Hesse Mountain, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming (8-6-14)

It seemed like a very long night.  SPHP kept waking up expecting it to be dawn, but it wasn’t.  Finally dawn came.  The sky was about 50% clear with some haze – a promising start to the day.  Lupe and SPHP were on USFS Road No. 28 at Merle Creek in the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming.

Disappointingly, by the time breakfast was done, the sky was completely overcast.  SPHP drove Lupe over to USFS Road No. 29 off Hwy 16 near Hesse Mountain (10,385 ft.) and Hazelton Pyramid (10,534 ft.).  Both peaks were socked in the fog with the darkest clouds around.

Hesse Mountain (L) and Hazelton Pyramid (R). This shot was taken after Lupe had climbed Hesse Mountain from near Road No. 29 and Hwy 16.
Hesse Mountain (L) and Hazelton Pyramid (R). This shot was taken from near Road No. 29 and Hwy 16 after Lupe had climbed Hesse Mountain.

Hope sprang from a patch of blue sky to the W.  SPHP decided Lupe should try Hesse even in the clouds.  If the fog lifted, Lupe would go on to Hazelton Pyramid.  If not, Hesse Mountain would be Lupe’s last peakbagging success of her grand summer of 2014 Dingo Vacation to the Canadian Rockies and Beartooths.  SPHP took USFS Road No. 444 to Munkres Pass and parked the G6.  Lupe left for Hesse Mountain at 8:20 AM.  It was 48°F and calm.  Hesse Mountain was still in the fog.

Hesse Mountain
Hesse Mountain in the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming.  The high point near the center is the true summit, though it is a very close contest with the high point on the left.

There was no trail, but Hesse Mountain is only about 1.25 miles SE of Munkres Pass as the crow flies.  Lupe and SPHP climbed through the forest.  Eventually Lupe reached tree line.  Fog was now swirling around the mountain.  At times Lupe and SPHP could see the summit or in other directions.  Visibility was good enough to guide Lupe to the top.  The area above tree line was dominated by boulder fields interspersed with some grassy areas which became increasingly scarce as Lupe gained elevation.

Lupe nearing the summit of Hesse Mountain.
Lupe nearing the summit of Hesse Mountain.
Looking back towards the N high point (not the true summit) on Hesse Mountain.
Looking back towards the NE high point (not the true summit, but almost as high) on Hesse Mountain.
Near the summit of Hesse Mountain.
Near the summit of Hesse Mountain.

Lupe reached the summit of Hesse Mountain and found a cairn there.  On the other side of the mountain was a steep drop.  Soon fog moved in and completely shut off all views.

Reluctantly, SPHP decided this was it.  There was no sense in having Lupe try to go on to Hazelton Pyramid, which was seldom even in view with all the fog.  With no trails, if the fog moved in and stayed, it would be easy to get turned around and lost.  It didn’t seem that likely, but on the other hand, the Beartooths to the W where Lupe had just come from had been overcast and drippy for several days.  The weather in the Bighorns usually comes from that direction.

Success! Lupe at the Hesse Mountain summit 8-6-14.
Success! Lupe at the Hesse Mountain summit 8-6-14.

Lupe seemed perfectly happy with her ascent of Hesse Mountain.  SPHP was happy with it, too.  At least Lupe had gotten to the summit of Hesse, even if Hazelton Pyramid had to be left for another day on another dingo vacation.  On the way back down, the fog continued to swirl around and come and go.  At times, the views were pretty good.  Five or ten minutes later, the clouds would close in again.  It felt kind of mystical.  Views came and went in unpredictable directions.

The lower NW high point on Hesse Mountain.
The lower NW high point on Hesse Mountain.
Rocks near Hesse Mountain summit.
Rocks near Hesse Mountain summit.
Looking N towards Hwy 16 from Hesse Mountain.
Looking N towards Hwy 16 from Hesse Mountain.

Lupe reached the G6 again at 12:22 PM.  It was a pleasant 65°F, still overcast, calm and almost foggy.  Lupe and SPHP had lunch near the stone pillar at Munkres Pass before heading out.

SPHP hatched another peakbagging plan for Lupe.  Even though she was about to leave the Bighorn Mountains, she might still go up to Warren Peaks (6,650 ft.) or climb Inyan Kara (6,360 ft.) in the Black Hills of Wyoming on the way home.  It didn’t happen.  At a gas station convenience store in Buffalo, WY there was news on the TV about severe storms and flooding in the Black Hills.

Lupe and SPHP just cruised E on I-90 back to the Black Hills of South Dakota and home.  The 74th annual Black Hills Motorcycle Classic was going on in Sturgis, SD.  It was kind of fun to be packed in with huge numbers of motorcyclists flocking to the area.  There were still big clouds around, but the storms seemed to be over in the Black Hills by the time Lupe reached them.

Shortly before 6:00 PM, Lupe arrived home.  Her great summer of 2014 Dingo Vacation all the way to the Canadian Rockies and back was over.  Lupe had been gone 23 days, 22 nights and traveled 3,288 miles in the G6.  Dingoes are very practical.  They don’t dwell on the past or statistics much.  If Lupe was sad that it was all over, she didn’t show it.  As soon as she got home, Lupe happily ran next door to Dog Heaven to hit up the neighbors for a treat.

Hesse Mountain in the Bighorns was Lupe's last peakbagging success of her summer of 2014 Dingo Vacation.
Hesse Mountain in the Bighorns was Lupe’s last peakbagging success of her summer of 2014 Dingo Vacation.

