendered":"Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 337 – Buck Mountain, Peak 5566, Peak 5170 & Peak 5163 (12-3-24)"},"content":{"rendered":"

9:15 AM, junction of USFS Roads No. 201 & No. 201.2D<\/em> – Late November had been cold and dry in the Black Hills, and December started out the same way.\u00a0 Not today, though!\u00a0 Still very dry, not a cloud in the sky, but the temperature was already an amazing 52\u00baF!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Loopster<\/strong> ready to rock near the start of USFS Road No. 201.2D<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What an awesome day, SPHP!\u00a0 I’ve been waiting for this!<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, I know it, Loop.\u00a0 Me, too!\u00a0 4 peaks on the agenda, if we can get to them all, so let’s get underway!<\/em><\/p>\n

Following USFS Road No. 201.2D first SW, then W once she reached the North Bogus Jim Creek drainage, Lupe led the way.\u00a0 After passing USFS Road No. 201.2E on the R, the road began to steepen at a curve SE.\u00a0 A skiff of snow remained here in the shade of the pines.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A skiff of snow<\/strong> on USFS No. 201.2D<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Turning SW again, a shady, straight section climbed even more steeply among the pines before making a quick loop toward the N, then leveling out as it turned SE again toward a lovely, sunlit part of the forest.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the shady straight stretch<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
In the sunlit forest<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A sunny, minor pass was just ahead.\u00a0 After going over it, No. 201.2D curved SW.\u00a0 A relatively short stretch led to another curve S, and almost immediately, to an unexpected, unmarked fork in the road.\u00a0 The branch toward the R was higher than the one on the L.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the unmarked fork<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So, do we stay to the R, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Good guess, Looper.<\/em><\/p>\n

Just playing the odds, SPHP.\u00a0 Since we’re climbing a mountain, the higher route is most likely correct<\/em>.<\/p>\n

The upper road climbed gradually SSW.\u00a0 5 minutes got the American Dingo to yet another unmarked fork.\u00a0 By now, the road was quite rocky.\u00a0 This time the branch on the R was much steeper than the one on the L, which was virtually flat by comparison.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the second unmarked fork<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Right again, I presume, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

You’re 2 for 2, Loopster.<\/em><\/p>\n

Following the eroded R branch of the second fork along the NW side of a ravine, Lupe gained 200 feet of elevation during a steep, rocky ascent.\u00a0 Although the rate of climb then decreased somewhat, the Carolina Dog had to gain another 100 feet of elevation before reaching a spot where the terrain ahead leveled out in a sunlit forest.\u00a0 Still climbing gradually, the road, which was no longer all that rocky up here, turned NW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Near the flat, sunlit forest<\/strong> after a 300 foot climb. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Right where we want to be, Looper.\u00a0 Let’s leave the road here.\u00a0 Actually lucked out that there was a road that got us this far.\u00a0 Didn’t know these last 2 unmarked branches even existed.\u00a0 They aren’t on the maps.<\/em><\/p>\n

Nice!\u00a0 And exactly where are we, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

About 0.15 mile NW of Buck Mountain<\/span><\/a> (5,555 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Loopster.<\/em><\/p>\n

Buck Mountain!\u00a0 We were there once before, a long time ago, SPHP.\u00a0 Had some big views.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup.\u00a0 That’s right, Loop.\u00a0 We did visit Buck Mountain, although I’m kind of hazy now on how we got there.\u00a0 Seems like we came up from the W or NW on the other side of the mountain beyond this flat region.\u00a0 I do remember that we had to go around to the E side to find a way up.<\/em><\/p>\n

So, I suppose that’s the plan again today, SPHP?\u00a0 S to the mountain, then around to the E?<\/em><\/p>\n

You’re on a roll, Loopster, 3 for 3 now!<\/em><\/p>\n

The flat, sunlit region wasn’t all that big.\u00a0 Heading SE, Lupe very quickly entered a shaded region thick with doghair pines.\u00a0 Gray rock formations soon appeared.\u00a0 Staying E of them, Lupe climbed to a forested bench where a more formidable wall of rock was ahead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Past most of the doghair pines, climbing near the rock formations at R. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the more formidable rock wall. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We’re not going to try climbing that, are we, SPHP?\u00a0 This must be where we head around to the E.<\/em><\/p>\n

