{"id":65584,"date":"2025-11-17T08:10:37","date_gmt":"2025-11-17T15:10:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=65584"},"modified":"2025-12-13T10:53:17","modified_gmt":"2025-12-13T17:53:17","slug":"clark-peak-medicine-bow-mountains-colorado-6-17-24","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=65584","title":{"rendered":"Clark Peak, Medicine Bow Mountains, Colorado (6-17-24)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Days 1 & 2 of Lupe’s 1st Summer of 2024 Dingo Vacation to Colorado, Utah, Wyoming & Montana!<\/em><\/p>\n

6-16-24, 7:48 AM<\/em> – Nothing so rare as a day in June, except perhaps that one special day each year when the very start of a certain Carolina Dog’s fun-filled, action-packed, annual Dingo Vacations arrives!\u00a0 However, it wasn’t until the middle of June that Lupe noticed the tell-tale signs.<\/p>\n

Yesterday, a storm had caused delays, but all systems were go now on a beautiful summer morning.\u00a0 Lupe looked thoughtful resting on her pink blanket as SPHP began backing the RAV4 out of the driveway.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Anticipating a summer of adventure!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So, where are we going this year, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Colorado first, Loopster!<\/em><\/p>\n

Sounds fabulous, SPHP!\u00a0 Plenty of awesome mountains in Colorado!\u00a0 What’s our first peakbagging objective?<\/em><\/p>\n

Actually, we’re going to start out with a Lists of John peak we haven’t been to in the Black Hills before we’re even out of South Dakota, Looper.\u00a0 Won’t take us long at all.\u00a0 It’s an easy one, not that far from the route we’ll be taking into Wyoming.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, well, it will be nice to tag it then, SPHP, but I meant what’s our first major objective?<\/em><\/p>\n

Clark Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,955 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Loop, the high point of Jackson County, Colorado, and highest point of the Medicine Bow Mountains.<\/em><\/p>\n

Wait, what?\u00a0 Isn’t Medicine Bow Peak<\/strong><\/span><\/a> in Wyoming the high point of the Medicine Bow Mountains, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Nope.\u00a0 Medicine Bow Peak is the high point of the Snowy Range, Loopster, which is one of the ranges within the Medicine Bow Mountains.\u00a0 Clark Peak is more than 900 feet higher.<\/em><\/p>\n

An ambitious start then for us, SPHP!\u00a0 After the Lists of John peak, that is.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, hope we’re up to it, Loop!<\/em><\/p>\n

What’s this “we” business, SPHP?\u00a0 You know I’ll get there.<\/em><\/p>\n

Glad to see you haven’t changed, Looper.\u00a0 Not going to cut me any slack, are you?<\/em><\/p>\n

After brief stops at Song Dog Road and near the Lists of John peak in the Black Hills, the RAV4 sped through long stretches of familiar territory.\u00a0 In Wyoming, Lupe contented herself with barking at cows, horses, and the occasional pronghorn.\u00a0 Her next opportunity to escape the RAV4 for a few minutes came at the scenic rock formations N of Manville.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The scenic escarpment<\/strong> N of Manville, Wyoming. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hwy 230 SW of Laramie, was unfamiliar territory.\u00a0 Lupe got to explore a bit of this new region when SPHP needed to stretch, and stopped at the Woods Creek trailhead.\u00a0 By late afternoon, the American Dingo was S of Walden, Colorado pondering a line of big mountains off to the E.<\/p>\n

Which one is Clark Peak, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Must be the big one in the middle, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

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

6-17-24, 7:25 AM<\/em> – Almost immediately after taking County Road No. 41 from a curve along Hwy 14, a State Forest State Park<\/span><\/strong><\/a> entrance station had appeared.\u00a0 After paying the required $10.00 fee for a daily vehicle pass, SPHP had then driven E on No. 41 well above the N shore of North Michigan Reservoir.\u00a0 Once beyond the reservoir, No. 41 curved N.\u00a0 After going another mile, SPHP began watching for an expected R turn E or SE onto Ruby Jewel Road.<\/p>\n

