Twin Peaks, Laramie Mountains, Wyoming (6-1-16)

Morning!  (5:57 AM, 30°F)  SPHP opened the door of the G6 to let Lupe out, and grabbed the boots left outside on the ground the previous evening in the hopes that they would dry out a little.  SPHP’s boots had been soaking wet after spending much of the previous day hiking through snow drifts with Lupe on her fabulous day trip to Warbonnet Peak (9,414 ft.) and back.

Well, that didn’t work.  The boots weren’t dry.  They weren’t soaking wet, either.  Instead, they were frozen stiff.  It was chilly out.  Outside, there was frost on the picnic table.  SPHP turned on the engine to warm things up, with the blower blasting the boots with hot air to thaw them out.  Lupe hopped back into the G6 to bask in the warmth.

SPHP studied the maps.  SPHP hoped Lupe would be able to climb two more mountains today.  The original plan had been to go for Buffalo Peak (9,387 ft.) and then Squaw Mountain (9,313 ft.), which were 4 or 5 miles N of the Campbell Creek campground where Lupe and SPHP had spent the night.  The Peakbagger.com topo map showed a 4WD USFS Road No. 664 leaving Cold Spring Road (County Road No. 24), and leading after a few miles to a trail going between the two mountains.

However, SPHP had acquired a new map yesterday.  The forest service personnel who had been reinstalling the campground sign (washed away by floods a few weeks ago), gave SPHP a “Motor Vehicle Use Map” for the Medicine Bow National Forest.  It didn’t show the road and trail leading between Buffalo Peak and Squaw Mountain at all.  It did show something interesting, though.  There was a trailhead along Cold Spring Road, and a Twin Peaks trail No. 618 leading right to Twin Peaks (9,280 ft.).

The Peakbagger.com topo map also showed Trail No. 618, but did not agree with the Motor Vehicle Use Map.  The Peakbagger.com map showed Trail No. 618 passing 0.5 mile N of the Twin Peaks summit.

By the time SPHP’s boots had thawed out enough to become sopping wet again, and pliable enough to put on, Lupe had new plan for the day.  She was going to find the Twin Peaks trailhead, and take Trail No. 618 to Twin Peaks.  If there was enough time left in the day after that, she would try for Squaw Mountain.

After breakfast, Lupe and SPHP left Campbell Creek campground.  SPHP drove N on Cold Spring Road.  Three miles N of the campground, SPHP saw a big empty parking lot next to the forest a little uphill and W of the road.  There was no sign along the road, but SPHP turned in and parked anyway (8:25 AM).

A small wooden sign, in deteriorating condition, still said clearly “Twin Peaks Trail No. 618”.  The sign was next to an old jeep or ATV trail heading W from the parking lot.  There was absolutely no other information around.  This is it, Loop!  Let’s get going!

The old jeep trail went gradually up and over a low part of a ridge coming down from the SW.  On the other side, a little over 0.5 mile from the trailhead, Lupe reached Roaring Fork Creek.  Snow was still melting up in the mountains, so Roaring Fork Creek was living up to its name.  The creek wasn’t terribly large, but big enough so that SPHP started wondering how much of a problem creek crossings were going to be on Trail No. 618.

SPHP needn’t have worried.  Trail No. 618 never did cross Roaring Fork Creek even once, although it did cross a few much smaller tributaries, most of which were clearly seasonal in nature.  None of the tributaries presented any problem.

Lupe trotted along Trail No. 618, sniffing here and there, and making occasional short forays into the forest to investigate points of interest to American Dingoes.  The trail went W following the S side of the creek upstream, most of the time well above it.  About where the trail had reached Roaring Fork Creek, the valley had narrowed and the forest had become denser.  Lupe and SPHP enjoyed a shady trek, with the pleasant sound of water tumbling over rocks below.

Gradually, the trail became steeper.  About 0.75 mile after reaching Roaring Fork Creek, Lupe came to an intersection.  It was unmarked, of course.  Here, the old jeep trail veered to the SW (L) and started climbing steeply.  To the R, a single track trail led down a hill toward the creek.

Decision time.  Which way Lupe?  The Carolina Dog made no response.  Instead, she looked expectantly up at SPHP.  We better check the maps.  Hang on a few minutes.  SPHP already knew what they would show.  The old jeep trail to the L looked like it was heading in the direction shown on the Motor Vehicle Use Map directly to Twin Peaks.  The single track trail continuing up Roaring Fork Creek was the route shown on the Peakbagger.com topo map.  Depending on which map one looked at, both were supposedly Trail No. 618.

Yep, that was what the maps showed alright.  The Motor Vehicle Use Map showed almost no details.  It was impossible to know if the jeep trail actually went up to the top of Twin Peaks or not.  SPHP suspected it wouldn’t, although it must end somewhere not too far from the summit.

The Peakbagger.com map showed the Roaring Fork Creek route would ultimately leave Lupe facing at least 0.5 mile of off-trail bushwhacking going up the N slope of Twin Peaks.  On the other hand, if Twin Peaks proved impossible to climb, Lupe’s alternative peak, Squaw Mountain, would be much closer.

SPHP pondered for 10 minutes.  Lupe took the single track trail near Roaring Fork Creek.

After going a little way on the single track trail, Lupe reached a barbed wire fence across it.  A yellow sign said “Please Close The Gate”.  The sign must not have been very effective.  Sterner measures had been put in place.  There was no gate.  Only a fence.  It ended at a rock formation a foot to the L of the trail.  Lupe and SPHP climbed over the rocks to get by.

A little farther on, a more serious situation developed.  The trail came to a marshy area with lots of little streams running through it.  Crossing the area wasn’t a problem, but following the trail was.  SPHP lost it completely.

Lupe near one of the tributaries of Roaring Fork Creek. SPHP lost Trail No. 618 in this area, but Lupe soon found it again a little farther upstream.
Lupe near one of the tributaries of Roaring Fork Creek. SPHP lost Trail No. 618 in this area, but Lupe soon found it again a little farther upstream.

Lupe soon found the trail again a little farther upstream, but from here on, the trail seemed to be seldom used.  Most of the time it wasn’t hard to follow, but every so often, it faded away.  SPHP lost the trail completely several times, but Lupe always came across it again.

Trail No. 618 eventually began to climb well above the level of Roaring Fork Creek.  The trail and creek started to diverge.  The trail turned more to the WSW, while the creek angled NW.

For a long way up the creek valley, the only really view had been N toward Squaw Mountain on the opposite side of the valley.  However, as Lupe continued gaining elevation, she now started seeing occasional glimpses of a high point to the S.  A long, moderately steep, forested slope led up toward it.  That high point had to be some part of Twin Peaks.

Lupe and SPHP took a break.  SPHP needed to check the topo map to determine where Lupe should leave the trail.  She would have to go S to start the climb up Twin Peaks.  The topo map showed that Lupe was approaching a saddle in the trail.  To the N of it were some contours indicating minor high points.  The trail’s high point should be a good place to turn S.

The trail leveled out slowly as it approached the saddle.  Some fairly impressive rock outcroppings began appearing on the N side of the trail.  Lupe reached the saddle.

Lupe nears the saddle area where she would have to leave Trail No. 618 to climb S up Twin Peaks. These rock formations a short distance N of the trail helped confirm Lupe’s location. Photo looks NNW.

Lupe and SPHP went a little farther W on the trail.  It started losing elevation at a pretty good clip.  Yes, Lupe had made it to the saddle.  No doubt about it.  Lupe and SPHP went back to the trail’s high point.  It was time for Lupe to leave Trail No. 618.  SPHP took one more look at the topo map.  Lupe would be climbing the N slopes of Twin Peaks.  The map seemed to indicate the climb would be easiest going around toward the NE side of the mountain.

Lupe and SPHP left Trail No. 618 going S.  The ground was almost level close to the trail, but Lupe soon reached the beginning of the long slope upward.  Nothing but forest could be seen above.  Just like yesterday, during Lupe’s trip to Warbonnet Peak, this forest with a N exposure was full of snow.  The snow was stacked in drifts 2 to 4 feet high.  The long struggle up the mountain began.

SPHP tried to angle toward the SE to get over to the NE slope of the mountain, as suggested by the topo map.  The terrain didn’t want to cooperate.  The easiest way up kept looking like it was farther to the W, where Lupe would be going up the NW side of the mountain.  Lupe and SPHP made forays to the E where possible, but the terrain always soon started looking easier back toward the W.

Lupe was having a great time.  The snow wasn’t a problem for her.  SPHP made fewer attempts to go E, gradually giving in to the terrain.  Lupe was destined to climb Twin Peaks from the NW.

Lupe climbed and climbed.  Finally, she came to a more level area in the forest.  A quick stroll led her to a rock formation.  Now she could get a look at what was ahead.

Lupe reaches the first real viewpoint on her way up Twin Peaks from the NW. Photo looks SE toward the summit. Although hidden by trees in this photo, there was some very deep snow just to the L of the rocky ridge seen beyond Lupe on the R. Photo looks SE.

From the rocks, Lupe could see the summit of Twin Peaks ahead.  The rest of the climb to the top didn’t look terribly long, but it was steeper than before.  A rough, stony ridge rose from the NW almost to the top of the mountain, before turning E to the summit.  Lupe could try to follow that ridge.  Climbing directly up the steep, snowy, forested N slope was the other option.

After a short break, Lupe and SPHP left the rock formation.  Lupe lost a little elevation crossing a shallow saddle.  Lupe and SPHP stayed in the forest a little to the E of the rough, stony ridge.  The slope kept getting steeper and steeper, the higher Lupe went.

SPHP decided Lupe should try to get up on the rough, stony ridge.  Deep snowdrifts were in the shade of the NE side of the ridge.  Lupe and SPHP had to climb up over them to reach the ridgeline.  Lupe made it first.  SPHP followed.

SPHP wondered if the ridge would be too rough to follow.  If Lupe had gotten on it a little lower down, it looked like it would have been.  From where Lupe reached it, however, the ridge wasn’t hard to follow.  There was little or no snow on the ridgeline.  Lupe began to make rapid progress.

Soon there were cliffs to the SW.  Their height increased as Lupe climbed.  A huge view opened up to the S.  The ridge turned E.  Lupe was nearing the summit.  Instead of staying up on the highest rocks, Lupe and SPHP traversed ledges slightly below and to the S of them.  The ledges were 5 or 6 feet wide, and seemed safer than the rocks above, despite the cliffs along the edge.

Lupe and SPHP proceeded carefully.  Just short of the summit was a gap in the rocks.  Beyond the gap was a wall of rock that looked like a potential problem.  SPHP could get up it, but how was Lupe going to get up there?

SPHP told Lupe to wait, and went closer to get a better look.  Suddenly, a Carolina Dog appeared above!  Lupe had found a way up on her own.  She knew what she was doing.  Now it was SPHP turn.  SPHP had to pass through a crack between two big rocks.  The L boulder moved slightly as soon as SPHP touched it!  It wasn’t completely stable.  That was unnerving!

SPHP pushed gently on the boulder again.  Yes, it did move, and quite easily.  It rocked back and forth.  More force didn’t make it move any farther, though.  It wasn’t going to fall, its range of motion was quite limited.  SPHP joined Lupe on top of Twin Peaks (9,280 ft.)!

Lupe reaches the top of Twin Peaks (9,290 ft.)! Squaw Mountain is on the L. Photo looks NE.
Lupe reaches the top of Twin Peaks (9,280 ft.)! Squaw Mountain is on the L. Photo looks NE.

Right away, it was apparent that Lupe was at the true summit of Twin Peaks.  The summit area was quite small, with cliffs to the N and S.  The last part of Lupe’s climb had been from the W along the narrow rocky ridge and ledges.  To the E, rocks went another 10 feet farther before reaching a drop off.

Lucky, Lupe!  Purely by accident, Lupe and SPHP had come up the NW spine of the mountain.  From the top, it looked like the only possible route Lupe and SPHP could have managed.  Lupe had made it, though!  Now she had fabulous 360° views, and a chance to rest while enjoying her peakbagging success.

Buffalo Peak (9,387 ft.) (L of Center) and Squaw Mountain (9,313 ft.) (forested ridge with a high point near Lupe's head) were originally supposed to be Lupe's peakbagging goals this day. Photo looks NNE from Twin Peaks.
Buffalo Peak (9,387 ft.) (L of Center) and Squaw Mountain (9,313 ft.) (forested ridge with a high point near Lupe’s head) were originally supposed to be Lupe’s peakbagging goals this day. Photo looks NNE from Twin Peaks.
Looking SE from Twin Peaks toward territory familiar to Lupe! Laramie Peak (10,272 ft.) is seen on the far horizon on the R. Closer and farther to the R is Warbonnet Peak (9,414 ft.), where Lupe and SPHP had been the day before. High Point 9310 is on the far R.
Looking SE from Twin Peaks toward territory familiar to Lupe! Laramie Peak (10,272 ft.) is seen on the far horizon on the R. Closer and farther to the R is Warbonnet Peak (9,414 ft.), where Lupe and SPHP had been the day before. High Point 9310 is on the far R.

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Maybe Lupe didn’t like being up on the exposed rocks of the small summit area, or maybe she was simply ready for a break.  After SPHP took a few photos of her on the summit, she went down to rest in a slot below the highest rocks.

The slot was a couple of feet wide and deep, 4 or 5 feet long, and protected by rock on three sides.  The only opening was toward the W.  There was a little grass for Lupe to lay down on, and a bit of shade.  Lupe tried to close her eyes and rest, but a fly kept harassing her.

While Lupe snapped at the bothersome fly, SPHP tried to identify some of the surrounding mountains.

Buffalo Peak looked like a forest fire had swept over it. Photo looks NNE using the telephoto lens.
Buffalo Peak (9,387 ft.) looked like a forest fire had swept over it. Photo looks NNE using the telephoto lens.
The high point on the R may be Buck Peak (9,061 ft.). Photo looks NNW.
The high point on the R may be Buck Peak (9,061 ft.). Photo looks NNW.
The conical mountain on the R may be Gunnysack (9,061 ft.). Photo looks NW using the telephoto lens.
The conical mountain on the R may be Gunnysack (9,061 ft.). Photo looks NW using the telephoto lens.
Lupe tries to rest in the safety of her slot in the rocks. Photo looks W at the rough, rocky ridge Lupe navigated on the way up. Sometimes she was up on top, but this high up she mostly followed rock ledges a bit lower down on the L (S).

One of the mysteries of Twin Peaks was why it was even called Twin Peaks.  Lupe was clearly at the highest point on the mountain, with unobstructed views in every direction.  Yet there didn’t seem to be any other similar peak nearby to be its “twin”.  There were some lower ridges of rounded rocks a little way E of the summit, but they were close enough so it was hard to consider them a separate peak.

Looking at the E end of the summit area from the top. The lower ridges topped with rounded rocks seemed too close to be the "twin" of Twin Peaks.
Looking at the E end of the summit area from the top. The lower ridges topped with rounded rocks seemed too close to be the “twin” of Twin Peaks.

SPHP decided High Point 9225 to the SE had to be the twin, but it didn’t look like one at all, at least not from here.  High Point 9225 was a much longer, flatter, broader ridge.  It didn’t resemble the true summit where Lupe was one bit.

High Point 9225, seen as the long flat ridge going all the way across this photo in the foreground, didn't look like a twin of Twin Peaks at all. Maybe it does from a different angle. Photo looks SE.
High Point 9225, seen as the long flat ridge going all the way across this photo in the foreground, didn’t look like a twin of Twin Peaks at all. Maybe it does from a different angle. Photo looks SE.

