{"id":66550,"date":"2026-02-12T08:10:30","date_gmt":"2026-02-12T15:10:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=66550"},"modified":"2026-02-11T21:21:23","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T04:21:23","slug":"black-hills-sd-expedition-no-351-scruton-mountain-peak-6072-new-years-eve-peak-12-31-25","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=66550","title":{"rendered":"Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 351 – Scruton Mountain, Peak 6072 & New Year’s Eve Peak (12-31-25)"},"content":{"rendered":"

10:04 AM, S end of Pactola Reservoir dam –<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, that’s what I thought, Loopster.\u00a0 Hwy 385 is closed S of the visitor center.\u00a0 Want to stop in for a look at Pactola Lake?<\/em><\/p>\n

Sure!\u00a0 Seems like a long time since we’ve seen it, SPHP.\u00a0 But with Hwy 385 closed, are we going to be able to get to New Year’s Eve Peak<\/span><\/a> (6,048 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/span>?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes.\u00a0 Not from the E, our usual direction, though, or even from the S, as we’ve sometimes done.<\/em><\/p>\n

For the last day of the year, the weather was incredible.\u00a0 In fact, it had been unseasonably warm most of December.\u00a0 Beneath a bright blue sky, Pactola Lake was a beautiful deep blue.\u00a0 No winter ice at all.\u00a0 The water level was a little low, but not seriously.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Pactola Reservoir<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What a day, SPHP!\u00a0 Pactola Lake must be one of the prettiest mountain lakes anywhere.\u00a0 So, I take it we’re somehow going approach New Year’s Eve Peak from the N or W?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup.\u00a0 From the N, Looper.\u00a0 Always wanted to try going that way, but in all these years, we’ve never done it before.\u00a0 Thinking we’ll have plenty of time to visit Scruton Mountain<\/a><\/span> (5,923 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Peak<\/span> 6072<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/span>, too.\u00a0 You can see the old Seth Bullock Fire Lookout Tower on Scruton Mountain from here.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Scruton Mountain<\/strong> (L of Center) from Pactola Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Although Hwy 385 was closed S of the visitor center, the side road to the S marina on Pactola Lake wasn’t.\u00a0 It provided access up Custer Gulch to Edelweiss Mountain Road (USFS Road No. 251)<\/em>.<\/p>\n

10:24 AM, 50\u00baF<\/em> – After a 1.5 mile drive W on Edelweiss Mountain Road, SPHP parked Shadow at the junction with USFS Road No. 156.\u00a0 Closer now, the old Seth Bullock fire lookout tower on Scruton Mountain was again in sight.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Scruton Mountain<\/strong> (Center) from the junction of Edelweiss Mountain Road<\/strong> and USFS Road No. 156<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Carolina Dog grew impatient as SPHP fiddled with the backpack.<\/p>\n

Any year now, SPHP!\u00a0 Literally.\u00a0 2026 is coming!<\/em><\/p>\n

Almost ready, Loopster.\u00a0 I’ll be right with you.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Ready for a romp at the start of USFS Road No. 156<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Do we follow this side road, SPHP?\u00a0 Seems like we’ve been here before.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes.\u00a0 No. 156 should take us right up to the lookout tower, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

Passing first through a grassy field, USFS Road No. 156 began winding up Scruton Mountain’s E slopes.\u00a0 As Lupe gained elevation, there was a nice view SE toward the Bald Hills region, with the summits of Boulder Hill<\/span><\/a> (5,336 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Silver Mountain<\/span><\/a> (5,418 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> visible in the distance.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Scruton Mountain<\/strong> (Center) from USFS Road No. 156. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Bald Hills<\/strong> (L) with Boulder Hill<\/strong> (Center) and Silver Mountain<\/strong> (R of Center) way off in the distance. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No. 156 soon led up into the forest.\u00a0 Not much in the way of views here, but still a pleasant, easy trek.\u00a0 Before long, Lupe was approaching the old Seth Bullock fire lookout tower.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Climbing through the forest. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the Seth Bullock fire lookout tower<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We can skip the lookout tower, Looper.\u00a0 It’s fenced off.\u00a0 No public access anymore.\u00a0 Believe it’s been closed for many years.\u00a0 It’s not on Scruton Mountain’s true summit, anyway.<\/em><\/p>\n