Lupe now stood before an open green metal gate near a roomy, empty parking area, an excellent, though narrow, dirt road proceeding beyond the gate.<\/p>\n

Ruby Jewel Road, I presume, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

The signage was clear.<\/p>\n

Indubitably, Sweet Puppy.\u00a0 Nice that the gate’s open.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Start of Ruby Jewel Road<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Signage near the gate.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6-17-24, 8:08 AM, 55\u00baF<\/em> – After driving through the gate, Ruby Jewel Road had begun to deteriorate only a mile in.\u00a0 Looked worse ahead beyond a junction with Frisco Loop Road.\u00a0 Eh, this was good enough.\u00a0 SPHP parked the RAV4, and got the pack ready.\u00a0 Lupe was raring to go!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Parked along Ruby Jewel Road<\/strong>. Frisco Loop Road <\/strong>junction just ahead. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Which way, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

We just keep following Ruby Jewel Road, Looper.<\/em><\/p>\n

Heading N on Ruby Jewel Road, it became a steeper, rather rocky incline right after passing Frisco Loop Road on the L, but wasn’t as bad as what SPHP had expected.\u00a0 The road soon topped out and curved ENE.\u00a0 A high spot near this curve provided a view of Clark Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,955 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> flanked by Peak<\/span> 12667<\/span><\/a><\/strong> on the L, and Pipit Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,432 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> on the R.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 12667<\/strong> (L), Clark Peak<\/strong> (Center), Pipit Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From this minor high point, Ruby Jewel Road led back into the forest.\u00a0 Lupe crossed a couple of seasonal streams as the road undulated up and down a bit.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog was gradually gaining elevation when she came to a small clearing partially enclosed by a log fence.\u00a0 Signage at the far end indicated that this was the 2WD trailhead.<\/p>\n

A 4WD road continued on through the forest.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Crossing a seasonal stream<\/strong>. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the 2WD trailhead<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Start of the 4WD extension<\/strong> of Ruby Jewel Road<\/strong>. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We could have driven this far, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Hmm.\u00a0 So it seems, Loopster.\u00a0 It’s a bit confusing.\u00a0 The map in the brochure I picked up back at the park fee station clearly shows the end of the 2WD road close to where we parked the RAV4.<\/em><\/p>\n

Whatever.\u00a0 Didn’t matter now.\u00a0 Lupe began following the 4WD portion of Ruby Jewel Road, which soon steepened a bit.\u00a0 Before long, the sound of madly rushing water was coming from the dense forest on the L side of the road.<\/p>\n

Must be the South Fork of the Canadian River, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

Sounds powerful!\u00a0 Are we going to have to ford it, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup, unless there’s a bridge.<\/em><\/p>\n

Around a bend, suddenly the South Fork of the Canadian River was right there.\u00a0 No bridge, but the river wasn’t nearly as big as it sounded.\u00a0 The pool of water at the ford was tranquil, and only a foot deep.<\/p>\n

This river is just a creek, SPHP.\u00a0 Easily forded!<\/em><\/p>\n

Even that wasn’t necessary.\u00a0 A mere 20 feet upstream, 2 short logs and a pallet provided a makeshift bridge.\u00a0 Lupe got her paws wet only because she waded in for a drink.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The easy ford<\/strong> at the South Fork of the Canadian River<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beyond the river, Ruby Jewel Road wound NNE, climbing steadily for 0.75 mile.\u00a0 Along one stretch, Clark Peak came back into view, still a long way up.\u00a0 Shortly before reaching the 4WD trailhead in a big flat area, Lupe passed 3 large trees that had fallen across the road, blocking the way for any vehicles.<\/p>\n

