{"id":62447,"date":"2025-04-16T08:10:38","date_gmt":"2025-04-16T14:10:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=62447"},"modified":"2025-05-04T11:09:55","modified_gmt":"2025-05-04T17:09:55","slug":"black-hills-sd-expedition-no-341-peak-5727-2-27-25","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=62447","title":{"rendered":"Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 341 – Peak 5727 (2-27-25)"},"content":{"rendered":"

9:18 AM, 48\u00baF, Deerfield Trail No. 40, Silver City trailhead<\/em> – Most of the first 3 weeks of February had been bitter cold in the Black Hills, with many subzero nights.\u00a0 Then, suddenly, it all changed for the better!\u00a0 The last 4 or 5 days had been unseasonably warm, and today was going to be gorgeous, too.\u00a0 Lupe was thrilled to be back in the Black Hills, setting out on another adventure for the first time since mid-January!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the RAV4<\/strong> at the Silver City trailhead<\/strong>. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Carolina Dog had a quick look at Rapid Creek before heading for Silver City.\u00a0 Although the last few days had melted most of whatever snow had been around, the stream still had a lot of ice.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Icy Rapid Creek<\/strong> (R) with Peak 5458<\/strong> in the distance. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

See that mountain in the distance, Loopster?\u00a0 That’s Peak 5458<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 It’s not your primary objective, but it’s on the way to it.\u00a0 We’ll be going there first.<\/em><\/p>\n

Any mountain is fine with me, SPHP.\u00a0 I’m just glad to be out in the hills!<\/em><\/p>\n

The stroll to Silver City was as simple as it could be.\u00a0 A flat stretch of gravel road led to another bridge over Rapid Creek.\u00a0 Without going any farther into Silver City, Lupe took Edelweiss Mountain Road (USFS Road No. 251),<\/em>\u00a0the first turn to the L after crossing the bridge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the road to Silver City<\/strong>. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Leaving town on Edelweiss Mountain Road<\/strong>. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After a few curves, Edelweiss Mountain Road turned S up Nugget Gulch.\u00a0 Lupe had barely gotten started that way when SPHP paused.<\/p>\n

OK, I think I see the little ravine we want to start up, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

That was quick!\u00a0 We leave the road here, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

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

\"\"<\/a>
About to head up the little ravine<\/strong> (Center) after leaving the road. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Crossing a dry streambed, Lupe started up the narrow ravine.<\/p>\n

There’s a trail here, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

So there was!\u00a0 Faint, but continuous.\u00a0 The American Dingo followed the trail along the N side of the ravine a little way.\u00a0 The trail then crossed over to the S side, and proceeded almost straight up a very steep slope.\u00a0 Without warning, Lupe suddenly began acting weird during this ascent.<\/p>\n

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

What’s wrong with you, Loopster?\u00a0 Are you alright?<\/em><\/p>\n

I’ve got the hic .. the hic … hiccups, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Why would you have the hiccups, Loop?\u00a0 You’ve never had them before in your whole life.<\/em><\/p>\n

I … hic, don’t … hic, know, SPHP.\u00a0 Hic!<\/em><\/p>\n

Whatever the cause, the hiccups thankfully didn’t last long.\u00a0 About the time Lupe managed to scramble out of the ravine, they quit.\u00a0 A small mining exploration pit, common in the Black Hills, was nearby.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the little<\/strong> exploration pit<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

Just roam SE through the forest seeking the highest ground, Looper.\u00a0 We’re already in the vicinity of Peak 5458<\/span><\/strong>‘s NW ridge, so once it’s better defined, we can simply follow it.<\/em><\/p>\n

Sounds easy enough, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

It was, too!\u00a0 Down here, the highest ground was toward the S as Lupe sniffed and explored her way higher.\u00a0 A little deadfall here and there, but the open forest was mostly pretty easy terrain.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Along the edge of another ravine<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At a flat spot<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
An easy climb<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Making excellent progress, the Carolina Dog soon arrived at a relatively large flat region a bit higher than the surrounding terrain.\u00a0 Peak 5458<\/span><\/strong> was only a little over 0.5 mile SE now, barely visible through the trees.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5458<\/strong> (R of Center) visible between the pines. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A minor descent brought Lupe to unexpected assistance on her Peak 5458<\/span><\/strong> quest. What initially appeared to be a small clearing, turned out to be part of old USFS Road No. 251.1K.<\/p>\n

