Jack Squirrel Peak, Laramie Range, Wyoming (6-19-17)

Day 12 of Lupe’s 2017 Dingo Vacation to the Laramie Range in Wyoming & Beyond!

Lupe could hardly believe her big soft Dingo ears!  Her spine tingled with excitement.  She stared at SPHP in wide-eyed wonder and disbelief.  Was it true?  Was she really on her way to fabled Squirrel Mountain?  Oh, joy!

Not Squirrel Mountain, Loop – Jack Squirrel Peak.

Mountain, peak, what difference did it make?  Loop didn’t know and didn’t care.  She was certain Squirrel Peak would be every bit as fabulous as Squirrel Mountain.  How could it not be?  In fact, the notion that there might be both a Squirrel Mountain and a Squirrel Peak was an exciting idea she’d never even thought of before.

I’m not even certain what a jack squirrel is, Looper.  Maybe a jack squirrel is just larger than ordinary squirrels with a super long bushy tail?  Kind of like a jack rabbit is bigger than ordinary rabbits and has longer ears and legs.

The American Dingo’s eyes grew even bigger.  This was too good to be true!

Oh, I hope you’re right, SPHP!  This is going to be the best mountain ever!  I never should have doubted you.  Your the best friend a Dingo ever had!  This is going to make up for when you forgot the whiskey on Whiskey Peak, and then some.

Well, maybe it would, and maybe it wouldn’t.  SPHP parked the G6 on the S side of County Road No. 710 where it turned W near Silver Tip Creek (10:43 AM, 62°F)Jack Squirrel Peak (8,942 ft.) was only 1.5 miles SSE from here at the S end of the long Eagle Mountain ridge.

Several log and wooden structures were on the other (N) side of County Road No. 710 from where SPHP parked the G6. They all seemed to be abandoned. Photo looks N.

Most of the territory E of here, including Jack Squirrel Peak, was all national forest land.  However, by far the easiest way to the mountain was to head S across a big field N of the confluence of Silver Tip and Bear Creeks.  Though this field was private property, signs on the fence said this land was open to the public for hunting.

We’re hunting jack squirrels, right Loop?

Of course!  We’ll be back soon with passels of ’em!  We’re entirely legit.

I’m not even sure if it’s jack squirrel season.  You’ll vouch for me if anyone objects?

Don’t be ridiculous, SPHP!  It’s always squirrel season, jack or not.  We Dingoes are experts on the subject.  Carry on!  Just point me to Squirrel Peak!

Loop ready to depart for Jack Squirrel Peak (L). Photo looks S.

As excited as she could be, Lupe crossed the big field sniffing madly trying to pick up a scent.  Nearing Silver Tip Creek, she found a dirt road that got her over to the E side of the creek.  Once across, Loop followed the road S beyond Silver Tip’s confluence with Bear Creek.

Lupe heading for the promised land of Jack Squirrel Peak! She’s E of Bear Creek here, and will go up the L side of the low hill directly ahead to enter Hidden Gulch. Photo looks S.

A low hill was up ahead.  Loop left the road to climb it.  Reaching the top, she had a view of Hidden Gulch.

Hidden Gulch from the top of the low hill. High Point 8608 looms above the upper end of Hidden Gulch on the R. Photo looks E.

Hidden Gulch was part of the planned ascent route up Jack Squirrel Peak.  Lupe left the low hill heading E.  She stayed N of a tributary of Bear Creek flowing down the valley.  The intention was for Loop to go all the way up Hidden Gulch to the main N/S ridgeline at a saddle just S of High Point 8608.  At the saddle she would turn SW and follow the ridgeline to the summit.

Things started out OK, but Lupe soon came to a thick forest down by the stream.  The valley was already increasingly rocky, full of boulders and deadfall timber.  The forest appeared impenetrable.  It looked far easier to avoid the forest entirely.  Lupe and SPHP crossed over to the S side of the stream, and began climbing.

The forest had burned on the S side of the valley.  The slope was fairly steep and quite rocky, but the rocks were good-sized and mostly stable.  It wasn’t hard scrambling up among them.

A forest fire had burned the slope on the S side of Hidden Gulch. Though the area was very rocky, the rocks were mostly stable and easy enough to scramble up. Photo looks SE.

The new plan was to keep proceeding ESE up Hidden Gulch as Lupe gained elevation.  She might not have to go all the way to the main ridgeline S of High Point 8608.  Maybe she could manage a more direct route up Jack Squirrel Peak from the N or NW.

The American Dingo climbed and climbed.  The mountain kept getting steeper.  Despite what the topo map showed, the easiest way up always seemed to be more toward the W slope.  Lupe was already quite high by the time SPHP realized how far around to the W she’d gotten.

Lupe was already pretty high up by the time SPHP realized how far she’d drifted around onto Jack Squirrel Peak’s W slope. Huge rocks were everywhere, and the mountain was getting steeper with no relief in sight. Photo looks NW.
On Jack Squirrel Peak’s W slope. The Bear Creek valley is seen on the R. Photo looks S.
Looper looking in vain up Jack Squirrel Peak’s W slope for signs of any jack squirrels. Photo looks E.

Lupe started coming to massive rock formations separated by wide chutes of loose rock and boulders.  She went around the first one or two staying toward the SW.  However, the SW side of the mountain was becoming more intense.  Lupe was finally forced to climb NE up a long chute full of boulders.  Near the top she reached less difficult terrain.

Passing around the SW end of one of the massive rock formations, with another one directly ahead beyond a field of boulders. Photo looks ENE.
Near the upper end of the long chute, Lupe finally escapes the worst of the steep W slope. Photo looks NE.

Lupe was certainly getting up in the world!  Off to the NNE she now had a tremendous view of Eagle Peak (9,167 ft.) at the opposite end of the long Eagle Mountain ridge.  Only 10 days ago, Loop had nearly made it to the top of Eagle Peak, but had failed to find a route up onto a vertical rock wall at the top of the mountain.

Lupe was certainly getting up in the world! Off to the NNE she had a tremendous view of Eagle Peak.

Unfortunately, the American Dingo’s ability to get to the top of Jack Squirrel Peak was fast becoming a concern, too.  Although most of the terrain ahead was much easier than where Lupe had just been, a rock formation higher than anything else in sight sat perched high above the opposite side of the long chute she’d just come up.

Was that rock formation Jack Squirrel’s summit?  SPHP hoped not, but feared it might be.  The formation wasn’t all that large, but was at least 20 or 30 feet high.  The part of it in view from here had nearly vertical sides.  Unless the unseen side was a lot easier to climb, Lupe didn’t stand a chance of getting to the top.

On the opposite side of the long chute full of boulders Lupe had just come up, a knob of rock (L) sat perched higher than anything else around. Was that the summit? Failure loomed, if it was. Lupe wouldn’t be able to get to the top of that thing! Photo looks ENE.

Loop and SPHP headed for the rock formation.  When Loop got there, it turned out that the knob of rock was actually more like a narrow ridge.  It was long and skinny, not round.  The E side looked virtually the same as the W side Lupe had seen first.  Loop got up within 20 or 25 feet of the top, but that was as far as she could go.

When Lupe got there, the knob of rock turned out to be more like a narrow ridge. Lupe could get within 20 feet of the top, but no higher. Photo looks SW.

Fortunately, Looper didn’t need to get to the top of this rock formation.  It was only a false summit.  Beyond it, not too far away, was even higher ground.  The Carolina Dog could keep climbing!

Fortunately, the rock formation Lupe had reached was only a false summit. Higher ground was in view ahead. The Carolina Dog could keep climbing! Photo looks ENE.

The higher ground nearby was it!  Just like that, Lupe was at the summit of Jack Squirrel Peak (8,942 ft.).  It hadn’t been all that hard to get here after all.  The last part of the climb had been easy!

SPHP was ecstatic.  Loop seemed shocked by the news.  This was it?  The summit of Jack Squirrel Peak?  She got up on the highest rock for a photo as requested, but her heart didn’t seem to be in it.

Loopster at the top of Jack Squirrel Peak! Photo looks SSE.

The views were enormous, but the first to capture SPHP’s attention was an impressive wall of rock SSE of the summit.  It towered hundreds of feet above surrounding terrain, and looked virtually as high as the summit where Lupe stood.  In fact, parts of the wall appeared slightly higher.  Wasn’t Loop at the true summit of Jack Squirrel Peak?

The first view to capture SPHP’s attention was a towering wall of rock SSE of the summit where Lupe stood. It looked as high as where Lupe was, maybe even a little higher. Photo looks SSE.

SPHP checked the topo map.  Lupe was at the point where a site elevation of 8,942 ft. was shown within the larger of two 8,940 foot contours, the smaller contour being located along part of the rock wall to the SSE.  No site elevation was shown in that contour.

Well, Loop, I could convince myself there are parts of that gigantic rock wall that are higher than we are here, if I wanted to.  It kind of looks that way.  On the other hand, having terrain at some distance falsely appear higher is a pretty common optical illusion, too, as we’ve seen on other peaks.  The highest elevation shown on the topo map is right where you are now.

In any case, we’re claiming a peakbagging success for you!  If some purist wants to risk their neck to possibly gain 6″ or 2 feet more, or whatever it may actually be over on that rock wall, they are welcome to it.  It’s way too dangerous over there for us.  It may not be any higher anyway.  So this is it!  Good enough for Dingo work!  Congratulations, Looper on reaching the top of Jack Squirrel Peak!

SPHP shook Lupe’s freckled paw.  She smiled weakly, but said nothing.  She looked despondent.

Whether or not this giant rock wall was any higher than the 8,942 foot site elevation Lupe had reached was difficult to tell. In any case, it was way too dangerous for Lupe and SPHP to go over there. Loop was at the highest elevation actually indicated on the topo map. She was claiming a peakbagging success! Photo looks SSE.
Even after SPHP congratulated Loop on her Jack Squirrel Peak success, she looked a little down. The false summit Lupe had gone by on the way up is in view to the L of her head. The high peak in the distance seen straight up from her head is Windy Peak (9,080 ft.). Photo looks NW.
A closer look with help from the telephoto lens. The false summit Lupe went by is in the foreground on the L. Windy Peak is in the distance on the R. Photo looks NW.

Time for a break.  Lupe got down off the summit rock, and curled up near the backpack.  SPHP munched an apple, but Looper refused her Taste of the Wild.  She drank only a little water.

You OK, Loop?  What’s wrong?

Lupe stood up, gazed sadly at SPHP, then lowered her head.

Loop?

SPHP gave her a pat.

It’s terrible!  Simply awful, SPHP!  Just ….. sickening!

What is, Loop?

Lupe puked.  Three times.  It took her a moment to recover.

Jack Squirrel Peak!  Don’t you pay any attention, at all, SPHP?  Practically the whole mountain has burned.  The forest is ashes.  All the jack squirrels are dead and gone.  We haven’t seen a single one!  It’s horrible!  I thought we were coming to a squirrel paradise, but everything’s in ruins.  We’ve come all the way to the top, and it’s clear we aren’t ever going to see a jack squirrel.  My hopes are nothing but ashes now, too!

SPHP hugged Lupe, then sat with her stroking her soft fur.

Oh, Loop!  I’m sorry you feel so bad!  You’re right, the forest has all burned.  We haven’t seen any squirrels, jack or otherwise, at all.  It must be terribly disappointing to you.  You know what, though?  Since there weren’t any jack squirrels here, I’ll take you to some other mountains where there will be plenty of  squirrels.  They may not be jack squirrels, but you’ll still have fun!

Really?  I thought we were just going home after this.  Isn’t my Dingo Vacation almost over now?

Yes, we are going home after this.  Only for a little while, though.  Your Dingo Vacation to the Laramie Mountains is about done, but in July you’re going on another Dingo Vacation to even bigger mountains.  You’ll see lots of squirrels, and other animals, too!  Plus I’ll have a big surprise for you before it’s over!

Really?  Promise?

Promise!  You can count on it.  You’re going to be one busy, lucky Dingo this summer!  Say, you’re looking a little better.  Listen, now.  The forest and the jack squirrels may be gone, but Jack Squirrel Peak is still quite a mountain.  The views are stupendous here.  Let’s look around a bit, get some photos, then we can head down.  Whad’dya say?

OK, sure.  I do feel a little better.  Thanks, SPHP!

Lupe got up on several different high rocks for photos.  Then she curled up to rest a bit longer, while SPHP took a few more pictures.

Laramie Peak (10,272 ft.), the highest mountain in the Laramie Range from Jack Squirrel Peak. Photo looks NE.
Looking NNE at Eagle Peak. High Point 8608 is the massive block of rock seen straight up from Looper’s rump. Photo looks NNE.
Windy Peak is on the L. South Sawtooth Mountain (8,723 ft.) is the distant high point at Center. Photo looks NNW.
Eagle Peak and the long ridge leading to it from Jack Squirrel Mountain. Photo looks NNE with help from the telephoto lens.
Laramie Peak. Photo looks NE.
View to the SSW from the summit of Jack Squirrel Peak.
The Laramie Mountains, where Lupe had such a good time on her 1st Dingo Vacation of 2017. Photo looks WNW.

On the way back, Lupe took a much different route.  Instead of going down the W slope, she tried heading NNE to the saddle near High Point 8608, but it was tough going and Loop didn’t stay the course very long.  She ended up descending the N face of Jack Squirrel Peak.  It was steep with lots of rocks, deadfall timber, and some live trees as well.  For a while, SPHP was afraid the Carolina Dog might cliff out, but she didn’t.

It took a long time for Loop to work her way down to the upper reaches of Hidden Gulch.  The forest had all burned here, but the forest floor sported a grand profusion of green plants with showy yellow flowers.  Lupe was feeling better by now.