As a result, not too surprisingly, the 4WD trailhead was completely empty when Lupe reached it.\u00a0 Not a soul was around.\u00a0 The Ruby Jewel Trail left the trailhead going N as a broad single-track.\u00a0 Signage said it was now only 1.5 miles to Ruby Jewel Lake.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Clark Peak<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Start of the Ruby Jewel Trail<\/strong> as it leaves the 4WD trailhead<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail quickly crossed 2 tributaries of the South Fork of the Canadian River.\u00a0 Up here, there were bridges, which was mighty convenient.\u00a0 Once across both streams, the trail began switchbacking NW up a steep slope.\u00a0 Numerous snowbanks still melting away in the forest extended over the trail.\u00a0 Lupe didn’t mind in the least.\u00a0 She enjoyed chomping mouthfuls of snow as she went over them.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the first bridge<\/strong>, which was very close to the trailhead. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Crossing the second bridge<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On a snowbank<\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
There were lots of them! Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After gaining 150 feet of elevation on the switchbacks, the Ruby Jewel Trail flattened out and briefly headed into a sunnier, more open area.\u00a0 The S end of the giant ridge W of Ruby Jewel Lake was now directly ahead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
S end of the ridge W of Ruby Jewel Lake<\/strong> (Center), Clark Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This is gorgeous territory, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Indeed, Sweet Puppy!\u00a0 That’s why we’re here.<\/em><\/p>\n

Heading toward the huge ridge, the trail re-entered the forest.\u00a0 Lupe was soon climbing again.\u00a0 The trail turned ENE, preserving a reasonable rate of climb as the terrain steepened.\u00a0 Upon reaching a snowfield covering a big rockslide, the Ruby Jewel Trail vanished beneath the snow.\u00a0 Although there were a few footprints along the edge of the snowfield, there was no clear indication of where the trail went from here.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Along the edge of the snowfield. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Huh.\u00a0 Just keep going, Loop, I guess.<\/em><\/p>\n

Across the snow, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah.\u00a0 It’s not that steep.\u00a0 No doubt we’ll find the trail again somewhere on the other side.<\/em><\/p>\n

The American Dingo kept climbing as she crossed the snowfield.\u00a0 No tracks at all in the snow out here, but there was quite a view back to the SSW, including a good look at Margi’s Knoll<\/span><\/a> (11,049 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, which Lupe had just gone by.\u00a0 In unfamiliar territory, SPHP didn’t know the names of any of the big snow-capped peaks visible way off in the distance.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Crossing the snowfield. Margi’s Knoll<\/strong> (R edge). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Climbing more steeply, Lupe reached a rocky, snow-free area, which led to another snowfield above.\u00a0 Still no sign of the trail, but it looked like a flatter region was only a little higher.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog rediscovered the trail in a snow-free area as soon as she got there.\u00a0 Pipit Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,432 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was now in sight off to the E along the ridge S of Clark Peak.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the flatter region (R) after climbing both snowfields. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Back on the Ruby Jewel Trail<\/strong>. Pipit Peak<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The valley Lupe was now in W of Pipit Peak was broad, fairly flat, and mostly open, despite scattered stands of evergreens.\u00a0 Melting snowfields, boggy regions, and bushes all covered substantial portions of the valley floor.<\/p>\n

Staying near the NW edge of the enormous valley, the Ruby Jewel Trail soon began to curve N.\u00a0 Lupe was climbing again, the trail frequently disappearing beneath more snow.\u00a0 This time, tracks showed where the trail went during a romp up another big snowfield.<\/p>\n

Wouldn’t have mattered if they hadn’t.\u00a0 Above the snowfields, a steep, grassy slope brought Lupe to the top of a small ridge.\u00a0 Just off to the NW, still mostly buried beneath snow and ice, there was Ruby Jewel Lake, nestled in a cirque S of Peak<\/span> 12667<\/span><\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the W side of the valley W of Pipit Peak<\/strong>. Clark Peak<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Another snowy romp higher. Margi’s Knoll<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Arriving at Ruby Jewel Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6-17-24, 10:49 AM, 54\u00baF, Ruby Jewel Lake<\/em> – While back down in the forest during the 1,800 foot ascent to reach this lovely spot, a wind had started blowing up in the treetops.\u00a0 At first, it had scarcely affected the Carolina Dog, but up here among exposed bedrock, boulders, and low vegetation, Lupe stood in a stiff, chilly 20 to 25 mph breeze blowing up from the S.<\/p>\n