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High Park Lookout & Sheep Mountain, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming (8-5-14)

SPHP woke up in the G6 about 7:30 AM on the morning of 8-4-14.  Lupe and SPHP were parked near their favorite camping spot on the Clark’s Fork of the Yellowstone River in the Beartooth Mountains.  The previous day Lupe and SPHP had spent a wonderful long day climbing Lonesome Mountain, the highest mountain Lupe has ever climbed so far.  The sky was overcast, but not too dark.  SPHP had hopes of pitching the tent next to the Clark’s Fork of the Yellowstone, and spending a lazy recovery day there with Lupe while plotting new adventures in the Beartooths.

It was not to be.  Although by 11:30 AM SPHP was able to claim Lupe’s favorite camping site, it started to rain.  The rain lasted for several hours and then quit.  The skies remained heavily overcast.  The tent didn’t get set up.  The mosquitoes were bad.  The skies never cleared.  Everything outside was sopping wet.  No ray of sun appeared.  Lupe and SPHP spent most of the day in the G6 resting up and waiting for the weather to break.  It looked like it could start raining again at any moment.  Another night was spent in the G6.

On 8-5-14, SPHP woke up at 6:45 AM.  52°F and still heavily overcast, almost foggy.  Lupe was well rested again by now.  There wasn’t going to be any keeping the lively dingo satisfied with another day in the G6.  SPHP’s plans for more Lupe adventures in the Beartooths had to be scrapped.  It was time to move on.  Lupe and SPHP headed for Cody, WY via the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, Hwy 296 and then Hwy 120.  Lupe’s 2014 Dingo Vacation to the Canadian Rockies & Beartooth Mountains was rapidly drawing to a close.

It wasn’t over yet, though.  The fog and clouds were hanging over the mountains to the W, but Lupe and SPHP drove out into the sunshine even before reaching the pass on Hwy 296.  SPHP still had a few adventures in mind for Lupe.  After  fueling up in Cody, just to see something new Lupe and SPHP continued SE on Hwy 120 through Meeteetse all the way to Thermopolis.  Lupe was happy just to be moving again with the opportunity to bark at cows and horses along the way.  Neither SPHP nor Lupe had ever taken this route before, so it was all new and interesting.

Most of the way from Cody to Thermopolis was like much of Wyoming – sagebrush, dry high plains with ridges and buttes all around and higher mountains in the distance.  Very Old West looking and largely unspoiled.  Meeteetse is in the Greybull River valley where there were some green trees, green irrigated fields, and a little more going on.  Meeteetse itself is less than 400 population.  Thermopolis was considerably larger, around 3,000 population.  It is named after natural hot springs in the area.  After days spent outdoors, SPHP was pretty grimy.  SPHP was looking forward to the hot springs as a great relaxing way to get cleaned up.

Lupe at the Stegosaurus roaming the grounds at the Thermopolis hot springs.
Lupe roaming the grounds at the Thermopolis hot springs with a Stegosaurus.  American Dingoes are natural born leaders.

Fortunately the day hadn’t heated up much yet, with temperatures still around a comfortable 70°F.  SPHP left Lupe in the G6 parked in the shade with the windows partially down.  She set about entertaining herself by watching squirrels in the trees.  SPHP spent a pleasant hour and a half in the pools or on the waterslide at the State Bath House, and returned much revived to the by-now bored dingo in the G6.  Nothing promotes an appreciation of cleanliness like long days spent outdoors.

It was time to head for the Bighorn Mountains!  The drive on Hwy 16/20 from Thermopolis to Worland was flat and dull with little to commend it, but heading E from Worland to Ten Sleep on Hwy 16 was another matter.  The scenery was wild, remote and dramatic.  At Ten Sleep, SPHP noticed that Dirty Sally’s was still open, but didn’t stop.  E of Ten Sleep, Hwy 16 started up beautiful Ten Sleep canyon into the Bighorns.

A little over a mile past the lodge on Meadowlark Lake, SPHP turned S on FS road No. 429.  SPHP parked the G6 just off No. 429 close to the highway.  Lupe was certainly ready to get out and stretch her legs again.  No. 429 is a gravel road that leads about a mile up through mostly open meadows to a forest near High Park Lookout (9,477 ft.).  There is a small parking lot at the edge of the forest.  A 15 minute hiking trail winds up through the forest to the old lookout tower.  The now unmanned lookout tower is closed to the public due to a broken support beam.

Lupe along road No. 429 on her way to High Park Lookout in the Bighorn Mountains. No. 429 is accessed via Hwy 16 a little over a mile SE of Meadowlark Lake.
Lupe along road No. 429 on her way to High Park Lookout in the Bighorn Mountains. No. 429 is accessed via Hwy 16 a little over a mile SE of Meadowlark Lake.

Lupe and SPHP followed No. 429 and then the hiking trail to the High Park Lookout summit.  From some rocks near the lookout tower the best views were toward Meadowlark Lake to the NW and the higher mountains to the NNE.  On the way back down to the G6, Lupe followed the trail to the little parking lot, but did not follow No. 429 again.

Instead, Lupe and SPHP took a shortcut through the beautiful high country meadows and a small forest.  That got Lupe more into the spirit of things than just following the road.  She started sniffing and exploring around more enthusiastically.

Lupe at the High Park Lookout in the Bighorn Mountains. Photo looks N.
Lupe at the High Park Lookout in the Bighorn Mountains. Photo looks N.
At look back up at High Park Lookout. Lupe was already on her way back to the G6. Photo looks S.
At look back up at High Park Lookout. Lupe was already on her way back to the G6. Photo looks S.

From High Park Lookout, Lupe and SPHP had seen lots of clouds around.  To the N where the Cloud Peak Wilderness is, all the high country was lost in dark clouds and fog.  Any thoughts SPHP had of taking Lupe to Cloud Peak were dashed.