Lupe and SPHP remained up on Twin Peaks for around 45 minutes.  As lovely as the views were, the time came to think about moving on.  Squaw Mountain (9,313 ft.) was next!  Climbing Squaw Mountain didn’t look hard at all, but would take hours.  Lupe and SPHP took a last look around from Twin Peaks, before starting a careful descent.

Looking WSW from Twin Peaks. Photo taken using the telephoto lens.
Looking WSW from Twin Peaks. Photo taken using the telephoto lens.
Lupe stands at the summit of Twin Peaks, just above the slot in the rocks where she’d taken her rest break. Photo looks E.
The American Dingo of Twin Peaks! Photo looks E.
The American Dingo of Twin Peaks! Photo looks E.

At first, Lupe and SPHP retraced her route up on the way down.  The narrow, rocky ridge presented no other obvious options.  Eventually, though, Lupe got back down to more forgiving terrain.

SPHP had seen some open ground way down in the valley to the NW of Twin Peaks.  It was W and NW of the saddle where Lupe had left Trail No. 618.  SPHP suspected this open ground might lead far enough N to take Lupe around to the NW end of Squaw Mountain.  After Lupe passed by the rock formation where she had gotten her first good look at the summit of Twin Peaks from the NW, Lupe and SPHP continued down trying to stay toward the NW.

Somehow, it didn’t work.  Much to SPHP’s surprise, Lupe arrived at Trail No. 618 again right back at the top of the saddle.  Lupe needed to go N from here to get to the W end of Squaw Mountain.  However, the big rock formation N of the trail hadn’t gone anywhere.  To get around it, Lupe could either go W or E.

SPHP decided Lupe should try going E.  The plan was to turn N, and eventually NW going up the Roaring Fork Creek valley.  Based on what had been seen from up on Twin Peaks, Lupe ought to find open ground somewhere W of Squaw Mountain.

Working her way around to the N side of the big rock formation, Lupe gained a little elevation, and ran into more snow.  Not as much snow as on the N slope of Twin Peaks, but enough to slow SPHP down.  Deadfall timber was abundant, too.  Progress wasn’t as fast as SPHP had hoped.

The dense forest went on and on.  Lupe did not come to open ground, even though she was getting closer and closer to the W end of Squaw Mountain.  Now gradually losing elevation, the American Dingo came upon a series of small bright green openings in the forest.  These bright green areas were swampy, full of shallow standing water and trickling little streams.  The green openings were beautiful, but crossing them took time, as SPHP tried to avoid the wettest spots.

In the end, Lupe reached a final bright green marsh, somewhat bigger than the others.  She had made it back to Roaring Fork Creek, but much farther upstream than before.  The creek flowed E in the forest a little beyond the N edge of the marsh.  Lupe went to the far NW end.

Lupe was now just S of the far W end of Squaw Mountain.  It had taken longer to get here than SPHP had expected.  Lupe hadn’t come to any easy open ground.  Beyond the marsh, a damp, dank forest continued for who knew how much farther?

There were still hours of daylight left.  SPHP had no doubt Lupe would be able to get to the summit of Squaw Mountain before dark.  That wasn’t good enough, though.  Lupe and SPHP weren’t at all equipped to spend a night on the mountain.  Lupe would need enough daylight to find her way back to the trail through miles of trackless forest before dark.  She wouldn’t have that much time.

Lupe stood on a rotting log at the edge of the forest.  She was at her point of farthest advance.  SPHP stared deeper into the forest, wistfully.  Maybe Lupe would come back again some day to climb Squaw Mountain.  Or maybe this was it, her only chance, a moment passing into history.  Sorry, Lupe, we aren’t going to make it this time.

Lupe at her point of farthest advance on her way to Squaw Mountain. She is just S of the W end of it here. Photo looks NW into the damp, dank forest she would have had to travel through to continue. Photo looks NW.
Lupe at her point of farthest advance on her way to Squaw Mountain. She is just S of the W end of it here. Photo looks NW into the damp, dank forest she would have had to travel through to continue. Photo looks NW.

When Lupe reached the G6 again, it was 5:27 PM (65°F).  Soon Lupe and SPHP were heading N on Cold Spring Road.  Lupe’s trip to the Laramie Mountains was ending, but Lupe and SPHP were still having fun.  The drive to Douglas was absolutely gorgeous.  Mile after mile of unspoiled classic western scenery.

Pronghorn antelope and cows caught Lupe’s attention.  Barkfest was on!  Lupe sped past them all having the time of her life.  In the rear view mirror, Squaw Mountain and Buffalo Peak loomed impressively high and blue.

Maybe some day.

Links:

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Squaw Mountain, Laramie Range, Wyoming (6-12-17)

Buffalo Peak & Twin Peaks in the Laramie Range of Wyoming (6-12-17 & 6-13-17)

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Warbonnet Peak, the Converse County, Wyoming High Point (5-31-16)

In the wee hours of the morning, Lupe wanted out.  SPHP opened the door of the G6, and she bounded into the night.  No stars.  A light mist explained why.  Hours later, dawn came.  Low hanging clouds hid the mountains.  There wasn’t a speck of blue sky anywhere.  Maybe it was time to move on?

The plan had been for Lupe to explore nearby Twin Mountain (8,831 ft.) and the Sherman Benchmark area in the Laramie Mountains SE of Laramie, WY.  Now there didn’t seem to be much point, unless the clouds were going to burn off soon.

Lupe had spent the last 2 days peakbagging in these mountains.  Most of her goals had been achieved, or ruled out as too difficult.  The more SPHP thought about it, the more it seemed like a good idea to move on, whether the sky cleared or not.  Warbonnet Peak (9,414 ft.) was calling.

Warbonnet Peak was in the Laramie Mountains, too, but far away in the NW part of the range.  It was a beautiful drive.  The farther NW Lupe went, the more beautiful and remote the scenery became.  N of the town of Medicine Bow, Lupe and SPHP left Hwy 487, taking Little Medicine Road for miles through high rolling plains where there were more pronghorn antelope than cows for Lupe to bark at.

The gravel road slowly deteriorated.  There was almost no signage.  At least not that meant anything unless you knew the names of the local ranchers.  SPHP made a wrong turn onto Holaday Road.  Almost 10 miles later, a red pickup truck appeared going the opposite direction.  Turned out the lady driving it was lost, too.  However, she had a great road atlas showing every little dirt road in Wyoming.

A couple minutes later, it was all figured out.  The red pickup truck raced W out of sight.  Lupe and SPHP turned around and followed it, but there was no way the poor G6 could keep up with a pickup on these roads.  SPHP turned N onto Little Medicine Road again.  Lupe enjoyed a spectacular ride up into the Laramie Mountains.

Little Medicine Road is shown on Wyoming state road maps.  In combination with other roads, there was supposed to be a route through the Laramie Mountains here going all the way N to Douglas, WY.  The creek crossings were mighty rough, though, for a road shown on the official state map.  One might think an official state map would only show principal routes.  In Wyoming, one would be wrong.

Lupe had already been going downhill again for miles when SPHP saw a couple of people.  Did they know where the Campbell Creek campground was?  They sure did.  This was it!  Heavy rains and flooding 3 weeks ago had washed out roads in the area.  The county had just patched them enough to be passable.  The two people were park service employees putting the campground sign back up.  The campground was closed for a few days yet, but it was OK to stay here.  No fees or services until the campground opened.

Perfect!  That was a deal.  Lupe and SPHP took the very last of the six campsites, No. 6 at the upstream end of the campground.

Lupe arrives at the Campbell Creek campground.
Lupe arrives at the Campbell Creek campground.

After a few minutes of preparation, Lupe and SPHP struck out for Warbonnet Peak (12:15 PM, 50°F).  A wide trail led upstream on the W side of Campbell Creek.  Lupe hadn’t gone very far when she reached a creek crossing.  The creek was still swollen with melting snow.  SPHP didn’t want freezing cold wet feet this early in the trip.  There was a narrow spot just downstream.  Maybe SPHP could jump across?

Lupe is a great jumper!  SPHP, not so much.  SPHP decided maybe it would be better to go upstream looking for a better spot.  Lupe and SPHP explored the W bank a bit farther up.  Nothing.

The first stream crossing over Campbell Creek. Lupe is a bit upstream looking for a better way across for SPHP.

Turn back, jump across the narrow spot, or ford the icy cold creek?  Those were the choices.  SPHP threw the backpack across the creek.  Then SPHP jumped.  Made it!  Good thing Campbell Creek wasn’t any wider, though.

Lupe and SPHP continued upstream along the trail.  The ground was marshy.  The trail itself was part trail, and part mucky little streams.  Almost everywhere, the ground was sopping wet.  Lupe and SPHP had to weave through the forest, on and off the trail, to avoid deadfall timber and particularly wet spots.  Lupe hadn’t gone much farther, when she came to a stone fire ring.  It was right on the trail at a rare dry spot.

Edward Earl had written about taking this trail up Campbell Creek on the way to Warbonnet Peak more than 7 years ago on May 24, 2009.  SPHP had a copy of Mr. Earl’s trip report in the backpack.  In it, Mr. Earl described a long slog with creek crossings, deadfall, brush, swamps and occasional deep snow.  Conditions didn’t seem like they had changed for the better since then.

Even before Lupe had left home more than a week ago, Edward Earl’s trip report had SPHP thinking maybe there was another way to Warbonnet Peak from Campbell Creek?  The topo map showed a long, broad ridge to the E of the creek that eventually wound its way past high points all the way to Warbonnet Peak.  There wouldn’t be any roads or trails – just forests, fields, rocks and whatever else Lupe might encounter.

The first problem, of course, was how to climb 500 ft. up out of the Campbell Creek valley to get onto the ridge?  Directly ahead, just past the fire ring, was a steep rocky spine coming all the way down to the trail from the NE.  Climbing near the spine didn’t look that bad, though it was impossible to say how far up things would remain that way.  Forests hid the slope.

Lupe wasn’t far from the campground yet at all.  Nearly the entirety of Edward Earl’s miserable slog along Campbell Creek lay ahead.  Whatcha, think Loop?  Long, miserable slog along a questionable trail down by the creek, or try pioneering a new American Dingo route?

American Dingoes are high spirited and adventurous.  Lupe was not only ready, but eager, to trail blaze an all new Lupe route to Warbonnet Peak.  Lupe and SPHP left the trail, climbing NE along the rocky spine.  Up and up.  A forested hill came into view over on the W (opposite) side of the creek valley.  Lupe and SPHP were gaining on it.  Before long, Lupe was as high as it was.

The slope continued up.  Lupe came to small rock outcroppings.  The climb was steep, but steady.  There were always manageable ways higher.  Multiple ways, actually.  SPHP had to stop for breathers, but leg and lung power were the only real limitations.  When Lupe was clearly higher than the forested hill across the valley, things started leveling out.  Lupe had made it up onto the ridge E of Campbell Creek!

Lupe found a snowbank to cool off on in the forest.  While Lupe was chillin’, SPHP consulted the topo map.  Time to change direction.  From here the ridge sloped gently up toward the SE.  When Lupe was sufficiently cooled down, Lupe and SPHP turned S or SE wandering through the forest.  The going was much easier now.

Lupe found this snowbank to cool off on up on the ridge E of Campbell Creek.
Lupe found this snowbank to cool off on up on the ridge E of Campbell Creek.

Before too long, SPHP saw an opening in the forest.  A small, partially sunlit hill was nearby off to the SW.  It looked like the hill was on the edge of a drop off.  Lupe and SPHP headed over to climb the little hill.  A view would be great.  SPHP could get oriented properly.

Lupe saw a high forested ridge to the SE.  The ridge was situated beyond a big gap over much lower ground SPHP realized must drain W toward Campbell Creek.  The SW end of the long ridge featured a towering cliff.  Take a break, Lupe!  Time to figure out where we are.

SPHP studied the topo map for several minutes, comparing it to the view from the little hill.  It seemed pretty clear.  OK, Loopster.  This little hill is most likely High Point 8585.  That high forested ridge to the SE has got to be High Point 9180.  About 0.25 mile to the E should be High Point 8590.  We will have to go over there to get around this big drainage before we can continue SSE to High Point 9180.

Lupe at the High Point 8585 viewpoint. High Point 9180 is the big forested ridge on the L. High Point 9254 is seen in the distance on the R. Photo looks SSE.
Lupe at the High Point 8585 viewpoint. High Point 9180 is the big forested ridge on the L. High Point 9254 is seen in the distance on the R. Photo looks SSE.
Lupe waits on High Point 8585 for SPHP to figure out which way to go next.
Lupe waits on High Point 8585 for SPHP to figure out which way to go next.

Lupe and SPHP left High Point 8585 going E near the edge of the drainage to the S.  Lupe’s immediate objective was to get to High Point 8590.  It didn’t take Lupe long to get there.

Lupe arrives at High Point 8590. The SW portion of the High Point 9180 ridge is seen on the L. Photo looks S.
Lupe arrives at High Point 8590. The SW portion of the High Point 9180 ridge is seen on the L. Photo looks S.
Lupe at High Point 8590. High Point 8585, where she had just come from, is the little hill with the rock outcropping slightly to the L beyond her. Photo looks W.
Lupe at High Point 8590. High Point 8585, where she had just come from, is the little hill with the rock outcropping slightly to the L beyond her. Photo looks W.

From High Point 8590, Lupe faced another big climb, 590 feet of elevation gain, up the forested NNW slope of High Point 9180.  The topo map showed that Lupe might not have to climb all the way to the top.  Maybe she could skirt around to the NE of the high point.

Lupe about to leave the High Point 8590 area to start the big climb up to High Point 9180 directly ahead. Maybe she could climb only partway up and skirt around to the NE (L)? Photo looks SSE.
Lupe about to leave the High Point 8590 area to start the big climb up to High Point 9180 directly ahead. Maybe she could climb only partway up and skirt around to the NE (L)? Photo looks SSE.

Soon after Lupe entered the forest to begin the climb up High Point 9180, it became apparent a tougher climb was in store than anticipated.  As expected, the slope was moderately steep, and there was the usual deadfall timber.  That wasn’t the problem.  The problem was Lupe found snow.  Lots of it.  Almost everywhere.

The snow was soft and melting.  Around the bases of most tree trunks, little or none remained.  Between the trees, though, snow was stacked in drifts 2 to 4 feet high.  Lupe was light enough to travel over the snowdrifts.  SPHP was stuck post holing.  The climb became a relentless endurance struggle.

Going around the NE side of High Point 9180 wasn’t going to be possible.  Sheltered by the mountain’s shadow, the snow was deepest over there.  Lupe and SPHP worked over more to the W, close to the edge of the drainage.  Better exposure to the sun meant less snow.  SPHP was able to climb faster.

It wasn’t until Lupe was on the upper portion of the slope that she started angling back farther E.  Just below the ridgeline were the biggest snow drifts yet, 6 to 8 feet high.  Lupe trotted up the snow to the top.  A few minutes later, SPHP was able to join her.  SPHP had to stop to breathe.

When SPHP could move again, Lupe and SPHP set out SW exploring along the ridgeline.  Lupe had come up at the NE end of the highest part of the High Point 9180 ridge.  Lupe appeared to be at the true summit.  There wasn’t any snow on the exposed rocks near the edge.  Lupe found a glorious view off to the NW, only 50 – 100 feet from where she had reached the ridgeline.