SPHP shook Lupe’s paw.<\/p>\n

Congratulations, Loopster, on making it to Ruby Jewel Lake!\u00a0 Quite a gem, isn’t it?<\/em><\/p>\n

Dazzling, SPHP!\u00a0 But mind if we get out of this wind and enjoy a chocolate coconut bar while we admire the views?<\/em><\/p>\n

Great minds think alike, Looper!\u00a0 Let’s do it.\u00a0 Although I think I forgot to bring a chocolate coconut bar, now that you mention it.<\/em><\/p>\n

No chocolate coconut bars?\u00a0 So much for your great mind, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

A low ridge of bedrock adjacent to a stand of stunted evergreens along the S shore of the lake provided the only shelter available, and happily did cut the wind somewhat.\u00a0 Lupe got a duck jerky and Taste of the Wild in lieu of a chocolate coconut bar, while SPHP had a strawberry Equate and Dots.<\/p>\n

Beyond the N end of Ruby Jewel Lake, Peak 12677 towered above it, the mountain’s long, massive S ridge completely protecting the W shore.\u00a0 SE of Peak 12677, the broad saddle between it and Clark Peak was in sight.\u00a0 An open slope leading up to the saddle looked plenty steep.\u00a0 Grassy and no obstacles, though, and not steep to the point of being scary.<\/p>\n

We’re going to have to get up to that saddle, if we’re going to climb Clark Peak, aren’t we, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, that’s the intention, Looper.\u00a0 We also could have climbed Pipit Peak’s W ridge, and headed N from Pipit, but in that case, we should have crossed the valley below and already begun climbing the ridge, instead of coming all this way.<\/em><\/p>\n

And miss out on seeing Ruby Jewel Lake?\u00a0 No, this route is better, SPHP.\u00a0 However, I wonder what this wind is going to be like up at that saddle?\u00a0 Might be a hurricane!<\/em><\/p>\n

Entirely possible.\u00a0 After a pleasant half hour break near the SE corner of\u00a0 Ruby Jewel Lake, there was only one way to find out.<\/p>\n

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

Trotting N near the snowy E shore of Ruby Jewel Lake, the American Dingo was soon beyond the lake, beginning her 1000 foot ascent to the saddle.\u00a0 Really not all that steep at first, but it didn’t take long for that to change.\u00a0 Views became more spectacular every step of the way.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Along the E shore of Ruby Jewel Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A Dingo’s-eye view<\/strong> as the ascent to the saddle begins. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Already a long way up. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Cornices<\/strong> along Peak 6779’s S ridge. Photo looks NW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Heading NE, Lupe never complained during the steep ascent, no doubt because SPHP kept pausing to gasp for air, even though it seemed like there was a great plenty of it about.\u00a0 The S wind came in increasingly powerful gusts, reprieves between them never lasting more than a few seconds.<\/p>\n

Exhibiting great patience, the Carolina Dog led the way, often stopping to check if SPHP was actually still coming, or not.\u00a0 Each time SPHP paused, Lupe came running down to encourage SPHP during a chest-heaving survey of the view of Ruby Jewel Lake following the most recent bit of progress.\u00a0 As soon as SPHP recovered enough to resume the ascent, Lupe roamed with confidence right back up the slope.<\/p>\n

At last, the rate of climb began to diminish.\u00a0 The saddle didn’t appear to be much farther.\u00a0 Heh, an illusion.\u00a0 More ground kept appearing above, extending the wearying trudge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the saddle between Peak 12677 and Clark Peak<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Eh, maybe not. Still a ways to go. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A glance back at Ruby Jewel Lake<\/strong> (R of Center) after making substantial progress. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The climb couldn’t go on forever, though.\u00a0 Eventually SPHP managed to stagger up to the broad, gently rounded saddle.\u00a0 However, this success meant virtually nothing.\u00a0 The wind now roared through this pass from out of the SW at 40 to 50 miles an hour.\u00a0 Pre-ascent notions of possibly also climbing Peak 12677 prior to Clark Peak were abandoned.<\/p>\n