4 for 4, Looper!\u00a0 It’s like you’ve been here before!<\/em><\/p>\n

Below the wall of rock, a wide bench of mature pines swept around to the E and SE.\u00a0 A few rocks and some deadfall along the way, but really a very easy trek.\u00a0 The bench soon broadened out even more below a slope that was mostly rocky, but still just a mere walk-up.\u00a0 Reaching an upper bench above this slope, Buck Mountain’s summit ridge was now in view, clearly a much more daunting prospect.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the wide bench<\/strong> sweeping around to the E side of the mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the rocky slope between benches. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the upper bench<\/strong> at the base of the summit ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Yeah, this all seems familiar, Loopster.\u00a0 No sense in trying to go up here.\u00a0 There’s an easier way up a little farther S.<\/em><\/p>\n

Following the upper bench S, the American Dingo soon got to where she could start angling up a slope that was steep, but nothing like that first view of the summit ridge with a boulder field below it back to the N.\u00a0 A few minutes on this slope was all it took to reach the top of the ridge.<\/p>\n

10:36 AM, 53\u00baF, Buck Mountain<\/span><\/a> (5,555 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – Lupe had come up not too far from the SE end of a NW\/SE running summit ridge that was several hundred feet long.\u00a0 This end was somewhat lower, but even here, the ridge featured many big, flat rocks that made excellent viewpoints.\u00a0 This part of the ridge was also somewhat wider, with pine needle-covered passages between the rocks and trees, which made it relatively easy to move around.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Buck Mountain’s summit ridge<\/strong>, where Lupe first reached it. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From the first big rock that Lupe leapt up onto, she had a clear, if distant, view of both Boulder Hill<\/span><\/a> (5,336 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Silver Mountain<\/span><\/a> (5,418 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> far to the SSE.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Boulder Hill<\/strong> and Silver Mountain<\/strong> (far R) on the distant horizon. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Although the wind had been heard among the treetops during the trek to Buck Mountain, at ground level it hadn’t been any more than just a light breeze.\u00a0 Up here, though, the situation was entirely different.\u00a0 A strong, gusty W wind was blowing, making it feel colder in unprotected spots than it really was.<\/p>\n

Since we’re close to the SE end of the summit ridge, why don’t we explore out that way first, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Makes sense to me, Loop.\u00a0 Onward!<\/em><\/p>\n

Exploring SE, SPHP recognized Green Mountain<\/span><\/a> (5,244 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Peak<\/span> 5136<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, and Peak<\/span> 4980<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong> among the many hills visible to the E.\u00a0 Lupe could see clear out to the prairie beyond the Black Hills all along that horizon.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 4980<\/strong> (L) and Peak 5136<\/strong> (R). Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After getting close enough to the SE end of the summit ridge to see what was out that way, it was time to head back to the NW in search of the true summit.\u00a0 Along the way, from the top of a cool rock formation, Lupe enjoyed a nice, distant look at Black Elk Peak<\/strong><\/span><\/a> (7,231 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Unfortunately, even at mid-day in December, the sun was so low that it interfered with the iPhone’s camera when looking S.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Near the SE end of Buck Mountain’s summit ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The NW half of the summit ridge was different.\u00a0 As Lupe worked her way higher, the ridge soon narrowed.\u00a0 Huge rocks dominated the crest.\u00a0 Fully exposed to the W wind here, it was gusting anywhere from 10 to 30 mph.\u00a0 Lupe came to a point where she couldn’t see over the next rocks.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At a dead end? Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Stay there, Loop!\u00a0 This ridge get pretty gnarly.\u00a0 Let me take a look.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah.\u00a0 Nothing beyond those next rocks except a vertical drop into a gap along the ridgeline.\u00a0 However, somewhat lower, an easily accessed 2.5 foot wide platform of solid rock existed on the NE side of these rocks.\u00a0 This ledge allowed Lupe to get around them at a level that brought her to the upper end of a sloping rock surface that got her down to the bottom of the gap.<\/p>\n

