{"id":63502,"date":"2025-05-28T08:10:06","date_gmt":"2025-05-28T14:10:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=63502"},"modified":"2025-06-20T13:45:37","modified_gmt":"2025-06-20T19:45:37","slug":"black-hills-sd-expedition-no-343-buckhorn-mountain-as-seen-on-tv-3-26-25","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=63502","title":{"rendered":"Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 343 – Buckhorn Mountain: As Seen on TV! (3-26-25)"},"content":{"rendered":"

3-21-25, 6:40 PM, at home<\/em> –<\/p>\n

Now here’s something we don’t see every day, Loopster!<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh?\u00a0 What’s that, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

You’ve got a new comment on T(M)TAOL, Loop.\u00a0 Listen to this:<\/em><\/p>\n

I\u2019m Brad Walton, evening reporter at KOTA Territory News in Rapid City and long-time Lupe fan. Would love to do a story on you guys if you\u2019re interested. Shoot me an email if you are.<\/p>\n

Is Mr. Walton saying that I can be on TV, SPHP?\u00a0 Is that what it means?<\/em><\/p>\n

Certainly sounds like it, Sweet Puppy.\u00a0 So, what do you think?\u00a0 What shall we tell him?<\/em><\/p>\n

What do I think?\u00a0 I’ll tell you what I think, SPHP.\u00a0 Don’t delay!\u00a0 Accept Mr. Walton’s generous offer right now, before he changes his mind!<\/em><\/p>\n

Ahh, so you like the idea of being a TV star, aye, Loopster?<\/em><\/p>\n

Mr. Walton clearly stated that he is a long-time fan of mine, SPHP.\u00a0 Surely you don’t expect me to disappoint him?\u00a0 That would be so rude!\u00a0 I simply must do it!<\/em><\/p>\n

3-26-25, 9:37 AM, 55\u00baF, Monument Health hospital in Custer<\/em> – Parking the bright blue RAV4 as conspicuously as possible, SPHP then helped the Carolina Dog out.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At Monument Health hospital<\/strong> in Custer. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Where’s Brad, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, so it’s Brad already, not Mr. Walton?\u00a0 We’re deliberately a bit early, Loop.\u00a0 He’ll be along soon enough.\u00a0 Stay right here next to the RAV4, and he can’t possibly miss us when he arrives.<\/em><\/p>\n

We’re going to be climbing Buckhorn Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,325 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> with him, right, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup.\u00a0 That’s the plan.\u00a0 Brad actually suggested it.\u00a0 He’s a mountain climber, too, Loopster.\u00a0 He knows a way up that’s different from the way you and I climbed Buckhorn years ago.\u00a0 Brad mentioned some big, steep slabs we can explore during the ascent.<\/em><\/p>\n

Sounds exciting, SPHP!\u00a0 Buckhorn Mountain is a great choice.\u00a0 I’m really looking forward to visiting it again.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

3-26-25, 10:08 AM<\/em> – The American Dingo on display worked perfectly!\u00a0 No mistaking Brad, either, when a colorful KOTA Territory News car pulled up right next to the RAV4.\u00a0 A moment later, Brad and Lupe were exchanging greetings in the parking lot.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Meeting KOTA news reporter Brad Walton<\/strong>! Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In less than 5 minutes, the Carolina Dog’s first ever adventure as a rising TV star was underway.\u00a0 Lugging a duffle bag of equipment and a tripod, Brad led the way over to the Mickelson Trail<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, and turned N.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the George S. Mickelson Trail<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Flat and wide, the Mickelson Trail was a super easy stroll.\u00a0 Before long, huge granite formations were coming into view.\u00a0 Buckhorn Mountain was already in sight beyond them.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Buckhorn Mountain<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As the march along the Mickelson Trail continued, Buckhorn Mountain vanished from view again.\u00a0 Brad said that there was a pond to watch for in the region where he’d left the trail before.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sticking with the Mickelson Trail<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After going a little over a mile, a couple of big mounds of dirt covered with weeds appeared just beyond a ditch on the NE (R) side of the trail.\u00a0 No pond was in sight, but Brad was confident that this was where he’d left the Mickelson Trail before.<\/p>\n