Fine with me!\u00a0 Lookout tower stairs are kind of scary, SPHP.\u00a0 I usually don’t like them, especially the see-through kind.<\/em><\/p>\n

The true summit was several hundred feet SE of the tower.\u00a0 Skirting along the outside of the security fence, Lupe worked her way over to a boulder field below the crest of a rocky ridge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The rocky scene on the way to the true summit<\/strong> (R). Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Gets a bit scrambly, doesn’t it, SPHP?\u00a0 Fun!<\/em><\/p>\n

The rock-hop was slow.\u00a0 While Lupe managed just fine, SPHP wasn’t as nimble.\u00a0 The American Dingo wasn’t far from the summit, when SPHP remembered something.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Rock-hopping toward the summit<\/strong>. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We should have stayed below all these rocks, Loopster.\u00a0 Now that I think of it, I’m almost certain that a decent path goes up the SE end of this ridge we’re scrambling up.<\/em><\/p>\n

A little late for that now, SPHP.\u00a0 Keep climbing!<\/em><\/p>\n

Might as well.\u00a0 A couple more minutes of rock-hopping was all it took.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Near the true summit<\/strong> with a view of the old Seth Bullock fire lookout tower<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

11:30 AM, 48\u00baF, Scruton Mountain<\/span><\/a> (5,923 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – The 50 foot long rocky summit ridge the American Dingo had reached must have once sported more facilities associated with the lookout tower.\u00a0 At the highest point, a few stone steps led to a small platform with nothing but a grand view of the Pactola Reservoir dam beyond it.\u00a0 This platform had evidently been built on, or right next to, Scruton Mountain’s true summit.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the true summit<\/strong> (L), Pactola Reservoir<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

See what I mean, SPHP?\u00a0 A few nice, solid steps, and here we are at the top of the mountain!\u00a0 Easier and far more secure than all those exposed flights of lookout tower stairs.\u00a0 Nothing wrong with these views, either.\u00a0 They’re splendid!<\/em><\/p>\n

True enough, however, with all these trees around, you have to admit that we don’t have the kind of unobstructed 360\u00ba views the lookout tower could offer.\u00a0 That’s kind of the whole point of a fire lookout tower, Looper, to get the best possible views for spotting forest fires.<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, so what?\u00a0 Nothing’s burning today, SPHP, and you’re telling me that the tower has been closed for years.\u00a0 We can’t do anything about that, but we could have a chocolate coconut bar!<\/em><\/p>\n

What!\u00a0 Already, Loop?\u00a0 Didn’t take us very long to get here.\u00a0 This Black Hills expedition is just getting started.<\/em><\/p>\n

An ascent is an ascent, SPHP, and here we are at the top of Scruton Mountain.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, I suppose so.\u00a0 Alright then, Loopster.<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP shared the requested chocolate coconut bar with Lupe, then gave her water and Taste of the Wild, too.\u00a0 The best views were of the lookout tower and the Pactola Reservoir dam.\u00a0 Moving around a bit, there were views in other directions, too.<\/p>\n

Looking WSW through a gap in the trees, big ridges forming the E edge of the limestone plateau country were visible on the horizon far beyond nearby Peak<\/span> 6072<\/span><\/a><\/strong>.\u00a0 From boulders near the SE end of Scruton’s summit ridge, the Bald Hills, Boulder Hill, and Silver Mountain were back in sight again.\u00a0 Much closer, Peak<\/span> 5803<\/span><\/a><\/strong> and Peak<\/span> 5917<\/span><\/a><\/strong> were also in view.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Limestone plateau<\/strong> (L of Center) on the horizon, Peak 6072<\/strong> (L). Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Bald Hills<\/strong> (R). Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5803<\/strong> (L) and Peak 5917<\/strong> (R of Center) in the foreground. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Half an hour shot by.<\/p>\n

Suppose we better be moving on, Loopster, if we want to get to both Peak<\/span> 6072<\/span><\/a><\/strong> and New Year’s Eve Peak<\/span><\/a> (6,048 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Days are mighty short this time of year.<\/em><\/p>\n