Without hesitating, the American Dingo turned SE, starting up another slope as steep as the one she’d just climbed.\u00a0 Clark Peak’s unseen summit was still somewhere nearly 700 feet above.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Above the saddle, climbing Clark Peak’s NW slope<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Gravity and wind were the only real obstacles.\u00a0 After gaining several hundred feet of elevation, the slope wasn’t as steep.\u00a0 Surprisingly, even the wind began to diminish.\u00a0 Off to the N, small lakes were visible below a string of snowy peaks leading to South Rawah Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,653 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 12677<\/strong> (L), South Rawah Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Starting to look like we might actually make it up this beast, Loopster.<\/em><\/p>\n

C’mon, SPHP.\u00a0 Let’s get there!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
This way, SPHP! It’s getting easier!<\/em> Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6-17-24, 1:56 PM, 56\u00baF, Clark Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,955 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – The wind was a mere 15-20 mph out of the S when Lupe reached a nearly flat, N\/S oriented, summit ridge roughly 400 feet long and 40 feet wide.\u00a0 Near the N end, a 2.5 foot high rock windbreak was situated along the W edge.\u00a0 Opposite this windbreak, Lupe now stood perched on one of a pair of big rocks along the E edge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On Clark Peak<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Looks like this is it, SPHP – the true summit of Clark Peak!<\/em><\/p>\n

No doubt about it, Loopster!\u00a0 Congratulations on your successful ascent of mighty Clark Peak, high point of the Medicine Bow Mountains!<\/em><\/p>\n

And the Jackson County, Colorado high point, too, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

But, of course!\u00a0 How could I ever forget?<\/em><\/p>\n

How?\u00a0 I suppose just like how you forgot the chocolate coconut bars, SPHP.\u00a0 You forgot them easily enough.<\/em><\/p>\n

Still sore about that, Looper?\u00a0 I’ll make it up to you.\u00a0 Let’s go sit over by the windbreak.\u00a0 The wind’s still kind of annoying.<\/em><\/p>\n

The windbreak helped a little.\u00a0 Might have helped even more, if SPHP had sat inside of it, instead of just outside, but then the Carolina Dog wouldn’t have been able to see the views.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
In the windbreak<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In order to compensate for the lack of chocolate coconut bars, SPHP awarded Lupe 2 duck jerkies, plus Taste of the Wild and water, then sat devouring most of the rest of the Dots.<\/p>\n

Tremendous views in all directions!\u00a0 Far beyond South Rawah Peak, big snow-capped peaks were on the NNW horizon.<\/p>\n

That’s got to be the Snowy Range back in Wyoming, isn’t it, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, I think so, Loopster.\u00a0 Not 100% certain, but I’d almost bet money that the biggest mountain on the L is Medicine Bow Peak<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
South Rawah Peak<\/strong> (R). Medicine Bow Peak<\/strong> slightly L beyond it? Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Another angle. South Rawah Peak<\/strong> (L). Timber Lake<\/strong> (lower R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The territory to the NE was all lower.\u00a0 Directly E, part of Chambers Lake and most of Barnes Meadow Reservoir were in sight.\u00a0 SE, several big peaks well beyond the dam forming the Joe Wright Reservoir drew the eye.\u00a0 Even farther away, more toward the SSW, a real monster stood out.<\/p>\n

What peaks are those, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Not completely sure, Loop.\u00a0 Best guess is that the 3 big peaks clustered to the SE are Hagues Peak<\/span><\/a> (13,565 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Fairchild Mountain<\/span><\/a> (13,505 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, and Ypsilon Mountain<\/span><\/a> (13,511 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