By the time Lupe made it down to the upper reaches of Hidden Gulch, she was feeling much better.
Exploring Hidden Gulch.

Lupe made her way to the tributary of Bear Creek.  Staying to the N, she followed it W down Hidden Gulch.  When Loop finally got out of Hidden Gulch, the rest was easy.  Soon she could see the G6 parked across the green meadow near County Road No. 710.  On the other side of the road, the old wooden barns and outbuildings sat quietly at the foot of Jaybird Peak.

This was it.  The final stroll of Lupe’s 2017 Dingo Vacation to the Laramie Range in Wyoming & Beyond lay before her.  She’d had a great time on this trip, and more Dingo Vacations and adventures would be coming soon, but they didn’t matter yet.  It was still June, and a gorgeous evening.

The Carolina Dog ran down to Silver Tip Creek for a drink of cold water, then trotted into the big green field.  Sniffing and exploring happily, she played a little longer in the evening’s glow before heading home (7:03 PM, 65°F).

Looking N toward Jaybird Peak, Laramie Mountains, Wyoming, 6-19-17

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Eagle Peak, Laramie Range, Wyoming (6-9-17)

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Independence Rock & Mine Benchmark, the Natrona County High Point, Wyoming (6-18-17)

Day 11 of Lupe’s 2017 Dingo Vacation to the Laramie Range in Wyoming & Beyond!

On the way to Casper, Lupe was going to go right by a famous landmark from the days of the early pioneers – Independence Rock (6,028 ft.) in the Sweetwater River valley.  She had been by it before a time or two, but had never stopped to take a look around.  Today she had the time, and it seemed like just the sort of thing an adventurous American Dingo ought to do!

Lupe drops by Independence Rock State Historic Site in S central Wyoming.

Independence Rock was once an important landmark on the Oregon, California & Mormon Pioneer trails.  Hwy 220 goes right past it now.  Just off the highway, there’s a rest area with bathrooms, water fountains, and shaded picnic tables.  A sidewalk leads to displays detailing the history and importance of this site to the pioneers, and on to Independence Rock itself.  Lupe and SPHP set off on the short stroll.

SPHP stopped to read some of the displays along the sidewalk, but the Carolina Dog had limited patience with that.  She wanted to get there and experience Independence Rock for herself!

Loop on her way to check out Independence Rock.

One of the dangers the early pioneers faced here so long ago was still around.  Near the base of Independence Rock a man was sitting on a bench where the sidewalk divided to make a loop around the rock.  He said he had just seen a 4 foot long rattlesnake slither across the sidewalk only a few minutes ago.  The rattler appeared to be hunting the numerous gray rabbits hopping about all over the place.

That rattlesnake had the right idea!  Lupe was also keenly interested in hunting rabbits!  Sadly, party-pooper SPHP didn’t think racing around in the tall grass among rabbits and rattlesnakes was such a hot idea.  A very disappointed Lupe was forced to stay on the leash.The good news was that it was permissible to climb right up onto Independence Rock!  The best way up was from the NW.  Used to climbing mountains, getting to the top was easy for Lupe.  She was there in practically no time.

Lupe on top of Independence Rock. Thousands of pioneers had stood on this very rock more than 150 years ago. Photo looks ESE down the Sweetwater River valley.

Also known as the Great Register of the Desert, thousands of pioneers had painted or chiseled their names on Independence Rock by various means.  Only the names actually carved into the granite still remain.Lupe saw some names carved in the rock, but as SPHP read them off, it turned out that Loop didn’t personally know any of these pioneers.  The Carolina Dog lost interest.  She wanted to look and sniff around.  A view of a herd of delicious black cows grazing down by the Sweetwater River was especially interesting.

Lupe was more interested in the views from Independence Rock than the pioneer names carved into it. Photo looks SE from the summit. The hills along the ridge in the distance are the Sentinel Rocks.
Looking SW at the Sweetwater River and Hwy 220. The Charlie Brown Range where Lupe had such a good time climbing Ferris Mountain (10,037 ft.) yesterday is on the horizon on the L. Devil’s Gate, another pioneer landmark, is closer by somewhere in the lower hills on the R.
Lupe’s favorite view from Independence Rock was this one of the herd of black cattle grazing down by the Sweetwater River. Their mooing held her attention. If rabbit wasn’t on the menu, maybe steaks could be? Photo looks SSW.

The view to the E was disappointing.  Loop couldn’t see any horses or covered wagons on the way.  Apparently she wasn’t going to be lucky enough to meet any pioneers at Independence Rock this morning.  She’d thought her chances were pretty good, since it was such a beautiful day for pioneering.  Oh, well!  When she’d seen enough of the views, the American Dingo decided she may as well head back down.

More people who were coming up reported that they’d just seen the 4 foot long rattlesnake again down below, still on the prowl for rabbits.  Loop thought that if she were a rabbit, she’d probably hit the trail W like the pioneers.  Independence Rock was a dangerous place!

On the sidewalk on the way back to the rest area, Lupe kept a pretty good eye and keen nose out for the rattlesnake, but she didn’t see it.  SPHP dawdled again looking at displays.SPHP wanted to do one more thing here, which was to walk down to the Sweetwater River.  Lupe thought that might not be such a bad idea, since those black cows were somewhere along the river.

Lupe and SPHP followed an old abandoned road near Hwy 220.  Unfortunately, it ended at some fences before Loop got all the way to the river.  She never did get close to the black cows, but at least SPHP got a photo of Independence Rock and the Sweetwater River from this angle.

Independence Rock (L) from near the Hwy 220 bridge over the Sweetwater River. Photo looks NE.

Time to move on.  Lupe still had a long way to go today.  After a brief stop for supplies in Casper, SPHP drove W on Hwy 20/26.  A R turn at Waltman onto Natrona County Road No. 104 (Buffalo Creek Road) got Lupe headed NNW toward the small community of Arminto.  Arminto was located N of some railroad tracks 8.5 miles from the highway.

On the way to Arminto. The S end of the Bighorn Mountain Range is in view. Photo looks NNW.

Arminto was a pretty quiet place.  The pavement ended a mile N of town.  Buffalo Creek Road continued on, though, now as Natrona County Road No. 105.  Lupe had a good time barking at scattered herds of cattle as the G6 climbed steadily through classic western scenery.

N of the sleepy community of Arminto, Buffalo Creek Road turned to gravel and began climbing through classic western scenery. Photo looks N.
Western scenery along Buffalo Creek Road. Photo looks NNE.

Lupe was on her way to Mine Benchmark (9,121 ft.), the high point of Natrona County.  Once again, SPHP was using a trip report by famed peakbagger Edward Earl for directions.  15 miles N of Arminto was a 4-way intersection.  Mr. Earl’s instructions said to turn L on Bighorn Mountain Road (Natrona County Road No. 109).  No. 109 wound W & N for a few miles, then began to climb more steeply.

How far the G6 might be able to get along Bighorn Mountain Road wasn’t clear.  Edward Earl had a Nissan pickup truck, and had reported slipping on a steep uphill section, then having to stop soon afterward at a very muddy spot.  He’d had to walk half a dozen miles from there, just to get to where he’d originally intended to park.

The road was a bit damp and muddy, but the G6 made it to the top of the steep section just fine.  Lupe had an advantage being here in mid-June.  Edward Earl’s trip report was for an ascent of Mine Benchmark dated 5-26-2009.  With nearly a month extra of warm, sunny weather to dry things out, there was at least some hope the G6 would be able to get farther than the Nissan had.

The next test came soon.  Beyond the steep climb, the road leveled out and reached a small stream 4 or 5 miles from the turn onto Bighorn Mountain Road.  From Mr. Earl’s description, this was likely the muddy point where he’d had to park the Nissan and continue on foot.  The topo map showed this stream as First Waters Creek.

Lupe and SPHP got out of the G6 for a look.  First Waters Creek was only 4 or 5 feet wide and a foot deep, but the bottom appeared rutty.  Hmm.  It ought to be OK.  Lupe stayed outside while SPHP gave it a go.  The G6 hit bottom lightly in one of the ruts, but made it across undamaged.  Lupe waded over and hopped in.  Onward!

Edward Earl mentioned two more streams ahead, still several miles away.  Bighorn Mountain Road resumed a steady climb.  After a few miles, Lupe reached a high point at a 8,300 foot saddle.  So far so good, but soon the South and Middle Forks of Buffalo Creek would have to be crossed.  This saddle wouldn’t be a bad place to park the G6, though, if it became necessary.

At the 8,300 foot saddle. Bighorn Mountain Road is in view. Photo looks NW.

Only 0.25 mile N of the 8,300 foot saddle, Lupe arrived at the South Fork of Buffalo Creek.  Once again, Loop and SPHP exited the G6 to assess the situation.  The creek crossed the road in two separate little streams.  The streams were stony, but only a few inches deep.  Yeah, the G6 could do this!  SPHP drove slowly across.  It went fine.  Puppy, ho!

Loop by the sign for the South Fork of Buffalo Creek. The G6 has already made it across. Photo looks WNW.

Another 2 miles.  The G6 confronted the last stream, the Middle Fork of Buffalo Creek.  The Middle Fork was wider and deeper than the South Fork, but still only 6 inches deep.  Stones were the only worry.  Slowly, carefully, the G6 inched across and triumphed again.  Hah!

The Middle Fork of Buffalo Creek. High point 8751 in is view ahead. Photo looks NE.

Lupe was less than 1.5 miles from the 8,450 foot saddle where Edward Earl had intended to park his Nissan pickup.  With no more streams to cross, the G6 was going to get there.  However, on the way up to the saddle, the road passed by a huge purple slope covered with lupines.  Lupe had to get out of the G6 for this!

Lupe among the lupines W of High Point 8751 (L). Photo looks E.
Ah, they smell divine, especially when you have a super sensitive Dingo nose like mine!

After a romp through the lupines, Lupe returned to the G6.  At the 8,450 foot saddle, SPHP parked along a side road leading E toward High Point 8509.  It wasn’t yet 4 PM, and Mine Benchmark (9,121 ft.) was only a couple miles away now at most.  Plenty of time to get there and back!

Lupe was certainly out W.  Perhaps there was a wicked witch around?  The lupines had the same effect on Loop and SPHP as the poppies had on Dorothy and Toto in the Wizard of Oz.  Instead of setting out promptly for Mine Benchmark, both were soon fast asleep.

Perhaps there was a wicked witch around? American Dingo, Toto, snoozes the afternoon away under the influence of lupines.

More than 2 hours went by before the spell was broken.  After 6 PM!  Loopster had better get going!  The topo map showed a survey benchmark at 8,463 foot elevation on the W side of Bighorn Mountain Road.  The marker ought to be near the start of the side road Lupe was supposed to take to Mine Benchmark.  Leaving the G6, Loop and SPHP set out in search of the 8,463 foot benchmark (6:21 PM).

Sure enough, the American Dingo found the survey marker right about where the map showed it.  Until now, she hadn’t even noticed the road she was supposed to take to Mine Benchmark.  It could be seen from here, though, grassy and faint, heading SW toward a forest.

This 8,463 foot survey benchmark is only a little W of Bighorn Mountain Road.
Lupe stands near the 8,463 ft. survey benchmark, which is seen on bare ground at the lower R. The faint, grassy road Lupe would take in search of Mine Benchmark is in view beyond her heading for the trees. Photo looks SW.

Lupe and SPHP struck out on the faint grassy road for Mine Benchmark.  Once in the forest, SPHP began to worry about the possibility that the road would deteriorate beyond recognition.  It seemed abandoned.  Deadfall timber blocked it in places.  Lupe reached a locked gate in a barbed wire fence, but went under it.

Half an hour after Loop left the 8,463 foot survey benchmark, she emerged again from the forest.  Suddenly she was out on open ground where it was possible to see.  There wasn’t much left of the road most places, but it hardly mattered now.  Lupe could see a big hill to the W.  That had to be it!  Getting to the Mine Benchmark was going to be easy!

This was just the type of high, open territory Lupe loves.  The lupines had lost their effect.  The Carolina Dog was energized now!  She raced away to explore this beautiful place.

After emerging from the forest, Lupe took off running! She loves this kind of high open territory. Mine Benchmark is up the slope on the R. Photo looks WSW.
An elk was surprised to see Loop and SPHP.
Lupe on a better portion of the road again. This road would take her W and pass only a short distance S of Mine Benchmark. The route was all out in the open from here, and the views were beautiful! High Point 9,109 (Center) is in view. Photo looks SW.

Lupe soon reached a slope immediately S of Mine Benchmark.  Large boulders were scattered here and there.  It wasn’t far to the top.  A little bird, probably the same one that tells all sorts of news and rumors, watched Lupe with curiosity as the Carolina Dog began the final part of her ascent.  The easiest way up was from the SE.

This little bird watched Loop with curiosity. No doubt it intended to spread the news of Lupe’s success as soon as she reached the top of the mountain.
Loop on one of the scattered boulders on Mine Benchmark’s SE slope. The summit isn’t far away. It’s right up there on top of the rock formation on the R. Photo looks W.

The scramble to the top took only a few minutes.  The summit area was roomy and fairly flat.  The highest, rockiest parts were toward the SW end.  Big rocks along the S and W edges of the summit area sat above cliffs of modest height.  Many of the big rocks were separated by sizable gaps that had eroded out between them.

Loop got out on the big rocks for a look around.  Panoramic views of beautiful, rolling Bighorn Mountain meadows spread out before her!  It was the kind of territory that made you want to wander forever.