There were fewer clouds to the S though, and SPHP started thinking about climbing Hazelton Pyramid as a substitute.  Consulting the maps, SPHP found it might be possible to hike three 10,000+ foot peaks easily enough in a day – Hesse Mountain (10,382 ft.), Hazelton Pyramid (10,534 ft.), and Hazelton Peak (10,264 ft.).  SPHP decided Lupe would try it the next day.

Lupe and SPHP headed E on Hwy 16 over Powder River Pass.  About a mile E of Powder River Pass, SPHP turned S on gravel road No. 29 and about 1/8 mile later onto USFS Road No. 448.  Half a mile later Lupe arrived at Munkres Pass.  Hesse Mountain and Hazelton Pyramid had been visible from No. 29 and looked like easy climbs.  SPHP was satisfied that Munkres Pass was a good starting point for Hesse Mountain the next day.

Lupe and SPHP left Munkres Pass to find water and a place to park for the night.  Water was found at Lost Cabin campground, and SPHP was fortunate to find a dispersed camping spot along gravel road No. 28 just after it crossed Merle Creek.

The G6 at the dispersed camping site on Merle Creek.
The G6 at the dispersed camping site on Merle Creek.

Lupe was quite happy with Merle Creek, a rushing little stream where she was able to drink and lay down to get cooled off.  She soon found squirrels to bark at in the surrounding forest, always a major dingo benefit.  SPHP checked the map and saw that only another 1.5 miles from Merle Creek, road No. 28 ended at the Sheep Mountain (9,610 ft.) lookout tower.  Leaving the G6 at Merle Creek to claim the spot, Lupe and SPHP set out along No. 28 to go see the views from Sheep Mountain.

The lookout tower at the top of Sheep Mountain.
The lookout tower at the top of Sheep Mountain.

There wasn’t much to see.  By the time Lupe and SPHP reached the top of Sheep Mountain, there was fog in every direction.  Dark clouds and thunder were to the E, but were moving farther away out onto the prairie beyond the Bighorns.   No one else was around.  Lupe and SPHP got up on the platform around the top of the lookout tower.  SPHP took a few photos.

The area immediately around the tower was not yet in the fog, but it was close by on all sides.  Less than 10 minutes after Lupe left, the Sheep Mountain Lookout Tower itself disappeared in the fog.  On the way back, instead of following the road, Lupe and SPHP headed down the SW slope of Sheep Mountain going almost directly back to the G6 through a big opening in the forest.

A happy American Dingo arrives at the Sheep Mountain lookout tower to see what there is to see.
A happy American Dingo arrives at the Sheep Mountain lookout tower to see what there is to see.
Normally the views would be great from Sheep Mountain. When Lupe was there, not so much.
Normally the views would be great from Sheep Mountain. When Lupe was there, not so much.
Lupe on the Sheep Mountain lookout tower.
Look, SPHP!  The view is almost as good with my eyes closed!

Despite the fog, the trek up Sheep Mountain had still been a pleasant excursion.  Once back at the G6, Lupe had some Alpo and entertained herself barking at squirrels.  Dusk came on.  The squirrels called it a day and disappeared.  Without the squirrels around, Lupe realized she was kind of tired too.  She wanted to get in the G6.  There she curled up for the night on her throne of blankets and pillows.  SPHP stayed up sitting on a big stone next to Merle Creek until it was too dark to write.

Lupe in Merle Creek, Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming, 8-5-14
Lupe in Merle Creek, Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming, 8-5-14

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Peak 9300 & High Park Lookout, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming (6-30-19)

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Lonesome Mountain in the Beartooth Mountains of Montana (8-3-14)

The highest peak Lupe has ever climbed to date is Lonesome Mountain (11,399 ft.) in the Absaroka-Beartooth Mountains.  Lupe and SPHP first saw Lonesome Mountain on a day hike with Lanis on Lupe’s first ever big Dingo Vacation in the summer of 2012.  Lupe and SPHP returned to the area for two more treks, one to Two Bits Lake and another to Sky Pilot Lake during Lupe’s 2013 summer Dingo Vacation.  There are other higher ridges and peaks around, but Lonesome Mountain stands separate and alone in all its glory.  SPHP always thought it looked potentially climbable from the S by an adventurous little Carolina Dog.

This long day hike starts at the Island Lake Trailhead near the Island Lake campground on the N side of the Beartooth Highway No. 212 in NW Wyoming.  The Island Lake campground is approximately 2 miles E of the Top of the World Store & Motel or roughly 15 miles E of Hwy 212’s junction with the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, Hwy 296.  The hike starts at Island Lake (elevation 9,518 ft.) and gains less than 500 ft. all the way to Albino Lake (elevation 10,000 ft.) at the foot of Lonesome Mountain.  Then the real work begins.

Lupe and SPHP left the Little Belt mountains of Montana on the morning of August 2, 2014, after climbing King’s Hill.  The plan was to head for the Beartooth Mountains in NW Wyoming and southern Montana.  Lupe took Hwy 89 down to White Sulphur Springs and eventually all the way S to I-90.  This was a very pretty scenic drive through big rounded mountains of the Little Belt range, soon followed by high rolling prairie and wide river valleys.  It all looked very Old West and mostly still unspoiled.

SPHP stopped at a city park along the N bank of the Yellowstone River after getting food and gas in Columbus, MT.  Lupe drank out of the Yellowstone River and cooled off in it.  She also managed to find something very stinky to roll in to hide her scent.  SPHP objected to her proudly worn new scent.  Lupe had to get back in the river again to wash it off.  From Columbus, Lupe took Hwy 78 to Red Lodge, MT and then Hwy 212 up and over fabulous Beartooth Pass (elevation 10,947′).