Abandoning the trail, Lupe scrambled up onto the highest mound.\u00a0 Sure enough, the small pond Brad remembered was hidden right behind it.\u00a0 In view beyond the pond, a massive granite formation along Buckhorn Mountain’s lower SSW ridge confirmed that this was where Brad’s prior ascent had begun.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the weedy mound of dirt<\/strong>. Buckhorn Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A jaunt N through a grassy valley led toward the granite formations.\u00a0 Lupe had barely gotten started, when Brad announced that this would be a good spot to conduct an initial interview.\u00a0 The American Dingo was happy to share more information about her peakbagging exploits in the Black Hills than Brad could possibly fit into a short news story.\u00a0 Not to be completely outdone, SPHP sometimes chipped in, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Being interviewed for KOTA Territory News<\/strong>! Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Doing a news story wasn’t like other ascents.\u00a0 Brad took numerous short video clips on the way up the mountain.\u00a0 In some places, he filmed from behind while Lupe took the lead.\u00a0 In others, Brad went ahead and got set up before encouraging her to follow him higher.\u00a0 In this manner, Brad obtained different perspectives of the Carolina Dog in action that he could ultimately choose from when producing the final story.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A momentary pause while Brad gets set up a little farther up the valley. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The valley soon led to a more forested area and the start of the granite slabs Brad had mentioned.\u00a0 This really did turn out to be a very scenic route, and a bit of a maze, too, since many of the slabs threatened to cliff out in one direction or another.\u00a0 Scrambling over the bedrock was a lot of fun, and a fairly unique experience in the Black Hills.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Taking a breather near an early high point. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Exploring the slabs<\/strong>. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Partway up, Brad produced a GoPro camera from within the duffel bag he was carting up the mountain.\u00a0 Unfortunately, attempts to fasten the GoPro to the top of Lupe’s collar were unsuccessful.\u00a0 The collar simply wasn’t stiff enough to keep the GoPro steady in an upright position.\u00a0 Too bad, since that would have produced the best results.<\/p>\n

SPHP suggested letting the GoPro dangle below Lupe’s collar.\u00a0 While this technique worked, with the camera so close to the ground, the videos proved to be blurry.\u00a0 Oh, well.\u00a0 At least it conveyed some sense of what the ascent was like from Lupe’s point of view.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading up the next section of slabs<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The GoPro-equipped Dingo<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As Lupe kept climbing, the slabs became steeper and more extensive.\u00a0 The American Dingo took her time, often pausing to enjoy the terrific views, while Brad kept moving his camera around to get action shots of her ascent from various vantage points.\u00a0 Scenic highlights included Custer Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,104 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Peak<\/span> 6040<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, and Northeast Cicero Peak<\/span><\/a> (6,278 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, all in sight off to the SE beyond the town of Custer.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the steepening slabs<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Custer Mountain<\/strong> (L), Peak 6040<\/strong> (Center), and NE Cicero Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The slabs led toward a granite high point that was often visible ahead.\u00a0 Brad’s prior ascent had convinced him that it was best to stay L of that high point, otherwise the terrain would get rather dicey in it’s vicinity.\u00a0 With Brad’s experience as a guide, the Carolina Dog did just that.<\/p>\n

This maneuver put Lupe back into territory that was more of a mix of rock formations and forest.\u00a0 While on the rocks, it often appeared likely that the route would cliff out, forcing a partial downclimb.\u00a0 However, a significant downclimb never became necessary.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the potentially problematic high point<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Shortly after taking a break for water near a massive rock, the steepest slab of all appeared ahead.\u00a0 Fearing Lupe actually was going to cliff out at the top of this slab, SPHP urged caution.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Brad<\/strong> enjoying the shade during a short water break. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Heading up the steepest slab<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

To SPHP’s surprise, Lupe didn’t cliff out.\u00a0 Beyond this final super steep slab, the Carolina Dog explored a maze of forest, massive rocks, and less daunting slabs.\u00a0 Despite having to navigate a couple of minor drops, she always found a way higher.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
In a narrow passage<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Among some huge rocks<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Near the end, the terrain became less complicated.\u00a0 Lupe reached a spot SPHP recognized.\u00a0 A short scramble quickly led to a platform of granite at the S end of the summit region.<\/p>\n

3-26-25, 12:54 PM, 70\u00baF, Buckhorn Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,325 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – The platform was 5 or 6 feet wide, its S edge a precipice beyond which a huge swath of the southern Black Hills was visible beyond the town of Custer.\u00a0 Brad set his news camera up here yet again to capture some video of the scene while continuing the American Dingo’s interview.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The interview resumes. NE Cicero Peak<\/strong> (R of Center) on the horizon. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A narrow ridge of higher rock only a few feet N of the platform provided another excellent view.\u00a0 Rocky HP6302<\/span><\/strong> was only 0.5 mile NW, with the E edge of the limestone plateau country visible in the distance beyond it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
HP6302<\/strong> (R) from Buckhorn Mountain’s S summit<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe’s leisurely journey up the mountain meant that time was getting to be an issue.\u00a0 Even though it was already 1:00 PM, Brad hoped to have a story ready to air on KOTA’s next local news broadcast at 5:30 PM.<\/p>\n

To hit a goal as ambitious as that, sacrifices would have to be made!\u00a0 No traditional summit hour.\u00a0 Although SPHP had brought a few along, no time to savor a chocolate coconut bar, either.\u00a0 However, one sacrifice wasn’t happening.\u00a0 This scenic S summit with its level platform wasn’t even close to being Buckhorn Mountain’s true summit.\u00a0 Two higher points farther N of nearly equal elevation vied for that title.\u00a0 Naturally, Lupe had to tag at least one of them to consider this ascent complete.<\/p>\n