Loop on one of the big rocks along the SW edge of Mine Benchmark’s summit area. A typical big gap between the large rocks here is seen on the L. Gorgeous rolling meadows of the S Bighorn Mountains are in view. Photo looks WSW.
Lupe among the rocks near the W end of Mine Benchmark’s summit area. Photo looks NW.
High Point 9109 is on the far ridge beyond Lupe. Photo looks SSW.
Lupe along the S edge of the summit area. Photo looks SSW with help from the telephoto lens.
Looking WSW.

Pieces of an old wooden structure were laying around the summit area, and some smooth wire was draped among the rocks.  These were reminiscent of what Lupe had found up on Squaw Mountain (9,313 ft.), the Shirley Mountains High Point (9,151 ft.), and Quealey Benchmark (9,150 ft.) earlier on this Dingo vacation.  Lupe also found the actual Mine survey benchmark nearby.

The actual Mine survey benchmark.

Although a couple of big rocks looked almost equally high, SPHP thought a large slanty one toward the N was clearly the highest.  Lupe needed a boost to get up on top, which SPHP was glad to give her.

After a boost from SPHP, Loop stands on top of the large slanty rock that appeared to be the true summit of Mine Benchmark. Photo looks N.
Still on the true summit. The forested top of High Point 9065 is in view just above the highest part of the slanty rock Lupe is on. Photo looks N.

The Carolina Dog let SPHP help her get down from the true summit, though she had appeared imminently ready to leap off all on her own.  Once down, Lupe did some more exploring of the summit area.

More of the Mine Benchmark summit area is seen here. Part of the old wooden structure is in view. (It wasn’t anything very large.) In the distance, High Point 8509 is in sunlight a little to the L of Lupe. The G6, where Lupe had started here from, was parked in the meadow below it. Photo looks NE.
Lupe also discovered this white tube tucked between big rocks. SPHP didn’t mention it in notes, and no longer remembers what it contained. Maybe a registry was in there? Maybe the contents were soaking wet? If you go to Mine Benchmark yourself, take a look inside and let Lupe know if her name is on a registry inside or not! Photo looks N.
The summit area curved from the W around to the NE. The W part was highest. The NE part somewhat lower, but also scenic. Here Loop is in between the W and NE ends. Photo looks NNE.
Loop a little farther NE along the summit ridge. A chilly breeze was blowing out of the NW. High Point 6509 is seen on the R. Photo looks NW.

A chilly NW breeze kicked up while Lupe was exploring some of the NE part of the summit ridge.  Loop and SPHP left the ridge to get out of the wind.  Loop circled back around to the SW side of the Mine Benchmark summit formation.

After leaving the Mine Benchmark summit ridge to get out of the wind, Loop circled around to the SW. Photo looks NNE back up toward the highest part of the Mine Benchmark summit formation.

It was a gorgeous evening.  The sinking sun would be down within the hour.  Although Lupe had successfully completed her Mine Benchmark peakbagging objective, maybe sunset was worth sticking around for?

Lupe and SPHP hung around S of the high point for 20 minutes to see what might develop.  Loop was greatly entertained watching several nervous pronghorn antelope.

While waiting to see if a colorful sunset might develop, Lupe was entertained watching a few nervous pronghorn antelope.

The chilly NW breeze was still blowing when Lupe returned to the Mine Benchmark summit.  The sun would be down pretty soon now.  Quite a few clouds were off to the W.  Hope existed for a brilliant display, but maybe the sun would just disappear behind the clouds.

The sun was sinking fast when Lupe returned to the Mine Benchmark summit. Hopes existed for a brilliant display.
Loop back up on Mine Benchmark resting and waiting eagerly for news from SPHP on how the sunset was progressing.

Day’s end was beautiful, but the eagerly anticipated spectacular display never developed.  Though Lupe waited hopefully, clouds ultimately swallowed the sun.  It was gone.  The sky darkened.  Everything began fading to gray.  Night was coming.  Time to go.

Two stars, or perhaps planets, twinkled above by the time Lupe made it back to the G6.  She had dinner, then rested outside on the ground watching, listening, and sniffing the air.  Meanwhile, two lonely stars were joined by 2,000 more in the black void above.

Awaiting sunset on Mine Benchmark, the Natrona County high point, Bighorn Range, Wyoming 6-18-17.

Links:

Next Adventure                      Prior Adventure

Edward Earl’s 5-26-2009 ascent trip report for Mine Benchmark

Want more Lupe adventures?  Choose from Lupe’s 2017 Laramie Range, Wyoming & Beyond Adventure IndexDingo Vacations Adventure Index or Master Adventure Index.  Or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures.

Ferris Peak, Charlie Brown Range, Wyoming (6-17-17)

Day 10 of Lupe’s 2017 Dingo Vacation to the Laramie Range & Beyond!

As you drive along I-80 through Rawlins WY, you can see in the distance about 35 miles north a mountain range with a very striking feature: a zigzagging white cliff band running nearly the entire length of the range from left to right.  That band is the Madison formation, an upended layer of limestone which has subsequently been eroded into a series of V-notches by a succession of streams coming down from the crest above.  I first noticed this mountain range in the late 1980s, and that zigzagging line reminded me of the zigzagging line across the bottom of the shirt that Charlie Brown wears.  For this reason, I personally dubbed the range the “Charlie Brown Mountains”.  – excerpt from Edward Earl’s trip report on his 9-5-2014 ascent of Ferris Mountain on Peakbagger.com

Rain!  Not good.  If it rained too hard, the dirt road would turn to mud.  The G6 might get stuck way out here NW of Bairoil.  Better get back to pavement, now!

It was still dark out, but Lupe was already awake.  SPHP had just come to.  In pre-dawn rain and fog, SPHP drove back to Bairoil.  The rain had already let up to a light sprinkle, by the time Lupe reached the pavement on Hwy 73.  May as well keep going.

Eight miles E of Muddy Gap, SPHP turned S off Hwy 220 onto Carbon County Road No. 499.  The rain and fog were gone, but dark clouds still hid the Charlie Brown Range.  It was light out now, but still very early.  Lupe was ready for action!  SPHP wasn’t.

Gimme a few more hours snoozing time, Loop.  Need to wait a bit to see what the weather’s going to do anyway.  And with that, SPHP parked the G6 and went back to sleep.

A few hours later, SPHP was ready.  Time for Lupe to take on dreaded Ferris Mountain (10,037 ft.), high point of the entire Charlie Brown Range!  Of course, that was provided she could even get close enough to make an attempt feasible.

The first part of the way ought to be easy enough.  Lupe could follow directions in peakbagging hero Edward Earl’s trip report.  She was already at the first place Mr. Earl mentioned, the sign for Pete Creek Road & Cherry Creek Road at the turn off Hwy 220.

The BLM sign off Hwy 220 at the turn onto Carbon County Road No. 499. Whiskey Peak (9,225 ft.) (L), which Lupe had good time climbing yesterday, is in view. Photo looks SW.

Mr. Earl’s trip report contained detailed instructions on how to get to Ferris Mountain.  The next thing to look for was 0.9 mile from Hwy 220 along Carbon County Road No. 499, where a road branching off to the R was marked only by an unreadable sign.  This intersection quickly came into view.

The intersection 0.9 mile from Hwy 220 (L) where an unmarked road branches to the R off County Road No. 499 quickly came into view. Photo looks SE.

Mr. Earl’s instructions said to go straight at this first intersection, avoiding the R turn on the unmarked road.  2 miles from Hwy 220 was another R turn, this time onto Cherry Creek Road, which was also to be avoided.  Lupe and SPHP stayed on Carbon County Road No. 499 both times, and came to the Handcart Ranch sign 2.5 miles from Hwy 220.

Lupe by the unreadable sign at the first turn to the R, which is the wrong way to go. The G6 is parked along Carbon CR No. 499, which is the correct way.
Stay straight on Carbon County Road No. 499. Loop is on the correct route here.
At the 2nd turn to the R, which goes to Cherry Creek. Lupe did not take this side road either.
Lupe at the Handcart Ranch sign mentioned by Edward Earl as being 2.5 miles from Hwy 220. There was no turn off Carbon County Road No. 499 here.
These pronghorn antelope got Lupe excited!

Edward Earl mentioned a fork in the road 4.3 miles from Hwy 220.  The R branch goes to a ranch, while Carbon County Road No. 499 continues to the L.  Lupe arrived at this fork just as Mr. Earl said.

At the fork in the road 4.3 miles from Hwy 220. Carbon County Road No. 499 goes L here. The road to the R goes to a private ranch headquarters.

Edward Earl also said that the condition of Carbon County Road No. 499 worsened beyond this intersection.  He cited frequent mud holes which were dry when he was here, but correctly surmised they were mud puddles during wet weather.

SPHP had scarcely made the L turn at the fork, when there was trouble ahead.  A large mud puddle fed by a small stream completely blocked the road.  Lupe and SPHP got out for a look.

Lupe inspects the mud puddle and small stream blocking Carbon County Road No. 499.

Nope!  Not gonna try it!  This mud puddle was as far as the G6 was going.  Mr. Earl’s trip report indicated that it wouldn’t be much farther before high clearance would be needed anyway.  Even though the base of the Charlie Brown Range where Mr. Earl had parked his Nissan pickup truck was still 6.5 miles away, it was going to be paw and foot for Lupe and SPHP from here.  Loopster was in for a very long day!

SPHP parked the G6 in the field next to Carbon County Road No. 499, and proceeded to get ready for Lupe’s long march.  The ranch headquarters was in sight from this location, not too far away.  Soon a vehicle was seen leaving HQ.  A couple minutes later, Lupe and SPHP met Kyra Torgensen and her son.  The G6 was parked on the ranch Kyra and her husband own.  Naturally, she wanted to know what was going on.

The Torgensen’s ranch HQ was in view from where the G6 was parked. Kyra Torgensen and her son soon drove up wanting to know what was going on.

SPHP explained that Lupe was here to climb Ferris Mountain.  It was only another 0.2 mile to BLM land.  SPHP would have parked over there, but the G6 couldn’t get past the mud puddle.  Did she mind if the G6 was parked here for the day?

Mrs. Torgensen was a little reluctant at first.  However, Carbon County Road No. 499 had to be a public right-of-way, which she must have known.  SPHP didn’t mention this fact, though, hoping to avoid an argument.  In the end, while she may not have been thrilled with the idea, Kyra Torgensen was fine with the G6 where it was.  Before she drove away, she warned SPHP not to stay out too late, and to beware of wolves.

A few minutes later, Lupe and SPHP jumped the little stream, and began the long trek to Ferris Mountain (10:17 AM, 68°F).  Only 0.2 mile farther, the Carolina Dog went through a gate onto BLM land.  The road forked again.  Following Edward Earl’s instructions, Lupe took the road to Pete Creek.

After leaving the Torgensen’s ranch, Lupe took BLM Road No. 3148 to Pete Creek. The Charlie Brown Range was still more than 6 miles away.

Lupe and SPHP weren’t worried about wolves.  However, Ferris Mountain had long been the most dreaded peakbagging goal of this entire Dingo Vacation.  The mountain itself wasn’t the worry.  Distance wasn’t either.  Forewarned by Edward Earl’s trip report, SPHP had realized all along that Lupe would likely have a 6+ mile trek just to get to the Charlie Brown Range.

The problem was the sagebrush prairie Lupe would have to cross.  Two of Lupe’s nemeses might well be out there – cactus and rattlesnakes.  If Lupe became scared of cacti, she would refuse to move.  Rattlesnakes, of course, would be far worse.

For these reasons, SPHP encouraged Lupe to stay very close, preferably right on the road.  Most of the time she did.

A few cacti did grow out on the high prairie. Fortunately, they weren’t too abundant.
On the way to the Charlie Brown Range on Pete Creek Road.
Wildflowers blooming on the normally arid prairie.

Fortunately, Lupe saw only a few cactus and no rattlesnakes.  Meanwhile, the weather remained questionable.  Dark clouds hung around.  Sometimes they obscured virtually the entire Charlie Brown Range.  Other times, they lifted to reveal the mountains.  A significant storm was brewing off to the SE.  For a while it came closer, but eventually it sailed off to the NE.

Roughly 4 miles from the G6, Lupe came to a cairn on the L side of Pete Creek Road.  Edward Earl mentioned 3 cairns in this area, but the Loop only saw 1.

Lupe on the only cairn she saw on the L side of Pete Creek Road. Ferris Mountain, her ultimate goal, is straight up from Lupe’s head. Photo looks S.
Lupe at the wire gate described by Edward Earl 9.2 miles from Hwy 220. The view of the mountains ahead shrouded in clouds wasn’t too encouraging at this point.

6.5 miles from the G6, Lupe finally reached the base of the Charlie Brown Range on a grassy ridge E of the mouth of Pete Creek Canyon.  A white pickup truck was parked here near the edge of the forest, right about where Edward Earl must have parked his Nissan pickup.  Pete Creek Road, which had been going due S for miles, turned SE here.

Lupe at the base of the Charlie Brown Range close to where Edward Earl must have parked his Nissan pickup truck in 2014. Pete Creek Road (No. 3148) (R) heads SE from here. Photo looks SE.

Lupe still had another 0.5 mile to go on Pete Creek Road along the base of the mountains.  On the way, she lost 120 feet of elevation crossing the Rush Creek drainage, where she saw a salt lick noted by Edward Earl.  By the time she reached a green metal gate near the mouth of Pole Canyon, she had regained all of the lost elevation and a good deal more.

Beyond the green metal gate, Loop finally left Pete Creek Road.  She headed into Pole Canyon, and quickly came upon a different faint road heading up the valley.

A pronghorn antelope near Pole Creek, which is hidden in the trees. Photo looks E.
Lupe reaches the green metal gate after crossing the Rush Creek drainage on Pete Creek Road. The mouth of Pole Canyon is seen beyond her. Loop left Pete Creek Road near this point. Photo looks S.
Starting up Pole Canyon. Photo looks SW.