Lupe and SPHP arrived at their favorite camping spot on the Clark’s Fork of the Yellowstone River by mid-afternoon, but the site SPHP wanted wasn’t available.  Lupe and SPHP hung around enjoying the beauty of the location while waiting to see if the site would open up.  After a few hours, it did!  SPHP ran for the G6, turned the key – and nothing happened.  The battery was dead!  It started to rain.  The windows were open and couldn’t be closed.  An error message on the G6 said “Service Traction”.  This helpful message went unmentioned in the owner’s manual.

Eventually two people appeared and were kind enough to give the G6 a jump.  Lupe and SPHP headed for Cody, WY over the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway in rain, lightning, thunder and hail.  A double rainbow cheerily appeared on the E side of the pass.  It was late on Saturday evening when Lupe reached Cody.  SPHP found a Wal-Mart.  Wal-Mart was a great place to be since it had almost anything Lupe or SPHP might desire, was open all night, and a new battery for the G6 could be had there in the morning.  After getting a sandwich at the Subway in Wal-Mart (plus 3 free cookies they were about to throw away because it was closing time), SPHP tried the G6.  It fired right up!  Maybe the battery wasn’t really bad.

The night was spent in the G6 in the Wal-Mart parking lot.  SPHP dreamed wild and vivid dreams, but Lupe slept soundly.  Or maybe she always has wild and vivid dreams.  Sometimes she twitches.  It was already very late, after 8 AM, by the time SPHP regained consciousness on Sunday morning.  The G6 started right up again!  Nevertheless, SPHP talked to a gentleman in the Wal-Mart automotive center.  They couldn’t diagnose or fix complicated problems, but they could install a new battery.  The gentleman suggested waiting until Monday to take the G6 to a repair shop.

SPHP had a better idea.  Why not drive all the way back to the Beartooths and make the most of the day?  The secret was to park the G6 so it would be easy to get another jump if the battery pooped out again.  Lupe was going to climb Lonesome Mountain!  It was 10:13 AM, clear, calm and a perfect 61°F when Lupe and SPHP left the quirky G6 at the Island Lake trailhead in the Beartooths.  The mosquitoes were bad and SPHP was slathered with unhealthy DEET.

Lots of people were around on the trail, which headed N on the W side of Island Lake.  A guy from Michigan said it was supposed to rain at 3 PM.  This was concerning.  There were already some clouds on the western horizon.  One lady reported having seen a grizzly bear and two cubs just 10 minutes before Lupe and SPHP came along.  Lupe wasn’t even past Island Lake yet.  The fishermen SPHP talked to were all having good success catching fish – mostly cutthroat trout.

Lonesome Mountain from near Becker Lake.
Lonesome Mountain from near Becker Lake.  Lupe climbed up near the left side.

The trail passed through gorgeous territory.  This may be the best hike Lupe and SPHP have ever been on outside of the Canadian Rockies.  There were beautiful wildflowers everywhere.  The mountain scenery was impressive.  Lupe and SPHP passed a succession of splendid alpine lakes – Island Lake, Night Lake, Flake Lake, Mutt & Jeff Lakes, and Becker Lake.  There was only one trail intersection to watch for, which was a right turn 2.5 miles from the start (at the S end of Island Lake) onto the trail that goes between Mutt & Jeff Lakes.  The only bad thing was the mosquitoes.  Lupe really couldn’t stop anywhere for more than a few minutes before they came swarming in.

N of Becker Lake, Lupe and SPHP left Wyoming and entered Montana.  There was no sign.  At the S end of Albino Lake at 10,000 feet it was time to leave the trail.  Lonesome Mountain loomed high above Albino Lake just to the W.  Lupe and SPHP turned SW and headed for the big ridge that projects SSE from Lonesome Mountain.  Once up on the ridge, Lupe discovered lots of hidden ponds and deep snow banks.  Lupe and SPHP turned NNW and headed for the summit of Lonesome Mountain scrambling up and down over big granite ridges.

Albino Lake from the SW near where Lupe left the trail. This shot was actually taken in the evening when Lupe returned to the trail.
Albino Lake from the SW near where Lupe left the trail. This shot was actually taken in the evening when Lupe returned to the trail.
Eventually the climb turned into just a scramble over huge boulder fields all the rest of the way to the top of Lonesome Mountain.  Lupe is an excellent scrambler and could have been at the top of the mountain long before SPHP got there.  The weather started deteriorating all around as Lupe and SPHP scrambled ever higher on the mountain.  SPHP’s progress over the big boulders was painfully slow.  Lupe was always appearing nearby looking like a true explorer surveying the world from the heights of various boulders.

As SPHP finally got close to the top of Lonesome Mountain, the rumble of thunder could be heard in the distance.  A big rainstorm was in progress some miles to the S.  Fortunately, SPHP did not see any cloud to ground lightning.  Lupe and SPHP finally reached the top of Lonesome Mountain.  The view was spectacular.  Lupe and SPHP could see lots of lakes and mountains that SPHP hadn’t ever seen before except on maps.

Lupe on Lonesome Mountain 8-3-14
Lupe on Lonesome Mountain 8-3-14
Looking S from Lonesome Mountain. Island Lake is the most distant larger lake toward the center. Part of Becker Lake is seen much closer on the left. Beauty Lake is on the right.
Looking S from Lonesome Mountain. Island Lake is the largest distant lake toward the center.  Night Sky Lake is right next to Island Lake but closer and smaller.  Part of Becker Lake is seen much closer on the left. Beauty Lake is the largest and most distant lake on the right.
Beartooth Butte from Lonesome Mountain. The long skinny lake is Lonesome Lake.
Beartooth Butte from Lonesome Mountain. The long skinny lake is Lonesome Lake.
The view to the NNE of Lonesome Mountain. A portion of Jasper Lake is seen at the lower left.
The view to the NNE of Lonesome Mountain. A portion of Jasper Lake is seen at the lower left.