It’s like a super highway to Peak 5458<\/span><\/strong>, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On USFS Road No. 251.1K<\/strong>. Peak 5458<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Reaching the road’s high point on Peak 5458’s<\/span><\/strong> NW slope, Lupe left it and started climbing.\u00a0 SPHP was soon feeling the effects of a winter of too much inactivity.\u00a0 The NW slope was steep!\u00a0 Even Lupe was panting hard.<\/p>\n

The top of Peak 5458<\/span><\/strong> was 400 feet higher than where Lupe left the road.\u00a0 At first, she was ascending a pine needle-blanketed slope.\u00a0 \u00a0Partway up, she began coming to rock formations that were both more challenging and interesting.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the rocks. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP kept pausing to gasp for air.\u00a0 Above the rock formations, the slope remained steep, but was more uniform again.\u00a0 Lots of pines needles with smaller rocks mixed in.\u00a0 Eventually a few humps were ahead.\u00a0 Lupe was getting close to the top.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Near the end of the steep part<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the summit region<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

11:00 AM, 53\u00baF, Peak 5458<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – Reaching what initially appeared to be the true summit, Lupe put her paws on the highest rocks of a tightly-packed collection surrounded by trees.\u00a0 Hard to see much from here, but there was at least a glimpse of the American Dingo’s primary objective for the day, and an even better view of the next mountain on the way to it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the W high point<\/strong>. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5727<\/strong> (Center), Peak 5705<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So that’s where we’re going today, Loopster.\u00a0 Peak 5705<\/span><\/strong> next, then on to Peak<\/span> 5727<\/span><\/a><\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Doesn’t look like we’ll be able to see much from either one of them, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Maybe not, Loop.\u00a0 A lot of trees, but according to the Lidar Data Set<\/strong><\/a><\/span>, Peak 5727 has 319 feet of prominence.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, we’re doing Lidar peaks again, SPHP?\u00a0 We haven’t had much success with any of them so far.<\/em><\/p>\n

I know, Looper, but Peak 5727 doesn’t look bad at all, and we aren’t in a part of the hills that typically has the type of giant rock formations that have stymied us elsewhere.<\/em><\/p>\n

It will be nice to come up a winner today for a change then, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Indeed!\u00a0 Want to take a 30 minute break here, Loop?\u00a0 Looks like there might be a higher spot farther E.<\/em><\/p>\n

Sure!\u00a0 Let’s check it out, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Staying toward the S along a dip on the way E, Lupe found Peak 5458’s<\/span><\/strong> true summit roughly 125 feet from the rocks she’d visited at the W high point.\u00a0 The best views Peak 5458<\/span><\/strong> had to offer were slightly down the S slope from here.\u00a0 Both Scruton Mountain<\/span><\/a> (5,923 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and New Year’s Eve Peak<\/span><\/a> (6,048 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> were in sight.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Exploring the dip<\/strong> leading to the true summit. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At Peak 5458’s true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Scruton Mountain<\/strong> (L of Center), New Year’s Eve Peak<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Scruton Mountain<\/strong> (L), New Year’s Eve Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SSE with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The sunny, open spot with the views just down the S slope from the true summit was also a nice place to take a break.\u00a0 SPHP shook Lupe’s paw, congratulating her on a successful ascent of Peak 5458<\/span><\/strong>, then took a seat.\u00a0 Sadly, no chocolate coconut bar was forthcoming.\u00a0 Lupe had to settle for Taste of the Wild and water.<\/p>\n

A sheet of aluminum nailed to an ancient post was lying on the ground close to the true summit.\u00a0 Upon examination, “Wangen Mountain” was scratched into it.<\/p>\n