Some of the best views from Buckhorn Mountain were at the N summit, which was several hundred feet away.\u00a0 Crazy Horse<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, Peak<\/span> 6733<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, Sylvan Peak<\/span><\/a> (6,998 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Black Elk Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,231 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and others were on display.\u00a0 Wouldn’t take that long to visit it.\u00a0 Brad agreed.\u00a0 He could get some great footage over there!<\/p>\n

3-26-25, 1:09 PM, Buckhorn Mountain<\/em> – For the first time in more than 8 years, Lupe stood on the highest rock at the N summit.\u00a0 Might well be the true summit, as well.\u00a0 Close enough for Dingo work, in any case, and the views certainly justified the extra time and effort expended to get here.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sylvan Peak<\/strong> (L), Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the N end of the summit region<\/strong>. Crazy Horse<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Crazy Horse<\/strong> (L), Peak 6733<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The show must go on!\u00a0 10 minutes at the N summit, and the Carolina Dog was on her way.\u00a0 Passing the central summit, Lupe didn’t scramble to the top like she’d done 8 years ago, but she did pause briefly to pose below the big rocks comprising this high point.\u00a0 Brad took some video here that he ultimately used as the lead-in photo for his story about Lupe.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Below the central summit<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Posing for Brad’s lead-in photo. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Half an hour after reaching the platform at Buckhorn Mountain’s S high point, the American Dingo headed down a steep, forested E slope.\u00a0 The mountain wasn’t nearly as dramatic in this direction.\u00a0 Although there were some cool rock formations seen 8 years ago along the E ridge, this route lacked the big slabs and views encountered on the way up.<\/p>\n

The forest was a mess.\u00a0 Some deadfall, and many large tree trunks that had been cut into 2.5 foot long sections.\u00a0 Brad led the way, heading for a huge house that was under construction visible hundreds of feet lower.\u00a0 After reaching it, the rest of the return was a simple road trek.<\/p>\n

3-26-25, 2:17 PM, 71\u00b0F, Monument Health hospital in Custer<\/em> – Well, it was over.\u00a0 Brad had given Lupe a hug, shaken SPHP’s paw, and had already hit the road.\u00a0 Too late to make the 5:30 PM news, but he would have a story ready to air on KOTA at 9:00 PM for sure.\u00a0 Brad had been super nice, and the whole experience had been a lot of fun.<\/p>\n

How do you think I did, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

You made it to the top of Buckhorn Mountain, Loopster.\u00a0 I think Mr. Walton will give you a good report.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, I hope so, SPHP!\u00a0 Hollywood, here I come!<\/em><\/p>\n

Don’t know about that, Loop.\u00a0 We’d rather stay here in the beautiful Black Hills, wouldn’t we?<\/em><\/p>\n

Of course!\u00a0 I’m just excited, SPHP.\u00a0 I’ve never been on TV before!<\/em><\/p>\n

Brad did give Lupe a good report.\u00a0 Such a glowing one, in fact, that it was almost enough to make a Dingo blush!\u00a0 Appearing on KOTA Territory News was an honor and memory Lupe and SPHP will treasure always.<\/p>\n

Thank you, Brad, and everyone at KOTA Territory News!<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe Live!<\/span> on KOTA Territory News, 3-26-25<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
With Brad Walton<\/strong> of KOTA Territory News<\/strong> on the way to Buckhorn Mountain<\/strong>, Black Hills of South Dakota 3-26-25<\/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 \u00a0Prior Black Hills Expedition<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Lupe Live!<\/span> on KOTA Territory News, 3-26-25<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 191 – Buckhorn Mountain (2-13-17)<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0 Choose from Lupe’s Black Hills, SD & WY\u00a0Expeditions\u00a0Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a>, Master Peak Map<\/strong><\/span><\/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":"

3-21-25, 6:40 PM, at home – Now here’s something we don’t see every day, Loopster! Oh?\u00a0 What’s that, SPHP? You’ve got a new comment on T(M)TAOL, Loop.\u00a0 Listen to this: I\u2019m Brad Walton, evening reporter at KOTA Territory News in Rapid City and long-time Lupe fan. Would love to do a story on you guys … Continue reading Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 343 – Buckhorn Mountain: As Seen on TV! (3-26-25)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":63490,"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":[105,9,1776,792,106,1777,104,304,1778],"class_list":["post-63502","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-black-hills","tag-american-dingo","tag-black-hills-expeditions","tag-brad-walton","tag-buckhorn-mountain","tag-carolina-dog","tag-kota","tag-lupe","tag-south-dakota","tag-tv"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7423-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\/63502","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=63502"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/63502\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":65439,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/63502\/revisions\/65439"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/63490"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=63502"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=63502"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=63502"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}