A woman on the trail between Albino and Becker Lakes had told SPHP she tried to climb Lonesome Mountain earlier this day, but ran out of time.  She told SPHP that the summit in view was a false summit.  Lupe and SPHP had climbed the false summit.  Quite a distance to the NW, SPHP could see another summit separated from where Lupe was by a big drop-off and then a saddle consisting of another boulder field.  It all looked very possible to get over to the true summit easily enough, but it was late in the day already and would have taken at least an hour to get over there.

The NW high point of Lonesome Mountain is seen in the distance and may be nominally higher than the high point Lupe climbed.
The NW high point of Lonesome Mountain is seen in the distance and may be nominally higher than the high point Lupe climbed.

In a way it really didn’t matter – the true summit looked to be at essentially the same elevation as the false summit.  A check of SPHP’s maps showed both summits within the same elevation contours.  The difference in height between the two summits can only be a matter of 0-20 feet.  (Later on SPHP found out that on Peakbagger.com the false summit at 10,399′ which Lupe did climb is listed as the high point on the mountain, although a 10,400′ contour is shown to the NW.  SPHP’s Alpine Quadrangle of the Absaroka-Beartooth mountains shows a height of 10,409′ to the NW.)

Lupe on Lonesome Mountain 8-3-14
Lupe on Lonesome Mountain 8-3-14

Lupe and SPHP would have loved to stay up on the summit (false or not) of Lonesome Mountain to enjoy the views while figuring out which lake below was which.  However, although current conditions were just cool with a light breeze, Lonesome Mountain was now surrounded by threatening weather.

To the S there was a big storm going on.  Dark clouds hung just over the huge ridge to the NE.  Back at Island Lake where Lupe had come from, SPHP could see it was raining hard.  Off to the W an ominous line of dark clouds and showers was approaching.  A cloudburst was going on to the SW.  SPHP was pretty certain rain was going to hit within 30 minutes.  Rain wouldn’t be too bothersome, and even hail might be avoidable under the shelter of a big boulder, but lightning would be potentially deadly.

Looking NW toward the possible true summit of Lonesome Mountain. Some maps indicate it might be 10,409 feet, whereas the summit Lupe climbed may be only 10,399 feet. Close enough for Dingo play!
Looking NW toward the possible true summit of Lonesome Mountain. Some maps indicate it might be 10,409 feet, whereas the summit Lupe climbed may be only 10,399 feet. Close enough for Dingo play, especially with stormy weather around!

SPHP snapped  a few quick photos and told Lupe it was time to get down off Lonesome Mountain ASAP.  So began the scramble down.  It took quite a long time, but not as long as going up.  SPHP thought about going down by Lonesome Lake, which could be seen clearly to the SW.  Lupe and SPHP have never been there before.  That whole area looked full of lakes easy to reach.  It would have been fun to explore there, but a look at the map showed it would be a longer hike back to the G6.  SPHP knew Lupe was going to be late enough getting back to the G6 as it was.

About 20 minutes after Lupe started down, it did start to rain, but it never rained hard.  Lupe and SPHP only got sprinkled on, and even that only lasted maybe 20 minutes.  Eventually the skies to the W cleared.  The storm to the S still rumbled.  There was some cloud to ground lightning, but it was far away.  It became apparent Lupe and SPHP were not going to get caught in any significant storm.

It took Lupe and SPHP a long time to work their way back down to Albino Lake.  The were-puppy liked to attack SPHP on the big snow banks that had to be traversed, but SPHP was now in too much of a hurry to play the were-puppy game.  On one snow bank SPHP suddenly noticed a dark pink, almost red color on Lupe’s white vest and paws.

Lupe wanted to play the were-puppy game on the snow banks on Lonesome Mountain.
Lupe wanted to play the were-puppy game on the snow banks on Lonesome Mountain.

Initially SPHP thought maybe Lupe was injured and bleeding from some mishap in the boulder fields, but upon examination it proved to be just some of the pink coloration that is common on the old snow banks here.  Lupe certainly acted like she felt not only fine, but terrific!  Once down out of all the super rocky stuff up on the ridge, Lupe took off running great distances at top speed racing here and there over the heather.  She had an absolutely wonderful time.

Nope, not blood. Just pink stuff from the snow on the puppy.
Nope, not blood. Just pink stuff from the snow on the puppy.

Lupe and SPHP rejoined the trail at Albino Lake.  They went long distances on the trail without seeing anyone.  The last sunlight to shine on Lupe was at Becker Lake.  Other day hikers had already returned to the trailhead.  Backpackers had already reached their camping destinations.  Lupe and SPHP met just a very few people, but otherwise the trail was empty.  It grew so dark it was hard to see the trail, but SPHP didn’t use the flashlight until the final major stream crossing at the outlet from Island Lake.  The campground was totally dark and quiet.

Lupe arrived at the G6 at 10:09 PM.  It was 44 degrees F.  SPHP fed Lupe some Taste of the Wild and Alpo.  She was tired.  SPHP was tired too.  Thankfully, the G6 started up.  SPHP drove in the darkness back to Lupe’s favorite spot on the Clark’s Fork of the Yellowstone River for another night in the G6.  At nearly 12 hours, this hike proved to be Lupe’s last really long day hike of her 2014 Dingo Vacation to the Canadian Rockies & Beartooth Mountains.  Climbing Lonesome Mountain had been a wonderful time.  Lupe agreed it sure beat spending the day cooped up in the G6 in the Wal-Mart parking lot!

Beartooth Butte from Lonesome Mountain 8-3-14
Beartooth Butte (10,514 ft.) from Lonesome Mountain 8-3-14

Links:

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Porphyry Peak (8-1-14) & King’s Hill (8-2-14), Montana

Lupe did her Pretty Puppy Parade one last time up and down both sides of Banff Avenue on the evening of July 31, 2014.  The Pretty Puppy Parade is really just an evening stroll on a leash through the crowds of tourists in beautiful downtown Banff, Canada.  Lupe often draws the attention of some people in the crowd, and gets to sniff with other doggies too.  During Lupe’s 2013 and 2014 visits to the Canadian Rockies, the Banff Pretty Puppy Parade has grown to be an evening tradition.