Edward Earl had followed this same road up Pole Canyon.  His trip report mentioned fallen trees and a few marshy spots, but Mr. Earl had been here in September when conditions are much drier.  Pole Creek was no occasional marshy spot in the middle of June, but a clear running stream.  It was easy enough to wade across, however, and Lupe enjoyed the cold water.

Lupe at the first crossing of Pole Creek.

The road crossed Pole Creek more than once.  Lupe also came to marshy glades, where the road hardly existed, but she could usually find it again a little higher up.  After a while the road completely disappeared, lost for good.

At another Pole Creek crossing.
Loop cools her paws in Pole Creek. By now, the road she had been following had faded away. So far, it was still pretty easy traveling up the R (NW) side of the canyon. The easiest routes usually weren’t right down by the creek.

At 8,450 feet, Loop arrived at the place where Pole Canyon splits.  When Edward Earl had been here, only the R (W) branch had flowing water.  Both branches had flowing water now.  Like Edward Earl, Lupe stayed L (E).  As she continued gaining elevation, the creek was increasingly hidden beneath snow.

Loop (behind the tree on the right) reaches the 8,450 foot level where Pole Canyon and the stream divide. She would follow the stream seen on the L here up the E branch of the canyon. Photo looks S.
As Lupe continued to gain elevation, the creek was increasingly hidden by snow. Photo looks S.

Lupe stayed to the W (R) of the creek, but it started getting harder to make progress.  The forest was dense, and the American Dingo came to more and more rocks and deadfall.  The canyon sides steepened, becoming more difficult to traverse.  SPHP decided Loop might have an easier time up on the ridge W of the creek.

For a while, leaving the canyon seemed like a good decision.  Lupe had no problem reaching the ridgeline.  It went straight S rising relentlessly at a pretty good clip, but there was less deadfall to deal with.  Sometimes there was even some open ground.  When she did come to rock formations, they usually weren’t much trouble to get around.  Lupe gained elevation rapidly.

After abandoning the canyon to get up on the ridge to the W, Lupe gained elevation rapidly. Here she is perched on the largest rock formation she had to maneuver around in the early going. Photo looks N.
Terrain like this open spot on the ridge was a lot easier to deal with than all the rocks and deadfall in the canyon Loop had left behind. Photo looks S.

It was a long way up.  Lupe gained lots of elevation, but the ridge started getting ever steeper and rockier.  Huge rock formations appeared above.  Looper ended up on steep slopes of broken rock interspersed with spruce trees.  This was challenging terrain.  SPHP began to fear there wouldn’t be a way to the top.

Lupe had gained a lot of elevation, but the ridge route became increasingly challenging. Lupe found herself on steep slopes of broken rock interspersed with spruce trees. This was slow going. Photo looks SSE.

The ridgeline had basically disappeared.  Lupe now seemed to be going straight up the N face of a mountain.  She needed to get to easier terrain.  SPHP led her up a very steep rocky chute toward a forested saddle between two massive rock formations.

Loop never made it to the saddle.  Everything got so steep, progress ground to a halt.  At the top of a long, narrow snow bank, SPHP realized that even if Loop could get up to the saddle, she probably didn’t stand much chance of getting over or around the giant rock formations towering above.  She would be trapped between them.

Lupe at the top of the snow bank where SPHP realized she needed to down climb and go around this part of the mountain. Photo looks N.

Lupe had to down climb.  She needed to get farther E.  She didn’t have to lose all that much elevation, but it took a lot of time.  Fortunately, it wasn’t terribly far around the huge rock formation above her.  Once she managed to get around it, things became easier.  The Carolina Dog was still on steep, rocky stuff, but the route up was more manageable.

Once Lupe worked her way around to the E of the massive rock formation that had towered over her, this route up was much more manageable. Photo looks SSE.

Loop climbed and climbed.  She was very high, and getting close to the top of something!  Her luck needed to hold only a little longer.  It did.  Suddenly she was there!  Lupe stood next to a wooden pole at the top of a big cairn.  The views were spectacular!

Lupe climbed and climbed. SPHP could see she was getting close to the top of something. Suddenly she was there, standing on top of a big cairn next to a wooden pole! Photo looks NE.

Had Lupe arrived at the top of Ferris Mountain (10,037 ft.)?  The grand views, and presence of the big cairn with the pole sticking out of it made SPHP think so.

A more careful look at the views and a glance at the topo map revealed this wasn’t the case.  Lupe was already nearly as high as the true summit, but she was actually on Ferris Mountain’s most westerly sub-peak over 10,000 feet.  The true summit was in view from here, still 0.5 mile away to the SE.

Although SPHP initially thought Lupe might have reached the top of Ferris Mountain here, the true summit (R), which wasn’t much higher, was actually still 0.5 mile away. Photo looks SE.

Clearly, the vast majority of the work of climbing Ferris Mountain (10,037 ft.) was done.  Getting over to the true summit didn’t look hard.  This appeared to be the 2nd highest point on the mountain, and an amazing place.  Lupe had time to take a rest break and enjoy the views.

Looking NW along the Charlie Brown Range from the westernmost 10,000+ ft. subpeak of Ferris Mountain.
The rocky crag seen below on the L is Ferris Mountain North (9,740 ft.). Far beyond it out on the prairie, part of Pathfinder Reservoir is in view. Photo looks NE.
Another look NW with help from the telephoto lens.
Looking down on Lupe’s route up. Pole Canyon divides near the center of the photo. Lupe had started up the R (E) branch, but soon got up on the forested ridge between the divided canyons. After that it was mostly straight on up, with a short down climb to get a bit farther E. Pole Canyon empties out onto the prairie on the R. Photo looks N.
Lupe takes a break on Ferris Mountain West. Photo looks NW.

After relaxing on fabulous Ferris Mountain West, it was time to move on.  The ridge Loop had to follow wasn’t difficult.  Her first objective along it was a slightly lower subpeak only 0.1 mile E.  She was soon there, looking down on the 9,900 foot saddle where Edward Earl had first reached the ridgeline.

The route along the ridge leading to the true summit of Ferris Mountain (R) didn’t look too difficult. Lupe’s first objective, a slightly lower subpeak 0.1 mile E of Ferris Mountain West is seen on the L. Photo looks ESE.
Heading toward the 9,900 foot saddle. Ferris Mountain’s true summit (Center) is seen straight up from Lupe. Ferris Mountain Middle (10,000 ft.) is across the saddle toward the R. Photo looks SE.

Loop went down to the 9,900 foot saddle and crossed it.  Edward Earl hadn’t gone all the way up to Ferris Mountain West, but the American Dingo was back on his trail again here.  She was now approaching Ferris Mountain Middle (10,000 ft.), the next high point along the ridge.

Looking down on Ferris Mountain North, the rocky crag on the R, from the 9,900 ft. saddle. Photo looks NNW.
Lupe approaches Ferris Mountain Middle, the next 10,000+ ft. high point along the ridge. Lupe went around the N (L) side of it before climbing up to the top from the E. Photo looks SE.

The Carolina Dog stayed high as she went around the N side of Ferris Mountain Middle looking for a way to the top.  She had to get E beyond the high point before she found a route.  Ferris Mountain Middle (10,000 ft.) was another rather dramatic place to be!

After circling around the N (R) side of Ferris Mountain Middle, Lupe found a route to the top from the E. This was a rather dramatic place to be! Photo looks NW.
At the top of Ferris Mountain Middle. Photo looks NW.
Ferris Mountain West, where Lupe had first come up, is seen in the distance slightly L of Center. Photo looks NW.

Ferris Mountain’s true summit was now no more than 0.25 mile away.  A lot of time had gone by.  Lupe and SPHP were anxious to get there.  The terrain wasn’t difficult, so Loop made great progress.

Approaching the true summit. Photo looks ESE.

Near the very end, everything was rocky.  Fortunately, it still wasn’t too hard getting around.  Lupe seemed to be running out of mountain, when suddenly the summit appeared ahead.  Right below the highest rocks, a metal sign said “Ferris Peak, Continental Divide, 10,037 ft.”  Lupe had made it!

This what we’ve been looking for, SPHP? …. Yes, ma’am, that’s it, sweet Puppy!
On Ferris Mountain at the top of the Charlie Brown Range. Photo looks S.
Ferris Mountain summit. Photo looks S.

What a tremendous mountain!  The views were superb.  The weather was vastly improved from what it’d been this morning.  Beauty shone forth in every direction in the early evening light.  A glorious day!  SPHP congratulated Lupe on her grand success, shaking her freckled paw.

Scrambling the short remaining distance to the highest rocks, Lupe came across two survey markers.  At the very top, tucked among rocks near the metal sign, she found a plastic jar.  Inside was a registry.  SPHP was eager to have a look at.

Was it there?  Yes, it was!  Happy day!  SPHP found the entry by Edward Earl.

One of two survey markers Lupe found on Ferris Mountain.
Survey marker No. 2.
The plastic jar containing the registry in its hiding place behind the metal sign.
Edward Earl’s 9-5-2014 entry in the Ferris Mountain registry.

Seeing that Edward Earl had written about the Charlie Brown Mountains made SPHP smile.  Lupe had been to quite a few mountains with assistance from Mr. Earl’s detailed trip reports.  Once again, she was at the top of a mountain Edward had been to before her.  Sadly, Lupe would never get to meet him.

Edward Earl had perished tragically nearly 2 years ago on 6-19-2015, drowned in the rushing Jago River in the Brooks Range in NE Alaska following two failed attempts to climb Mount Isto (8,976 ft.).

Others appreciate Edward Earl’s excellent route descriptions, too. John Stolk of Redmond, WA mentioned Edward in his registry entry dated 8-21-16.
Lupe’s entry in the Ferris Mountain registry.
Lupe taking it easy in the least uncomfortable spot she could find on Ferris Mountain while waiting for SPHP to finish with the registry. The registry showed that 4 other people had been here earlier today, but Loop never saw anyone.

Lupe rested among the rocks, while SPHP fiddled with the registry.  When SPHP was finally done, it was time to spend a while contemplating the tremendous views.

Lupe looking beautiful in the evening light up on Ferris Mountain. Photo looks N.
View to the SE.

Looking S. Edward Earl was once where Lupe was now.
Final moments at the top.
Looking NW from the summit. Ferris Mountain’s westernmost 10,000+ foot high point where Lupe came up is in the distance on the L.
Lupe had seen these same dome-like hills from Whiskey Peak (9,225 ft.) a day earlier. Photo looks NW with help from the telephoto lens.
Pathfinder Reservoir from Ferris Mountain. Photo looks NE with help from the telephoto lens.
The Pedro Mountains rise on the far side of the southern end of Pathfinder Reservoir. Photo looks E with help from the telephoto lens.

All too soon, the angle of the sun insisted it was time to move on.  Lupe left Ferris Mountain starting back the way she’d come up.  SPHP figured the American Dingo still had some time to spare.  She revisited the summit of Ferris Mountain Middle.

Lupe returns to the top of Ferris Mountain Middle. On the way back the plan was to visit Ferris Mountain North, the rocky knob on the R, too. Photo looks NW.
Ferris Mountain North (R) from Ferris Mountain Middle. Photo looks NW.
Ferris Mountain West (L) from Ferris Mountain Middle. Lupe wasn’t going all the way back over there on her way down.

From Ferris Mountain Middle, Lupe went down to the 9,900 foot saddle.  She was about to leave the mountain’s main ridgeline.  Before continuing down, she took a last look at the huge expanse of prairie S of the Charlie Brown Range.

Before leaving the 9,900 foot saddle, Lupe took a final look at the huge expanse of prairie S of the Charlie Brown Range. Photo looks SW.

She then turned her attention to her final peakbagging objective of the day, Ferris Mountain North (9,740 ft.).

Looking down on Ferris Mountain North from the 9,900 foot saddle. Photo looks N with help from the telephoto lens.

Looper headed down to the 9,700 foot saddle leading to Ferris Mountain North.  She went N toward the high point.  As she got close, she circled around to the E where it wasn’t as steep.  Lupe quickly found a rocky route to the top.

Approaching the top of Ferris Mountain North from the SE.

To the S, were the forested upper N slopes of Ferris Mountain leading to the ridge where the Carolina Dog had spent the last several hours atop the Charlie Brown Range.  To the N, thirsty sagebrush prairie stretched away to distant hills.  Shadows of ridges made the land look like ripples on a sea.

Lupe on Ferris Mountain North with a view of the NE side of the Charlie Brown Mountains. Photo looks NW.
Ferris Mountain (L), Ferris Mountain Middle (Center), and the 9,900 foot saddle (R) from Ferris Mountain North. Photo looks SE.
Looking down on the 9,700 foot saddle from Ferris Mountain North. The 9,900 foot saddle is seen up on the ridge on the L. Ferris Mountain Middle is the high point on the far L. Photo looks S.
A commanding view to the N.
Looking NNW.

Lupe couldn’t linger long on Ferris Mountain North.  She was 2 miles from the green metal gate near the mouth of Pole Canyon.  Another 7 miles to the G6.  After a good look around, and a little time spent in contemplation, Lupe headed back to the 9,700 foot saddle.

Downhill all the way now!  The Carolina Dog plunged N down into the E branch of Pole Canyon.  The forest was a maze of 3 to 5 foot high snow drifts and deadfall timber, but this route was easier than the way Lupe had gone up.  The terrain was only moderately steep, and not too rocky.

Loop soon discovered that the roughest ground was at the bottom of the canyon.  For a long way, she stayed E and higher up, sometimes more than 100 feet above the creekbed.  The snowbanks shrank and became less numerous, as she lost elevation.