From the gap, the Carolina Dog continued NW below the crest of the ridge, losing additional elevation in rocky terrain full of stickers.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The next part of the summit ridge beyond the gap<\/strong>. Lupe went down along the R side<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Starting to regain elevation as Lupe followed the base of the wall, SPHP began looking for a route to the top.\u00a0 There was one, SPHP was certain of that, since the American Dingo had been to the true summit before.<\/p>\n

It wasn’t long before the spot appeared.\u00a0 A near vertical scramble of 10 feet, or so, but with enough grips, pawholds, indentation, and even a small tree to hang onto near the top to make it possible.<\/p>\n

You’re going to need a boost, Loopster.\u00a0 I’ll get you up to that little ledge, then you just keep going up to the first safe spot.\u00a0 Once you’re there, I’ll come up behind you.<\/em><\/p>\n

Got it, SPHP.\u00a0 Regular, old Boost-A-Dingo Plan A!<\/em><\/p>\n

11:03 AM, Buck Mountain<\/span><\/a> (5,555 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – Plan A worked, of course, which was fortunate, because there was no Plan B.\u00a0 Lupe had come up almost right next to the true summit, where she now stood rather reluctantly in the wild W wind.<\/p>\n

Hurry up, SPHP!\u00a0 Take the shot!<\/em><\/p>\n

Stay there, Looper!\u00a0 Dang sun is interfering again.\u00a0 Let me get to a better spot.<\/em><\/p>\n

There really wasn’t a much better spot.<\/p>\n

If you wait much longer, you’ll be getting a picture of me flying off the mountain, SPHP.\u00a0 Better make it a good one, because I won’t do it twice!<\/em><\/p>\n

The Carolina Dog wasn’t kidding.\u00a0 A moment later as another gust began sweeping in, Lupe didn’t stick around to see how it was going to turn out, instead leaping preemptively off the rock.<\/p>\n

So, did you at least take a shot while I was still up there, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, I did.\u00a0 Should have gotten that leap, though, instead.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On Buck Mountain’s true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The things you gotta do to get a chocolate coconut bar around here!<\/em><\/p>\n

Hang on, Loopster.\u00a0 Let’s sit down, and I’ll dig one out of the pack.<\/em><\/p>\n

Sitting together below the summit boulder, it was still plenty windy.\u00a0 SPHP shared a chocolate coconut bar with Lupe, then gave her a duck jerky and water, too.\u00a0 After a nice rest break, it was time to get up, face the full force of the W wind, and have a look around.\u00a0 There weren’t as many tall trees toward this end of the summit ridge, so the views were even better.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Green Mountain<\/strong> (L), Peak 5136<\/strong> (Center), Bogus Jim Creek valley<\/strong> (R). Photo looks E with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Custer Peak<\/span><\/a> (6,809 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Terry Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,069 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> were easy to spot far to the NW.\u00a0 Much closer, Peak<\/span> 5701<\/span><\/a><\/strong> was in that general direction, too.\u00a0 However, at the moment, the view of a different mountain only 0.5 mile N interested SPHP the most.<\/p>\n

See that hill at about the same elevation as we are here on Buck Mountain, Loop?<\/em><\/p>\n

Of course.\u00a0 What about it, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

That’s Peak<\/span> 5566<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, you’re next objective, Looper.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, that’s a new one, isn’t it, SPHP?\u00a0 Shouldn’t take us long to get there.\u00a0 About time to get off this windy mountain, anyway!\u00a0 Shall we start down?<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Custer Peak<\/strong> (far L) and Terry Peak<\/strong> (L) on the horizon. Peak 5701<\/strong> (L of Center). Peak 5566<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sure!\u00a0 Right after we get a few more shots up here of Buck Mountain’s true summit, Loop.\u00a0 This really is a terrific peak!\u00a0 A cool summit ridge with lots of viewpoints, and a bit of a scramble required at the very end to claim success.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, great!\u00a0 I suppose that means you’re expecting me to get back up on that windy boulder again?<\/em><\/p>\n