Sometimes SPHP feels kind of bad about the Pretty Puppy Parade.  Lupe often wants to go into the various interesting and exciting stores and restaurants that have their doors open to the street.  Lupe looks happily and expectantly at the open doorways and back at SPHP.  Clearly she is expecting and hoping SPHP is really going to take her shopping or dining out!  Of course, SPHP always has to disappoint her and tell Lupe she can’t go inside.  It’s a hard thing to do to the beloved dingo when she has such a big excited grin and believes you can make all good things happen for her.

The next morning was August 1st.  Lupe and SPHP woke up at 6 AM still in Banff.  It was time to leave.  Lupe’s annual Canadian National Parks Pass, which SPHP had purchased in July, 2013, had expired at midnight.  Lupe and SPHP immediately left Banff National Park heading E on Hwy 1 towards Calgary.  After messing up the route through Calgary, SPHP finally got the G6 heading S on Hwy 2.  It was a beautiful day and everything was fine.  Naturally, SPHP had to change something.

Desiring a less busy highway, SPHP turned E at High River on Hwy 23.  For 10 or 12 miles, things were still fine.  Then the left front tire on the G6 suddenly deflated.  Totally flat in seconds.  SPHP was changing the tire when a friendly Canadian in a big pickup truck stopped and offered to help.  The little toy spare tire that came with the G6 was soon on and the friendly Canadian left.

The G6 didn’t like the little toy spare tire.  The low traction light came on and the G6 didn’t drive well at all.  SPHP stopped for a look.  The little toy spare tire hadn’t been used or aired up in years.  It was also nearly flat.  Not a good thing.  However, nearly flat was not the same as totally flat.  SPHP got back in the G6.  For some inexplicable reason it now drove better.  The low traction light did not come on again.  With the flashers on, SPHP drove on the paved shoulder at speeds between 40 and 45 mph.

Lupe and SPHP eventually made it to the little town of Vulcan, Canada on Hwy 24.  Fountain Tire was the only tire store in all of Vulcan.  They had only one tire that would fit the G6 in stock.  Someone had ordered it and then decided against purchasing it.  Maybe it was the $260.00+ price Fountain Tire wanted for it.  SPHP could have bought at least 2 tires for the G6 for that price back home in the U.S.  Faced with such an outrageous price, SPHP immediately summoned all negotiating skills.  “I’ll take it.” said SPHP.  Fountain Tire threw in a free tire rotation and Lupe was soon on her way again.

By 7:30 PM, Lupe was back in the states at King’s Hill Pass in the Little Belt Mountains of Montana where Lupe had spent the first night of this vacation on July 15th.  Back then everything had been wet and lush.  Now things were still green, but everything was dry.  The temperature was thankfully only 66 °F.  Earlier in Great Falls, the G6 was registering 96 °F.  Lupe and SPHP went up to the top of Porphyry Peak (8,192 ft.) again.  This time Lupe even climbed up the ranger tower as far as she could go, although the top platform couldn’t be reached since the hatch was locked.

Lupe on top of King's Hill in the Little Belt Mountains of Montana on the morning of 8-2-14. Porphyry Peak where the Showdown Montana ski resort is located is seen in the distance.
Lupe on top of King’s Hill in the Little Belt Mountains of Montana on the morning of 8-2-14. Porphyry Peak where the Showdown Montana ski resort is located is seen in the distance.

From Porphyry Peak, SPHP studied King’s Hill (8,008 ft.) to the E just across Hwy 89.  SPHP concluded there were at least two ways to get up there without much trouble.  The next morning, August 2nd, Lupe and SPHP followed a road around the S end of King’s Hill on up to the top.  It was a beautiful morning.  Even though Lupe had left the wonderful Canadian Rockies behind, there was still fun ahead.  Dingo Vacation 2015 wasn’t over yet.

Lupe on King's Hill, Montana 8-2-14. Photo is looking S.
Lupe on King’s Hill, Montana 8-2-14. Photo is looking S.

Lupe and SPHP took a shortcut down the N slope of King’s Hill under a big power line.  Then they hopped in the G6 and took off for Beartooth Pass and the Clark’s Fork of the Yellowstone River.  New dingo adventures lay ahead!

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Athabasca Falls & Miette Hot Springs, Jasper National Park, Canada (7-30-14)

The Athabasca River originates at the Columbia Glacier, part of the Columbia Icefield in the Canadian Rockies.  By the time the Athabasca reaches Athabasca Falls 30 km S of Jasper on the W side of the Icefields Parkway Hwy 93, it is already a large river.  The Athabasca flows NE out of the Canadian Rockies to Athabasca Lake.  Eventually the waters of the Athabasca reach Great Slave Lake and become part of the Mackenzie River system which flows NW into the Arctic Ocean.  Athabasca Falls is 24 meters in height and a major tourist attraction.  Parking lots and viewpoints can be accessed from Hwy 93A.

Lupe and SPHP woke up at 6:17 AM on July 30, 2014 to see sunrise on Mount Athabasca (11,453 ft.).  It was already an incredibly warm 47 °F out.  SPHP first heard and then saw a big chunk of ice and snow falling off the side of Snow Dome (11,483 ft.) as dawn was breaking.  The night had been clear and filled with amazing stars.  Yesterday Lupe had been on wonderful hikes in the area to Parker Ridge and Wilcox Pass.  It was time to press on to the N.