The glorious view to the NW from up on High Point 9180. The low forested hill seen straight up from the stump to the L of Lupe is High Point 8585, now far below.
The glorious view to the NW from up on High Point 9180. The low forested hill seen straight up from the stump to the L of Lupe is High Point 8585, now far below.
Lupe found this cool rock with a water basin in it up on High Point 9180. It was very close to the true summit, near the edge of the ridge where the fabulous views were. This water basin rock was only 50 feet from where Lupe reached the ridgeline in the area beyond her toward the R.
Lupe found this cool rock with a water basin in it up on High Point 9180. It was very close to the true summit, near the edge of the ridge where the fabulous views were. This water basin rock was only 50 feet from where Lupe reached the ridgeline in the area beyond her toward the R.

The fabulous view to the NW made High Point 9180 seem like a great objective in and of itself.  Lupe and SPHP liked the rocky ridge with numerous viewpoints.  Lupe had to press on, though.  Warbonnet Peak was still a more than 1.5 miles to the SE as the crow flies.  So far, Lupe and SPHP hadn’t even seen it yet.

Lupe and SPHP left the edge of the ridge behind and turned SE, immediately disappearing into the forest again.  The ground was sloping gently downward now, but the way forward was still a struggle.

Despite a southern exposure, even this part of the forest was full of snowdrifts.  To make things worse, the deadfall timber was thicker than before.  If the rest of the way was going to be like this, Lupe wouldn’t make it to Warbonnet Peak – not through this kind of stuff.  Maybe Lupe and SPHP should have stuck to Edward Earl’s route?

SPHP was thinking these gloomy thoughts, when suddenly the forest ended.  Ahead was open ground!  And off to the SE was a high peak, Warbonnet Peak!

Lupe breaks out of the forest SE of the High Point 9180 summit. Off in the distance is her ultimate objective – Warbonnet Peak! Photo looks SE.
Objective Warbonnet Peak (L) and next obstacle High Point 9310 (R) from the open ground SE of High Point 9180. Photo looks SE.
Objective Warbonnet Peak (L) and next obstacle High Point 9310 (R) from the open ground SE of High Point 9180. Photo looks SE.
When Lupe emerged from the forest SE of the High Point 9180 summit, her next major obstacle on the way to Warbonnet Peak was High Point 9310. This large solid rock knob was in view to the S between High Point 9310 and High Point 9254. Open ground led almost all the way down to it. Photo looks S using the telephoto lens.
Lupe on the open ground after emerging from the forest SE of the summit of High Point 9180. High Point 9254 is in view. Lupe's route to Warbonnet Peak didn't take her close to High Point 9254, but Edward Earl's trip report mentioned it. Photo looks S.
Lupe on the open ground after emerging from the forest SE of the summit of High Point 9180. High Point 9254 is in view. Lupe’s route to Warbonnet Peak didn’t take her close to High Point 9254, but Edward Earl’s trip report mentioned it. Photo looks S.

Reaching the open ground and finally seeing Warbonnet Peak was most encouraging!  Lupe still faced obstacles, however.  The biggest obstacle was High Point 9310.  It was directly ahead.  SPHP could see quite a bit of snow up on it.  Once again, SPHP consulted the topo map.

The topo map contours suggested the possible existence of cliffs on the far (SE) side of High Point 9310.  Climbing to the top made no sense.  Skirting High Point 9310 to the NE would definitely be shortest.

Lupe and SPHP made excellent time over the open ground heading down the slope toward High Point 9310.  However, as Lupe approached the area NE of High Point 9310, the view was not encouraging.  The area was heavily forested.  Big snowbanks were near the trees.

Lupe and SPHP made only a short foray into the forest.  The snow was deep.  Like 5 or 6 feet deep, in many places.  Staring further into the dark, dense forest, with snow piled so deep it looked like winter, prospects seemed simply ominous.  Battling through for any significant distance looked impossibly slow and difficult.  Lupe and SHP beat a hasty retreat.

From higher up, where Lupe had first broken out of the forest SE of High Point 9180, she had seen a huge knob of solid rock to the SW of High Point 9310.  Open ground led almost all the way to it.  Lupe would have to try going around High Point 9310 from somewhere over there.  Lupe and SPHP turned S looking for the huge rock knob.  Being a huge rock knob near open ground, it wasn’t hard to find.

The open ground ended a short distance before Lupe reached the big rock knob SW of High Point 9310, but she had no problem finding it. Photo looks S.

Lupe and SPHP went over a small saddle to the NE of the huge rock knob.  On the other side was a forested valley coming up from the SW.  Lupe could see plenty of snow down below, but there wasn’t any up on the slope where Lupe and SPHP were.  Lupe and SPHP tried to head NE on the slope between High Point 9310 and the valley to the SE.  Lupe’s goal was to maintain elevation as much as possible while avoiding the snow.

Looking back at the huge rock knob from the SE after crossing the saddle to the NE (R) of it. Photo looks NW.
Looking back at the huge rock knob from the SE after crossing the saddle to the NE (R) of it. Photo looks NW.

For a while, Lupe and SPHP had no problem maintaining elevation, but as Lupe drew closer to the area right below the High Point 9310 summit, the terrain grew more rocky and steep.  Progress slowed.  Finally, it was time to give it up.  Lupe would be better off going down to face the snow in the valley.

Lupe maintaining elevation trying to get around High Point 9310, which looms above. Photo looks NE.
Lupe below High Point 9310. She gave up trying to maintain elevation here and headed SE (toward the camera and to the R) down into the snowy forest in the valley. Photo looks N.

It wasn’t terribly far down to the valley floor.  This valley had a SW exposure.  Although there were snow drifts, they were only 2 to 3 feet high.  SPHP had seen some open ground to the SE somewhere on the opposite side of the valley.  Lupe and SPHP tried to find it.

Lupe and SPHP passed to the SW of some higher ground before beginning the climb out of the valley.  On the way up, Lupe did find open ground, although she was already well up the slope by then.  Soon Lupe was astride a boulder in a wide saddle on a ridgeline leading SE.  The next obstacle, another forest with snow in it, was just ahead.  A quick glance at the topo map, and SPHP decided the ridge ahead was High Point 9223, the last major obstacle on the way to Warbonnet Peak.

Lupe reaches open ground SE of High Point 9310. SPHP assumed the ridge ahead was the final obstacle on the way to Warbonnet Peak, High Point 9223. SPHP was wrong! Photo looks SE.
Lupe reaches open ground SE of High Point 9310. SPHP assumed the ridge ahead was the final obstacle on the way to Warbonnet Peak, High Point 9223. SPHP was wrong! Photo looks SE.

High Point 9223 didn’t look that high.  It looked like Lupe could easily climb it.  However, there didn’t seem to be any point in doing so.  The topo map showed it should be possible to go around either end of the ridge.  By now SPHP had figured out what that meant.  The NE side would be dense forest with deep snow.  The SW side was the way to go.  Lupe and SPHP took the easy way, following open ground around to the SW.

Lupe climbed out of the snowy valley S of High Point 9310 coming up from the L. She arrived near the top of this little hill (Center). Lupe then followed the open ground down to the camera’s location. SPHP mistakenly thought Lupe was on her way around the SW end of High Point 9223. Photo looks N.

As expected, the open ground ended.  Lupe entered the forest again, as she neared the SW end of the High Point 9223 ridge.  Lupe climbed a little and made it over the lower part of the ridge, but the ground ahead dropped off surprisingly steeply.  The terrain was so steep, that SPHP decided Lupe had better climb higher up to find easier ground on which to get around High Point 9223.

Lupe made a short, but very steep climb to the E up a rocky ridge along the N side of a narrow ravine.  She arrived up on a platform of rocks along the spine of the ridge.  The rocks presented a good view back to the NW toward High Point 9310.  Ahead to the E was more level ground as SPHP had expected.  Beyond the level ground was a high spot that SPHP was still thinking must be the top of High Point 9223.  Lupe wasn’t that far away from it.  There were too many trees to see much to the SE, where SPHP was expecting Lupe would soon see Warbonnet Peak.

Lupe made a short steep climb to arrive up on this rock platform with a view back to the NW. High Point 9310 (Center) is in the shadow of a cloud. At the time, SPHP thought Lupe was W of High Point 9223 here. She wasn't. High Point 9223 is the closest lower forested ridge seen on the R. Photo looks WNW.
Lupe made a short steep climb to arrive up on this rock platform with a view back to the NW. High Point 9310 (Center) is in the shadow of a cloud. At the time, SPHP thought Lupe was W of High Point 9223 here. She wasn’t. High Point 9223 is the closest lower forested ridge seen on the R. Photo looks WNW.
This relatively level ground Lupe came to after her short steep climb up the rocky ridge featured lots of exposed rock. Pictured not too far ahead is what SPHP still believed was the top of High Point 9223. Lupe and SPHP went toward it, but tried angling around to the R (SE) to get beyond it without climbing it. Photo looks E.

SPHP hadn’t consulted the topo map in a little while, but remembered it showed relatively flat ground on the SE side of High Point 9223.  If Lupe could break out into the open beyond High Point 9223, Warbonnet Peak ought to be visible less than 0.5 mile away!

There was no reason to climb all the way to the top of High Point 9223.  Lupe could now go around it on this relatively level terrain.  Lupe and SPHP proceeded in the general direction of the top of High Point 9223, but angling 45° to the R (SE) to bypass it.

For a few minutes, Lupe and SPHP progressed quickly enough through a somewhat thinly forested area over and around big flat rocks.  The slope began to steepen toward the S as the rocks gave way to more typical, denser forest.  Everything seemed to be going fine.  Any minute now, Lupe would see Warbonnet Peak up ahead!

Suddenly, there was trouble.  The ground started dropping off sharply.  Between the trees, Lupe and SPHP did see the blue outline of a massive peak.  It was very far away, however.  It wasn’t Warbonnet Peak, but SPHP recognized it.  Lupe had been there before, last summer.  Miles and miles away was the unmistakable shape of the highest peak of the Laramie Range – Laramie Peak (10,272 ft.).

Well, that wasn’t so surprising.  What was surprising was that the easy, relatively level terrain the topo map showed SE of High Point 9223 wasn’t there!  And where on God’s green earth was Warbonnet Peak?  It was nowhere in sight!  Something was wrong.

Maybe SPHP was just turned around a bit?  Whatever the case, the ground now dropped off very steeply this way.  Lupe would have to try going around the NE side of High Point 9223.  She would have to backtrack some to do so.  Fortunately it wasn’t far.  Lupe and SPHP turned around.  Before long, Lupe was in position.  SPHP wasn’t looking forward to a difficult trek through dense forests and deep snow, but expected that was what was in store.

Lupe had hardly gotten started trying to go around the NE side of High Point 9223 when she came to a stunning view, once again seen only partially between the trees.  The terrain dropped steeply for hundreds of feet.  Far lower mountains were seen just a few miles away.  Lupe wasn’t going to be able to go around High Point 9223 this way either!

She wouldn’t have to.  The truth hit SPHP like a bolt out of the blue.  Lupe wasn’t on the slopes of High Point 9223.  She must have circumvented it to the S while on the way through the snowy valley SE of High Point 9310.  This was great news, actually!  SPHP now knew where Lupe was.  She was already high on the upper slopes of Warbonnet Peak (9,414 ft.).  The summit was only a short climb away!

Lupe high on the upper W slope of Warbonnet Peak. The summit was now only a few minute's short rocky climb away! Photo looks ENE.
Lupe high on the upper W slope of Warbonnet Peak. The summit was now only a few minute’s short rocky climb away! Photo looks ENE.

Within minutes, Lupe was attacking the last part of the steep, rocky W slope just shy of the summit.  Suddenly she was there, standing atop Warbonnet Peak (9,414 ft.), the Converse County, WY High Point!

Lupe atop Warbonnet Peak (9,414 ft.) the Converse County, WY High Point. Photo looks ESE.
Lupe atop Warbonnet Peak (9,414 ft.) the Converse County, WY High Point. Photo looks ESE.
Lupe on Warbonnet Peak. Laramie Peak (10,272 ft.), the highest mountain in the Laramie Range is seen in the distance on the R. Photo looks SE.
Lupe on Warbonnet Peak. Laramie Peak (10,272 ft.), the highest mountain in the Laramie Range is seen in the distance on the R. Photo looks SE.
The survey benchmark on Warbonnet Peak. SPHP was a little disappointed it didn't even say "Warbonnet" on it.
The survey benchmark on Warbonnet Peak. SPHP was a little disappointed it didn’t even say “Warbonnet” on it.

The summit of Warbonnet Peak was virtually all rock, with little vegetation.  Consequently, Lupe had fabulous 360° views.  There were still quite a few hours of daylight left – plenty of time for Lupe and SPHP to take a long break relaxing, sharing chocolate coconut granola bars, and enjoying the world from such a terrific vantage point.

The summit area wasn’t terribly big, maybe 10 to 20 feet wide and three times that much long, but there was room to walk around a bit on the jumbled rocks and decide on a favorite perch.

"View

Lupe on Warbonnet Peak, Laramie Mountains, WY 5-31-16

SPHP found a plastic jar with a green lid (about the size of a medium-sized peanut butter jar) tucked down among the rocks near the survey benchmark.  Inside was a green plastic Indian Chief, and a red and white round plastic souvenir left by a winehead chick and an ex-drunk.

It was good to see that the green Indian chief was appropriately equipped with his war bonnet on.

There was also a single sheet of paper, on the back of which was a climber’s log with only 4 entries on it, the first one dating back to 9-23-2011.  The other side of the log was a copy of the same trip report by Edward Earl that SPHP had a copy of in the backpack.  Unfortunately, there was nothing to write with in the jar, and SPHP hadn’t brought a pen along.  Lupe’s ascent did not get recorded on the log.

This climber's log with only 4 entries on it was written on the back of a copy of the same trip report by Edward Earl that SPHP had a copy of in the backpack. Lupe hadn't taken Edward Earl's route, though. She had blazed her own trail here!
This climber’s log with only 4 entries on it was written on the back of a copy of the same trip report by Edward Earl that SPHP had a copy of in the backpack. Lupe hadn’t taken Edward Earl’s route, though. She had blazed her own trail here!

Lupe was a bit bored with the climber’s log and assorted associated paraphernalia.  While SPHP fiddled around with it, she found a very small grassy spot on which to curl up for a snooze.

Lupe curls up on a tiny patch of grass and tries to get in a few winks up on Warbonnet Peak. In the background L of Center is a prominent forested ridge with high points at each end. The high point at the R end of the ridge is High Point 9254. The solid rock knob Lupe went past on her way around High Point 9310 is seen on the R. Lupe had passed just to the R of it. Photo looks WSW.
Lupe curls up on a tiny patch of grass and tries to get in a few winks up on Warbonnet Peak. In the background L of Center is a prominent forested ridge with high points at each end. The high point at the R end of the ridge is High Point 9254. The solid rock knob Lupe went past on her way around High Point 9310 is seen on the R. Lupe had passed just to the R of it. Photo looks WSW.

SPHP put the climber’s log and other items back in the plastic jar with the green top, returning the jar to its original resting place.  While Lupe tried to snooze, SPHP took more photos of the views before discovering a larger Simply Orange plastic bottle a few feet away from the jar with the climber’s log.