Just for a few minutes, please, Sweet Puppy.\u00a0 I’ll try to be quick.<\/em><\/p>\n

With a chocolate coconut bar, a duck jerky, and water so recently added as ballast, Lupe managed to stay up on the true summit longer this time, despite the W wind’s ongoing gusty assaults.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Buck Mountain’s cool summit region<\/strong>. True summit<\/strong> (L). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Back on the true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (R of Center) on the horizon from Buck Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Dingo of the Wild West Wind<\/strong> atop the true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Exactly an hour after first reaching Buck Mountain’s summit ridge, Lupe leapt down off the true summit boulder for the last time.\u00a0 Descending the 10 foot scramble without any assist from SPHP, she then headed SE along the ridge using the same route as before.<\/p>\n

The rest was easy.\u00a0 Once back to the same spot where she had come up, the Carolina Dog left the summit ridge and made her way back to the flat, sunlit forest.<\/p>\n

OK, I guess we can return to the same road we were on before, Loop, and follow it however close it gets to Peak<\/span> 5566<\/span><\/a><\/strong> before starting our ascent.<\/em><\/p>\n

The road climbed slowly as it wound NW.\u00a0 Lupe didn’t get far before the road turned W, which wasn’t the way the American Dingo needed to go.\u00a0 Abandoning the road, Lupe began climbing N on a moderately steep slope of open forest.\u00a0 After gaining another 100 feet of elevation, a turn NE on slightly steeper terrain looked like it might get her to the highest ground.\u00a0 Entering a denser forest, a wall of rock was just ahead.<\/p>\n

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

It’s higher toward the N, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah.\u00a0 Let’s follow it, Looper, and look for a place to get up on top.<\/em><\/p>\n

A wide forested ramp made for an easy march N along the base of the wall.\u00a0 Soon enough, an easy route to the top appeared.\u00a0 Getting up there revealed that Peak 5566’s summit was still farther N.\u00a0 Heavily forested, and sort of a pointy peak, it was hard to tell if Lupe was going to have any trouble getting to the top, or not.<\/p>\n

Hope weren’t not in for a fail here, Loopster.\u00a0 Certainly looks possible.<\/em><\/p>\n

Won’t know until we get there, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Retreating back down into the forest, a short jaunt N got Lupe to another spot where it looked easy enough to begin an ascent.\u00a0 The forest leveled out right along in here, too.<\/p>\n

We can’t be that far from the summit now, Loop.\u00a0 Let’s start up!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About to start a rocky ascent<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Reaching the crest of the wall again, a jumble of rock was ahead.\u00a0 This part of the wall was wider than where Lupe had first climbed it.\u00a0 The summit appeared to be close at paw, but pines mostly hid the highest rocks.\u00a0 Still hard to say for certain what was in store.<\/p>\n

It’s a Stairway to Heaven<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, Looper!\u00a0 Looks best toward the L (W).<\/em><\/p>\n

Awesome song, SPHP!\u00a0 Not so sure about the mountain yet.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the Stairway to Heaven<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The top was farther than it first appeared.\u00a0 After passing a pinnacle on the R (E), the stairway went on.\u00a0 Staying toward the W was the right thing to do.\u00a0 There were cliffs toward the E.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the Peak 5566 pinnacle<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The stairway continues<\/strong>. Summit not in view yet. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The true summit wasn’t much farther.\u00a0 After passing a big rock situated above and beyond the pinnacle, the end was in sight.\u00a0 A rocky region sloped up toward a high point of stones and brown bushes.<\/p>\n

Our stairway is going to work, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A glance back at the final part of the ascent<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At Peak 5566’s true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

12:48 PM, 55\u00baF, Peak<\/span> 5566<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/em> – Might not be heaven, but fairly close to it!\u00a0 Lupe arrived at a summit that was a bit cramped, and kind of hard to move around on, due to a jumble of medium-sized stones and bushes.\u00a0 The W wind was still an issue, but seemed to have weakened somewhat, with periods of near calm between sudden gusts of 25 mph.<\/p>\n