Onward then, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Final moments on Scruton Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The dimly remembered path leaving the SE end of the summit ridge did exist, making for a much quicker and easier descent than the scramble up had been.\u00a0 This path curled down to the area below the boulder field, where the Carolina Dog left it, shortcutting down to USFS Road No. 156 without going by the lookout tower again.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5917<\/strong> (L) and New Year’s Eve Peak<\/strong> (R) as seen during the descent. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Following No. 156 as far W as possible, SPHP led Lupe down another shortcut through the forest to reach Edelweiss Mountain Road across from USFS Road No. 251.1C.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
New Year’s Eve Peak<\/strong> (Center) from Scruton Mountain’s SW slopes<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
USFS Road No. 251.1C<\/strong> directly across Edelweiss Mountain Road<\/strong>. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This is the route you want to explore to New Year’s Eve Peak, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes.\u00a0 At least, until we reach the side jaunt to Peak 6072, Looper.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading up USFS Road No. 251.1C<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After only 0.2 mile on No. 251.1C, the Carolina Dog came to a power line.\u00a0 The road forked here.\u00a0 An unmarked road continued S.\u00a0 No. 251.1C went SW, climbing an open slope along the power line right-of-way.<\/p>\n

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

S, if we were going to head straight to the saddle directly W of New Year’s Eve Peak, Looper.\u00a0 However, since we’ve still got time to tag Peak<\/span> 6072<\/span><\/a><\/strong> first, stick with No. 251.1C.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Direct route to saddle W of New Year’s Eve Peak<\/strong> (far L). No. 251.1C<\/strong> follows the power line (R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After gaining 350 feet of elevation following the power line, the dirt road leveled out, then dipped slightly as it continued SW.<\/p>\n

Oh, I remember this spot, SPHP!\u00a0 We’ve been here on our way to Peak 6072 before.\u00a0 Pretty area!\u00a0 Some really nice views along in here.<\/em><\/p>\n

That’s<\/em> right, Loopster.\u00a0 We’ve reached our usual route to Peak 6072.\u00a0 We’re actually on USFS Road No. 244.1B now.\u00a0 I like this region, too.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The scenic stretch<\/strong> along USFS Road No. 244.1B<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No. 244.1B soon curved NW, away from panoramic views to the S.\u00a0 Just for fun, Lupe left the road sooner than she would have had to, beginning a trek N along the spine of the ridge leading to Peak 6072.\u00a0 Cool little rock formations added variety worth exploring.\u00a0 When the American Dingo reached a familiar grassy clearing, she knew the summit was near.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A cool rock formation<\/strong> along Peak 6072’s S ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
0.1 mile S of Peak 6072’s summit<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A steady climb soon led to a glimpse of an expansive S-facing slope just to the W.\u00a0 Not the top of the mountain, but this slope offered the best views from anywhere on Peak 6072.\u00a0 A quick look was justified before proceeding on to the summit.\u00a0 Several favorite peaks were in sight.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 6170<\/strong> (far L) and Old Bald Peak<\/strong> (L) in the foreground. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Peak<\/span> 6047<\/span><\/a><\/strong> and Old Bald Peak<\/strong><\/span><\/a> (6,133 ft.)<\/strong><\/span>, SPHP!\u00a0 Remember them?<\/em><\/p>\n

Sure do, Loopster.\u00a0 Peak 6047 was the first mountain you ever climbed in your whole life, way back on Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 3 in January, 2012 when you were only 13 months old.\u00a0 We were actually trying to get to Old Bald Peak.\u00a0 I’d thought we’d done it, only to check the maps later on and realize that we’d climbed the wrong mountain!<\/em><\/p>\n

Too funny, SPHP!\u00a0 Our very first mountain together was a mistake.\u00a0 Seems like an awfully long time ago now, doesn’t it?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah.\u00a0 Too long, Sweet Puppy.\u00a0 Way too long, like something from a dream.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 6072 summit<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1:32 PM, 54\u00baF, Peak<\/span> 6072<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/em> – Front paws perched on the highest rocks, Lupe stood grinning at the top of the mountain.<\/p>\n

Ta-da!\u00a0 Made it again, SPHP!\u00a0 How many times have we been here?<\/em><\/p>\n