Who or what were the Wangens, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

I have no clue, Loopster.\u00a0 Whoever or whatever they were, it doesn’t look like any Wangen has been here in a very long time.<\/em><\/p>\n

After a pleasant half hour on Wangen Mountain, the Carolina Dog was her way again.\u00a0 Peak 5705<\/span><\/strong> was next on the agenda.\u00a0 Zigzagging first SE, then SW, Lupe went down to Peak 5458’s<\/span><\/strong> S ridge.\u00a0 After reaching and crossing a saddle, she started up Peak 5705<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading down to the saddle leading to Peak 5705<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Starting up after crossing the saddle. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The entire route was forested, but as Lupe climbed Peak 5705<\/span><\/strong> from the NE, she did come to a few notable points along the way.\u00a0 After reaching HP5300<\/span><\/strong>, she caught a decent glimpse of Silver Peak<\/span><\/a> (5,812 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> while on the way down to a minor saddle.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At HP5300<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Silver Peak<\/strong> (L). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The most interesting spot along this route featured a collection of sharp rocks standing on end.<\/p>\n

Kind of unusual.\u00a0 We ought to give this place a name, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

How about Porcupine Rocks, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

I like it!\u00a0 Excellent suggestion, Looper.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At Porcupine Rocks<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The last part of the American Dingo’s ascent involved a tedious trek up a long slope full of deadfall.\u00a0 This grind finally ended at a sunny clearing where the summit was in sight only a short distance away.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Leaping logs! On the deadfall-laden upper NE slope<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching Peak 5705’s summit<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

12:53 PM, 53\u00baF, Peak 5705<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – Lupe once again stood with her paws up on what were apparently the highest rocks.\u00a0 This time she really was at the true summit.\u00a0 No mistaking the top of Peak 5705<\/span><\/strong>!\u00a0 It was a well-defined rocky spot in the pines.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Paws on Peak 5705’s true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Astride Peak 5705<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Due to the forest, views from Peak 5705 were limited to those toward the E and S.\u00a0 Scruton Mountain and New Year’s Eve Peak were once again in sight, along with a glimpse of Peak<\/span> 5917<\/span><\/a><\/strong> between them, a good look at Peak<\/span> 5581<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, and a distant one of Black Elk Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,231 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Immediately S of Peak 5705’s<\/span><\/strong> summit, a flat spot next to a gnarled dead tree served as a comfortable location for another 20 minute break.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the break spot<\/strong>. Peak 5705 summit<\/strong> just off the R edge. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe had more Taste of the Wild and water, while SPHP made short work of a tangelo.\u00a0 A 10 mph W breeze sighed among the pines.<\/p>\n

How much farther to Peak 5727 now, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Not far at all, Looper.\u00a0 0.33 mile S, and we should come right to it.<\/em><\/p>\n

1:18 PM<\/em> – 25 minutes after arriving at Peak 5705<\/span><\/strong>, Lupe stood once again at the true summit.\u00a0 A final look around, and she was on her way.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Final moments on Peak 5705<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Setting out for Peak 5727, an initial descent along Peak 5705’s<\/span><\/strong> S ridge quickly led to another old mining exploration pit right where the ridge leveled out.\u00a0 Continuing S, the forested ridge was easy to follow.\u00a0 Peak 5727 soon came into view ahead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the mining exploration pit S of Peak 5705<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching Peak 5727<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1:48 PM, 53\u00baF, Peak<\/span> 5727<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/em> – Lupe had reached the NW end of a forested ridge that ran NW\/SE for 300 feet with little change in elevation along its entire length.\u00a0 Where she was right now was supposed to be the true summit, but whether it really was, or not, was hard to say.<\/p>\n

In any case, since the Carolina Dog intended to explore the entire length of the flat ridge, it hardly mattered.\u00a0 No doubt Lupe would tag the true summit somewhere along the way.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At Peak 5727’s purported true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5727 true summit<\/strong> from another angle. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Congratulations, Loopster!\u00a0 May I shake your paw?<\/em><\/p>\n