And the giant one, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Think that’s got to be Longs Peak<\/span><\/a> (14,257 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Looper.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Hagues Peak<\/strong> (L), Ypsilon Mountain<\/strong> (Center), with Fairchild Mountain<\/strong> between them? Longs Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Hagues Peak<\/strong> (L), Fairchild Mountain<\/strong> (Center), and Ypsilon Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SE with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Longs Peak<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SSW with lots of help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Many more beautiful snowy peaks were toward the S, but SPHP couldn’t really positively identify any of them.\u00a0 Lowlands stretched away toward the SW.\u00a0 Disappointingly, there was no view of Ruby Jewel Lake from Clark Peak’s summit.\u00a0 Two large groups of mountains were beyond an enormous wide valley to the W.\u00a0 While quite high, even with some snow on them, they didn’t look all that rugged from a distance.<\/p>\n

Suddenly, a marmot stirred the American Dingo to action!\u00a0 Dashing over to the E edge, Lupe searched among the rocks, her tail waving excitedly in the wind, but the marmot had vanished.\u00a0 Losing interest, Lupe joined SPHP in an exploration of the entire summit ridge, discovering a survey marker with an arrow on it before returning to the windbreak.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Clark Peak survey benchmark<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
And a barely legible one with an arrow.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
N end of the Clark Peak summit region<\/strong>. South Rawah Peak<\/strong> (L), windbreak<\/strong> (Center), true summit boulders<\/strong> (R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Back by the rock wall windbreak<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6-17-24, 3:09 PM<\/em> – Summit hour and more had flown.\u00a0 If anything, the wind was getting stronger as Lupe started down Clark Peak’s S ridge.\u00a0 Soon what should have been a pleasant trek to Pipit Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,432 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was becoming increasingly tense.\u00a0 SPHP had to use poles as braces to maintain balance as powerful gusts came roaring across the ridge from out of the SW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Starting down the S ridge<\/strong>. Pipit Peak<\/strong> and Peak 12390<\/strong> (R) in sunlight. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A quick glance back at the S end of Clark Peak’s summit ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The wind wasn’t the only problem.\u00a0 Discovering that the iPhone’s battery was down to 2%, SPHP saved Lupe’s GPS track before it died, ending the track prematurely.<\/p>\n

Sheesh!\u00a0 We need an extra battery, or some kind of extra external battery pack to boost the iPhone on these longer treks, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

Good grief!\u00a0 Take action, SPHP!\u00a0 They must sell them.\u00a0 Why not invest in one?\u00a0 Not like this is the first time the iPhone has died on you.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, I know.\u00a0 The iPhone has a hard time keeping up with an American Dingo.\u00a0 Come to think of it, I do, too.<\/em><\/p>\n

Approaching the saddle leading to Pipit Peak, the wind was ferocious.\u00a0 Although Lupe hadn’t encountered any trails on her way up Clark Peak after leaving Ruby Jewel Lake, a well-defined use trail here ran along the lee side of the ridge slightly below the crest.\u00a0 As this trail began angling closer to the ridgeline, a sudden blast struck with such irresistible fury that it hurled SPHP to the ground despite being braced for it.\u00a0 Even the Carolina Dog was nearly toppled.<\/p>\n

Somewhat frighteningly, the hurricane gust did not let up.\u00a0 Pinned on all fours, SPHP couldn’t get back up again, forced to cling desperately to the ground while getting sandblasted.\u00a0 Lupe was OK, having retreated down the E side of the ridge a little way.<\/p>\n

This way, SPHP!\u00a0 It’s not so windy down here!<\/em><\/p>\n

Crawling lower, 10 feet was enough to make a tremendous difference.\u00a0 SPHP stood up.\u00a0 Ahead, E of the ridgeline, a big snowfield covered most of the territory leading to Pipit Peak.<\/p>\n

Holy schmoley, Loopster!\u00a0 Good thing you like snow, cause we’re giving the ridgeline a wide berth the rest of the way to Pipit.<\/em><\/p>\n