Cliffs were on all sides, the stairway Lupe came up from the S the only route possible without serious rock-climbing skills.\u00a0 Slightly lower, a flat platform of solid rock with a vertical edge jutted out to the NW.\u00a0 A vast amount of territory was in view in all directions except back to the S, where pines along the stairway hid Buck Mountain<\/span><\/a> (5,555 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 From the right vantage point, it was sort of in view, and did look a bit lower.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the NW platform<\/strong>, 15 feet from the true summit. Peak 5701<\/strong> (far L). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Edge of the platform<\/strong> (R). Custer Peak<\/strong> (far L), Peak 5701<\/strong> (L of Center) with Terry Peak<\/strong> (L) between them. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP shed the backpack.\u00a0 While Lupe stood proudly perched atop the true summit, SPHP shook her paw.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Proudly perched at the true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Congratulations, Loopster!\u00a0 A new summit, and quite a nice one.<\/em><\/p>\n

There’s a Dingo that’s sure all that glitters is chocolate and coconut, and she’s climbing the stairway to Peak 5566 …<\/em><\/p>\n

Hah!\u00a0 Great try, Loop, but sorry.\u00a0 Only had one chocolate coconut bar, and it’s gone.\u00a0 How about a duck jerky?<\/em><\/p>\n

An acceptable substitute, SPHP, but next time come better prepared.\u00a0 4 peaks, and you only brought one chocolate coconut bar?\u00a0 Sheesh!<\/em><\/p>\n

Facing E during a rest break, Peak<\/span> 4980<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, Green Mountain<\/span><\/a> (5,244 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, and Peak<\/span> 5136<\/span><\/a><\/strong> were all in sight again.\u00a0 Steamboat Rock<\/span><\/a> (5,084 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was off to the NE, but a little hard to pick out since it blended in more with the forested hills nearby.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 4980<\/strong> (L), Green Mountain<\/strong> (Center), Peak 5136<\/strong> (R of Center), Bogus Jim Creek valley<\/strong> (R). Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Steamboat Rock<\/strong> (Center), Peak 4980<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Been a long time since we’ve been to Green Mountain<\/strong><\/a><\/span> or Steamboat Rock<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, SPHP.\u00a0 Wonder if Pugg’s Keep is still up there?\u00a0 We ought to check it out again sometime.<\/em><\/p>\n

Some fine day, Loopster.\u00a0 So many mountains, so little time!\u00a0 Speaking of which, if we really intend to visit 2 more peaks, we can’t afford to spend another entire hour up here.\u00a0 The days are way too short this time of year.<\/em><\/p>\n

How long have we been here, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

40 minutes, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

I thought visits to heaven were supposed to last longer than that, SPHP, but if\u00a0 you think we should go, I guess I’m ready.<\/em><\/p>\n

If this really was heaven, we’d stay longer, Looper.\u00a0 Get back up on the true summit for a minute or two, again, please, and we’ll be on our way.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back at the true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Waiting for the signal to descend the rock stairway. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once back down to the forest, the Carolina Dog had a logically pertinent question.<\/p>\n

Where to next, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Peak<\/span> 5170<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, Loopster, then Peak<\/span> 5163<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, if we have time.\u00a0 You’ve been to both before, but only Peak 5163 was in the Peakbagger.com database back then.<\/em><\/p>\n

So, we’re tagging Peak 5170 just for fun now that it’s in the database?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup.\u00a0 It’s a little more complicated than that though.\u00a0 Peak 5170 is at the S end of the same big highland that Peak 5163 is part of, and has 4 different 5,160 foot contours.\u00a0 We visited them all last time around, and we’ll do it again today, too, just to make sure we hit the true high point.<\/em><\/p>\n

How long will all that take us, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, not that long.\u00a0 Don’t worry, Loop.\u00a0 They’re all super easy.<\/em><\/p>\n

And that brings us back to my original question, SPHP.\u00a0 Which way do we go from here to get there?<\/em><\/p>\n

Let’s start out following Peak 5566’s NW ridge, Loop.\u00a0 Once we get past HP5496<\/span><\/strong>, there’s another ridge we can follow E.<\/p>\n