Of course, SPHP!\u00a0 First Lidar Data Set peak we’ve actually made it to the top of, isn’t it?\u00a0 This one was so much easier to get to!\u00a0 I was starting to think that they were all going to be impossible.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah.\u00a0 This one’s been cake, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

Can’t say much for the views, though, SPHP.\u00a0 There aren’t any.\u00a0 Even so, this occasion still merits a chocolate coconut bar, right?<\/em><\/p>\n

Absolutely!\u00a0 Looks like there might be a view from an edge a little down the W slope here, Loopster.\u00a0 Let’s share a chocolate coconut bar there.<\/em><\/p>\n

The proposed break spot did have a view, although a very narrow one, to the SSW.\u00a0 Old Bald Peak<\/span><\/a> (6,133 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Peak<\/span> 6167<\/span><\/a><\/strong> were visible at the upper end of a long valley.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 6167<\/strong> (Center) in the distance, with Old Bald Peak<\/strong> to its R. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As usual, the American Dingo practically inhaled the chocolate coconut bar.\u00a0 For a little while, she then sat beside SPHP enjoying the admittedly limited views.\u00a0 Off to the W, a few much higher ridges were visible along the E edge of the limestone plateau country.\u00a0 They were quite snowy, but very far away.\u00a0 Lupe had water.\u00a0 SPHP drank a vanilla Equate.\u00a0 More than half an hour shot by.<\/p>\n

What now, SPHP?\u00a0 Explore the rest of Peak 5727’s summit ridge?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, that’s definitely on the agenda.\u00a0 Shouldn’t take long, though.\u00a0 Guess we’re free to do whatever you like afterwards, Loopster.<\/em><\/p>\n

Do you think we’ll find any better views from Peak 5727, if we keep going S, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Maybe.\u00a0 Don’t really know, Loop.\u00a0 We can try.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Near the SE end of the Peak 5727 summit ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Exploring the rest of Peak 5727’s summit ridge, Lupe reached its SE end without coming to any firm opinion on where the true summit was, even though she must have been there somewhere along the way.\u00a0 Continuing S, she did come to a couple of particularly scenic spots.<\/p>\n

The first was an excellent, unobstructed view of Silver Peak<\/span><\/a> (5,812 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 The second was another rock formation resembling Porcupine Rocks right along the spine of the S ridgeline.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Silver Peak<\/strong> (Center) from Peak 5727’s S ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At another Porcupine Rocks candidate<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Carolina Dog eventually reached Edelweiss Mountain Road again near a sharp bend.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching Edelweiss Mountain Road<\/strong> after fully exploring Peak 5727’s S ridge. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Decision time, Loop.\u00a0 Any more thoughts on what you’d like to do the rest of the day?\u00a0 Peak 5727 was it as far as our original agenda was concerned.<\/em><\/p>\n

We could climb Silver Peak again, SPHP.\u00a0 Been ages since we’ve been there.\u00a0 What about you?\u00a0 Do you have any other suggestions?<\/em><\/p>\n

In this region?\u00a0 We could try for Nugget Gulch Peak<\/span><\/a> (5,991 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 It’s a bit higher than Silver Peak, and has more open views, but whatever strikes your fancy is fine with me Loopster.<\/em><\/p>\n

Nugget Gulch Peak?\u00a0 That’s another one we haven’t visited in a long time, SPHP.\u00a0 I’d do that.<\/em><\/p>\n

OK, great!\u00a0 In that case, we can follow USFS Road No. 675.1A for a while.\u00a0 Should get us closer to the Nugget Gulch Peak region pretty fast.<\/em><\/p>\n

A short stint on Edelweiss Mountain Road, and Lupe made a L turn onto the NE end of No. 675.1A.\u00a0 The road climbed slowly as it wound SW, its newly-graded condition and piles of green trees revealing the presence of recent logging operations.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Following USFS Road No. 675.1A<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After curving NW, the road reached a high point.\u00a0 Peak 5727 was in sight from here, looking a little more impressive from this angle.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5727<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From this high point, No. 675.1A curved SW again.\u00a0 Now losing elevation, the sound of machinery was soon heard off to the W.<\/p>\n