Mount Athabasca at dawn 7-30-14
Mount Athabasca at dawn 7-30-14

SPHP stopped at Sunwapta Falls to let Lupe see the falls again (she had been here in 2013) and stretch her legs on the trail for a little while.  From Sunwapta Falls, Lupe and SPHP continued N to SPHP’s favorite picnic area in Jasper National Park.  This picnic area is just off the W side of Icefields Parkway Hwy No. 93 perhaps 8 to 10 km S of Athabasca Falls.  For some reason it is unmarked and easy to pass by, but it is located in a forested area right next to the E bank of the mighty Athabasca River.

Sunwapta Falls. The Sunwapta River starts at the Athabasca Glacier and is a tributary of the Athabasca River.
Sunwapta Falls. The Sunwapta River starts at the Athabasca Glacier and is a tributary of the Athabasca River.

Lupe entertained herself playing with a tennis ball and barking at squirrels.  SPHP had breakfast and watched the river roll on by.  It was going to be a very hot day for the Canadian Rockies and the Athabasca was running high.  SPHP dawdled with little chores at the picnic ground for a while.  No one else was around.  The shade of the forest was pleasant and the view of high mountains to the W of the river was inspiring.

Looking downstream along the Athabasca river from SPHP's favorite picnic ground in Jasper National Park.
Looking downstream along the Athabasca river from SPHP’s favorite picnic ground in Jasper National Park.
Looking W across the Athabasca River from the picnic grounds.
Looking W across the Athabasca River from the picnic grounds.

It was just a 10 minute drive to Athabasca Falls from the picnic area.  The place was packed with tourists.  Lupe and SPHP had to wait for their turn at many of the lookout points.  The falls were amazing, though.  The huge flow of water thundered into the solid rock channel beneath the falls.   Trapped in the narrow channel it churned and frothed before flowing out into a wide open area a short distance downstream.  Below the falls and the narrow channel, whitewater rafters were heading out for a trip downriver.

Athabasca Falls 7-30-14
Athabasca Falls 7-30-14
Lupe at Athabasca Falls
Lupe at Athabasca Falls
The narrow channel below Athabasca Falls.
The narrow channel below Athabasca Falls.
Rafters set out below Athabasca Falls. The river has been this gray, silt laden color every time Lupe has seen it.
Rafters set out below Athabasca Falls. The river has been this gray, silt laden color every time Lupe has seen it.
Athabasca Falls is 24 meters high and rated Class V. Class V = Don't even think about it!
Athabasca Falls is 24 meters high and rated Class V. Class V = Don’t even think about it!
Just above Athabasca Falls.
Just above Athabasca Falls.

Lupe and SPHP spent about 45 minutes at Athabasca Falls before continuing on to Jasper.  It was 85 °F a little after noon when Lupe arrived.  Jasper was packed with tourists.  SPHP took Lupe window shopping, all done on the shady side of the street.  Lupe met and sniffed with many other doggies, so she wasn’t bored.  By 1:30 PM it was 91 °F.  SPHP took Lupe to a crowded beach at Pyramid Lake.  Lupe did get to cool off in the water, but SPHP didn’t want to stay with the mob very long.  SPHP bought ice cream.  It melted very quickly.  Lupe and SPHP had to consume all they could at once.

The heat sapped SPHP’s energy and all desire to go on any trails.  Lupe wasn’t feeling any more ambitious than SPHP.  She lay panting on a hot blanket in her fur coat in the G6.  At 2:45 PM, SPHP decided to leave Jasper, turn on the AC for Lupe, and head NNE on Hwy 16.  Lupe loved the AC and soon perked up.  The temperature outside peaked at 94 °F.  SPHP didn’t think it ever got that hot way up here, but it did.  SPHP envisioned all the beautiful glaciers completely melting away.  It wasn’t a happy thought.

44 km east of Jasper, SPHP turned S on the road to Miette Hot Springs.  Another 17 km along a forested mountain road and Lupe arrived at the resort.  Hot springs ordinarily wouldn’t have sounded good on a hot day like this one, but SPHP knew from past experience that Miette Hot Springs also has a couple of cool or even cold water pools.  SPHP was looking forward to the cool water, but Lupe couldn’t be abandoned in the hot G6.  It was going to be a long wait before things cooled down enough to leave Lupe alone for even a little while.

Lupe was very interested in the herd of mountain sheep that roamed the grounds.  Although there were signs everywhere saying not to feed them, there was a picnic area where the mountain sheep were obviously very used to dining.  They came right up to people and demanded an invitation to the picnic.  They didn’t get anything from Lupe, who barked at the mountain sheep furiously whenever they got close.  The mountain sheep were not used to such rude behavior and gave Lupe a wide berth.

SPHP figured it was best to separate Lupe from the mountain sheep.  Lupe and SPHP headed down a road to a stream away from the picnic area.  The stream was cold and clear.  Lupe eagerly lapped up the cold water.  SPHP repeatedly dangled both feet in the water until they were so cold the bones ached.  Lupe and SPHP stayed next to the stream for hours.  Bees buzzed.  Butterflies flitted around.  SPHP got situated as comfortably as possible among the boulders along the stream bank, which wasn’t all that easy.  Lupe curled up nearby.  She dozed with her head resting on SPHP’s hand.

The sun shone like a demon in the cloudless sky, but finally disappeared behind a high ridge to the SW.  Things cooled off a bit.  It was after 7:00 PM by the time it was cool enough to leave Lupe in the G6.  She had water and was happy watching the mountain sheep.  SPHP went and enjoyed Miette Hot Springs for an hour and a half.  The cool pool was delightful.  The cold pool soon made the hotter ones seem desirable.  SPHP cycled back and forth between all the pools.