Sounded easy enough, and started out that way, but it wasn’t long before rock formations began appearing along the crest of the ridge.\u00a0 Soon they were large enough to repeatedly force Lupe off the ridgeline, eventually threatening to become so continuous that a decision had to be made.<\/p>\n

Wow!\u00a0 I had no idea that anything so rugged was in this region, Looper.\u00a0 Looks like crossing back and forth over the ridge, choosing the side with the easiest terrain, is going to be an issue as we keep heading NW.\u00a0 We’re going to have to pick one side or another, and stick with it for a while.<\/em><\/p>\n

If we’re going to turn E when we get to the next ridge, we better stay on the NE side of this one, SPHP, or these rock formations will prevent us from getting over to that next ridge.<\/em><\/p>\n

Makes sense, Loop, but looks easier on the SW side.\u00a0 So, why don’t we try it?\u00a0 These rock formations can’t go on forever.<\/em><\/p>\n

Whatever, SPHP.\u00a0 Why do you even ask, if you’re just going to ignore my advice?\u00a0 My Dingo intuition is 4 for 4 so far today, remember?<\/em><\/p>\n

Nevertheless, SPHP more or less insisted.\u00a0 Venturing NW along the SW side of the rock formations, they became a continuous, insurmountable wall.\u00a0 This was all beautiful territory, an easy, gradual downhill stroll through the forest, but as the American Dingo had already pointed out would be the case, Lupe was stuck on the wrong side of the wall.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the wrong side of the impressive wall<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Expecting some kind of a break before too long, SPHP was disappointed.\u00a0 The rock wall went on and on.\u00a0 What’s more, instead of shrinking, the wall was getting taller and taller, more and more formidable.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Below the fortress-like wall<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Oh, good grief!\u00a0 Can you believe this, Loop?\u00a0 It’s got to end somewhere!<\/em><\/p>\n

I’m 5 for 5, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

The wall extended all the way to HP5496<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Still no relief in sight!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Below HP5496<\/span><\/strong>.<\/span> Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe was right, but so was SPHP.\u00a0 There had to be an end, and there was.\u00a0 A little after passing HP5496<\/span><\/strong>, the wall abruptly ended.\u00a0 Climbing a moderately steep forested slope, the Carolina Dog reached the crest of the ridge again, and went over it.\u00a0 Nothing but pine needles to deal with!\u00a0 However, beyond this gap, the massive wall did continue NW.\u00a0 SPHP was amazed by the rock formation Lupe went by.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The next rock formation<\/strong> along the ridge. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beautiful, but of no consequence to the plan of action.\u00a0 Lupe was back on the right side of Peak 5566’s NW ridge again, and very close to the lower ridge she was supposed to follow E.\u00a0 Beginning to lose elevation as she headed NE, a region full of deadfall and even a little snow soon gave way to a forest with far fewer obstacles.<\/p>\n

And a trail, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

So there is, Looper!\u00a0 Follow it.\u00a0 It’s going the right way.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the unexpected trail<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The faint trail was an unexpected boon.\u00a0 So continuous that it couldn’t possibly have been a game trail, the path appeared old, an abandoned route seldom, if ever, used anymore.\u00a0 With the sun now clearly starting to sink, an American Dingo flew along it today, SPHP hot on her paws.\u00a0 Steadily losing elevation most of the time, the trail ran right along the top of the same ridge SPHP had intended to descend.<\/p>\n

Finally approaching a saddle, the trail curved S.<\/p>\n

It’s going down to USFS Road No. 201.2E, close to where we were this morning, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

A shortcut back to the RAV4, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup, but that’s not where we’re headed.\u00a0 We need to turn N.<\/em><\/p>\n

Leaving the trail she was on, the Carolina Dog continued E toward the saddle.\u00a0 Before she even got there, Lupe picked up another trail that promptly curved N.\u00a0 Perfect!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the second trail<\/strong>, shortly after discovering it. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Heading N<\/strong>! Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Losing elevation much more slowly now, the second trail headed N into a more open, grassy area.\u00a0 Not exactly a field, since there were still quite a few trees around, but very easy terrain where progress continued to be excellent.\u00a0 Peak 5170 came into view ahead as the trail angled NNE.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading for Peak 5170<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Peak 5170 looks like a blah mountain, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