Dang!\u00a0 They’re logging out here right now, Loopster.\u00a0 No. 675.1A is going to take us right to their operation.\u00a0 I’d rather not run into it.<\/em><\/p>\n

Is there another reasonably quick way to Nugget Gulch Peak, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP checked the topo map.<\/p>\n

Yeah, there is, Loop.\u00a0 No. 675.1A is going to curve back to the NW again.\u00a0 If we leave it at the curve, we can head S over a minor pass.\u00a0 Once over the pass, we can turn W almost straight for Nugget Gulch Peak.\u00a0 It’s actually a more direct route than following No. 675.1A any farther.<\/em><\/p>\n

Let’s do that then, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Leaving USFS Road No. 675.1A<\/strong> at the curve. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By the sound of it, the logging operation wasn’t all that much farther along USFS Road No. 675.1A when Lupe left it.\u00a0 The near side of Pass 5580<\/span><\/strong> was full of stacks of recently logged trees.\u00a0 As Lupe headed for the pass, she spotted some white tail deer, which was pretty exciting!<\/p>\n

Once over the pass, the region to the W was very densely forested.\u00a0 A shallow drainage continuing S was much more open, so that seemed to be the best bet until the forest opened up more.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Exploring the region S of Pass 5580<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A mile due E of Nugget Gulch Peak, Lupe came to a fence.\u00a0 Following this fence W brought her to the edge of upper Middle Nugget Gulch.\u00a0 A nice view of Peak<\/span> 6043<\/span><\/a><\/strong> was beyond it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 6043<\/strong> (Center) beyond upper Middle Nugget Gulch<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Continuing W, Nugget Gulch Peak came into view shortly before the fence turned N, starting uphill.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching Nugget Gulch Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Criminitly!\u00a0 We don’t want to go N, Loopster.\u00a0 We need to get across Middle Nugget Gulch.<\/em><\/p>\n

Can’t we duck under the fence, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

No.\u00a0 It’s private property, and I’ve been seeing plenty of No Trespassing signs along the fence, Looper.\u00a0 They look new, too.\u00a0 Whoever owns this land is serious about not wanting uninvited guests.<\/em><\/p>\n

Not much choice.\u00a0 Regaining some of the elevation she’d lost since going over Pass 5580<\/span><\/strong>, Lupe followed the fence N.\u00a0 Reaching a high point as it crossed a ridge, the fence continued N down the other side until it was lost among the trees.\u00a0 It was already looking a little dark in the forest.<\/p>\n

Hate to say it, Loop, but with this detour, it might be getting a little late to visit Nugget Gulch Peak.\u00a0 Sun’s starting to get low.\u00a0 Maybe we should just head back to the RAV4 while we still have plenty of light?<\/em><\/p>\n

Really, SPHP?\u00a0 I was looking forward to visiting Nugget Gulch Peak.<\/em><\/p>\n

I know, me too!\u00a0 I’m sorry, Loopster.\u00a0 Guess I should have just gone along with your Silver Peak suggestion from the very start.\u00a0 That probably would have worked.\u00a0 Unfortunately, between the unexpected logging operation and fenced off property, we haven’t made as much progress toward Nugget Gulch Peak as I’d hoped.<\/em><\/p>\n

So that was it.\u00a0 Sadly, Lupe didn’t make it to Nugget Gulch Peak or Silver Peak again.\u00a0 Even so, the American Dingo still did get to do plenty of fun exploring on the way back.\u00a0 Angling NE, Lupe first climbed to a couple of 5640 foot contour high points before rejoining USFS Road No. 675.1A.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the last 5640+ foot high point<\/strong> of the day. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The forest was quiet when Lupe reached No. 675.1A again.<\/p>\n

The loggers must have quit for the day, too, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

You must be right, Looper.\u00a0 We can’t be far from where they were working, and I don’t hear a thing now.<\/em><\/p>\n