Congratulations on your 4th ascent of Peak 6072, Loopster!\u00a0 May I shake your paw?<\/em><\/p>\n

Evidently the answer was yes.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog graciously extended her paw, allowing SPHP to shake it.<\/p>\n

Doesn’t seem right that there isn’t any snow up here, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, I’m sure the last couple of times there was snow.\u00a0 Maybe not the first time we were here, though.\u00a0 That was at the end of March many years ago, Loop.\u00a0 Of course, it might have been snowy even then?<\/em><\/p>\n

Maybe, SPHP.\u00a0 I don’t really remember.\u00a0 I just remember this usually being a cold, snowy place.<\/em><\/p>\n

It’s been crazy warm and dry this December, Loop.\u00a0 Just the way it is.<\/em><\/p>\n

No snow, and no views to speak of here at the summit, either.\u00a0 The rocky 20 foot long summit ridge covered with small bushes was surrounded by pines.\u00a0 Distant glimpses here and there, but even less to be seen now than during previous ascents as the pines grew taller.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The Peak 6072 summit region<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe sniffed among the bushes a few minutes before starting down a short, narrow stretch of the N ridge.\u00a0 A certain spot here provided the only unobstructed view of Scruton Mountain<\/a><\/span> (5,923 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Scruton Mountain<\/strong> (Center) from Peak 6072’s N ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After a quick look at Scruton Mountain, the American Dingo wandered SSW down to another viewpoint, this time toward the NW.\u00a0 Once again, from exactly the right spot, both Nugget Gulch Peak<\/span><\/a> (5,991 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Custer Peak<\/span><\/a> (6,809 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> were in sight.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Nugget Gulch Peak<\/strong> (L) at mid range, Custer Peak<\/strong> (R) on the horizon. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Peak 6072’s sunny S slope with its sweeping panorama in that direction was nearby.\u00a0 This was the best place to relax while enjoying a marvelous view of Five Points<\/span><\/a> (6,228 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and False North Point<\/span><\/a> (6,134 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, with Black Elk Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,231 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Sylvan Peak<\/span><\/a> (6,998 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> beyond them.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Five Points<\/strong> (R of Center) and False North Point<\/strong> (R) with Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (Center) and Sylvan Peak<\/strong> (R) in the distance. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Perfect place to devour another chocolate coconut bar, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

I only have one more, Loop.\u00a0 Saving it for New Year’s Eve Peak.\u00a0 How about some water and Taste of the Wild?<\/em><\/p>\n

A good start, but what else do you have, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Um.\u00a0 Let’s see.\u00a0 I’ve got a couple of Golden Rewards Pigs in a Blanket from your birthday, Looper.<\/em><\/p>\n

Tasty!\u00a0 That’ll do.<\/em><\/p>\n

While Lupe made short work of the pigs, SPHP munched an apple.<\/p>\n

What a day!\u00a0 Makes me want to just keep going, Loopster.\u00a0 Wish 2025 would never end.<\/em><\/p>\n

We will keep going, SPHP, but the sun is already sinking.\u00a0 2025 is leaving.\u00a0 New Year’s Eve Peak is as far as we’re going to get.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, I know.\u00a0 Another look at Nugget Gulch Peak before we move on, Looper?<\/em><\/p>\n

Sure, why not?<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Nugget Gulch Peak<\/strong> (L) almost behind the tree. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Time to go!\u00a0 Retracing her route along Peak 6072’s S ridge, Lupe returned to the scenic portion of USFS Road No. 244.1B, following it back only as far as Peak 6072’s SE ridge.\u00a0 Exploring rock formations along the crest of this ridge to the end of the high ground, she then turned ENE, starting a 200 foot descent to the saddle leading to New Year’s Eve Peak.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
New Year’s Eve Peak<\/strong> (R) from Peak 6072’s S Ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Exploring the SE ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Descending to the saddle leading to New Year’s Eve Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Regaining the elevation she’d just lost and then some, the mountain’s W slope was a steep climb.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On New Year’s Eve Peak’s true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3:32 PM, 47\u00b0F, New Year’s Eve Peak<\/span><\/a> (6,048 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – Beneath a crystal blue sky, in an almost imperceptible breeze, Lupe stood on the old, familiar summit boulder basking in the glow of 2025’s final sunny hour.\u00a0 Young pines near the boulder had grown up so much that Black Elk Peak was scarcely visible now.\u00a0 SPHP shook the Carolina Dog’s proffered paw.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (R) from the summit boulder. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Congratulations, Loopster!\u00a0 We’re back.\u00a0 Right on New Year’s Eve day, too!<\/em><\/p>\n