They can’t all be the Matterhorn, Looper.<\/em><\/p>\n

The second trail played out as it reached the forest again near Jim Creek.\u00a0 Lupe got a drink from the stream, which was running quite low this time of year, making it easy to find a place where SPHP could cross.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At Jim Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

USFS Road No. 201 was just beyond Jim Creek.\u00a0 The base of Peak 5170 was surprisingly steep on the other side of the road, but by following No. 201 only a little way N, the Carolina Dog was able to start up an easier slope.\u00a0 Still steep enough to make SPHP pause frequently to gasp for air, but after regaining 250 feet of elevation, the rate of climb diminished.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On Peak 5170’s upper S slopes<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Another 170 feet yet to go, but SPHP was now able to pick up the pace.\u00a0 As Lupe got close to the top, SPHP encouraged her to turn NE.<\/p>\n

Let’s head for the SE high point first, Loopster.\u00a0 Right or wrong, that’s the 5,160 foot contour where Peakbagger.com shows the true summit.<\/em><\/p>\n

3:29 PM, 52\u00baF, Peak<\/span> 5170<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/em> – Felt odd being here again.\u00a0 Nearly 3 years had flown, and no thought had been given to this place in all that time since.\u00a0 Yet, instantly recognizable, memories came flooding back, the cobwebs hiding them suddenly torn away.\u00a0 The SE high point actually had quite a few big rocks strewn about the forest.\u00a0 Two of them, roughly 100 feet apart, seemed the most heavily-favored candidates for true summit.<\/p>\n

Tag ’em both, Loop, and we’ll call it good.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5170 SE 5160 foot contour true summit candidate No. 1<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
And SE contour true summit candidate No. 2<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Seems like deja vu all over again, doesn’t it, Looper?\u00a0 Funny how familiar it all strikes me nearly 3 years later.\u00a0 Nothing that spectacular here, just some rocks in the forest, yet it’s almost like we never left.<\/em><\/p>\n

Seek professional help, SPHP.\u00a0 We’re still going to hit the other 3 contours, aren’t we?<\/em><\/p>\n

Absolutely!\u00a0 Would like to hang around here a little while, but it’s too late for that.\u00a0 Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

Two of the four 5,160 foot contours were close together midway between the others.\u00a0 The S one was a rock so dull, that even to SPHP, it seemed only vaguely familiar.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the S middle contour HP<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The N middle contour high point was another matter entirely.<\/p>\n

I knew it!\u00a0 I knew one of these middle contours had a tall, skinny cairn, Looper, and there it is!<\/em><\/p>\n

Your mind is a steel trap when it comes to useless information, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the skinny cairn at the N middle 5,160 foot contour<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The W 5,160 foot contour high point was also clear as a bell, fresh as a daisy, in SPHP’s trivia-endowed mind.\u00a0 Lupe stood with her front paws on a little ridge of rock with deadfall resting on it.\u00a0 Although the entire journey from the SE high points hadn’t taken long at all, the setting sun was already near the horizon.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Near sunset at the W 5,160 foot contour high point<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I don’t know why, but this was really fun!\u00a0 I’m glad we returned to Peak 5170, Loopster.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, yes, I’ve enjoyed it, too, SPHP, but where’s Peak<\/span> 5163<\/span><\/a><\/strong>?\u00a0 It’s a long way N, isn’t it?\u00a0 If we want to tag it before dark, we better keep going.<\/em><\/p>\n

Peak 5163?\u00a0 Yeah, it’s about 0.5 mile NNW, Loop.\u00a0 Not so far.\u00a0 Easy terrain on the way to it from here without all that much elevation gain or loss, and a road we can follow about half of the way.<\/em><\/p>\n