Inside the Simply Orange bottle were a $1 bill, a penny, a folded newspaper article yellowed with age, and a photograph.  SPHP had no way to get the photo or newspaper article out through the narrow neck of the bottle.  SPHP left the cash inside, too.

Squaw Mountain (9,313 ft.) (ridge on L) and Buffalo Peak (9,387 ft.) (Center). Photo looks NW from Warbonnet Peak using the telephoto lens.
Squaw Mountain (9,313 ft.) (ridge on L) and Buffalo Peak (9,387 ft.) (Center). Photo looks NW from Warbonnet Peak using the telephoto lens.
Laramie Peak (10,272 ft.) (Center). Photo looks SE using the telephoto lens.
Laramie Peak (10,272 ft.) (Center). Photo looks SE using the telephoto lens.
The photo in the Simply Orange plastic bottle.
The photo in the Simply Orange plastic bottle.

Despite what had seemed like a long trek to reach Warbonnet Peak, Lupe had arrived at the summit with what SPHP estimated to be 4 to 5 hours of daylight remaining before sunset.  Lupe and SPHP were in no rush to leave.  After an hour or so, though, the sun had clearly made progress across the sky.  Lupe was starting to revive from her nap, and showed signs of being ready for action again.

Lupe still dozing, but she soon woke up ready for action again!
Lupe still dozing, but she soon woke up ready for action again!

It was a long way back, and without any trails to follow, SPHP didn’t want to take a chance on not leaving enough time for Lupe to find her way back to Campbell Creek while it was still light out.  A few more photos at the top, and it was time to bid a reluctant farewell to the fabulous views from Warbonnet Peak.

Looking E.
Looking E.
Lupe about to leave Warbonnet Peak. She was going to take the same way back to Campbell Creek, and would have to go past High Point 9310 (Center) and High Point 9180 (R) again. Photo looks WNW.
Lupe about to leave Warbonnet Peak. She was going to take the same way back to Campbell Creek, and would have to go past High Point 9310 (Center) and High Point 9180 (R) again. Photo looks WNW.
Lupe during her final moments atop Warbonnet Peak. Photo looks E.
Lupe during her final moments atop Warbonnet Peak. Photo looks E.

Lupe and SPHP took the same route Lupe had just pioneered on the way back to Campbell Creek.  Now that the route was known, Lupe made faster progress than before.  It helped that the return trip was mostly downhill, Lupe now knew a few shortcuts, and this time SPHP didn’t have to keep stopping to check the topo map.  It was still a long trek. The sun made steady progress on its way to the horizon.

Lupe back down to the area W of Warbonnet where SPHP had earlier mistakenly thought she was near High Point 9223. The top of Warbonnet Peak (NOT High Point 9223) is partially hidden in the trees behind her. Photo looks E.
A wily American Dingo prowls the snowy forested valley S of High Point 9310.
A wily American Dingo prowls the snowy forested valley S of High Point 9310.

Once around High Point 9310 again, Lupe found a shortcut on her way back to the NW edge of the High Point 9180 ridge.  She followed more open ground just a little farther to the W, instead of heading NW through the trees directly toward the actual summit.

This enabled Lupe to avoid the fairly short, but difficult trek through the snowy woods full of deadfall timber.  When she reached the NW edge of the ridge, Lupe had a slightly longer trek back to the NE to the High Point 9180 summit.  However, this was all much easier terrain.  The view was terrific, too!

In fact, the highlight of the trip back was High Point 9180.  If anything, the views were even prettier in the slanting light of early evening.  Once again, Lupe and SPHP were impressed!

Lupe at the NW edge of the High Point 9180 ridge again. Photo looks NW.
Lupe at the NW edge of the High Point 9180 ridge again. Photo looks NW.

Although Lupe was fearless, and greatly enjoyed her second round of exploration along her newly blazed Warbonnet Peak route, there were two places that were a bit worrisome to SPHP.

The first one was the trek down from High Point 9180 to High Point 8590.  Once Lupe was off the top of the High Point 9180 ridge, the entire route down was endless forest, with snowdrifts several feet deep between the trees almost the whole way.  The forest was so dense, there were no viewpoints anywhere along the way.  It was hard to tell whether Lupe was on course, or not.

SPHP started off just fine, following tracks left in the snow earlier in the day, but eventually lost them at one of the rare places with little snow.  From then on, SPHP had to worry about staying on the ridgeline to High Point 8590.  Uncertain of the correct direction, Lupe and SPHP wandered back and forth as Lupe continued down the slope, hoping to find either Lupe’s old tracks again or a glimpse of High Point 8590.

The concern was that SPHP might be unwittingly leading Lupe down into one of the big drainages to the E or W instead of to High Point 8590.  The way down the mountain seemed longer than SPHP remembered, which added to the concerns.  When the forest ended with the clear ground to High Point 8590 straight ahead, exactly as planned, it was a relief.

SPHP was glad when Lupe finally broke out of the forest near High Point 8590 again. Photo looks back to the SE toward High Point 9180. The dense forest had yielded no views to orient by coming down. Lupe had started her descent from the highest ground near the L side of this photo.
SPHP was glad when Lupe finally broke out of the forest near High Point 8590 again. Photo looks back to the SE toward High Point 9180. The dense forest had yielded no views to orient by coming down. Lupe had started her descent from the highest ground near the L side of this photo.

The second worrisome part of the return trip came almost at the end.  SPHP couldn’t remember exactly where Lupe first reached the ridge above Campbell Creek before she had turned toward High Point 8585.  SPHP’s recollection was that it hadn’t taken Lupe very long to reach High Point 8585 after gaining the ridgeline.

Upon reaching High Point 8585 again, Lupe and SPHP went NNW not too far from the W side of the ridge until Lupe reached some small clearings.  These seemed vaguely familiar.  SPHP had Lupe start down the steep W slope of the ridge right after passing by the last of these clearings.

SPHP was soon convinced that this was NOT the exact place Lupe had come up earlier in the day.  It just wasn’t as rocky.  Once again, the way down seemed farther than SPHP remembered.  However, the steep forested slope didn’t come to any cliffs or get treacherously steep, so Lupe and SPHP just kept going down.  Sooner or later Lupe would reach Campbell Creek!

Lupe did reach Campbell Creek.  Conveniently, the trail was right there on the near side of the creek.  SPHP still wasn’t certain if Lupe was upstream or downstream of where she had left both creek and trail many hours earlier.

Lupe reaches Campbell Creek again near the end of her journey. SPHP didn't recognize the spot, and wasn't certain if Lupe was upstream or downstream of where she had first left the creek much earlier in the day.
Lupe reaches Campbell Creek again near the end of her journey. SPHP didn’t recognize the spot, and wasn’t certain if Lupe was upstream or downstream of where she had first left the creek much earlier in the day.

One thing was for certain, Campbell Creek campground was downstream.  Lupe and SPHP started following the trail downstream.  Almost immediately, Lupe came to the stone fire ring where she had first left the trail.  Lupe and SPHP had come down the ridge less than 100 feet from it.

The only remaining excitement on the way back was when SPHP had to leap across that first creek crossing one more time.  Campbell Creek was visibly a little higher now due to all the snow that had melted in the afternoon.  Once again, SPHP pitched the backpack across Campbell Creek.  Once again, SPHP made the leap successfully.

At 8:16 PM (41°F), Lupe arrived back at the G6.  Warbonnet Peak had been quite a day!

SPHP noted it had taken Lupe 8 hours to go from Campbell Creek campground to Warbonnet Peak and back.  Edward Earl’s trip report indicated it had only taken him 6 hours.  Of course, Lupe and SPHP had stayed up at the summit for at least an hour, probably somewhat longer than Mr. Earl had been there (he didn’t say exactly how long he stayed).  Still, it had taken Lupe longer on her new route.

Lupe looked at SPHP.  Hey, we had a fabulous day, and made it there and back in one piece.  What more do you want?  The Carolina Dog was too polite to mention that unlike Edward Earl, she was stuck with waiting for SPHP all the time.

Now how about some Alpo?  I’m famished!Lupe on Warbonnet Peak, Laramie Mountains, WY 5-31-16Lupe’s route to Warbonnet Peak would, of course, be easier and faster when there is little or no snow.  Save time going around the NE side of High Point 9310, instead of SW near the huge rock knob, to reach the high ground near High Point 9223.  Take a more direct approach up Warbonnet Peak itself from the NW, instead of going so far around to the W or SW.

Lupe would still climb to the top of High Point 9180.  The views are worth it!

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Point Crawford & Bennett Hill, Laramie Mountains, Wyoming (5-30-16)

Yeah, that had to be it.  That was the same semi-barren big hill that SPHP had suspected was Point Crawford (8,840 ft.) at lunch time down at the defunct Wallis picnic ground.

Lupe and SPHP were in the G6 a mile E of I-80 on USFS Road No. 705 (Blair-Wallis Road) on the way back from Lupe’s almost successful ascent of Poland Hill (8,480 ft.).  From up on this treeless ridge, there was a good view to the NE.  The big semi-barren hill was clearly the last real high spot at the S end of a long, high, otherwise more heavily forested ridge.  That had to be Point Crawford.

Point Crawford (Center) as seen from USFS Road No. 705 a mile E of I-80. Photo looks NNE.
Point Crawford (Center) as seen from USFS Road No. 705 a mile E of I-80. Photo looks NNE.

Point Crawford was Lupe’s next peakbagging goal.  She would also visit nearby, but much lower, Bennett Hill (8,440 ft.), provided SPHP could figure out exactly where it was.

Lupe and SPHP abandoned the G6 at the Wallis picnic ground (4:20 PM, 61°F).  Lupe went N on No. 705 a short distance, then left the road heading up the first big grassy slope going NE.  The slope grew steeper as Lupe entered the forest.

From below, it had looked like Point Crawford would be easiest to climb along a ridgeline approaching the mountain from the WNW.  Lupe and SPHP tried to trend N to get there.  Lupe successfully crossed several ravines without losing much elevation.

The terrain grew more challenging.  Getting to the WNW ridge wasn’t going to be worth the effort.  It was easier to simply keep climbing NE.  SPHP should have continued 0.5 mile farther N on the road, if Lupe meant to attack Point Crawford from the WNW.

The climb became progressively steeper.  Finally, Lupe managed to get up on the SW ridgeline.  A dangerous downed barbed wire fence followed the spine of the ridge.  SPHP lifted Lupe over the fence, then paused to admire the beautiful view to the SSE.  Lupe had already gained more than half the elevation required to reach the top of Point Crawford.

Upon reaching the ridgeline SW of Point Crawford, Lupe found a dangerous downed barbed wire fence (which SPHP helped her over), and this great view to the SE. Turtle Rock (8,600 ft.) is seen in the distance on the R.
Upon reaching the ridgeline SW of Point Crawford, Lupe found a dangerous downed barbed wire fence (which SPHP helped her over), and this great view to the SE. Turtle Rock (8,600 ft.) is seen in the distance on the R.

Lupe and SPHP resumed the climb, staying a little E of the spine of the ridge.  The barbed wire fence on the ridgeline soon disappeared.  It was replaced for a short distance by a log rail fence, but it ended before long, too.

Lupe reached a knoll along the ridge.  Ahead was a rocky high point.  SPHP suspected it might be the summit of Point Crawford.  At the very least, it couldn’t be far from the summit.

Lupe on the knoll on the SW ridge. Ahead is a rocky high point that SPHP thought might be the summit of Point Crawford. It wasn’t, but the actual summit wasn’t much farther. Photo looks N.

Beyond the knoll, Lupe found a trail.  The trail led up to the base of the rocky high point, and then curved around the E side of it.  The trail continued climbing toward the NNE until it was even higher than the rocky high point.  To the N, a line of rock 5-10 feet high formed the summit ridge of Point Crawford.

The summit ridge ran E/W for about 300 or 400 feet.  The trail faded away before reaching the E end.  Lupe continued up for a look around.  The ridge was strewn with good-sized rocks, but there wasn’t any clear highest point.  Lupe and SPHP explored out to the W end of the summit ridge looking for the true summit, but finally concluded the highest points toward each end of the ridge were really about the same elevation.

Lupe on the highest rocks at the W end of the Point Crawford summit ridge. Photo looks NW.
Lupe on the highest rocks at the W end of the Point Crawford summit ridge. Photo looks NW.

Lupe and SPHP returned to the E end of the summit ridge.  The best views were here.  Lupe had a grand panoramic view of a huge amount of territory from the NE around to the S.

Lupe on the E high point of the Point Crawford (8,840 ft.) summit ridge. Photo looks NE.
Lupe on the E high point of the Point Crawford (8,840 ft.) summit ridge. Photo looks NE.
Turtle Rock (8,600 ft.) from Point Crawford using the telephoto lens. Photo looks S.
Turtle Rock (8,600 ft.) from Point Crawford using the telephoto lens. Photo looks S.
Lupe on the Point Crawford summit. Photo looks SW at the somewhat lower rocky high point that marks the start of the SSW spine of the mountain.
Lupe on the Point Crawford summit. Photo looks SW at the somewhat lower rocky high point that marks the start of the SSW spine of the mountain.

Point Crawford was one of the more spectacular mountains Lupe had climbed while in the Laramie Mountains SE of Laramie, WY.  Only the Leg Benchmark and Pole Mountain had been better.  Naturally, Lupe and SPHP hung around for a while, taking a break and gazing at the terrific views.

Before leaving the summit area, Lupe climbed the false summit to the SW.

Lupe on the false summit. Photo looks SW.
Lupe on the false summit. Photo looks SW.

On the way down, Lupe and SPHP followed the trail that Lupe had found on the way up.  SPHP stopped occasionally to take photos of the views, but mostly concentrated on trying to figure out exactly where Lupe’s next peakbagging goal, Bennett Hill, was.

A series of solid rock high points could be seen below to the S.  None of them looked like anything Lupe could climb.  Despite consulting the topo map repeatedly, SPHP wasn’t certain which, if any of them, might be Bennett Hill.

A series of solid rock outcroppings was in view to the S coming down Point Crawford. SPHP wasn’t certain which, if any of them, was Lupe’s next peakbagging goal, Bennett Hill. None of them looked climbable for Lupe. USFS Road No. 705 (Blair-Wallis Road) is seen on the R. Photo looks S.
The view to the SE toward Twin Mountain (8,831 ft.) and the Sherman Benchmark while heading S down Point Crawford. Lupe planned to explore this area the next day, but weather prevented her from doing so. Photo looks SE.
The view to the SE toward Twin Mountain (8,831 ft.) and the Sherman Benchmark while heading S down Point Crawford. Lupe planned to explore this area the next day, but weather prevented her from doing so. Photo looks SE.
Looking SSE toward the Brady Rock area. Part of Turtle Rock is seen on the R.
Looking SSE toward the Brady Rock area. Part of Turtle Rock is seen on the R.

At first, the trail coming down from Point Crawford was easy to follow.  However, when Lupe reached a field N of the biggest of the rock formation to the S, it simply faded away.  Lupe and SPHP went around to the W, where Lupe found the trail again.  The trail went clear around to the SE end of the rocks, before turning S again.

Lupe on the faint trail now S of the first big rock formation below Point Crawford. Photo looks N.

SPHP kept losing the trail.  Lupe kept finding it again.  The trail headed S for a while, eventually angling over to a N/S running fence to the E.  For a short distance, the trail followed the fence line before turning SW to go up over a little rise in the forest.  To SPHP’s surprise, beyond the rise the trail angled more and more to the W.