Following No. 675.1A as it wound NW, the sun was still up for a little while.\u00a0 It was an easy trek, and the late afternoon light was beautiful.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back on USFS Road No. 675.1A<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Getting late in the day. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nugget Gulch Peak came back into view across Middle Nugget Gulch.\u00a0 No fence here, but it was just too late in the day to go for it.\u00a0 Lupe continued N on No. 675.1A.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Nugget Gulch Peak<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Continuing N on USFS Road No. 675.1A<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Still having fun!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The topo map showed No. 675.1A connecting with No. 675 down in Middle Nugget Gulch.\u00a0 Instead, it suddenly dead-ended 200 feet above the valley floor.\u00a0 Lupe had a great view of Silver Peak from here, still basking in sunlight.<\/p>\n

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

Maybe we wouldn’t have made it to Silver Peak, either, SPHP.\u00a0 It’s still a long way!<\/em><\/p>\n

True, but we could have taken a more direct route, Looper, so we might have made it.\u00a0 It’s a big world, though, no denying that.\u00a0 In any case, we need to get down to USFS Road No. 675.\u00a0 Wonder why the map shows No. 675.1A connecting to it?\u00a0 Seems clear from the terrain that it never did.<\/em><\/p>\n

Even more surprising was the discovery that once Lupe descended a steep slope into Middle Nugget Gulch, she saw no sign of No. 675 at all!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Down in Middle Nugget Gulch<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

However, following a small creek downstream, Lupe soon did come to a remnant of No. 675.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On USFS Road No. 675<\/strong> in Middle Nugget Gulch<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Deadfall often forced Lupe off the ancient road, which for long stretches now existed as only a narrow, single track trail.\u00a0 As Lupe hurried down the canyon with dusk coming on, Middle Nugget Gulch felt like a long forgotten world, a forbidden wilderness where no one comes anymore.<\/p>\n

The light was so far gone by the time Lupe reached USFS Road No. 249, that SPHP had to bring out the little flashlight.\u00a0 No. 249 was icy.\u00a0 Crusty snow along the edges that crunched under SPHP’s boots provided much better traction.\u00a0 No traffic at all.\u00a0 In darkness, Lupe trotted on for miles.<\/p>\n

At last, a few lights ahead.\u00a0 Silver City!\u00a0 In the night sky, a silver galaxy sparkled overhead.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP paused.\u00a0 Orion, the Big Dipper, the North Star, and so much more!\u00a0 All ablaze, brilliant here in the literally Black Hills.<\/p>\n

All the mysteries of the universe up there, SPHP!\u00a0 Just think of it!<\/em><\/p>\n

Unfathomable, Loopster.\u00a0 Did you have a good day?<\/em><\/p>\n

Awesome, SPHP!\u00a0 I love the Black Hills.<\/em><\/p>\n

I know you do, me too.\u00a0 Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho!\u00a0 It’s not much farther now.\u00a0 (7:20 PM, 49\u00baF)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Silver Peak<\/strong> from Peak 5727’s S ridge<\/strong>, Black Hills of South Dakota 2-27-25<\/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 Prior Black Hills Expedition<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 239 – Silver Peak & Nugget Gulch Peak (11-4-18)<\/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":"

9:18 AM, 48\u00baF, Deerfield Trail No. 40, Silver City trailhead – Most of the first 3 weeks of February had been bitter cold in the Black Hills, with many subzero nights.\u00a0 Then, suddenly, it all changed for the better!\u00a0 The last 4 or 5 days had been unseasonably warm, and today was going to be … Continue reading Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 341 – Peak 5727 (2-27-25)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":62421,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[105,9,106,104,1769,304,1770],"class_list":["post-62447","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-black-hills","tag-american-dingo","tag-black-hills-expeditions","tag-carolina-dog","tag-lupe","tag-peak-5727","tag-south-dakota","tag-wangen-mountain"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7258-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\/62447","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=62447"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62447\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":64331,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62447\/revisions\/64331"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/62421"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=62447"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=62447"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=62447"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}