Bidding farewell to Peak 5170’s W high point, the American Dingo headed NNE through the forest.\u00a0 It was a bit of a trek to USFS Road No. 201.2A, which took her NNW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On USFS Road No. 201.2A<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The sun had just set, and the light was already beginning to fade, when Lupe left No. 201.2A, heading W across a huge flat region to the area where she’d first come up Peak 5163 nearly 3 years ago.\u00a0 Nearing the W edge of the mountain, the W wind was still heard in the pines, but at less than half its former strength.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sunset<\/strong> from Peak 5163<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Almost there, Loopster!\u00a0 The true summit is another 300 feet N.<\/em><\/p>\n

4:12 PM, 49\u00baF, Peak<\/span> 5163<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/em> – Lupe arrived an isolated 10 foot high rock formation unlike anything else on the vast, nearly level summit plain, as a few clouds were beginning to show some color.\u00a0 Starting to get tired, the Carolina Dog actually wanted an initial boost onto the bottom of the formation from SPHP before finishing the little scramble to the top.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Arriving at Peak 5163’s summit formation<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At Peak 5163’s true summit<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A somewhat hidden high point. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP shook Lupe’s paw.<\/p>\n

That does it, Sweet Puppy!\u00a0 4 summits in one day, not bad for December!<\/em><\/p>\n

Good thing we didn’t dilly-dally any longer at Buck Mountain or Peak 5566, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, it’s going to be dark before we can get back to USFS Road No. 201, Loop.\u00a0 We’ll find it, though.\u00a0 Come on down, and let’s take a short break.\u00a0 I’ve got another duck jerky and more Taste of the Wild for you.\u00a0 Water, too, if you want it.<\/em><\/p>\n

20 minutes after arriving, Lupe was back on the summit rock formation again.\u00a0 This time, the American Dingo had scrambled up there entirely under her own power.\u00a0 Beyond her, the NW horizon was on fire.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sunset from Peak 5163 summit<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Pretty, but too many trees here to get a clear view, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

I know.\u00a0 C’mon!\u00a0 We can get a better view farther S along the W edge, if we hurry, Loopster.\u00a0 It’s on the way back, anyway.\u00a0 Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

The display faded fast during the few minutes it took to grab the pack and head S, but a touch of glory still lingered on the horizon when Lupe got to the best spot.<\/p>\n

Love it, SPHP!\u00a0 A perfect end to a really fun day!<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, the fun isn’t over quite yet, Looper.\u00a0 Still have some twilight exploring to do on the way back to USFS Road No. 201.<\/em><\/p>\n

She stayed on Peak 5163 a little longer, but when the last dying embers of this wonderful day were gone, Lupe was, too.\u00a0 (End 6:01 PM, 40\u00baF)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sunset from Peak 5163<\/strong>, Black Hills of South Dakota 12-3-24<\/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 \u00a0 \u00a0Prior Black Hills Expedition<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 291 – Peak 4980, Peak 5163 & Peak 5321 (1-17-21)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 246 – Peak 5136 (1-27-19)<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 153 – Steamboat Rock, Pugg’s Keep & Green Top (1-23-16)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 151 – Buck Mountain (1-5-16)<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 116 – Green Mountain, Northern Rainbows & High Point 5219 (1-24-15)<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/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":"

9:15 AM, junction of USFS Roads No. 201 & No. 201.2D – Late November had been cold and dry in the Black Hills, and December started out the same way.\u00a0 Not today, though!\u00a0 Still very dry, not a cloud in the sky, but the temperature was already an amazing 52\u00baF! What an awesome day, SPHP!\u00a0 … Continue reading Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 337 – Buck Mountain, Peak 5566, Peak 5170 & Peak 5163 (12-3-24)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":59879,"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":[105,9,541,106,104,1506,1751,1750,304],"class_list":["post-60012","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-black-hills","tag-american-dingo","tag-black-hills-expeditions","tag-buck-mountain","tag-carolina-dog","tag-lupe","tag-peak-5163","tag-peak-5170","tag-peak-5566","tag-south-dakota"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_6830-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\/60012","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=60012"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60012\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":63508,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60012\/revisions\/63508"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/59879"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=60012"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=60012"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=60012"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}