How many times does this make, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

This is your lucky 13th ascent of New Year’s Eve Peak, Looper.\u00a0 Only the 5th time right on New Year’s Eve, though.<\/em><\/p>\n

13!\u00a0 Are you sure that’s lucky, SPHP?\u00a0 I’ve heard otherwise.<\/em><\/p>\n

Why, it must be lucky.\u00a0 Conditions are perfect!\u00a0 Never been better, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

I suppose you’re right, SPHP.\u00a0 At least, it’s lucky enough, if you really have another chocolate coconut bar in your pack.<\/em><\/p>\n

I do!<\/em><\/p>\n

Leaping off the summit boulder, the American Dingo went over to the rocks with the best views to the W, then joined SPHP at the traditional break spot on the slope facing that direction.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the rock outcropping<\/strong> with the best view to the W. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The familiar view to the W. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Relaxing on “Chocolate Coconut Bar Slope”<\/strong>. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP produced the promised final chocolate coconut bar of 2025, shared it with the Carolina Dog, then offered water and Taste of the Wild, too.\u00a0 It all vanished in a flash.\u00a0 Less than half an hour of beautiful sunshine left!\u00a0 Sitting together, watching the sun sink steadily toward the horizon, Lupe seemed as happy as ever.<\/p>\n

In many ways, 2025 had been a fantastic year.\u00a0 A record 5 fabulous Dingo Vacations!\u00a0 And yet … another year was now inevitably slipping away into history.\u00a0 Epic struggles and adventures, all water under the bridge.\u00a0 Melancholy seized SPHP.\u00a0 Gone forever!\u00a0 SPHP brooded, not only on the adventures and events of 2025, but those of days of the distant, dreamy, not-yet-entirely-forgotten past.<\/p>\n

New Year’s Eve Peak felt strange, like something had changed.\u00a0 Nothing seemed quite right.\u00a0 The hills to the W had always been snowy during Lupe’s prior pilgrimages here.\u00a0 Today, for the first time ever, they were completely bare.\u00a0 Not a single flake.<\/p>\n

Usually it was so cold that the American Dingo had only occasionally been here on the absolute last day of the year, weather often dictating an arrival either a few days earlier, or into the new year.<\/p>\n

Never been this warm when we’ve been here before, SPHP.\u00a0 Remember how deep the snow always used to be in the forest?<\/em><\/p>\n

Hah!\u00a0 Great minds think alike, Looper.\u00a0 I was just pondering how much even New Year’s Eve Peak has changed over the years.<\/em><\/p>\n

Some, SPHP, but it’s mostly the same, isn’t it?<\/em><\/p>\n

Guess you’re right.\u00a0 Does seem very familiar in most respects.\u00a0 Maybe we’re what’s changed, whether we want to or not?\u00a0 Anyway, glad we came.\u00a0 It’s always awesome being here with you, Loopster!<\/em><\/p>\n

Of course!\u00a0 We can’t miss out on New Year’s Eve Peak, SPHP.\u00a0 It’s tradition, just like your end-of-year gloom that I have to put up with.\u00a0 I’ve noticed that you’re always much cheerier once the new year actually begins.<\/em><\/p>\n

Indeed.\u00a0 Guilty as charged, I suppose.\u00a0 Well, about photo time, Loopster.\u00a0 The sun will soon be gone.<\/em><\/p>\n