At 8:30 PM Lupe was glad to see SPHP returning to the G6.  Watching mountain sheep has its limits when you can’t get at them for a fresh mutton dinner.  For SPHP, Miette Hot Springs was a refreshing and wonderful time.  Too bad Lupe couldn’t come to the pools, too, but SPHP would make it up to her.  On the way back to Jasper, SPHP felt great and optimistic.  It was a beautiful drive.  Lupe rode in air conditioned comfort again, just happy to be with SPHP.  Dingoes make the best friends!

Athabasca Falls 7-30-14
Athabasca Falls 7-30-14

There are three hot springs that Lupe and SPHP have been to in the Canadian Rockies: Miette Hot Springs NE of Jasper, Banff Upper Hot Springs in Banff, and Radium Hot Springs in Kootenay National Park.  SPHP considers all of them very affordable and great bargains.  While all are nice facilities, Miette Hot Springs is SPHP’s clear favorite of the three.

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Sunwapta Falls & Athabasca Falls, Jasper National Park, Canada (7-28-13)

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Rawson Lake, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada (7-19-14)

The trailhead for the hike to Rawson Lake is at the far SE corner of Upper Kananaskis Lake in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada.  There is a large paved parking area next to the trailhead and a picnic ground there next to the Upper Kananaskis Lake.  Elevation gain to reach Rawson Lake is approximately 918 feet or 279 meters.

After a very long and wonderful day hike from Upper Kananaskis Lake to the Turbine Campground along the Maude-Lawson Trail the previous day, Lupe and SPHP got off to a very slow start this morning.  The wind was gusting across Upper Kananaskis Lake creating whitecaps, and it was much cooler than the previous day.  There were occasional rain showers.  The air was clear of the smoky haze that had been present the day before.  It was Saturday and throngs of people were arriving despite the wet weather.

Lupe and SPHP had a very late breakfast.  SPHP repacked and rearranged the gear in the G6.  The wind and rains continued.  Lots of people in rain gear came and went.  SPHP was kind of spent after the long trek to Turbine Campground and felt lethargic.  Lupe was fine with a lazy day too.  Lupe and SPHP dozed in the G6 for hours.  It was late afternoon by the time SPHP woke up again.  The parking lot had been full earlier, but was now emptying out fast.  The rain had stopped, although it was still quite breezy by Upper Kananaskis Lake.

Finally SPHP was ready for action again.  There was plenty of time for Lupe to take the trail to Rawson Lake!  Lupe and SPHP started heading W on the circuit trail around Upper Kananaskis Lake from the SE corner of the lake.  Two days before, when Lupe had first arrived at Upper Kananaskis Lake, Lupe and SPHP had gone as far as the waterfall on Sarrail Creek on this same trail. This time Lupe and SPHP carefully crossed the wet three log “bridge” across the creek and went onward.

Soon after crossing Sarrail Creek, Lupe reached the junction with the Rawson Lake trail, which was 1.4 km from the parking lot.  The trail along Upper Kananaskis Lake had been very easy with little elevation change.  The 2.7 km Rawson Lake trail, however, climbed steadily nearly all the way to Rawson Lake.  Until Lupe was halfway up the Rawson Lake trail, there was a steady stream of hikers coming back down from Rawson Lake.  After halfway though, Lupe met no one.

One group of hikers told SPHP that there had been over 100 people up at Rawson Lake when they’d first arrived there.  Many people had been fishing.  Nearly all of them reported catching cutthroat trout.  It was all catch and release, and the fish were pretty small.  The most interesting report was from three guys who said they had seen two grizzly bears at Rawson Lake. One of the grizzlies got within 20 feet of them before passing on by. One of the guys said it was the first time he had ever released the safety latch on his bear spray.

Lupe on the log at Rawson Lake.
Lupe on the log at Rawson Lake.

When Lupe arrived at Rawson Lake no one was there.  SPHP couldn’t help but smile at the thought of all the people who had come earlier in the day when the weather was worse and had to contend with crowds.  SPHP sat on a log by the shore of Rawson Lake.  Lupe rested next to the log and sometimes got up on the log with SPHP.  Lupe and SPHP watched fish jumping in the lake and listened to birds singing.  No grizzly bears were in sight.  The lake was calm, protected from the wind by Mount Sarrail (10,413 ft.).  SPHP shared a Cliff bar with Lupe.

Lupe next to the log at Rawson Lake. She looks sleepy here, but she was just relaxed. On the way back the were-puppy suddenly attacked SPHP twice!
Lupe next to the log at Rawson Lake. She looks sleepy here, but she was just relaxed. On the way back a very energetic were-puppy suddenly attacked SPHP twice!
Rawson Lake, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Alberta Canada. The mountain is Mount Sarrail.
Rawson Lake, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Alberta Canada 7-19-14. The mountain is Mount Sarrail.

After 30+ peaceful minutes of unbroken solitude at tranquil Rawson Lake, Lupe and SPHP left and headed back down the trail.  The were-puppy attacked SPHP a couple of times not far from Rawson Lake, and nearly knocked SPHP down once.  Lupe was having a great time!  Lupe and SPHP saw no one until nearly back to the parking lot.  Upon reaching the parking lot, SPHP ditched the backpack in the G6 and got a drink.  Then Lupe and SPHP went back to a bench along the trail not far from the parking lot which had a view of Upper Kananaskis Lake.

Another day ended with a gray sunset at Upper Kananaskis Lake, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada. 7-19-14
Another day ended with a gray sunset at Upper Kananaskis Lake, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada. 7-19-14

Together Lupe and SPHP sat on the bench, listened to the waves on the shore, and watched the sun disappear behind the clouds and mountains.  A cool breeze was blowing from off the lake.  SPHP wrote and drank the drink.  The hoped for colorful sunset never materialized.  Instead everything just faded to gray.  SPHP stayed there talking to and petting an appreciative Lupe until the growing darkness indicated it was time to head back to the G6.

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