By the time Lupe was low enough so most of the snow was gone, the deadfall wasn’t as bad either.  She now made fast progress, which was a good thing.  The sun, though still up, was hidden behind the mountains.  Sunset couldn’t be too far off.

As Lupe drew near the point where both branches of Pole Canyon converge, the terrain changed.  Lupe made her way to the bottom of the canyon, and leapt over to the W side of the creek.  She soon came to the stream confluence, and had to make one more crossing.  For a while she traveled down Pole Canyon staying W or NW of the stream.

To avoid the larger stream crossings and swampy ground closer to the mouth of Pole Canyon, Lupe eventually got up on the side of the ridge to the NW.  Nearing the base of the Charlie Brown Range, she reached the ridgeline.  The sun was down, the land dark.  Thin clouds glowed brilliantly orange in a pale sky.

The colorful display faded to gray.  Lupe managed to reach the green metal gate before it was too dark to see.  Still 7 miles to go, but Loop had made it to Pete Creek Road.  After crossing the Rush Creek drainage, the road turned N.  All gently downhill from here.

Lupe and SPHP marched away from the Charlie Brown Range, never looking back.  Only blackness was behind.  Ahead, distant headlights on Hwy 220.  The infinite universe glittered above.

Every now and then Lupe heard something, and went racing away into the night.  Antelope?  Rabbits?  No telling.  Fortunately, the luck of the Dingo held.  She always came streaking back, panting happily.  No cactus had stabbed her.  No rattler had bit her.  No wolves had devoured her.

Ferris Mountain had been a fabulous day!  Yet, things don’t always go one’s way.  Luck can run out.  Perhaps weariness, or the silent black night was to blame, but during the long trek back it was hard not to think about another adventurer who had come this way.  An adventurer who ultimately helped make this day a success for beloved Lupe, but whose luck had run out nearly 2 years ago.

It was hard not to ponder the life and times, and tragic fate of Edward Earl.  (12:05 AM)

Sunset in the Charlie Brown Range, 6-17-17.

Links:

Next Adventure                  Prior Adventure

Edward Earl on Peakbagger.com

Edward Earl’s trip report on his 9-5-2014 ascent of Ferris Mountain

Want more Lupe adventures?  Choose from Lupe’s 2017 Laramie Range, Wyoming & Beyond Adventure IndexDingo Vacations Adventure Index or Master Adventure Index.  Or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures.

Whiskey Peak, Wyoming (6-16-17)

Day 9 of Lupe’s 2017 Dingo Vacation to the Laramie Range & Beyond!

Though shown on the road map, Lamont didn’t even seem to be a town.  Sagebrush, a few cattle, and a highway intersection was about it.  After turning W off Hwy 287, SPHP found a place to park.  Lupe got out for a look around.  Off to the NW, she could see her next peakbagging objective, Whiskey Peak (9,225 ft.), the highest point in the Green Mountains.

Whiskey Peak from Lamont, Wyoming. Photo looks NW.

The view was encouraging.  Whiskey Peak looked like an easy climb for the Carolina Dog.  The big question was access.  If Lupe could get to Whiskey Peak, SPHP was certain she could climb it.  The only roads into the area that the G6 might be able to manage were NW of the town of Bairoil.  Even those roads might quickly deteriorate to high clearance or 4WD vehicles only.

Hwy 73 was paved all the way to Bairoil.  So far, so good.  Bairoil didn’t really seem to be much of a town either, but there was a lot more here than at Lamont.  Bairoil appeared to be more of an energy-related industrial center.  Metal buildings, industrial equipment, and vehicles were widely scattered along a network of dirt and gravel roads.  There didn’t seem to be a whole lot going on right now.  Maybe because energy prices were still relatively low in 2017?

A pronghorn antelope in the thriving industrial metropolis of Bairoil, Wyoming.

The street layout in Bairoil didn’t seem to match up very well with what was shown on the old topo map.  SPHP drove NW through town, staying mostly to the L at turns, and continued this same practice once Lupe was N of town.  A number of gravel roads headed out this direction, none marked in any way that meant anything to SPHP.

After bumping along for 2 or 3 miles, SPHP parked the G6 near an intersection on relatively flat, sparsely vegetated ground.  There hadn’t been any signs indicating private property or prohibiting public access on the way here.  Close enough!  Situation excellent!  This was about as far as SPHP had dared hope the G6 would be able to make it, anyway.  Lupe could start for Whiskey Peak from here.  (10:35 AM, 62°F)

Lupe a few miles NW of Bairoil about to start out for Whiskey Peak. Part of the Abel Creek drainage is seen in the foreground. Photo looks NE.

A strong breeze was blowing out of the W as Lupe set out.  She didn’t head straight for Whiskey Peak, which was now to the NE, but followed a road leading NW from the intersection.  This road, which was in such good condition the G6 might easily have followed it farther, appeared headed for a ridge a few miles away.  The ridge was mostly bare, but dotted with scattered pines or junipers.

A fairly strong W wind was blowing as Lupe began following this road. The road headed toward Whiskey Ridge, but Lupe didn’t follow it very far. Photo looks NW.

A fence ran parallel to the road, not too far off to the R (NE).  Lupe stuck with the road only until the fence ended.  Staying on the road would have taken Loop up to Whiskey Ridge, but a more direct route to Whiskey Peak appeared to be an option.  Up on more heavily forested slopes along a higher part of Whiskey Ridge straight N from here, another road could be seen.

Lupe followed the road she started out on only to this point where the fence turned. A different road, which was a much more direct route to Whiskey Peak, is seen at upper L going up the ridge. Lupe headed for it from here. Photo looks NNE.

Lupe abandoned the road she’d been following, and headed NE avoiding the fence.  She crossed the Abel Creek drainage, which was dry and fairly shallow here.  A faint, grassy road led out of the drainage to a better road that headed for Whiskey Ridge.  Loop followed it N across high prairie toward the forest, gradually gaining elevation all the way.

On the way N to Whiskey Ridge. The high ridge on the L is Stratton Rim. The small high point seen straight up from Lupe’s back is Stratton Rim North (8,740 ft.). The less uniform ridge on the R is part of Whiskey Ridge. Photo looks W.

The road Lupe was on led right to the road she’d seen from a distance high up in the forest on Whiskey Ridge.  As she got near the trees, the slope began to increase dramatically.  Soon Lupe was climbing steeply.  The road up was in bad shape.  For a long way, it was deeply eroded and full of loose rocks.  As a road, it was nothing but a disaster, though it still made a good trail.

By now, it was quite warm in the sun.  The steepness of the route caused SPHP to stop many times to rest.  Lupe was eager to escape the heat.  She curled up in the shade whenever SPHP stopped, and frequently accepted water.

By and by, Lupe finally reached the top of the ridgeline.  The remnant of the road she’d been following went right on over the saddle where she came up.  Oddly enough, what appeared to be a large electrical service box was close by.

Lupe reaches the top of Whiskey Ridge at this saddle. She’s standing on the faint remnant of the road she’d been following. This road went right on over the saddle past the unexpected electrical service box seen beyond Loop. Photo looks N.

Not realizing how much of a shortcut Lupe had taken, SPHP was puzzled to find no other roads around.  The topo map showed a road following closely along the top of Whiskey Ridge for nearly 2 miles from a pass NE of Stratton Rim North.  The plan had been for Lupe to follow this road all the way to Whiskey Peak.  However, it was nowhere in sight.

SPHP failed to realize Lupe had arrived at the 8,730 foot saddle at the E end of the 2 mile stretch where the road to the summit abandons the ridgeline.  Very close to where Looper was, it jogged N going downhill a short distance before turning SE to head for Whiskey Peak.  If Lupe had just stuck with the road she’d been on a bit farther, she would soon have come to it.

Instead, Loop and SPHP turned E, and began climbing a grassy slope which led to a forested high point.  It seemed like the most reasonable thing to do, since it was clear Whiskey Peak was still well to the E from here.  As Lupe went up the grassy slope, she started getting her first look at some impressive views.

As Lupe climbed the grassy slope, she got her first look at this wild looking territory N of Whiskey Ridge. Photo looks NNW.
Looper coming up the grassy slope. Whiskey Ridge leads toward Stratton Rim in the distance on the L. The road Lupe had just missed coming to that winds along Whiskey Ridge, is seen on the R. Lupe had arrived at the saddle below coming up through the trees on the L. Photo looks WSW.

Loop entered the forest above the grassy slope, and continued on up to the high point.  The high point itself wasn’t heavily forested.  Lupe could see a tower up on Whiskey Peak from here.

SPHP was surprised by how close Lupe was already.  She was over 9,000 feet, and the summit was only a mile away.  Getting there would be a cinch!  A long grassy slope went all the way to the top.

Lupe reaches the first high point over 9,000 feet. SPHP was surprised by how close she was to the top of Whiskey Peak already. The tower (L) was only a mile away.

A small ridge led E from the first high point Lupe had reached to another slightly higher one no more than 0.25 mile away.  (High Point 9041 on the topo map)  Loopster started for the next high point following this little ridge.

Lupe following the small ridge leading to High Point 9041. Whiskey Peak is dead ahead. Photo looks E.

Lupe never got to High Point 9041.  Instead, she spotted a small pond to the N at the bottom of a short slope.  The pond looked refreshing!  Naturally, the American Dingo had to go check it out.

Before she got to High Point 9041, Lupe spotted this small pond. Photo looks N.
Oh, yeah! Lupe doesn’t like to swim, but wading in the pond was fun and refreshing.
The ridge Lupe had been following is seen on the L. Photo looks W.

After wading around to cool off and drinking her fill, Lupe left the pond.  She traveled E through an open forest where yellow wildflowers grew in sunny glades.

Among the yellow wildflowers.

Beyond the forest, Lupe reached the long grassy slope that went the rest of the way up to the top of Whisky Peak.  As she approached, a small herd of 5 horses watched with concern.  These horses seemed to be wild, and living up on Whiskey Peak permanently.  They were curious, but gave Lupe and SPHP a wide berth.

This small herd of horses watched the Carolina Dog’s approach with a mix of concern and curiosity. They gave Lupe a wide berth, but never left the broad grassy slopes W of the summit. They seemed to be wild and living on Whiskey Peak on a permanent basis.

Lupe reached the summit of Whiskey Peak (9,225 ft.).  The highest point was near the S end of a long, spacious ridge.  Pink, orange, tan and white rocks and boulders were plentiful.  The biggest, most eye-catching view was off to the ESE toward Ferris Mountain (10,037 ft.).

Lupe at the summit of Whiskey Peak. Ferris Mountain (Center) was the most eye-catching view from here. Photo looks ESE.
Ferris Mountain from Whiskey Peak. Photo looks ESE with help from the telephoto lens.

Whiskey Peak featured plenty of impressive views in other directions, too.  Lupe and SPHP hung out around the summit quite a while taking it all in.

The W wind hadn’t been bad most of the way up, but was practically a gale on top of Whiskey Peak.  Loop took little breaks now and then between photo sessions.  She usually sought out the lee side of rocks, or sat next to SPHP for shelter.

Mighty breezy up here, SPHP!  Is this it?

Sure is, Loop.  Is this what?

The top of the mountain, silly.   Is this it?

Oh, yes, of course!  Yeah, this is the top, alright.  Look at those views!

Yes, yes, quite splendid.  And windy.  So it’s time to celebrate, right?

Oh, sure!  Congratulations, Looper, you’ve climbed another magnificent mountain!  All the way to the top.  Great job, Loop!

Thanks for shaking my paw and all, SPHP.  I do appreciate your sentiments, but I was hoping for a bit more actually.  This is sort of a special place, right?

Yes, I suppose it is special.  What were you hoping for?  Water, Taste of the Wild?  I brought plenty of both.

Umm, no.  Those are fine usually, but I was hoping for something a little more appropriate for the occasion.

Huh, like what?

You’re a bit slow as usual SPHP.  Where are we after all?

Whiskey Peak.

Exactly!

Ruh, roh!  Lupe gazed expectantly up at SPHP, her eyes shining merrily with a big smile on her face.  The wind ruffled her fur, but she was momentarily unperturbed.

For a moment, not knowing what to do, SPHP did and said nothing.  Gradually, the smile began to fade from Looper’s face.  As SPHP began to pet her, Loop’s ears drooped.  Gone was the look of a 4 year old on Christmas morning.  Tears glistened in her always trusting light brown eyes.

Sorry, Loop.

So, there’s nothing else in the pack for me, for us, then?

No, sorry Loop.

No Glenfiddich?  Not even a little Jack Daniels?

Not a drop.  Guess, I didn’t think.  I didn’t realize you might be expecting anything like that.

Lupe blinked back the tears.

Oh, it’s OK.  I suppose I should have known.  We’ve been to Elk Mountains and there haven’t been any elk.  Deer Mountain and there weren’t any deer.  Bear Mountain and there weren’t any bears.  I never will understand you humans.  I just thought that this time, after all the mountains we’ve been to, maybe this one was a really special place.  Maybe this time you really were planning a special celebration for me.  I got my hopes up.

Sorry to have disappointed you, dearest Dingo.  I’ll make it up to you somehow, before too long.  Whiskey Peak is a really special place.  Just like all the other mountains we’ve been on.  There are countless mountains in the world, and we will only ever see the world from a tiny fraction of them.  Seeing these fabulous views, even if for only a little while, and even if we never ever come back to see them again, makes this place special.  And what makes it really special is that we are both here to share it together, sweet Dingo of mine!

Lupe sighed, then smiled weakly.

I know you’re right, SPHP.  But promise me one thing.  If we ever do come back to Whiskey Peak, you won’t disappoint me again.  Deal?

Deal!  Shake?