During 2025’s last sunny moments, Lupe conducted a final tour of the scenic highlights of New Year’s Eve Peak.\u00a0 The most open views were SE or S, where part of Sheridan Lake and many familiar mountains were on display.\u00a0 Boulder Hill<\/span><\/a> (5,336 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Silver Mountain<\/span><\/a> (5,418 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Calumet Ridge<\/span><\/a> (5,615 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Mount Warner<\/span><\/a> (5,880 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Black Elk Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,231 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Sylvan Peak<\/span><\/a> (6,998 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Five Points<\/span><\/a> (6,228 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, and countless others.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog had visited all of them at least once upon a time.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (Center). Sylvan Peak<\/strong> (R) beyond Five Points<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Boulder Hill<\/strong> (far L), Silver Mountain<\/strong> (L), Calumet Ridge<\/strong> (Center) beyond Sheridan Lake<\/strong>, Mount Warner<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Minutes until sunset!\u00a0 Lupe returned briefly to the summit boulder.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Atop New Year’s Eve Peak<\/strong> again. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

You look so happy, Looper!\u00a0 Glad to see it.<\/em><\/p>\n

I am happy, SPHP!\u00a0 Aren’t you?\u00a0 New Year’s Eve Peak is awesome!\u00a0 I look forward to coming here with you to celebrate the end of every glorious year we’ve spent adventuring together.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Happy Lupe<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP hugged Lupe.\u00a0 A cloudless sky magically vanished in heavy mist.<\/p>\n

Oh, yes!\u00a0 Me too, Sweet Puppy.\u00a0 Nothing better in the whole world than ringing in the New Year, and remembering our many adventures while sharing a chocolate coconut bar here with you.\u00a0 I love you so much!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (L of Center) near sunset. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4:18 PM<\/em> – Lupe and SPHP stood watching the sun slipping below distant hills.\u00a0 Without a cloud in the sky, a colorful sunset worth sticking around for wasn’t in the cards.\u00a0 By the time 2025’s last rays of sunlight were completely gone, the American Dingo was, too.<\/p>\n

No S ridge descent to Pistol Point this year.\u00a0 Also strange.\u00a0 Instead, Lupe headed E, skirting around the rock formations of New Year’s Eve Peak’s E high point.\u00a0 Then it was down a broad NE ridge amid the gathering gloom to an ancient roadbed discovered only a year ago where young trees were springing up.<\/p>\n

This long abandoned road led to another descent of a NE slope.\u00a0 Even twilight was fading by the time Lupe ran into the big power line again.\u00a0 SPHP had to don the headlamp before she reached Edelweiss Mountain Road 0.25 mile from where Shadow was parked.\u00a0 A silent, downhill stroll ensued, darkness alleviated by the pale light of a nearly full moon.\u00a0 (End 5:34 PM, 37\u00baF)<\/em><\/p>\n

Midnight <\/em>– Fireworks!\u00a0 2025 was gone.\u00a0 The rest of the world was ringing in the New Year.\u00a0 Lupe’s paws twitched.\u00a0 In Dingo Dreamland, happy and free, the Carolina Dog was racing across bright green fields beneath the forever blue skies, tracking, amid flowers and butterflies, a scent full of promise on the soft, warm breeze, her grand and glorious New Year 2026 adventures already underway.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Farewell 2025<\/strong> from New Year’s Eve Peak<\/strong>, Black Hills of South Dakota 12-31-25<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe’s GPS Track<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

Next Black Hills Expedition\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Prior Black Hills Expedition<\/strong><\/p>\n

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

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 339 – New Year’s Eve Peak & Peak 5917 (12-29-24)<\/strong><\/span><\/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":"

10:04 AM, S end of Pactola Reservoir dam – Yeah, that’s what I thought, Loopster.\u00a0 Hwy 385 is closed S of the visitor center.\u00a0 Want to stop in for a look at Pactola Lake? Sure!\u00a0 Seems like a long time since we’ve seen it, SPHP.\u00a0 But with Hwy 385 closed, are we going to be … Continue reading Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 351 – Scruton Mountain, Peak 6072 & New Year’s Eve Peak (12-31-25)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":66540,"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":[105,9,106,104,539,1824,1398,1823,304],"class_list":["post-66550","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-new-years-eve-peak","tag-peak-6072","tag-scruton-mountain","tag-seth-bullock-fire-lookout","tag-south-dakota"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_1028-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\/66550","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=66550"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/66550\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":66789,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/66550\/revisions\/66789"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/66540"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=66550"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=66550"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=66550"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}