We’re lucky it wasn’t this windy up on Clark Peak, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah.\u00a0 We never would have made it up there.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching Pipit Peak<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The snowy romp to Pipit Peak was still plenty breezy, but away from the W edge of the ridge, nothing even close to that super gust occurred.<\/p>\n

6-17-24, 4:07 PM, 60\u00baF, Pipit Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,432 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – Only a bit over 200 feet of gain, but the trudge to the top had been wearying.\u00a0 A short break was in order as Lupe arrived at a smallish, flat, rather rocky summit.\u00a0 SPHP took a single photo looking back at Clark Peak with the iPhone, and the battery promptly gave up the ghost.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 12677<\/strong> (L), Clark Peak<\/strong> (R of Center) from Pipit Peak<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Along the W edge, a relentless 50 mph gale was shooting skyward from the steep slope below.\u00a0 Sitting only a few feet away, the wind was a much more tolerable 15 mph, swirling in from completely unpredictable and ever-changing directions.\u00a0 SPHP finished the box of Dots.\u00a0 Meanwhile, Lupe munched the last of the Taste of the Wild.\u00a0 Ruby Jewel Lake was in view from here.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Ruby Jewel Lake<\/strong> (Center), Peak 12677<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6-17-24, 4:19 PM<\/em> – A short break, but it was enough, the Carolina Dog was ready for action!\u00a0 Time to get down out of the wind once and for all.\u00a0 In order to do that, though, first meant a long, descent braving the gale on the W side of the ridge.\u00a0 Nevertheless, Lupe started down Pipit Peak’s SW slope.\u00a0 Under more favorable conditions, it would have been easy to tag nearby Peak<\/span> 12,390<\/span><\/a><\/strong>‘s summit, too.\u00a0 No thought of that today!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Starting the descent from Pipit<\/strong>. Peak 12,390<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Venturing down the open slopes, there was no protection at all from the wind, but, as expected, it gradually diminished as Lupe lost elevation.\u00a0 Roaming at will, a 1,000 foot descent brought the American Dingo to a more gradually sloping W ridge where a long snowbank clinging to the N rim prevented a descent into the valley below.\u00a0 Continuing W, a spot was eventually found where it was possible to get past this snowbank, and down to a trail that switchbacked lower.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading into the valley W of Pipit Peak<\/strong>. Peak 12677<\/strong> (R).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once in the valley, Lupe explored NW, crossing more snowfields, fording several streams, and struggling through various bogs and dense thickets of bushes.\u00a0 The effort was all worth it when she finally reached the Ruby Jewel Trail again.\u00a0 Still miles to go, but now out of the wind with good trail and roads to follow, the rest would be easy.\u00a0 (End 7:39 PM)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On Clark Peak<\/strong>, high point of the Medicine Bow Mountains, Colorado 6-17-24<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe’s GPS track (partial)<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

Next Adventure<\/span><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Prior Adventure<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose from Lupe’s Summer of 2024 Dingo Vacations to Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Canada & Alaska Adventure Index<\/strong><\/em>, Dingo Vacations Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a> or Master Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0Or subscribe free\u00a0to\u00a0new Lupe adventures<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Days 1 & 2 of Lupe’s 1st Summer of 2024 Dingo Vacation to Colorado, Utah, Wyoming & Montana! 6-16-24, 7:48 AM – Nothing so rare as a day in June, except perhaps that one special day each year when the very start of a certain Carolina Dog’s fun-filled, action-packed, annual Dingo Vacations arrives!\u00a0 However, it … Continue reading Clark Peak, Medicine Bow Mountains, Colorado (6-17-24)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":65560,"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":[1703],"tags":[105,106,1801,26,1804,104,1802,1803,1805],"class_list":["post-65584","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1703","tag-american-dingo","tag-carolina-dog","tag-clark-peak","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-jackson-county-high-point","tag-lupe","tag-medicine-bow-mountains","tag-pipit-peak","tag-ruby-jewel-lake"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IMG_4129-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\/65584","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=65584"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65584\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":66114,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65584\/revisions\/66114"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/65560"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=65584"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=65584"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=65584"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}