Following the trail W, Lupe caught a glimpse of Point Crawford back to the NNE.  The trail came to a small high point, which it skirted to the N, before starting to lose serious elevation as it continued WSW.  It seemed certain the trail was on its way down to USFS Road No. 705 somewhere close to, or a bit S of, the abandoned Wallis picnic ground where the G6 was parked.  SPHP hadn’t noticed a trailhead anywhere along the road, and didn’t know exactly where it would come out.

"Heading

Lupe wasn’t going back to the G6 yet!  Leaving the trail, Lupe and SPHP got up on the small high point to the S.  In the distance, Lupe could see Poland Hill, where she had discovered a hidden grotto with water in it earlier in the day.  Much closer, she could also see a small, forested hill.

By now, SPHP had stared at the topo map enough times to conclude that none of the rock formations Lupe had seen from up on Point Crawford were Bennett Hill.  The map showed Bennett Hill farther SW, very close to a bend in USFS Road No. 705 around its W slope.

There was no mistake.  The small forested hill Lupe saw was Bennett Hill (8,840 ft.)!  It wasn’t far away, and looked easy to climb.  Lupe was going to have her Bennett Hill peakbagging success, after all!

Lupe at the top of the small rise S of the faint trail. Poland Hill (8,480 ft.) where Lupe had been earlier in the day is seen on the horizon slightly L of Center. Bennett Hill is the small forested hill on the R. Photo looks S.
Lupe at the top of the small rise S of the faint trail. Poland Hill (8,480 ft.) where Lupe had been earlier in the day is seen on the horizon slightly L of Center. Bennett Hill is the small forested hill on the R. Photo looks S.

Lupe and SPHP struck out into the forest for Bennett Hill.  Lupe went around the E end of a small valley draining to the W to avoid losing much elevation on the way.

Soon Lupe was around the valley, and approaching Bennett Hill from the E.  A clearing in the forest exposed much of the E slope.  Lupe could see the highest rocks at the top of Bennett Hill ahead.  Why, there might even be a bit of a view from Bennett Hill!

Lupe reached the summit.  SPHP lifted her onto the highest boulder.  The intrepid Carolina Dog had made it!  Another peakbagging success!

A Carolina Dog balances a little precariously on the highest boulder of Bennett Hill (8,440 ft.). Photo looks S.
A Carolina Dog balances a little precariously on the highest boulder of Bennett Hill (8,440 ft.). Photo looks S.

Lupe on Bennett Hill, Laramie Mountains, WY 5-30-16

The sun would still be up for more than an hour, but it had already been a long day.  Lupe had 5 peakbagging successes, and 1 near-miss failure to show for it.  She also had a ravenous appetite.  While SPHP relaxed, Lupe chowed down on Taste of the Wild.

Lupe chows down on Taste of the Wild! An American Dingo gets simply famished climbing all these mountains!
Lupe chows down on Taste of the Wild. An American Dingo gets simply famished climbing all these mountains!
Point Crawford from Bennett Hill. The closest rocky high point in the R half of the photo is where Lupe and SPHP first spotted Bennett Hill for certain. The often faint trail to the top of Point Crawford is right on the other side of it. Photo looks N.
Point Crawford from Bennett Hill. The closest rocky high point in the R half of the photo is where Lupe and SPHP first spotted Bennett Hill for certain. The often faint trail to the top of Point Crawford is right on the other side of it. Photo looks N.
Lupe next to the highest rock on Bennett Hill. Photo looks W showing the short summit ridge.
Lupe next to the highest rock on Bennett Hill. Photo looks W showing the short summit ridge.

Lupe exhausted the Taste of the Wild supply.  As she digested it, SPHP came up with a new idea.  It was still more than an hour until sunset.  The G6 had to be moved from the defunct Wallis picnic ground due to a goofy little “No Overnight Camping” sign.  Why not go get the G6, drive around to a place SPHP had seen to the E along USFS Road No. 707, and return to make a 2nd ascent of Bennett Hill at sunset?

Lupe is always ready for almost anything.  Lupe and SPHP left Bennett Hill heading down the steep, forested NW slope.  The Carolina Dog reached No. 705 a little S of the Wallis picnic ground.  She crossed a green field near Middle Crow Creek that turned out to be rather marshy, arriving at the G6 at 7:18 PM.

Bennett Hill from the defunct Wallis picnic ground. Photo looks SE.

There was enough time left before sundown so SPHP could grab something to eat.  SPHP served Lupe some Alpo, too.  After a quick dinner, Lupe and SPHP jumped in the G6.  SPHP drove S on No. 705, turned L on No. 707 (Headquarters Road) S of Bennett Hill, and drove NE going uphill.

Just past a cattle guard was a little side road leading down into a gully.  It looked like the perfect place NOT to park the G6 during a flash flood, but would do for tonight.  SPHP parked, and Lupe and SPHP set out for Bennett Hill for a 2nd time, this time from the E (7:53 PM, 53°F).

The G6 had gained enough elevation coming up USFS Road No. 707 so that Lupe wouldn’t have to gain much on her way to Bennett Hill.  There was still some up and down along the way.  Lupe headed W, skirting around the S side of a tall rock formation.  Lupe loves both dawn and dusk.  She was having a great time exploring paths between the sagebrush, and looking for squirrels in the trees.

Lupe passed to the S (R) of this rock formation on her way to Bennett Hill for the 2nd time. Photo looks ENE from Bennett Hill using the telephoto lens.
Lupe passed to the S (R) of this rock formation on her way to Bennett Hill for the 2nd time. Photo looks ENE from Bennett Hill using the telephoto lens.

Lupe reached Bennett Hill again 15 minutes before sunset.  Together, Lupe and SPHP watched and waited.  The sky overhead was clear and blue, but in almost every direction there were big clouds on the horizon.  Slowly they turned pink or golden, but the colors were subtle, not dramatic.

Unfortunately, the one direction where there weren’t many clouds was toward the setting sun.  A brilliant display wasn’t in the cards.  As the sun sank below the horizon, Lupe leaped back onto the highest rock on Bennett Hill.Lupe on Bennett Hill, Laramie Mountains, WY 5-30-16A flight of bats flew over zig-zagging toward the sunset.  A few minutes later, a flock of small birds flew after them.  Even after the sun vanished, Lupe and SPHP stayed on Bennett Hill, watching the colored clouds fade to gray (8:42 PM).Sunset from Bennett Hill, Laramie Mountains, WY 5-30-16

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Pitcher Hill, Bisbee Hill, Markley Hill & Poland Hill, Laramie Mountains, WY (5-30-16)

Morning, and a glorious new day from the looks of it!  Lupe, of course, was already awake.  She was eager to dash outside the G6.  SPHP let her out.  While Lupe sniffed around the boulders and searched the trees for squirrels, SPHP consumed peach yogurt.  Nearby, the rugged high points of Eagle Rock (8,320 ft.) were lit up by the sun.  Lupe had been up there just yesterday evening.

The yogurt disappeared.  Time to go!  Lupe and SPHP headed E on USFS Road No. 714, but stopped briefly 0.33 mile SE of Eagle Rock.  The whole SE face of the mountain could be seen from here.  SPHP still wondered if the middle high point or one farther to the N was the true summit.  From this vantage point, it looked like the high point to the N was slightly higher.

Eagle Rock (8,320 ft.) from the SE.
Eagle Rock (8,320 ft.) from the SE.
Flowers in the fields SE of Eagle Rock. The orange ones were unusually shaped. SPHP had no idea what kind of flower they were.
Flowers in the fields SE of Eagle Rock. The orange ones were unusually shaped. SPHP had no idea what kind of flower they were.

Lupe’s next peakbagging goal was Pitcher Hill (7,840 ft.) located less than 5 miles ESE of Eagle Rock.  SPHP expected no trouble finding it.  In fact, SPHP had seen a big hill from Eagle Rock that was probably it.  The stony top of the hill looked like something Lupe wouldn’t even be able to climb.  SPHP hoped Lupe could find a way up.

USFS Road No. 714 curved S, as expected.  Then it curved W.  Any time now, the intersection with No. 712 should appear.  It didn’t.  SPHP drove on.  Finally, it was clear something was wrong.  Eagle Rock was again off to the N, and not that far away.  SPHP stopped to check the maps.  This had to be No. 712 already, but where had No. 714 turned into No. 712?  SPHP was supposed to have turned E, not W, on No. 712 there.

SPHP turned the G6 around.  A couple of miles later, it all became clear.  SPHP found the junction.  No. 712 going W was a good gravel road, just like No. 714.  Going E though, it was only a minor dirt side road.  That was why the junction hadn’t even looked like a junction.  Fortunately, No. 712 going E was still good enough to be passable for the G6, provided SPHP drove very slowly.

The G6 crawled along No. 712 going E.  A side road to the S marked as No. 712.D appeared.  Just beyond it was No. 710.  This all looked right according to the map.  No. 710 passes 0.25 mile N of Pitcher Hill.  SPHP turned onto No. 710, but went only a short distance further before parking the G6.  Lupe would start from here, even though she was still 0.75 mile NW of Pitcher Hill.

There was one problem.  Where was Pitcher Hill?  This was open rolling grassland.  Lupe had a good view of what was around, but Pitcher Hill was missing!  The big stony hill that SPHP had been assuming was Pitcher Hill was in sight, but it seemed to be a long way off to the S.  Could that really be it?  It didn’t seem right at all.  Lupe and SPHP went up a gentle rise to the SE for a better look.

SPHP stopped up at the top of the gentle rise to study the maps.  It was for certain Lupe wouldn’t be able to climb Pitcher Hill, if SPHP wasn’t even able to figure out where it was!  Lupe wondered what was going on.  Why are we stopping here?

SPHP had two maps of the area.  They both showed Pitcher Hill, but they didn’t agree on its location!  At least it was clear that the prominent stony hill SPHP had thought was Pitcher Hill couldn’t possibly be it.  That hill was too far away to the S.  It was almost certainly where the Russell Benchmark (8,227 ft.) was.

The stony mountain in the distance was the one SPHP had thought was Pitcher Hill. However, it was clear from the maps that it was too far away and in the wrong direction. So where was the real Pitcher Hill? Photo looks S.

The old Medicine Bow National Forest map showed Pitcher Hill was 0.5 mile SSW of where Lupe was on the opposite (S) side of Lodgepole Creek.  Although the creek wasn’t in view, Lupe could see a gap that the creek must be flowing through in that direction.  If the Medicine Bow National Forest map was right, Pitcher Hill had to be the modest looking hill on the far side of the gap.

SPHP’s old Medicine Bow National Forest map placed Pitcher Hill on the S (opposite) side of Lodgepole Creek. If the map was correct, Pitcher Hill was the hill shown on the L in this photo.

The Peakbagger.com topo map showed Pitcher Hill was 0.75 mile to the SE and on the N (same) side of Lodgepole Creek.  A low forested ridge was seen in that direction, but it didn’t look very impressive at all, hardly even worthy of a name.  Was that Pitcher Hill?

According to the Peakbagger.com topo map, the unimpressive forested ridge in the background was Pitcher Hill. USFS Road No. 710.A is seen in front of it. Photo looks SE.

For a minute or two, SPHP pondered, still uncertain.  In the end, SPHP concluded the Peakbagger.com topo map had to be right.  The topo map was much more detailed than the old Medicine Bow National Forest map.  The topo map showed that Pitcher Hill didn’t boast much elevation gain.  Small wonder it didn’t look very impressive.

Well, Lupe was out peakbagging, and if Peakbagger.com said that low ridge to the SE was where Pitcher Hill was, that was the hill Lupe was going to climb!  Lupe was happy when SPHP finally made a decision and started moving again.  Lupe and SPHP crossed USFS Road No. 710.A and entered a scraggly pine forest, approaching Pitcher Hill from the NW.

Lupe and SPHP skirted around the NE side of the first rocky high point.  It was clear there was higher ground a short distance beyond it.  Soon Lupe was up on top of the NW end of the Pitcher Hill (7,840 ft.) summit ridge.

Lupe up on the NW end of the Pitcher Hill summit ridge. A lower rocky point she went around the NE (R) side of is shown on the R. Photo looks NW toward the junction of USFS Road No. 710.A (L) and No. 710 (R).
Lupe up on the NW end of the Pitcher Hill summit ridge. A lower rocky point she went around the NE (R) side of is shown on the R. Photo looks NW toward the junction of USFS Roads No. 710.A (L) and No. 710 (R).

Looking SE along the narrow summit ridge, SPHP saw that the true summit was farther SE.  It was only a matter of a few feet higher than where Lupe was already, but of course Lupe would go over there.  SPHP also saw something else.  Lupe’s nemesis was here!  Cactus!

Although SPHP hadn’t seen any cactus at all in the Laramie Mountains until now, and none on the way from the G6 to Pitcher Hill, there was plenty of it along the summit ridge.  Lupe understood it was there, too.  She became very cautious.  SPHP put her leash on her to better help her avoid injury.  After a short break at the NW end of the summit ridge, Lupe and SPHP started SE for the true summit.

Part of Lupe's cactus-infested route to the true summit of Pitcher Hill, seen just ahead. Photo looks SE.
Part of Lupe’s cactus-infested route to the true summit of Pitcher Hill, seen just ahead. Photo looks SE.

The Pitcher Hill summit ridge was quite narrow, very rocky and somewhat discontinuous.  Cactus was abundant.  Lupe and SPHP had to scramble up and down the rocks.  It would have been fun, if the cactus hadn’t been around to make the whole process worrisome.  Lupe made it, though!  A tricky little climb brought Lupe to the true summit of Pitcher Hill.

Lupe reaches the true summit of Pitcher Hill (7,840 ft.)! Lodgepole Creek is seen below on the L. Photo looks SE.
Lupe reaches the true summit of Pitcher Hill (7,840 ft.)! Lodgepole Creek is seen below on the L. Photo looks SE.

The true summit wasn’t very far from the SE end of the summit ridge.  Lupe went all the way to the end of the ridge.  The views from Pitcher Hill were amazingly good, considering how unimpressive this ridge had seemed when Lupe and SPHP first saw it.  The SE end of the ridge was sunny and open, offering a panoramic view.

The Russell Benchmark from the real Pitcher Hill. Photo looks SSW.
Lodgepole Creek from the SE end of Pitcher Hill. Photo looks E.
Lodgepole Creek from the SE end of Pitcher Hill. Photo looks E.

There was an easier way up to the summit of Pitcher Hill than Lupe had taken.  It looked very easy to come up from the SW almost right to the summit.  Lupe couldn’t go down that way, though.  SPHP had left the backpack back at the NW end of the summit ridge.

Lupe and SPHP made one more scramble back over to the NW end of the ridge to retrieve the backpack, dodging cactus again all along the way.  Scraggly pines provided some shade there, so Lupe and SPHP took another short break.  For a minor objective, Pitcher Hill had made things rather interesting.  The views, though not spectacular, had been surprisingly worthwhile.

Lupe and SPHP returned to the G6 (9:49 AM), staying on the road once Lupe reached No. 710.  SPHP saw only one cactus down off the Pitcher Hill summit, but didn’t want to take an unnecessary chance of Lupe getting injured.  Pitcher Hill was lower than any of the other peaks Lupe climbed in the Laramie Mountains on this trip.  Perhaps that was why it was the only place Lupe encountered any cactus.

Lupe’s next two peakbagging goals, Bisbee Hill (8,480 ft.) and Markley Hill (8,520 ft.), were a pair of hills close to each other that Lupe had seen the day before from the top of much higher Pole Mountain (9,040 ft.).  At least SPHP knew how to find them!  Lupe and SPHP set out in the G6 to find a place from which Lupe could start her climbs.

Bisbee Hill (L) and Markley Hill (Center) from USFS Road No. 712 (Telephone Road). Happy Jack Hwy No. 210 where SPHP ultimately parked the G6 is seen on the R. Photo looks SSE.
Bisbee Hill (L) and Markley Hill (Center) from USFS Road No. 712 (Telephone Road). Happy Jack Hwy No. 210 where SPHP ultimately parked the G6 is seen on the R. Photo looks SSE.

Almost straight W of Bisbee Hill, SPHP found a perfect place to park the G6 at the S end of a long pullout along the W side of Happy Jack Hwy No. 210 (10:30 AM, 57°F).

While SPHP had complete confidence Lupe would have no problems climbing Markley Hill, Bisbee Hill was another matter.  It looked very rocky and steep.  Bisbee Hill was only 0.25 mile away, so Lupe and SPHP crossed the highway and headed for it first.

Bisbee Hill wasn't that high, but the huge rock knob of a summit looked rather daunting for a Carolina Dog. Would Lupe find a way up? Photo looks E from Happy Jack Hwy No. 210.
Bisbee Hill wasn’t that high, but the huge rock knob of a summit looked rather daunting for a Carolina Dog. Would Lupe find a way up? Photo looks E from Happy Jack Hwy No. 210.

Lupe and SPHP had an easy climb up the forested slope to the long saddle between Bisbee and Markley Hills.  As the ground leveled out, Lupe turned N toward Bisbee Hill.  When SPHP first saw the W half of the S face of the mountain, hope almost disappeared that there would be any way for Lupe to get up on Bisbee Hill.  It was a sheer cliff!

Getting a little closer, though, the E half of the S face came into view.  It looked much more promising.  Lupe began her climb of Bisbee Hill (8,480 ft.) from there.  Lupe’s route was kind of steep and rocky, of course, but the way up was surprisingly easy.  Soon Lupe was perched on the highest rocks near the W end of the summit!  Success!

Hah! Piece of cake! Lupe sits on the true summit of Bisbee Hill (8,480 ft.). Photo looks W. The G6 is parked along Happy Jack Hwy No. 210 on the L.
Hah! Piece of cake! Lupe sits on the true summit of Bisbee Hill (8,480 ft.). Photo looks W. The G6 is parked along Happy Jack Hwy No. 210 on the L.
Looking SSW from Bisbee Hill. Pole Mountain (9,040 ft.) (Center R) and Leg Benchmark (9,055 ft.) (Far R) where Lupe had been just the day before are in view. Happy Jack Hwy No. 210 is seen below on the R, too.
Looking SSW from Bisbee Hill. Pole Mountain (9,040 ft.) (Center R) and Leg Benchmark (9,055 ft.) (Far R) where Lupe had been just the day before are in view. Happy Jack Hwy No. 210 is seen below on the R, too.
Thickly forested Markley Hill, Lupe's next peakbagging objective, is seen not too far away beyond Lupe's rump. Photo looks S from Bisbee Hill.
Thickly forested Markley Hill, Lupe’s next peakbagging objective, is seen not too far away beyond Lupe’s rump. Photo looks S from Bisbee Hill.

Lupe and SPHP shared water and a couple of chocolate coconut granola bars to celebrate Lupe’s successful ascent of Bisbee Hill.  After a little while spent relaxing and enjoying the views, it was time to go.  SPHP started down first.  Lupe waited for the signal that she could come, too.

Lupe waits on top of Bisbee Hill for SPHP’s signal that it’s OK for her to begin her descent. Photo looks NNE.

Lupe and SPHP went back down the E half of the S face of Bisbee Hill.  It seemed to be the only possible safe route down, and left Lupe and SPHP at a good point from which to start the trek along the long saddle going S to Markley Hill.

Once down off Bisbee Hill, Lupe continued losing elevation slowly as she explored the forest for 0.33 mile on her way to Markley Hill.   Arriving at the lowest part of the saddle N of Markley Hill, Lupe discovered a little clearing and a nice surprise.

A big snowdrift was on the S edge of the clearing!  Lupe was excited!  She frisked on the snow, cooling off and having a great time.

Overjoyed Lupe frisks on the snow drift at the base of Markley Hill. Anyone want to play with a really cool American Dingo?
Overjoyed Lupe frisks on the snow drift at the base of Markley Hill. Anyone want to play with a really cool American Dingo?

The climb up Markley Hill was straightforward.  Lupe and SPHP went up a long moderately steep slope through the forest.  When Lupe reached the top of a broad ridgeline coming up from the NW, she turned SE following the ridge higher.  More rocks and boulders appeared as Lupe got close to the summit, but they presented no serious obstacle.  Soon Lupe was on top.

Lupe on the true summit of Markley Hill (8,520 ft.). Photo looks S.
Lupe on the true summit of Markley Hill (8,520 ft.). Photo looks S.

Markley Hill had appeared heavily forested from a distance, so SPHP wasn’t anticipating there would be much in the way of views.  However the summit area was rockier than expected, and there were fewer trees than SPHP had thought.  Lupe actually did have partial views toward the S and SW.

Pole Mountain (9,040 ft.) (R) from Markley Hill. Photo looks SW.
Although there were partial views to the S and SW, not much could be seen to the N except trees. Here Lupe is on the highest rock on Markley Hill. Photo looks NNE toward the forest.
Although there were partial views to the S and SW, not much could be seen to the N except trees. Here Lupe is on the highest rock on Markley Hill. Photo looks NNE toward the forest.

Lupe and SPHP didn’t dilly-dally too long up on Markley Hill before starting back to the G6.  Lucky Lupe got to frisk around briefly on the big snow drift one more time.  By 11:59 AM, Lupe and SPHP were back at the G6.

SPHP started driving S on Happy Jack Hwy No. 210.  The plan was for Lupe to climb Point Crawford (8,840 ft.) and Bennett Hill (8,440 ft.) next.  SPHP knew they were only a few miles away to the SW.  Lupe and SPHP left Happy Jack Hwy to take USFS Road No. 707 (Headquarters Road).  No. 707 goes by both peaks less than 0.5 mile to the E of them.

After driving by on No. 707, SPHP still wasn’t quite certain exactly which high points were Point Crawford and Bennett Hill.  SPHP turned N on USFS Road No. 705 (Blair-Wallis Road).  It was getting to be lunch time, and despite a lack of rain in the forecast, clouds seemed to be building up fast in the SW.  Maybe it was time for Lupe to eat, and take a little break from peakbagging?  A sign at the intersection had indicated the Wallis picnic ground was only 0.5 mile N.

It turned out there weren’t any signs at the Wallis Picnic Ground itself.  SPHP drove right on by.  When the picnic ground didn’t materialize farther up the road, SPHP turned around and went back.

The Wallis picnic ground appeared to be defunct.  A wooden rail fence enclosed a big flat round parking area next to Middle Crow Creek.  Across the creek, tucked next to the shady forest, was a small building and a couple of picnic tables.  Rather inconveniently, the bridge to that side of the creek was gone.  The only sign around was a small one nailed to a wooden fence railing saying “No Overnight Camping”.

Lupe next to Middle Crow Creek at the defunct Wallis picnic ground. The bridge across the creek to the old picnic tables was out.
Lupe next to Middle Crow Creek at the defunct Wallis picnic ground. The bridge across the creek to the old picnic tables was out.

Clouds sprinkled rain, but didn’t accomplish much. While having lunch in the G6, SPHP studied the topo map.  SPHP suspected that a somewhat barren big hill in view to the NE was Point Crawford, but was less certain about the location of Bennett Hill.  A small forested hill in view to the SE might be it, or Bennett Hill might have been one of the high rock outcroppings that had been in view from the E on USFS Road No. 707.

The light rain stopped, but there were still big clouds around.  It felt cooler out.  Instead of tackling a big hill like Point Crawford, SPHP decided Lupe should go farther S and check out Turtle Rock (8,600 ft.) and Poland Hill (8,480 ft.).  It meant another little drive, but that was OK.

Lupe and SPHP had seen Turtle Rock before from a distance.  Turtle Rock was a dramatic looking mountain.  Rock walls forming a giant horseshoe shape rose up from the surrounding grasslands.  Several distinct high points were spread out along the ridge.  The maps showed that Vedauwoo Glen campground was hidden inside the horseshoe, surrounded by the giant rock walls except at the only entrance from the S.

In truth, SPHP didn’t think there was any way Lupe could climb Turtle Rock.  From a distance, the nearly solid rock mountain looked too steep and unforgiving.  As the G6 approached Turtle Rock from the SW on USFS Road No. 700, climbing Turtle Rock seemed even less feasible than before.

Turtle Rock from USFS Road No. 700. It really didn't look like anything Lupe and SPHP could climb. Photo looks NE.
Turtle Rock from USFS Road No. 700. It really didn’t look like anything Lupe and SPHP could climb. Photo looks NE.

Some sort of event must have been going on at Turtle Rock.  SPHP drove on No. 700 all the way to the intersection with No. 720, which leads to Vedauwoo Glen campground.  Vehicles were coming and going.  More than 50 were parked in the fields near the intersection.  A big sign said this was a fee area.

Hmm.  Crowds, fees and an unclimbable mountain.  Not exactly the combination Lupe and SPHP normally seek out.  Mentally, SPHP crossed Turtle Rock off Lupe’s list of peakbagging goals.  Turtle Rock looked awesome, but climbing it wasn’t gonna happen!

On the way to Turtle Rock, Lupe and SPHP had driven by S of Poland Hill.  Poland Hill hadn’t looked all that promising either, but at least it was a much smaller rocky crag.  Maybe Lupe could get to the top?  SPHP doubted it, but it seemed worth a try.  Lupe and SPHP drove back W on No. 700.  Shortly before reaching I-80, SPHP parked the G6 at the start of USFS Road No. 700.G (2:01 PM, 54°F).

Poland Hill (8,480 ft.) is a mile W of Turtle Rock. SPHP didn't take this photo until Lupe was on her way back to the G6. Photo looks NNE.
Poland Hill (8,480 ft.), seen here, is a mile W of Turtle Rock.  Photo looks NNE.

Lupe and SPHP began the journey to Poland Hill heading NW on No. 700.G near a fence line.  The road came to a low spot, climbed a small hill, and started losing elevation again as it turned NE toward Poland Hill.  When the road curved farther E on its way to a pond that was now in view, Lupe and SPHP left the road.

A wide marshy area filled with tall bushes and aspen trees was directly ahead.  Lupe had no problems going right on through it all, but SPHP had a much trickier time trying to find a way over 3 separate small streams and a lot of wet, mucky ground.  SPHP finally managed to get across without getting too wet and muddy.

Lupe and SPHP continued N up a much drier grassy hillside, and arrived on flatter, very thinly forested ground strewn with scattered boulders and odd rock outcroppings W of Poland Hill.  The view of the rest of the way up was not the least bit encouraging.

Lupe on one of the odd rock outcroppings near Poland Hill. This view of the rest of the way up wasn't very encouraging. Photo looks NE.
Lupe on one of the odd rock outcroppings near Poland Hill. This view of the rest of the way up wasn’t very encouraging. Photo looks NE.

Lupe and SPHP scouted out the W side of the line of rocks at the top of Poland Hill.  It was clear there wasn’t any feasible way up for Lupe from any other direction.  Poland Hill had two high points.  A huge rock at the N end was definitely the true summit.  Some big rocks near the S end formed the second highest point.  The S high point appeared to be 5 to 10 feet lower than the N summit.

In between the high points was a line of huge, rounded rocks.  Near the top of the hill, the rocks were so huge, and the sides so steep, it didn’t look possible to go over or around them.  If there was any way up, Lupe would have very limited mobility along the ridge.  It wouldn’t be possible to maneuver from the N summit toward the S high point or vice-versa.

At first glance, SPHP didn’t see any way up at all.  However, a little scouting around revealed a way up some boulders that brought Lupe all the way up onto the ridgeline.  She arrived at a point very close to the S high point.  SPHP considered getting even this high a victory for Lupe.

Lupe reaches the ridgeline on Poland Hill a little way N of the S high point (not pictured). Photo looks NE.
Lupe reaches the ridgeline on Poland Hill a little way N of the S high point (not pictured). Photo looks NE.

Close to where Lupe came up, she discovered a secret, hidden grotto.  The rocks just N of the S high point contained a depression several feet deep and a dozen feet wide.  At the bottom was a cool pool of water with green plants growing in it.

Lupe perches above the secret hidden oasis on Poland Hill. Turtle Rock can be seen in the background. Photo looks E.
Lupe perches above the secret hidden oasis on Poland Hill. Turtle Rock can be seen in the background. Photo looks E.

Although it had been mostly sunny on the way to Poland Hill, clouds were now moving in again.  What had been a light W breeze, became a strong W wind.  The air felt colder.  Lupe didn’t enjoy the wind at all.

Lupe sits exposed to a strong W wind up on Poland Hill. Turtle Rock is again visible in the background. Photo looks E.
Lupe sits exposed to a strong W wind up on Poland Hill. Turtle Rock is again visible in the background. Photo looks E.
The true summit of Poland Hill at the N end of the ridge is the big boulder seen beyond Lupe. Lupe stands above the N rim of her secret oasis. Photo looks N.

Lupe had come up quite close to the S high point.  Lupe and SPHP could both see it.  It was right there!  So close, and yet so far.  SPHP explored a big crack between boulders, but it soon became apparent there simply wasn’t any practical way up.  Lupe posed for a photo of the S high point on the highest rock she could reach safely.

Almost there, but not quite! Lupe on the highest rock she could get up to on Poland Hill (8,480 ft.). The close, but unattainable, S high point looms over her. Photo looks S.

Lupe never did get to the top of Poland Hill, not even to the top of the S high point.  She was probably 25 feet +/- short of the true summit, considerably closer than that to the top of the S high point, but still not close enough to claim success, even for Dingo work, on such a small mountain.

Lupe didn’t care.  She’d crossed streams and marshes, climbed high boulders, discovered a secret hidden oasis, and gazed upon distant mountains while exposed to the wild and free W wind!  Speaking of which, Lupe was entirely ready to get down out of the annoying wild and free W wind.  SPHP took a couple more quick photos of the views, and Lupe began her descent.

Looking NE toward Twin Mountain (8,831 ft.) and the Sherman Benchmark from Poland Hill.
Looking NE toward Twin Mountain (8,831 ft.) and the Sherman Benchmark from Poland Hill.
Turtle Rock from Poland Hill. Photo looks E.
Turtle Rock from Poland Hill. Photo looks E.

Lupe and SPHP ventured much farther W toward a house and private property near the edge of the Medicine Bow National Forest on the way back to the G6.  This allowed Lupe (actually SPHP) to avoid the worst of the marshy land to the S.  Sadly, there were lots of Lupe Treasures along the way.  SPHP gathered up as many as possible, but wasn’t truly prepared to carry much.

The W wind was still blowing briskly when Lupe reached the G6 (3:46 PM, 54°F).  Lupe hopped right in the G6 ASAP to escape it, leaving SPHP struggling to keep the Lupe Treasures from blowing away.  From a peakbagging standpoint, Lupe’s journey to Poland Hill had been a near miss, but still a failure.  As an adventure, though, it was a complete success!