Lupe lifted her freckled paw and let SPHP shake it.

OK, SPHP.  Let’s go see what else there is to see from here before I get blown off clear to the next county.

Looking S toward the little community of Bairoil. The views were terrific, but Loopster was not enjoying the gale out of the W.
Hiding out from the wind. Photo looks SE.
Much of Whiskey Peak’s summit ridge is in view here. Loop is on some of the very highest rocks. Lupe found no cairns, but Whiskey Peak did sport the fairly sizeable stone fort seen beyond her. Photo looks NNW.
View to the WNW.
Looper in the stone fortress. Photo looks WNW.
Looking NE toward Muddy Gap.

After taking a break and spending a while near Whiskey Peak’s true summit, Lupe went N along the summit ridge toward the tower close to the N end.  The ground near the tower was definitely lower than where she’d already been, but this area provided a different vantage point for another look around.

Nearing the tower at the N end of Whiskey Peak’s long summit ridge. Photo looks N.
Ferris Mountain from the N end of the summit ridge. Photo looks ESE.
Lupe found the Rapid survey benchmark on a rock N of the tower.
View to the NNW.
Looking W from near the tower.
Looking S along Whiskey Peak’s summit ridge. The stone fort near the true summit is in view on the L.
Another look at the interesting dome-like hills to the NNW.
Looking NW.

Lupe still had a long way to go, so she couldn’t stay up on Whiskey Peak too long.  The wind being what it was, she was glad of that.  From the tower, she started down the huge grassy slope to the W.  The wild horses saw her coming again, and circled back around the S side of the slope up towards the true summit to stay out of the Carolina Dog’s way.

The wild horses circled away from Lupe back up toward the true summit.

On the way down, Loop stuck to the road that came up the center of the grassy area for a considerable distance.

Lupe stuck to the road coming down the center of the grassy area for a while, but eventually headed back to the pond she’d passed in the forest on the way up. Photo looks E.
Purple wildflowers on Whiskey Peak.

Lupe eventually left the road to go back to the pond she’d gone wading in on the way up.  From the pond she went NW through the forest, hoping to avoid having to climb the high point W of the pond again by staying N of it.

This turned out to be the worst possible route back to the saddle where she’d first reached Whiskey Ridge.  Either staying on the road from the tower, or climbing from the pond back up to the high point would have been better.  The forest NW of the pond was full of deadfall timber, plus a steep drainage that was a bother to cross.

Nevertheless, Loop made it back to the grassy slope leading down to the saddle where she’d first reached Whiskey Ridge.  The shortest route back to the G6 would have been to leave the saddle going S right back down the steep rocky road she’d come up earlier in the day.  However, by now, SPHP had seen the road following Whiskey Ridge farther WSW, and understood where Lupe was on the topo map.

Instead of going straight back to the G6, following the road along the ridge would eventually get Lupe to where she could peakbag Stratton Rim North (8,740 ft.) today, too.  This was a long detour, but Loop still had time enough to do it.  It seemed like a fun idea, and she wasn’t likely to ever have another chance like this one.

So from the saddle, Lupe followed the ridge road.

Following the road winding WSW along Whiskey Ridge. Lupe’s next peakbagging goal, Stratton Rim North, is the little high point at Center. Photo looks SW.
Orange wildflowers growing near the road on Whiskey Ridge.

After 2 miles on the winding road traversing Whiskey Ridge, Lupe reached Low Pass.  Several roads intersected here.  Stratton Rim North was still another 0.75 mile away.  Only an ATV trail went the remaining distance to it, but that was plenty good for Loop.

After following the road along Whiskey Ridge for 2 miles, Lupe arrives at Low Pass.
Several roads intersected near Low Pass. The one seen here heads down into a valley to the N. Loop wasn’t going this way.
Only this ATV route continued the remaining 0.75 mile to Stratton Rim North from Low Pass, but it was a great trail for Lupe to follow. Photo looks W.
Almost there! Approaching Stratton Rim North. Photo looks SW.

The ATV trail didn’t go quite all the way to the top of Stratton Rim North, passing N of the high point only a short distance below it.  The wind was howling here, even worse than it had been up on Whiskey Peak.  Lupe wasn’t thrilled with the idea, but she did manage to climb to the top of Stratton Rim North (8,740 ft.).

SPHP was glad she did.  The views were really terrific!

Loop arrives at the summit of Stratton Rim North. Whiskey Peak (L), where she’d just come from, and more distant Ferris Mountain (R) are in view. Photo looks E.
Ferris Mountain from Stratton Rim North. Lupe wasn’t enjoying the wind at all. It was much gustier here than it had been earlier in the day. Periods of relative calm existed between sudden blasts. Photo looks E with help from the telephoto lens.
The rest of Stratton Rim from Stratton Rim North. Photo looks SW.
High Point 8729 is the small bare hill L of Center ringed by a few trees near the top. A long snow bank is seen below the E lip of Stratton Rim’s long N ridge. Photo looks NW.
Looking N.
Ferris Mountain (R) with help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks ESE.
Whiskey Peak (R of Center) with help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks ENE.

Lupe’s journey to Whiskey Peak and Stratton Rim North had been a success!  However, the American Dingo was anxious to escape the powerful blasts of the gusty W wind.  SPHP briefly considered the possibility of going straight on down Stratton Rim North’s E slope, but decided it was too steep to be worth the trouble.  May as well take the ATV trail back to Low Pass.

Before she got all the way back to Low Pass, though, Loopster did take a shortcut.  She left the ATV trail descending E down a minor ridgeline into a valley.  She intercepted a road going S down the valley from Low Pass.  The road gradually curved SE.

Lupe was still high enough to have panoramic views to the S and E, but far enough down so Stratton Rim sheltered her from the wind.  The evening trek back to the G6 was easy, beautiful, and fun.  Lupe saw a larger herd of wild horses, and several pronghorn antelope on the way.

Happy times out of the wind on the way back to the G6. Ferris Mountain (L) is in the distance. Photo looks ESE.
View to the S on the way back from Stratton Rim North.
Red wildflowers.
On the way back, Lupe passed this sign. It understated the distance to Whiskey Peak (at least following the road) by a good mile. Photo looks NW.
Lupe passed by this larger herd of wild horses, too.
Pronghorn antelope

It was still light out when Lupe got back to the G6 (7:42 PM, 65°F).  After having her evening Alpo, she wanted out again.  She wandered around sniffing for a bit, then found a place to curl up.  This far from Stratton Rim, the W wind swept over her, though not nearly so strongly as up on the ridge.

And there Lupe stayed, listening and watching, as clouds swept past overhead and light of day faded away.  Whiskey Peak disappeared from view as the world turned black.  And if SPHP had had any Glenfiddich or Jack Daniels, Lupe surely would have gotten a shot or two before bed, but alas, the poor doggie had none!

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Pine Mountain, the Sweetwater County, Wyoming High Point (6-15-17)

Day 8 of Lupe’s 2017 Dingo Vacation to the Laramie Range & Beyond!

Colorado!  For pity sake!  Edward Earl’s trip report had warned that the sign for the turnoff to Pine Mountain was difficult to see from the highway.  Supposedly, SPHP had been watching carefully for it.  Not carefully enough, apparently!  SPHP turned the G6 around.  Lupe headed N back into Wyoming.

After leaving Prior Flat and the Shirley Mountains this morning, most of the day had been spent traveling.  The afternoon drive S from Rock Springs on Hwy 430 had been gorgeous.  High, remote ridges and hills stretched to the horizon, separated by dusty oceans of undulating sagebrush prairies.  Classic Wyoming!

On the way S, Lupe had finally seen a mountain SPHP figured might well be Pine Mountain (9,550 ft.).  Even with this advance warning that Lupe must have been getting close, the turnoff had been missed.

30 or 40 miles S of Rock Springs on Hwy 430, this mountain came into view to the SSW. Maybe it was Pine Mountain? Photo looks SSW.
Getting closer. SPHP never really figured out if this was actually Pine Mountain, or another one close by. Photo looks SW.
This road leading into a scenic valley W of Hwy 430 looked intriguing, but Lupe didn’t get to explore it. It turned out this road wasn’t far from the Colorado border. Lupe had already missed the turn to Pine Mountain by the time she reached this point. Photo looks W.

The turnoff to Pine Mountain was supposed to be about 5 miles N of the Colorado border.  Of course, Edward Earl had been here way back in July, 2002.  Maybe the sign at the turn he referred to in his trip report was damaged, no longer existed, or had fallen over?  SPHP drove slowly N staring down each dirt road leading W from Hwy 430.

Maybe SPHP was just driving super slow, but it seemed like Lupe had gone well over 5 miles from the Colorado border.  Still nothing.  SPHP was considering turning around again for another pass at it going S, when at the top of a rise, there it was!  A BLM sign in perfectly good condition said “Pine Mountain 12”.  How had SPHP missed that?  Didn’t matter, Lupe was on her way!

The BLM sign at the turnoff was small, but in perfectly good condition. The turn is at the top of a rise on the W side of Hwy 430 between mile markers 49 & 50. Photo looks WSW.

It remained to be seen how far Lupe would get, however.  Edward Earl mentioned several sharply eroded ruts across the road within the first couple of miles.  Maybe the G6 wouldn’t be able to get past them?  That would be bad news.  A hot, dry 10 mile one-way march just to get to Pine Mountain wasn’t going to happen.

Fortunately, the sharply eroded ruts no longer seemed to exist.  Most encouraging!  The road was supposed to be good the rest of the way.  The next landmark Mr. Earl said to watch for was a fork in the road 4 miles from the highway.  A BLM sign on the L would say 8 miles to Pine Mountain.

At 3 miles, and again at 4 miles, Lupe came to unsigned 4-way intersections at minor crossroads.  Hmm.  Edward Earl hadn’t mentioned these.  SPHP drove straight at each one.  5 miles from the highway, Lupe did come to a fork in the road.  A BLM sign near the L fork said “Red Creek Basin, County Road #71, Titsworth Gap”.  No mention of Pine Mountain, or any clue as to where the road to the R went.

Pine Mountain was nowhere in sight.  The sign looked fairly new, but even if it had been replaced since Edward Earl was here, why didn’t it mention Pine Mountain?  None of the places listed meant anything to SPHP.  Still, the road to the L was going the right general direction.  It was probably the way.  Maybe best, though, to go a little farther on the road to the R, just to make certain another fork wasn’t coming up soon?

A 0.5 mile jaunt down the R fork revealed nothing other than that the road deteriorated rather quickly.  No other turns to the L could be seen for at least another 0.5 mile.  That settled it.  Lupe returned to the “Y” and took the road to the L.

A stuffed monkey hangs for no obvious reason from the new BLM sign at the “Y” about 5 miles from Hwy 430. Pine Mountain is nowhere in sight, but the road to the L, seen here winding off to the SW, is the right way to go!

Six miles later, SPHP parked the G6 at the base of Pine Mountain’s long NE ridge in a saddle just S of High Point 8510, a small butte mentioned by Mr. Earl.  It was getting late in the afternoon (5:17 PM), and the 9,550 ft. summit was still more than 4 miles away.

After being cooped up in the G6 most of the day, Lupe was ready for action!  A road goes all the way to the top of Pine Mountain, so getting to the summit would be a cinch.  The sun stays up late in June, so even on paw and foot Lupe and SPHP would have plenty of time.  Maybe Loop would even get to enjoy a nice sunset up there?

The trek had barely started, when SPHP nearly stepped on a baby pronghorn antelope hiding on the ground.  It was very much alive.  Lupe was already off racing around the fields, so she hadn’t seen it.  Best that she didn’t.  SPHP hurried over to the road leading up the mountain.  Lupe never did see the baby pronghorn.  No doubt she would have loved to, but it wouldn’t have been a good thing.

Lupe never did see this baby pronghorn antelope hiding on the ground.
The G6 is parked in the saddle S of High Point 8510 (L), the small butte mentioned by Edward Earl. The road on the R goes all the way to the top of Pine Mountain. It was fairly steep in places, and had one rough section at the end of a big switchback, but overall it was quite good. Even the G6 might have made it to the top. Where’s the fun in that, though? Photo looks NNW.

Despite its woodsy name, only the N side of Pine Mountain turned out to be forested.  Most of the mountain was bare or sported only scattered trees.  The road to the top never entered the forest.  Consequently, Lupe had big sweeping views all the way up the mountain.  They only got better as she gained elevation.

Only the N slopes of Pine Mountain were forested. Lupe never entered the forest. She enjoyed huge panoramic views all the way up the mountain. The road to Hwy 430 is seen below. Photo looks NE.

The first 1.5 miles were by far the steepest.  Near the end of it, the road made a single giant switchback followed by a short rocky section.  After that the slope of the mountain decreased steadily.

Looking up the steepest part of the climb. Not bad at all, really! Beyond the high point seen above, the slope of the mountain decreased steadily. Photo looks SSW.
Yellow wildflowers like these dotted the slopes of Pine Mountain.
Still early in the climb. The tan tank in the distance may be the water tank Edward Earl referred to in his trip report. The main road to the top of Pine Mountain used to go by it, but has been rerouted. The mountain in the distance is Diamond Peak (9,640 ft.) in Colorado. Photo looks SSE.
View to the NE in early evening light.
Four J Basin from Pine Mountain’s NE ridge. Photo looks ESE.

Once past the steep part, the road headed SW up a wide, grassy, but otherwise barren slope.  The view from the road would remain boringly the same for more than 2 miles.  Far to the R was the edge of the forest.  Far to the L was the SE edge of the mountain.

Yes, that’s right! The view along the road was like this for more than 2 miles. Boring! That’s why I went L over to follow the edge of the mountain. Great views over there! Photo looks SW.

After trudging nearly half of this dull distance on the road, even SPHP began to realize this trek would be a lot more fun over by the edge where Lupe could see the big views to the SE.

The edge of the mountain provided splendid views the entire way.  The only disadvantage was that the higher Lupe went, the windier and colder the edge became.  Loop didn’t care for the wind, but it wasn’t unbearable.

The wind makes Lupe squint, but she had a fantastic view of Middle Mountain (9,559 ft.) (R) and Diamond Peak (9,640 ft.) (Center in the distance) to the SE.
Loopster along the SE edge of Pine Mountain. Photo looks SW.

The highest part of Pine Mountain forms a huge crescent pointing SW.  The terrain features mostly small rocks, small plants, and is otherwise barren and flat.  The topo map shows two high points near the S edge.  At the far SE end, the former site of an old radio tower is shown as having an elevation of 9,546 ft.  Nearly half a mile to the WNW is the official summit with an elevation of 9,550 ft.

Lupe arrived at the SE high point first.  A small concrete platform only 3′ x 3′ was all that seemed to remain of the radio tower.  The platform was located next to the start of a long fence which swept around to the W from here near the S edge of the mountain.

At the SE end of Pine Mountain, Lupe reached this concrete platform, apparently all that remains of an old radio tower installation. As near as SPHP could tell, this was High Point 9,546 on the topo map. Photo looks W.
Near the old radio tower site looking SSE. The mountains in the distance are all in Colorado. Lupe is less than 2 miles from the border here.
The snow-capped peaks barely visible on the far horizon on the L are likely part of the Uinta Range in Utah. Photo looks WSW.

A two track dirt road ran along the N side of the fence close to the edge of the mountain.  Since she still hadn’t made it to Pine Mountain’s official summit, Lupe followed this road W, continuing on it as it curved gradually to the WNW, then NW.

Following the road N of the fence, Lupe came to several piles of old fence posts along the way. Photo looks N.

Edward Earl had mentioned that each of the two spot elevations on the topo map appeared higher when viewed from the other.  In Mr. Earl’s opinion, HP 9546 near the old radio tower site was likely the true summit, not HP 9550 which was the true summit according to the map.

Like Mr. Earl, Lupe visited both of these points.  In the end, SPHP had no firm opinion where the true summit actually was, only that Lupe must have reached it somewhere along the way.  No matter where Lupe was along the rim of the mountain, the terrain in the distance always looked definitely somewhat higher!

Perhaps the American Dingo knew exactly when she reached the true summit, but she maintained silence on the point.  Dingoes don’t fret about such things.  As far as Lupe was concerned, she’d done her peakbagging job and reached the top of Pine Mountain (9,550 ft.).

Near the SW end of the mountain, not too far from the official 9,550 ft. summit on the topo map, Lupe came to a green gate in the fence.  She went through the gate, and started a little down the slope before stopping near the edge of the steepest part.  A fairly strong wind still blew out of the SW, making things rather chilly on the totally exposed edge.

As far as the Carolina Dog could see, unspoiled open territory stretched past grand valleys and hills to distant mountains, some snow-capped, on the far horizon.

Lupe enjoying tremendous views along the SW edge of Pine Mountain. Photo looks W.
Barely visible snow-capped peaks are on the horizon. Perhaps part of the Uinta Range in NE Utah? Photo looks SW.
The same snowy peaks with lots of help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks SW.
The forested hill in the foreground is Kleins Hill (9,048 ft.) in Colorado. Photo looks S.

Nearly an hour remained before sunset.  Other than the wind, which seemed to be gradually weakening as the sun sank, there wasn’t a reason in the world why Lupe shouldn’t stay to enjoy the show.  Seldom has she had such a tremendous vantage point near the end of a day, plus a great route back to the G6 that would be easy to follow even after dark.

Lupe had water and Taste of the Wild, then curled up in the breeze to see how the evening would turn out.

Loop waits for sunset from her great vantage point on Pine Mountain. Photo looks NW.

For a while, the already splendid scene didn’t change much.  The sun was still too far above the horizon.  Lupe and SPHP sat huddled together against the breeze, gazing off toward Colorado and Utah, enjoying the solitude.

For a while, the views didn’t change much. The sun was still too far above the horizon. Enough clouds were around, though, to encourage the notion that the sunset might be a good one. Photo looks SW.

Slowly, the sun’s rays slanted more sharply.  A golden glow crept over the land.  Contrasts deepened between light and shadow, highlighting features of the terrain.  In the distance, outlines stood out, sky now easily differentiated from mountains and ridges.

Slowly a golden glow spread over the land highlighting features of the terrain. Photo looks W.

Lupe bathed in the golden glow, too.

Looking SSW.

The light intensified rapidly in the final brief moments before sunset.  Lupe was transformed to a brilliantly illuminated Dingo goddess!

Lupe stands brilliantly illuminated during the final brief moments before sunset. Photo looks S.
The Dingo goddess.

The golden glow faded.  Shadow spread over the earth.  Sunlight retreated to the realm of sky and clouds.

Sunlight retreated to the realm of clouds and sky. Photo looks SW.
Looking NNW.

The show wasn’t over yet, though.  Not until the sun disappeared completely did the evening sky rise to its colorful peak of glory.

Not until the sun disappeared completely did the evening sky rise to its most colorful peak of glory. Photo looks WNW.

And then it was over.  Colors collapsed.  The sky turned gray, the earth black.  Lupe had remained to the end.  Now the former Dingo goddess started the long trek back, traveling in deepening shadow the barren, breezy surface of this lofty dark underworld.

The sky grew black.  So black, the ancient dim light of stars and galaxies blazed above, a shining echo from the edge of infinity of what once was eons ago.  Miles to the E, a single small grouping of bright electric lights.  On the far N horizon, a faint glow that must have been Rock Springs.  Elsewhere, the pitch black unbroken reign of night.

On the move, heading down, the beautiful, quiet evening slipped by.  The dying breeze brought the only news, subtle hints from the wild, to a still curious, quivering nose on Pine Mountain.  (10:52 PM)

Lupe on Pine Mountain, 6-15-17

Links:

Next Adventure                          Prior Adventure

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The Shirley Mountains High Point & Quealey Benchmark, Wyoming (6-14-17)

Day 7 of Lupe’s 2017 Dingo Vacation to the Laramie Range, Wyoming & Beyond!

S of Casper, roughly a mile W of Hwy 77, the wide, dusty gravel road (County Road No. 105) came to a “Y”.  Off to the SW, beyond an expanse of prairie, rose an isolated mountain range.  Although reaching more than 9,000 feet in elevation, these mountains didn’t appear particularly high, rugged or striking.  The Shirley Mountains looked more like a collection of big forested ridges.

The isolated Shirley Mountains weren’t particularly rugged, appearing more like a collection of big forested ridges. Photo looks SW.

Lupe was coming to visit the Shirley Mountains High Point (9,151 ft.), but SPHP knew next to nothing about this place.  Copies of an old topo map showed a long dotted road winding 7 miles or so in from the N that passed near the high point.  A 4WD road?  Probably.  In that case, the G6 wouldn’t be able to do it.

That wasn’t the real issue.  The Carolina Dog could travel the 7 miles on her own easily enough.  Two other questions loomed larger.  First, was there even access?  This might be all private land.  In that case, some landowner would have to be sought out, and permission obtained to even enter the area.

Second, even if access was available or could be obtained, did the road shown on the map exist in good enough condition so Lupe could follow it?  If not, the American Dingo might end up lost in the forest, as SPHP tried to make sense of a multi-mile bushwhack based solely on the old topo map.  These mountains didn’t appear to have many prominent features to orient by.  Wandering around up there might prove confusing.

A sign at the “Y” was somewhat encouraging.  Left was BLM Road No. 3115 (E end).  Right was the way to BLM Road No. 3115 (W end) in 6 miles, County Road No. 291 in 19 miles, and Miracle Mile in 25 miles.  A BLM road going up into the Shirley Mountains at least meant there was public access!

SPHP took a L driving S toward (on?) BLM Road No. 3115 (E end).  Lupe rode with her head out the window.  She was loving this!  Herds of pronghorn antelope were out on the prairie.  Unlike cows and horses, the antelope paid attention to the yippy-yappy Dingo.  Racing across the prairie, they inspired even more vigorous, frantic Dingo antics.  No doubt about it, as far as Loop was concerned, the day was off to an exciting, exhilarating start!

SPHP wasn’t nearly as thrilled.  The whole trip S on BLM Road No. 3115 (E end) was a fiasco.  After exploring 3 more “Y’s”, including a useless trip W partway into the impressive Creek Land & Livestock Company ranch, a road could be seen going W up into the Shirley Mountains.  The stony, rutted remnant of a road the G6 was on appeared to link up to it a few miles farther on.

No way!  The G6 was getting beat to death on this miserable excuse for a road.  Continuing without high clearance and a rugged suspension system was a disaster waiting to happen.  Disaster wasn’t likely to hold off much longer, either.  SPHP did the prudent thing and turned around.

Another jarring, nerve-wracking, exciting ride back past the antelope ensued.  To SPHP’s great relief, Lupe reached the first “Y” again.  This time, SPHP drove W on County Road No. 105.  This road did not deteriorate, and some 6 miles farther on Lupe reached another intersection.  A sign indicated that a side road going S was Shirley Mountains Loop Road No. 3115.  Prior Flat Campground was 0.4 mile away.

Hmm.  It was a bit odd that BLM Road No. 3115 (West End) apparently entered the Shirley Mountains from the N instead of W, but whatever.  No point in quibbling.  SPHP was actually rather pleased.  This might be the same road shown on the topo map, in which case Lupe would have public access all the way to the Shirley Mountains High Point.

SPHP made the turn S.  0.4 mile up a grassy slope, Lupe arrived at Prior Flat Campground.

Lupe arrives at Prior Flat Campground. The campground is tucked up against the trees at the N end of the Shirley Mountains, and features an expansive view of Prior Flat, a huge open prairie to the N.

Prior Flat Campground was awesome!  Two loops with campsites were tucked up in or near the trees at the base of the N end of the Shirley Mountains.  To the N was an expansive view of Prior Flat, a broad prairie.  Beyond were thirsty-looking low mountains, ridges and hills.

The whole place felt remote, abandoned.  Not a soul seemed to be around, and apparently the campground was free!  No mention of fees or registrations required anywhere.  A most excellent situation!  Lupe and SPHP grabbed a spot along the W loop, backing the G6 into the shade of aspen trees near a picnic table.

Lupe on open ground within the rail fence serving as the N boundary of Prior Flat CG. On the R, Country Road No. 105 winds away off to the W. In the foreground, Shirley Mountain Loop Road No. 3115 goes right through the CG. Photo looks W.

After a quick bite to eat, Lupe and SPHP left the G6 at the campground, and started up Shirley Mountain Loop Road No. 3115 (11:04 AM, 52°F).  For nearly a mile, the road went steadily SW up a forested valley.  SPHP was quickly convinced this was Prior Draw.  Lupe was on the exact same road on the old topo map that would lead her close to the Shirley Mountains High Point.

At the upper end of Prior Draw, the road turned E near a saddle on a ridge to the S.  Lupe left the road and climbed up to the saddle.  She had a view to the SW, but was more interested in a lone snow bank back in among the trees.  After frolicking and cooling off on the snow, Loop returned to the road.

At the upper end of Prior Draw, Lupe was more interested in this nice, cold snow bank than the view. Photo looks SSW.

No. 3115 now went 0.5 mile SE, then 1.0 mile S.  Lupe gained elevation the whole time.  The forest sometimes gave way to large, open meadows.  A high, distant mountain could be seen off to the W, but SPHP was uncertain what mountain that might be.  After passing by driveways to a couple of cabins in a more wooded area, Lupe reached flatter, open ground.

The Carolina Dog was getting fairly high up now.  Ahead she could see a tower at the top of a ridge.  This tower was at High Point 8712 on the topo map.

Approaching the tower at High Point 8712. Photo looks SE.

Lupe followed No. 3115 to the top of the ridge.  Two side roads, not far from one another, led off in different directions.  The first road went NE to the tower, which was now close at hand.  The second road disappeared into a forest to the WSW.  Instead of going to the tower, Loop took the road into the forest.  This had to be the way to Peak 8720.

Peak 8720 was a Brian Kalet peak, meaning simply that Brian Kalet, a prolific peakbagger, had entered the mountain into the Peakbagger.com database that Lupe also uses to track her ascents.  Early in 2017, Lupe had visited quite a number of Brian Kalet peaks in the southern Black Hills.

Since the Peak 8720 summit was only a 0.5 mile side trip, Lupe might as well visit this Brian Kalet peak, too!  She’d already basically climbed it.  The top of the mountain was no more than 40 to 60 feet higher than where she was now.

The side road going through the forest brought Lupe to a humongous snow drift.  The road disappeared beneath it.

The side road going WSW through the forest brought Lupe to this humongous snow drift!

The giant snow bank was just inside the W edge of the forest.  The snow must have drifted in last winter driven by winds sweeping over a huge flat meadow that was directly ahead beyond the trees.  Since the road disappeared beneath the snow, Lupe had no choice but to go right over the drift, a task she thoroughly enjoyed.

On the other side of the snow bank, the road reappeared.  Lupe followed it as it emerged from the forest and continued through the meadow.  The terrain was flat as a pancake.  The meadow extended all the way to the edge of a canyon, but the road turned N halfway there.  Lupe left the road to go find out what could be seen from the meadow’s edge.

A strong W wind swept across the meadow.  Lupe was traveling right into the teeth of it.  The wind grew stronger and stronger as she neared the edge of the meadow.  By the time she got there, Loop was standing in a gale.  She had a good view of the Cave Creek valley below, and mostly forested mountains and ridges beyond.