Lupe at her hidden grotto on Poland Hill.
Lupe at the hidden grotto on Poland Hill.

Lupe Treasures gathered: 13 aluminum cans, assorted pieces of Styrofoam.

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Peak 8840 & Eagle Rock, Laramie Mountains, Wyoming (5-29-16)

Lupe had already had a great day in the Laramie Mountains of Wyoming!  She’d gotten an early start and climbed The Summit (8,880 ft.), Leg Benchmark (9,055 ft.), and Pole Mountain (9,040 ft.).  SPHP had more peakbagging exploits in mind for her, but rain showers had delayed her start for Peak 8840.  It was OK.  Lupe and SPHP ate lunch in the G6 while waiting for the rain to end.

The sun came out.  It was time to go (3:24 PM, 59°F)!  The G6 was parked at the intersection of USFS Roads No. 703 & 714.  Lupe and SPHP got out, and crossed the terrible cattle guard where No. 703 continued N.  The cattle guard was in such bad shape, SPHP hadn’t even dared to take the G6 across it.

Peak 8840 was an easy peakbagging goal.  It was only a mile N of the G6.  Lupe could follow No. 703 (Pilot Hill Road) almost all the way there.  Peak 8840 wasn’t much of a peak, just a high spot along a big ridge.  Lupe was already up on the ridge, so she would only gain 200 feet of elevation.  Lupe was going to Peak 8840, anyway.  Peakbagging doesn’t always have to be an ordeal!

The road wound around a bit as it went over a sparsely forested rise.  On the other side of the hill, No. 703 continued N.  To the NNW, Lupe saw a big hill with several towers on top.

Lupe came over a rise to see this big hill with towers on it up ahead. No. 703 (Pilot Hill Road) is seen continuing past the R (E) side of the hill. Photo looks NNW.
Lupe came over a rise to see this big hill with towers on it up ahead. No. 703 (Pilot Hill Road) is seen continuing toward the R (E) side of the hill. Photo looks NNW.

The trudge N on dirt road No. 703 wasn’t too exciting.  Although big clouds could still be seen off in various directions, it was sunny and kind of hot out.  The ridge Lupe was on was 0.25 mile wide, and even more in some places.  No. 703 went around the E side of the hill with the towers on it, gaining elevation slowly along the way.

The road leveled out when Lupe got NE of the towers on the hill.  It was so sunny and warm, Lupe and SPHP took a break under a big pine tree a short distance W of the road.  SPHP put on sunscreen, and then consulted the topo map.  Peak 8840 had to be at the top of the long gentle slope now visible to the NE on the other side of No. 703.

Lupe and SPHP returned to No. 703 and kept going.  Before long, the road started curving NW on its way to Pilot Hill, still 1.75 miles away.  Pilot Hill (8,859 ft.) was actually a bit higher than Peak 8840.  Lupe would have gone there, too, except Pilot Hill wasn’t in the Medicine Bow National Forest.  SPHP wasn’t sure there was legal access, and didn’t care to walk all the way over there to find out.

Where No. 703 turned NW, Lupe and SPHP left the road.  Despite being in the national forest, there was a barbed wire fence near the road.  Lupe and SPHP slipped under it.  Lupe trotted up the long grassy slope toward the summit of Peak 8840.  It was an easy, if unspectacular, hike.

Nearing the summit, SPHP turned around to look at the view.  Suddenly the need for speed was apparent!  Although it was still warm and sunny out on Peak 8840, a big cloud was approaching from the SW.  Rain was pouring from it.  The cloud was still miles away, but wouldn’t take too long to get here.  Lupe and SPHP started hurrying toward the highest point at the end of the long slope.

The summit proved to be right where it looked like it would be.  Several big dead pine trees were standing there.  NE beyond the summit, the ground sloped down only slightly toward a long snow drift a couple of feet deep.  Beyond the snow drift was the living forest that lined the N edge of the mountain.

Lupe at the summit of Peak 8840. Photo looks SW toward the approaching storm.
On the summit of Peak 8840. The summit didn't offer any dramatic views.
On the summit of Peak 8840. The summit didn’t offer any dramatic views.

SPHP wasn’t entirely convinced right away that Lupe had made it to the true summit of Peak 8840.  Clearly there wasn’t any higher ground to the S, W or N, but a ridge extended out to the E from the summit.  It wasn’t possible to see far enough to rule out higher points along the E ridge.

Despite the approaching storm, Lupe and SPHP made a hasty exploration of the E ridge.  There weren’t any higher points on it than the summit Lupe had already been to.  However, there were some much better viewpoints.  Lupe and SPHP went all the way to the E end of the ridge.  Near the end, on the S side, Lupe came to a well-constructed cairn of reddish/pinkish rocks.

Lupe on the cairn of reddish/pinkish rocks near the end of the E ridge of Peak 8840. Photo looks S.
Lupe on the cairn of reddish/pinkish rocks near the end of the E ridge of Peak 8840. Photo looks S.
Looking SW.

Lupe posed for a couple of photos on the reddish/pinkish rock cairn with nice views to the S in the background.  Then Lupe checked out the views from the N side of the E ridge.

There was some pretty remote, dry looking territory N of the E ridge of Peak 8840. Photo taken with the telephoto lens looking N.
There was some pretty remote, dry looking territory N of the E ridge of Peak 8840. Photo taken with the telephoto lens looking N.
Pilot Hill (8,859 ft.) from the E ridge of Peak 8840. Photo looks NW.
Pilot Hill (8,859 ft.) from the E ridge of Peak 8840. Photo looks NW.

With the exploration of the E ridge complete, Lupe and SPHP hastened back to the summit of Peak 8840.  There wasn’t much time to lose.  The storm was getting closer.  Lupe returned to Pilot Hill Road and made for the G6.

For the last 10 or 15 minutes, Lupe and SPHP got sprinkled on.  Thunder could be heard in the distance, although Lupe saw no lightning.  Less than a minute after reaching the G6 (4:57 PM, 50°F), the rain hit.  It wasn’t a cloudburst, but it rained steadily for 15 minutes.  Lupe was safe and dry in the G6.

Lupe looking kind of smug about her just in the nick of time escape from the rain.
Lupe looking kind of smug about her just in the nick of time escape from the rain.

The rain eased up, but didn’t stop entirely.  SPHP started the G6 and drove E on USFS Road No. 714.  The day was now wearing on, but Lupe had one more peakbagging goal left ahead of her – Eagle Rock (8,320 ft.).

The first views of Eagle Rock weren’t very encouraging.  It looked very rocky, and perhaps impossible for Lupe to climb.  SPHP stopped the G6 0.5 mile WSW of Eagle Rock to wait for the rain to clear.  SPHP hoped Lupe would see a rainbow.  A double rainbow started to form, but faded before it really became distinct.

Lupe and SPHP explored a group of big rocks in a grassy field SW of the road while raindrops continued to splash down sporadically.  Lupe was perfectly happy sniffing around.  SPHP continued to contemplate Eagle Rock.

Eagle Rock from the WSW near USFS Road No. 714.
Eagle Rock from the WSW near USFS Road No. 714.

Even after the rain completely ended, there continued to be big clouds around.  Now they were off to the N.  Thunder could occasionally be heard.  Slowly the situation calmed down.  SPHP found a place to park the G6 at a small pullout along No. 714.1F less than 100 feet N of its intersection with No. 714 (6:40 PM, 44°F).

Lupe and SPHP left the G6 and followed No. 714.1F going N toward the W side of Eagle Rock.  No. 714.1F went through a strange area where there was a maze of little roads.  This looked like an abandoned campground, or at least a dispersed camping area with a number of sites.  Big mud puddles covered the road in some places.  Some of the puddles were fed by small streams trickling out of a marshy aspen forest.

Eagle Rock from the SSW near USFS Road No. 714.1F.
Eagle Rock from the SSW near USFS Road No. 714.1F.
Lupe on No. 714.1F on her way to Eagle Rock. Big mud puddles covered the road in several places. Some of the puddles were fed by tiny streams trickling out of the marshy aspen woods.
Lupe on No. 714.1F on her way to Eagle Rock. Big mud puddles covered the road in several places. Some of the puddles were fed by tiny streams trickling out of the marshy aspen woods.

Before long, No. 714.1F climbed out of the aspen forest and into the pines.  When SPHP figured Lupe had gone far enough N, it was time to turn E to start the climb up the short, but steep slope to Eagle Rock.  Soon Lupe was quite high up on the mountain.

Lupe nears the top of Eagle Rock (8,320 ft.). Photo looks N.
Lupe nears the top of Eagle Rock (8,320 ft.). Photo looks N.

It had been apparent from a distance that the top of Eagle Rock consisted of a line of very rocky and distinct high points, each crowned by stacks of large, rounded boulders.  Even from near the top, though, it wasn’t entirely clear which of these high points was the true summit.  SPHP could rule out the high points toward the S, but depending on where one was, either the middle or N high points looked like the summit.

Lupe below the very highest rocks of the middle high point of Eagle Rock. SPHP believes this may well be the true summit, but isn't entirely certain. There were high points farther N that also seemed like possible candidates too.
Lupe below the very highest rocks of the middle high point of Eagle Rock. SPHP believes this may well be the true summit, but isn’t entirely certain. There were high points farther N that also seemed like possible candidates, too.

Lupe visited the middle high point first.  Slowly and carefully, Lupe and SPHP also worked around to competing high points farther N.  The SE face of Eagle Rock was virtually a cliff, but it was possible to maneuver around on the ridgeline or just to the W of it.  In truth, Lupe never got right up on top of the very highest rocks, but she got within 5 or 10 feet each time – close enough for Dingo work!

Lupe near the high point farthest N. The actual top is 5 to 10 feet higher and close to where SPHP took this photo from, and Lupe had already been there, too. Photo looks SW along the very rocky Eagle Rock summit ridge. What may be the true summit, the middle high point, is seen just to the L of Center.
Lupe near the high point farthest N. The actual top is 5 to 10 feet higher and close to where SPHP took this photo from. Lupe had already been there, too. Photo looks SW along the very rocky Eagle Rock summit ridge. What may be the true summit, the middle high point, is seen just to the L of Center.
After visiting the N high point, Lupe returned to the middle high point to see how high up she could get. Here she is sitting right next to the very highest rock. Photo looks N.
After visiting the N high point, Lupe returned to the middle high point to see how high up she could get. Here she is sitting right next to the very highest rock. Photo looks N.
Lupe sits between the highest rocks of the middle high point. The rock on the left may be the true summit of Eagle Rock. Just a foot or two behind Lupe is a cliff, but American Dingoes have much better sense than to go over cliffs. Photo looks ESE.
Lupe sits between the highest rocks of the middle high point. The rock on the left may be the true summit of Eagle Rock. Just a foot or two behind Lupe is a cliff, but American Dingoes have much better sense than to go over cliffs. Photo looks ESE.
Lupe still near the middle high point of Eagle Rock. One of the N high points she visited is seen beyond her some distance away. From some angles, the N high point looked to be the true summit of Eagle Rock. Photo looks NE.
Lupe still near the middle high point of Eagle Rock. One of the N high points she visited is seen beyond her some distance away. From some angles, the N high point looked to be the true summit of Eagle Rock. Photo looks NE.

Scrambling around among the boulders on Eagle Rock was a lot of fun.  It was certainly a much more interesting summit than Peak 8840 had been.  SPHP was pleased with how very close Lupe was able to get to the absolute tops of the very highest rocks.  Even though she technically fell a little bit short, Lupe was definitely claiming Eagle Rock as a peakbagging success!

After climbing Eagle Rock, Lupe returned to the G6 (8:02 PM, 5-29-16). She spent the night car camped along No. 714.1F near the mountain. The next morning, Lupe saw this view of Eagle Rock from the SE. From this angle, it looks like the true summit is at the N high point on the R.
After climbing Eagle Rock, Lupe returned to the G6 (8:02 PM, 5-29-16). She spent the night car camped along No. 714.1F near the mountain. The next morning, Lupe saw this view of Eagle Rock from the SE. From this angle, it looks like the true summit is at the N high point on the R.

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The Summit & the Headquarters National Recreation Trail to the Leg Benchmark & Pole Mountain, Laramie Mountains, WY (5-29-16)

Lupe’s luck was about to change!  Five long days of unrelenting Dingo boredom while SPHP helped clean out the house in Laramie, Wyoming were over.  Lupe was in the G6, speeding SE on I-80 toward The Summit for her first taste of peakbagging fun on this whole trip.  She was finally going to get to play in the mountains, and the excited Carolina Dog could hardly wait.

At Exit 323, SPHP turned off I-80.  A few minutes later, SPHP parked the G6 at a long pullout on the E side of Old Hwy 30, close to the start of USFS Road No. 724 (7:43 AM, 53°F).  The hike up No. 724 to the top of The Summit (8,880 ft.) was trivial, less than 0.25 mile long with an elevation gain of only 70 feet.

Nevertheless, Lupe was joyous!  Being outside exploring anything new was so much better than moping around being ignored back at the old house.  SPHP was almost equally glad.  SPHP had been allergic to the dusty air in the old house, which had been locked up for many years.  Breathing easier already, SPHP was looking forward to several great days of freedom in the Laramie Mountains.

The top of The Summit was a huge, round, flat, forested area.  A variety of small buildings and large towers were scattered across the landscape.  No one was around.  Lupe and SPHP wandered among the pines and towers looking for the highest point on the mountain.  The trees hid the views for the most part, but there was a view of Turtle Rock (8,600 ft.) from the SE edge of the big hill.

Lupe reaches the biggest tower on The Summit (8,880 ft.) in the Laramie Mountains of Wyoming. Photo looks SW.
Looking SE toward Turtle Rock (8,600 ft.) from The Summit. Taken with the telephoto lens.
Looking SE toward Turtle Rock (8,600 ft.) from The Summit. Taken with the telephoto lens.

There were also partial views to the S and SW where it was possible to see much higher snow-capped peaks.  They were far away – probably in Colorado.  SPHP looked around for a clear view of them, but couldn’t find one.  Toward the E central part of the summit area, Lupe came across a big rock that appeared to be the highest point on The Summit.

Lupe perches on the summit rock of The Summit. Photo looks N.

Lupe on the highest rock on The Summit, Laramie Mountains, WY 5-29-16

A better view of what most of the top of The Summit looked like. Photo looks S.
A better view of what most of the top of The Summit looked like. Photo looks S.
Two more of the towers on The Summit. These were only a little way NW of the highest rock on the hill. Photo looks NW.

Climbing The Summit was a quick and easy start to Lupe’s day, but just made Lupe and SPHP eager to explore more scenic, less developed peaks.  Lupe headed back down USFS Road No. 724 to the G6.

As Lupe and SPHP neared the G6 again, SPHP decided to continue on past it up a dirt road on the E side of Old Hwy 30.  The dirt road led straight to a big dirt parking lot.  From the S end of the parking lot was a much better view of some of the distant snow-capped peaks Lupe had only glimpsed from up on The Summit.

E of The Summit and practically right next to the E side of Old Hwy 30 was a big dirt parking lot with this great view of snow-capped peaks far away to the S in Colorado. Photo taken with the telephoto lens.
E of The Summit, and practically right next to the E side of Old Hwy 30, was a big dirt parking lot with this great view of snow-capped peaks far away to the S in Colorado. Photo taken with the telephoto lens.

The huge snowy mountains were gorgeous and inspiring, but they were far away.  Besides, there was clearly still way too much snow up on the high peaks for Lupe adventures.  In another 6 weeks, the story would be different, but not yet.  Lupe and SPHP returned to the G6 (8:19 AM, 50°F).

SPHP had a couple of nearby peakbagging goals in mind for Lupe – the Leg Benchmark (9,055 ft.) and Pole Mountain (9,040 ft.).  SPHP hoped Lupe could reach them from the Headquarters National Recreation Trail.  The Summit trailhead at the W end of the trail was less than a mile away.

Lupe and SPHP hopped in the G6, crossed I-80, and drove to the trailhead.  A sign said a fee was required to park there.  Just over the hill, though, along I-80 was a huge rest stop with free parking.  So SPHP drove to the rest stop to park the G6 (8:29 AM, 50°F).  Lupe took up peakbagging interstate highways – a sign said this rest area was the highest point on I-80!

Lupe takes up peakbagging interstate highways at The Summit rest stop at Exit 323 in Wyoming.
Lupe takes up peakbagging interstate highways at The Summit rest area at Exit 323 in Wyoming.
Abe Lincoln glowers down on I-80 from The Summit rest area at Exit 323 in Wyoming.
Abe Lincoln glowers down on I-80 from The Summit rest area at Exit 323 in Wyoming.

Lupe and SPHP headed for the Summit trailhead of the Headquarters National Recreation Trail, where Lupe started her quest to climb the Leg Benchmark and Pole Mountain.

Lupe at the start of the W end of the Headquarters National Recreation Trail. Photo looks NNE.
Lupe at the start of the W end of the Headquarters National Recreation Trail. Photo looks NE.

Lupe hadn’t gone very far, when she made a great discovery.  A huge, deliciously cold snowbank covered a fairly long stretch of the trail.  Lupe frolicked on it, and got cooled off.  Lupe eventually came to a few more scattered snowbanks along the trail, but none anywhere near the size of this first one.

This big snowbank near the W end of the Headquarters National Recreation Trail made for one very happy Carolina Dog! Photo looks NE.
This big snowbank near the W end of the Headquarters National Recreation Trail made for one very happy Carolina Dog! Photo looks NE.

The Headquarters National Recreation Trail was fun and easy.  The trail headed generally E winding its way through a pine and aspen forest.  There was some up and down along the way, but nothing too drastic.  Lupe netted a few hundred feet of elevation gain, but that was about it.

After a little while, Lupe came to a sign where the trail divided.  To the left was Cardiac Bypass.  To the right was a Scenic Overlook.  Lupe and SPHP took the Cardiac Bypass.  Almost immediately it became clear that there was a viewpoint a little higher up a short distance off the trail.  Lupe and SPHP left the trail to check out the view.Lupe on the Headquarters National Recreation Trail, Laramie Mountains, WY 5-29-16The view was splendid!  The Summit, which Lupe had climbed only a short while ago, was visible to the W.  Far beyond The Summit, Medicine Bow Peak (12,013 ft.) could be seen in the Snowy Range.  Several other high snowy mountain ranges were spread out across the far S and SW horizons.

Lupe at the viewpoint a little off the Cardiac Bypass of the Headquarters National Recreation Trail. The Summit is the hill on the L. Snowy Medicine Bow Peak is seen on the horizon on the R. Photo looks W.
Lupe at the viewpoint a little off the Cardiac Bypass of the Headquarters National Recreation Trail. The Summit is the hill on the L. Snowy Medicine Bow Peak is seen on the far horizon on the R. Photo looks W.
Medicine Bow Peak (12,013 ft.) (Center) using the telephoto lens. Lupe climbed Medicine Bow Peak and other nearby peaks on her Summer of 2015 Dingo Vacation. Photo looks W.
Medicine Bow Peak (12,013 ft.) (Center) using the telephoto lens. Lupe climbed Medicine Bow Peak and other nearby peaks on her Summer of 2015 Dingo Vacation. Photo looks W.

SPHP knew the Headquarters National Recreation Trail did not go directly to either of Lupe’s two peakbagging goals, the Leg Benchmark and Pole Mountain.  The trail gets closest to the Leg Benchmark, but passes to the W of it.

After Lupe had followed the trail some distance, SPHP became anxious to figure out just where Lupe should leave the trail to start climbing the Leg Benchmark.  When a rocky high point appeared on the N side of the trail, Lupe and SPHP climbed up to see what lay ahead.

Lupe climbed this rock formation N of the trail. SPHP hoped to see the Leg Benchmark from here. Photo looks N.
Lupe climbed this rock formation N of the trail. SPHP hoped to see the Leg Benchmark from here. Photo looks N.
American Dingo scout, Lupe, near the top of the rock formation.
American Dingo scout, Lupe, near the top of the rock formation.
Beyond Lupe is a first look at the long high ridge of the Leg Benchmark. Photo looks ESE.
Beyond Lupe is a first look at the long high ridge of the Leg Benchmark. Photo looks ESE.

The long high ridge of the Leg Benchmark was in view, but still a little way off.  Lupe and SPHP returned to the Headquarters National Recreational Trail and continued E.

Crocuses were blooming along the trail. In the Black Hills, crocuses started blooming in April.
Crocuses were blooming along the trail.

Before long, the trail started to gradually lose elevation.  Lupe came to a three-way intersection.  To the right (S), the National Headquarters Recreation Trail continued toward Browns Landing.  To the left (NE) the Summit Loop Trail headed up a hill.

Lupe had come to several trail intersections before, including at least a couple that were marked as part of the Summit Loop Trail.  SPHP didn’t really know where the Summit Loop Trail went, but Lupe did need to gain some elevation going NE up to the ridgeline, before turning SE toward the Leg Benchmark.  Lupe and SPHP took the Summit Loop Trail.

The Summit Loop Trail climbed steadily.  When it reached the ridgeline, there was a little open ground where the trail bent around to the NW.  Lupe and SPHP left the trail heading SE and entered the forest again.  Lupe went up and over one forested rise, down across a shallow saddle, and then began her ascent of the Leg Benchmark ridge from the NW.  She soon reached another high rock formation where she could get a better view of what lay ahead.

Pole Mountain finally came into view at this high point along Lupe's route to the Leg Benchmark. Photo looks SE.
Pole Mountain finally came into view at this high point along Lupe’s route to the Leg Benchmark. Photo looks SE.
Lupe having fun near the rocks of a high point on the way to the Leg Benchmark. Photo looks SE.

Lupe reached a few false summits along the way, but SPHP knew she was getting close.   When Lupe started coming to survey benchmarks, SPHP knew she had arrived.  Lupe found four survey benchmarks altogether!  The third one, which was on the very highest rock, actually said “Pole” instead of “Leg”.

Lupe had made it to the Leg Benchmark (9,055 ft.)!  It hadn’t been nearly as hard as SPHP had feared.  Lupe’s next goal, Pole Mountain, was in clear view to the ESE.  There was a lot more to see from the Leg Benchmark, too.  At least four distant snow-covered mountain ranges were visible on the far horizon from the S around to the W.

Lupe and SPHP stopped for a nice long break up at the Leg Benchmark.  It was a great place to be!  The Leg Benchmark seemed to be the dominant high point of these mountains.

Lupe at the last false summit. The true summit where the Leg Benchmark is located is in view just ahead. Photo looks SE.
Lupe at the last false summit. The true summit where the Leg Benchmark is located is in view just ahead. Photo looks SE.
This was the first benchmark Lupe came to on her way to the Leg Benchmark. This one was perhaps 40 feet away from the true summit.
This was the first benchmark Lupe came to on her way to the Leg Benchmark. This one was perhaps 40 feet away from the true summit.
The 2nd survey benchmark Lupe found.
The 2nd survey benchmark Lupe found.
The survey benchmark at the true summit. This was the third one Lupe found, and actually said Pole instead of Leg. Nearby Lupe found a fourth benchmark, but SPHP didn't take a picture of it.
The survey benchmark at the true summit. This was the third one Lupe found, and actually said Pole instead of Leg. Nearby Lupe found a fourth benchmark, but SPHP didn’t take a picture of it.
Lupe stands on the highest rock of the Leg Benchmark. Photo looks NNW.
Lupe stands on the highest rock of the Leg Benchmark. Photo looks NNW.
Lupe still at the highest point of the Leg Benchmark ridge. Photo looks SE along the ridgeline.
Lupe still on the highest point of the Leg Benchmark ridge. Photo looks SE along the ridgeline.
Pole Mountain (9,040 ft.) from Leg Benchmark. The 4th benchmark Lupe found on Leg Benchmark is seen on the rock on the far R. Photo looks ESE.
Pole Mountain (9,040 ft.) from Leg Benchmark. The 4th survey benchmark Lupe found on Leg Benchmark is seen near the edge of the rock on the far R. Photo looks ESE.

When the leisurely rest break was over, Lupe and SPHP set off continuing SE along the Leg Benchmark ridgeline.  The ridge went on for quite a distance, with only modest elevation loss.  Gradually the forested slope to the NE became less steep, and it wasn’t as far down to the saddle between Leg Benchmark and Pole Mountain.

The saddle over to Pole Mountain had been clearly visible from up on top of Leg Benchmark.  Most of it was flat, open terrain that would be easy to cross.  Lupe followed the Leg Benchmark ridgeline down to where it looked like a straight shot over the saddle to Pole Mountain.  Then Lupe and SPHP turned NE, leaving the ridge and plunging down into the forest.

Lupe SE of the Leg Benchmark summit before she left the ridgeline. The nearby grassland is part of Browns Landing. Turtle Rock (8,600 ft.) is the rocky three-pronged peak seen in the distance L of Center. Photo looks S.
Lupe SE of the Leg Benchmark summit before she left the ridgeline. The nearby grassland is part of Browns Landing. Turtle Rock (8,600 ft.) is the rocky three-pronged peak seen in the distance L of Center. Photo looks S.
Turtle Rock (8,600 ft.). Photo looks S using the telephoto lens.
Turtle Rock (8,600 ft.). Photo looks S using the telephoto lens.

The slope wasn’t bad going down off the ridge.  Near the bottom, Lupe was delighted to encounter a wide band of snowdrifts 2 or 3 feet high still melting in the shade of the trees.  Lupe had fun cooling off on the snow before leaving the forest.  As soon as she left the trees, Pole Mountain was directly ahead to the ENE across the open ground of the saddle.

The W face of Pole Mountain features a long, massive rock outcropping.  Clearly, Lupe and SPHP couldn’t climb that!  In fact, SPHP wasn’t entirely certain Lupe would be able to find any way to the top.  However, it did look like the situation would be more promising farther E along the S face.  Lupe and SPHP crossed the flat, open saddle and started climbing.  As Lupe climbed, she worked her way E across the S side of the mountain.

The top of Pole Mountain (9,040 ft.) was quite rocky, but Lupe did find an easy way up about midway along the S slope.  The summit ridge extended 200 feet in a NW/SE direction.  The highest point was toward the middle, but somewhat closer to the NW end, not far at all from where Lupe came up.  Lupe and SPHP went to check out the true summit and NW end of the mountain first.

Lupe atop the NW end of the Pole Mountain summit ridge. Leg Benchmark is the high point (R of Center) on the ridge seen in the background. Photo looks WNW.
Lupe atop the NW end of the Pole Mountain summit ridge. Leg Benchmark is the high point (R of Center) on the ridge seen in the background. Photo looks WNW.
The Leg Benchmark (9,055 ft.) summit from Pole Mountain. Photo looks WNW using the telephoto lens.
The Leg Benchmark (9,055 ft.) summit from Pole Mountain. Photo looks WNW using the telephoto lens.
Lupe stands on the true summit of Pole Mountain (9,040 ft.). Photo looks SE along the summit ridge.
Lupe stands on the true summit of Pole Mountain (9,040 ft.). Photo looks SE along the summit ridge.

The view of the Leg Benchmark ridge from the NW end of Pole Mountain was great!  After spending a little time there appreciating the fine view, Lupe went to check out the SE end of the summit ridge.  Although a bit lower, the SE end of the summit featured a panoramic view of high plains extending far off to the E.

Lupe farther SE along the summit ridge of Pole Mountain, near where she climbed up. Photo looks SE.
Lupe farther SE along the summit ridge of Pole Mountain, near where she climbed up. Photo looks SE.
A huge area of high prairie was visible all around to the E of Pole Mountain. This photo looks NE toward Bisbee Hill (8,480 ft.) (L) and Markley Hill (R), both of which Lupe climbed the next day.
A huge area of high prairie was visible E of Pole Mountain. This photo looks NE toward Bisbee Hill (8,480 ft.) (L) and Markley Hill (8,520 ft.) (R), both of which Lupe climbed the next day.

As beautiful as the panorama to the E was, it was hard not to focus on the distant snow-capped peaks of Colorado to the SW.  Rain showers were starting to develop in that direction, too.

Lupe on a rocky ledge near the SE end of the Pole Mountain summit. Distant snow-capped peaks of Colorado and light rain showers were in view beyond her. Photo looks SW.
Lupe on a rock ledge near the SE end of the Pole Mountain summit. Distant snow-capped peaks in Colorado and light rain showers were in view beyond her. Photo looks SW.
Using the telephoto lens, the high snowy mountains in Colorado looked impressive and forbidding. Photo looks SW.
Using the telephoto lens, the high snowy mountains in Colorado looked impressive and forbidding. Photo looks SW.

After a pleasant stay, the time came for Lupe to leave Pole Mountain.  The Carolina Dog went back down the same S slope where she had come up, and crossed the grassy saddle over to the start of the forest covering the long Leg Benchmark ridge.  She then climbed through the forest up to the ridgeline, and made a second ascent all the way to the true summit of Leg Benchmark.

Lupe among the snowdrifts at the base of the Leg Benchmark ridge. Photo looks WSW.
Lupe among the snowdrifts at the base of the Leg Benchmark ridge. Photo looks WSW.
Lupe returns to the top of Leg Benchmark for her 2nd ascent of the day. Pole Mountain, where she had just been, is seen beyond her. Photo looks ESE.
Lupe returns to the top of Leg Benchmark for her 2nd ascent of the day. Pole Mountain, where she had just been, is seen beyond her. Photo looks ESE.

Lupe and SPHP enjoyed one more rest break up on Leg Benchmark.  It was a great place, and it seemed like a shame to leave it, but Lupe had plenty more to do in the Laramie Mountains before the day was done.  Lupe and SPHP left Leg Benchmark for the final time, and began the trek back to the G6.

Lupe returned to the Headquarters National Recreation Trail.  The American Dingo retraced her earlier route along it.  She did make one change, however.  Instead of taking the Cardiac Bypass, she took the trail to the Scenic Overlook.  The Cardiac Bypass wasn’t all that much shorter, and the Scenic Overlook trail loops right back to it after providing some of the very best views Lupe found anywhere along the Headquarters National Recreation Trail.

By 1:58 PM (68°F), Lupe and SPHP were back at the G6.  Lupe had already had a wonderful day in the Laramie Mountains, but it was still relatively early.  A happy Carolina Dog jumped in the G6.  Then Lupe and SPHP headed N looking for the next adventure.

Lupe relaxes up on Leg Benchmark during her final ascent of the mountain.
Lupe relaxes up on Leg Benchmark during her final ascent of the mountain.

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