Looking W across Cave Creek valley from Peak 8720. The W wind coming from behind Lupe was a gale here near the edge.

The view was nice, but Lupe didn’t want to linger in this gale any longer than she had to.  According to the topo map, the true summit of Peak 8720 was somewhere in the nearby forest to the N.  Among the trees and away from the edge, it wouldn’t be nearly so windy over there.  Lupe was more than happy to go looking for the summit.

As the map indicated, the terrain was somewhat higher in the forest than in the meadow, but not by an awful lot.  This whole area varied very little in elevation.  Lupe and SPHP marched around for a while looking for a clear high point, but found nothing obvious.  Close enough for Dingo work!  Lupe posed for a photo at a point that seemed to be about as high as anywhere else, and called it good.

At the official Dingo summit of Peak 8720! Calling it good, right here!

No more time to waste on this!  Lupe still had miles to go to get to the Shirley Mountains High Point.  She left Peak 8720’s official Dingo summit heading back out of the woods and across the big, windy meadow.

After visiting Peak 8720’s Dingo summit, Lupe heads back across the windy meadow. The humongous snow drift is still ahead out of sight on the L at the edge of the line of trees in the distance. Photo looks SE.

Lupe returned to BLM Road No. 3115 again near the tower at High Point 8712.  No. 3115 had been quite a good road all this way.  SPHP might easily have driven the G6 this far.  This would have been about it, though.  As Lupe continued SE on No. 3115, the road lost elevation steadily and became rougher than the G6 would have liked.

More than a mile S of the tower, No. 3115 bottomed out where it crossed a small, clear stream only a few feet wide.  This was Cave Creek.  Lupe took a little break here for water and Taste of the Wild.  She had lost more than 450 feet of elevation since leaving Peak 8720, and was about to have to regain all of it and more.

Break time done, Lupe crossed Cave Creek.  A long, dull, dusty road trek ensued.  No. 3115 went SW for 0.80 mile, ultimately climbing a good way up a steepish hill.  It then turned and went S more than a mile before bending to the SE.  Most of the terrain was forested, but Lupe came to scattered meadows, too.  A few brief downhill sections broke an otherwise steady grind higher.

Lupe passed a few minor side roads, which went who knows where?  None of these roads, including No. 3115, had any traffic at all.  Signage was missing or meaningless.  No. 3115 eventually topped out at a large, tree-rimmed meadow.  The road turned E here, then began losing elevation.  Lupe quickly came to what appeared to be a more significant intersection.

A sign at the intersection meant nothing to SPHP, but less than a mile off to the SE Lupe could see a forested hill a couple hundred feet higher than where she was now.  The Shirley Mountains High Point?  Although certainly ready to get there by now, SPHP hoped that wasn’t it.  It didn’t look like Loop would see anything but trees from there.

This sign at the intersection meant nothing to SPHP, but Lupe could see a higher forested hill from here less than a mile to the SE. SPHP suspected that hill might be the Shirley Mountains High Point. Photo looks N.

Lupe stayed on No. 3115 going E from the intersection.  The road dipped a little more, then angled SE climbing the forested hill she had seen.  When No. 3115 looked like it was about to start losing elevation again, Lupe left it.  If this hill was really the Shirley Mountains High Point, the summit ought to be only a couple hundred yards to the SW from here.

A small meadow sloped up toward open forest.  In the forest, Loop found several rock outcroppings higher than anything else around.  The two highest were separated by 200 feet.  A big snow bank was melting quietly away on part of the ground between them.

The rock formation to the S, a short ridge of white rocks 15 feet taller than the surrounding terrain, was clearly the highest point on this hill.  Lupe scrambled up.  Ten feet S of the highest rocks at the N end of the little ridge, Lupe found what she was looking for – a survey benchmark stamped “Shirley”.

This was it, the Shirley Mountains High Point (9,151 ft.)!

Lupe discovered this survey benchmark 10 feet S of the highest rocks in the Shirley Mountains. Either the benchmark was placed in 1951, or a dyslexic surveyor stamped the wrong elevation on it. According to the topo map, the high point is 9,151 feet, not 1,951.

Old pieces of wood and long strands of smooth wire no longer serving any discernable purpose were scattered around the summit ridge near the benchmark.  Odd.  Lupe went and stood on the highest rocks at the N end of the little ridge to claim her peakbagging success.

Sadly, after coming all this long way, Lupe had no views of anything other than the forest from the Shirley Mountains High Point.  Unsurprising after seeing this forested hill from the NW, but still disappointing to SPHP.  Lupe seemed happy enough, though.

Lupe on the highest rocks of the Shirley Mountains. This view was about what SPHP expected after seeing this forested summit from the NW. Lupe seemed happy enough to be here, though! Photo looks NW.
On top of the Shirley Mountains! Photo looks SW.
Some of the smooth wire is seen draped around the rocks below Loop. What purpose it ever served was unclear. Photo looks SW.
Still on top. Photo looks NNW.

Lupe’s last rest break back at Cave Creek had been a while ago.  Now that she’d made it to the Shirley Mountains High Point, it was time for another one.  Loop went NNW from the summit over to the snow bank closer to the 2nd highest rock formation.  Here she had some Taste of the Wild and relaxed in the shade.

Lupe rests in the shade (lower L) near the melting snow bank. The N rock formation, which was the 2nd highest point on the mountain, is seen on the R beyond the snowbank. Photo looks NW.

Lupe had followed No. 3115 a good 7 miles to get here.  Yes, it was great that Loopster had reached the Shirley Mountains High Point, but SPHP remained dissatisfied with the lack of any significant views.  From the top of an entire mountain range, you’d think you would see something.  Not here.  Even on the long trek, Lupe hadn’t seen too much of interest.

Hours had gone by and it was a long way back, but maybe Lupe wasn’t done yet?  The map showed another benchmark on another mountain 1.25+ miles to the SE as the crow flies.  Quealey Benchmark (9,150 ft.) was only 1 foot lower than the Shirley Mountains High Point.  Maybe Lupe could see something from over there?

Going to Quealey Benchmark actually meant another mile E on BLM Road No. 3115, plus a 0.67 mile bushwhack S of the road.  By the time Lupe reached Quealey Benchmark, she would be nearly 9 miles from Prior Flat Campground.  Worth it?  Unknown.  Now or never, though.  When her break was done, Lupe returned to BLM Road No. 3115 and headed E.

A long forested ridge came into view.  Not too promising.  Somewhere near the S end of it was Quealey Benchmark.  The road lost 250 feet of elevation before starting to climb the ridge.  Instead of following the road all the way to its next high point, Lupe cut SE through the forest to save a little distance.

Once the American Dingo reached the ridgeline, she turned S.  The broad ridge sloped gradually upward.  This was easy terrain.  At first, Loop was in open forest.  She eventually came to meadows, but even at the meadows, forest always prevailed along the edges of the ridge.  No views.

Exploring a snow bank (of course!) on the Quealey Benchmark ridge. Photo looks S.

At the first big meadow Lupe came to, a rocky high point was in view not too far away.  She went to it and scrambled to the top.  No sign of the actual benchmark.

On top of the first high point in the first big meadow. Lupe found no sign of the actual Quealey Benchmark here. Photo looks SSE.

Onward!  Continuing S, suddenly there was movement!  Close by, a coyote emerged from the forest heading E across the meadow.  When Lupe saw it, she trotted toward the coyote wagging her tail.  She recognized it as another canine and was hoping to make a new friend.

The coyote didn’t want to be friends with Lupe, and most certainly didn’t want to be friends with SPHP.  As Lupe approached, the coyote fled.  Instantly, the emboldened American Dingo gave chase!

Loop (R) dashes after the fleeing coyote (L). Photo looks SE.

It was an exhilarating moment, but the coyote was gone in a flash.  Lupe returned to SPHP.  She continued S finding more rock formations, each one higher than the last.  Lupe investigated them all, but turned up nothing.

Lupe investigates another big rock formation on the Quealey Benchmark ridge. Still nothing. Photo looks WNW.

The big meadow ended.  Forest was ahead.  Lupe plunged right into it.  She was still gaining elevation, so it was no wonder she hadn’t found the Quealey Benchmark yet.  She emerged from the forest at a second big meadow.  Another rock formation, largest of any she’d come to so far wasn’t far off.

As Lupe drew near it, SPHP could see some wood and smooth wire up there.  Oh, that was promising!  Lupe led the way up.

Lupe at the top of the first large rock formation of the second big meadow. This was the highest rock formation so far. The wood and smooth wire seen here gave SPHP hope the Quealey Benchmark might be up here. Photo looks SW.

When SPHP joined Lupe at the top, it was clear in an instant that this was the highest point on the ridge.  Another substantial high point off to the SW wasn’t quite as high as this one.  Everywhere else, the terrain was sloping down.  Best of all, Lupe had a sweet view of a big snow-capped mountain far to the S from here.

Lupe was at the true summit of this whole long ridge!  The Quealey Benchmark had to be around here somewhere, didn’t it?

A shiny metal hubcap was hidden under a juniper bush.  Moving the hubcap aside revealed – yes, a survey benchmark!

Hidden beneath a low juniper bush almost at the top of the rock formation was this shiny metal hubcap. When moved aside, the survey benchmark was revealed.

To SPHP’s surprise, the benchmark was not stamped “Quealey” as shown on the old topo map.  Instead it was stamped “Que Ley”, Spanish for “What Law?”.

To SPHP’s surprise, the survey benchmark was not stamped “Quealey” as shown on the topo map. Instead it was stamped “Que Ley”, Spanish for “What Law?” Now that was cool!

Quealey or Que Ley, which was right, the map or the survey benchmark?  No telling.  Lupe and SPHP preferred Que Ley!  What Law? was a cool name for a mountain.  It conjured up images of outlaws hanging around in this territory back in the days of the Old West.  Maybe a really Old West, if the Spanish had named this place.

At any rate, Que Ley Benchmark (9,150 ft.), though officially one silly foot lower than the Shirley Mountains High Point, was everything the Shirley Mountains High Point was not.  Coyotes roamed this place.  The Que Ley name was cool.  The view of the distant snow-capped peak was awesome.  The summit was farther from the road, and felt even more remote.  SPHP was glad Lupe had come here!

Yes, Que Ley Benchmark was worth the extra effort!

At the top of Que Ley Benchmark. Photo looks SSW.
On the summit of Que Ley. Coming here was worth it, and felt like it had really made the day, even though Lupe had already made it to Peak 8720 and the Shirley Mountains High Point as well.
The big view to the S from Que Ley Benchmark. Elk Mountain (11,156 ft.) (Center) is the snow-capped peak on the far horizon. The even more distant ridge on the L is the Snowy Range in the Medicine Bow National Forest. Binoculars would have been nice to have up here.
Elk Mountain as seen from Que Ley Benchmark with help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks S.
Lupe remained at the top of Que Ley Benchmark while SPHP climbed down and circled around to the S to get this shot. Photo looks N.
Lupe’s success at Que Ley Benchmark felt like the high point of the day.

After enjoying the views up on Que Ley Benchmark, Lupe went to visit the other high point to the SW.  Just to make absolutely certain it wasn’t higher, you know.  It wasn’t, but also offered some decent views.

Looking S toward Elk Mountain (Center) on the far horizon again, this time from the SW high point.
Looking SE.
At the top of the SW high point. Photo looks WSW.

And that was that.  Except for the long trek back, nearly all of it retracing her route here, Lupe’s big adventure in the Shirley Mountains was over.

Of course, the Carolina Dog made the most of the return trip!  She ran, explored, and sniffed.

She rolled in snow banks.

Enjoying a snow bank on the Que Ley Benchmark ridge on the return trip.

She sniffed and examined beautiful flowers.

One of hundreds of natural floral arrangements growing right along BLM Road No. 3115.

She returned again to the Shirley Mountains High Point (9,151 ft.).

Back at the Shirley Mountains High Point for a second ascent after her journey to Que Ley Benchmark. Photo looks S.

Loop even made the 0.5 mile side trip back to look for Peak 8720’s Dingo summit again. The sun was down by the time she got to the big, flat meadow.  The wind, which hadn’t been much of an issue up on the Shirley Mountains High Point or Que Ley Benchmark, was still blowing here, though not nearly as powerfully as earlier in the day.

Back on the big, flat meadow on Peak 8720. The wind was still blowing, but not nearly as strongly as it had been earlier in the day. Photo looks E.

Lupe and SPHP searched around for the same Dingo summit as before, but couldn’t find it.  Light was fading and the forest was getting gloomy, so a new Dingo summit had to be selected.  Naturally, this still counted as an official ascent as far Lupe and SPHP were concerned!

At the 2nd Dingo summit of Peak 8720. This wasn’t the exact same spot Lupe was at earlier in the day, but that high point couldn’t be found. The whole area was so flat, this place had to be about the same elevation anyway.

Once Looper was back at BLM Road No. 3115 following her 2nd visit to Peak 8720, it was all downhill the remaining 2.5 miles to Prior Flat campground.  The Carolina Dog was still on high ground, but twilight was fading fast, when she saw the distant high peak to the W again.

What peak was that?  No telling.  The sky grew black, then lit up with stars.  SPHP still pondered the question as Lupe arrived back at Prior Flat campground (10:12 PM).  To this mystery remains an unresolved mental souvenir of Lupe’s long, happy day spent high in the remote Shirley Mountains of Wyoming.

Links:

Next Adventure                      Prior Adventure

Want more Lupe adventures?  Choose from Lupe’s 2017 Laramie Range, Wyoming & Beyond Adventure IndexDingo Vacations Adventure Index or Master Adventure Index.  Or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures.